Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Ms. McKenney
Mr. Zoghby
Mr. Al-Mudamgha
Administration Present
Dr. Smith. Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Administration Absent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Gross called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:19 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office and via Zoom.
Red Ram Recognition
The following were recognized and congratulated during Red Ram Recognition:
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- Middle School students Kate Schlegel, Giada Podbelski and Hayley Synakowski were awarded Student Arts Innovation Recognition at the Gala for the Arts at the Everson Museum
- JD Middle School 6 – Chorus Students and teachers, Ms. Caruthers and Mr. Bird. They were featured in the J-D alumnus and Emmy award winner Hughie Stonefish’s release of “Down, Down, Down” with part of the proceeds to go to The Arts Project Syracuse (TAPS)
- The following students who received CTE-Endorsements on their diploma: Tori Downer, Jaclyn Dwyer, Tionne Gayle, Alric Good, Miracle Lowrance, Dominick Perry, Clyde Rathbun, Gary Skovron, Nathaniel Wales, Kobe Williams and Ryan Zaborsky
- Techman for being awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Class of 2023
(See Supplemental Minutes)
Community Comment Time
Mr. Gross reviewed the rules of community comment time.
Brent Kessler, alumni and district resident expressed his concerns surrounding the athletic program and the speed of the process of hiring the varsity football coach. He believes the new athletic director should have input in the hiring.
Tim Burns echoed Mr. Kessler’s comment. Mr. Burns said it is important who we put in charge from Varsity to the youth level as it not only affects high school but the community as well.
Approve Consent Agenda
Mrs. Austin and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to remove the Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Addendum to Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Dr. Archer moved and Mrs. DeForest seconded the motion to approve the modified Consent Agenda as follows:
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- Approve Combined Sports Teams (See Supplemental Minutes)
- Approve Minutes of the June 12, 2023 Public Hearing and Board Meeting
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations
There was a lengthy Board discussion surrounding the appointment of the Varsity Football coach including the timeline of the hiring and the processes followed.
Mr. Gross said he is hearing that the Board would like to allow the new Athletic Director to have input into the candidate for Varsity Head Football Coach.
Mrs. McKenney moved and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion, to remove the Varsity Head Football Coach position from the Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations.
Motion carried. (8-1-0) Mr. Gross objected.
Dr. Archer disclosed to the Board that she had a family member that was part of the Personnel Recommendations. She said that she would like to vote if the Board was comfortable with that and Dr. Smith reminded the Board that it is Dr. Archer’s decision.
Mrs. McKenney addressed an email that the Board received and it was decided that the Board would need to go into Executive Session to discuss the matter.
At 8:00 p.m., Dr. Archer moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a specific employee.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
At 8:17 p.m., Mrs. DeForest moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session back to the regular meeting.
At 8:19 p.m. the regular meeting was called back to order.
Mrs. McKenney moved and Dr. Archer seconded the motion to approve the amended Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Addendum to the Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointment.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Megan Capone, English Teacher, four year probationary appointment, replacing: D. Glazier
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- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $58,022* (B1-M+29)
- Certification: Initial English Language Arts 7-12, in progress
- Effective: August 30, 2023
Name and position: Katherine Ward, Regular Substitute, K-6 Classroom Teacher, replacing C. Snow
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- Location: Tecumseh Elementary
- Salary: $63,044* (B6-M+27)
- Certification: Professional Childhood 1-6
- Effective: August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Name and position: Cortney Weissenborn, Guidance Counselor, four year probationary appointment, replacing C. Farranto
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- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $70,053.00* (B5-M+75)
- Certification: Initial School Counselor, in progress
- Effective: August 1, 2023
*To be finalized upon completion of the JDFA contract
Appointments
Name and position: Vitaliy Yanchuk, Administrative Internship
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- Location: District
