Minutes of August 21, 2023 Board of Education Meeting - Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District

Members Present

Dr. Archer
Mrs. Austin
Mr. Babikian (joined the meeting at 7:11 p.m.)
Mr. Baxter
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Ms. McKenney
Mr. Zoghby
Mr. Al-Mudamgha (Student Board Member)

Members Absent

Mrs. DeForest

Administration Present

Dr. Smith. Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator

Mr. Gross called the Board Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office.

Red Ram Recognition

Mr. Gross presented Red Ram Recognition where he congratulated the elementary schools for their participation in the Crayon Initiative which collects crayons to recycle and distribute to hospitals. Mr. Gross shared a special thank you to all the members of the Maintenance, Custodial and Transportation staff for their work in preparing for the start of the school year. He also gave a shout out to Jenn Palmer, Director of Transportation, Jason Douglass, Director of Technology, Jason Crawford, Director of Facilities and Rita Vedsted, District Cook Manager. He said they have been working all summer behind the scenes to insure the schools are ready. Mr. Gross said the fall sports season began today and shared upcoming first games/matches. Mr. Gross also shared upcoming Pre-K and K-4 Sneak Peeks as well as a Tecumseh PTG Playground Date. (See Supplemental Minutes)

Community Comment Time

Rachel Wagner commented on the Student Behavior and Conduct Report. She said every year we hear that black students and students with disabilities are disproportionately disciplined. She said this is not acceptable and the District needs to be held accountable for an action plan to address this disproportionality, to restore dignity to students and to inform what is being done to improve conditions.

Motion to Amend the Agenda

Mr. Gross moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the motion to amend the Agenda to insert a new item, Resolution Authorizing Settlement regarding the Hanson Tax Certiorari Matter.

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

Approve Consent Agenda

Mr. Zogbhy moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:

- - Approve Superintendent’s Personnel recommendations, Substitute Re-Appointments and New Substitute Appointments
  - Accept CPSE and CSE Recommendations
  - Approve Disposal of Surplus of District Property – 5 Busses (See Supplemental Minutes)

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations

INSTRUCTIONAL

Appointments

Name and position: Cherie Poland, Math Teacher, four-year probationary appointment, replacing: J. Lang

- Location: High School
- Salary: $64,571.00 (B7-M+29)
- Certification: Initial Mathematics 7-12
- Effective: August 30, 2023

Name and position: Christie Schuhert-D’Imperio, Special Education Teacher, three-year probationary appointment, new position

- Location: Tecumseh Elementary and Jamesville Elementary
- Salary: $71,124.00 (B11-M+37)
- Certification: Professional Students with Disabilities 1-6
- Effective: August 30, 2023

Name and position: Brendan Schunck, Special Education Teacher, four-year probationary appointment, C. Taylor

- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $57,852.00 (B-M+28)
- Certification: Initial Students with Disabilities 7-12
- Effective: August 30, 2023

Name and position: Tara Taylor, Regular Substitute Guidance Counselor, replacing C. Perrigo

- Location: Jamesville Elementary
- Salary: $60,273.00 (B4-M+24)
- Certification: School Social Worker, in progress
- Effective: August 30, 2023 – June 30, 2024

Change in Status – 2023-2024 School Year

Name, position, location, reason and effective date:

- Tracey Menapace, Director of PPS, Salary Adjustment for Additional Responsibilities, $122,000.00
- Julie Kielbasa, Teaching Assistant, Tecumseh Elementary School, called back to full-time from Preferred Eligibility List, replacing R. Baritell, August 30, 2023
- Cynthia Montross-Tipa, Teaching Assistant, High School, called back to full-time from Preferred Eligibility List, Replacing D. MacMaster, August 30, 2023

Resignations

Name, assignment, location, and effective date:

- Ruth Baritell, Teaching Assistant, Tecumseh Elementary, July 18, 2023
- Christina Taylor, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, August 4, 2023
- Alexander Way, Teaching Assistant, Middle School, July 31, 2023

Request for Leave of Absence

Name, position, location, reason and effective date:

