Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. Cortese
Dr. Lei
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Zoghby
Members Absent
Mrs. DeForest
Mrs. James Murad
Mr. Ghanim (Student board member)
Administration Present
Dr. Woodcock, Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Others in attendance: Angela Tian, Jodi Schwedes, Jason Cirulli, Kaylie Sheedy, Dominic D’Imperio, Michael Fitzpatrick
Dr. Archer called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Library at Moses DeWitt Elementary School.
At 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Cortese moved and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss the negotiations update, legal updates and employment history of particular persons.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
At 6:56 p.m., Mrs. Cortese moved and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
At 7:02 p.m., Dr. Archer called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order.
Presentation – Moses DeWitt, Ms. Lee, Principal
Ms. Lee introduced herself and began her presentation by sharing the Moses DeWitt Pledge, which is how the school begins each day. Next she shared Moses DeWitt by numbers of students and then by staff broken down by positions. Ms. Lee talked about the 2025-26 Focus Areas which the BLT, Equity Team and Character Ed Teams worked on together. The focus areas are to strengthen sense of belonging for students, families and the community; building connection, community, and a positive school culture; promote student voice and ownership and to ensure everyone feels welcomed, valued and included at Moses DeWitt. Ms. Lee shared examples of how they are accomplishing the focus areas goals including shoutouts, Safety Patrol, morning announcements, Greeting Committee, Buddy Classes, Book Swap, Spirit Days, Diversity Is Us Night. Lastly, Ms. Lee talked about the Home School Connection, Equity Team Family Survey, and upcoming events.
(See Supplemental Minutes for Presentation)
Red Ram Recognition
Dr. Archer welcomed the senior government students in attendance at the board meeting. She congratulated the High School Model United Nations Team who won best small delegation this past weekend. Dr. Archer said we are very proud of our 7th and 8th grade Middle School students who had their musical, Once Upon A Mattress this past weekend. Lastly, Dr. Archer gave a shout out to the Middle School Math Team and congratulated them on winning 1st place in Onondaga County, competing against 21 other districts in the Math Team finals.
Mrs. Scott recognized, Jamesville-DeWitt High School student, Simran Sanders. She said this is not a typical Red Ram Recognition but shared a story of how a few weeks ago, while she was outside shoveling, and Simran helped her to shovel. Simran had been out for a run and when she was done, and Mrs. Scott was still shoveling, she insisted on helping her out. Mrs. Scott said that there are still many amazing young people in the world today and it is so nice to see. Mrs. Scott said her parents have done a great job raising her. Mr. Zoghby added that Simran competed in the National Spelling Bee the past few years and is also on the track team.
Mrs. Cortese recognized School Social Worker Week and thanked all the building social workers for all that they do for our families and students.
Community Comment Time #1
There were no comments.
Consent Agenda
Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
1. Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute
Appointments
2. Overnight Field Trip Requests
3. Approve Minutes of the February 9, 2026 Board Meeting
4. Disposal of Surplus District Assets
5. Appoint Nancie Romano to be the Chairperson for the 2026-2027
Budget Vote and Board of Education Election
Motion carried. (7-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – March 9, 2026
INSTRUCTIONAL
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Spring Coaching – 2025-2026
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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Christian Daly, Boys JV Lacrosse, Assistant Coach, $5,155.00
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Sean McMahon, JV Softball Coach, $3,845.00
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Resignation – Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Spring Coaching – 2025-2026
Name, and assignment
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Dennis Schahczenski, JV Softball Coach
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Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Winter Coaching – Extended Season Pay
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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Jordan Beers, Girls Varsity Asst. Basketball Coach, $790.00
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Robert Bewley, Boys Varsity Swimming Head Coach, $2,406.00
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Dominic Biddlecome, Varsity Asst. Indoor Track Coach, $343.00
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Amanda Brown, Varsity Asst. Cheerleading Coach, $274.00
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Jonah Cavallo, Boys Asst. Wrestling Coach, $1,050.00
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Joseph Corridori, Boys Varsity Asst. Indoor Track Coach, $451.00
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Patrick Gillette, Girls Varsity Head Indoor Track Coach, $663.00
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James Jones, Boys Varsity Head Basketball Coach, $1,236.00
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Paul LeBlanc, Boys Varsity Head Wrestling Coach, $1,827.00
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John Lenish, Varsity Asst. Indoor Track Coach, $363.00
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Parker Noble, Boys Varsity Head Track Coach, $1,557.00
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Ryan Pietrzak, Boys Varsity Diving Coach, $954.00
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Brendon Schunck, Boys Varsity Asst. Basketball Coach, $822.00
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Sabrina Scott, Varsity Head Cheerleading Coach, $373.00
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Tekonbla Wright, Girls Varsity Head Basketball Coach, $1,374.00
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Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Middle School Intramurals Session 3
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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Jessica Duerr, Intramural Coach, $190.32
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Ashlyn McGrath, Intramural Coach, $95.16
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Mary Pidkaminy, Intramural Coach, $95.16
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Andy Starowicz, Intramural Coach, $142.74
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Kathryn Woodrick, Intramural Coach, $142.74
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Request for Leave of Absence
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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Joseph Goldberg, ELA Teacher, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, paid parental leave, March 17, 2026 through May 10, 2026
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Request for Retirement
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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Margaret Burton, Teaching Assistant, Moses DeWitt Elementary School, July 1, 2026
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Keith Comfort, Science Teacher, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, July 1, 2026
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Carolyn Hill, Teaching Assistant, Jamesville-DeWitt District, July 1, 2026
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Michelle McNeil, Special Education Teacher, Tecumseh Elementary School, July 1, 2026
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Hayley Nies, Teaching Assistant, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, July 1, 2026
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Hollis O’Brien, K-6 Elementary Teacher, Moses DeWitt Elementary School, July 1, 2026
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Andrew Palumbo, K-6 Elementary Teacher, Moses DeWitt Elementary School, July 1, 2026
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Kristen Panzetta, Music Teacher, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, July 1, 2026
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Jodi Yudin, K-6 Elementary Teacher, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, July 1, 2026
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Resignation
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Lawrence Vielhauer, Technology Teacher, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, July 1, 2026
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NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointment
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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Allen Hough, Substitute Bus Driver, Transportation, $27.00/hr., March 10, 2026
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Christine Naples, Substitute Food Service Worker, Cafeteria, $16.00/hr., March 10, 2026
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Jennifer Taylor, Substitute Bus Driver, Transportation, $27.00/hr., March 10, 2026
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Approve Resolution Authorizing Participation in Oswego County BOCES’ Cooperative Purchasing Program
Dr. Ling moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing Participation in Oswego County BOCES’ Cooperative Purchasing Program.
