DRAFT July 8, 2026, minutes (Reorganization Meeting and Regular Meeting)

Present:
Brian Crandall, President
Joseph Lamanna, Vice President
Matthew Collis
Robert Mihevc
Scott Petucci
Audrey Piccione
Aleksander Verenich

Administration:
Nicole Crandall
Todd Manley
Renee Vogt

Others Present:
Kathleen A. Carney, Superintendent of Schools
Chad Hess, Business Manager
Michele Gilbert, District Treasurer
Gina McKernan, District Clerk

Erin Kelley

Reorganization Meeting

The Reorganization Meeting was called to order by the District Clerk, Gina McKernan, at 6:00 p.m. in the Middle-High School Media Center and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Appointment of District Clerk and Deputy Clerk

Upon the Recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Crandall, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the Board of Education formally approves the following 2026-2027 Appointment of District Clerk and Deputy District Clerk.

a) District Clerk: to approve the appointment of Gina McKernan as the School District Clerk for the 2026-2027 school year, at a stipend of $9,500.
b) Deputy District Clerk: to approve the appointment of Michele Gilbert as Deputy District Clerk for the 2026-2027 school year, and to serve as part of her regular duties.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 1

Administration of Oath of Office:

At this time the District Clerk administered the Oath of Office to the following:

• Audrey Piccone – Newly elected Board of Education Member – Term: 07/01/2026-6/30/2029
• Joseph Lamanna – Re-elected Board of Education Member – Term: 07/01/2026 – 06/30/2029
• Scott Petucci – Re-elected Board of Education Member – Term: 07/01/2026 – 06/30/2029
• Kathleen Carney – Superintendent of Schools

Election of Board Officers for the 2026-2027 School Year:

President- Mr. Petucci nominated Mr. Crandall for the position of Board President. There were no other nominations for President.

On a motion made by Mr. Petucci and seconded by Mr. Mihevc, Mr. Crandall was elected as Board President.
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Mr. Crandall was administered the Oath of Office by the District Clerk.

Vice President- Mr. Mihevc nominated Mr. Lamanna for the position of Board of Education Vice President. There were no other nominations for Vice President.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Newly elected Board President, Mr. Crandall, will now preside over the meeting.

Public Comment:
None

Approval of the Agenda:

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda as submitted.
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Adoption of Board of Education Meeting Dates 2026-2027:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Lamanna seconded by Mr. Verenich, the Board of Education formally approved the following 2026-2027 Board of Education meeting dates.

• Wednesday, August 5, 2026
• Wednesday, August 26, 2026
• Wednesday, September 16, 2026 (Elementary School)
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026
• Wednesday, November 18, 2026
• Wednesday, December 16, 2026
• Wednesday, January 20, 2027
• Wednesday, February 24, 2027
• Wednesday, March 31, 2027
• Tuesday, April 27, 2027
• Tuesday, May 4, 2027 (Budget Hearing)
• Budget Vote, Tuesday, May 18, 2027
• Thursday, May 20, 2027
• Wednesday, June 16, 2027
• Wednesday, July 7, 2027 (Reorganizational/Regular Meeting)
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Appointment of Officers:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Lamanna seconded by Mr. Verenich, that the Board of Education formally approves the following 2026-2027 Appointment of Officers.
.
a) District Treasurer: to approve the appointment of Michele Gilbert as District Treasurer for the 2026-2027 school year, as per contract.
b) Deputy Treasurer: to approve the appointment of Gina McKernan as Deputy Treasurer for the 2026-2027 school year, at a stipend of $4,000.
c) Claims Auditor: to approve the appointment of Sarah Beardsley as School District Claims Auditor for the 2026-2027 school year, at a stipend of $3,500.
d) Deputy Claims Auditor: to approve the appointment of Sarah Beardsley as Deputy Claims Auditor for the 2026-2027 school year at a rate of pay of $35.00/hour, on an as needed basis.