- Sarah Levesque, Science Teacher, Middle School, paid parental and FMLA, October 12, 2023 through December 20, 2023
- Courtney Perrigo, School Social Worker, Jamesville Elementary School, unpaid parental leave, August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching 2023-2024 –Fall Coaching

Name, assignment and stipend:

- Melanie Quinn, JV Head Cheerleading Coach, $3,108.00

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – High School – 2023-2024

Name, assignment and stipend:

- Solace Amankwah, French Honor Society Advisor, $1,133.00
- Jordan Berger, HS Musical Assistant Producer, $3,501.00
- Dan Blumenthal, HS Musical Instrumental Director, $4,045.00
- Dan Blumenthal, Instrumental Performance Group Advisor, $2,860.00
- Amy Boettger, Junior Class Advisor, $3,034.00
- Jacob Brodsky, HS Musical Set Painting, $2,153.00
- Jacob Brodsky, Model U.N., Co-Advisor, $3,299.00
- Kris Butler, National Honor Society, Co-Advisor, $1,166.00
- Katie Byrd, HS Math Team, Co-Advisor, $807.00
- Trinity Conner, RamFeed, Advisor, $3,238.00
- Andrew Cottet, Student Government Co-Advisor, $3,299.00
- Jamie Crawford, Sophomore Class Advisor, $1,584.00
- Anna Delaney, Mock Trial Advisor, $1,615.00
- Kelsie Deyo, HS Musical Production Director, $5,602.00
- Jesstina Drake, HS Musical Vocal Director, $3,501.00
- Diane Ennis, National Honor Society Advisor, $1,456.00
- Kristin Gallivan, RamPage Advisor, $3,238.00
- Samantha Guillaume, Unified Sports Coach, $907.00
- Will Hartley, Freshman Class Advisor, $2,067.00
- Diane Huyck, HS Math Team, Co-Advisor, $857.00
- Jeff Ike, Unified Sports Coach, $907.00
- Michael Keenan, HS Science Olympiad, Co-Advisor, $3,100.00
- Michael Keenan, Senior Class Advisor, $4,306.00
- Lauren Ludovico, HS French Club Advisor, $1,043.00
- Jonathan Mangram, Model U.N., Co-Advisor, $3,299.00
- Megan McGee, Student Government, Co-Advisor, $4,306.00
- Mark McIntyre, Outdoor Pursuits Club Advisor, $924.00
- Melissa Moore, SADD Advisor, $2,067.00
- Melissa Moore, Acceptance Coalition Advisor, $1,995.00
- Connie Myers, HS Rambunctious Advisor, $1,000.00
- Connie Myers, Hole in the Wall Club Advisor, $1,554.00
- Connie Myers, HS Yearbook Advisor, $3,501.00
- Hayley Nies, Interclass Activity Treasurer, $6,411.00
- Mary Panek, Senior Capstone Advisor, $3,167.00
- William Sauve, Audio-Visual Club Advisor, $907.00
- Sabrina Scott, UMOJA Club Advisor, $1,680.00
- Linda Slade, Spanish Honor Society Advisor, $980.00
- Larry Stroh, Science Olympiad Co-Advisor, $3,100.00
- Larry Stroh, HS Yearkbook Business Manager, $3,884.00
- Eric Toyama, HS Vocal Performance Group, $2,849.00
- Lisa Troubetaris, Key Club Advisor, $2,756.00
- Kristine Wisnieski, International Club Advisor, $1,859.00
- Alan Zimmerman, Drama Club Advisor, $2,072.00

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Middle School – 2023-2024

Name, assignment and stipend:

