Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Mr. Zoghby
Mr. Mantalios (student board member)
Members Absent
Mrs. Scott
Administration Present
Dr. Smith, Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Others in attendance: Jaeda Robinson, Jenna Quinn, Melanie Quinn, Sadie Withers, Sanaya Seth, Mattia Wright, Laird Updyke, Ben Maxloa, Caidence McIntosh, Sam Ashe, Gaby Garcia Thomas, Vanessa Sobey, Avery Kielbasinski, Abiyah Campbell, Aditi Shah, Mark DeRoberts, Jonathan Dobrovech, Jack Saya.
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.
External Audit Report
Jaimie Galante, CPA Partner and Caroline Heaviside, CPA Supervisor of Grossman St. Amour presented the 2023 – 2024 independent audit report to the Board of Education. (See Supplemental Minutes for report). A detailed presentation of this report was provided to the Audit Committee prior to the board meeting. As part of his report, Ms. Galante and Ms. Heaviside reviewed the next steps for the board. The auditors expressed an unmodified, or clean opinion, in the district-wide financial statements, which is positive for the District. The auditors reviewed the audit performed on the extra classroom activities fund and expressed an opinion which is modified for the scope limitation as they deal with cash receipts. She said this is a typical opinion with these statements.
Lastly, the auditors provided recommendations for oversight and review as well as the timeliness of key financial processes. The board will be asked to accept the audit and the corrective action plan at the next meeting.
2024 Capital Project Presentation, Ashley McGraw Architects
Representatives from Ashley McGraw Architects, LeChase Construction, Keplinger Landscape Architects, Fiscal Advisors and M-E engineers presented a report to the board regarding the proposed 2024 Capital Project. Representatives from each part of the team shared information related to the project goals, development process, scope, and budget including a financial overview of the project. The board will be asked to approve a resolution to move forward with a referendum at the next board meeting. If approved, a public presentation of the project will take place on November 14 and the referendum will be voted on December 17.
Red Ram Recognition
During Red Ram Recognition, Mr. Gross recognized and congratulated the following:
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- Andrew Starowicz, a middle school teacher was nominated by a student to be featured as the Teacher of the Week in the publication, The Week.
- Peter Drew, senior at the High School on his achievement as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, who is in the top 1% of scores for the PSAT/MNSQT in New York State
- All faculty for their work and dedication during the 2024 open houses
Mr. Gross shared information on the upcoming Sally Lock/Coaches vs. Cancer Soccer games and provided the date and times.
Lastly, Mr. Gross recognized Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15, and Filipino American History Month during October. He also shared that October is Physical Therapy Month and recognized our district Physical Therapists, Jillian Frechette and Katie Varga.
Community Comment Time
There were no comments.
Approve Consent Agenda
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- Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Substitute Re-Appointments and New Substitute Appointments
- Accept Internal Claims Auditor Reports
- Accept CPSE and CSE Recommendations
- Approve Minutes of the September 9, 2024, Meeting
- Approve Disposal of Surplus District Vehicles
- Approve Treasurer’s reports.
- Approval Final Reserve Fund Contribution
- Addendum to Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations
Mr. Baxter had a question regarding the personnel recommendations and asked for them to be pulled out of the Consent Agenda.
Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to remove the Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Substitute Re-Appointments, New Substitute Appointments and Addendum to the Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations from the Consent Agenda and to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.
Motion carried. 8-0-0
At 7:48 p.m., Mr. Baxter moved, and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss the personnel recommendations.
Motion carried. 8-0-0
At 7:55 p.m., Mrs. DeForest moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to adjourn the executive session.
Motion carried. 8-0-0
At 7:57 p.m., Mr. Gross called the regular meeting back to order.
Mrs. James Murad moved, and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to approve the Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Substitute Re-Appointments, New Substitute Appointments and Addendum to Superintendent Personnel Recommendations.
Motion carried. 8-0-0
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – September 30, 2024
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – High School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- John Lembeck, eSports Team, Advisor, $1,585.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Jamesville Elementary – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Tamara Budgeon, Bus Duty, PM, $669.00
Resignation – Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Jamesville Elementary
Name, assignment, location and effective date:
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- Julie Kielbasa, Bus Duty, PM, September 10, 2024
Request for Leave of Absence
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Daniel Vinette, Technology Teacher, Middle School, parental leave of absence, November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Rebecca Forgione, Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation Dept., $15.50/hr., October 1, 2024
- Maya Kamberaj, part-time Teacher Aide, High School, $15.70/hr., October 1, 2024, new position
- Kenneth Whitney, Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation Dept., $15.50/hr., October 1, 2024
Addendum to Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – September 30, 2024
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Nicole MacCombi-Casimiro, part-time Food Service Worker, Cafeteria, $16.70/hr., October 1, 2024, replacing S. Smith
- Olga Glover, part-time Teacher Aide, Tecumseh Elementary, $15.70/hr., October 1, 2024, replacing J. Cosbey
Adopt 2024-2025 District Goals
The goals are unchanged from the presentation at the previous meeting.
