The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. in the Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
President Crandall welcomed members in the audience, staff members, and students from Mrs. Scalise’s Social Studies class to tonight’s meeting.
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
No public comment was heard
Approval of the Agenda
Ms. Fischer moved and Mr. Petucci 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 Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to place all appropriate Board Communications on file with the District Clerk. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Board Recognitions
Superintendent Miller and several Board members provided the following recognitions:
- The 2019 Herkimer Hornets Tri-Valley Division 3 Mitey Mite Champions, who finished their season with a record of 10-0.
- To all the Fall Student Athletes that had averages 90 or above for the 1st
- Student Artwork that is displayed at tonight’s
Approval of the Minutes
Ms. Bray moved and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, November 20, 2019. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Business Reports
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE accepted receipt of the October Treasurer’s Report, Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $928,593.63, Federal Warrant totaling
$180.40, Capital Warrant totaling $163,486.91, Trust and Agency Warrant totaling $719,042.61, November Exceptions Report, and the October and November HHS/HES Extra- Curricular
Treasurer’s Report. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 12/18/19].
Budget Transfers Over
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Lewis, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE approved three (3) budget transfers over the $5,000 limit totaling $50,000. Brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplement packed dated 12/18/19].
Annual Fire Inspection Report
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Mihevc, to formally approve acceptance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Press Box. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Materials filed in the Supplemental packet 12/18/19].
Business/ Superintendent Updates
The Superintendent reviewed with the Board of Education the Business Report and Superintendent Updates. A brief discussion followed. [Material filed in the Supplement packet dated 12/18/19]
Superintendent’s Reports
Administrative Reports
Mr. Abbe, Ms. Tomaso and Ms. Vogt and Ms. Paragi’s reports were all reviewed with the BOE. Brief discussions followed.
Staffing Recommendations
Superintendent Miller formally presented several staffing recommendations for the Board of Education’s consideration.
Ms. Fischer moved Mr. Petucci seconded to approve the following personnel actions:
Teaching Retirement
Carswell, Lisa, Elementary School AIS Teacher, effective March 1, 2020
Non- Teaching Retirement/ Resignation
Earl, Russell, Full Time Cleaner, High School, effective January 30, 2020
Substitute Appointment
Name: Koegel, Kelly
Position: Long- Term Substitute
Effective Date: December 20, 2019- June 30, 2020 Salary: Per the Annual Guidelines for Long-Term substitutes
Name: White, Holly
Position: Long-Term Substitute Effective Date: 2019-2020 school year
Salary: $19,688 [per the Annual Payment Guidelines for Long-Term substitutes]
Name: Iziarry,Julie
Position: Mentor
Effective Date: September 20, 2019- December 1, 2019 Salary: $1,200 per the HFA contract [pro-rated]
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
CSE/CPSE Program/ Placement Recommendations
Upon recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Lewis, the BOE approved the Committee on Special Education, the Sub- Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education program/placement recommendations as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
MOU between Catholic Charities and Herkimer Central School District
Upon recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE approved the MOU Agreement between Catholic Charities and Herkimer Central School District for mentoring services. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Materials files in the supplemental packet dated 12/18/19].
Senior High Trip Request
Upon recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Lewis, seconded by Ms. Bray, the BOE accepted the Senior High Trip request to Boston, MA on June 12-13, 2020. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplemental packet dated 12/18/19].
Board of Education Reports
One board member asked the question how many snow days have been used so far. Superintendent Miller did state that we have used 2 and have 3 days remaining. He also went on to say that we have days we can use built in our school calendar if we need to adjust later on.
President’s Update
No updates to report
Future Meeting Updates
The next scheduled BOE meeting will be on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020.
Meeting Evaluation
Ms. Bray 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 matters leading to the retention, and or discipline of a particular personnel and discussions of a particular student. There will also be discussions regarding negotiations. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Executive Session
The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:55 pm.
President Crandall declared the public meeting reconvened 9:30 pm.
On a motion made by Ms. Bray and seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 9:40 pm. All voted in favor; 7:0.