Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District > Board of Education > Board Meetings > Minutes of October 28, 2024, Board of Education Meeting

Minutes of October 28, 2024, Board of Education Meeting

Members Present

Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Zoghby
Mr. Mantalios (student board member)

Administration Present

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

Others in attendance: Greg Handy, Merris Kessler, Alana Bates, Luke Patchen, Peter Drew, Anna Cabral, Jodi Schwedes, Michael Fitzpatrick, and Kian Sarmast

Mr. Gross called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m. at Moses DeWitt Elementary School and via Zoom.  

At 6:02 p.m., Mr. Zoghby moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to adjourn to Executive Session.

At 6:45 p.m., Mr. Zoghby moved, and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to adjourn the Executive Session.

At 7:00 p.m., Mr. Gross called the regular meeting to order.

Presentation, Mrs. Sylvester, Principal, Moses DeWitt

Mrs. Sylvester welcomed the Board to Moses DeWitt Elementary School and shared her presentation. The presentation included how the strategic plan goal of culture of wellness is addressed at Moses DeWitt through connectedness and belonging.  Mrs. Sylvester shared the different ways that the school helps students to feel a sense of belonging including morning announcements, the safety patrol, bulletin boards, classroom buddies and Moses Monthly Meetings.  She also gave examples of how the school is using curriculum, practices, and other resources such as Second Step Lessons, Restorative Practices, Responsive Classroom and Promise Zone and Access workers to make sure all students feel that they belong.  Mrs. Sylvester shared information related to other initiatives including the administration of the BIMAS, attendance, ELL students, curriculum, and MTSS goals. (See Supplemental Minutes).

Red Ram Recognition

Mrs. Cortese began Red Ram Recognition by recognizing the second, third, and fourth-grade students from Moses DeWitt that sang God Bless America this past Friday at the Syracuse Crunch game.  She said the students sang beautifully and she thanked music teacher Ms. Essig for organizing the event and helping the students rehearse, as well as Mrs. Fischer and Ms. Dermody for their help with supervision.

Mr. Gross recognized and congratulated the following:  

    • Eighth grade students Lila Kresge, Tanairi Martinez and Kara Barnello, whose artwork was displayed at the NYSSBA convention and Middle School art teacher, Ms. Sabine for facilitating the submissions.
    • Junior Aarohi Rastogi who participated in a panel discussion at the United Nations International Day of the Girl.
    • Senior, Sammy Tadevossian, who was selected as a nominee for the Heart of a Giant Award.
    • Middle School student James Evarts, who was awarded the Medal of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America for helping save a life. James was featured on NewsChannel 9, On Your Side for how he used skills he learned to dial 9-1-1 to get help for his mom.
    • Students in the Learning Pad at Tecumseh, began the year creating art based on Sesame Street. Each student has their own frog picture decorating the wall outside the classroom.
    • Patrick Duca, Lucas Chiorini, Brian Tollar and Abigail Feng who were recognized for their stellar performance on the PSAT.

Mr. Gross recognized all senior athletes completing their fall sports seasons.  He congratulated Mona Farah, qualifier for the Girls State Tennis Tournament and Kayla McQuaid, qualifier for the Girls State Diving Championship.  In addition, he congratulated the Boys Golf team for their sectional win.  He provided a list of upcoming sectional and playoff games for fall sports.

Mr. Gross thanked and recognized local first responders from the DeWitt Fire Department for their presentation to Tecumseh Elementary School. He also recognized Outsiders Day at the Middle School and students from Ms. Endreny’s 7th grade science class who were joined by JDHS students to study the ecosystem of Butternut Creek at Fiddler’s Green.

Mr. Gross shared that High School students were able to attend the Syracuse Construction Career Day at the Regional Market which was organized by the Syracuse Builder’s Exchange.

Lastly, Mr. Gross recognized and thanked Sarah Germain, for her work on the website as well as her Facebook posts for the District.