- Effective: August 30, 2023 through June 26, 2024
Change in Status – 2022-2023 School Year
Name, position, location, change and effective date:
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- Sophie Leo, Special Education Teacher, Middle School, additional class every other day February 27, 2023 – June 30, 2023, ($3,098.94)
Request for Leave of Absence
Name, position, location, reason and effective date:
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- Vitaliy Yanchuk, , Social Studies Teacher, High School, unpaid leave, August 14, 2023 through June 26, 2024
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching -Mentoring – 2022-2023
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Ann Marie Abt, Mentor to Colleen Paige, $619.00
- Christina Baker, Mentor to Hannah Lucas, $619.00
- Susan Ransier, Mentor to Jenny Murphy, $619.00
- Susan Ransier, Mentor to Rebecca Trevisani, $309.50 (1/2 year)
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – 2023-2024
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Kelly Beaudoin, CSE Chairperson, $2,392.00
- Megan Keukelaar, CSE Chairperson, $2,392.00
- Beth MacKenzie, CSE Chairperson, $2,392.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching 2023-2024 –Fall Coaching
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- John Barlow, Varsity Football Head Coach, $7,745.00
- Robert Bewley, Girls Varsity Swimming Head Coach, $8,157.00
- Justin Bird, Girls Modified Soccer Coach, $3,813.00
- Jeff Cantor, Boys Varsity Soccer, Asst. Coach, $4,171.00
- Alexandra Catanzarite, Girls JV Soccer Head Coach, $3,626.00
- Jake Cline, Boys Varsity Volleyball Head Coach, $5,602.00
- Alanna Jones, Varsity Cheerleading Head Coach, $4,481.00
- Tracey Fishkin, Varsity Gymnastics Head Coach, $7,127.00
- Joseph Goldberg, Girls JV Tennis Head Coach, $3,990.00
- Andrea Heil, Girls Varsity Volleyball Head Coach, $5,602.00
- Paul Krause, Boys JV Soccer Head Coach, $5,711.00
- Daniel Law, Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach, $6,890.00
- James Lawton, Girls Varsity Cross-Country Coach, Volunteer ($0)
- John Lenish, Boys Modified Cross-Country Coach, $2,639.00
- Maggie McBurney, Girls Modified Swimming Coach, $3,361.00
- George McNamara, Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving Coach, Volunteer ($0)
- Matt Murphy, Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach, $5,958.00
- Eric Ormond, Modified Football Asst. Coach, $6,304.00
- Joshua Paduano, Boys JV Volleyball Head Coach, $3,626.00
- Lisa Patchen, Girls Modified Swimming Coach, $3,501.00
- Nancy Raicht, Girls Varsity Cross-Country Head Coach, $5,084.00
- Katherine Richey, Girls Varsity Swimming, Asst. Coach, $4,171.00
- Elyssa Rosenbaum, Varsity Gymnastics Asst. Coach, $4,531.00
- Emily Rowles, Boys Varsity Cross-Country Head Coach, $5,744.00
- Gina Santoro, Girls Varsity Soccer Asst. Coach, $3,921.00
- Dennis Schahczenski, Modified Football Asst. Coach, $6,525.00
- Denise Stillitano, Girls Modified Cross-Country Coach, $2,801.00
- Eugene Sul, Girls Varsity Tennis Head Coach, $5,702.00
- Kayla Sweeney, Girls Modified Soccer Coach, $3,108.00
- Kurt Sweeney, Modified Football Coach, $4,766.00
- Rebecca Trevisani, Girls JV Volleyball Head Coach, $3,695.00
- Paul Valentino, Boys Varsity Golf Head Coach, $3,813.00
- Todd Battaglia, SOS Sidelines, Volunteer MD ($0)
- Kevin Lake, PA, SOS Sidelines, Volunteer ($0)
Extended Season – Spring Coaching
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Jamie Archer, Varsity Lacrosse, $3, 015.00
- Solomon Bliss, Varsity Lacrosse, $1,866.00
- Jeffrey Cantor, Varsity Softball, $1,300.00
- Christopher Constantino, Varsity Lacrosse, $2,013.00
- Ryan Dera, Varsity Baseball, $1,492.00
- Patrick Gillette, Varsity Track, $2,161.00
- Megan Murphy, Varsity Lacrosse, $1,654.00
- Parker Noble, Varsity Track, $790.00
- Tracy Parker, Varsity Lacrosse, $1,036.00
- Alexandria Payne, Varsity Track, $1,185.00
- Nancy Raicht, Varsity Track, $1,795.00
- Emily Rowles, Varsity Track, $968.00
- Carly Stone, Varsity Lacrosse, $1,036.00
- Eugene Sul, Varsity Tennis, $2,055.00
- Joseph Tesori, Varsity Golf, $1,046.00
- Paul Valentino, Varsity Golf, $1,128.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Jamesville Elementary – 2023-2024
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Nicole Abdo, Textbook Coordinator, $1,533.00
- Mary Ewing, Parent Drop Off Coordinator, $643.00
- Mary Ewing, Bus Supervision, PM $643.00
- Patty Hill, Bus Supervision AM and PM, $1,286.00
- Kristin Middleton, Bus Supervision, PM, $643.00
- Stephanie Sindoni, Student Supervisor, $3,408.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Moses DeWitt Elementary – 2023-2024
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Melissa Vahey, Textbook Coordinator, $1,533.00
- Jodi Schwedes, Co-Resource Leader, $2,590.00
- Nicole Wylde, Co-Resource Leader, $2,640.00
- Brett Bartholomew, Student Supervisor, $3,408.00
- Kalli Essig, Bus Supervision, AM & PM, $1,286.00
- Julia Holder, Student Pick Up Supervision, $643.00
- Kelli Maher, Student Drop Off Supervision, $643.00
- Susan Spinelli, Student Pick Up Supervision, $643.00
