The Annual Budget Informational meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria by Board President Brian Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
President Crandall welcomed members in the audience and staff members to this evening’s meeting. He informed the Board that Ms. Giffune was unable to attend the meeting due to a family commitment.
President Crandall informed all those present that the purpose of this evening’s meeting was to present a public overview of the district’s proposed 2019-20 Operations Budget.
Approval of the Agenda
Mr. Conley moved and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the meeting agenda as submitted. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0.
Approval of the Minutes
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Conley, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the regular meeting minutes of Wednesday, April 10, 2019, as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0.
Business Reports
2019-2020 Budget Hearing Presentation
President Crandall introduced Superintendent Miller to formally present and review the proposed 2019-20 Operations Budget.
Superintendent Miller publicly thanked the Board of Education and Administration for their support of the 2019-2020 Operations Budget.
Superintendent Miller provided information relating to the 2019-20 Operations Budget via a PowerPoint presentation:
Superintendent Miller informed everyone as a requirement by New York State, the budget is presented in three categories: Administration, Program, and Capital. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/08/19.]
According to Superintendent Miller, the district’s proposed 2019-20 Operations Budget totals $24,210,000 which represents a spending decrease of 3.9% and includes a projected tax levy of $9,045,000; a 2.26% increase. The district anticipates it will receive $13,874,000 in state aid.
Superintendent Miller shared other main points of the proposed budget: expenditures and revenues. The New York State Report Card Fiscal Accountability Supplement; cost increases and decreases for the 2019-20 budget and revenue distribution.
Superintendent Miller stated there would be one proposition being presented to district residents—Operations Budget.
According to Superintendent Miller, the terms of BOE members Mark Conley, Patricia Giffune and Robert Mihevc will expire June 30, 2019. Mr. Mihevc filed a nominating petition to seek re-election. Each open seat is for a 3-year term expiring June 30, 2022.
Incumbent Robert Mihevc, along with Brandee Herringshaw and Richard Lewis Jr. have submitted petitions.
Superintendent Miller concluded the presentation by stating that the 2019-20 Operations Budget supports the mission of the district.
Superintendent Miller thanked the Board for reviewing the budget in depth. The annual Operations Budget/Board Vote is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, from 1-9 p.m. in the Junior/Senior High School Media Center.
On behalf of the BOE, President Crandall thanked Superintendent Miller and the Business Office for their dedication and hard work on preparing the budget.
Mrs. Fischer arrived at 6:23 p.m.
President Crandall explained to all that the BOE 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 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 Comments
No public comments were heard.
The public meeting recessed at 6:34 p.m.
President Crandall reconvened the public meeting at 6:38 p.m.
Superintendent’s Reports
School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Mihevc seconded by Mr. Conley to accept the School Resource Officer (SRO) Agreement between the Village of Herkimer and the Herkimer CSD per terms and conditions of the agreement commencing on July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022. Discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/08/19.]
Waldon University Contract
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Petucci who moved its adoption and seconded by Mr. Conley, to wit:
“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education hereby agrees to have an Affiliation with Walden University for the purpose of seeking to partner with field sites for educational field experiences for Walden University students; and,
THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire to enter into this agreement for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”
Discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/08/19]
Right-of-Entry for Construction Contract
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Petucci who moved its adoption and seconded by Mrs. Fischer, to wit:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Herkimer CSD hereby grants to the Government a permit or right-of-entry for all land or easement rights hereinafter as presented; and,
THEREFORE, it is the District’s desire to enter into this agreement per terms and conditions of the contract.”
Discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/08/19]
Budget Transfer Resolution
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Ms. Gilbert who moved its adoption and seconded by Mr. Mihevc, to wit:
“BE IT RESOLVED, the Herkimer Board of Education authorizes to increase the 2018-2019 budget in the amount of $1,350,000 from the capital reserve; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Education authorizes the transfer of $1,350,000 to the capital fund as authorized by the voters in December 2018 for the purpose of the 2018 Capital Project.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/08/19]
Disposal of Surplus Items
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Conley who moved its adoption and seconded by Mr. Petucci, to wit:
“WHEREAS, the Herkimer CSD owns five (5) school buses which are obsolete, no longer useful or necessary for the school district purposes and of no value to the Herkimer CSD, as indicated in Mrs. Frasier’s Inventory Control Form, and is part of this resolution;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby declares such items to be surplus and of no value to the school district and authorizes the Business Office to inform the appropriate personnel to dispose of such items in the best interest of the school district.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/08/19]
Contract for Health & Welfare Services
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, the following resolution was offered by Mrs. Fischer who moved its adoption and seconded by Mr. Conley, to wit:
“BE IT RESOLVED, the Herkimer CSD has the need for health and welfare services during the 2018-2019 school year for one (1) student residing in the Rome City School District and is attending school in the Herkimer CSD; and,
WHEREAS, it is the District’s desire to enter into this agreement for the 2018-2019 school year; per terms and conditions of the agreement.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05/08/19]
President’s Update
On behalf of the BOE, President Crandall extended best wishes and a speedy recovery to Vice President Conley. He also recognized him for his nomination for the School Board Institute “Distinguished Service Award.” President Crandall will be accepting his award on his behalf tomorrow evening.
President Crandall reminded the BOE that the next School Board of Education meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High Media Center, and he confirmed that a quorum would be present for that meeting. He also noted the June BOE meeting had been changed to June 26, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Mr. Conley, seconded by Mrs. Fischer, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 6:46 p.m. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.