Members Present
Dr. Archer (attended remotely)
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Mantalios (student board member)
Members Absent
Mrs. James Murad
Mr. Zoghby
Administration Present
Dr. Smith, Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Mr. Gross called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:25 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office and via Zoom.
Red Ram Recognition
During Red Ram Recognition, Mr. Gross recognized and congratulated the following:
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- Jamesville-DeWitt students who attended the 2024 Technology Student Association National Conference in Orlando, Florida. Luke McQuaid and Tim Cooper finished 6th in the Technology Problem Solving category.
- Jamesville-DeWitt students who competed at the GENIUS Olympiad at the Rochester Institute of Technology. All team members received recognition including: Karunmay Aggerwal and Adam Rigdon, Grand Medal in Coding; Abigail Feng, Silver Medal in Creative Writing; Ayman El-Zammer, Bronze Medal in Creative Writing and Mustafa El-Zammar, Honorable Mention in Creative Writing.
- NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Teams for Fall, Winter and Spring Sports Seasons
- J-D’s Senior Scholar Athletes of the Year: Amanda Aitken and Aaron Sikora
Lastly, Mr. Gross thanked the Maintenance and Custodial staff for all they do during the summer to get our buildings, grounds and equipment restored and refreshed.
Mrs. DeForest recognized Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith, Dr. Donna Jones, Superintendent of Patchogue-Medford CSD, and Mrs. DeForest presented a session on school boards and the use of data for growth and accountability at the NYSSBA Leadership Event. Mrs. DeForest said it was a great experience and thanked him for his contribution.
Community Comment Time
There were no comments.
Approve Consent Agenda
Mrs. Scott moved, and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
Consent Agenda Items:
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- Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Substitute Re-Appointments and New Substitute Appointments
- Tenure Recommendations
- Accept Internal Claims Auditor Reports
- Accept CPSE and CSE Recommendations
- Approve Minutes of the July 1, 2024, Reorganization Meeting
- Approve Minutes of the July 1, 2024, Public Hearing
- Approve Minutes of the July 1, 2024, Regular Meeting
- Approve Combined Sports Teams for the 2024-2025 School Year
Motion carried (7-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – July 29, 2024, as follows:
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Marissa Coir, Teaching Assistant, four-year probationary appointment, new position.
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- Location: Tecumseh Elementary School
- Salary: prorated – $30,690.00 (B1)
- Certification: Professional Early Childhood Education (B-2)
- Effective: September 3, 2024
Name and position: Daniel Rechtorovic, School Counselor, four-year probationary appointment, replacing S. Placito-Raymond
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- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $65,038.00 (B1-M, CAS+54)
- Certification: Initial School Counselor
- Effective: August 19, 2024
Name and position: Rachel Smith, ENL Teacher, four-year probationary appointment, replacing J. Fallis
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- Location: Jamesville Elementary School
- Salary: $78,515.00 (B12-M+63)
- Certification: Initial English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Effective: August 28, 2024
Name and position: Jennifer Vant, Math Teacher, three-year probationary appointment, replacing S. Babbles
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- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $73,407.00 (B13-M+27)
- Certification: Professional Mathematics 712
- Effective: August 28, 2024
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – High School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Jordan Berger, HS Musical Assistant Producer, $3,641.00
- Dan Blumenthal, HS Musical Instrumental Director, $4,207.00
- Dan Blumenthal, Instrumental Performance Group Advisor, $2,974.00
- Amy Boettger, Junior Class Advisor, $3,155.00
- Jacob Brodsky, HS Musical Set Painting, $2,239.00
- Jacob Brodsky, Model United Nations, Co-Advisor, $3,431.00
- Kris Butler, National Honor Society, Co-Advisor, $1,212.00
- Trinity Connor, RamFeed Advisor, $3,367.00
- Andrew Cottet, Student Government Co-Advisor, $3,431.00
