Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. D’Imperio
Dr. Lei
Dr. Nolan
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Zoghby
Mr. Wagner-Flynn (Student board member)
Administration Present
Dr. Woodcock, Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Administration Absent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Absent
Tish Hauser, District Clerk
At 6:31 p.m., Dr. Archer called to order the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education in the District Office and via YouTube Livestream.
Red Ram Recognition
Dr. Archer recognized all groundskeepers and custodians who work hard during the summer to get the facilities ready for the new school year.
Mrs. DeForest recognized Mrs. Nancy Raicht, Senior Class Advisor, for her work in organizing Commencement, with a move this year to the SRC Arena. She said it was very well organized. Mrs. DeForest thanked Mr. Anthony Greene, as well as the students who performed in the band and sang. She said they were all phenomenal.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn recognized the construction crews working on the capital project this summer.
Dr. Woodcock gave a shout-out to all the coaches, parents, and the Town of Dewitt, for providing our students with opportunities to participate in summer camps.
Mrs. Cortese recognized a group of 10U softball players from our youth little league, who have moved on in the state competition and wished them luck.
Community Comment Time #1
The were no comments.
Mrs. DeForest asked to remove the approval of the Resolution Authorizing RIC ONE Risk Operations Center to enter into Data Privacy Agreements, from the Consent Agenda, as she is an employee of the RIC.
Mrs. Cortese moved and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to remove the Resolution Authorizing RIC ONE Risk Operations Center to enter into Data Privacy Agreements from the Consent Agenda and vote on that item separately.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Resolution Authorizing RIC ONE Risk Operations Center to enter into Data Privacy Agreements
Mr. D’Imperio moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing RIC ONE Risk Operations Center to enter into Data Privacy Agreements from the Consent Agenda.
Motion carried. (8-0-1) Mrs. DeForest abstained.
Approve Consent Agenda
Mr. Babikian moved and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to approve the following Consent Agenda.
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- Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointment
- Approve CPSE and CSE Recommendations
- Internal Claims Auditor Reports
- Approve Resolution Authorizing Participation in Cooperative Energy Purchasing Service (NYSMEC) for Natural Gas
- Approve Resolution Authorizing Participation in Cooperative Energy Purchasing Service (NYSMEC) for Electricity
- Approve Substitute Rates of Pay
Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – July 13, 2026
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Beth Greer, Science Teacher, four-year Probationary appointment, replacing A. Endreny
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- Location: Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School
- Salary: $61,896.00 (B1-M+30)
- Certification: Initial Science 7-12*
- Effective: September 2, 2026
Name and position: Christine Huber, Music Teacher, four-year Probationary appointment, replacing K. Panzetta
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- Location: Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School and Elementary Schools
- Salary: $74,939.00 (B8-M, CAS+49)
- Certification: Professional Music
- Effective: September 2, 2026
Name and position: Kathryn Santillo, Social Studies Teacher, three-year Probationary appointment, replacing C. Mashkuri
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- Location: Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School
- Salary: $65,666.00 (B5-M+27)
- Certification: Professional Social Studies 7-12
- Effective: September 2, 2026
*Certification in progress
Change in Status Appointments
Name and position: Lauren Redmond, Special Education Teacher, replacing A. Vedder, change from Regular substitute to four-year Probationary appointment from August 27, 2025
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- Location: Jamesville Elementary School
- Salary: $69,744.00 (B7-M+36)
- Certification: Professional Students with Disabilities (1-6)
- Effective: September 2, 2026
Name and position: Sarah Arnold, Teaching Assistant, called back to full-time from Preferred Eligibility List
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- Location: Tecumseh Elementary School
- Salary: $32,211.00
- Certification: TA Level I
- Effective: July 1, 2026
Name and position: Joseph Chirco Teaching Assistant, called back to full-time from Preferred Eligibility List
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- Location: Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School
- Salary: $34,954.00
- Certification: TA Level III
- Effective: July 1, 2026
Name and position: Emma Shute, Teaching Assistant, called back to full-time from Preferred Eligibility List
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- Location: Jamesville Elementary School
- Salary: $32,320.00
- Certification: TA Level III
- Effective: July 1, 2026
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Spring Coaching – Extended Season Pay
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Jeffrey Cantor, Varsity Head Softball Coach, $658.00
- Ryan Dera, Varsity Head Baseball Coach, $1,510.00
- Paul Krause, Varsity Assistant Softball Coach, $461.00
- Joshua Paduano, Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach, $832.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – PPS Department – 2026-2027 School Year
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Kelly Beaudoin, CSE Chairperson, Tecumseh Elementary School, $2,678.00
- Amy Harmon, CSE Chairperson, Jamesville Elementary School, $2,678.00
- Kadie Leonard, CSE Chairperson, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, $2,678.00
- Courtney Lehman, CSE Chairperson, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, $2,678.00
- Beth MacKenzie, CSE Chairperson, Moses DeWitt Elementary School, $2,678.00
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Allison Barnes Vedder, Special Education Teacher, Moses DeWitt Elementary School, July 20, 2026