- Nicole Wylde, Bus Supervision, AM & PM, $1,286.00
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name, position, location, salary and effective date:
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- Kai Brutsaert, Technology Summer Help, District, $14.20/hr., July 11, 2023
- Ruth Cadwell, Substitute Custodian/Summer Worker, Custodial Department, $14.20/hr., July 11, 2023
- Jean Carter, Interim Treasurer, District Office, $43.00/hr., July 1, 2023 through July 14, 2023
- John Clinton, Technology Summer Help, District, $14.20/hr., July 11, 2023
- Deanna Green, part-time Bus Cleaner, Transportation Dept., $14.20/hr., July 11, 2023
- Dawn Hawxhurst, part-time Bus Attendant, Transportation Dept., $16.00/hr., July 11, 2023, replacing M. Bolowsky
- Brendan Krause, Technology Summer Help, District, $14.20/hr., July 11, 2023
- Christina Lopez, School Secretary I, Provisional Appointment, High School, $17.75/hr., July 1, 2023
- Patrick McCarthy, Substitute Mechanic’s Helper, Transportation Department, $17.00/hr., July 1, 2023
- Eric Montgomery, Network Administrator, 52-week probationary appointment, District, $70,000, July 17, 2023, replacing D. Birdsell
- Amber Schmitt, School Secretary I, Provisional Appointment, High School, $17.75/hr., July 1, 2023
- Susan Smith, part-time Bus Cleaner, Transportation Dept., $14.20/hr., July 11, 2023
- Craig Tanner, part-time Bus Cleaner, Transportation Dept., $14.20/hr., July 11, 2023
- Jenny Wheeler, part-time Bus Cleaner, Transportation Dept., $14.20/hr., July 11, 2023
Change In Status Appointment
Name, position, location, change and effective date:
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- Rita Vedsted, District Cook Manager, District, change from 11 month to 12 month, $58,400.00, July 3, 2023
Request for Retirement
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Lyle Wilson, Custodial Worker I, Custodial Department, August 28, 2023
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- John Dominicos, Teacher Aide, Jamesville Elementary, June 30, 2023
Termination
Name, position, location, and effective date:
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- Diane MacMaster, Teaching Assistant, Middle School, June 23, 2023
Addendum to Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – July 10, 2023
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Frederick Wheeler, Director of Physical Education, Athletics and Health, four year probationary appointment, replacing: J. Goodson
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- Location: District
- Salary: $127,500.00
- Certification: School District Leader, Internship Certificate, in progress
- Effective: July 17, 2023
Dr. Smith took a moment to welcome Mr. Frederick Wheeler to the District as the next Director of Physical Education, Athletics and Health as Mr. John Goodson’s replacement. He said Mr. Wheeler brings over 20 years of teaching, coaching, athletic coordinating, and mentoring experience with him to J-D. Dr. Smith said Mr. Wheeler will begin his position on July 17th and asked everyone to join him in welcoming him to J-D.
Adoption of the District Code of Conduct
Mrs. Austin moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the adoption of the 2023-24 District Code of Conduct.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Funds to Implement a Three-Year Memorandum of Agreement with the Non-Instructional Management Employees.
Mr. Babikian moved and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve funds to implement a three-year Memorandum of Agreement with the Non-Instructional Management Employees.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Funds to Implement a Three-Year Contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Transportation Unit
Mrs. James Murad moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the motion to approve funds to implement a three-year contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Transportation Unit.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Funds to Implement a Three-Year Memorandum of Agreement with Non-Represented Administrative Employees
Mrs. James Murad moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to approve funds to implement a three-year Memorandum of Agreement with the Jamesville-DeWitt Non-Represented Administrative Employees.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Accept 2021-2022 Corrective Action Plan
Mrs. DeForest moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the motion to accept the 2021-2022 Corrective Action Plan. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Accept Internal Audit 2022, Corrective Action Plan, revised
Ms. McKenney moved and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to accept the Internal Audit 2022, Corrective Action Plan, revised. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Accept Internal Audit 2020-2021, Corrective Action Plan, revised
Mr. Baxter moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the motion to accept the Internal Audit 2020-2021, Corrective Action Plan, revised. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Motion carried.
