Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. D’Imperio
Dr. Nolan
Mr. Wagner-Flynn (Student board member)
Members Absent
Mr. Babikian
Dr. Lei
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Zoghby
Administration Present
Dr. Woodcock, Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
At 6:00 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 the school nurses and office staff who have been working hard to get ready for the upcoming school year. She also recognized the technology staff working during the summer to make sure our technology is ready for staff and students.
Mr. Bartlett recognized our buildings and grounds staff who have been working non-stop this summer.
Community Comment Time #1
A request to speak at community comment time was received online from Nicholas Hart regarding tax exemptions. Mr. Hart was not present and Dr. Archer indicated she would be reaching out to him via email.
Approve Consent Agenda
Mrs. Cortese asked for the Minutes of the Public Hearing to be removed from the Consent Agenda so that she could abstain from voting.
Dr. Archer indicated that the Minutes would be moved out of the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Nolan moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve the following Consent Agenda:
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- Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Substitute Appointments and Substitute Reappointments
- Approve Minutes of the July 13, 2026 Reorganization Meeting
- Approve Minutes of the July 13, 2026 Regular Meeting
- Approve School Meal Prices for the 2026-2027 School Year
Motion carried. (5-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – August 3, 2026
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Jennifer Ahlstrom, part-time, 0.50 FTE Special Education Teacher, replacing A. Ascenzo
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- Location: Tecumseh Elementary School
- Salary: $34,841.00 (B6-M+42)
- Tenure Area: Part-time appointment, non-tenure track
- Certification: Professional SWD 1-6
- Effective: September 2, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Name and position: Sarah Hills, full-time regular substitute Special Education Teacher, replacing E. Brauner (leave)
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- Location: Jamesville Elementary School and Moses DeWitt Elementary School
- Salary: $57,035.00 (B1+12)
- Tenure Area: Regular Substitute, non-tenure track
- Certification: Initial SWD 1-6, Initial Childhood Education 1-6
- Effective: September 2, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Name and position: Katherine Ward, full-time K-6 Classroom Teacher, three-year Probationary appointment, replacing J. Manuel
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- Location: Jamesville Elementary School
- Salary: $69,278.00 (B8-M+27)
- Tenure Aea: K-6 Elementary
- Certification: Professional Childhood 1-6, Professional Childhood Education B-2, Professional SWD 1-6, Professional SWD B-2
- Effective: September 2, 2026
Change in Status Appointments
Name and position: Anthony Greene, Music Teacher, change from 0.5 FTE to 0.7 FTE
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- Location: Jamesville-DeWitt High School
- Effective: September 2, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Name and position: Dana Kitts, Occupational Therapist, change from 0.75 to 0.80
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- Location: PPS Department
- Effective: September 2, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Fall Coaching 2026-2027 School Year
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Jamie Archer, Boys Modified Soccer Coach, $4,403.00
- John Austin, Boys Modified Soccer Coach, $3,546.00
- John Barlow, Varsity Football Head Coach, $8,671.00
- Denise Becher, Boys Modified Cross-Country Coach, $3,200.00
- Elyssa Becker, Varsity Gymnastics Asst. Coach, $5,072.00
- Robert Bewley, Girls Varsity Swimming, Head Coach, $9,131.00
- Dominic Biddlecome, Modified Football Coach, $4,464.00
- Justin Bird, Girls, JV Head Soccer Coach, $4,980.00
- Amanda Brown, Varsity Cheerleading Asst. Coach, $3,688.00
- Solomon Bliss, Varsity Football Asst. Coach, $5,760.00
- Jeff Cantor, Boys Varsity Soccer Asst. Coach, $4,669.00
- Jake Cline, Boys Varsity Volleyball Head Coach, $6,271.00
- Joe Corridori, Varsity Football Asst. Coach, $6,604.00
- Ryan Dera, Modified Football Coach, $4,639.00
- Robert Drummond, Varsity Football Asst. Coach, $5,644.00
- Carter Galle, Boys JV Volleyball Coach, $4,059.00
- Jacob Graves, Girls Modified Soccer Coach, $3,411.00
