The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
This meeting was open to the public, but in accordance with current regulations, attendance was limited to no more than 10 people total. The public was able to view the meeting live via a web link on the district’s website. A transcript is available upon request.
April 15 meeting video: Part 1 | April 15 meeting video: Part 2
President Crandall explained to all that the Board of Education sets aside time at each Board meeting to give those in the audience an opportunity to address the Board directly on any subject they wished to discuss.
President Crandall explained the BOE welcomes public comment and community input at meetings. However, we caution speakers that we are not authorized to engage in conversations pertaining to individual students, faculty, staff or administrators. Topics of this nature may only be discussed during executive session and must be coordinated with the Superintendent of Schools prior to a BOE meeting.
Public Comment
The Board of Education heard no comments from the public.
Approval of the Agenda
Mr. Petucci moved and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Board Communication
Superintendent Miller indicated that the Board received several informational items that were not included in their Board pack for information only and noted they will be referred to later in the meeting.
Ms. Gilbert moved and Ms. Bray seconded a motion to place all appropriate Board Communications on file with the District Clerk. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Approval of the Minutes
Mr. Petucci moved and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, March 18, 2020. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Business Reports
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer seconded by Ms. Gilbert the BOE accepted receipt of the Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $1,855,730.69, Federal Warrant totaling $ 68,535.10, Capital Warrant totaling $81,374.20, Trust and Agency Warrant totaling $686,720.22, the Expendable Trust Warrant, the March Exceptions Report, and two (2) Budget Transfers under the $5,000 total. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 4-15-20]
BOCES RIC Equipment Resolution
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Petucci who moved its adoption and seconded by Mr. Lewis, to wit:
WHEREAS, it is the plan of a number of PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS and the MADISON ONEIDA BOCES (the “BOCES”) during the 2020-2021 school year to bid jointly for the purchase of various types of computers and technology commodities (the “Commodities”); and
WHEREAS AS, the Herkimer Central School District (“the School District”) is desirous of participating in the joint bidding of the Commodities, as authorized by General Municipal Law, Article 5-G; and
WHEREAS, this Board of Education has received and reviewed the Cooperative Bid Procedures (“the Procedures”) governing its right and responsibilities should it elect to participate in the joint bidding of commodities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in accordance with Cooperative Bid Procedures the Board of Education agrees to award bid purchase item purchases according to the recommendation of the BOCES if such award is in the best interest of the school district.
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 4-15-20].
Superintendent’s Reports
Staffing Recommendations
Upon recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Mihevc, the BOE approved the following personnel action:
Resignation/ Retirement
- Name: MacKenzie, Marie T.
- Position: Licensed Teaching Assistant (High School)
- Effective Date: June 30, 2020
- All voted in favor, motion carried 7:0.
2020-2021 Budget Presentation
Superintendent Miller provided to the Board via PowerPoint presentation information relating to the 2020-2021 Proposed Budget. Discussions followed. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 4-15-20]
Board of Education Reports
BOCES Board/ Budget Vote Resolution
Ms. Fischer moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to formally approve the 2020-2021 proposed BOCES Administrative Budget of [$ 3,195,750] as presented. Mr. Petucci abstained, motion carried 6:0:1. [Material filed in supplemental file dated 4-15-20].
Voting Ballots were submitted to the District Clerk. There are (4) vacancies on the BOCES Board of Education and each candidate received one vote.
President’s Update
President Crandall wanted to send a special “Thanks” for all those that have step up during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The First Responders, Doctors, Nurses, Administration, Teachers and parents.
Future Meeting Updates
The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
Meeting Evaluation
Mr. Lewis was tonight’s meeting evaluator.
On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert seconded by Ms. Fischer the BOE entered into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing litigation of a particular personnel, as well as the negotiation of the HFA contracts. The Board may take action in public session after the Executive Session ends and the Board returns to public session. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Executive Session
The Board moved into Executive Session 6:32 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 7:01 p.m.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Ms. Bray and seconded by Ms. Fischer the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 7:05 p.m. All voted in favor 7:0.