Feb. 16, 2022, minutes

The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. at the Herkimer Elementary School Cafeteria by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

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.

Public Comment: Peter Mosny, a representative from the Class of 2024, was in attendance to give a student perspective of what was happening at HCSD.  Mr. Mosny gave an update on the success of Winter Weekend, a spectacular Pep rally and various other activities (including sectional sporting events and art shows) that our students were involved with.

Approval of the Agenda: Mr. Carney moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.

Board Communication: Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to place all appropriate Board Communications on file with the District Clerk.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.

Board Recognitions: The Board of Education acknowledged the artwork that was on display from our Elementary as well as Jr./Sr. High School students.

Approval of the Minutes: Mr. Carney moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education Regular Meeting minutes from Wednesday, January 19, 2022.   Motion carried 5:0:2 (Ms. Fischer and Mr. Lewis abstained due to being absent from meeting).

BOCES Budget Presentation: Herkimer County BOCES District Superintendent, Sandra Sherwood, along with Stephen Coupe, Business Manager, presented the 2022-2023 Administrative and Capital Budgets and Mr. James Picolla presented the 2022 Proposed BOCES Capital Project.  A brief discussion followed.  (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02/16/22)

Business Reports

Upon recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci seconded by Mr. Carney, the BOE accepts receipt of the January Treasurer’s Report, Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $2,129,599.99, Capital Warrant totaling $140,814.68, Federal Warrant totaling $1,664.00, Expendable Trust Warrant totaling $56.30, the January Exceptions Report, the January HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Treasurer’s Report, 2018 Capital Project Change Order Update and two (2) Budget Transfers under the $5,000 total.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

Appointment of External Auditor Resolution: Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves the appointment of WEST & Company CPA’s PC for independent auditing services, for school years 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 at a cost of $22,000, $22,500 and $23,000 per proposal.  Any additional services required outside of normal fieldwork, will be billed at a rate of $100/hour, per proposal.”

All voted in favor:  Motion carried 7:0.  (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

Capital Outlay Project Award Resolution – Day Automation: Mr. Lewis moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools that the Herkimer Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of a quotation from Day Automation, Inc.; and, THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire to award the work to Day Automation, Inc. for the 2021-2022 Capital Outlay Project.

All voted in favor:  Motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

Capital Outlay Project Award Resolution – Mohawk RIC: Mr. Petucci moved and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Herkimer Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of a quotation from Mohawk RIC (MORIC) ; and, THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire to award the work to Mohawk RIC for the 2021-2022 Capital Outlay Project.

All Voted in favor:  Motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

Capital Outlay Project Award Resolution – CDW Government: Mr. Mihevc moved, and Mr. Carney seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools that the Herkimer Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of a quotation from CDW Government.; and, THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire to award the work to CDW Government. for the 2021-2022 Capital Outlay Project.

All voted in favor:  Motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

Herkimer County Board of Elections User Agreement:  Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Lewis seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby accepts the User Agreement between the Herkimer CSD and the Herkimer County Board of Elections regarding the use of two (2) optical scan voting machines and four (4) privacy booths for the annual budget vote and election of board members, and for the Interim Superintendent to sign on the Board’s behalf.”

All voted in favor:  Motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

Kipper Plumbing & Heating Change Order Resolution: Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Carney seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby accepts receipt of Change Order PC-11 from Kipper Plumbing & Heating, in the amount of $41,236.79.  The Change Order amount is above the Board President’s preauthorized limit as agreed upon at the annual reorganizational meeting in July 2021, and WHEREAS, it is the Board’s desire for the Board President to sign on their behalf.”

All voted in favor; Motion carried 7:0.  (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

Business Office Update: President Crandall and the rest of the Board of Education welcomed Ms. Karen Mettler, Part-Time Business Manager.  Ms. Mettler spoke of  the progress that has been made in building the budget, the tax cap decision and asked for consideration to purchase a used driver education vehicle.  A discussion followed.