Community Comment Time

Michelle Case requested to speak at Community Comment time but was not in attendance on Zoom. 

Approve Consent Agenda

Mr. Gross stated that prior to entering Executive Session, the Agenda was amended to remove the Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations from the Consent Agenda.

Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the amended consent agenda as follows:

    • Accept CPSE and CSE Recommendations
    • Accept Internal Claims Auditor Reports
    • Approve Overnight Field Request
    • Approve Treasurer’s Reports
    • Accept External Auditor Report and Corrective Action Plan

Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)

Approve Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments

Mr. Babikian moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the amended Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – October 28, 2024

INSTRUCTIONAL

Appointments

Name and position:  Marissa Coir, Special Education Teacher, (0.5 FTE), new position.

    • Location: Tecumseh
    • Salary: $62,254.00 (B1-M+46), prorated
    • Certification: Professional SWD B-2
    • Effective: October 29, 2024

Name and position:  Susan Kirch, Teaching Assistant, four-year probationary appointment, new position.

    • Location: Moses DeWitt
    • Salary: $31,000 (prorated)
    • Certification: Teaching Assistant Level 1
    • Effective: October 15, 2024  

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – High School – 2024-2025

Name, assignment, and stipend:

    • Samantha Guillaume, DECA Club Advisor, $1,585.00
    • William Sauve, Cafeteria Supervision, $1,912.00
    • William Sauve, Technology Student Association Club Advisor, $2,113.00

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Middle School – 2024-2025

Name, assignment, and stipend:

    • Keith Bryant, E-sports – School Coach, $924.00
    • Keith Bryant, Lego League Coach, $924.00

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Winter Coaching – 2024-2025

Name, assignment, and stipend:

    • Kurt Honis, Varsity Wrestling Coach, Volunteer, ($0)
    • Ian Murray, Boys Modified Swimming Coach, $3,359.00
    • Samantha Purrman, Boys Modified Volleyball Coach, $3,233.00
    • Daniel Rechtorovic, Boys Modified Basketball Coach, $3,169.00

Resignation – Winter Coaching – 2024-2025

Name, assignment, and stipend:

    • David Sciacca, Boys Modified Basketball Coach

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Spring Coaching – 2024-2025

Name, assignment, and stipend:

    • Theresa Goad, Girls JV Head Lacrosse Coach, $5,577.00
    • Will Hartley, Girls JV Assistant Lacrosse Coach, $5,062.00
    • Sarah Levesque, Girls Modified Lacrosse Coach, $4,226.00

Resignation – Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Spring Coaching – 2024-2025

Name, and assignment:

    • Theresa Goad, Girls Modified Lacrosse Coach

Request for Retirement

Name, assignment, location, and effective date:

    • Amy Bissetta, Social Studies Teacher, Middle School, June 30, 2025

NONINSTRUCTIONAL

Appointments

Name, assignment, location, and effective date:

    • Matthew Chisholm, Substitute Bus Driver, Transportation, $26.00/hr., October 29, 2024
    • Douglas Harrison, Substitute Bus Driver, Transportation, $26.00/hr., October 29, 2024
    • Cheryl Hinman, Administrative Aide, 52-week provisional appointment, PPS Department, $18.25/hr., November 4, 2024, replacing C. Bixler
    • Noel Norden, Teacher Aide, 52-week probationary appointment, Moses DeWitt, $15.70/hr., October 16, 2024, replacing S. Kirch
    • Robert Steigerwald, Custodial Worker I, 52-week probationary appointment, Custodial Dept., $19.42/hr., November 12, 2024, replacing G. Bryant
    • Shannon Yuckel, Custodian I, 52-week probationary appointment, Custodial Department, $24.43/hr., November 18, 2024, replacing D. Baker

Change In Status

Name, assignment, location, change, and effective date:

    • Lynette Mason, Custodian I, Custodial Department, from Provisional to Probationary, October 29, 2024

Resignation

Name, assignment, location, and effective date:

    • Maya Kamberaj, Teacher Aide, High School, October 1, 2024
    • Susan Kirch, Teacher Aide, Moses DeWitt, October 14, 2024

Termination

Name, assignment, location, and effective date:

    • Daryl Baker, Custodial Worker I, Custodial Department, October 22, 2024

Approve Minutes of the September 30, 2024, Board Meeting

Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the September 30, 2024, Board Meeting.

