Members Present
Mrs. Austin
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Mr. Leach
Ms. McKenney
Mrs. Souser
Mr. Zoghby
Members Absent
Dr. Archer
Malak Aljerari
Administration Present
Dr. Smith. Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Furlong, Interim Business Administrator
Others in attendance: Emily Bulone, Amanda Aitken, Kaira McMahon, Jeff Cantor, Sean McMahon, Monica McMahon, Joseph Bulone, David Aitken, Kerri Aitken, Chad Corcoran, Joe Torok, Juliette Torok
Mrs. DeForest called the Board Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office and via Zoom.
Accept Donation from the Jamesville-DeWitt Little League
Emily Bulone, Kaira McMachon and Amanda Aitken, co-captains of the girls softball team shared background and history leading to the presentation of a donation from the Jamesville –Dewitt Little League which will be used for improvements to the Lyndon softball fields. They said they started playing at Lyndon Fields over a decade ago and that discussions about improving the conditions of the fields have been ongoing for years. The girls recognized Coach Cantor, Mr. Doran, Mr. Corcoran, and Mrs. King and Mrs. Cohen from the Booster Club for their dedication and work. They credited the parents, coaches, booster club and fans for their countless hours of work and thanked Dr. Smith, the Board of Education and the entire school district for their support. They presented a check to Dr. Smith and the Board of Education in the amount of $64,362 be applied towards improvements.
Mr. Leach moved and Mrs. Souser seconded the motion to accept the donation of $64,362 from the Jamesville-DeWitt Little League.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Red Ram Recognition
Mrs. DeForest recognized:
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- JD Booster Club and shared information on volunteering
- The following students for their induction into the National Technical Honor Society: Dominic Duca, Tionne Gayle, Alric Good, Clyde Rathbun, Nathaniel Wales and Ryan Zaborsky
- The following Esports teams for qualifying for playoffs: Hearthstone, Mario Kart, Splatoon, Smash Bros and Rocket League
- Tecumseh Learning Pad’s 10th Annual Lemonade Stand which raised $5,465.60 for the Central New York Autism Society of America and ARISE Adaptive Design
- Rambunctious staff for being awarded a Silver Crown by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association
- RamPage for the following Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Awards; 1st place, (two awards) David Scibilia; 3rd place, (two awards) Isaiah Steinberg; Certificate of Merit Mila Morgan and Isaiah Steinberg and Certificate of Merit, Madie Philips
- DeForest recognized celebrating diversity with Easter, Passover and Ramadan coinciding this year
Mrs. Souser recognized J-D Boys Varsity Tennis who have won both their matches so far.
Mr. Gross shared that Dr. Smith attended a reception at Syracuse University where J-D was recognized as one of five districts that were part of the inaugural Project Advance, which is now 50 years old. They honored J-D with a plaque which will be displayed.
(See Supplemental Minutes).
Community Comment Time #1
Paul Gratien commented on the transgender athletic policy as it relates to biological males playing in traditionally female sports. He questioned the safety and rights to privacy of the girls, and asked about the state’s guidelines referring districts to make their own decisions. Mrs. DeForest explained that it is the practice to not respond to comments, but to respond to questions by email.
Amend Agenda
Mrs. Souser moved and Mr. Leach seconded the amending of the agenda to remove the Student Board Member Report and from New Business, the Board Handbook.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Approve Consent Agenda
Ms. McKenney moved and Mr. Leach seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
1. Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments
2. Approve CPSE and CSE Recommendations
3. Approve Minutes of the March 27, 2023 Board Meeting
4. Approve Overnight Field Trip Request
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, April 27, 2023
INSTRUCTIONAL
Change in Status
Name, position, location, change and effective date:
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- Allison Barnes, Special Education Teacher, Moses DeWitt, increase from .6 to 1.0, pro-rated salary $37,457.07 for 22-23 school year, four year probationary appointment, April 18, 2023
Extra Duty Assignment – Spring Coaching – 2022-2023 School Year
Name, assignment and stipend:
-
- Jack Austin, Boys Modified Lacrosse Coach, Volunteer *
*Pending completion of the certification process
Extra Duty Assignment – Intramurals – Middle School – 2022-2023 School Year
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Brae Fuller, Session 4 Intramural Coach, $211.50
- Dan Glazier, Session 4 Intramural Coach, $232.65
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Season – Winter Coaching
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Robert Bewley, Varsity Head Swimming Coach, $1,809.00
- Keith Cieplicki, Varsity Head Basketball Coach, $632.00
- Robert Dixon, Varsity Assistant Track Coach, $341.00
- Patrick Gillette, Varsity Head Track Coach, $1,620.00
- Alanna Jones, Varsity Head Cheerleading Coach, $319.00
- Jeffrey Ike, Varsity Head Basketball Coach, $616.00
- Paul LeBlance, Varsity Head Wrestling Coach, $1,488.00
- John Lenish, Varsity Head Track Coach, $423.00