Superintendent Report

Interim Superintendent Tutty provided the following update:

-BUDGET REPORT:  The administrators and the business office have been working on the initial budget draft. Karen Mettler, our new PT business manager will share with you some very positive things about our revenue and budget situation. The administrators will also talk about staffing for next year. For the most part, we are talking about a budget very similar to last year’s in terms of staffing costs. Although some of the positions might not be exactly the same as listed in this year’s budget due to many factors, the total estimate will remain unchanged.

Here are a few highlights for a first-run budget draft:

  • We are looking at a 6.85% budget increase.
  • If we go to the cap, it would be a 1.62% tax increase, which is $152,000.
  • So, it will be up to you to decide at what figure you want to land between 0 and 1.62% tax increase.
  • This budget utilizes $230,000 in fund balance vs.$570,000 last year.
  • $70,000 MOE possible penalty eliminated. The previous superintendent mentioned this in an earlier report.
  • 1M in regular funds used for payroll to replace previous ESSER (Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund) money.

A few other points were brought up by the business manager and treasurer. With the positive status of our revenue and the potential of a $2M surplus at the end of this year’s budget, they recommend the following:

  • Purchase a driver ed car for @ $25,000 in current year – This is to prevent an $800 a month state contract payment in next year’s budget.
  • Plan for Capital Project vote in May 2023.

In summary, if we get the Foundation Aid increase promised in the governor’s budget, we will be in good shape. Karen and Regina are a very good team. They did a great job on this initial budget. They will be handing out a binder with all their work.

While there are many decisions we need to make as we prepare to present the budget proposal in March, this is a great starting point which will help us make critical decisions not just on staffing and programs but on the specifics of budget total and tax increase, as well as a potential future Capital Project. It will also get us a starting point for Plan B or C if promised funding does not come through.

Other Important Dates:

  • Wednesday, March 16, 2022, Budget Presentation
  • Wednesday, April 19, 2022, Board Approval of Budget
  • Wednesday, May 4, 2022, Budget Hearing
  • Tuesday, May 17, 2022, Budget Vote

LAND SWAP- Harmon Field/Earl Fields: We are close to bringing the land swap between the Village and the District to a close. However, we have been informed by the attorney that we need a survey done as the abstract does not give him enough information to close the deal. The survey can be done by Emrich and at a cost of $6000. It is my recommendation that you move to approve the survey by Emrich.  A brief discussion followed.  It was decided that the Board would like Interim Superintendent Tutty to ask the village to split the cost of the survey.

SPECIAL ED SETTLEMENT – I sent you the information from the attorney on this and it is my recommendation that you approve the payment of $27,500 to settle the claim.

Upon the recommendation of the School District’s attorney and having had an opportunity to consider the proposed Releases regarding the attorney’s fees in the matter of a special education due process claim against the Herkimer Central School District:

On a motion made by Ms. Fischer, and seconded by Mr. Mihevc, it is “RESOLVED that the Releases are approved and that the President of the Board of Education, the Interim Superintendent of Schools and the School District’s attorneys are each separately authorized to sign any documents necessary to complete the matter”.

All voted in favor; Motion carried 7:0.  (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

Administrative Reports: Mr. Abbe, Ms. Vogt and Ms. Tomaso gave an overview of their reports, which were all reviewed by the BOE.  A brief discussion followed.

Staffing Recommendations: Upon the recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Mr. Carney, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the following personnel actions as presented.  A brief discussion followed, and Interim Superintendent Tutty acknowledged and thanked last month’s retirees for their many years of service.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0:

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS:

Teaching Retirement:
Name:                                             Fox, David
Position:                                        Music Teacher
Location:                                       Elementary School
Effective Date:                           December 31, 2022

Name:                                             Schoff, Deborah
Position:                                        Pre-K Teacher
Location:                                       Elementary School
Effective Date:                           June 25, 2022

Teaching Resignation:
Name:                                             Perry Zegarelli, Keaton
Position:                                        Special Education Teacher
Location:                                       Jr./Sr. High School
Effective Date:                           February 27, 2022

Name:                                             Piazza, Gloria
Position:                                        Special Education Teacher
Location:                                       Elementary School
Effective Date:                           February 18, 2022

Administrative Tenure Appointment:
Name:                                              Abbe, Zachary
Position:                                        Middle School Principal
Location:                                       Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area:                              Middle School Principal
Type:                                               School Building Leader
Prob. Period Serv:                  02/01/2018 – 01/31/2022
Effective Date:                           February 1, 2022

