The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Herkimer Jr/Sr High School Media 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 virtual only. The public may view the meeting live via a web link on the district’s website, www.herkimercsd.org. A recording and transcript from the meeting will also be made available following the meeting.
President Crandall explained due to the current circumstances in our community regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, our Board of Education meetings are being conducted virtually. Because of this, members of the public who wished to submit a comment for the Board of Education meeting had the opportunity to email cczerwinski@herkimercsd.org prior to the meeting. President Crandall also 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. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Board Communication:
The Board of Education reviewed the Herkimer BOCES meeting minutes from January 14, 2021 and acknowledged the artwork that Mrs. McCutcheon presented on behalf of her students.
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. Lewis seconded a motion to place all appropriate Board Communications on file with the District Clerk. A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Approval of the Minutes:
Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the Regular Board of Education Meeting minutes from Wednesday, February 10, 2021. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to formally approve the Special Board of Education Meeting minutes from Tuesday, February 23, 2021. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Oneida BOCES School Lunch Update
Kate Dorr, Oneida BOCES Food Service Director, gave an update on the school lunch program and how it was affected by the pandemic. Ms. Dorr explained how they were able to continue providing meals during this time and what the program will look like going forward. 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 Report:
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE accepts receipt of the January, February and revised December Treasurer’s Report, January Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $516,939.73, Capital Warrant totaling $10,374.00, Trust and Agency Warrant totaling $666,709.08 the February Exceptions Report, the January and February HES/HHS Extra Curricular Treasurer’s Report and Capital Project Change Order Update. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-17-2021]
Budget Transfers Over:
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Lewis, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved three (3) budget transfers over the $5,000 limit totaling $217,500.00. All voted in favor; motion carried 6-0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-17-21)
Disposal of Surplus Items Resolution:
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer 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
Capital Fund Account Closure Resolution:
Mr. Petucci moved and Ms. Gilbert seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby approve the closure of the Districts Capital Fund Savings account associated with the 2014 building project. All final project reports have been filed with the New York State Education Department. The remaining funds will be deposited into the Debt Service Fund to be used to help offset local share of future debt service payments associated with the project.” Discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
2021-2022 Pupil Transportation Contract Award:
Mr. Lewis moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby award to the qualified proposal, transportation services for the 2021-2022 school year to Birnie Bus Services, Inc. The terms and conditions of the proposal are outlined in their proposal submitted March 11, 2021.
Additionally, the Board of Education will include a five-year contract with Birnie Bus Services, Inc. in the 2021-2022 school budget for voter authorization”.
A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR)
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Ms. Fischer who moved its adoption and seconded by Mr. Petucci to wit:
A RESOLUTION, DATED MARCH 17, 2021, 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 ELEMENTARY 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 2021-2022 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 (2021-2022) 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, technology and security system upgrades, 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., 2021-2022) budget, with the work on the Project being anticipated to occur (and be completed) during the 2021-2022 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 2021-2022 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 2021-2022 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:
Brian Crandall YES
Diann Fischer YES
Michele Gilbert YES
Richard Lewis YES
Robert Mihevc YES
Scott Petucci YES
NOTES:
The foregoing resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Superintendent Report:
2021-2022 Budget Presentation:
Superintendent Miller provided the following information via PowerPoint, relating to the 2021-2022 Proposed Budget. Discussions followed.
High Risk Sports:
Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to discuss the high risk sports safety plan and a return to play for football. A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to discuss the high risk sports safety plan and a return to play for cheerleading. A discussion followed. Motion carried 5:1.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to discuss the high risk sports safety plan and a return to play for volleyball. A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Staffing Recommendations
Mr. Lewis moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded the motion to table agenda item 7b. Staffing Recommendations until after Executive Session. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
CSE/CPSE Program / Placement Recommendations
Upon recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, 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. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 03-17-2021)
Approval of Amended District-Wide and Building Level Safety Plan Resolution
Mr. Petucci moved and Mr. Lewis seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer CSD held a public hearing on March 17, 2021, for the purpose of discussing the revisions to the District-wide and Building Level Safety Plan to include pandemics:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education hereby adopts the District-wide and Building Level Safety Plan for the State Education Department. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Frank J. Basloe Library Proposition
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Lewis the BOE accepted the Frank J. Basloe Library Budget Resolution in the amount of $334,464 and the election of members of the Board of Trustee to the ballot for the Annual Budget Vote. A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. (Material filed in the supplement packet dated 3-17-21)
Appointment of Election Workers
Superintendent reviewed the list of election workers for Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Annual Budget Vote. Mr. Lewis moved and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the list of election workers as follows:
Name – Title – Hours – BOE – Appointment
Robert Nasypany, Coordinator 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. 3-17-2021
Franca Wandell, Chief Inspector 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. 3-17-2021
Elena Scalise, Inspector 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. 3-17-2021
Louise Carney, Inspector 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. 3-17-2021
Nancy McGuire, Inspector 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. 3-17-2021
Kim Lanza, Inspector 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. 3-17-2021
Susan Steele, Alternate 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. 3-17-2021
2021 – 2022 Operations Budget Calendar
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE voted to accept the revised draft copy of the 2021-2022 Budget Calendar as presented. All voted in favor, motion carried 6:0.
