Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Dr. Lei
Mrs. James Murad
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Ghanim (Student board member)
Members Absent
Mr. Zoghby
Administration Present
Dr. Woodcock, Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Others in attendance: Alena Peios, Makayla Elliott, Audra Sixberry, Patty Ferris, Cassi Crossman, and Michael Anthis.
Dr. Archer called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Library at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School.
At 6:00 p.m., Mrs. DeForest moved and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss employment history of particular persons.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
Mrs. Scott joined the meeting at 6:12 p.m.
At 6:50 p.m., Mrs. Cortese moved and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
At 7:00 p.m., Dr. Archer called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to order.
Presentation – Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School Principal, Mr. Eldridge
Mr. Eldridge said his presentation would be about the Middle School experience at Jamesville-DeWitt. He said there is a focus to increase student feeling of safety and belonging and gave examples including longer lunch times, an SPO presence, hall monitors, SMARTpass, recess tournaments, guest speakers, wellness days, clubs, spirit weeks and PTG afterschool activities. Mr. Eldridge shared the many opportunities for students as well as information on the State of the Middle School including student participation in music, extracurricular activities and modified sports. Mr. Eldridge gave examples of how the Middle School is addressing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as the Culture of Wellness. He shared the many accomplishments of Middle School Students including the Math Team taking 1st place at the Onondaga County Math Team meet, CNY MOST Robotics Challenge, where JDMS students won 2nd place, 7th grade ELA Poetry Café, and the following 8th grade Scholastic Award winning students: Juliette Varnowatts, Gold Key and Honorable Mention; Bonnie Lou, Silver Key; Luke Moser, Silver Key; Joy Appiah, Silver Key; Natalie Bird, Honorable Mention; Abigail Campbell, Honorable Mention; Eleanor Johnson, Honorable Mention; and Mayde Anastasio, Honorable Mention.
Mr. Eldridge introduced Middle School Health teachers Mrs. Sixberry and Mrs. Ferris to share the 5-8 Health and Wellness Curriculum. They shared how they were able to get a grant to train on the curriculum and to teach students common language to help them navigate their emotions. Mrs. Ferris said they are currently in the process of teaching staff the skills and techniques for de-escalation as well as ways to help students control their emotions. 5th grade student Hari Glover demonstrated the Yeti Body technique which focuses on relaxing, standing tall in your chair, and breathing in and out. He explained how this helps him and when he uses it. Next, 6th grader, AnnaClaire Atwater demonstrated how to make a breathing stick out of a pipe cleaner and beads. She said you would first get into Yeti Body and then breathe in moving one bead and breathe out moving another. Anna also gave some examples of when she uses the breathing stick and how it helped her. Mr. Eldridge opened the floor for questions.
(See Supplemental Minutes for Presentation)
Red Ram Recognition
Dr. Archer recognized the two middle school students who shared their experiences during the Middle School presentation, as well as the High School students in attendance. She thanked them for coming to the meeting. Dr. Archer also recognized Jamesville-DeWitt Assistant Principals during Assistant Principals Week. She said we have very hardworking assistant principals and thanked them.
Dr. Woodcock recognized High School student Simran Sanders, who attended the CNY Science and Engineering Fair this past weekend. She said Simran received six awards and two advancements to international science fairs. Dr. Woodcock said Simran would be representing J-D independently on two international stages and congratulated her.
Community Comment Time #1
There was a comment submitted by Rami Almudamgha. Mr. Almudamgha was not in attendance.
Consent Agenda
Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
1. Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute
Appointments
2. Approve Treasurer’s Report
Motion carried. (8-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – April 6, 2026
INSTRUCTIONAL
Resignation
-
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Jessa Baum, K-6 Classroom Teacher, Jamesville Elementary School, June 30, 2026
-
Termination
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-
Heather Garrow, School Nurse, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, April 7, 2026
-
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointment
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
-
-
Jackson Phillips, Substitute Custodial Worker, Custodial Department, $16.00/hr., April 7, 2026
-
Retirement
-
-
Jayne Martin, Teacher Aide, Tecumseh Elementary School, June 26, 2026
-
Resignation
-
-
Joseph Lubeck, Custodial Worker 1, Custodial Department, April 11, 2026
-
Vasa Mihajlovska, Food Service Helper, Cafeteria, March 18, 2026
-
Approve the Minutes of the March 23, 2026 Board Meeting
Mr. Baxter moved and Dr. Lei seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2026 Board Meeting.
Motion carried. (7-0-1) Mrs. James Murad abstained.
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Mrs. Scott suggested that Simran Sanders could come and present to the Board.
Budget Discussion: 2026-2027 Budget Presentation, Mr. Bartlett
Mr. Bartlett began the budget discussion with a review of the NYS Budget Update and explained the one house budget highlights. He said the State has not yet approved their budget. Next Mr. Bartlett presented a high-level overview of where we are headed which included appropriated fund balance lookback, projected reserve balances and the 2026-2027 Budget Summary. Mr. Bartlett shared the key calendar dates and next steps. Mr. Bartlett opened the floor to questions. Dr. Woodcock stated that we may need to adopt a budget without the New York State Budget in place.
(See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Woodcock
Dr. Woodcock addressed the High School students in attendance and said she is proud of them for attending the Board meeting the Monday after break.
Dr. Woodcock stated that we still don’t have a budget from New York State. She said there are priorities that advocacy groups are working on such as funding for students with special needs, moving back the date for zero emissions mandate and funding of the prior school year aid adjustments.
Dr. Woodcock said tomorrow is the Annual Meeting for BOCES in Cortlandville. She said the presentation, as well as the budget book was sent to all Board members for their review as we will be voting on the budget and Board of Education members at the next meeting.
Dr. Woodcock shared upcoming events including the Students vs. Staff basketball game which will take place at the pep rally on Friday. She said she was recruited to play along with Mr. Reyes and Mr. Franz. Dr. Woodcock said that the Lemonade Stand will take place on April 6 through 10 in all buildings and that it is amazing event and fundraiser that our 12:1:3:1 students get to take part in. She said on April 9 there is a 7-12 grade choral festival as well as Hoops for Acceptance game for special needs students. Dr. Woodcock also shared the following upcoming events: Finance Committee meeting, District Safety Team meeting, Prom, World Language Honor Society Induction, National Honor Society Induction and athletics.
Student Board Member Report: Mr. Ghanim
Mr. Ghanim said the students are looking forward to the upcoming pep rally and he is hoping to play in the Staff vs. Students basketball game. He pointed out that Michael Anthis, who is in attendance, will be the commentator. Mr. Ghanim said the Student Council is looking forward to their retreat on April 11. He said Dr. Woodcock will attend and Senator John Mannion will be the guest speaker. He said he is grateful to Senator Mannion for volunteering his time.
Board President’s Report: Dr. Archer
Dr. Archer reminded the Board of the Annual CNYSBA Awards Dinner taking place on May 20 at the Lodge in Skaneateles. She said she will be attending this year and said to make sure you RSVP no later than May 15. Dr. Archer also said she will be emailing the Board with a date for the retreat.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
There was no unfinished and continuing business.
Dr. Archer stated the next meeting will take place on April 20, 2026 at the District Office.
At 7:43 p.m., Mr. Babikian moved and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried (8-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Tish Hauser
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: 4-20-26