- Ghada Abu-Ramadan, Grade 6 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Molly Anthony, Math Department Chairperson, $5,958.00
- Molly Anthony, Math Team Advisor, $924.00
- Anastasia Arriaga, 7/8 Musical Set Production, $1,680.00
- Justin Bird, 7/8 Musical Director, $4,201.00
- Justin Bird, Good Time Singers, $1,680.00
- Carol Lynn Boice, 5/6 Student Council – Community Service, $1,021.00
- Keith Bryant, Bus Duty, PM, $1,286.00
- Robin Carruthers, 5/6 Musical Director, $2,913.00
- Nicole Christian, Special Education Department Chairperson, $5,180.00
- Charlean Clawson, Grade 7 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Kelly Colone, Science Department Chairperson, $5,180.00
- Deborah Cunningham, 5/6 Musical Instrumental Director, $1,768.00
- Laura Dietz, 7/8 Student Council – School Spirit, $1,000.00
- Laurie Fabian, Bus Duty, PM, $1,286.00
- Patricia Ferris, Special Areas Department Chairperson, $5,180.00
- Kimberly Giammichele, World Languages Department Chairperson, $5,279.00
- Kimberly Giammichele, Grade 5 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Anthony Greene, 7/8 Musical Music Director, $2,950.00
- Anthony Greene, Jazz Ensemble, $2,023.00
- Sophie Leo, 5/6 Student Council – School Spirit, $924.00
- Sophie Leo, Busy Duty, AM, $1,286.00
- Sophie Leo, Grade 5 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Jeff Loan, Grade 8 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Jessica Murray, Grade 7 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Kristen Panzetta, Fiddles on Fire, $1,084.00
- Tracy Parker, Social Studies Department Chairperson, $5,602.00
- Melissa Quinn, 5/6 Student Council, $1,112.00
- Kari Sebast, 7/8 Student Council, $1,112.00
- Kari Sebast, Grade 8 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Audra Sixberry, Middle School Intramurals, $6,886.00
- Amy Spitzer, 7/8 Student Council – Community Service, $1,000.00
- Amy Spitzer, Grade 8 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Amy Spitzer, MS YANA Advisor, $942.00
- Amy Spitzer, ELA Department Chairperson, 7/8, $5,279.00
- Andrew Starowicz, ELA Department Chairperson, 5/6, $5,279.00
- Andrew Starowicz, Middle School Newspaper, $942.00
- Andrew Starowicz, Grade 6 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Kurt Sweeney, Busy Duty, AM, $1,286.00
- Kurt Sweeney, Grade 6 Lunch Duty, $1,839.00
- Paul Valentino, Pool Director, $4,309.00
- Dan Vinette, Middle School yearbook, $2,241.00
- Lisa Ward, 5/6 Student Council – Problem Solving, $980.00

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Jamesville Elementary – 2023-2024

Name, assignment and stipend:

- Martha Davey, Co-Resource Leader, $1,709.00
- Ashley Finlon, Co-Resource Leader, $1,742.00
- Amanda Royce, Co-Resource Leader, $1,709.00
- Kirsten Woiler, Bus Supervision, PM, $643.00

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Tecumseh Elementary – 2023-2024

Name, assignment and stipend:

- Alyssa Ascenzo, Bus Supervision, PM, $643.00
- Tina Bussone, Arrival/Dismissal Coordinator, $1,286.00
- Cassi Crossman, Textbook Coordinator, $1,533.00
- Tammy DiDomenico, Bus Supervision, PM, $643.00
- Karen Graham, Bus Supervision, PM, $643.00
- Susan Ransier, Student Supervisor, $2,961.00
- Dana Dietz, Co-Resource Leader, $2,118.00
- Rebecca Trevisani, Co-Resource Leader, $1,759.00
- Jenny Murphy, Co-Resource Leader, $1,726.00

NONINSTRUCTIONAL

APPOINTMENTS

Name, position, location, salary and effective date:

- Abdelhafid Ait Said, Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation Dept., $14.50/hr., August 23, 2023
- Dinean Bird, Part-time Teacher Aide, Jamesville Elementary, $14.95/hr., September 5, 2023, replacing J. Dominicos
- Homer Brown, Substitute Custodial Worker, Custodial Dept., $14.20/hr., August 22, 2023
- Nancy Bryant, Teacher Aide, 52-week probationary appointment, Moses DeWitt, $14.95/hr., September 5, 2023, new position
- Briana Hall-Bellamy, Teacher Aide, 52-week probationary appointment, Tecumseh Elementary, $14.95/hr., September 5, 2023, replacing L. Byrne and S. D’Amelio
- Darryl Jones, Custodial Worker I, 52-week probationary appointment, Custodial Dept., $18.30/hr., August 22, 2023, replacing, D. Widger
- Gerald Lee, Jr., Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation Dept., $14.50/hr., August 23, 2023
- Dianne Martin, Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation Dept., $14.50/hr., August 23, 2023
- Donald Pooler, Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation Dept., $14.50/hr., August 23, 2023
- Joseph Pulaski, Jr., School Monitor, 52-week probationary appointment, High School, $14.95/hr., August 30, 2023, replacing Asia Grimes
- Parry Roberts, Custodial Worker I, 52-week probationary appointment, Custodial Dept., $18.30/hr., August 22, 2023, replacing, G. Caluza
- Lyle Wilson, Substitute Custodial Worker, Custodial Dept., $14.20/hr., September 1, 2023