Administrative Reports
Ms. Vogt informed the Board of Education that the fifth grade wrote a persuasive essay about designing a donut and was very pleased with the efforts that the students put forth. The winning donut will be featured for 2 weeks in the Cakery Café in Dolgeville. She also mentioned that although this has been a trying year that has put more responsibility on teachers, it has also allowed more constructive conversations to take place in discussing strategies and plans. Ms. Tomaso informed the Board of Education that in-person instrumental instruction will be starting. It will be a very gradual implementation, starting out with one student at a time. She spoke of the Pep Rally and how great it was for students to see into other classrooms and see other students, something they haven’t been able to do much of. She also mentioned the great job that our AFNR students did on their barn quilts and that they have been on display in the lobby. The Board of Education informed Mr. Abbe that they were pleased with the middle school awards that were given out and the front window display. Mr. Abbe expressed that it helps to motivate the students while also promoting a positive self-image.
Board of Education Reports:
Memorandum of Agreement between HCSD and HFA
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby accepts the Memorandum of Agreement between the Herkimer CSD and the Herkimer Faculty Association (HFA); regarding the Athletic Co-Curricular Activity (Compensation) and, for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0
Resignation Resolution:
Mr. Lewis 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 Mrs. Brandee Bray from her Board of Education seat effective March 16, 2021.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
2021-2022 Annual Budget Hearing/Election Review Resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci and seconded by Ms. Gilbert, to formally approve the Board Legal Notice as presented.
The district’s Annual Budget Informational Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2021 at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria; The Board/Budget vote has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 18, 2021, from 12-8 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Media Center.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0
President’s Update:
President Crandall spoke about the SBI Workshop being held at BOCES. He also mentioned that Mr. Voce will be resigning from the BOCES Board and his seat will need to be filled. Mr. Crandall said that if no-one shows interest in the position, he will step up and fill it.
Future Meeting Dates/Agenda Items:
The BOE discussed a possible special meeting on April 7 to discuss reopening plans. The next scheduled BOE meeting will be on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 6 p.m. via google meet.
Meeting Evaluation:
Ms. Fischer, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented her review of the March 17, 2021, Board of Education meeting.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the promotion/retention of personnel. 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 8:20 p.m.
Mr. Petucci left Executive Session at 9:10 and returned at 9:13 p.m.
Mr. Abbe, Ms. Tomaso and Ms. Vogt left executive session at 9:39 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 9:58 p.m.
Mr. Lewis moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to remove from the table, agenda item 7.b. Staffing Recommendations. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the following personnel actions:
Coaching Recommendations:
2020-2021 Fall II Interscholastic Coaching Appointments*
Name: Alexander, Jason
Position: Varsity Football Head Coach
Name: Hubbell, Eric
Position: Varsity Football Assistant
Name: Steele, Zachary
Position: Varsity Football Assistant
Name: Jory, Michael
Position: Modified Football Head Coach
Name: Hutton, Chelsea
Position: Varsity Cheerleading
Name: Judd, Ryan
Position: Girls Varsity Volleyball
Name: Nasypany, Robert
Position: Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball
2020-2021 Spring Interscholastic Coaching Appointments*
Name: Steele, Zachary
Position: Varsity Baseball
Name: Murphy, Cody
Position: Modified Baseball
Name: Jecko, Vanessa
Position: Varsity Softball
Name: Bello, Brianne
Position: Modified Softball
Name: Richard, Jason
Position: Boys Varsity Track
Name: Clarke, Scott
Position: Girls Varsity Track
Name: Krutz, Darryl
Position: Varsity Track Assistant
Name: Heil, Kasy
Position: Modified Track
Name: Steele, Alan
Position: Boys Varsity Tennis
Salary Per HFA Contract, may be pro-rated as negotiated
* Conditioned upon a sufficient number of schools participating to merit a season with sufficient student participation to field a team
2020-2021 Fall II Interscholastic Unpaid Coaching Appointment:
Aceto, Antonio – Unpaid Volunteer Varsity Football Assistant
Extra-Curricular Appointments:
Name: Lalonde, Jillian
Appointment: Spring Theatrical Production Director
Name: Krause, John
Appointment: Unpaid Music/Drama Assistant
Salary Per HFA Contract
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to move back into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the promotion/retention of personnel. The Board may take action in public session after the Executive Session ends and the Board returns to public session. Mr. Petucci left the meeting. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0.
The Board moved into Executive Session at 10:00 p.m.
Adjournment: