May 29, 2019, Board of Education minutes

The regular Board of Education meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. Library Media Center by President Brian Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Ms. Tomaso introduced senior Christian Cooley, a student who played an acoustic version of “the Star Spangle Banner.” Mr. Cooley will be attending Onondaga Community College in the fall for music study. He recently took 1st place in classical guitar in the Herkimer County Music Education Association Scholarship competition.

President Crandall welcomed members in the audience and staff members to this evening’s meeting.  He informed the Board that Mr. Petucci was unable attend the meeting due to a work commitment.

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

Ms. Spring, 735 Maple Grove Ave, Herkimer, addressed the BOE regarding an ongoing situation. She thanked the BOE for giving her the opportunity to express her concerns.

 Approval of the Agenda

Ms. Fischer moved and Mr. Conley seconded a motion to formally approve the meeting agenda as submitted.  All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.

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.

Mr. Conley moved and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to place all appropriate Board Communications on file with the District Clerk.  All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.

Board Recognitions

Superintendent Miller and several BOE members provided the following Board Recognitions:

Ms. Paragi recognized the following spring athletes with a certificate and pin for receiving a 90 or above average in the third marking period.

  • Girls Varsity Track: Charlotte Boncella, Melia Couchman, Natalie Crane, Sara Eastwood, Jensen Ford, Johanna Humble, Peyton McKinney, Emily Salamon, Abigail Stapf, Sara Warner, Ella Wilcox;
  • Varsity Baseball:  Tyler Steele, Michial Nichols, Matthew Gallagher, Patrick Gurtowski, Hunter Roth
  • Varsity Softball: Kurstin Gay, Cassandra Gilbert, Marion Leskovar, Eliza Marusic, Kristine Nietes,
  • Boys Varsity Track: Kyle Bixler, Adam Green, Matthew Kelly, Patrick Luppino, Evan Maiorano, Dante Mergenthaler, Joaquin Nietes, Patrick Parese, Aiden Ploss, Jesse Richard, Spencer Stallman, Zachary Williams
  • Boys Tennis: Nathanial Polus

Ms. Paragi also noted that the Boys and Girls Track team had 75% of their athletics receiving a 90 or above average.

Public meeting recessed at 6:09 p.m.

Public meeting reconvened at 6:15 p.m.

Student Artists were recognized:

Logan Coonrod, Lyla Williams, Gianni Luce (Grade 8); Kassidy Brown, Jazmin Overby (Grade 9); Marie Humble, Johanna Humble (Grade 12)

Mrs. Davies Group Project: Natalie Crane, Hayden Wood, Amanda Scheiderich, Christopher Winters, Nora Pike, Connor Anderson, and Douglas Bruce.

Jr./Sr. High NYSSMA Solo Festival Participants- Instrumental:  Chris Cooley, guitar, (level 6); Zachary Williams, trumpet( level 5: rating A+);  Aaron Baldwin, trombone (Perfect score 100); Kristine Nietes, flute (level 5:rating A+); Dante Mergenthaler, clarinet (level 3 rating: excellent); Aidan Ploss, trumpet (level 3 rating: excellent); Kimberly Wood, cornet (level 6: rating A-); Joaquin Nietes, trumpet( level 2 rating: outstanding); Emily Marquissee trumpet, (level 2 rating: excellent); Gavin Hobart, trumpet ( level 3 rating: Good); Hannah Minquela, bass clarinet (level 3 rating : good); Lesha Deubel, flute (level 3 rating : Good); Jenna Riesel, trumpet ( level 4 rating : excellent); Audrey McDonnell, alto saxophone ( level 2 rating: outstanding); Emily Whaley, trumpet (level 2 rating: outstanding); Hannah Allison, flute (level 3 rating excellent); Anna Verenich, alto saxophone ( level 2 rating : outstanding), Joshua Baldwin, snare drum (level 2 rating: excellent); McKenna Gargas, clarinet ( level 1 rating: outstanding); Juleighanna Herringshaw, flute (level 2 rating: excellent); Jayden Crandall, marimba ( level 3 rating: excellent).

The Board also recognized the following Track and Field athletes: Zach Williams, Wyatt Renshaw, Jesse Richard, Gavin Miller, and Melia Couchman. They will be heading to the Sectional C1 Track & Field in the next few days.