- Jamie Cottet, Sophomore Class Advisor, $1,647.00
- Anna Delaney, Mock Trial Advisor, $1,679.00
- Kelsie Deyo, HS Musical Production Director, $5,826.00
- Jestina Drake, HS Musical Vocal Director, $3,641.00
- Kristen Gallivan, RamPage Advisor, $3,367.00
- Theresa Goad, National Honor Society Co-Advisor, $1,188.00
- Will Hartley, Freshman Class Advisor, $2,150.00
- Lauren Ludovico, French Club Advisor, $1,084.00
- Lauren Ludovico, French Honor Society Advisor, $924.00
- Megan McGee, Student Government, Co-Advisor, $4,478.00
- Mark McIntyre, Model UN Advisor, $3,301.00
- Mark McIntyre, Outdoor Pursuits Club Advisor, $961.00
- Melissa Moore, SADD Advisor, $2,150.00
- Melissa Moore, Acceptance Coalition Advisor, $2,075.00
- Connie Myers, HS Rambunctious Advisor, $1,040.00
- Connie Myers, HS Yearbook Advisor, $3,641.00
- Hayley Nies, Interclass Activity Treasurer, $6,667.00
- Marty Osterhaudt, HS Math Team, Co-Advisor, $792.00
- Mary Panek, Senior Capstone Advisor, $3,294.00
- Brent Paris, HS Musical Set Construction, $2,424.00
- Nancy Raicht, Senior Class Advisor, $3,301.00
- Brian Rieger, HS Lighting Design, $2,424.00
- Diane Rushford, Key Club Advisor, $2,113.00
- William Sauve, HS Science Olympiad, Co-Advisor, $2,377.00
- William Sauve, Audio-Visual Club Advisor, $943.00
- William Sauve, Esports Advisor, $3,233.00
- Sabrina Scott, UMOJA Club Advisor, $1,748.00
- Sabrina Scott, Kente Club Advisor, $943.00
- Linda Slade, Spanish Honor Society Advisor, $1,019.00
- Linda Slade, HS Spanish Club Advisor, $961.00
- Larry Stroh, HS Yearbook Business Manager, $4,039.00
- Larry Stroh, HS Science Olympiad, Co-Advisor, $3,224.00
- Eric Toyama, HS Vocal Performance Group, $2,963.00
- Kristine Wisnieski, International Club Advisor, $1,933.00
- Alan Zimmerman, Drama Club Advisor, $2,155.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Fall Coaching – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- John Austin, Boys Modified Soccer Coach, $3,294.00
- Denise Becher, Boys Modified Cross-Country Coach, $2,973.00
- Robert Drummond, Varsity Assistant Football Coach, $5,243.00
- Carter Galle, Boys Varsity Volleyball Coach, $0 (volunteer)
- Emily LeBlanc, Girls Modified Soccer Coach, (white team), $3,233.00
- John Lenish, Boys Varsity Head Cross Country Coach, $4,392.00
- Sarah Levesque, Girls Modified Soccer Coach, (red team), $3,294.00
*All coaching appointments are pending completion of the certification process
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Winter Coaching – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Jordan Beers, Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, $0 (volunteer)
- Melissa Ferrara, Girls JV Head Basketball Coach, $4,849.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Spring Coaching – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Patrick Gillette, Girls Varsity Head Track Coach, $7,194.00
- Theresa Goad, Girls Modified Lacrosse Coach, $4,957.00
- Nancy Raicht, Girls Modified Track Coach, $3,495.00
*All coaching appointments are pending completion of the certification process
Resignation – Extra Duty Assignment – Winter Coach 2024-2025
Name, and assignment:
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- Melissa Ferrara, Modified Girls Basketball Coach
Resignation – Extra Duty Assignment – Spring Coach 2024-2025
Name, and assignment:
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- Patrick Gillette, Boys Varsity Assistant Track Coach
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointment
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Alassandra Casimiro, Food Service Worker, Part-time, Cafeteria, $16.70/hr., replacing J. Carbacio, August 27, 2024
- Raymond Card, Bus Cleaner, Transportation Department, $15.00/hr., July 30, 2024
- Daniel DeJulio, Substitute Bus Driver, Transportation Department, $25.50/hr., July 30, 2024
- John Hudson, Substitute Custodian, Custodial Dept., $15.00/hr., July 30, 2024
- John Hudson, Substitute Head Custodian, Custodial Dept., $19.00/hr., July 30, 2024
- John Hudson, Substitute Groundworker, $16.00/hr., July 30, 2024
- Susan Smith, Substitute Food Service Worker, $15.00 September 3, 2024
- Vincent Sobey, Technology Summer Help, $15.00/hr., July 8, 2024
- Bryce Wheeler, Technology Summer Help, $15.00/hr., July 8, 2024
Termination
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Christie Bixler, Administrative Aide, PPS Department, July 29, 2024
Adopt District Code of Conduct
Mr. Baxter moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to adopt the District Code of Conduct.
