Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District > Board of Education > Board Meetings > Minutes of March 13, 2023 Regular Meeting

Minutes of March 13, 2023 Regular Meeting

Members Present

Mrs. Austin
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mr. Leach
Mrs. James Murad (attended remotely)
Mrs. Souser
Mr. Zoghby
Ms. Aljerari (Student Board Member)

Members Absent

Dr. Archer
Ms. McKenney

Administration Present

Dr. Smith. Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Furlong, Interim Business Administrator

Mrs. DeForest called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office and via Zoom.

In Attendance:

Jacqueline Reynolds, Molly McIntyre, Marcy Baker, Corinne Campbell, David Conors, Fallon Coyle, Matt Cook, Bryan Finlon, Rosanna Grund, Mario Streiff, Audrey Harkaway, Jose Coyne, Maureen Vredenburgh, Campbell Endries, and Lisa Carguello, Colleen Viggiano

Presentation, Mrs. Menapace, Pupil Personnel Services

Mrs. Menapace welcomed Mrs. Rosanna Grund, OCM BOCES Asst. Superintendent of Students Services, to speak about the SKATE Program at Jamesville Elementary.  Mrs. Grund introduced the team from OCM BOCES in attendance: Dr. Matt Cook, Superintendent, Mrs. Colleen Viggiano, Deputy Superintendent, Mr. Bryan Finlon, Asst. Director of Special Education, Heather Williams Administrator of Special Education.  She also introduced the SKATE TEAM  Mr. Dave Connors, Occupational Therapist, Ms. Maureen Vredenburgh, Speech Language Pathologist in SKATE Program, Ms. Corinne Campbell, SKATE Program Special Education Teacher, and Mrs. Marcy Baker, Principal of Jamesville Elementary School.  Ms. Campbell shared information on the collaboration between the Jamesville Elementary and OCM BOCES SKATE Program, which houses a classroom of students with special needs.  Ms. Campbell spoke about a project that took place in the fall that included the entire Jamesville Elementary building which was centered around accept, include, and love. She said the project helped to create a sense of community for the SKATE students as well as all Jamesville students.  She shared the different phases of the project including a newsletter, lesson plan, building wide fingerprint canvas project and bracelets for all to wear during the month of November. Ms. Campbell shared an upcoming project to show appreciation for and to give back to the Jamesville Elementary community. 

Mrs. Erin Nowicki, a special education teacher at the Middle School spoke about the new 15:1:1 program. She said that currently there are nine students in ELA and nine students in Math and the regular classroom curriculum is used at a slower pace. She said that the small classroom allows for greater independence and confidence in the students.

Mrs. Menapace spoke on behalf of Mrs. Manzone, special education teacher at the High School, who was not able to be at the meeting. Mrs. Manzone works in a 12:1:1 program, which is for students with significant cognitive and academic needs that interfere with daily life and learning in a traditional setting.   Mrs. Menapace said this program provides specially designed instruction and curriculum to help students to access New York State learning standards leading to a regents diploma.

Mrs. Menapace introduced Mrs. Christina Taylor who is currently interning in the PPS office.  Mrs. Taylor explained her opportunity through the SU Teaching Center to pursue a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education Leadership. She spoke about how she has been able to build relationships and make connections with students, families and staff to help students as well as gain experience. She said that working in PPS office and has gained perspective through chairing CSE meetings and review of evaluations and IEPs, She expressed her gratitude to Dr. Smith and the Board of Education for allowing her the growth as an educational leader and providing opportunities for the future.

Mrs. Menapace shared information with the Board and provided them each a packet of information on topics of Continuum of Education (acronyms), District Evaluations, New York State Re-Evaluations, Independent Educational Evaluations and Parent Requests, Independent Education Evaluation at Public Expense (Board Policy 7680) and Due Process Complaints.

(See Supplemental Minutes)

Red Ram Recognition

Mrs. DeForest recognized the following:

  • Educators of Special Education Students School during the month of March, which is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
  • Cast, pit and crew of Little Mermaid, Jr. for a wonderful show and thanked Director, Mr. Bird; Band Director, Mr. Greene; Set Designer, Anastasia Arriaga; and Stage Manager Izzy Vaverchak
  • Paloma Arena and Symone Johnson for representing JDHS at the regional completion and for Paloma Arena advancing to the State Final
  • JDHS Drama Club as they will be hosting a short play festival on Friday
  • Aniyah Neal for being name to the III Class A – All Tournament Team for Girls Basketball
  • Girls and Boys Indoor Track and Field, Section III Champions and Nicolette Militi for placing 22nd in the State Championships
  • Hailey Webber for being named Student Athlete of the Week, who ranked 48th nationally and 1st place in Section III for weight throw
  • Boys Swimming and Diving Team for their accomplishments in the State Championships and for Mark Batslavsky, Nathaniel Wales, Lesha Kabunov, Misha Kabunov and Luke Marino for being named to the All-CNY Team