Technology Updates- Ryan Orilio, Sr. Microcomputer Specialist

President Crandall introduced Ryan Orilio, Sr. Microcomputer Specialist, to provide technology updates via PowerPoint as follows:

  • Media Literacy
  • Student Publishing
  • Design Thinking
  • Global Connection

Discussion followed.  President Crandall thanked Mr. Orilio for his presentation and the BOE looks forward to hearing future updates.

Approval of the Minutes

Mr. Conley moved and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to approve the Annual Budget Informational meeting minutes of Wednesday, May 8, 2019, as presented.  All voted in favor with Ms. Giffune abstaining:  motion carried 5:0:1.

Business Reports

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer seconded by  Ms. Giffune the BOE accepted receipt of the following reports for the month of April 2019: General Warrant, which represents 93 checks with a payment totaling $1,263,870.72; a Capital Warrant, which represents three( 3) checks with a payments totaling $32,478.10; a Federal Warrant, which represents four (4) checks with payments totaling $3,002.00; the Trust and Agency Warrant, which covers items dealing with payroll [ insurance, withholdings, etc.] totaling $691,502.43, and the HHS/HES  Extra-Curricular Treasurer reports for March and April 2019, along with one Budget Transfer Under the $5,000 limit totaling $2,000.00.

The BOE also acknowledge receipt of the March and April 2019 Treasurer’s Reports and the Management Advisory Group (MAGS) Claims Audit Report, for the month of April in which five (5) warrants were reviewed; eleven (11) claims were noted, all have been corrected and payments had been made. All voted in favor; motion carried 6.0 [Material filed in the supplemental packet dated 5/29/19].

Budget Transfers

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Ms. Giffune, the BOE approved one budget transfer totaling $12,000.00 as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 6.0 [Material filed in the supplemental packet dated 5/29/19].

RIC Multi- Year CoSer 505 Resolution

Ms. Fischer moved and Ms. Giffune seconded a motion to formally approve the RIC-multi year CoSer 505 resolution as follows:

Resolution of the Board of Education for the Herkimer CSD

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)(jj), those services being: CoSer 505 Instructional Technology Services and 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 $120,778.65 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); 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0 [Material filed in the supplemental packet dated 5/29/19].

To Establish a Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund Resolution and a Retirement Contribution Reserve Sub- Fund

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Conley, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE accepted the following resolution:

“WHEREAS, as a part of the 2019-2020 Budget Legislation, New York State has amended certain provisions of section 6-r of the General Municipal Law, relating to Retirement Contribution Reserve Funds; and

WHEREAS, as amended, section 6-r of the General Municipal Law allows a school board to establish a reserve fund to be known as the Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund (“RCRF”) and Sub-Fund to be used for the purpose of financing retirement contributions, and/or to finance appropriations authorized by law to offset all or a portion of the amount deducted from the moneys apportioned to the school district from the state for the support of common schools

WHEREAS, “retirement contribution” is defined as all or any portion of the amount payable by a school district to the New York State  and Local Employees Retirement System (“ERS”) or the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (“TRS”) pursuant to Education law section 521; and

WHEREAS, if a school board establishes an RCRF pursuant to section 6-r of the General Municipal Law, for the purpose of financing retirement contributions to the ERS, it may also create a “sub-fund” within the RCRF, which is to be separately administered, for the purpose of financing retirement contributions to the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System and/ or to finance appropriations authorized by law to offset all or a portion of the amount deducted from the moneys apportioned to the school district from the state for the support of common schools; and

WHEREAS, the Herkimer Central School District Board of Education desires to establish a Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund and a Retirement Contribution Reserve Sub-Fund for such purposes;

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: The Herkimer Central School District hereby establishes a fund to be known as the Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund (“RCRF”), as well as a sub-fund to be known as the Retirement Contribution Reserve Sub-Fund (“RCRS”), to be separately administered within the RCRF, effective June 30, 2019, to be funded from [i.e. the available fund balance from the 2018-2019 school year,] and additional contributions from future budgetary appropriations or raised by taxes; or from such revenues as are not required by law to be paid into any other fund or account; or transfers from other reserve funds as permitted by law, to be used in accordance with applicable laws for the purpose of paying retirement contributions to the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement  System or the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System.”

