Oct. 18, 2023, minutes

President Crandall called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

President Crandall welcomed members in the audience and staff members to this evening’s meeting.  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:  

Senior Jayden Crandall spoke to the BOE about decorations for homecoming, concession stands, winter weekend and holiday box distribution.

 

Approval of the Agenda:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda as submitted.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.

 

Approval of the Minutes:

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education regular meeting minutes from Wednesday, September 13, 2023.   Motion carried 7:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

Curriculum Council Summer Project Presentation:

Several Elementary school teachers as well as Ryan Orilio (IT Department) spoke and presented materials about upcoming events and what they have been doing with their classrooms. Everyone was very enthusiastic as they spoke to the BOE about the achievements they have made so far for this school year with their students.

 

Business Reports:

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE accepts receipt of the September Treasurer’s Report, September General Warrant totaling $2,593,709.66, September Exception Report, September HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Treasurer’s Report, Budget Transfer under the $5,000 total, District Audit Financial Statement, and Extra-Classroom Audit Corrective Action Plan.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

Business Updates:

Business Manger Chad Hess stated that funding for UPK has been approved and Title I over $500,000 verbally was approved.

 

Fire Safety Inspection:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded the following Board Resolution:

“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the annual inspection for the 2023-2024 school year of the Bus Maintenance Facility, Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School, Herkimer Elementary School, Concession/Toilets/Press Box/Storage buildings of the Herkimer Central School District for the fire hazards, which might endanger the lives of the students, teachers and employees therein, has been completed and the report there of is available at the office of the Herkimer Central School District at 801 W. German Street, Herkimer, NY  13350 for  inspection of all interested persons.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

Donation to School:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board Resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District accepts the following donation in the amount of $7,000 to the Herkimer Elementary School from The Vermont Agency Foundation.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

Disposal of Surplus Items:

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded 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 Mr. McKernan’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 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

Digital Records Resolution:

Mr. Mihevc moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board Resolution:

“WHEREAS BE IT RESOLVED, The Herkimer Central School District shall maintain all digitally created and scanned records in their native digital format for the legally prescribed retention period of the record. The District shall maintain all digital records adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Part 185.8.  Copies of records in other formats, including paper, shall be deemed convenience copies and disposed of when no longer needed for reference or other administrative purposes.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

MOA – HFA:

Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded the following Board resolution:

“WHEREAS, BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby accepts the Memorandum of Agreement between the Herkimer CSD and the Herkimer Faculty Association (HFA); and, for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Board’s behalf.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

Special Education/Committee Consultant Agreement:

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Mr. Verenich seconded the following Board resolution:

“RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District approves the contract between Becky Nugent and the District, and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign the agreement, and further

RESOLVED that the Board appoints Becky Nugent Special Education/Committee Consultant effective September 25, 2023, through July 30, 2024, all in accordance with the terms of the above approved contract”.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

Addendum of the Superintendent Contract:

Mr. Mihevc moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Herkimer CSD hereby amends the employment agreement between the District and Kathleen A. Carney dated October 18, 2023, and authorizes the Board President to execute said addendum and authorizes payment(s) in accordance therewith.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

 

Superintendent Updates:

  • Thanked the BOE
  • Homecoming was a success
  • Landscaping class decorated the front of the Jr/Sr High School
  • Liberty partnership project grant
  • Phase II Capital project coming together
  • Staffing openings; instructional and non-instructional
  • Connected Community Schools Ribbon Cutting – October 27 at 1pm
  • All County – November 4 at 3pm at the HHS Gymnasium
  • Cabaret – November 17 & 18

 

Administrative Reports:

Ms. Vogt, Mr. Abbe and Ms. Lindsay reports were reviewed with the BOE. Discussions followed.

 

CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendations:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE approved the Sub-Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education program/placement recommendations as presented.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental filed dated 09/13/23)

 

Staffing Recommendations:

Mr. Petucci moved, seconded by Ms. Fischer a motion to table staffing recommendations until after executive session.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0

 

President’s Update:

President Crandall spoke about all the great things happening with the district.  The girls’ varsity soccer made it to sectionals.  Had a great season.

 

Future Meeting Updates:

Superintendent Carney reminded the BOE that the next regular scheduled meeting is for Wednesday, November 15 at the Herkimer High School Library.

 

On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE entered into Executive Session for the purpose of legal and personnel issues. The Board may take action in public session after the Executive Session ends and the Board returns to public session. 7:0 in favor; Motion Carried.

 

Executive Session:

The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:21pm.

The Board exited Executive Session at 8:36 p.m.