Approved Appointments:

Upon the Recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci seconded by Mr. Mihevc, that the Board of Education formally approves the following 2026-2027 school year Approved Appointments.
a) District Physician: The appointment of Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital to provide medical director services for the 2026-2027 school year;
b) Independent Auditor: The appointment of West and Company at the annual fee of $24,000 for independent auditing service per agreement for the year ending June 30, 2027;
c) School Attorneys: The appointment of the law firms of Girvin & Ferlazzo, P.C., and Ferrara Fiorenza PC to handle all legal services of the Herkimer Central School District for the 2026-2027 school year with the understanding that the Superintendent is also authorized to contract with local legal counsel at her discretion with appropriate, information provided to the Board and placed on file;
d) Financial Advisor: The appointment of Bernard P. Donegan Inc. to serve as Financial Advisor to the Herkimer Central School District for the 2026-2027 school year; at fees to be determined by the scope and type of the individual matter on which they serve as advisor to the Board of Education;
e) Insurance Advisor: The appointment of the insurance firm Insure One (formally Day and Read);
f) Bond Counsel: The appointment of Hodgson and Russ, LLP to handle all legal financial services of the Herkimer Central School District for the 2026-2027 school year.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Designation of Appointments:

Upon the Recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Lamanna seconded by Mr. Collis, the Board of Education formally approves the following 2026-2027 school year Designation of Appointments.

a) School Tax Collector: To approve the appointment of the Town of Herkimer as School Tax Collector for the district for the 2026-2027 school year.
b) Supervisors of Attendance: To approve the appointment of building principals to serve as supervisors of attendance for their respective buildings for the 2026-2027 school year as part of their regular duties; and further to appoint designees to fulfill this role, as part of their regular duties, in the absence of the principal:
Building Principal Designee
High School Maria Lindsay Nicole Crandall
Middle School Maria Lindsay Todd Manley
Elementary Renee Vogt Cristi Paragi

c) Dignity Act Coordinators: To approve the appointment of building principals to serve as Dignity Act Coordinators for their respective buildings for the 2026-2027 school year as part of their regular duties; and further to appoint assistant principals as their designees to fulfill this role, as part of their regular duties, in the absence of their principal:
Building Principal Designee
High School Maria Lindsay Nicole Crandall
Middle School Maria Lindsay Todd Manley
Elementary Renee Vogt Cristi Paragi