Mr. Baxter moved, and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to adopt the 2024-2025 District Goals.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
There was none.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report, Curriculum Updates
Mr. Franz provided the board with a report on curriculum changes, additions, modifications and revisions occurring across the district and across disciplines. Mr. Franz said there is another update scheduled for January.
(See Supplemental Minutes for presentation).
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Smith began his report by thanking the Board of Education for supporting his attendance at the NYSCOSS Conference. He shared that it is a very important statewide conference which was well attended by the other superintendents in the OCM BOCES districts. He said he attended a number of sessions, including a session on belonging, which was hosted by our partners at the ThoughtExchange. This included a panel discussion with the head of the Cap Region BOCES communications, as well as the Superintendent, Dr. Kevin McGowan, who is leading our Strategic Planning. He also attended sessions on policy, new APPR legislation, Foundation Aid study, AI, school safety and support in administrative leadership. He said he appreciates the support of the Board.
Dr. Smith shared an update on the Southwood Property and said he recently received draft legislative language from Assemblywoman Hunter’s office. He said this is similar to the previous language used when the law was presented in 1999, and the draft is currently in the hands of the Town of Onondaga and their attorney. Once it comes back to us, it will then go back to Pamela Hunter’s office and be introduced at the state level with hopes of a timeline development. Dr. Smith said he will continue to update the Board on this.
Lastly, Dr. Smith shared upcoming events.
Committee Reports
Dr. Smith updated the Board on the Policy Committee meeting. The committee reviewed a local policy surrounding when the district makes a public statement. He said the committee is in the third year of reviewing the existing policy handbook and they are working their way through the 7,000 and 8,000’s this year.
On behalf of the Audit Committee, Mr. Baxter thanked Grossman St. Amour for their presentation. He said the Committee will be focused on the internal audit at the upcoming meetings.
Board President’s Report
Mr. Gross shared additional board member assignments. He said that Mr. Baxter, Mr. Zogbhy and himself will all be assigned to the subcommittee that will meet with the Town of DeWitt. He assigned Mrs. DeForest, Mr. Babikian and Mrs. Scott to the Governance Handbook Committee. Lastly, he said Mrs. James Murad has represented the Board with the Booster Club previously and that both Dr. Archer and Mrs. Cortese have expressed interest in the Equity Council. He asked them to touch base with them on their interest.
Mr. Gross reminded the Board of the NYSSBA Conference taking place October 20 through 22. Mrs. James Murad will try to attend. Mr. Gross reminded the board that there is the option of attending the conference virtually.
Mr. Gross asked Dr. Smith for the date of the meeting with the Town of DeWitt. Dr. Smith said the meeting will take place on October 16 and he will send an invitation to the subcommittee.
Student Board Member’s Report
Mr. Mantalios said that the student body is concerned with the school budget and the loss of teachers. He hopes to investigate this. He reported that on a positive note, the High School has the Homecoming Dance coming up soon and thanked the Student Government for helping bring this dance back.
Community Comment Time, #2
There were no comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
NYSSBA Resolutions
Mrs. James Murad moved, and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to review and discuss the NYSSBA Resolutions that were provided to the Board for review.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mr. Gross explained the review process of each resolution being recommended/supported by both the Resolutions Committee and the DEI Committee.
Mr. Baxter moved, and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to support Proposed Resolution numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 25.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mrs. James Murad moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to support Resolution number 22.
Motion carried. (5-1-2) Dr. Archer opposed. Mr. Zoghby and Mrs. Cortese abstained.
Mrs. James Murad moved, and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to oppose Resolution number 16.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
At 9:00 p.m., Mr. Zoghby moved, and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to allow a brief recess for students to have their agendas signed and exit the meeting.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
At 9:02 p.m, Mr. Gross called the meeting back to order.
Mrs. James Murad moved, and Dr. Archer seconded the motion to oppose Resolution number 23.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mr. Babikian moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to oppose Resolution number 24.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mr. Baxter moved, and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to support Resolution number 6.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mr. Babikian moved, and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to support Resolution number 10.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mr. Zoghby moved, and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to support Resolution number 11.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mr. Baxter moved, and Mr. Babikian moved to support Resolution number 12.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mrs. DeForest moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to oppose the remaining Resolutions numbers 17, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 in one motion.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
At 9:18 p.m., Mr. Baxter moved, and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (8-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: 10-28-24