The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6 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 will be limited to no more than 25 people total. The public may also view the meeting live via a web link on the district’s website. A recording and transcript from the meeting will also be made available following the 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
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 pack for information only and noted they will be referred to later in the meeting.
Ms. Gilbert moved and Ms. Fischer 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
Ms. Bray moved and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the Annual Budget Informational Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, May 27, 2020. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Ms. Gilbert moved and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to formally approve the Special Board of Education Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Mr. Lewis, Ms. Fischer and Mr. Petucci all abstaining; motion carried 4:0:3.
Business Reports
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Bray, seconded by Mr. Mihevc the BOE accepted receipt of the Treasurer’s Report, Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $857,272.47, Federal Warrant totaling $311.80, Capital Warrant totaling $40,977, Trust and Agency Warrant totaling $664,113.13, the May 2020 HHS/HES Extra Curricular Treasurer’s Report, and 1 Budget Transfer under the $5,000, totaling $20,000. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 6-17-20]
Funding of District Reserves
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Petuci, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE accepted the following 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, 2020 in the amount of $30,000, for the payment of tax certiorari judgments and claims resulting in challenges to the 2020 tax roll.”
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does dissolve the tax certiorari reserve pertaining to the 2016 amount as required. The amount equaling $40,000 will be returned to unassigned fund balance of the General Fund as of June 30, 2020.
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 4% from unassigned fund balance at June 30, 2020, after the designated amount for tax reduction has been set. The allocation of such excess fund balance will be determined subsequent to June 30, 2020 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 $10,000 as of June 30, 2020.”
Brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 6-17-20].
Inter-Municipal Agreement between Herkimer CSD & Madison- Oneida BOCES
Superintendent Miller reviewed with the BOE, the Inter-Municipal Agreement between the Herkimer CSD and Madison- Oneida BOCES. He explained that this agreement allows the Herkimer CSD to share Attorney services with the Madison- Oneida BOCES. Ms. Bray made a motion, Ms. Fischer seconded that motion. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in supplement packet dated 6-17-20].
RIC Multi-Year CoSer 505 Resolution
Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the RIC- multi-year CoSer 505 Resolution as follows:
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District desires to enter into a 4 year contract with the Madison-Oneida BOCES in order for the Regional Information Center to furnish certain services to the District pursuant to Education Law 1950(4)(ij), those services being: CoSer 602 Administrative Computer Services.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District agrees to enter into a contract with the Madison-Oneida BOCES for the provision of said services to the District not to exceed $140,579 plus related borrowing fees, plus yearly Regional Information Center support during the term of this contract, finalized by the Superintendent, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Education, for a period of 4 year(s); 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24.
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 6-17-20].
Town of Herkimer Tax Collection Agreement
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE approved the following 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, 2020 through June 30, 2021.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in Supplement Packet dated 6-17-20]
Catholic Charities Prevention Services Coordinator Agreement
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Lewis, seconded by Ms, Fischer, the BOE accepted the Prevention Counseling Services agreement between Herkimer County Prevention Council at Catholic Charities of Herkimer County and the Herkimer CSD effective September 2020 through June 2021. Brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material files in supplement packet dated 6-17-20].
Donation to the School
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Bray seconded by Ms. Fischer the BOE approved the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District accepts the following technology donations from the Herkimer Police Department, Wii Game Systems, Joy Con Switch Controllers, PlayStation PSP, Headphone Earpods, Lightening Earpods, Lightening to Headphone Jack, Playstation 3, Flip 4 Bluetooth Speaker, and RCA Sound Bar.
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in supplement packet dated 6-17-20].
Business/ Superintendent Reports
The Superintendent reviewed with the Board of Education the Business and Superintendent Updates. A brief discussion followed.
Superintendent’s Reports
Administrative Report
Ms. Tomaso updated the BOE on the latest plans for Graduation. With the executive order now in place allowing graduation ceremonies up to 150 people. Ms Tomaso gave a brief presentation to the BOE explaining the graduation ceremony plans and provided the date and time of when this will take place.
On a recommendation of the Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Bray, the board accepted the plans for a Live Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, June 27th 2020 at noon. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Staffing Recommendations
Ms. Bray moved Mr. Petucci seconded the motion to table agenda item 6b. Staffing Recommendations until after Executive Session. All in favor; 7:0.
CSE/ CPSE/ Program/ Placement Recommendations
Upon the recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Mihevc 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.
Operation Budget Vote Results
Superintendent Miller reviewed with the BOE information detailing the final voting results of Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Operation Budget/ Vote result.
