Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mrs. Austin
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Mr. Leach
Ms. McKenney
Mrs. Souser
Mr. Zoghby
Ms. Algerari (Student Board Member)
Administration Present
Dr. Smith. Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Furlong, Interim Business Administrator
Others in attendance: John Baxter, Wes Porter, Linda Lopez, Aidan Mott, Juliette Torok, Ben Huegel, and David Babikian
Mrs. DeForest called the Regular Meeting to order immediately following the Public Hearing, at 7:28 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office.
Red Ram Recognition
Red Ram Recognition began with a special recognition and award for J-D junior, Javiere Lopez. Javiere was awarded the New York State Attorney General’s Triple C Award. This award recognizes the courage, character and commitment of New York State’s outstanding students. Mr. Franz shared information on the social justice work that Javiere has been involved with through the Student Coalition on Race and Equity. He said Javier has been instrumental in expanding youth led social justice work in the community. Mr. Franz thanked and congratulated Javiere on behalf of himself, Dr. Smith, the Board of Education, Onondaga County and the community. Mr. Franz also congratulated three graduating seniors, Will Cooper, Gabe Bagatell and Ava Harle who will be receiving their Triple C Awards during the senior award program.
Mrs. DeForest stated that the Board of Education celebrates the LGBTQIA+ culture and accomplishments especially during Pride Month.
The following were recognized:
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- 2023 National Merit Scholarship finalists Aiden Caporaso and Sehej Bajwa
- 2023 Scripps national Spelling Bee Competitor, Simran Sanders wo tied for 57th place
- J-D Music staff and students who contributed to a wonderful end of the year concert season
- J-D Girls’ Lacrosse Team for a successful season, ending at sectional finals
- J-D Girls’ Track and Field for placing 2nd in the Section III Class A Championships, and Victoria Payne, Nicolette Militi, Meganah Reddy, Jillian Webber, Emma Deehan, and Norah Kirch who competed in the State Championships
- J-D Boys’ Track and Field for placing 1st in Section III Class A Championships, and standouts Connor Clarkson, Ryan Carter, Hudson Groat, Noah Rafkis, Jisan Lamichhane, and Andres Valladares for their athletic performances
- J-D Girls’ Softball for winning Section III Championship, and Kaira McMahon for being named Section III Class A Softball MVP
- Dante Santos, Byrne Dairy and Deli, News Channel 9 Athlete of the Week, recognized for contributing to the team’s success this season with a batting average of .800
- J-D Boys’ Baseball for winning Section III Championship
- J-D Boys’ Tennis Team, for winning Section III Championship and competing in the State Championships and for Shrey Bhatt, Mark Bratslavsky and Luke Cantone being named All-CNY Team
- Sarah Burgess for being chosen to the All-CNY Girls’ Golf Team, and for competed in the State Girls’ Golf Championships
- Jackson Saroney who was a top finisher in the Golf State Championship, named all-CNY and invited to compete in the NYS Federation Tournament of Champions
- Mitchell Archer who placed 35th in the State Championships
- J-D Boys’ Lacrosse Team and Coach Jamie Archer who won the Section III Championship, Regional Championship and placed in the State Final
- NYSPHSAA 2023 Spring Scholar Athletes were recognized for a GPA of 90 or higher from eight teams
- J-D Teachers, Sara Quigley, Amy Spitzer and Cristina Reed presented at the NYU Metro Center’s 2023 Prioritizing Equity Conference on “Moving the Needle: Co-Facilitation of Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Education in Practice”
- J-D Middle School Principal, Andy Eldridge who was recognized by the DeWitt Police Department for commitment to student safety
- J-D Alumni Somil Aggarwal who was named A Cornell University Merrill Presidential Scholar and to Jay Lang, J-D Computer Science teacher who was recognized as a mentor who had an impact on Somil’s education
- Jason Crawford, Director of Facilities for his work with contractors to support the capital project, as well as our custodial, maintenance, buildings and grounds and technology staff
Lastly, Mrs. DeForest thanked the following retirees for their contributions, dedication and service to the Jamesville-DeWitt community: Nicholas Abdo, Elizabeth Byrne, Jean Carter, Jayne Dominicos, Jill Duby, Daniel Glazier, Joanne Grover, Anne Marie Honsinger, Denise Karandy, Deborah Kolod, Lee Krukowski, Amy LeStrange, Richard Lewis, Philip Luckette, Laurie Russell, Carol Sluis and Meryl Ziegler. She wished all the 2022-2023 retirees well.
Ms. McKenney recognized Jamie Archer who will be inducted into the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame.