Accept Internal Audit 2023, Audit Response and Corrective Action Plan, revised
Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the motion to accept the Internal Audit 2023, Audit Response and Corrective Action Plan, revised. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Mrs. DeForest suggested to add to the list, the hiring and evaluating of coaches as well as the philosophy and standard practices.
Mr. Gross indicated he would share the updated list with the Board.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Smith began his report with an update on enrollment numbers and said that numbers have stabilized since the last meeting. He said he is currently monitoring grade 2 at both Jamesville and Moses DeWitt. He said he is cautiously optimistic that we have the correct sections across the district. Dr. Smith shared the threshold for class sizes in grades Pre-k through 4 as well as the timeline to determine the need for additional sections.
Dr. Archer asked to add the topic of capping enrollment numbers, specifically grades 2, 3 and 4, to the future consideration list.
Dr. Smith shared an update with pictures of Capital Project Phase 2 at the High School. He showed pictures of an area that is being worked on and said the challenge is a hallway that needs to come down and be rebuilt before the start of school. He said we are on time and expects it to be accomplished before the start of school. In addition, he shared pictures of the renovations to the softball fields at Lyndon, including pads for new dugouts being laid, fencing that has come down and new safety fencing which has been installed. He is confident that the work will be completed in time for the spring softball season.
Dr. Smith told the Board that he has received the preliminary draft of the safety audit. He said that administrators will be meeting with representatives from Armoured One to review the audit, but unfortunately it will not be until August 1. He explained the challenge that this presents as the District Safety Plan must be approved by the Board of Education prior to the start of school with a 30 day public comment period to commence once the plan is presented. He said after the comment period, the Board will approve the existing District Safety Plan and then depending on the work that is recommended by the safety audit, we may have to reopen the Safety Plan and repeat the process. Dr. Smith said the District contracted with Armoured One for a one time audit/recommendation, but he feels this should be part of the building condition survey every five years. Dr. Smith indicated that he would like to have Armoured One present to the Board, but he cautioned that much of the information is proprietary and he is not comfortable sharing during public session. Dr. Smith reminded the Board of the work that is currently in progress including updates to the emergency response notification system, and updating exterior and interior door fobs. He said the work needs to be approved by the State Education Department and that the deadline for submission is October 1. He said the SED is fast tracking some of these submissions and he hopes to have approved designs by the end of 2023. Dr. Smith said these are very significant enhancements to the physical safety of the buildings.
Dr. Smith gave a report on the National School Superintendents’ Conference that he attended in Washington, D.C. with seven other district administrators. He said this national summit was organized around why transformation of the system is crucial, what strategies and priorities we can focus on, and how we can equip our schools for the future. Dr. Smith said that 23 people from OCM BOCES met with one of the primary organizers of the event, Dr. Daggett, who runs the Successful Practices Network. He said Dr. Daggett will be coming the BOCES Superintendents’ Retreat in Saratoga in July to talk about the vision of work to be done regionally and that after that, we can start talking about what that looks like for J-D. Dr. Smith said this work is already articulated in our Strategic Plan and he is looking forward to opening up of a network of school districts from which we can learn.
Lastly, Dr. Smith reported on the parcel of land that the JD Little League has approached the Board and Administration about purchasing which is attached to Jamesville Elementary. He said the attorneys have gotten involved and the little league has worked through the process and will put forth a purchase offer that will come to the Board on July 24th for approval. He said that this is us, helping out the Little League, and being good neighbors.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Mr. Gross commented on the appointment of Board Committees. He said he will be sending out a survey and asked for Board members to share what their preferences are. He said he would like to establish committee’s calendars for the next year as soon as possible.
Mrs. DeForest said the four standing committees are Finance, Audit, Policy and Facilities. She said the past ad hoc committees were Town of Dewitt, Governance Handbook, Advocacy Liaison, Sports Booster Liaison, and Community Dialogue.
Mr. Gross reminded the Board that the Superintendent’s Evaluation from last school year will close up in a week or two and that Board members should have received an email to complete the evaluation. He said he will reach out to the other members who are no longer on the Board. Dr. Smith reported that he completed his section of the evaluation.
Lastly, Mr. Gross stated that the Board should have received an email from NYSSBA, regarding the resolution process for next year. He said he can resend the email to anyone who hasn’t received it and that by looking at these resolutions and responding, it is a good way to advocate to the State government.
At 8:53 p.m., Dr. Archer moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the adjournment of the meeting.
Motion carried. (9-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: July 24, 2023