d) Athletic Director: To approve the appointment of Cristi Paragi as the Athletic Director for the 2026-2027 school year, per the HEA contract.
e) Purchasing Agent: To approve the appointment of Chad Hess to serve as Purchasing Agent for the 2026-2027 school year, and as part of his regular duties.
f) Records Access Officer: To approve the appointment of Michele Gilbert as Records Access Officer for the 2026-2027 school year to serve as part of her regular duties.
g) Records Management Officer: To approve the appointment of Michele Gilbert as Records Management Officer for the 2026-2027 school year to serve as part of her regular duties. It is further recommended that the Herkimer Central School District comply with the Commissioner’s record retention and disposition schedule.
h) Census Enumerator: To approve the appointment of Kathleen A. Carney, Superintendent of Schools, as the Census Enumerator for the 2026-2027 school year to serve as part of her regular duties.
i) Chief Emergency/Education Officer: To approve the appointment of Kathleen A. Carney, Superintendent of Schools, as the Chief Emergency/Education Officer for the 2026-2027 school year to serve as part of her regular duties.
j) Herkimer County Health Insurance Designee to Board of Directors: To approve the appointment of Chad Hess, Business Manager, as the Herkimer County Health Insurance Designee to Board of Directors, and Kathleen A. Carney, Superintendent of Schools, as the District’s Designee for the 2026-2027 school year and to serve as part of their regular duties.
k) Herkimer County Workers Comp. Consortium Designee to Board of Directors: To approve the appointment of Chad Hess, Business Manager, as the Herkimer County Workers Comp. Designee to Board of Directors, and Kathleen A. Carney, Superintendent of Schools, as the District’s Designee for the 2026-2027 school year and to serve as part of their regular duties.
l) Residency Officer: To approve the appointment of Kathleen A. Carney, Superintendent of Schools, as the Residency Officer for the 2026-2027 school year to serve as part of her regular duties.
m) Title IX Compliance Officer: To approve the appointment of Michelle Ploss as the Title IX Compliance Officer for the 2026-2027 school year, and to serve as part of her regular duties.
n) Section 504 Americans with Disabilities Act Officer: To approve the appointment of Michelle Ploss as the Section 504 Americans with Disabilities Act Officer for the 2026-2027 school year, and to serve as part of her regular duties.
o) Liaison for Homeless Children and Foster Care Coordinator: To approve the appointment of Michelle Ploss as the Liaison for Homeless Children and Foster Care Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year, and to serve as part of her regular duties.
p) Committee on Special Education: To approve the appointment of the following members to serve on the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for the 2026-2027 school year, and to serve as their regular duties:
Chairperson: Correne Holmes, Michelle Ploss
School Psychologist: Kelley St. Onge
School Physician: Dr. Amy Grace – Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital
Child’s Special Education Teacher: Generic
Child’s Regular Education Teacher: Generic
q) Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE): To approve the appointment of the following members to serve on the Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) for the 2026-2027 school year as part of their regular duties:
School District Employee/ Chairperson: Correne Holmes, Michelle Ploss
Representative of the municipality of the child’s residency: Generic
A professional who participates in the evaluation of the child: Generic
Child’s Teacher or appropriately certified teacher: Generic
Representative from Early Intervention Program as applicable: Generic
r) Asbestos (LEA) Designee: AHERA, Public Law 99-519: To approve the appointment of Chad Hess to serve as the Asbestos (LEA) designee, pursuant to AHERA, Public Law for 2026-2027 school year, and to serve as his regular duties.
s) Chemical Hygiene Officers: To approve the appointments of James McKernan, Building Maintenance Mechanic, Robert Nasypany, Groundskeeper and Carrie Kane, Science Teacher, as the Chemical Hygiene Officers responsible for the chemical management of school science labs for the 2026-2027 school year as part of their duties.
t) Medicaid Claims Officer: To approve the appointment of Michelle Ploss as Medicaid Claims Officer for the 2026-2027 school year, as part of her regular duties.
u) Ed Law 2-D Officer: To approve the appointment of TBD as our point of contact person to whom can facilitate more efficient communication on behalf of our district related to NYS Education Law 2-d.
v) BOCES Substitute Services: To approve the appointment of the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES approved substitute teacher list as the Herkimer Central School District substitute teacher list used for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Designations:

Upon the Recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Collis seconded by Mr. Petucci, that the Board of Education formally approves the following 2026-2027 school year Designations.
a) Official Depositories: To designate Adirondack Bank and Metropolitan Bank as the official depositories for the 2026-2027 school year.
b) Extra-Curricular Accounts Coordinator: To approve Maria Lindsay as Extra-Curricular Accounts Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year.
c) Treasurer for Extra-Curricular Activities Account: To approve the appointment of Susan Steele as Treasurer for Extra-Curricular Activities for 2026-2027 school year, at a stipend of $5,000.
d) Official Newspaper: To designate the Times Telegram and the Observer Dispatch as the official newspapers of the district for the 2026-2027 school year.
e) Authorization to use Credit Card: The Board authorizes the maintenance of the following credit account(s):

1. UMB Bank – Herkimer Central School District
2. UMB Bank – Superintendent

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Authorizations:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Collis, that the Board of Education formally approves the following Authorizations.