Mrs. DeForest gave a shout out to Sarah Germain, our Communications Specialist for keeping up with news stories and the J-D Facebook page, Kim Hulbert, who oversees the Jamesville Neighborhood Watch Facebook page in our community and the J-D Booster Club for keeping up with all the events as well.
Ms. Aljerari recognized the senior students that performed at this year’s Greek fest.
Mr. Gross recognized the middle school students who led the tours during the ribbon cutting ceremony.
(See Supplemental Minutes)
Student Board Member Report, Ms. Aljerari
Ms. Aljerari provided the Board with her last report, which included the results of the Student Council election and the Board of Education Student Board Member election. She announced that Rami Al-Mudamgha will be the next student representative to the Board of Education. In addition, Ms. Aljerari gave us a wrap up on the end of the year activities for the seniors including the elementary school parades, senior breakfast, graduation rehearsal and graduation at the Civic Center. Lastly, Ms. Aljerari thanked the Board for the opportunity and experience to represent the student body.
(See Supplemental Minutes)
Community Comment Time
There were no comments.
Board Action: Approve Consent Agenda
Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. Souser seconded the motion to remove the CPSE and CSE Recommendations from the Consent Agenda.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Mr. Gross moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the motion to approve the modified Consent Agenda as follows:
1. Approve Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments
2. Accept Internal Claims Auditor Reports
3. Approve Minutes of the May 22, 2023 Board Meeting
Motion carried (9-0-0).
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Julianne Frechette, Physical Therapist, part-time (.8)
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- Location: District
- Salary: $62,488* (B10-D+85) – prorated
- Certification: PT, DPT
- Effective: August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Name and position: Karen Koch, CSE Chairperson; part-time (.6)
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- Location: District
- Salary: $43,387*
- Certification: School Social Worker, Permanent
- Effective: August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Name and position: Jasmine Manuel, K-6 Classroom Teacher; four year probationary appointment, replacing J. Dominicos
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- Location: Jamesville Elementary
- Salary: $56,564* (B1+28)
- Certification: Initial K-6 Classroom Teacher, in progress
- Effective: August 30, 2023
Name and position: Colleen Paige, Regular Substitute, Occupational Therapist
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- Location: District
- Salary: $63,140* (B2-M+53)
- Certification: Occupational Therapist
- Effective: August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Name and position: Stacey Piscitell, School Nurse, part-time (.6)
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- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $28,049* (B6) – prorated
- Certification: Registered Professional Nurse
- Effective: August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Name and position: Carla Ray, School Nurse, part-time (.4)
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- Location: High School
- Salary: $18,293* (B6) – prorated
- Certification: Registered Professional Nurse
- Effective: August 30, 2023 through June 30, 2024
Name and position: Kyle Voyer, Special Education Teacher, three year probationary appointment, new position
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- Location: High School
- Salary: $65,084* (B6-M+39)
- Certification: Professional Students With Disabilities 7-12
- Effective: August 30, 2023
*To be finalized upon completion of the JDFA contract
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Mentoring – 2022-2023
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Megan Johnson, Mentor to Jillian Fallis, $309.50 (half year)
Extra Duty Assignment – Intramurals – Middle School – 2022-2023 School Year
Name, assignment and stipend:
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- Lindsay Amidon, Session 5 Intramural Coach and Substitute, $42.30
- Brae Fuller, Session 5 Intramural Coach Substitute, $42.30
- Dan Glazier, Session 5 Intramural Coach and Substitute, $253.80
- Diane MacMaster, Session 5 Intramural Coach and Substitute, $105.75
- Kirsten Woiler, Session 5 Intramural Coach and Substitute, $105.75
Change in Status
Name, position, location, change and effective date:
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- Julie Kielbasa, Teaching Assistant, Jamesville Elementary, Involuntary Reduction from F/T to 0.0, effective June 30, 2023
- Cynthia Montross-Tipa, Teaching Assistant, Middle School, Involuntary Reduction from F/T to 0.0, effective June 30, 2023
Request for Leave
Name, assignment, location, type of leave, and effective date:
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- Dorothy Darcy, School Nurse, Tecumseh Elementary, FMLA, June 15, 2023 through June 30, 2023
- Elyssa Rosenbaum Becker, Physical Education Teacher, Tecumseh Elementary, paid parental leave, June 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023
- Alexander Way, Teaching Assistant, Middle School, unpaid leave, August 30, 2023 through December 30, 2023
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Courtney Farranto, School Counselor, Middle School, July 31, 2023
- John Goodson, Director of Health, PE, Nurses and Athletics, District, July 14, 2023
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name, position, location, salary and effective date:
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- Marjorie Carver, Substitute Custodian/Summer Worker, Custodial Department, $14.20/hr., June 26, 2023
- Julie Kielbasa, Teacher Aide, 52 week probationary appointment, $14.95/hr., August, 30, 2023, replacing J. Grover
- Brenda Mulhern, District Treasurer, District Office, 52 week probationary appointment, $70,000., July 17, 2023
- Denise Reals, Substitute Custodian/Summer Worker, Custodial Department, $14.20/hr., July 26, 2023
Change in Status
Name, position, location, change and effective date:
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- Jill Schute, Typist II, PPS Department, change from 11 month to 12 month position, June 29, 2023
Request for Retirement
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Elizabeth Byrne, Teacher Aide, Tecumseh, June 30, 2023
Accept CPSE and CSE Recommendations
There was a discussion surrounding the approval process of a specific recommendation. Following the discussion, Mr. Gross moved and Mrs. Souser seconded the acceptance of the CPSE and CSE Recommendations.