- Tracey Kalin, Varsity Gymnastics Head Coach, $7,980.00
- Paul Krause, Boys JV Soccer Head Coach, $6,393.00
- Riley LaCava, Girls Varsity Volleyball Asst. Coach, $3,906.00
- Daniel Law, Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach, $7,714.00
- John Lenish, Boys Varsity Cross Country Head Coach, $4,728.00
- Margaret McBurney, Girls Modified Swimming Coach, $3,762.00
- Matt Murphy, Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach, $6,670.00
- Joshua Paduano, Boys Varsity Volleyball Asst. Coach, $4,059.00
- Lisa Patchen, Girls Modified Swimming Coach, $3,919.00
- Nancy Raicht, Girls Varsity Cross-Country Head Coach, $5,691.00
- Daniel Rechtorovic, Girls Modified Cross Country Coach, $2,790.00
- Katherine Richey, Girls Varsity Swimming Coach, $4,669.00
- Gina Santoro, Girls Varsity Soccer Asst. Coach, $4,389.00
- Brendon Schunck, Boys Varsity Golf Coach, $0 (volunteer)
- Sabrina Scott, Varsity Cheerleading Head Coach, $5,017.00
- Eugene Sul, Girls Varsity Tennis Head Coach, $6,383.00
- Kurt Sweeney, Modified Football Coach, $5,336.00
- Rebecca Trevisani, Girls JV Volleyball Head Coach, $4,137.00
- Paul Valentino, Boys Varsity Golf Head Coach, $4,268.00
- Kyle Voyer, Girls Modified Tennis Coach, $2,900.00
- Serena Wadsworth, Girls Varsity Volleyball Head Coach, $6,271.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Winter Coaching 2026-2027 School Year
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Christian Hodge, Girls Varsity Basketball Asst. Coach, $5,644.00
- Timothy Keough, Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach, $8,319.00
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointment
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Dean Nass, Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation Department, $17.00/hr., August 4, 2026
Retirement
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Christopher Mathes, Custodial Worker I, Custodial Department, August 17, 2026
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Alyssia Fox, Typist II, High School, August 13, 2026
- Xzavier Lewis, Custodial Worker I, Custodial Department, July 23, 2026
Approve Minutes of the July 13, 2026 Public Hearing
Mr. D’Imperio moved and Dr. Nolan seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the July 13, 2026 Public Hearing.
Motion was defeated (4-0-1) Mrs. Cortese abstained. This item will come back for a re-vote at the next meeting, August 24, 2026.
Approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 School Tax Rates
Mr. D’Imperio moved and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 School Tax Rates.
Motion carried. (5-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Dr. Woodcock reviewed the list of items for potential consideration for future meetings with three being discussed tonight. The following items are also on the list: school start times, coaching certification and evaluation, equity, Portrait of a Graduate and New York Inspires which Dr. Woodcock indicated that she would like to give a report on at the next meeting.
Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Woodcock
Dr. Woodcock provided a Food Service Update including CEP, which is the community eligibility provision. She said we were first CEP eligible in the 24-25 school year and as it is a four-year cycle, we will be eligible through June 30, 2028. Dr. Woodcock said this means free breakfast and lunch for all students. She said that our Food Service Director, Christine Lowe’s goal is to continue to increase participation by satisfying students with types and quality of food. Dr. Woodcock said Ms. Lowe has great ideas such as bringing back salads, which were very popular, and introducing mobile breakfast carts at the High School to help students manage their time.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn suggested adding items that are quick to eat on the go such as protein bars.
Dr. Woodcock shared a UPK update with enrollment numbers at each building. She said Tecumseh is at 35 students and can take 1 more, Moses DeWitt is at 18, Jamesville Elementary is at 18, Little Lukes is at 10 and can take 8 more and RECC is at 9 and can take 5 more.
Dr. Woodcock said that our in-district UPK classrooms are part of CEP, which means they are eligible for free breakfast and lunch. She said that Little Lukes and RECC are not part of the program and that both centers have made modifications and are trying to apply on their own. Dr. Woodcock also said we are looking for a way to allow the centers to become a part of the district’s program, with no definitive answer yet.