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Mr. Baxter moved, and Mrs. DeForest seconded the motion to amend the agenda to reflect a change in the order of the items in New Business as follows:

  i.  Approve Land Lease Agreement Between the District and Bell
      Atlantic Mobile Systems LLC d/b/a Verizon Wireless

  i.  Approve SEQRA Resolution

iii.  Approve Capital Project Resolution

iv.  Board Policy: First Reading

v.  Potential Consideration for Future Meetings

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Land Lease Agreement Between the District and Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems LLC d/b/a Verizon Wireless

Dr. Smith shared a presentation on the Land Lease Agreement that is being proposed between the District and Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems LLC d/b/a Verizon Wireless.  He explained the circumstances surrounding Verizon wanting to build a cell tower on District property and said the district is in favor of this agreement.  He said it could benefit us with regards to our “spotty” cell service throughout the High School, which was noted in our safety audit.  Dr. Smith shared the location of the land to be leased and where the tower would be built.  He said we are not sacrificing valuable real estate, and it is not expected it to be used in the future. Dr. Smith shared the terms of the agreement, safety concerns and a timeline of the next steps.  He said that he is not asking for approval at tonight’s meeting, but it will be brought back for approval on November 18 for both a land lease agreement and SEQRA Resolution.

Approve SEQRA Resolution

Mr. Baxter moved, and Mrs. DeForest seconded the following SEQRA Resolution:  

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
OF THE JAMESVILLE-DEWITT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK
DETERMINING THAT PROJECT FOR RECONSTRUCTION
AND RENOVATION OF CERTAIN DISTRICT BUILDING
AND FACILITIES IS A TYPE II ACTION
 OCTOBER 28, 2024

            WHEREAS, the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District (the “District”) is considering undertaking the reconstruction, renovations, improvements and repairs to the district’s buildings and facilities, including site work, at a total estimated maximum cost not to exceed $34,500,000 (collectively, the “Project”); and

            WHEREAS, the Project involves the construction of improvements to and reconstruction of various School District buildings and facilities, including site and athletic field improvements, transportation infrastructure upgrades and original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, and incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith; and

            WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the District (the “Board of Education”) seeks authorization of the duly qualified voters of the District to undertake the Project;

            WHEREAS, the District now desires to comply with 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”) with respect to the Project; and

            WHEREAS, pursuant to the Regulations, the District has considered the Project in light of the actions included on the Type I list specified in Section 617.4 of the Regulations and in light of the actions included on the Type II list specified in Section 617.5 of the Regulations; and

            WHEREAS, the courts of this state have held that segmentation cannot occur if one or more of the projects are Type II actions.

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the District as follows:

1.  The District has determined that the Project constitutes a “Type II action” (as the quoted term is defined in the Regulations) because it falls clearly within the ambit of three actions included on the Type II list specified in Section 617.5 of the Regulations:

(a)        “routine activity of an educational institution” (617.5(c)(8)); and/or

(b)        “maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing structure or facility” (617.5(c)(1)); and/or

(c)        “replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site;” (617.5(c)(2)); and

2.  The Project is not subject to further review under SEQRA; and

3.  Notwithstanding that the Project is not subject to further review under SEQRA, the District will continue to comply with the New York State Education Department Guidelines for School District Implementation of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) and Associated Changes in the SED Building Permit Process, which requires consultation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and

4.  A copy of this resolution shall be provided to the New York State Education Department.

Dated: October 28, 2024
Jamesville-DeWitt, New York                                                          

                                                                        By Order of the Board of Education
                                                                        Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District
                                                                        Brian Bartlett, District Clerk