Motion carried (8-0-1). Mrs. Souser abstained.
Approve SEQRA Resolution for Purchase of Transportation Vehicles
Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. Souser seconded the motion approve the following SEQRA Resolution for Purchase of Transportation Vehicles. (See Supplemental Minutes)
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
RESOLUTION DATED JUNE 12, 2023
RESOLUTION OF JAMESVILLE-DEWITT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK DETERMINING THAT THE PURCHASE OF STUDENT TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES IS A TYPE II ACTION UNDER THE New York STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO FURTHER REVIEW.
WHEREAS, the Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District, Onondaga County, New York (the “School District”) is considering approving the purchase of three (3) school buses for a maximum cost of $142,055 each; one (1) school bus at a maximum estimated cost of $167,367 and one (1) Chevy Suburban at a maximum estimated cost of $70,000, for a total combined maximum estimated expenditure of $663,532 (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and the Regulations in 6 NYCRR Part 617 adopted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (the “Regulations”), the School District desires to comply with SEQRA and the Regulations with respect to the Project; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
Section 1. The Board of Education of the School District hereby determines that the Project constitutes a “Type II Action” (as quoted term is defined in the Regulations) and is subject to no further review under SEQRA.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approve Bond Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Transportation Vehicles
Mrs. Austin moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to approve the following Bond Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Transportation Vehicles. (See Supplemental Minutes)
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
BOND RESOLUTION DATED JUNE 12, 2023
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES BY THE JAMESVILLE-DEWITT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $663,532 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $663,532 SERIAL BONDS TO PAY FOR THE COSTS THEREOF.
WHEREAS, at the annual district meeting of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District, Onondaga County, New York (the “School District”), duly called, held and conducted on May 16, 2023, the duly qualified voters of the School District approved a proposition authorizing the purchase of three (3) school buses at a maximum cost of $142,055 each; one (1) school bus at a maximum estimated cost of $167,367 and one (1) Chevy Suburban at a maximum estimated cost of $70,000, for a total combined maximum estimated expenditure of $663,532; and authorizing the issuance of $663,532 of obligations of the School District and the levy of a tax to be collected in annual installments for such purposes; 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 thereof;
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 purchase of three (3) school buses at a maximum estimated cost of $142,055 each; one (1) school bus at a maximum estimated cost of $167,367 and one (1) Chevy Suburban at a maximum estimated cost of $70,000, for a total combined maximum estimated expenditure of $663,532 is hereby authorized.
Section 2. The plan for financing of such maximum estimated cost is the issuance of $663,532 serial bonds (the “Bonds”) of the School District, which are hereby authorized, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the transportation vehicles described in Section 1 above is five (5) years pursuant to subdivision 29 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 4. The temporary use of available funds of the School District, not immediately required for the purpose or purposes of 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 5. 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 limitation as to rate or amount.
Section 6. 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 any bond anticipation notes to mature in such year, and (b) the payment of interest to be due and payable in such year.
Section 7. 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, 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 to the President of the Board of Education, the chief fiscal officer of the School District.
Section 8. The validity of the Bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation 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 after such publication, or
c. such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 9. This resolution shall constitute a declaration of the School District’s “official intent” to reimburse expenditures of the aforesaid objects or purposes with proceeds of the Bonds or bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of issuance of the Bonds as required by Treasury Regulation Section 1.150-2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no monies are, or are reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to the permanent funding of the objects or purposes described herein.
