Members Present
Dr. Archer (Dr. Archer joined the meeting at 7:00 p.m.)
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
Others in attendance: Laura George, Pat Duca, Brian Durkin, Alex Wilson, Carrie Wilson, Robert Cavalluzzi, Michael Fitzpatrick and Christiana Semabia.
Mr. Gross called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:04 p.m. in the library at Jamesville Elementary School and via Zoom. Mrs. DeForest moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to move to Executive Session to discuss the employment history of personnel.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
At 6: 39 p.m., Mr. Babikian moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session.
Motion carried. (8-0-0).
At 7:00 p.m., Mr. Gross called the regular meeting to order.
At 7:00 p.m., Dr. Archer joined the meeting.
Presentation, Mrs. Baker, Principal, Jamesville Elementary School
Mrs. Baker welcomed the Board to Jamesville Elementary School and shared her presentation. Mrs. Baker’s presentation focused on Jamesville by numbers, curriculum updates, a review of the sense of belonging at Jamesville and student experiences; the why’s, what’s and next steps. Mrs. Baker also shared examples of community sense of belonging, on how students are given opportunities to become leaders, how implementing a lunch experience is helping with student experience, and how school-wide events such as the Winter Carnival are helping students, staff and family to connect.
(See Supplemental Minutes).
Red Ram Recognition
Mr. Gross shared Red Ram Recognition and recognized and/or congratulated the following:
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- Mona Farah, nominated as the Girls Tennis Player of the Year.
- Jamesville-DeWitt school vocal groups who provided entertainment around the holidays. He thanked them for spreading joy and sharing their talents.
- The French Club members who demonstrated their culinary skills while preparing the annual Buch deNoel!
- Poetry Out Loud winners: Paloma Arena (first place), Jenna Abdel-Aziz (second place), Emerson Ridzi (third place). He wished Paloma and Jenna good luck as they continue on to the regional competition in February.
Lastly, Mr. Gross recognized and thanked the entire Transportation Department for delivering students to school and back home safely. He reminded all to review the District’s Emergency Closing Procedures. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Community Comment Time
Elizabeth Asiago Reddy submitted an online request for community comment time but was not in attendance and could not be found in attendance virtually. Mr. Gross indicated that he would look to see if she was in attendance during the second community comment time.
Approve Consent Agenda
Dr. Archer moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
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- Approve Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments
- Accept Internal Claims Auditor Report
- Approve the Minutes of the December 9, 2024, Board Meeting and December 17, 2024 Special Meeting
- Approve Disposal of Surplus District Assets
- Accept November Treasurer’s Report
Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – January 13, 2025
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Alexander Way, Special Education Teacher, four-year probationary appointment, replacing S. Guillaume
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- Location: High School
- Salary: $63,135.00 (B2-M+45) (prorated)
- Certification: Initial SWD Grades 7-12, Generalist
- Effective: January 21, 2025
Name and position: Emma Shute, Teaching Assistant, four-year probationary appointment, new position
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- Location: Jamesville Elementary School
- Salary: $30,026.00 (prorated)
- Certification: Teaching Assistant Level 1 (in progress)
- Effective: January 14, 2025
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Amy Harmon, CSE Chairperson, Non-Public Schools, $2,488.00 (effective 1/14/25)
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – High School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Vitaliy Yanchuck, Bus Supervision, AM, $1,338.00
Resignation – Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Middle School – 2024-2025
Name and assignment:
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- Justin Bird, MS Musical 7/8 Producer
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Middle School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Anastasia Sabine, MS Musical 7/8 Producer, $924.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Tecumseh – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Elizabeth Stephens, Bus Supervision, PM, $669.00 (prorated from 12/11/24)
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Winter Coaching – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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Kristen Panzetta, Co-Ed Unified Sports Coach, (Bowling), $924.00
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Extra Duty Assignment – Intramurals – Middle School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Ghada Abu-Ramadan, Session 2 Coach Substitute, $22.88
- Justin Bird, Session 2 Coach, $68.64
- Jessica Duerr, Session 2 Coach, $205.92
- Andy Starowicz, Session 2 Coach, $68.64
- Ariel Tranchell, Session 2 Coach, $91.52
Request for Leave of Absence
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Brae Fuller, Teaching Assistant, Middle School, unpaid leave, January 13, 2025 through March 14, 2025
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Marangelie Mercado, Teaching Assistant, High School, January 14, 2025
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Alexander Thornton, Substitute Custodian, Custodial Department, $15.50/hr., January 14, 2025
Request for Leave of Absence
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Samantha Kaufman, Typist II, Tecumseh, FMLA, January 6, 2025 to January 5, 2026
Retirement
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Misael Calderon, Groundskeeper, Maintenance Department, January 21, 2025
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Emma Shute, Teacher Aide, Jamesville Elementary School, January 13, 2025
Accept the Results of the 2024 Capital Project Vote
Mr. Baxter moved, and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to accept the results of the 2024 Capital Project Vote.
Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes).
Approve 2024 Capital Project Bond Resolution
Mr. Babikian moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the following 2024 Capital Project Bond Resolution.
Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
BOND RESOLUTION DATED JANUARY 13, 2025
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF CERTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BY THE JAMESVILLE-DEWITT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $34,500,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $33,500,000 SERIAL BONDS TO PAY THE COSTS THEREOF.
WHEREAS, at the special district meeting of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District, Onondaga County, New York (the “School District”), duly called, held and conducted on December 17, 2024, the duly qualified voters of the School District approved a proposition authorizing the renovation, reconstruction, improvement, rehabilitation, repair, furnishing and/or equipping the District’s buildings and facilities, including, but not limited to, the renovation and reconstruction of building exteriors and interiors, plumbing, electrical, gas line and HVAC renovations and improvements, fiber optic upgrades, corridor and miscellaneous bathroom renovations, gym facade renovations, locker room renovations, miscellaneous floor renovations, miscellaneous door replacements, miscellaneous heating and cooling equipment replacement, campus wide site improvement consisting of asphalt and concrete pavement, flagpole replacement, playground renovation, stadium lighting, bus garage roof replacement, HVAC replacement and lift replacement, tennis court renovations, fencing renovations, retaining wall repairs, signage improvements, exterior stair repair and renovations, baseball field renovations and improvements, pool locker room renovations, kitchen equipment replacement and upgrades, basketball court renovations, drainage improvements, and grading or improvement of the sites and acquisition of original furnishings, equipment, machinery and apparatus required for the purposes for which such buildings, facilities and improvements are to be used (the “Project”), at a total estimated maximum cost not to exceed $34,500,000; to withdraw $500,000 from the District’s Facilities Improvement Capital Reserve Fund and $500,000 from the District’s 2023 Capital Reserve Fund, respectively, to pay a portion of said costs; and to raise $33,500,000 by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the District to be collected in annual installments in the years and in the amounts as the Board shall determine in accordance with Section 416 of the Education Law, which tax may be offset by New York State aid available therefore; and
WHEREAS, all conditions precedent to the financing of the capital project described above, including compliance with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, have been performed; and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to provide for the financing of such capital project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District, Onondaga County, New York, as follows:
Section 1. The renovation, reconstruction, improvement, rehabilitation, repair, furnishing and/or equipping the District’s buildings and facilities, including, but not limited to, the renovation and reconstruction of building exteriors and interiors, plumbing, electrical and HVAC renovations and improvements, corridor and miscellaneous bathroom renovations, gym facade renovations, miscellaneous floor renovations, miscellaneous door replacements, miscellaneous heating and cooling equipment replacement, campus wide site improvement consisting of asphalt and concrete pavement, flagpole replacement, playground renovation and improvement, and grading or improvement of the sites and acquisition of original furnishings, equipment, machinery and apparatus required for the purposes for which such buildings, facilities and improvements are to be used, is hereby authorized at a total estimated maximum cost not to exceed $34,500,000.
Section 2. The plan for the financing of such estimated maximum cost shall consist of the following:
(a) the issuance of up to $33,500,000 serial bonds of the School District, which is hereby authorized, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law;
(b) the appropriation and expenditure of up to $500,000 from the School District’s Facilities Improvement Capital Reserve Fund, which is hereby authorized; and
(c) the appropriation and expenditure of up to $500,000 from the School District’s 2023 Capital Reserve Fund, which is hereby authorized.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid objects or purposes is thirty (30) years pursuant to subdivision 97 of paragraph (a) of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law. The proposed maturity of the Bonds shall be in excess of five years.