a) Recommend approving the appointment of Kathleen A. Carney, Superintendent of Schools, to serve as the following: [1-14]
1) Certifier of Payroll: To approve the Superintendent of Schools to serve as Certified of Payroll for the 2026-2027 school year, and as part of her regular duties.
2) School Calendar Adjustments: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools to adjust the school calendar; and to alter the instructional school calendar as needed.
3) School Bus Lease Agreement: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools to sign an annual School Bus Lease Agreement between the Herkimer Central School District and Birnie Bus Service: Student Transportation of America for the 2026-2027 school year.
4) Rural Schools Association Annual Membership: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools to sign an annual membership for effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, not to exceed $1,000 for dues participation.
5) Title I & II Certification: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools to sign and attest the status as of July 1, 2025, that all staff funded with Title I & II funds for the 2026-2027 school year have met the definition of “highly qualified”.
6) Acceptance of Official Documents: To authorize Kathleen A. Carney, Clerk Pro-tem to accept service of official documents on behalf of the District in the absence of the District Clerk, as part of her regular duties.
7) Educational Official for Receipt of Court Notifications: To approve the Superintendent of Schools to be authorized to receive court notifications regarding students.
8) Attendance at Conferences, Workshops, and Conventions: To approve the Superintendent of Schools be authorized to approve attendance at conferences, workshops, and conventions for the teachers, staff and Board of Education members, and that all those attending such conferences would be required to submit conference forms with expenses to the Superintendent and/or Business Manager.
9) Budget Transfers: To approve the Superintendent of Schools be given authorization to approve budget transfers of $5,000 or less and be given authorization to recommend budget transfers above that amount to the Board of Education for their formal approval at a public meeting.
10) Electronic Wire Transfers: To approve the Business Manager to be authorized to approve wire transfers outside the district up to one million dollars, with the exception of payroll and debt service-related transfers which may exceed one million dollars.
11) Credit for Graduate Student, In-service, and Advanced Degrees: To approve the Superintendent of Schools to be authorized to certify credit for approved graduate study, in-service credit and advanced degrees in accordance with the agreement between the Herkimer Faculty Association and the Herkimer Central School District.
12) Temporary and Part-Time Employees: To approve the Superintendent of Schools to be authorized to appoint all temporary or part-time employees with the understanding that the Board of Education would be informed of the date of hire, position, rate of pay and estimated length of appointment at the next Board of Education meeting.
13) Application for Grants in aid: To approve the Superintendent of School to be authorized to apply for State and Federal Grants as well as other grants proposals which will benefit the Herkimer Central School District.
14) Change Orders: To approve the Superintendent of School to sign change orders, work directives and other changes to the work below the public bidding threshold of $10,000.
b) Recommend approving appointment of the President of the Board of Education to serve as the following appointment:
Change Orders: To approve the President of the Board of Education to sign change orders, work directives and other changes to the work below the public bidding threshold of $35,000.
c) Recommend approving appointment of the Vice President of the Board of Education, to serve as the following appointment:
Signing of Contracts: To authorize the Vice President of the Board of Education to sign contracts in the absences of the President of the Board of Education.
d) Recommend approving appointments of District Treasurer and District Clerk to serve as the following:
Official Bank Signatories: To approve Michele Gilbert and Gina McKernan as Official Bank Signatories for the 2026-2027 school year, and to serve as part of their regular duties.
Recommend approving appointments of the District Treasurer to serve as the following appointment:
Signing of Checks: To authorize Michele Gilbert, District Treasurer, to sign checks on behalf of the District.
e) Petty Cash Accounts: To authorize that the following petty cash accounts be established for the 2025-2026 school year:
Building Amount Designee
Middle-High School $100.00 Jami Lyga
Elementary School $100.00 Melissa Moorehead
District Office $100.00 Gina McKernan
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Approval of Rates:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Verenich, seconded by Mr. Collis, that the Board of Education formally approved the Approval of Rates for the 2026-2027 school year.

a) Substitutes Teachers, Nurses and Support Staff:
LTA’s: $17.00/ hr.
Registered Nurses: $30.00/hr.
Licenses Practical Nurse: $20.00/ hr.
OAI/OA II: $17.00/hr.
Maintenance: $17.00/hr.
Election Workers (non-employee): $18.00/hr.

b) Travel Reimbursement:
Mileage Rates: Current IRS rate
Mileage between District Buildings HES/HHS for travel: 3.4 miles

c) Student Meal Rates:
Breakfast: Free
Lunch: Free

2026-2027 School Year
Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
Designation Description (*) Salary Benefits

I. Daily Substitutes

Initially hired for 1 day or up to 14 days in daily or consecutive service assignments.