Section 10. The serial bonds and bond anticipation notes authorized to be issued by this Resolution are hereby authorized to be consolidated, at the option of the President of the Board of Education, as the Chief Fiscal Officer, with the serial bonds and bond anticipation notes authorized by other Bond Resolutions previously or hereafter adopted by the Board of Education for purposes of sale in to one or more bond or note issues aggregating an amount not to exceed the amount authorized in such resolutions. All matters regarding the sale of the bonds, including the date of the bonds, the use of electronic bidding, the consolidation of the serial 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, as the Chief Fiscal Officer of the School District.
Section 11. 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 Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12.
Section 12. This resolution which takes effect immediately, or a summary thereof, 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.
Approve Funds to Implement a Three-Year Contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Administrators Association
Dr. Archer moved and Mrs. Souser seconded the motion to approve funds to implement a three-year contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Administrators Association.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Funds to Implement a Three-Year Contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Auto Mechanic Unit
Mr. Gross moved and Dr. Archer seconded the motion to approve funds to implement a three-year contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Auto Mechanic Unit.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Funds to Implement a Three-Year Contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Management Confidential Clerical Employees
Mrs. James Murad moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the motion to approve funds to implement a three-year agreement with the Jamesville-DeWitt Management Confidential Clerical Employees.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Accept the 2020-2021 Internal Audit, District Response and Corrective Action Plan
Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. Souser seconded the motion to accept the 2020-2021 Internal Audit, District Response and Corrective Action Plan. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Motion carried (9-0-0).
Accept the 2022-2023 Internal Audit, District Response and Corrective Action Plan
Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to accept the 2022-2023 Internal Audit, District Response and Corrective Action Plan. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Motion carried (9-0-0).
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Smith began his report by reiterating the approval of the resignation of the Director of Physical Education, Athletics and Health, Mr. John Goodson. He said Mr. Goodson has resigned to take a position with another school district in New York State and wished him well. Dr. Smith said the District will launch a Thoughtexchange to gather input from community members, students and staff as to the capacities and qualities we are looking for in the next Athletic Director. Dr. Smith shared the search plan with the Board which will hopefully end with a recommendation for appointment at the July 10th Board meeting. Dr. Smith provided the Board with an update on enrollment numbers and said that there have been very few changes since he last reported in May. He said right now, we are keeping an eye on the number of students enrolled in Kindergarten and 3rd grade at Tecumseh. He said overall enrollment will likely decrease slightly for the 2023-24 school year. Dr. Smith explained the new class section development timeline and how it will help by setting deadlines to make decisions.
Dr. Smith shared important dates for the end of the school as well as upcoming concerts and commencement. There was a discussion around NYS legislation and the passing of two new holidays, Diwali and the Lunar New Year. He said that these will not affect the current calendar.
Dr. Smith stated that eight administrators will be attending the National Superintendent’s Association Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., June 25 through June 28. He said that there has been regional work done with Dr. Bill Daggett, whose organization is affiliated with the National Superintendent’s Association. He said that he is excited about seeing what is new as well as growing our network and looking at how it will align with the work Mr. Daggett is bringing to our region.
Committee Reports
Mr. Gross stated that the work of the audit committee was covered earlier and that he wanted to publicly thank Mrs. Ginny Murphy for her work as a community member on the audit committee. He said that she has been an excellent member but she is open to stepping aside for a new member. He said the committee is looking for another community member, particularly with a financial background that might want to serve in this role.
Ms. McKenney recognized the office staff for their efficient work with the auditors. She said the auditors have noted the access to administration and staff as well as the speed and ease of locating records. She thanked them for their work.
President’s Report
Mrs. DeForest said that as we are heading into the end of the year, we will be completing the Superintendent’s year end evaluation, but we are waiting for assessment results. She said she will be getting information to both Carolyn and Dave before their year ends. She again welcomed new Board members David Babikian and John Baxter and reminded them of the new Board member orientation on June 21st at 4:00 p.m.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Mrs. DeForest shared that today, on Syracuse.com, there was a post that invited the public to vote on Section III Athletic Program of the Year and encouraged everyone to vote for J-D’s sports program.
Mrs. DeForest thanked Mr. Leach and Mrs. Souser for their service and contributions on the Board of Education for the last three years. In addition, she thanked Mr. Furlong for his time with J-D serving as Interim Business Administrator.
Ms. McKenney asked about the safety audit, what the process is and who was chosen to do the audit. Dr. Smith responded that the audit is in process and he expects to receive reports relatively soon. He said Armoured One is doing the audit and that the report will be highly confidential.
At 8:45 p.m., Mrs. Souser moved and Mr. Leach seconded the adjournment of the meeting.
Motion carried. (9-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: July 10, 2023