This resolution is accepted as an amendment to our previously established Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund.  All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Materials filed in the supplement packet dated 05/29/19].

Catholic Charities Prevention Services Coordinator Agreement

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Giffune, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, 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 2019 through June of 2020.  All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 5/29/19].

Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital Agreement

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Conley, seconded by Ms. Fischer to accept the agreement between Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and the Herkimer CSD effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 as presented. Discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.  [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 5/29/19].

Superintendent’s Report

Administrative Reports/Updates

Ms. Tomaso, Ms. Vogt and Mr. Abbe reports were reviewed with the BOE.

Staffing Recommendations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Conley moved and Ms. Giffune seconded a motion to approve the following personnel actions:

Teacher Resignation:

  • Name: Doxtater, Cody
  • Position: Special Education – Grade 6
  • Location: Jr./Sr. High School
  • Effective: June 26, 2019

Long-term Substitute Resignations:

  • Name: Vedete, Matthew
  • Position: Mathematics- Grade 6
  • Location: Jr./Sr. High School
  • Effective: April 25, 2019

  • Name: Lawson, Alissa
  • Position: AIS
  • Location: Elementary
  • Effective: March, 29, 2019

Long-term Substitute:

  • Barlow, Kaitlyn
  • Mathematics Grade 6
  • Jr./Sr. High School
  • Effective:  May 7, 2019 – June 30, 2019
  • Salary: $197.50/ day

2019 Fall Interscholastic Coaching Appointments:

Name Position Salary
Alexander, Jason Varsity Football Head Coach $4,000
Hubbell, Eric Varsity Football Asst. Coach $2,250
Steele, Zachary Varsity Football Asst. Coach $2,250
Jory, Michael Modified Football Head Coach $2,100
Murphy, Cody Modified Football Asst. Coach $1,900
Nasypany, Robert Girls Varsity Soccer Coach $3,200
Crandall, Marissa Girls Modified Soccer $1,900
Rosenburgh, Eddy Boys Varsity Soccer Coach $3,200
Judd, Ryan Boys Modified Soccer Coach $1,900
Elias, Melissa Varsity Cross Country Coach $3,200
Steele, Alan Girls Varsity Tennis Coach $2,000
Spanfelner, Samantha Varsity Field Hockey Coach $3,200
Maldonado, Marissa Modified Field Hockey Coach $1,900
Hutton, Chelsea Varsity Cheerleading Coach   $2,000

Maternity Leave Request:

  • Crandall, Jenna
  • Elementary Grade 2
  • Effective on or before: August 7, 2019
  • Anticipated leave approximately 6-12 weeks; pending physician’s release.

Temporary Summer Appointments:

  • Caiola, Maria Ella: [District Wide]
  • Effective on or before: July 1-August 30, 2019
  • Assist in processing and receiving materials, and supply orders for Business Office.
  • Salary: $15.00/ hour

  • Wenke, Janice:  [District- Wide]
  • Effective on or before: July 1-August 30, 2019
  • Assist in processing and receiving materials, and supply orders for Business Office.
  • Salary: $15.00/ hour

Temporary Student Worker Appointments:

Name Location Salary
Kyle Bixler HHS/HES $11.10/hour
Nathanial Wheeler-Stapf HHS/HES $11.10/hour

Effective: July 1- August 30, 2019; on a daily basis, or as needed up to 20 hours per week.


All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.

Non-teaching Salary Recommendations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Mihevc to accept the non-teaching salary agreements as presented.  All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplement file dated 5/29/19].

CSE/CPSE Program/ Placement Recommendations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Giffune, 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.  All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/29/19.]

Operations Budget/ Vote Results

Superintendent Miller explained to the BOE that it is customary in the Herkimer CSD for the BOE to formally accept the results of the annual vote on the Operations Budget and on the election of members to the BOE at its first regular scheduled meeting following the public vote.

Superintendent Miller reviewed with the Board information detailing the final voting results of Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Operations Budget/ Board Vote.

According to Superintendent Miller, the Operations Budget was approved by district voters 238-50, it was also confirmed with the BOE the votes that each elected Board member received. Incumbent Mr. Mihevc received (221), and newly elected Brandee Herringshaw (211) and Richard Lewis Jr. (208), each will be serving a three- year term starting on July 1, 2019.