$135.00 Certified

$120.00 Uncertified

$145.00 HCS Retired Teacher

No Benefits

II. Short-Term Substitutes

Initially hired for at least 15 days up to 89 days in consecutive service assignments. If certified 1/200th of 1st step of HFA contract – $223.75. Continue per diem sub rate if uncertified. Snow days if already scheduled for work on that day.

III. Long-Term Substitutes

Initially hired for 90 days or more, but less than 180 days for consecutive service in same daily assignment. If certified 1/200th of 1st step of HFA contract – $223.75. Continue per diem sub rate if uncertified. Snow days if already scheduled for work on that day.

Three sick leave days for all Long-term substitutes.
*Contractual Benefits are determined by Superintendent.
*Health Benefits (see back page)
IV. Substitute School Psychologist Certified School Psychologist $385.00/day (7 hours)

$55.00/hour

• See notes below

NOTE: Health Insurance will be offered according to the guidelines stated in the district policy #6202 (Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act)
The above represents “general rule” guidelines which can be changed or modified by the Board of Education at any time. Each specific administrative appointment [I-III] needs to be clarified and approved in advance by the Superintendent of Schools.

Contractual Benefits Information:

The Herkimer Central School District will provide the Long-term Substitutes with the option of enrolling in the Herkimer County Schools Health Insurance Consortium Standard Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze Plan. Said plans will have an Actuarial Value (AV) as defined by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) equal to an overall plan benefit for the average participant of 90% for the Platinum Plan, 80% for the Gold Plan, 70% for the Silver Plan, and 60% for the Bronze Plan.
Said AV will be calculated annually using the AV Calculator developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) which was implemented in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. If such a calculator is no longer available or in use, the Cooperative will have an independent Actuary to develop the AV of the health insurance plan on an annual basis. In either case, it is the intent that the result will represent an empirical estimate of the AV calculated in a manner that provides a close approximation to the actual average spending by a wide range of consumers in a standard population and that said AV will be equal to 90% for the Platinum Plan, 80% for the Gold Plan, 70% for the Silver Plan, and 60% for the Bronze Plan within an acceptable deviation of+ or-2%.
Any changes to the underlying benefits of the Herkimer County Schools Health Insurance Consortium Standard Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Plans to maintain the respective plan’ s AV will occur no more frequently than once a year with said changes being effective on January 1st each year. During each annual open enrollment process, the active employee will have the opportunity to elect a plan which has an equal or lower AV to the one in which they are presently enrolled under the terms of the Herkimer County School Health Insurance Consortium.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Consent Agenda:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Lamanna seconded by Ms. Piccone, the Board of Education formally approved the consent agenda for the 2026-2027 school year.
a) Review of required District Policies in Effect
The 2026-2027 policy revisions adopted by the Board of Education throughout the school year are available to the public on the district’s website. www.herkimercsd.org
b) Bonding under District Insurance
Recommended to designate the following individuals to be bonded under the district’s insurance policy.
• School Business Manager
• District Treasurer
• District Clerk
• District Tax Collector
• Central Treasurer- Activity Funds
• Purchasing Agent
• Accountant
• Claims Auditor
• Blanket Bond for the District
• Superintendent of Schools

c) Approved Standard Work Day
BE IT HERE RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves the Standard Workday as per attached NYS Local Retirement System Standard Workday form RS 2418 for the 2026-2027 school year, based upon information provided to the BOE and placed on file.
d) Destruction of Ballots:
BE IT RESOLVED, in accordance with Education Law Section 2036 (6), the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves and authorizes the destruction of ballots from May 20, 2025, along with any previous election ballots and previous district votes retained on file.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

On a motion made by Mr. Collis, and seconded by Mr. Petucci, the Board of Education adjourned the reorganization meeting at 6:17 p.m.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

End of the Re-organizational Meeting

Regular Meeting

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:18 p.m. at the Herkimer Middle-Senior High School Media Center by President Brian Crandall.

