The Annual Budget Hearing Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Approval of the Agenda:
Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 4:0.
Board Communication:
There were no Board Communications to be shared.
Business Reports:
Disposal of Surplus Items:
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded to accept the following Board resolution:
“WHEREAS, the Herkimer CSD owns the following items; Various fitness equipment, 100 old student desks, 1972 Ford tractor and a damaged ping pong table, which are no longer useful or necessary for the school district’s purpose and are of no value to the Herkimer CSD, 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 brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 4:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04/28/22)
2022-2023 Budget Hearing Presentation:
Interim Superintendent Tutty referenced the budget brochure that was handed out and called this year’s budget a “no budget” – no tax increase, no program cuts and no competition for the open board seats. For these reasons, he stressed that we need to make sure people still come out and vote. A brief discussion followed regarding how we can reach members of the community and encourage them to vote. It was suggested that a message be sent through parent square, through a phone message and announcing at the choir concert which will occur the evening before the budget vote.
Introduction of Board Candidates:
Interim Superintendent Tutty explained that he would like to give each candidate running for the open school board seats, a moment to introduce themselves. Mr. Alex Verenich was introduced first and explained that he graduated from Herkimer Central School in 1999, from Herkimer BOCES and Herkimer College. He believes in our education system and is ready to start his first year as a board member. Mr. Verenich stated that his main goal was to prepare our students for graduation and to get involved in the community where his own children attend school. Mr. Robert Mihevc addressed the audience next and spoke of his 24 years that he has been on the Herkimer School Board. He stated that it was an honor working with the Board of Education and staff members and felt that we have excellent programs, facilities and staff in our district. Mr. Brian Crandall was next to speak and explained that he has been on the Board for 7 years, is proud to be part of our great district and is looking forward to his next term. He is also excited to have been part of hiring our next Superintendent but will be sad to say goodbye to Mr. Tutty.
Public Comment:
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.
The Board of Education heard no comments from the public.
The public meeting recessed at 6:31 p.m.
President Crandall reconvened the public meeting at 6:32 p.m.
Board of Education Reports:
President’s Update:
President Crandall again expressed that the Board desires to have a tour of the BOCES buildings that are involved in the BOCES Capital Project. Interim Superintendent Tutty informed the Board that he would reach out to Ms. Sandra Sherwood, Herkimer BOCES District Superintendent to see if this could be arranged.
Future Meeting Dates/Agenda Items:
President Crandall reminded everyone of our budget vote on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and that the next scheduled BOE meeting will be the day after, on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center.
Meeting Evaluation:
Mr. Carney, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented his review of the May 4, 2022, Board of Education meeting. He thought it was a great meeting and was proud of the hard work the Board has put forth and all that it has accomplished so far.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Carney seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel issues. 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 5:0.
Executive Session:
The Board moved into Executive Session at 6:45 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 7:09 p.m.
Adjournment:
On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Carney, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 7:11 p.m. All voted in favor 5:0.
Susan L. Steele
District Clerk