Resignations

Name, assignment, location, and effective date:

- Judy Burry, Teacher Aide, Tecumseh Elementary, June 23, 2023
- Harriet Doss, Teacher Aide, Tecumseh Elementary, July 21, 2023
- Julie Kielbasa, Teacher Aide, Jamesville Elementary, August 29, 2023
- Jessica Isserlis-Sickles, Teacher Aide, High School, September 1, 2023
- Gracie Morris, Lifeguard, Middle School, July 26, 2023
- Jenny Wheeler, Cafeteria Manager, Middle School, August 28, 2023

Approve Minutes of the July 24, 2023 Public Hearing and Board Meeting

Mr. Baxter moved and Dr. Archer seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the July 24, 2023 Public Hearing and Board Meeting.

Motion carried. (6-0-1) Mrs. Austin abstained.

At 7:11 p.m. Mr. Babikian joined the meeting.

Approve 2023-2024 Substitute Rates of Pay

Mrs. Austin moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the approval of the 2023-2024 Substitute Rates of Pay. (See Supplemental Minutes)

Motion carried. (8-0-0)

Approve Resolution Authorizing Settlement Regarding the Hanson Tax Certiorari Matter

Mr. Bartlett explained the Resolution which relates to Hanson Properties, who have contested the last six years of their assessments. Mr. Bartlett said he received a recommendation today from our District attorneys which requires Board approval to move forward.

Mrs. James Murad moved and Mr. Baxter seconded the approval of the Resolution Authorizing Settlement Regarding the Hanson Tax Certiorari Matter. (See Supplemental Minutes)

Motion carried. (8-0-0)

Approve the Fiscal year 2023-2024 School Tax Rates

Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 School Tax Rates. (See Supplemental Minutes)

Motion carried. (8-0-0)

Approve 2023-2024 District Safety Plan

Dr. Smith reviewed the District Safety Plan including suggestions for changes and the process to approve the plan. He thanked Mr. Gross for the close reading of the plan and language change suggested to make the plan current. Dr. Smith also reviewed the IP Paging and Access Controls Project, the necessary SEQRA Resolution for the IP Paging and Access Controls Project, the end of year report on the School Resource Officer and the safety audit recently conducted by the District. (See Supplemental Minutes for Presentation, the District Safety Plan can be found on the website).

Mrs. Austin moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the approval of the District Safety Plan.

Motion carried. (7-1-0) Dr. Archer opposed.

Approve 2023-2024 Capital Outlay Project SEQRA Resolution

Mrs. Austin moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the approval of the following 2023-2024 Capital Outlay Project SEQRA Resolution:

SEQRA RESOLUTION

August 21, 2023

WHEREAS, the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District is considering undertaking a capital improvement project consisting of Door Replacement at the High School, including, site improvements, original furnishings, fixtures and equipment (the “Project”); and

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.

Brian Bartlett, District Clerk
Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District
August 21, 2023

Motion carried. (8-0-0)

Approve I.P. Paging and Access Controls Project SEQRA Resolution

Mr. Baxter moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the motion to Approve I.P. Paging and Access Controls Project SEQRA Resolution as follows:

SEQRA RESOLUTION

August 21, 2023

WHEREAS, the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District is considering undertaking a capital improvement project consisting of renovations to building IP paging and access control systems necessary to upgrade the buildings at Jamesville Elementary School, Moses DeWitt Elementary School, Tecumseh Elementary School, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, and the Bus Garage, including, site improvements, original furnishings, fixtures and equipment (the “Project”); and

NOW THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED by this Board of Education as follows:

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.