Mr. Gross recognized and thanked the live pit at the Middle School play and Ms. Aljerari recognized the UMOJA Club Soul Food Festival which was a huge success.  (See Supplemental Minutes)

Student Board Member Report, Ms. Aljerari

Ms. Aljerari provided the Board with a report which included information about the High School Mental Health Weekend, the successes of the DECA Club including Megan Culligan, Logan Oppedisano and Zamora McBride who will be moving onto the National competition, and the MUN Conference in Rochester.  Ms. Aljerari also passed along a request from the Rampage members who asked the Board to pass the updated editorial policy presented last year.  In addition, she said that Isaiah Steinberg participated in the New Voices Advocacy Day in Albany, to support the Student Journalist Free Speech Act. (See Supplemental Minutes).

Community Comment Time #1

There were no comments.

Approve Consent Agenda

Mr. Leach moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the approval of the Consent Agenda. 

    1. Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments
    2. Overnight Field Trip Request
    3. Minutes of the February 27, 2023 Board Meeting

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – February 27, 2023

INSTRUCTIONAL

Appointments

Name and position: Caitlin Johnston, Second Language Teacher, probationary appointment (4 years from August 31, 2022), replacing M. DeJesus

    • Location: High School
    • Salary: $57,376.00 (B1-M+33)
    • Certification: Initial Spanish 7-12
    • Effective: March 14, 2023

Name and position: Jenna Somers, Art Teacher, regular substitute appointment, replacing L. Williams

    • Tecumseh Elementary and Moses DeWitt Elementary
    • Salary: $50,759.00 (B1)
    • Certification: Initial Childhood Education (1-6)
    • Effective: October 10, 2022

Resignations:

Name, position, location, and effective date:

    • Courtney Sierotnik, School Nurse, Middle School, March 24, 2023

 NONINSTRUCTIONAL

Appointments

Name, position, location, salary and effective date:

    • Asia Grimes, School Monitor, High School, $14.20/hr., 52 week probationary appointment, March 14, 2023, replacing C. Phoenix
    • Joseph Mehlek, Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation, $14.50/hr., March 14, 2023

Approve Funds to Implement Four-Year Contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Faculty Association

Mr. Zoghby moved and Mrs. Souser seconded the motion to Approve Funds to Implement Four-Year Contract with the Jamesville-DeWitt Faculty Association.  (See Supplemental Minutes).

Mr. Leach disclosed that he would be abstaining from voting and Dr. Smith stated that was not necessary.

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

Approve Request to Close Inactive Student Activity Accounts

Mr. Gross moved and Mrs. Souser seconded the motion to Approve Request to Close Inactive Student Activity Accounts.  (See Supplemental Minutes)

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

Board Policies – First Readings

The following policies were brought to the Board for a first reading and Mrs. James explained the changes:

    • 6130 – Evaluation of Personnel
    • 6550 – Leaves of Absence
    • 7512 – Student Physicals
    • 7670 – Due Process Complaints – Appointment of IHO
    • 8450 – Home Hospital or Institutional Instruction

These policies will be brought back for a second reading at the next meeting.

Approve Resolution – Settlement Offer for Government Entity Claims Against JUUL Labs, Inc. (“JLI”)

Mr. Zoghby moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the motion to approve the following Resolution Authorizing Settlement of Vaping Litigation:

 WHEREAS, the Board of Education (the “Board”) of the Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District (the “District”) previously authorized the District Superintendent to take all steps necessary to join a nation-wide lawsuit by school districts against Juul Labs, Inc. the largest seller of e-cigarettes in the United States and Altria Group, Inc. formerly known as Phillip Morris Companies, Inc. (the “Lawsuit”);

WHEREAS, following extensive negotiations, counsel for Juul Labs, Inc. and counsel for the school districts, have reached an agreement in principle to resolve all claims against Juul Labs, Inc., as well as its corporate representatives (the “Settlement Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Settlement Agreement provides, in relevant part, that in exchange for a full release of claims against Juul Labs, Inc. and its corporate representatives, the District will receive monetary remuneration in the amount of $14,300.00 (the “Settlement Amount”);

WHEREAS, the Settlement Amount will be paid to the District in five installments pursuant to the following schedule: 62.5% in December 2023; 12.5% in December 2024; 12.5% in December 2025; and 12.5% in December 2026.

WHEREAS, in entering the Settlement Agreement, the District is not releasing claims against any other defendants in the Lawsuit, including, but not limited to, Altria Group, Inc.;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District hereby ratifies the Settlement Agreement, a copy of which is incorporated into the minutes of this meeting, and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to take any further actions necessary to effect the settlement authorized herein. 