Section 4. Subject to the provisions of this resolution and of the Local Finance Law, and pursuant to the provisions of Sections 21.00, 30.00, 50.00 and 56.00 to 63.00, inclusive, of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the bonds herein authorized (the “Bonds”), including renewals of such notes, and the power to prescribe the terms, form and contents of the Bonds, and any bond anticipation notes, and the power to sell and deliver the Bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the Bonds, and the power to issue Bonds providing for substantially level or declining annual debt service, is hereby delegated to the President of the Board of Education, the chief fiscal officer of the School District.
Section 5. The temporary use of available funds of the School District, not immediately required for the purpose or purposes for which the same were borrowed, raised or otherwise created, is hereby authorized pursuant to Section 165.10 of the Local Finance Law, for the capital purposes described in Section 1 of this resolution.
Section 6. The reasonably expected source of funds to be used to initially pay for the expenditures authorized by Section 1 of this resolution shall be from the School District’s General Fund. It is intended that the School District shall then reimburse expenditures from the General Fund with the proceeds of the Bonds and bond anticipation notes authorized by this resolution and that the interest payable on the Bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the Bonds shall be excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes. This resolution is intended to constitute the declaration of the School District’s “official intent” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.150-2 to reimburse the expenditures authorized by this resolution with the proceeds of the Bonds and bond anticipation notes authorized herein. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies are reasonably expected to be received, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to the permanent funding of the objects or purposes described herein.
Section 7. The faith and credit of the School District are hereby irrevocably pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Bonds, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the Bonds, and provision shall be made annually in the budget of the School District by appropriation for (a) the amortization and redemption of the Bonds and bond anticipation notes to mature in such year, and (b) the payment of interest to be due and payable in such year.
Section 8. The Bonds, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the Bonds, shall contain the recital of validity prescribed by Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and the Bonds, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the Bonds, shall be general obligations of the School District, payable as to both principal and interest by a general tax upon all the real property within the School District without legal or constitutional limit as to rate or amount.
Section 9. The Bonds and bond anticipation notes authorized to be issued by this Bond Resolution are hereby authorized to be consolidated, at the option of the President of the Board of Education, the Chief Fiscal Officer, with the Bonds and bond anticipation notes authorized by other Bond Resolutions previously or hereafter adopted by the Board of Education for purposes of sale in one or more bond or note issues aggregating an amount not to exceed the amount authorized in such Bond Resolutions. All matters regarding the sale of the Bonds, including the date of the Bonds, the use of electronic bidding, the consolidation of the Bonds and the bond anticipation notes with other issues of the School District and the serial maturities of the Bonds are hereby delegated to the President of the Board of Education, the Chief Fiscal Officer of the School District.
Section 10. In the absence of the President of the Board of Education, the Vice President of the Board of Education is hereby specifically authorized to exercise the powers delegated to the President of the Board of Education in this Resolution.
Section 11. The validity of the Bonds or any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of the Bonds may be contested only if:
(a) such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the School District is not authorized to expend money; or
(b) the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of the publication of this resolution or a summary hereof are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days (20) days after such publication; or
(c) such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 12. The President of the Board of Education, as chief fiscal officer of the School District, is hereby authorized to enter into an undertaking for the benefit of the holders of the Bonds from time to time, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of the Bonds, requiring the School District to provide secondary market disclosure as required by United States Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12.
Section 13. This resolution, or a summary hereof, shall be published in the official newspapers of the School District, together with a notice of the School District Clerk in substantially the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 14. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approve Award of Construction Manager Contract for 2024 Capital Project to LeChase Construction Services, LLC.
Mrs. Cortese moved, and Dr. Archer seconded the motion to Award the Construction Manager Contract for the 2024 Capital Project to LeChase Construction Services, LLC.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Resolution Authorizing Attorneys designated by the RIC ONE Risk Operations Center to Negotiate and Approve Data Privacy Agreements
Mr. Baxter moved, and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to approve a resolution authorizing attorneys designated by the RIC ONE Risk Operations Center to negotiate and approve data privacy agreements.
Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes).
Board Policy, First Reading
The following readings came to the Board for a second reading:
· Policy 3421: Title IX and Sex Discrimination
· Policy 7313: Suspension of Students
· Policy 7330: Searches and Interrogations of Students
· Policy 7554: Equal Educational Opportunities
· Policy 7555: Educational Services for Married/Pregnant Students
There were no changes made to the policies.
Mr. Zoghby moved, and Mrs. James Murad seconded the approval of Board Policies 3421, 7313, 7330, 7554 and 7555.
Motion carried. (9-0-0).
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
There was none.
Budget Discussion: Foundation Aid Update, Mr. Bartlett
Mr. Bartlett shared a budget presentation which included information on the NYS budget timeline, Foundation Aid Study and the J-D budget timeline. He said the governor’s deadline to propose the state budget is Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and the budget deadline is Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Next, he shared background on Foundation Aid Study, recommendations and key takeaways. Lastly, Mr. Bartlett shared the J-D budget timeline. Next meeting, Mr. Bartlett will provide a preliminary look at revenues and expense drivers.
(See Supplemental Minutes).
Board Discussion: District Equity Council
Mr. Gross started the discussion with background on the District Equity Council. He said at the December retreat, the Board looked at the historical information leading to recommendations for the District Equity Council. The discussion is being brought to the meeting tonight to determine how to move forward. He said the Metro Center brought recommendations including a moral imperative. He said he is hoping we will determine what we are willing to do as a Board to support the District Equity Council moving forward.
There was a board discussion that included topics of regularly scheduled meetings, acting as an advisory group with items to come to agenda, level of structure and function coming directly from the District, Board presence on the committee, developing a committee charter with a role and purpose, and timeline of how and when the council should be used.
Mr. Franz stated that there is a step-by-step process for creating a charter, or moral imperative. All Board members were given an assignment to draft a statement and bring it to the next meeting. Mr. Franz will share the suggested process and Mr. Gross said if anyone needs the information from the Metro Center to let him know.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Smith shared updates on the capital project. He said the work will be divided into two phases. Phase 1 will be work at Tecumseh and the High School and Phase 2 will be the remaining work. He shared a timeline for each phase. In addition, Dr. Smith said that part of the capital project work was replacing stadium lights. He said the contractor was very aggressive and completed the work immediately after the project was approved.
Dr. Smith provided an update on the Southwood Property. He said Assemblyperson Pamela Hunter has introduced legislation in the Assembly and Senator May’s office has drafted legislation for introduction to the Senate. He said he is hopeful that this proceeds on schedule.
Dr. Smith shared information with the Board regarding the OCM BOCES crisis intervention team. He said this is an expert crisis support team that is available to component districts. The team is specially trained in trauma and crisis and the district can call on BOCES to provide this support whenever needed. He said he felt it was a very impressive addition to the services that BOCES offers
Lastly Dr. Smith shared upcoming events.
Board President’s Report
Mr. Gross shared an update on the Superintendent Search. He reported that mailings have been sent out and the application deadline is set for January 31. Mr. Gross shared a timeline of screening and final interviews. He asked board members to check their emails for a request of their availability. He will share a survey that will be sent out to the community.
Mr. Gross shared upcoming events including a budget refresher course through CNYSBA which will take place on January 28, a legislative forum at OCM BOCES taking place on February 8 and a Capital Conference through NYSSBA which will take place virtually on February 7 and in person on February 12.
Mr. Gross reviewed the inclement weather procedures for Board meetings. He said that even if afterschool activities are cancelled, past practice has been for a board meeting to continue to take place. He said that to have a meeting via zoom, the meeting still needs to originate from a location, which means board members need to attend. He said if a board member is unable to attend, they should email him.
Community Comment Time, #2
There were no new comments online.
Christiana Semabia commented on the District Equity Council. She shared her experience with the district and said the challenge is a wall of silence. She said students have experienced inequity in the district for decades and don’t receive appropriate remedies. She said this should be the “why”.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
There was none.
At 8:54 p.m., Mr. Zoghby moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED : January 27, 2025