Brian Bartlett, District Clerk
Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District
August 21, 2023\

Motion carried (8-0-0).

Approve ARPA/ESSER III Funds for I.P. Paging and Access Controls Project

Mr. Zoghby moved and Ms. James Murad seconded the approval of Resolution for Use of ARPA/ESSER III Funds for I.P. Paging and Access Controls Project as follows:

RESOLUTION FOR USE OF ARPA/ESSER III Funds
for IP Paging and Access Control Upgrades

NOW THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED by this Board of Education as follows:

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Mr. Zoghby moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to approve the resolution for use of up to $2,500,000 of ARPA/ESSER III funds for IP paging and access control systems upgrades.

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.

Brian Bartlett, District Clerk
Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District
August 21, 2023

Motion carried (8-0-0).

Potential Consideration for Future Meetings

Mr. Gross said he met with Dr. Archer and Dr. Smith to review the list of topics from previous years. He said some have been resolved and others come up periodically which help to inform topics for the rest of the year.

Mr. Al-Mudamgha suggested that a student reporter be allowed to sit in on all Board meetings and take notes. Mr. Gross said all students are always welcome to Board meetings.

Student Behavior and 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, demographic data, trends in student management and consequences, and supports for students. Mr. Reyes also discussed factors in improving and maintaining a positive school climate which included Culture of Wellness, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Curriculum and Programs and Communication. Lastly, Mr. Reyes discussed future plans and took questions from the Board.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Smith began his report with information on the start of the school year including the beginning of fall sports as well as upcoming Superintendent’s Conference Days. He shared what the opening day for staff looks like, which this year includes a guest speaker, Mark Schumacher, who will present a light hearted start to school. Dr. Smith said all staff were asked to attend opening day this year, which will include a luncheon being provided by the JDFA and the District. He invited all Board members to attend if they are able. He said staff would then spend the next day and a half working in their buildings and attending meetings. Dr. Smith updated the Board on enrollment numbers. He said all sections have been set and he is confident with the number of sections at each grade level. Dr. Smith also shared updates regarding construction. He said the wall which was taken down at the High School has been re-erected and will be in place by the start of school. Dr. Smith thanked Gina and Christopher Jones for their generous donation of $500 toward Phase 2 of the construction project. Dr. Smith reported that Mr. Zoghby, Mrs. Austin and Mr. Baxter will attend a meeting at the Town of DeWitt tomorrow where a number of topics will be discussed including sidewalks. Lastly, Dr. Smith reminded the Board that next Monday, August 28^th will be the Board retreat which will begin with a brief, one item agenda, to approve personnel.

Board President’s Report

Mr. Gross reminded the Board that the main topic of the retreat will be the book study, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. He asked the Board to read the first section and said the public is welcome to read the book as well. Mr. Gross also reminded the Board of the upcoming NYSSBA Annual Conference which is taking placing in Buffalo, New York from October 26^th through the 28^th. He said is looking for one or two people that would attend on behalf of the Board. Lastly, Mr. Gross shared information on the NYSSBA Executive Director Complimentary Webinar Series. He said they are lunchtime conference/webinars and that the next one is on mass school shootings, lessons from tragedy and opportunities for prevention and response. Mr. Gross said they are free for members and he will share the slides.

Community Comment Time #2

There were no comments.

Unfinished and Continuing Business

Mr. Zoghby suggested scheduling a Facilities Committee meeting with Mr. Crawford, the Athletic Director and the softball group. He said that the group is looking for a walk-through so that they can make suggestions. Dr. Smith will help facilitate this.

Mr. Al-Mudamgha commented about the great conversations that have taken place and suggested that maybe things are not as complicated as they might appear to be. He said that students want to be treated with respect by adults, not like children. He said people should be kind, and treat people how you would like to be treated.

At 9:10 p.m., Mrs. James Murad moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the adjournment of the meeting to Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent’s evaluation.

Motion carried. (8-0-0)

At 9:46 p.m., Mrs. James Murad moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session.

Motion carried. (8-0-0)

At 9:47 p.m., Ms. McKenney moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion carried. (8-0-0).

Respectfully submitted,

Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board

BOARD APPROVED: September 18, 2023