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Approve Capital Project Resolution

Mrs. Scott moved and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to approve the following Capital Project Resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
OF THE JAMESVILLE-DEWITT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK
AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING
ON DECEMBER 17, 2024
FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON A PROPOSITION FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION OF CERTAIN DISTRICT BUILDING AND FACILITIES
OCTOBER 28, 2024

            WHEREAS, the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District (the “District”) is considering undertaking the reconstruction, renovations, improvements and repairs to the District’s buildings and facilities, including site work, at a total estimated maximum cost not to exceed $34,500,000; and

            WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the District (the “Board of Education”) seeks authorization of the duly qualified voters of the District to undertake the capital improvements described above (the “Projects”);

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the District as follows:

            Section 1.  The Board of Education has previously determined that the Project constitutes a “Type II Action” pursuant to Section 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the Regulations of the Department of Environmental Conservation of the State of New York (the “Regulations”) adopted pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, as amended (the “SEQRA Act”) and no further environmental investigation under the SEQRA Act and Regulations is required.

            Section 2.  The Board of Education hereby calls a Special District Meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at the Jamesville-DeWitt High School Gymnasium Lobby, 6845 Edinger Drive in the Town of DeWitt, New York, on which date and at which place the polls shall be open between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., local time, for the purpose of voting by paper ballot on the following proposition:

Proposition One
Reconstruction/Renovation/Improvement of Certain District Facilities

Shall the Board of Education of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District (the “District”) be authorized to renovate, reconstruct, improve, rehabilitate, repair, furnish and/or equip the District’s buildings and facilities, including, but not limited to, the renovation and reconstruction of building exteriors and interiors, plumbing, electrical, gas line and HVAC renovations and improvements, fiber optic upgrades, corridor and miscellaneous bathroom renovations, gym facade renovations, locker room renovations, miscellaneous floor renovations, miscellaneous door replacements, miscellaneous heating and cooling equipment replacement, campus wide site improvement consisting of asphalt and concrete pavement, flagpole replacement, playground renovation, stadium lighting, bus garage roof replacement, HVAC replacement and lift replacement, tennis court renovations, fencing renovations, retaining wall repairs, signage improvements, exterior stair repair and renovations, baseball field renovations and improvements, pool locker room renovations, kitchen equipment replacement and upgrades, basketball court renovations, drainage improvements, and grading or improvement of the sites and acquisition of original furnishings, equipment, machinery and apparatus required for the purposes for which such buildings, facilities and improvements are to be used (the “Project”), at a total estimated maximum cost not to exceed $34,500,000; to withdraw $500,000 from the District’s Facilities Improvement Capital Reserve Fund and $500,000 from the District’s 2023 Capital Reserve Fund, respectively, to pay a portion of said costs; and to raise $33,500,000 by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the District to be collected in annual installments in the years and in the amounts as the Board shall determine in accordance with Section 416 of the Education Law, which tax may be offset by New York State aid available therefore, and in anticipation of such tax, shall the District be authorized to issue up to $33,500,000 maximum principal amount of obligations of the District?

            Section 3.  A public hearing to discuss the proposed Projects shall be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Board Meeting Room in the School District Office Building located at 6845 Edinger Drive in the Town of DeWitt, New York.

