The regular meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. at the Herkimer Jr. / Sr. High School Cafeteria by President Brian Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
President Crandall informed the Board that Mr. Lewis was unable to attend tonight’s meeting due to personal commitment.
President Crandall explained the BOE welcomes public comment and community input at meetings. However, we caution 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. Gilbert moved and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
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. Petucci seconded a motion to place all appropriate Board Communications on file with the District Clerk. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Approval of the Minutes
Mr. Petucci moved and Ms. Bray seconded a motion to formally approve the Annual Reorganization / Regular Board of Education Meeting minutes from Thursday, July 9, 2020. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Business Reports
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer seconded by Ms. Bray the BOE accepted receipt of the June Treasurer’s Reports, General Warrant totaling $1,935,977.13, Federal Warrant totaling $291,551.16, Capital Warrant totaling $122,325.94, Trust and Agency Warrant totaling $1,726,349.43, the June Exceptions Report, HES/ HHS Extra Curricular Treasurer’s Report, and four (4) Budget Transfers under the $5,000 total. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 7-22-20]
Budget Transfers Over
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Ms. Bray the BOE approved three (3) budget transfers over the $5,000 limit totaling $35,000. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplement packed dated 7-22-20]
2020-2021 Upstate Cerebral Palsy Agreement
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Ms. Gilbert the BOE approved an agreement between the Herkimer Central School District and Upstate Cerebral Palsy for educational services for children residing in our district enrolled as day students in the Tradewinds Educational Center for the 2020-2021 school year. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 7-22-20].
Summer Transportation Contract
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Bray seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and the BOE president to execute the Summer Transportation contract with Birnie Bus, Inc. effective August 1, 2020- August 31, 2020, as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 7-22-20].
2020-2021 BOCES Contract [AS-7]
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the following resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE does hereby authorize an Agreement between the Herkimer-Fulton- Hamilton-Otsego BOCES and the Herkimer Central School District; and,
WHEREAS, it is the Districts desire to enter into this Agreement and to authorize President Crandall to sign the agreement on behalf of the district.
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 7-22-20].
Superintendent’s Reports
Superintendent Miller answered the BOE questions regarding the proposed re-opening plans. He also informed the Board that there will be a public open forum on Monday, July 27, 2020 at 7 p.m. All parents are invited to tune into the Livestream via a link that will be posted to our district website.
Board of Education Reports
Policy Review
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Fischer, to approve the following resolution
WHEREAS, it is customary practice of the BOE to have three readings of a policy prior to its adoption; and,
WHEREAS, the BOE wishes to adopt the following policies recommended by the Policy Committee, to wit, suggestions were sent to the Policy Service to accept revisions and to adopt the following policies: #2300 Regular Board Meetings, # 5305 Use of Copyrighted Materials, # 6300 Leave of Absence for Serious Health Conditions or Family Care, #6401 Drug And Alcohol Testing (transportation) #6600 Staff- Student Relation (Fraternization), #7002 Education of Homeless Children, #7002.1 Regulation, # 7003 Determination of Student Residency #7004 Admission of Non- Resident Students, #7005 Student Dismissal, #7006 Student Attendance, #7006.1 Regulation, #7100 Student Health Examination, #7105 Mental Health, # 7106 Censorship of School Sponsored Student Publications and Activities, #7200 Reporting Possible Child Abuse or Maltreatment #7201.1 Regulation, #7201.2 Regulation #7201.3 Regulation; and,
WHEREAS, the BOE also wishes to delete the following policies: #7000 Census, #7001 Admission to School, #7101 Immunization and Dental Health of Students, #7103 Accidents and Medical Emergencies, #7104 Health Records, # 7107 Educational Services for Married/ Pregnant Students #7202 Use of Time Out Rooms , #7300 Extracurricular Activities, #7300.1 Regulation, #7300.2 Regulation, #7301 Sports and the Athletic Program, #7302 Contests for Students, Student Awards and Scholarships, and #7303 Musical Instruments; and,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby waives the BOE’s customary practice of three readings prior to the adoption of policies, and adopts the following policy, incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting.
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Materials filed in supplement packet dated 7-22-20].
Future Meeting Updates
The next scheduled BOE meeting will be on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Bray, the BOE entered into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters leading to the employment demotion or discipline of a particular personnel matter, as well as the negotiations with HFA. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Executive Session
The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:30 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 8: 25 p.m.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Mr. Petucci and seconded by Mr. Mihevc the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 8:27 p.m. All voted in favor 6:0.