Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Zoghby
Mr. Mantalios (student board member)
Administration Present
Dr. Smith, Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Mr. Gross called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office and via Zoom.
Others in Attendance
Andrew Cottet, Benjamin Kenna, Ryan Babikian, Chris Grosso, Marlee Aberdeen, Emile Antoine, Alexis Scaramuzzino, Ava Sandroni, Bryce Dadey, Ben Porter, Harman Butalia, Braeden Hennessey, Abenezer Berhane, Eamon Giblin, Nina Autry, Carolina Couto, Kaitlin Houghland, Zachary Lapidus, and Jackson King.
Red Ram Recognition
Mr. Gross started Red Ram Recognition by welcoming staff and students back to school. He gave an update on professional development which took place over the summer including CR-SE training, and technology training on tools such as Canva, EduProtocols, WeVideo and Kami. He said 31 different professional development projects were realized over the summer.
Mr. Gross provided an update on new staff since September 2023 as well as the number of promotions within the district. He thanked the students that performed at the Staff Opening Day, as well as their teachers, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Toyama, Ms. Cunningham, and Ms. Razmjou.
Mr. Gross shared a schedule of Fall Sports – Opening Games/Matches. Though many have already passed, there were a few that are taking place this week. He welcomed all to attend. He also recognized the athletes from the sports teams that attended and took part in the Friday Morning Lights this past Friday on NewsChannel 9.
Mr. Gross noted that September is National Suicide Prevention Month and shared the National Suicide Prevention hotline number (988) and recognized the many resources in our schools for students. Lastly, he said that September 17 is National Voter Registration Day and encouraged all, especially seniors in High School, to register to vote.
Community Comment Time
Rachel Wagner commented on the District Strategic Plan. She spoke about her family as well as other families of color and how they suffer due to inequities in the district. She said that to prioritize equity, issues must be discussed by a more diverse group of board members. Mr. Gross asked Mrs. Wagner to send a list of questions to him to share with the Board.
Mr. Zoghby moved, and Dr. Archer seconded the motion to allow a comment to be heard during the first comment time, which does not apply to the agenda.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Neal Abrams previously requested to speak regarding the chrome book use contract at the Middle School. Mr. Abrams was not in attendance and therefore did not comment.
Approve Consent Agenda
Mrs. DeForest moved and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion carried. (9-0-0).
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – September 9, 2024
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Laura Petralia, Teaching Assistant, four-year probationary appointment, new position
-
- Location: District
- Salary: $30,026.00 (prorated $28,825)
- Certification: Teaching Assistant Level 1 in process
- Effective: September 10, 2024
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – District – 2023-2024
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Nicole Abdo, Mentor for Tara Osterdale, $396.06
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Jamesville Elementary School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Megan Murphy-Keukelaar, CSE Chairperson, $2,488.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Moses DeWitt Elementary School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Beth Croll-Mackenzie, CSE Chairperson, $2,488.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Tecumseh Elementary School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
-
- Kelly Beaudoin, CSE Chairperson, $2,488.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – High School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Constance Myers, Bus Supervision, PM, $1,388.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Fall Coaching – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Jalique Huntley, Boys JV Soccer Coach, Volunteer, $0
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Winter Coaching – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- John Lenish, Boys and Girls, Varsity Assistant Indoor Track Coach, $3,843.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Spring Coaching – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- John Lenish, Boys and Girls, Varsity Assistant Track Coach, $3,843.00
Request for Leave of Absence
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Brae Fuller, Teaching Assistant, Middle School, unpaid leave of absence, September 3 through October 25, 2024
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Change in Status
Name, position, change, location and effective date:
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- Jalique Huntley, Teacher Aide, from part-time to full-time, 52-week probationary appointment, Tecumseh Elementary, September 9, 2024, replacing J. Cosbey
Resignation
Name, assignment, location and effective date:
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- Jonna Cosbey, Teacher Aide, Tecumseh, August 30, 2024
Addendum to Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – September 9, 2024
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointment
Name, position, location, salary and effective date:
-
- Tyehimea Reese, Lifeguard, 52-week probationary appointment, Middle School, $19.25/hr., replacing T. Yim, September 30, 2024
Approve Minutes of the August 19, 2024, Board Meeting
Mr. Zogbhy moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2024, Board Meeting.
Motion carried. (8-0-1). Dr. Archer abstained.
Approve Minutes of the August 26, 2024, Board Meeting
Mr. Baxter moved, and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the August 26, 2024, Board Meeting.
Motion carried. (9-0-0).
2024-2025 District Goals, Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith presented the 2024-2025 District Goals. Following his presentation, he asked for feedback and said the goals will be brought back for approval at the next meeting. He said all goals are based on the Strategic Plan and he reviewed all four goals: address inequity; data-based decision-making/multi-tiered systems of support; sense of belonging; and community-school communication. Dr. Smith said the goals are in the shared drive and that any comments should be directed to him. (See Supplemental Minutes)
Board Member Personal Information on the District Website
Mr. Gross explained that the topic of board member personal information on the district website started after the last board meeting. He said currently, all board members’ names, addresses, phone numbers and emails appear on the district website. Dr. Smith added that the contact information was put on the website to be more transparent and accessible. Now, after seeing many cyber security concerns, there is a recommendation to scrub the website of all email addresses to avoid phishing. Dr. Smith said the administration is exploring workarounds and other ways of protecting the district, and that the board needs to make some decisions as well.
Mrs. Scott said she did research on other districts and found that none of the districts share personal information, but share district emails, as well as a biography and a profile picture so that when board members are in the community, they are recognized.
Dr. Archer said she has a hard time trying to figure out who to email when navigating the website. She suggested adding a “if you want to email the nurse, click here”, “if you want to email attendance, click here”. Dr. Smith agreed that while ParentSquare works great for contacting teachers, it is not the case for other staff members.
Mr. Gross said he feels that being reachable in diverse ways is important as a board member. Dr. Smith stated that there is no legal requirement for board member contact information to be publicized. He said that we can immediately remove whatever pieces of information we want from the website. Mr. Gross suggested we remove all information other than district emails and work on biographies and photos. He also said he is in favor of working with the technology department to find an alternate contact form. It was decided that all information be removed, except for name and district emails.
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Dr. Archer asked for a conversation regarding Pre-K and how our Rothschild and Little Lukes Pre-K’s operate differently than the in-house Pre-K’s.
2023-2034 Student Conduct Report, Mr. Reyes
Mr. Reyes presented the Board with the Annual Student Conduct Report. (See Supplemental Minutes). The presentation included discipline summaries by building, suspension information, superintendent’s hearings, equity in student management by race/ethnicity data, students with disabilities data and economically disadvantaged data, dispositions, trends in student management and supports for students. Mr. Reyes also discussed factors in improving and maintaining a positive school climate and included the supports currently being used. Lastly, Mr. Reyes took questions from the Board.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Smith reported a smooth opening to school. He reported some behavioral incidents at the High School, which Mr. Lawson was very disappointed. Dr. Smith reported some transportation issues, which are common during the first week of school. Dr. Smith provided an update on the strategic planning process and said that a Thoughtexchange will go out this week and be open through September 27. He said the feedback from the data will inform the Equity Council working with Mr. Franz. Dr. Smith said he has sent out an invitation to all board members and administration for the first session on October 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., which will cover mission, beliefs and core values. He said the second session will take place on October 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. and will be using the data to write a new plan. Dr. Smith said the district is working on identifying people interested in participating, while making sure all stakeholders are represented.
Dr. Smith shared information on an idea that Sarah Germain, our CapRegion BOCES information specialist had brought to him regarding expanding communication in the community. He said the idea is to create a Parent Square community group, which would allow community members the opportunity to opt in to receive notifications and select different preferences of information to receive. He said that to be more transparent, it will push out specific information of value to our community on topics such as budget votes, capital projects, strategic planning and tax information. Dr. Smith praised Ms. Germain for her work on this. He said the notifications can be translated into all languages. Ms. Germain will be sharing the different ways to opt in.
Dr. Smith reported that the number of breakfast and lunch meals have increased at all buildings. He will provide more concrete data in approximately ten weeks.
Dr. Smith shared upcoming events and encouraged board members to attend if they have an opportunity.
Board President’s Report
Mr. Gross reported on the board retreat and said they spent most of time going over the legal aspects of Special Education and thanked both Mrs. Tracey Menapace, Director of PPS and Ms. Kate Reid, Esq. from Bond, Schoeneck and King for their presentation on the role as board members and the law behind it. He thanked the board for participating and providing reflections.
Mr. Gross shared information on the upcoming NYSSBA Conference which is taking place in New York City from October 20 to 22. He said he is reaching out to board members to gauge if there is anyone available to attend in person and if anyone is interested in a virtual option as well. He said that the NYSSBA is a great resource for us as a district.
Mr. Gross shared the published NYSSBA resolutions with board members and said there is an upcoming virtual meeting on October 10. Mr. Gross is the designated district representative for this advocacy but would welcome any other board member to participate.
Mr. Gross reported on other board assignments aside from the standing committees. He said that the strategic planning/steering committee will involve all members, so that is off the table. He is still looking for representation in the following areas: Town of DeWitt, board governance handbook finalization, Equity Council and Booster Club. He will be in touch with assignments.
Lastly, Mr. Gross said all members should have received an email from CNYSBA regarding webinars on the Blue Ribbon Commission and that as we go through the year, this will be a continuing topic.
Community Comment Time, #2
There were no comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Mr. Bartlett explained that at the August 19, 2024, board meeting, the Tax Rates were approved. As a formality all board members are required to sign the tax warrant, and he would be passing it around for signatures. (See Supplemental Minutes)
At 8:57 p.m., Mr. Babikian moved, and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (9-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: 9-30-24