- Jasmine Manuel, K-6 Elementary Teacher, Jamesville Elementary School, August 31, 2026
- David Nylen, Assistant Principal, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, August 7, 2026
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointment
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Helen Burke, Custodial Worker I, 52-week probationary appointment, Custodial Department, $26.83/hr., July 20, 2026, replacing J. Lubeck
- Xzavier Lewis, Custodial Worker I, 52-week probationary appointment, Custodial Department, $26.83/hr., July 14, 2026, replacing P. Roberts
- Gregory Lowe, Jr., Substitute Custodian/Summer Worker, Custodial Department, $16.00/hr., July 14, 2026
- Jacob Mone, Teacher Aide, 52-week probationary appointment, Jamesville Elementary School, $16.20/hr.*, September 2, 2026, replacing. M. Maier
- Sue Smith, Substitute Custodian/Summer Worker, Custodial Department, $16.00/hr., July 14, 2026
*To be adjusted after contract is settled
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Ashlyn McGrath, Teacher Aide, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, June 28, 2026
Approve Minutes of the June 15, 2026 Public Hearing
Mrs. Scott moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the June 15, 2026 Public Hearing.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Minutes of the June 15, 2026 Board Meeting
Dr. Ling moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the June 15, 2026 Board Meeting.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Code of Conduct
Mr. Franz indicated that the District did not receive any comments, suggestions for edits or feedback on the Code of Conduct. He said this item is coming to the Board for approval as is.
Mrs. Cortese moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the approval of 2026-2027 Code of Conduct.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve SPO Memorandum of Understanding
Dr. Lei moved and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to approve the SPO Memorandum of Understanding.
Mrs. DeForest asked how a building is covered if an officer is out for a day. Dr. Woodcock explained that if there is a substitute officer available, that officer will fill in. If there is not a substitute available, the SPO’s from the other buildings rotate during the day.
Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Approve Funds to Implement a Three-Year Memorandum of Agreement with the JDAA
Mr. Zoghby moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve Funds to Implement a
Three-Year Memorandum of Agreement with the JDAA.
Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Approve Amendment to the Contract with the Superintendent
Mrs. Scott moved and Dr. Nolan seconded the motion to approve an Amendment to the Contract with the Superintendent.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn questioned the nature of the Amendment and Dr. Woodcock explained that her contract requires an amendment and approval each year.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Approve Change to the 2026-2027 District Calendar
Dr. Woodcock explained the change was a half-day scheduled for January 22 to be moved to January 29 to better accommodate for Regents testing and scoring.
Mrs. DeForest moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve a Change to the 2026-2027 District Calendar.
Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Dr. Woodcock read the list of topics for future meetings which include Safety and Security upgrades, which will be discussed today, school start times, equity, UPK, specifically transportation and meals, food service (Community Eligibility Program), hiring, certifying and evaluating coaches and Portrait of a Graduate. Dr. Woodcock asked to add an item to the list, which is senior tax exemption. She said Dr. Gupta, who is a Town of DeWitt Council Member has asked her to look into this for senior citizens in our District.
Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Woodcock
Dr. Woodcock directed the Board to their folders, where she has placed an informational sheet about NY Inspires, which is the plan to transform education in New York State. She said NYSSBA will be sending out a survey to all Board members and that the sheet would be helpful in advance of the survey. She reviewed the timeframe for each phase.
Dr. Woodcock shared an update on the Southwood Property. She said it has moved through legislation, and the draft lease has been completed by council from the Town of Onondaga and shared with the District. Dr. Woodcock said the lease has been reviewed by the District and is now with our attorneys for review. She said any revisions will be requested once there is a draft of a mutual agreement, and then it would come to the Board for approval.
Dr. Woodcock said that under Mr. Franz’s leadership, the Education Foundation is making great progress. She said an organizational meeting was held last week, and the Foundation is now incorporated in New York State. She said once they receive their EIN number as well as complete the necessary tax forms, we will be reaching out to the larger community. She said there is a great group of members that are part of the Foundation, including the people who came to our budget hearing and offered their assistance. Mr. Franz indicated that the group is excited for an opportunity to talk with the Board and formalize the partnership as well as working with alumni and current families to make this organization a support for the entire community.
Mr. D’Imperio provided information on counsel that would be able to help the Foundation with EIN, registrations, tax forms, publications, etc. for a nominal fee. Mr. Franz will reach out to Mr. D’Imperio for more information.
Mrs. DeForest asked if the Board would need a new policy to inform the Foundation is separate from the District. Although Dr. Woodcock indicated she did not believe we would need a separate policy for this, she said she would research it.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn asked if the scholarships that come from the Scholarship Committee (Counseling Center at the High School) would be absorbed by the Foundation or continue to operate parallel. Dr. Woodcock indicated they would operate parallel and would not take away from any existing scholarships.
