The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Herkimer Jr/Sr High School Media Center. President Crandall welcomed Mr. Carney to his first Board of Education meeting and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
President Crandall explained the Board of Education 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:
The Board of Education heard no comments from the public.
Approval of the Agenda:
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Lewis 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 packet 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 7:0. President Crandall took a moment to thank our administrators for their hard work and everything that was done over the past year. Refreshments were brought to show appreciation and a short recess was taken.
Approval of the Minutes:
Mr. Petucci moved, and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education Regular Meeting minutes from Wednesday, May 19, 2021. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Business Reports:
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Carney, the BOE accepts receipt of the May Treasurer’s Report, Revenue Budget Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $1,798,034.21, Capital Warrant totaling $505,211.74, Federal Warrant totaling $14,690.00, the May Exceptions Report , HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Treasurer’s Report from May, Capital Project Change Order update and two (2) Budget Transfers under the $5,000 total. A discussion followed. Motion carried 6:0:1. (Mr. Carney abstained) (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21) The subject of planning a Workshop or Board Retreat for the purpose of board member training was brought up. Mr. Carney, Ms. Gilbert and Mr. Petucci agreed to be on the board retreat committee. A discussion followed.
Budget Transfers Over:
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved three (3) budget transfers over the $5,000 limit totaling $137,000.00. A discussion followed. Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
Management Advisory Group Services Agreement (MAGS):
Ms. Fischer moved and Mr. Lewis 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 2021-2022 Management Advisory Group Services Agreements [MAGS] as presented; and,THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contracts on the Boards behalf.”
A discussion followed. Motion carried 6-0-1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
Catholic Charities Prevention Services Coordinator Agreement:
Ms. Fischer moved and Ms. Gilbert seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves the attached agreement between the Herkimer County Prevention Council at Catholic Charities of Herkimer County and the Herkimer Central School District as presented. This agreement shall begin September 1, 2021 and shall extend through and including June 30, 2022. WHEREAS, The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign on behalf of the Board to enter into the agreement.”
A discussion followed. Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
2021-2022 Capital Outlay Project-Owner/Contractor Agreement:
Ms. Gilbert moved and Mr. Lewis seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education authorizes to continue Professional Services Agreement between owner and architect; WHEREAS, the Board of Education authorizes the Herkimer Central School District (Owner) to continue professional services with King + King, Architects LLP ( Architect) for the following Project 2021/2022 Capital Outlay Project.
Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
Funding of District Reserves:
Ms. Gilbert moved and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board resolution:
“WHEREAS, section 3651 (1-a) of the Education Law allows a school board to establish a reserve fund to be known as the Tax Certiorari Reserve to be used for the purpose of paying judgments and claims from a tax certiorari proceeding, in accordance with Article 7 of the Real Property Tax Law; and “WHEREAS, the Herkimer Central School District Board of Education desires to establish a Tax Certiorari Reserve to pay for anticipated liabilities from pending Article 7 cases: “IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, The Herkimer Central School District Board of Education hereby establishes a reserve to be known as the Tax Certiorari Reserve effective June 30, 2021 in the amount of $40,000, for the payment of tax certiorari judgments and claims resulting in challenges to the 2021 tax roll.”
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does dissolve the tax certiorari reserve pertaining to the 2017 amount as required. The amount equaling $40,000 will be returned to unassigned fund balance of the General Fund as of June 30, 2021.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby authorize the funding of the Capital Reserve Fund with the excess of 8% from unassigned fund balance at June 30, 2021, after the designated amount for tax reduction has been set. The allocation of such excess fund balance will be determined subsequent to June 30, 2021 and prior to setting the tax levy.”
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby increase the EBLAR Reserve by $50,000 as of June 30, 2021.”
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby increase the Insurance Reserve by $5,000 as of June 30, 2021.”
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby increase the Teachers Retirement System Reserve by $147,000 as of June 30, 2021.”
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby increase the Employees Retirement System Reserve by $160,000 as of June 30, 2021.”
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby increase the Repair Reserve by $57,000 as of June 30, 2021.”
A discussion followed; Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
Summer Transportation Contracts:
Mr. Petucci moved and Ms. Fischer seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
“WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District desires to enter into a contract with Birnie Bus Services, Inc. for the purpose of summer transportation for the time period of July 1, 2020 – August 31, 2020 and July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021.
WHEREAS, it is the Districts desire for the Superintendent and the Board President to sign this contract on the Boards behalf.”
Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
Town of Herkimer Tax Collection Agreement:
Ms. Fischer moved and Mr. Lewis seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign an agreement between Town of Herkimer (“Town”) and Herkimer Central School District for the collection of school taxes;
THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire to enter in this agreement, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.”
Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
2021-2022 BOCES Rental of Facilities:
Ms. Fischer moved and Ms. Gilbert 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 2021-2022 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.”
Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
Disposal of Surplus Items Resolution:
Mr. Lewis moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded to accept the following Board resolution:
“WHEREAS, the Herkimer CSD owns the items listed in Part C (Disposal) which are no longer useful or necessary for the school district’s purpose and are of no value to the Herkimer CSD, as indicated in Mrs. Frasier’s Fixed Asset Inventory Control Forms, 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.”
A discussion followed; Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-21)
Superintendent Report:
Superintendent Miller had the following update for the Board, followed by a slide presentation of the APR/Foundation Aid Plan:
- Updated 5 year budget expenditure projections, revenue projections, and reserve and fund balance projections have been provided to you. The new projections anticipate foundation aid increases and the impact of federal funds on our long term spending plan. Generally, the increased revenues from the state should serve to slow the growth of the tax levy and allow the district to restore lost programming, modernize our curriculum and provide new opportunities for our children while being fiscally responsible to our tax payers. Please review and we can discuss in more detail at the reorganizational meeting if you have questions.
2. Herkimer BOCES is beginning the planning process for a capital project at the WEB and Remington. The project was initiated several years ago and stopped mid-way through the planning process. We should see more details from BOCEs soon on this front with a long and short range plan.
3. The village and school district are in the process of finalizing the land swap of Harmon Field and Brookwood Park. The school attorney and village attorney are working on the final resolution. The village is now caring for Brookwood Park and we are caring for Harmon in anticipation of the swap.
4. The HS gym nears completion with bleacher installation occurring this week. We hope to have the facility fully functional this summer. Boiler replacement in both buildings is under way. The building work at the elementary and high school will begin in earnest June 28. We should consider a tour of the high school gym area at the reorganization meeting prior to the meeting. The attached cash flow indicates we need to increase our borrowing to $8,395,000 to make payments on Phase I of the 2018 capital project.
5. The district and village are again in discussion about the SRO program for next year. A new service that they wish to offer is a truancy program which aligns with some of the suggestions from staff and the public about needs under APR and foundation aid planning.
Staffing Recommendations:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Lewis, the BOE approved the following personnel actions as presented. Motion carried 6:0:1.
Non-Teaching Resignation:
Name: Owen, Chelsea
Position: Typist
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: June 30, 2021
| NAME: | Cerasi, Jamie | |
| TENURE AREA(s): | Elementary Education | |
| DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA |
September 1, 2021 |
|
| EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY
APPOINTMENT |
August 31, 2025
|
|
| 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 (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, 2021 | |
| SALARY | Step 3 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract | |
| NAME: | Horender, Kylee | |
| TENURE AREA(s): | Elementary Education | |
| DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA |
September 1, 2021 |
|
| EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY
APPOINTMENT |
August 31, 2025
|
|
| 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 (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, 2021 | |
| SALARY | Step 8 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract | |
| NAME: | Maxam, Roger | |
| TENURE AREA(s): | Elementary Education | |
| DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA |
September 1, 2021 |
|
| EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY
APPOINTMENT |
August 31, 2025
|
|
| 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 (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, 2021 | |
| SALARY | Step 4 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract | |
| NAME: | Turnbull, Amanda | |
| TENURE AREA(s): | Secondary Education-Social Studies | |
| DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA |
September 1, 2019 |
|
| EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY
APPOINTMENT |
August 31, 2023
|
|
| 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 (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 | July 1, 2021 | |
| SALARY | Step 4 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract | |
Licensed Teaching Assistant Appointment:
Name: Meszler, Susan
Position: Licensed Teaching Assistant
Effective Date: July 1, 2021
Salary: $25,000
(Probationary period from September 1, 2021 – August 31, 2025)
Substitute Appointment
Name: Becker, Jenna
Position: Long-Term Substitute/Licensed Teaching Assistant
Effective Date: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Salary: 7.5 hr day/$125 per day
Name: Stapf, Nathaniel
Position: Substitute Cleaner
Effective Date: 2021-2022 School Year on an as needed basis
Salary: Per NYS minimum wage guidelines
Temporary Summer Appointments:
Name: Caiola, Maria Ella
Position: Summer Receiving [Elementary School]
Effective Date: July 1, 2021- August 31, 2021 on an as needed basis
Salary: $17.50/hr.
