The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
President Crandall explained that 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: Kendall Biamonte, a representative from the Class of 2023, was in attendance to give a student perspective of what was happening at HCSD. Ms. Biamonte gave an update on various items, including Mrs. Scalise’s Recycling Challenge, a bracelet fundraiser for Ukraine and Student Council’s egg hunt. She also mentioned that State Senator Oberaker toured our school and visited multiple classrooms.
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: There were no board communications to report for this month.
Board Recognitions: The Board of Education acknowledged the artwork that was on display from our Elementary as well as Jr./Sr. High School students.
Approval of the Minutes: Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education Regular Meeting minutes from Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Motion carried 6:0.
Food Service Presentation: Kate Dorr, Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES Food Service Director, gave an update on the school lunch program and the accomplishments it has achieved during the 2021-2022 school year. Ms. Dorr spoke about Farm to School and the program’s goals for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. Over the years the BOE has consistently supported our school lunch program and believes that providing our children with proper nutrition is critical to achieving our mission. A brief discussion followed.
Business Reports: Upon recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer seconded by Mr. Carney, the BOE accepts receipt of the February Treasurer’s Report, Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $2,129,818.00, Capital Warrant totaling $60,100.72, Federal Warrant totaling $291,671.50, Expendable Trust Warrant totaling $170.74, the February Exception Report, the February HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Treasurer’s Report, 2018 Capital Project Change Order Update and two (2) Budget Transfers under the $5,000 total. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22)
Budget Transfers Over: Upon recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE approved three (3) budget transfers over the $5,000 limit totaling $164,550.00. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22).
Disposal of Surplus Items Resolution: Ms. Fischer 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.”
All voted in favor: Motion carried 6:0. Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22).
Donation to School Resolution: Ms. Fischer moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept receipt of an anonymous donation of $125.00, to increase Revenue A2705 and to increase the Appropriation Code A2855 450 by said amount, to be used for the Herkimer Central School District volleyball program”.
All voted in favor: Motion carried 6:0. Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22).
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR): Upon the recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, the following resolution was offered by Ms. Gilbert who moved its adoption and seconded by Mr. Petucci to wit:
A RESOLUTION, DATED MARCH 16, 2022, OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE HERKIMER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, HERKIMER COUNTY, NEW YORK (THE “DISTRICT”) DECLARING THE DISTRICT’S PROPOSED CAPITAL OUTLAY PROJECT (INVOLVING MODEST UPGRADES AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE DISTRICT’S ELEMENT ARY SCHOOL BUILDING) TO BE A TYPE II ACTION UNDER SEQRA, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE INCLUSION OF FUNDING FOR SUCH PROJECT IN THE DISTRICT’S PROPOSED 2022-2023 BUDGET. WHEREAS, the Herkimer Central School District, Herkimer County, New York (the “District”), after consultation by District officials with the District’s retained architectural firm, King + King Architects (“King + King”), has resolved that the District should propose to undertake, during the District’s pending (2022-2023) fiscal year, a capital outlay project involving modest upgrades and improvements at the District’s Elementary School building, such work being anticipated to include, but not necessarily to be limited to, network infrastructure and security system upgrades, along with access control and security improvements, and all associated work (collectively, the “Project”); and WHEREAS, the estimated maximum cost of the Project (inclusive of all preliminary and incidental costs) has been determined by King+ King to be $100,000; and WHEREAS, the District is proposing that the Project be financed by the application of $100,000 of funds to be earmarked for such purpose as a “Transfer to Capital Fund” in the District’s pending (i.e ., 2022-2023) budget, with the work on the Project being anticipated to occur (and be completed) during the 2022-2023 fiscal year of the District; and WHEREAS, in accordance with State Education Department guidance and policy, the District/Board of Education is the appropriate agency to be the lead agency to undertake Project review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”); and WHEREAS, Section 617.5 of the SEQRA regulations (6 NYCRR Part 617) provides that certain activities are Type II actions which are not subject to review under SEQRA and that such activities include “maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing structure or facility” and “replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site.;” and WHEREAS, the Project constitutes such maintenance, repair, or in-kind, same site replacement, rehabilitation, or reconstruction activities;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it is the final determination of the District’s Board of Education that the proposed Project is a Type II action, which is not subject to review under SEQRA, and that the proposed Project will not result in a significant adverse impact on the environment; and be it further RESOLVED, that the proposed Project shall be included as a “Transfer to Capital Fund” line item (not exceeding $100,000 in amount) in the District’s proposed budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year (with appropriate additional notification to District voters regarding the anticipated details of the work to be given in connection with the District’s regular budget approval process), so that such Project may be initiated and completed (assuming voter approval of the District’s proposed budget) during the District’s 2022-2023 fiscal year; and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution shall take effect immediately.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to vote on a roll call, which resulted as follows:
AYES:
Scott Petucci YES
Diann Fischer YES
Brian Crandall YES
Michele Gilbert YES
Mike Carney YES
Robert Mihevc YES
NOES:
ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.
SRO Agreement: Herkimer Police Chief Jory was in attendance at the meeting, as well as SRO Jessica Alberts and SRO Tiffany Hill. Chief Jory gave an overview of the responsibilities of the School Resource Officer (SRO). A brief discussion followed.
Mr. Mihevc moved, and Mr. Carney seconded the following Board resolution: BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves the School Resource Office (SRO) agreement between the Village of Herkimer and the Herkimer Central School District. WHEREAS, The Board of Education authorizes the Interim Superintendent of Schools to sign on behalf of the Board to enter into the agreement. A brief Discussion followed. All voted in favor: Motion carried 6:0. Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22).