Mr. Franz stated that there was one email from a parent asking for information on the presentation at the Public Hearing. He said the information was passed on to the parent with no further questions from the public.
Mr. Gross stated that there has been a lot of work done in the last couple of years to make sure the Code of Conduct is aligned with restorative justice and thanked the district for the work on this.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
Approve 2024-2025 Substitute Rates of Pay
Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to approve the 2024-2025 Substitute Rates of Pay.
Motion carried. (7-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Approve 2024-2025 School Lunch Prices
Mrs. Scott moved, and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve the 2024-2025 school lunch prices. Mr. Bartlett explained that, although as a District we have CEP status, there is still a need to establish prices so as to not fall behind with inflation. He said we are allowed to provide one free breakfast and one free lunch per day per student. If a student opts to purchase another lunch, or a snack, the student must pay, therefore, the new prices need to be established.
Motion carried. (7-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
2024-2025 Board Goals
Mr. Gross reviewed the 2023-2024 Board Goals: Students First, Communication and Community Engagement, Board Self-Evaluation and Reflection and Board Professional Development. He asked for input as to whether the goals should be edited or stay the same. It was decided that the Board would bring this back to a future meeting and make a decision. He said at that point the Board would move to approve a final draft of the goals. He asked for any comments or suggestions to be sent to him via email.
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
There was none.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Smith shared an update on enrollment. Previously he reported that he was watching the kindergarten numbers at Jamesville. He said the 3rd grade at Jamesville has also become a concern that the district is watching. Dr. Smith will be meeting with Mrs. Baker tomorrow to review and update numbers making sure they are accurate moving forward to an August 1st deadline. He said that while any additions of staff would be unbudgeted, he understands that we need to meet the needs of students while being cognizant of budget constraints. He said he will put this information into the thought process before bringing a recommendation to the Board. He will continue to monitor changes at all grade levels and if changes are necessary, he will notify the Board.
Dr. Smith shared some of the topics that were covered during the administrator’s retreat last week. He said they discussed the school climate survey data, long range financial planning and predictability, instructional focus and direction for 2024-2025, continued work on MTSS, a coherent approach for professional learning of the school year, training on the new lockdown procedures and then looked at the new mentor/mentee training program.
Dr. Smith said immediately after the retreat, he left to attend the OCM BOCES Superintendent’s retreat in Saratoga. He said that there was focus on statewide initiatives and building an ecosystem where all kids have the same opportunities, as well as an information session on artificial intelligence tools. He said they also spent a great deal of time looking at the portrait of a graduate. He said that he left feeling positive and that for the first time, we are talking about what is good for the CNY community as whole. He thanked the Board for supporting these professional learning opportunities.
Facilities Committee Update
Mrs. DeForest shared a facilities Committee update. She said prior to the meeting, the Committee met with the architects to talk about the next referendum and what might be prioritized. She said the expectation will come to the Board on September 9 as a proposal and the Board will vote on the proposal on September 30 and then will be shared with the public as well.
Board President’s Report
Mr. Gross announced the following committee assignments based on survey results:
Audit Committee: Mr. Baxter, chair, Mr. Babikian, Mrs. Cortese and a member of the community to be determined.
Facilities Committee: Mr. Zoghby, chair, Mrs. DeForest, Dr. Archer, and Mr. Baxter.
Finance Committee: Mrs. DeForest, chair, Dr. Archer, Mr. Babikian, and Mr. Gross.
Policy Committee: Mrs. James Murad, chair, Mrs. Scott, Mr. Zoghby and Mr. Gross.
Mr. Gross also mentioned that there are a few other roles for the Board such as Strategic Planning, and meeting with the Town of DeWitt. He said he would reach out to the Board for these roles.
Mr. Gross shared information about the advocacy role the Board plays and reminded the Board about a session that is taking place in Oneonta on August 8, regarding the foundation aid formula. He encouraged any member that is available to attend.
Mr. Gross reminded the Board of the next meeting, August 19 and the Board retreat, on August 26. He said the retreat is a good time to focus on team building. He said one topic suggested is a deep dive into the special education terminology that comes to the Board during recommendations. Dr. Archer suggested not just terminology but a deeper understanding of the process. Mr. Gross said he will work with the district to bring resources to the retreat.
Community Comment Time, #2
There were no comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
There was none.
At 8:03 p.m., Mr. Babikian moved, and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (7-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: 8-19-24