Name: Cerasi, Jamie
Position: Summer Curriculum Work
Effective Date: July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021
Salary: Per HFA Contract
Name: Crandall, Rylee
Position: Summer Help [District Wide]
Effective Date: July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021 on an as needed basis
Salary: Per NYS minimum wage guidelines
Name: Horender, Kylee
Position: Summer Curriculum Work
Effective Date: July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021
Salary: Per HFA Contract
Name: Maxam, Roger
Position: Summer Curriculum Work
Effective Date: July 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021
Salary: Per HFA Contract
Name: McKernan, Gina
Position: Summer Receiving [High School]
Effective Date: July 1, 2021- August 31, 2021 on an as needed basis
Salary: $17.50/hr.
Name: Spanfelner, Brenda
Position: Summer Receiving [Elementary School]
Effective Date: July 1, 2021- August 31, 2021 on an as needed basis
Salary: $17.50/hr.
Name: Stapf, Abigail
Position: Summer Help [District Wide]
Effective Date: July 1, 2021- August 31, 2021 on an as needed basis
Salary: Per NYS minimum wage guidelines
Maternity-Leave Request:
Name: Harris, Shannon
Position: Jr/Sr High School
Effective on or before: September 4, 2021
Anticipated leave approximately 6-12 weeks; pending physician’s release
Summer School Appointments: (Salary per hourly rate)
| Name Days Worked Position |
| Beatriz Barreto 16 days LTA |
| Debbie Briggs 16 days LTA |
| Sandhya Farrington 8 days RN |
| Brenda Spanfelner 16 days LTA |
| Joanna Sweeney 8 days LPN |
| Janice Wenke 16 days LTA |
| Lynn White 16 days Occupational Therapist |
| All teaching assignments are pending student enrollment |
Summer School Teaching Appointments: (Salary 1/200th of Step 15 of the 2021-2025 HFA Contract)
| Name Days Worked Position |
| Melissa Brown 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| Amberlyn Ellinger 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| Kelly Koegel 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| Marissa Maldonado 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| Dawn McCumber 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| Gloria Piazza 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| Stacy Richard 16 days Speech Therapist |
| Kelly Spence 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| Kristin Stallman 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| Michalyn Winkler 16 days Classroom Teacher |
| All teaching assignments are pending student enrollment |
Summer School Substitute Teaching Appointment: (Salary 1/200th of Step 15 of the 2021-2025 HFA Contract)
| Name Position |
| Samantha Kuyrkendall Substitute Teacher |
CSE/CPSE Program / Placement Recommendations:
Upon recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, 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. Motion carried 6:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-2021)
Board of Education Reports:
Policy Review
Mr. Fischer moved and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board 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 several policies recommended by the Policy Committee, to wit,
- #0010 School District Officer and Employee Code of Ethics;
- #0014 Gender Neutral Single-Occupancy Bathroom Facilities;
- #0015 Equal Opportunity and Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment;
- #0017 Student Registration and Pre-Registration to Vote;
- #0021 Tobacco, Nicotine and E-Cigarette Use Prohibited;
- #4508 Federal Funds Purchasing;
- #6402 (Previously #0020) Drug Free Workplace;
- The following Regulations: #0015.1 Report of Possible Harassment, Bullying or Discrimination
FUTHERMORE, per the Policy Committee’s recommendation, the Policy Service concurred with the Committee’s suggestion to remove the following policy: #0016 Instruction and Employment of HIV Infected Individuals.
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 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-2021)
Annual Reorganization Meeting Date:a
Mr. Petucci moved and Mr. Lewis seconded the following Board resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District, does hereby set the Annual Reorganizational Meeting date to be July 7, 2021. “
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-2021)
Appointment of Board Officer
Mr. Lewis moved and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution:
“SCHOOL DISTRICT CLERK PRO-TEM RECOMMEND that Robert J. Miller, Superintendent of Schools be appointed Clerk Pro-tem for the Herkimer Central School District, during the 2021-2022 school year; on an as needed basis.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-16-2021)
President’s Update
Congratulations were given to both the Softball and Track and Field teams for having a successful year and making it to sectionals. It was a great experience for all involved and an extra congratulations was given to the Boys Track and Field team for becoming Class C-1 Sectional Champions. The BOE asked if there was any update on the NYSED Teacher of the Year Award, and were informed that the decision will not be made until later this summer, but the committee was very impressed with Mrs. McCutcheon and our school when they came to visit.
Meeting Evaluation
Ms. Fischer, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented her review of the June 16, 2021 Board of Education meeting.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel and negotiations. 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 at 8:28 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 10:13 p.m.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 10:15 p.m. All voted in favor 7:0.