Motion carried. (7-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Appoint 2026-2027 District Calendar
Mrs. Scott moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to approve the 2026-2027 District Calendar. The calendar will be available on the District website.
Motion carried. (7-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Board Policies, Second Reading
The following policies were brought to the Board for a first reading:
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- 1620 – Annual Organizational Meeting
- 1640 – Absentee, Military, and Early Mail Ballots
- 7513 – Medication and Personal Care Items
- 7521 – Students with Life-Threatening Health Conditions and/or
Anaphylaxis
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There was no further discussion on the policies.
Mr. Babikian moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to adopt the following Board Policies: 1620, 1640, 7513 and 7521.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
There were no items.
Budget Discussion: 2026-2027 Budget Presentation, Mr. Bartlett and Dr. Woodcock
Dr. Woodcock began the presentation on the 2026-2027 Budget with a New York State Budget update and timeline, as well as a JD Budget Update. She said we are in process of balancing the budget, with an approximate five million dollar budget gap. Next, Mr. Bartlett presented the proposed 2026-2027 Non-Instructional Budget, as well as the propositions which will be on the ballot. Mr. Bartlett shared the next steps and opened the floor to questions from the Board. (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Woodcock
Dr. Woodcock shared a handout with the board that gave information on legislators and the districts they serve. She said this is an amazing tool to help you with your advocacy efforts. She reported that she attended the CNYSBA Legislative Breakfast on February 28 where she said Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter and Assemblyman Al Stirpe attended. She said she was disappointed that no Senators attended. Rick Timbs presented what the finances and budgets look like for the area and how he sees funding in the future. Dr. Woodcock said she took some time to advocate for JD and for a change in the timeline for electric buses.
Dr. Woodock also reported on her New York Conference of School Superintendents Conference in Albany where she joined a session at the Governor’s office and provided the same feedback about moving the timeline for electric buses. She was able to see keynote speaker, Luis Cruz, who talked about making sure all students needs are met, and attended an advocacy 101 session. She thanked Dr. Donna DeSiato who nominated her to sit on the House of Delegates. She said JD will now have a seat at the table when decisions are made by the group representing the 750 Superintendents.
Dr. Woodcock shared upcoming events including a 5/6 grade Choral Festival, Open House and Art Show at Moses DeWitt, High School Band and Orchestra concert and the upcoming Superintendent’s Conference Day.
Committee Reports
Mrs. Scott reported that the Finance Committee report was covered during the Budget report.
Mr. Baxter reported on the Facilities Committee. He said the Committee met at Moses DeWitt to discuss possible emergency project surrounding parking. Mr. Bartlett gave some background and said we lost access to a parking lot at Moses DeWitt. He said they are working with architects and construction managers to get approval for an emergency project to add parking and better enhance the traffic flow. He said this is a difficult project to get approved and the state is declining to approve it as an emergency project. He said we will be working to see what we can do to come to a solution.
Mr. Baxter said the Committee also discussed the 2024 Capital Project, Phase 2, and the cell tower construction schedule to start this fall. The next meeting is June 11.
Student Board Member Report: Mr. Ghanim
There was no report as Mr. Ghanim was absent.
Board President’s Report: Dr. Archer
Dr. Archer discussed the next Board Retreat on March 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. She said the topics for the retreat will be restorative practices and will include a panel on Equity Teams and an update on equity work in the district.
She said the board is in the process of self-evaluation, which is a mid-year check. She said a final check will be done at the end of the year. She said NYSSBA gives the board five standards on which to evaluate themselves. Dr. Archer said it is best practice for the Board to engage in this self-evaluation.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
There was no unfinished and continuing business.
At 7:52 p.m., Mr. Baxter moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
At 8:23 p.m., Mr. Babikian moved and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
At 8:24 p.m., Mr. Baxter moved and Dr. Lei seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried (7-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Tish Hauser
Clerk of the Board
Board Approved: 3-23-26