            Section 4.  The District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause the following “Notice of Special District Meeting” to be published in The Syracuse Post Standard and the Eagle Bulletin, two newspapers having general circulation within the District, once each week, for four (4) weeks, within the seven (7) weeks preceding said Special District Meeting, the first publication to occur not sooner than October 29, 2024 and not later than November 2, 2024, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2004 and 2007 of the New York Education Law; provided, however, that the District Clerk is hereby authorized, without further Board of Education action, to make non-substantive, technical amendments to the “Notice of Special District Meeting” as from time-to-time, in his discretion, in consultation with the District’s legal counsel, are deemed necessary:

NOTICE OF
SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING
OF THE
JAMESVILLE-DEWITT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

            PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special District Meeting of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District (the “District”) will be held at the polling place designated below on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at which time the polls will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., local time, for the purpose of voting by paper ballot on the following proposition:

Proposition One

Reconstruction/Renovation/Improvement of Certain District Facilities

Shall the Board of Education of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District (the “District”) be authorized to renovate, reconstruct, improve, rehabilitate, repair, furnish and/or equip the District’s buildings and facilities, including, but not limited to, the renovation and reconstruction of building exteriors and interiors, plumbing, electrical, gas line and HVAC renovations and improvements, fiber optic upgrades, corridor and miscellaneous bathroom renovations, gym facade renovations, locker room renovations, miscellaneous floor renovations, miscellaneous door replacements, miscellaneous heating and cooling equipment replacement, campus wide site improvement consisting of asphalt and concrete pavement, flagpole replacement, playground renovation, stadium lighting, bus garage roof replacement, HVAC replacement and lift replacement, tennis court renovations, fencing renovations, retaining wall repairs, signage improvements, exterior stair repair and renovations, baseball field renovations and improvements, pool locker room renovations, kitchen equipment replacement and upgrades, basketball court renovations, drainage improvements, and grading or improvement of the sites and acquisition of original furnishings, equipment, machinery and apparatus required for the purposes for which such buildings, facilities and improvements are to be used (the “Project”), at a total estimated maximum cost not to exceed $34,500,000; to withdraw $500,000 from the District’s Facilities Improvement Capital Reserve Fund and $500,000 from the District’s 2023 Capital Reserve Fund, respectively, to pay a portion of said costs; and to raise $33,500,000 by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the District to be collected in annual installments in the years and in the amounts as the Board shall determine in accordance with Section 416 of the Education Law, which tax may be offset by New York State aid available therefore, and in anticipation of such tax, shall the District be authorized to issue up to $33,500,000 maximum principal amount of obligations of the District?

            NOTICE is also given that a public hearing to discuss the proposed projects shall be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Board Meeting Room in the District Office located at 6845 Edinger Drive in the Town of DeWitt, New York.

             NOTICE is also given that to be a “qualified voter” a person must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and a legal resident of the District for a period of thirty (30) days immediately prior to December 17, 2024 and not otherwise prohibited from voting under the provisions of section 5-10b of the Election Law.

             NOTICE is also given that the polling place where the vote and election will take place is as follows:

Jamesville-DeWitt High School Gymnasium
6845 Edinger Drive
DeWitt, New York 13214

Directions to this polling place may be obtained from the office of the District Clerk during normal business hours.

               NOTICE is also given that qualified voters of the District may obtain applications for an absentee ballot from the Office of the District Clerk or downloaded from the District’s website, https://www.jamesvilledewitt.org/.  A completed absentee ballot “application” must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the December 17, 2024 vote (i.e., by December 10, 2024) if the absentee ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the December 17, 2024 vote (i.e., December 16, 2024) if the absentee ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.  No absentee voter’s “ballot” will be canvassed, unless it is received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on December 17, 2024, the day of the vote. In accordance with Section 2018-a(6) of the New York Education Law, a listing of all persons to whom an absentee ballot is issued will be available for public inspection in the Office of the District Clerk during regular office hours until the day of the vote.   

               NOTICE is also given that qualified voters of the District may obtain applications for an early mail ballot from the Office of the District Clerk or downloaded from the District’s website, https://www.jamesvilledewitt.org/.  A completed early mail ballot “application” must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the December 17, 2024 vote (i.e., by December 10, 2024) if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the December 17, 2024 vote (i.e., December 16, 2024) if the early mail ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.  No early mail voter’s “ballot” will be canvassed, unless it is received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on December 17, 2024, the day of the vote. In accordance with Section 2018-e(6) of the New York Education Law, a listing of all persons to whom an early mail ballot is issued will be available for public inspection in the Office of the District Clerk during regular office hours until the day of the vote.   