The Public Hearing meeting for the District Wide Safety Plan was reviewed; No public comments were heard.

Approval of Agenda:
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the meeting agenda as submitted.
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Approval of the Minutes:
Mr. Collis moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to approve the regular BOE meeting minutes from Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as presented.
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 1
Material filed in the regular supplemental file dated 07/8/2026

2026-2027 Upstate Caring Partners Agreement
Ms. Piccone moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education hereby agrees to enter into agreement for the 2026-2027 school year with Upstate Caring Partners to provide educational services for children residing in our district enrolled as day students in the Tradewinds Education Center; and,

THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

2026-2027 BOCES Contract for Rental of Facilities Agreement
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Mr. Collis seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education hereby agrees to enter into the 2026-2027 BOCES Contract for Rental of Facilities as presented; and,
THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire for the Board President and the District Clerk to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Disposal of Surplus Items
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Piccone seconded to accept the following Board resolution:

“WHEREAS the Herkimer Central School District owns the items listed on the attached memorandum provided by Mrs. Renee Vogt, Elementary School Building Principal which are no longer useful or necessary for the school district’s purpose and are of no value to the Herkimer Central School District, and;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby declares those items to be surplus as they have no further value to the school district and authorizes the Business Office to inform the appropriate personnel to dispose of those items in the best interest of the school district.”

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Approval of Staff Members as Chaperones
Mr. Collis moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to approve all District staff members as chaperones for District-sponsored events, as needed, at the chaperone rate of pay for the 2026-2027 school year”.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Approval of District Teachers as Tutors
Mr. Collis moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, to approve District teachers as tutors for the 2026-2027 school year and as authorized during the summer months”.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Superintendent Updates
A brief discussion followed

CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendations:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Lamanna, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the Board of Education approved the Sub-Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education program/placement recommendations as presented.
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mr. Petucci moved, seconded by Mr. Mihevc, a motion to table staffing recommendations until after the executive session.

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

President Crandall stated the next Board Meeting would be Wednesday, August 5
On a motion made by Mr. Lamanna, seconded by Mr. Collis, the BOE entered into Executive Session for issues pertaining to pending litigation and the purpose of personnel issues. The Board may take action in public session after the Executive Session ends and the Board returns to public session.
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Executive Session:
The Board moved into Executive Session at 6:57 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 7:53 p.m.

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Piccone seconded a motion to remove from the table Staffing Recommendations and to change Mary Tomaso from Short Term Elementary Principal to Short Term District Assistant Principal.
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Upon recommendations of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Verenich, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the Board of Education approved the following personnel action:

Amendment:
Aimee Jacobs – Middle School Step-Up Academy Teaching Appointment – Withdrawal appointment [BOE Meeting: 06-17-2026]
Mary Tomaso – Short Term Assistant Principal-District Wide – Amend end date from June 30, 2026, to December 31, 2026 [BOE Meeting: 02-25-2026]

Teacher Resignation:
Name: Horender, Kylee
Position: Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: July 31, 2026

Name: Johnson, Amanda
Position: Teacher
Location: Middle School
Effective Date: August 31, 2026

Teaching Appointments:
NAME: Vezza, Samantha
TENURE AREA(s): Elementary Education
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE
IN EACH TENURE AREA
September 1, 2026
EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY
APPOINTMENT August 31, 2030

To the extent required by the applicable provisions of Education Law Section 2509, 2573, 3213 and 3014, in order to be granted tenure, the classroom teacher or building principal shall have received composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education Law 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) preceding years. If the classroom teacher or building principal receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period, he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. For purposes of this subdivision, classroom teacher and building principal mean a classroom teacher or building principal as such terms are defined in Sections 30-2.2 and 30-3.2 of the Part.
Effective September 1, 2026
SALARY Step 1 Per Herkimer Faculty Association Contract