ADOPTED this 13th  day of March 2023, by a roll call vote as follows:

YES: 7

NO:   0

ABSTAIN:  0

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

Approve 2023-2024 District Calendar

Mr. Zoghby moved and Mr. Gross seconded the approval of the 2023-2024 District Calendar.

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

Potential Consideration for Future Meetings

Mrs. DeForest stated that the roles and responsibilities of offices and superintendents will be embedded into the handbook and will be reviewed at the next meeting.  

Budget Discussion, Instruction

Mr. Furlong presented the Instructional segment of the budget, which is the largest portion.  He discussed the factors impacting the proposed budget including additional staff to service ELL and Special Education students; additional instructional staff to maintain class size and offer exploratory options at the Middle School, additional funding for curriculum and professional development, enhancements to instructional technology and cyber security and inflationary cost increases on instructional supplies and equipment.  He reviewed the summary of changes from 22-23 to 23-24 and said there is a 5.35% increase on the Instructional Budget, which is an increase of 2.69% on the total budget.  The Revenue section of the budget will be reviewed at the next meeting.  (See Supplemental Minutes).   

Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Smith

Dr. Smith shared a presentation on the NYS 2022-2023 Accountability Report and 2021-2022 graduation data which have been recently released by the State Education Department.  Dr. Smith explained that the State Education Department needed to rework the formula due to COVID.  He explained how ESSA requires the State Education Department to meet certain requirements to access the federal funds.  He said the State Education Department is moving away from a “got you” model to providing support to help based on accountability systems.  Dr. Smith explained the different supports available based on what level the district falls in.  He said that all schools in the district fall into the LSI (Local Support and Improvement) formerly identified as good standing, no regulatory intervention necessary. 

Dr. Smith shared accountability shifts that were made in the past as well as the formula for this year with examples of each. He shared the evaluated data of the buildings and the district.  In addition he shared graduation rates for the high school cohorts, and showed how the unweighted graduation rate assigns the school a level.  He said the data reflected our designation as “LSI”, formally known as Good Standing, which means the support is totally in-house and continually improving.  (See Supplemental Minutes)

9:00 p.m. Ms. Aljerari was excused from the meeting.

Dr. Smith provided an update on the safety audit and said that two firms responded to the RFP and two proposals were received.  He said both firms are capable and reputable and that we are in the process of checking references and timeline for completion.  He said he anticipated awarding the contract this week.   Dr. Smith will put both proposals in the Board folder.

Dr. Smith talked about the recent ThoughtExchange that has been released, asking for public feedback on targeted areas of improvement based on increased foundation aid.  He said JD is slated to receive more than 10% increase in our aid next year and that any districts that are in the same situation are required to ask for input on how the money should be spent. He said this survey will be available until Friday.  Dr. Smith shared upcoming events.

Committee Reports

Mr. Furlong reported that there will be a Finance Committee meeting tomorrow and revenue will be discussed.

Mrs. James Murad reported that the Policy Committee discussed the first readings of the policies brought forth at this meeting.

Mr. Leach reported that the Facilities Committee met prior to the Board meeting and discussed the capital project completion date, as well as the $2.7 million available in funds for Phase 2.  He said the breakdown of these funds are for safety and security enhancements, renovating and reconfiguring space in the high school, and for upgrades to the softball complex.  He said a group raised approximately $60,000 to contribute to the softball field project.

Board President’s Report, Mrs. DeForest

Mrs. DeForest reminded everyone that the Budget Vote and Board of Education election will take place on May 16, 2023.  She said there will be three board seats open and petitions are now available by contacting Tish Hauser in the District Office.  She said the petitions are due back by April 17, 2023, and require 25 signatures.  Mrs. DeForest said the Budget Hearing will be May 8th and all candidates will have an opportunity to speak.

Mrs. DeForest said the Board retreat has been rescheduled for March 29, 2023 and that she has sent out topics to all board members. There was a vote around the table to determine which topics would be covered. The topics that were brought up were by-stander training, book study, impact of COVID and 3 tiered system of support.  Mrs. DeForest will keep the Board posted as to the topic and she asked all members to read section for the book study.

Mrs. DeForest asked the Board members to check their calendars and get back to her with conflicts for the Public Forum and to propose potential forum topics.

Community Comment Time #2

There were no comments.

Unfinished and Continuing Business

Mrs. DeForest stated that on International Women’s Day, she is very proud of the work that the District and the Board is doing.  She said the theme of International Women’s Day is “Embrace Equity” and that we should carry that theme throughout the rest of the school year.

At 9:36 p.m., Mrs. Austin moved and Mr. Leach seconded the motion to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s mid-year evaluation.

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

At 10:26 p.m., Mrs. Souser moved and Mr. Gross seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session.

Motion carried. (7-0-0)

At 10:27 p.m., Mrs. Souser moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion carried. (7-0-0) 

Respectfully submitted,

 

William Furlong
Interim Clerk of the Board

BOARD APPROVED:   3-27-23