Business Office Update: Ms. Karen Mettler, part-time Business Manager, informed the Board of the work that has been done on the budget, the land swap survey and the purchase of a driver education vehicle. A brief discussion followed.
Superintendent Report: Interim Superintendent Tutty provided the following update on the budget:
Administrative Reports: Mr. Abbe, Ms. Paragi, Ms. Tomaso and Ms. Vogt gave an overview of their reports, which were all reviewed by the BOE.
Staffing Recommendations:
Upon the recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Mr. Carney, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE approved the following personnel actions as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0:
Staffing Appointments (Amended BOE 08/03/21):
NAME: Ritzel, Russell
TENURE AREA(s): Music 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 1 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract
Staffing Appointments (Amended BOE 09/15/21):
NAME: Vickio, Ashley
TENURE AREA(s): Elementary Education
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA: September 7, 2021
EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT: September 6, 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 7, 2021
SALARY: Step 1 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract
Substitute Appointment:
Name: Lyon, Katelyn
Position: Substitute
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: March 17, 2022 – June 30, 2022, as needed
Salary: Per Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
Non-Teaching Appointment (Amended BOE 08/18/21):
Name: Moorhead, Melissa
Position:Typist *
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 6, 2021
Salary:$16.75/hour
* Provisional Appointment
Non-Teaching Appointment (Amended BOE 12/14/21):
Name: Pouliot, Sydney
Position: Typist *
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Effective Date: December 27, 2021
Salary: $16.75/hour
* Provisional Appointment
Non-Teaching Appointment:
Name: Pouliot, Sydney
Position: Typist
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Effective Date: February 28, 2022
Prob. Period Serv: February 28, 2022 – August 27, 2022
Salary: $16.75/hour
Home Tutor Appointment:
Name: Taylor, Nicole
Position: Tutorial Services (District-Wide)
Effective Date: 2021-2022 School Year, as needed
Salary: Per HFA Contract
Extra- Curricular Appointments (Amended BOE 02/16/22):
Name: Ritzel, Russell
Appointment: Spring Assistant Director
Salary:$885
Coaching Recommendations:
2022 Spring Interscholastic Coaching Appointments*
Name: Nasypany, Robert
Position: Modified Track
Name: Lewis, Richard
Position: Varsity Softball Unpaid Volunteer Assistant
Name: Maldonado, Marissa
Position: Modified Softball Unpaid Volunteer Assistant
Salary Per HFA Contract
* Conditioned upon a sufficient number of schools participating to merit a season with sufficient student participation to field a team
CSE/CPSE Program / Placement Recommendations: Upon recommendation from Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Mr. Carney, seconded by Ms. Fischer, 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. A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22)
Frank J. Basloe Library Proposition: Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District accepts to add the Frank J. Basloe Resolution and the election of members of the Board of Trustees to the ballot for the Annual Budget Vote.
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor: Motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22)
Appointment of Election Workers:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded to accept the following Board resolution: VOTE DATE: Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Junior/Senior High School Media Center
BOE Appointment
Robert Nasypany
Coordinator
12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
3-16-2022
Franca Wandell
Chief Inspector
12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
3-16-2022
Elena Scalise
Inspector
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
3-16-2022
Louise Carney
Inspector
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
3-16-2022
Nancy McGuire
Inspector
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
3-16-2022
Kim Lanza
Inspector
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
3-16-2022
Susan Steele
Alternate
12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
3-16-2022
All voted in favor. Motion carried 5:0:1.(Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22)
Dual Participation in Athletics Resolution:
I am seeking formal approval of the following resolution: Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Carney seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves the Dual Participation in Athletics Guidelines, as presented”. A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor of amended version: Motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22)
Board of Education Reports:
President’s Update: President Crandall commended everyone involved in making Senator Oberacker’s visit to our district a successful and positive experience. He mentioned that the concert is coming up next week and encourages all to attend.
Future Meeting Dates/Agenda Items: The next scheduled BOE meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center.
Resignation Resolution: Mr. Petucci moved and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby accept the resignation of Mr. Richard Lewis from his Board of Education seat effective February 24, 2022”. All voted in favor: Motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22)
2022-2023 Annual Budget Hearing/Election Review Resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Ms. Fischer, to formally approve the Board Legal Notice as presented.
The district’s Annual Budget Informational Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center; The Board/Budget vote has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 2022, from 12-8 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Media Center.”
All voted in favor: Motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-16-22)
HEA Extended Day Agreement: Mr. Carney moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded the motion to table agenda item 10e. HEA Extended Day Agreement until after Executive Session. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Meeting Evaluation: Mr. Mihevc, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented his review of the March 16, 2022 Board of Education meeting.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. 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 6:0.
Executive Session: The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. Ms. Karen Mettler, part-time business manager, was invited into executive session as well.
The Board exited Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to remove from the table, agenda item 10.e. HEA Extended Day Agreement. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0
Upon the recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Mr. Carney, seconded by Mr. Mihevc, the BOE approved the following personnel actions: HEA Extended Day Agreement: “WHEREAS, BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby accepts the Memorandum of Agreement between the Herkimer CSD and the Herkimer Education Association (HEA); and, for the Interim Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”
All voted in favor: Motion carried 6:0.
Mr. Carney left the BOE meeting at 8:50 p.m.
The Board moved back in to executive session at 8:55 p.m. and invited Ms. Sandra Sherwood, Herkimer BOCES Superintendent to attend.
The Board exited Executive Session at 9:55 p.m.
Adjournment: On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 9:56 p.m. All voted in favor 5:0.