Substitute Appointment:
Name:                                             Buckley, Lynnsey
Position:                                        Short-Term Substitute
Location:                                       Jr./Sr. High School
Effective Date:                           March 7, 2022 – June 24, 2022
Salary:                                            Based on Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes

Non-Teaching Appointments:
Name:                                             Basler, David
Position:                                         Full-Time Cleaner
Effective Date:                             6 month probation:  February 22, 2022 – August 21, 2022
Salary:                                              $15.00/hr. (Pending Fingerprint Clearance)

Home Tutor Appointment:
Name:                                             Evangelista, Cheri J.
Position:                                         Tutorial Services (District-Wide), pending fingerprint clearance
Effective Date:                             2021-2022 School Year, as needed
Salary:                                             Per HFA Contract

Extra- Curricular Appointments:

Name:                                             Ritzel, Russell
Appointment:                              Spring Assistant Director
Salary:                                             $1,770

Coaching Recommendations:
2022 Spring Interscholastic Coaching Appointments*

Name:                                             Steele, Zachary
Position:                                       Varsity Baseball

Name:                                              Zaleski, John
Position:                                        Varsity Baseball Unpaid Volunteer Assistant

Name:                                             Murphy, Cody
Position:                                       Modified Baseball

Name:                                             Lanahan, 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:                                              Appley, Daniel
Position:                                        Varsity Track Unpaid Volunteer Assistant

Name:                                             Heil, Kasy
Position:                                       Modified Track
Salary Per HFA Contract

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

Mentor Appointments for 2021-2022 School Year:

  • Jory, Cheryl, Classroom Teacher (Mentor)
  • Wallace, Kristy, Classroom Teacher (Mentee)
  • Salary per the HFA contract

CSE/CPSE Program / Placement Recommendations: Upon recommendation from Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Mr. Lewis, 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.  A brief discussion followed.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 02-16-22)

2022 – 2023 School Calendar Adoption
Upon recommendation of Interim Superintendent Tutty, on a motion made by Mr. Lewis, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE approved the 2022-2023 School Calendar as presented. A brief discussion followed.  All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplemental packet dated 02/16/22].

Board of Education Reports:

Interim Administrator Agreement Resolution: Mr. Carney moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution: “RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District approves the contract between Ms. Karen Mettler and the district, and authorizes the President of the Board of Education to sign the agreement, and further RESOLVED that the Board appoints Ms. Mettler as Interim Part-Time Business Manager effective February 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022, all in accordance with the terms of the above approved contract”.

All voted in favor; Motion carried 7:0.  Material filed in the supplemental packet dated 02/16/22].

BOCES Annual Meeting/Board of Education Nominations: President Crandall informed the Board that the BOCES Annual meeting will take place via zoom on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 6:00 pm.  The election of members to the BOCES Board will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 and Herkimer is one of 4 districts that have vacancies this year.  Mr. Samuel Luce has been filling the position and President Crandall will confirm with Mr. Luce that he would like to continue on the BOCES Board.

President’s Update: President Crandall extended his congratulations to the track team on a great season.  He stated that our all county, swing chorus, band/chorus concert and the middle school musical also did amazing jobs.

Future Meeting Dates/Agenda Items: The next scheduled BOE meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center, and the budget will be presented.

Meeting Evaluation: Mr. Lewis, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented his review of the February 16, 2022 Board of Education meeting.  He stated that the meeting went well and that the highlight of the meeting was the curriculum council presentations, although there was not enough time to fully see everything..  Several of the board members agreed.  Mr. Carney stated that he would like this type of presentation every month.

Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing negotiations and 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 7:0.

Executive Session: The Board moved into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.   Herkimer BOCES District Superintendent Ms. Sandra Sherwood and High School Principal, Ms. Mary Tomaso were invited into executive session as well.

Ms. Mary Tomaso exited Executive Session at 9:00 p.m.

Ms. Sandra Sherwood exited Executive Session at 10:10 p.m.

The Board exited Executive Session at 10:16 p.m.

Adjournment: On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Carney, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 10:22 p.m.  All voted in favor 7:0.

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