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Conley, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE formally accepted Tuesday, May 21, 2019, Operations Budget/ Board Vote results as presented.  All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.

Superintendent Miller expressed that he is grateful for the continued support of the community. The turnout continues to decrease mirroring statewide voting trends. The district has roughly the same number of Yes votes as 2018 and 2019, but the number of No votes was less than in 2018.

Superintendent Miller congratulated Mr. Mihevc on his re-election as well as welcoming to the Board of Education newly elected members Richard Lewis Jr. and Brandee Herringshaw.

Creation of Memorial Award

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Conley who moved its adoption and seconded by Ms. Gilbert to wit:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorize the creation of a Memorial Award in honor of Connor Gage.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplement packet dated 5/29/19].

Gift to the School

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Ms. Gilbert who moved its adoption and seconded by Ms. Fischer to wit:

“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby increase Revenue A2705 and to increase the Appropriation Code A2110.450-E  by $1,000.00 through the Hannaford Helps School Program  for the purpose of Elementary Supplies.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in supplement packet dated 5/29/19].

Board of Education Reports

Ratification of the CSEA Part-time Agreement/ Contract Resolution

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Mihevc, who moved its adoption and seconded by Mr. Conley to wit:

“WHEREAS, the negotiating teams for the Herkimer Central School District and the CSEA Part-time Non-Teaching Unit 7112-02; Herkimer County Local 822, executed an agreement on May 21, 2019, calling for the creation of a one-year successor Collectively Negotiated Agreement to the one that expired on June 30, 2019; and

WHEREAS, legislative approval is required by the Board of Education (BOE) in order to implement the funding of said Agreement;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the BOE hereby ratifies the Agreement between the Herkimer CSD and the CSEA Part-time Non-Teaching Unit 7112-02; Herkimer County Local 822, covering the period from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, and authorizes the funding of those monies necessary to implement the provisions of the 2019-2020 Collectively Negotiated Agreement.”

The BOE authorized Superintendent Miller to sign the contract on behalf of the Board. All in favor; motion carried 6:0.

Policy Review

Waiving Readings for Adoption

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was amended by Mr. Conley who moved its adoption and seconded by Ms. Fischer to wit:

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,

Ø  # 6101 Probation and Tenure (Educational Positions)

Ø  # 6108 Appointment of Athletic Coaches

Ø  # 6109 Private Tutoring

Ø  # 6401 Drug and Alcohol Testing

WHEREAS, the Policy Committee met on May 8, 2019, and made several minor adjustments to the following policies: #6104; #6202; #6302; #6502; #6600.1

It was the Board’s recommendation to contact the Policy Services, prior to the removal of the following policies: #6001; #6002; #6003; #6100; #6103; #6105; #6107; #6303; #6304; #6501; #6503.

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 6:0.

President’s Update

President Crandall reminded the BOE that the 2019 High School Graduation has been scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 2019.  Please contact him with any special requests.

Board of Education Member Update

Mr. Mihevc stated he was glad to hear that the Chillers were on line and running just in time for testing and graduation.

Mr. Conley suggested to the BOE some recommendations for the Policy Committee going forward. He also thanked the Policy Committee for all their hard work.

Future Meeting Update

Superintendent Miller reminded the Board that the next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. Media Center and he confirmed a quorum would be present for the meeting.  He noted a Policy Committee Meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.

Meeting Evaluation

Ms. Fischer was tonight’s meeting evaluator, presented her review of the May 29, 2019 Board of Education meeting. It was a good meeting, ran on time, enjoyed the live music, and the scholar athlete’s presentation. All aspects of the meeting evaluation were met.

Mr. Conley moved and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to move into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person. 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 7:20 p.m.

Superintendent Miller and Ms. Giffune left executive session at 7:25 p.m.; and re-entered at 7:58 p.m.

An HFA member joined the BOE in executive session at 7:26 p.m. and left at 7:45 p.m.

President Crandall declared the public meeting reconvened at 8:38 p.m.

On a motion made by Mr. Conley, and seconded by Ms. Gilbert the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 8:40 p.m. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.

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