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE formally accepted Tuesday, June 16, 2020, Operations Budget/ Board Vote results as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in supplement packet dated 6-17-20].
Board of Education Reports
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.
Appointment of Board Officer Resolution
Mr. Petucci moved and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to recommend Mr. Robert J. Miller, Superintendent of Schools be appointed Clerk Pro-tem for the Herkimer CSD for the 2020-2021 school year; on an as needed basis. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 6-17-20].
Annual Reorganization Meeting Date
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, to amend the resolution of the Board Reorganization Meeting to Thursday, July 9, 2020.
On a motion made by Ms. Bray seconded by Mr. Mihevc to amend meeting to the Thursday, July 9th 2020 as the new Reorganization Meeting date. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in supplement packet dated 6-17-20].
Meeting Evaluation
Mr. Petucci 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 particular 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 6:33 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Petucci moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to remove from the table, agenda item 6.b. Staffing Recommendations. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Bray, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE approved the following personnel actions:
Staffing Recommendations
Resignation/Retirements
- Name: Woodard, Angela
- Position: High School English Teacher
- Effective Date: June 18, 2020
- Name: Bryant, Cheryl
- Position: Licensed Teaching Assistant (HES)
- Effective Date: June 30, 2020
- Name: Spella, Sharon
- Position: Part Time Cleaner
- Effective Date: June 30, 3030, and including any applicable Memorandum of Agreement
Teaching Tenure Appointments
- Name: Brown, Melissa
- Position: Grade 4
- Location: Elementary School
- Tenure Area: 1-6 Childhood Education
- Probationary Period Served: 9/1/16-6/30/20
- Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2020
- Name: Lister, Katherine
- Position: Earth Science
- Location: Jr./Sr. High School
- Tenure Area: 7-12 Science Teacher
- Probationary Period Served: 8/1/17-6/3/20
- Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2020
- Name: Moskal, Katherine
- Position: Sixth Grade Science Teacher
- Location: Middle School
- Tenure Area: 1-6 Childhood Education
- Probationary Period Served: 9/1/16-6/30/20
- Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2020
- Name: Sheldon, Nick
- Position: Global Studies II
- Location: Jr./Sr. High School
- Tenure Area: 7-12 Social Studies
- Probationary Period Served: 9/1/16-6/30/20
- Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2020
Teaching Appointments
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.
- Koegel, Kelly
- Tenure Area: Special Education
- Effective Date: 7/1/2020
- Expiration Date of Probationary Appointment: 6/30/2024
- Salary: Step 2 (per the HFA contract)
- Lamanna, Sara
- Tenure Area: K-12 School Counselor
- Effective Date: 9/1/2020
- Expiration Date of Probationary Appointment: 8/31/2024
- Salary: Step 1 (per the HFA contract)
Non-Teaching Salary Recommendations
- Name: White, Lynn
- Position:Occupational Therapist/ Physical Therapist Assistant
- Effective Date: July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Long-Term Substitutes
- Name: Barretto, Beatrice
- Position: Licensed Teaching Assistant
- Effective Date: July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021
- Salary: $120.00/day
- Name: Futscher, James
- Position: Students with Disabilities
- Effective Date: July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021
- Salary: $205.00/day
- Name: Harlander, Christy
- Position: Guidance Counselor
- Effective Date: July 1, 2020-January 29, 2021
- Salary: $205.00/day
- Name: Rosenburgh IV, C. Eddy
- Position: Mathematics
- Effective Date: July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021
- Salary: $205.00/day
- Name: Turnbull, Amanda
- Position: Sixth Grade
- Effective Date: July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021
- Salary: $205.00/day
Maternity Leave Request
- Name: Caiola, Brittany
- Effective: On or before July 25, 2020
- Anticipated leave approximately 8 weeks; pending physician’s release.
Temporary Summer Appointments
- Name: Caiola, Mary Ella
- Position: Summer Receiving
- Effective Date: July 1, 2020-August 31, 2020
- Salary: $17.00/hour
- Name: Staph, Abigail
- Position: Summer Help (Districtwide)
- Effective Date: June 18, 2020-Aug. 31, 2020
- Salary: $11.80/hour
- Name: Staph, Nathaniel
- Position: Summer Help (Districtwide)
- Effective Date: June 18, 2020-Aug. 31, 2020
- Salary: $11.80/hour
Adjournment
On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Mihevc the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 8:02 p.m. All voted in favor 7:0.