2026 Middle School Step-Up Academy Substitute Teaching Appointment:
(Daily Rate equal to 1/200th of the 15th Step)
Teaching assignment is pending student enrollment; July 6, 2026 – July 23, 2026
NAME POSITION
Karlee Davis Substitute Teacher

Non-Instructional Appointments:
Name: Kucerak, Tami
Position: CSE Secretary
Location: District Wide
Effective: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Salary: $36.99/hour as needed

2026-2027 Extra-Curricular Appointments:
Name Position Salary
Scalise, Laura Sr. High Student Council Advisor $2,550
Jones, Brooke Sr. High Student Council Asst $1,925
Saugh, Carolyn Senior Class Advisor $2,310
Buckley, Lynnsey Junior Class Advisor $1,740
Steele, Zachary Sophomore Class Advisor $1,740
Sommer, Ashley Freshman Class Advisor $1,740
Gayhart, Shannon 8th Grade Class Advisor $1,740
Schneider, Joshua 7th Grade Co-Advisor $870
Bailey, Jennifer 7th Grade Co-Advisor $870
Decker, Aaron Sr. High Band Director Advisor $1,925
Decker, Aaron Marching Band Director $2,340
Sommer, Ashley Sr. High Yearbook Technical Advisor $2,550
Bello, Brianne Sr. High Yearbook Financial Advisor $2,550
Gayhart, Shannon Middle School Yearbook Advisor $1,740
Freeland, Gabriella FCCLA Advisor $1,580
Lampert, Caroline Sr. National Honor Society Advisor $1,580
Schneider, Joshua Jr. National Honor Society Advisor $1,580

2026-2027 Extra-Curricular Appointments:
Name Position Salary
Sheldon, Nicholas UN Club Advisor $1,580
Paul, Heather Pep Club Advisor $1,580
Bello, Brianne Sr. High SADD Advisor $1,580
Jory, Cheryl Middle School Student Council Advisor $1,740
Clark, Joseph Senior High STEM Club Advisor $1,580
Robinson, Trevin High School Language Club Advisor $1,580
Klink, Kayla Please Stand-Up Co-Advisor $790
Alberts, Jessica Please Stand-Up Co-Advisor $790
Rich, Kristen Sr. High Outdoor Club Advisor $1,580
Buckley, Lynnsey Sr. High Newspaper Advisor $1,580
Schneider, Joshua Lego League Advisor $1,560
Clark, Joseph Lego League Advisor $1,560
Scalise, Laura Peer Mediation Advisor $1,580
McCutcheon, Heather High School Art Club Advisor $1,580
Wheeler-Stapf, Heather Elementary Art Club Advisor $1,580
Knowlton, Debra Elementary Drama Club Advisor $1,580
Kirkpatrick, Shelley Elementary Drama Club Advisor $1,580
Olds, Jennifer Elementary Library Club Advisor $1,580
Gosier, Amberlyn Elementary Newspaper Club Advisor $1,580
Roorda, Jamie Elementary STEM Advisor – 3rd Grade $1,580
Brown, Melissa Elementary STEM Advisor – 4th Grade $1,580
Spence, Kelly Elementary STEM Advisor – 5th Grade $1,580
Macri, Barbara Elementary Student Council Advisor $1,840
Denton, Heather Elementary Student Council Assistant $1,580
Denton, Heather Elementary Yearbook Advisor $1,925
Irizarry, Julie Elementary Yearbook Assistant $1,580
Robinson, Ashley Elementary Literature Club Advisor $1,580
Sosnowski, Mari Elementary Chorus Advisor $2,290
Baldwin, Aaron Elementary Band Advisor $2,290
Nare, Jennette Just Say No $1,580

Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

Adjournment:
On a motion made by Mr. Collis, and seconded by Mr. Mihevc, the Board of Education adjourned the public meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Ayes: Matthew Collis, Brian Crandall, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Audrey Piccone, Aleksander Verenich
Nayes: 0
Abstained: 0

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Gina McKernan
School District Clerk