- Alexandria Payne, Varsity Assistant Track Coach, $888.00
- Ryan Pietrzak, Varsity Diving Coach, $239.00
- Nancy Raicht, Varsity Assistant Track Coach, $308.00
Request for Leave
Name, assignment, location, type of leave, and effective date:
-
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Christina Snow, K-6 Classroom Teacher, Tecumseh Elementary School, unpaid leave July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
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Request for Retirement:
Name, position, location, and effective date:
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- Cynthia Cobb, Teaching Assistant, Jamesville Elementary, June 30, 2023
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Change in Status
Name, position, location, change and effective date:
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- Amy Gibbons, Typist II, Middle School, from provisional to 52-week probationary appointment, March 31, 2023
- Jill Shute, Typist II, PPS, from provisional to 52-week probationary appointment, March 31, 2023
- Analisa Wedemeyer, Teacher Aide, Jamesville Elementary, from part-time to full-time, 52 week probationary appointment, replacing R. Mandrage, April 18, 2023
Appointments
Name, position, location, salary and effective date:
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- Patrick Bianchi, Custodian I, Custodial Dept., $23.03/hr., 52 week probationary appointment, May 3, 2023, replacing J. Crump
- John Dominocos, Teacher Aide, Jamesville Elementary, $14.20/hr., part-time appointment, April 18, 2023, replacing R. Mandrage,
- Floyd Spinner, Custodial Worker II, Custodial Dept., $20.38/hr., 52 week probationary appointment, May 3, 2023, replacing J. McClary
Request for Retirement:
Name, position, location, and effective date:
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- Joanne Grover, Teacher Aide , Jamesville, June 30, 2023
Resignations:
Name, position, location, and effective date:
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- Sharon D’Amelio, Teacher Aide, Tecumseh, May 6, 2023
- Roberta Manradge, Teacher Aide, Jamesville Elementary, March 31, 2023
- Lily O’Bryan, Teacher Aide, Moses DeWitt, April 11, 2023
Elect Board of Education Members for OCM BOCES
Mr. Gross moved and Mr. Leach seconded the adoption of a resolution casting its votes in the annual election of members of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services for the persons indicated on the ballot as listed below:
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- Christine Gregory, Cortland Enlarged City School District
- Lisa O’Reilly, Westhill Central School District
- Joan Reeves, Baldwinsville Central School District
Motion carried. (8-0-0). (See Supplemental Minutes)
Approve BOCES 2023-2024 Administrative Budget
At a Regular meeting of the Board of Education (“Board”) of the Jamesville-DeWitt School District, County, New York (the “District”) held at DeWitt, New York on the 17th day of April 2023. The meeting was called to order by President DeForest, at 7:00 p.m. and upon roll being called, the following were
PRESENT: David Leach, Lisa McKenney, Carolyn Souser, Joe Gross, Lorianne DeForest, Renee James Murad, Kelly Austin and Jalal Zoghby
ABSENT: Sharon Archer
The following resolution was offered by Kelly Austin, who moved its adoption, seconded by Joe Gross, to wit:
WHEREAS, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services for the Sole Supervisory District of Onondaga, Cortland, and Madison Counties, (the “BOCES”) duly presented its tentative 2023-2024 administrative budget of $9,902,389 at its 2023 annual meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to approve said tentative administrative budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
Section 1:
The BOCES’ tentative administrative budget of $9,902,389 is hereby approved.
Section 2:
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote, which resulted as follows:
8 – Ayes 0 – Nays
The Resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.
Motion carried (8-0-0).
Appoint Chairperson for the Annual Meeting and Budget Vote
Mrs. James Murad moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the motion to appoint Ronna Louise as Chairperson for the 2022-2023 Annual Meeting and Budget Vote.
Motion carried (8-0-0).
Adopt 2023-2024 Budget
Mrs. Souser moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the motion to adopt the budget to be presented to the voters as recommended by the Superintendent in the amount of $63,733,991 and levy the tax to support that expenditure.
Motion carried. (8-0-0).
Approve SEQRA Resolution for Construction Project
Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the approval of the following SEQRA Resolution:
SEQRA RESOLUTION
4/17/23
WHEREAS, the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District is considering undertaking a capital improvement project consisting of site work at Lyndon Fields and renovations at the high school including furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
WHEREAS, the District, as a local agency pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), ECL Section 8-0 IO1, et seq., and implementing regulations, 6 NYCRR Part 617 (the “Regulations”), having reviewed the impact of the Project upon the environment, intends hereby to determine that the Project constitutes a “Type II Action” under 6 NYCRR § 617.5(c)(25) of the Regulations and is not subject to review under SEQRA.