Dr. Woodcock provided a detailed update to the Board on construction in each building. In addition to the updates, she said that that neighbors of Tecumseh reached out regarding some concerns for the environment and Mr. Bartlett had provided them with copies of the SEQRA report as well as property line maps and spoke with the community members. Dr. Woodcock indicated there were no updates on the Moses DeWitt parking lot and that she has been in contact with the Town who is currently working with Widewaters Group.
Dr. Woodcock indicated that the District received a FOIL request for information on drainage from the sports fields at Lyndon Fields from a neighbor. She said we have provided them with the documents they requested and they are now working with the DEC, who also requested documents. She thanked Ed Keplinger for assisting the District in providing the DEC with the documents.
Dr. Woodcock said the preconstruction meeting for the cell tower was held and that both herself and Mr. Bartlett walked the full site with the construction team. The construction will begin this week and should be completed by the start of the school year.
Dr. Woodcock shared that the administrators will have their annual retreat on July 21 and 22. The whole team will come together to learn, reflect on what went well and what we need to work on and also do a little team building.
Student Board Member Report: Mr. Wagner-Flynn
Mr. Wagner-Flynn said he did not have a report due to the summer break but did say he was very excited to be working with the Board this year.
Board President’s Report, Dr. Archer
Dr. Archer said she will be sending out information on dates for retreats, public forum, and mid and end of the year evaluation. She said she would like to get those dates set before the school year starts. Dr. Archer also said that there are many conferences coming up that are very good and can be attended virtually. She said the NYSSBA Annual Conference will take place in Buffalo in October this year and that information will be forthcoming.
Mrs. DeForest stated that the Board Governance Handbook states that the Board should have three retreats and two forums, but it has been difficult scheduling. She would like to be able to discuss this timing and the Board calendar. Dr. Archer indicated she would include this in her email to the Board and then have a discussion to finalize dates, number of retreats, and number of forums in public session.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no community comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Dr. Archer indicated that she will send an email regarding Board Committees and ask for preferences for assignments.
Dr. Woodcock indicated the District was awarded a $250,00.00 grant and thanked Pamela Hunter’s office. She said the money has come in and she wants to make sure the Board wanted to maintain our course of action which is weapons detection system at the High School. She said this will include bag scanners and the weapons detection system at both the student entrance at the main gym and the bus entrance by the main office entrance. She said the grant will cover the cost of the system with approximately $1,200.00 leftover. She said it will cost money to pay people to run the machines, supervise that process and that we will need a radio system districtwide. She will be looking for more grant funding for that.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn asked if the weapons detection system is a metal detector and Dr. Woodcock stated they are not metal detectors, but they detect weapons and vapes. She gave an example of hospital susing weapons detection systems as well as ESM, and Baldwinsville. Dr. Nolan asked if it was the Evolve System and Dr. Woodcock indicated it was.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn asked if there has been any studies/analysis done whether this will slow down the process of students entering the building and being late to class. Dr. Woodcock has indicated this concern has been shared and it is a valid concern. She said they visited Greece Central School District, Baldwinsville, and ESM, and asked that question to the leaders of the schools. They all responded that it gets better. Dr. Woodcock compared it to the cellphone/backpack change this past year and how at the beginning it was slow but got faster over time. She said she knows it will never be perfect, but it will be safer.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn asked about the placement of the systems and how it would affect students during inclement weather. Dr. Woodcock replied that as soon as the Board decides they want to continue to move forward with this plan, the District will start to plan and study all of those pieces. She said she would be happy if he (Mr. Wagner-Flynn) would be the student voice during the planning.
Mrs. DeForest asked what the process to replace the SPO look like. Dr. Woodcock replied that we have already begun the process, which is the same as before. There is a team with town council members, Town of DeWitt Police Department members, and members of the school who interview the candidate, complete a background check, reference check and psychological test. She said they have done an interview with a candidate and they are currently in the process of doing all the checks to make sure that person fits the standard.
Mrs. Cortese asked if the district-wide radio system would be part of the grant from Pamela Hunter and Dr. Woodcock replied that it would not cover this, but as soon as we know we are moving forward, she will begin the process of writing to get another grant on behalf of JD. She will keep the Board updated on this.
Dr. Lei asked if there are cameras on the building entrances that are monitored. Dr. Woodcock indicated that yes there are cameras which are monitored during business hours. She said that she and other individuals have access during off hours.
At 7:06 p.m., Mrs. Cortese moved and Mrs. DeForest seconded the motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss a disciplinary appeal, legal updates, Board self-evaluation and Superintendent’s Evaluation.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
At 8:27 p.m., Mrs. Cortese moved and Dr. Lei seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Mr. D’Imperio moved and Mr. Nolan seconded the motion to uphold the Superintendent’s disciplinary decision of a particular student.
Motion carried. (7-0-2) Mr. Zoghby and Mr. Babikian abstained.
At 8:30 Mr. Zoghby moved and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (9-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Darcy Woodcock
Deputy Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: August 3, 2026