 

Mr. Petucci moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded a motion to remove from the table Staffing Recommendations.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0

 

Staffing Recommendations:

Upon recommendations of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE approved the following personnel action:

 

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

Amendment:

Lyga, Jamie – Typist – 12 months – Amend provisional appointment to probationary appointment effective August 17, 2023 [BOE Meeting:  08-16-23]

 

Non-Teaching Resignations:

Name: Covic, Selma
Position: Full-Time Cleaner
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: September 15, 2023

Name: Gilbert, Hannah
Position: Typist – 12 months
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: October 3, 2023

Name: Waghorn, James
Position: Full-Time Cleaner
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: October 4, 2023

 

Retired Substitute Appointment:

Name: Spanfelner, Brenda
Position: Substitute
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 25, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as needed
Salary: 2022-2023 Active Hourly Rate ($19.81)

Name: Orts, Katherine
Position: Mentor/Substitute
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: October 13, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as needed
Salary: Per payment guidelines for Retired Substitutes

 

Short Term Substitute Appointment:

Name: Hoffman, Braden
Position: Physical Education Teacher
Effective Date: On/About October 30, 2023 – On/About January 3, 2024
Salary: Annual Payment Guidelines for Short Term Substitutes

 

Substitute Appointment:

Name: Scalise, Jianna
Position: Substitute
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: October 13, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as needed
Salary: Per payment guidelines for Substitutes

 

CSE/CPSE Chairperson Mentor:

Name: Nugent, Becky
Position: CSE/CPSE Consultant
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 25, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Salary: $50/hour, on an as needed basis

 

Non-Teaching Appointments:

Name: Upson, Brandon
Position: Full-Time Cleaner
Effective Date: October 30, 2023 – April 29, 2024 (6 months probationary period)
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Salary: $16.25/hour

Name: Younes, Amy
Position: Full-Time Cleaner
Effective Date: October 23, 2023 – April 22, 2024  (6 months probationary period) (pending fingerprint clearance)
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Salary: $16.25/hour

 

Maternity Leave Request:

Name: Lanahan, Vanessa
Position: Physical Education Teacher
Effective: On/Before October 28, 2023
Anticipated leave approximately 6-12 weeks; pending physician’s release

 

2023-2024 Extra-Curricular Appointments:

Name: Decker, Aaron
Appointment: Elementary Band Advisor
Salary: $2200

Name: Freeland, Gabriella
Appointment: FCCLA
Salary: $1520

Name: Pegg, William
Appointment: Elementary Chorus Advisor
Salary: $2200

Name: Rich, Kristen
Appointment: Outdoors Club
Salary: $1520

 

2023-2024 Advanced Placement Instructors:

Name: Lampert, Caroline
AP US History and Government

Name: McCutcheon, Heather
AP Art

Name: Sheldon, Nicholas
AP European History

Salary: Per HFA Contract; $300 per course

 

2023-2024 College Now Instructor Appointments:

Name: Beardsley, Sarah
Statistics

Name: McCutcheon, Heather
Introduction to Computer Graphics and Design
Introduction to Ceramics

Name: Meyer, Chanel
Spanish I
Spanish II

Name: Scalise, Laura
Introduction to Psychology

Name: Smith, Kristin
English I – College Writing
English II – Introduction to Literature

Name: Watkins, Matthew
English I – College Writing
English II – Introduction to Literature
Public Speaking

Name: Wolanski, Hollie
Pre-Calculus
Calculus

Name: Zorn, Leah
Basic Drawing
Basic Painting

Salary: Per HFA Contract; $300 per course

 

2023-2024 Winter Interscholastic Coaching Appointments*:

Name: Blask, Mark
Appointment: Boys Varsity Basketball
Salary: $4300

Name: Carney, Michael
Appointment: Boys JV Basketball
Salary: $2800

Name: Alberts, John
Appointment: Boys Modified Basketball
Salary: $2100

Name: Shepardson, Kelli
Appointment: Girls Varsity Basketball
Salary: $4300

Name: Scalise, Laura
Appointment: Girls JV Basketball
Salary: $2800

Name: Maldonado, Marissa
Appointment: Girls Modified Basketball
Salary: $2100

Name: Sperling, Kristy
Appointment: Girls Modified Basketball
Salary: $2100

Name: Schneider, Joseph
Appointment: Boys Varsity Volleyball
Salary: $3500

Name: Buckley, Lynnsey
Appointment: Girls Varsity Volleyball
Salary: $3500

Name: Eastwood, Sarah
Appointment: Girls JV Volleyball
Salary: $2500

Name: Denton, Heather
Appointment: Girls Modified Volleyball
Salary: $2100

Name: Judd, Ryan
Appointment: Girls Modified Volleyball
Salary: $2100

Name: Richard, Jason
Appointment: Boys/Girls Varsity Indoor Track
Salary: $2300

Name: Steele, Alan
Appointment: Boys/Girls Varsity Bowling
Salary: $3150

Name: Appley, Daniel
Appointment: Varsity Wrestling
Salary: $3500

Name: Steele, Zachary
Appointment: Varsity Wrestling Assistant
Salary: $2400

Name: Steele, Tyler
Appointment: Modified Wrestling
Salary: $2050

Name: Krutz, Darryl
Appointment: Indoor Track Assistant Coach
Salary: $1000

* Conditioned upon a sufficient number of schools participating to merit a season with sufficient student participation to field a team

 

2023-2024 Winter Interscholastic Unpaid Coaching Appointments:

Clark, Scott – Boys/Girls Indoor Track Unpaid Volunteer Assistant

Couchman, Brett – Boys/Girls Indoor Track Unpaid Volunteer Assistant

Richard, Jesse – Boys/Girls Indoor Track Unpaid Volunteer Assistant

 

Adjournment:

On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 8:42 p.m.  All voted in favor 7:0.

 

__________________
Gina A. McKernan
District Clerk

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