             NOTICE is further given that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as qualified voters of the District.  Military voters may request an application to register as a qualified voter from the District Clerk.  Military voter registration application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 21, 2024.  In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District must have received in the office of the school district clerk a valid ballot application no later than 5:00 pm on November 21, 2024. A military voter may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application, or ballot. Such designation shall remain in effect until revoked or changed by the military voter.  Ballots for military voters shall be mailed, or otherwise distributed, no later than November 22, 2024.

            PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Education of the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District has previously complied with the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (the “SEQRA Act”), Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, as amended and the Regulations of the Department of Environmental Conservation thereunder (the “Regulations”).  No further action under the SEQRA Act and Regulations is required.

Dated: October 28, 2024
Jamesville-DeWitt, New York                      

 

                                                                        By Order of the Board of Education
                                                                        Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District
                                                                        Brian Bartlett, District Clerk

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Board Policy, First Reading

    • Board Policy 3100:  Considerations for when the administration and/or the board of education respond to political and social issues.

Mrs. James Murad reviewed the policy and said this policy sets a high bar for when it is necessary for the district to make a statement and provides guidance for the district on how to make such statements. This policy will come back for a second reading at the next meeting.

Potential Consideration for Future Meetings

There was none.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Smith started his report by acknowledging that the week of October 14 – 18 was School Board Recognition Week.  He thanked and recognized the board members for their service.  He said that board members are not paid but donate their time and energy on a weekly basis.  On behalf of the administration, he thanked each member of the board and said he appreciates all they do.

Dr. Smith shared a Strategic Planning update.  He said the first step was collecting data through the ThoughtExchange on what the work of the district should be.  He said the second step was a session facilitated by Dr. Kevin McGowan with administration and board of education, where the mission, vision and belief statements were reviewed. He said step three was the meeting of 40 people from various stakeholder groups last week, where they reviewed the ThoughtExchange data and data from the Equity Council and began planning around the three main areas of focus: academic excellence, student and family experience, and operations.   He said step four will take place tomorrow when the administrative team will meet with Dr. McGowan to begin action planning.  Dr. Smith said the Strategic Plan will eventually come to the board for adoption.

Lastly, Dr. Smith shared upcoming events.

Committee Reports

There were no committee reports.

Board President’s Report

Mr. Gross thanked the board for going through the NYSSBA resolutions.  He said these resolutions, combined with the resolutions from the past four years become the basis of the work for the advocates of NYSSBA. 

Mr. Gross said that this year we did not have representation at the NYSSBA convention due to cost and scheduling conflicts.  He said that on November 20, there will be a webinar on school budgets and long-term planning and on December 3, there will be a session on the 2025 state budget and legislative process.

Mr. Gross reported on his meeting with the Town of DeWitt.  He said the new Chief of Police, Shane Spencer attended and had an opportunity to talk with him regarding recruitment for special patrol officers.  He said they are working on clarifying misinformation on state law and retirement for police officers.  He is hoping for more progress on this end in the upcoming weeks and months.

Mr. Gross also reported on other topics of discussion including sidewalk installation on Waring Road, and our collaborative interest in zero emission busses and snowplows. He said he looks forward to working with the town.

Student Board Member’s Report

Mr. Mantalios did not have a report to share.

Mr. Gross thanked Mr. Mantalios and other members of the student government that were in attendance at the Strategic Planning session last week.

Community Comment Time, #2

There was none.

Unfinished and Continuing Business

There was none.

At 8:19 p.m., Mr. Zoghby moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting to Executive Session to consider the appeal of a suspension.

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

At 9:02 p.m., Mrs. Scott moved and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to adjourn from Executive Session. 

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

At 9:02 p.m., Mrs. DeForest moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Respectfully submitted,

Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board

BOARD APPROVED:  November 18, 2024