NOW THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED by this Board of Education as follows:
Section 1. The Project constitutes a “Type II Action” under 6 NYCRR § 617.5(c)(25) of the Regulations and is not subject to review under SEQRA. The regulatory bases for this determination are Section 617.5(c)( 1): “maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing structure or facility”; Section 617.5(c)(2): “replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site ….” and 617.5(c)(8): “routine activities of educational institutions, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area….”
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
The motion having been duly moved, the resolution was acted upon by the Board of Education and there were 8 votes in favor of the resolution and 0 votes against the resolution.
The resolution was thereafter declared adopted.
William Furlong, Interim District Clerk, Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District, April 17, 2023
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Mrs. McKenney asked if we could add a discussion surrounding state rules for gender identity as it applies to sports teams and locker rooms.
Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith shared information on the Capital Project Phase 2 bid opening was scheduled to take place on April 11 and then come to the board for approval at tonight’s meeting. He said there was delay in the bid opening and they will now be opened tomorrow, April 18. Dr. Smith explained that if we wait to award the contracts until the next meeting, May 8th, it could have an impact on long lead items and the start of construction. Dr. Smith proposed a Special Meeting to be scheduled next Tuesday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. with only one item on the agenda, to award the contracts. He said he would need a quorum and asked for a show of hands around the table who would be able to make it and thanked the Board for their flexibility.
Dr. Smith shared information on the BOCES Annual meeting which took place last week. He said the dinner was prepared by the OCM BOCES students, the food was great and it was it was wonderful to have this in person. He said the budget was reviewed and there was an extensive recognition and presentation on the Jamesville Elementary School and the SKATE program.
Dr. Smith updated the board on the safety audit. He said there was kick-off meeting over break with Amoured One and that the data collection has started as well as walking the facilities during arrival and dismissal. He said he expects a report in late June/early July.
Dr. Smith shared a Pre-K update regarding numbers. He said that there are 102 spots with 72 in district and 30 at RECC. He said currently, we have 111 families that have completed the letter of intent and that the registration process is next. He said once the registration process is complete, we will move into the lottery and that building assignments will be sent out in early May.
Dr. Smith spoke about our partnership with Syracuse University and the Baldanza fellowship. He said the interview process is complete and the District has selected a candidate for student teaching in the 2023-2024 school year who will join our staff in the 2024-2025 school year. In addition, he said our candidate that is currently student teaching this year, will be joining our staff in the 2023-2024 school year. Dr. Smith shared upcoming events.
Board President’s Report, Mrs. DeForest
Mrs. DeForest shared important dates regarding the Budget Vote and Board of Education Election, including the Budget Hearing, May 8 and then stated the four candidates that are on the ballot for election: Alisa Albanese, David Babikian, John Baxter and Joe Gross. She said the date of the Budget Vote is May 16th and shared information on how to obtain an absentee ballot. Mrs. DeForest shared the dates for both the French and the Spanish National Honor Society Induction Ceremonies. Mrs. DeForest thanked Mrs. Austin for organizing the Board Leadership and Service Award. Mrs. DeForest suggested that this year, the award be made in memory of Tim Decker, and will ask the committee to grant the award to not only a student that exhibits the qualities of leadership and service, but also exhibits a passion for business and numbers, as well as a sense of humor, as Mr. Decker did. Mrs. DeForest said the Board Retreat and Book Study has been rescheduled to May 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. which will include presentations by student groups. Mrs. DeForest said that Mrs. James Murad has agreed to serve on the Code of Conduct Committee and that Mr. Franz will provide her with the dates. She also said that the Booster Club has an open spot for a Board of Education representative and if anyone is interested to please let her know.
Community Comment Time #2
Mustafa Abdel-Aziz, a freshmen at the High School, commented on the upcoming Muslim holiday, Eid Al-fitr and the issue with not having the holiday as a day off. He said that the large Muslim community at J-D should not have to fight for equality and should be granted Friday off. Mrs. DeForest explained that no family should ever feel that they cannot celebrate their holiday, and that accommodations will be made to allow students to recognize and celebrate.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Mr. Franz stated that several students will be attempting to earn their New York State Seal of Biliteracy and they will be giving presentations throughout the week to staff and community members.
Mrs. DeForest said she forwarded an email to the Policy Committee regarding an upcoming workshop. She also shared that the CNYSBA dinner will take place on May 24 and to save the date, with more information to follow.
Mrs. DeForest stated that to go along with celebrating diversity we want to make sure we are meeting the needs of every student to thrive.
Mrs. Souser asked about the Senior Capstone projects and when they will be presented. Mr. Franz stated that Mr. Clinton and Ms. Panek have been co-teaching the course and students are in the process of developing presentations and going out to talk to experts. He said the projects will be culminating shortly and that it was designed so this course would earn the Seal of Civic Readiness as well.
At 8:18 p.m. Mrs. Souser moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
William Furlong
Interim Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: 5-8-23