Dr. Woodcock provided a transportation update for UPK and said that currently, UPK students are picked up at the nearest bus stop to where they are living and transported to the elementary school they are attending. The students are then escorted from the bus into the building. Students attending RECC or Little Lukes are escorted by bus attendants to a transfer bus that brings them to RECC or Little Lukes. She said in the afternoon, the students at RECC and Little Lukes are picked up by the buses during the Middle School route and transported back to the elementary school building. She said the students are then escorted back to their buses by attendants to take them home.
Mrs. Cortese asked for a comparison of bus times for elementary school buildings vs. Little Lukes and RECC. She also asked to explore how to make sure UPK students at Little Lukes and RECC have access to breakfast and lunch, what are the comparative costs, and what are the out-of-pocket costs?
Dr. Woodcock provided update on school tax exemptions. She said the Board had received an email from the gentlemen signed up to speak at community comment time. Dr. Woodcock explained the history of the exemption which is for Veteran’s who are 100% disabled per the military’s designation. She said the exemption was originally at the local discretion and was amended to be an automatic exemption. Now, as of July 28, that law has again been amended to return to local discretion. She explained that if we were to approve this exemption, the Board would need to approve a resolution. Dr. Woodcock said there is also an exemption for senior citizens, which we currently have in place. The request is to raise the maximum income limit higher than $37,900.00, which would need Board consideration as well.
Mr. D’Imperio asked if we have reached out to the local assessors of the taxing jurisdictions for information from their rolls on how many people would qualify under each of these exemptions. He said this information would help us determine how much money would need to be distributed among taxpayers. Dr. Woodcock asked if the Board would like us to get those numbers for both of those exemptions and the Board indicated yes. Dr. Woodcock said we will bring the information to the August 24 meeting.
Mrs. DeForest asked if Dr. Woodcock knows how we participated in the Veteran’s exemption when it was not mandated. Dr. Woodcock said she did not know but will find out.
Student Board Member Report: Mr. Wagner-Flynn
Mr. Wagner-Flynn said he did not have a report due to the summer break and said he was excited for school to resume.
Board President’s Report, Dr. Archer
Dr. Archer sent an email to the Board regarding committee assignments and potential dates for forums and retreats.
She shared committee assignments as follows:
Finance Committee: Mrs. DeForest, Mrs. Scott and Dr. Archer. Mrs. DeForest will chair.
Audit Committee: Mrs. Cortese and Mr. Babikian. Mrs. Cortese will share.
Facilities Committee: Dr. Nolan, Mrs. Cortese and Mr. Zoghby. Dr. Nolan will chair.
Policy Committee: Mr. Babikian, Mr. D’Imperio and Dr. Lei. Mr. Babikian will chair;
Ad Hoc Committees: Town of DeWitt: Mrs. Cortese and Mr. Babikian;
Governance Handbook: Dr. Lei, Mr. D’Imperio and Mr. Zoghby;
Equity Liaisons: Dr. Nolan and Dr. Archer; and
NYSSBA Liaisons: Mrs. DeForest and Ms. Scott
Dr. Archer said that regarding retreat dates and board forums, it was unanimous that we need two of each. She said that given the busy schedules of the board members, there is no clear date that everyone will be available. She suggested a fall retreat either October 1 or November 5 and the second retreat on either January 7 or January 21. She suggested either November 5 or 12 for the first forum and then January 21 or February 4th for the second. Dr. Archer said she would prefer to have everyone’s input and will email for date preferences. Dr. Woodcock said once those dates are set, she will also provide the dates that meetings will be held at the buildings.
Dr. Archer said the board self-evaluation was finalized and one area that needs improvement is goals, vision, and mission as well as the handbook. Dr. Archer said she will keep the Board informed as to the progress with updates on the agenda.
Dr. Archer said the NYSSBA Annual conference will be taking place in Buffalo late in October. She said the sessions are always very good and that members should consider attending. Mrs. DeForest stated the registration for the conference starts on August 11.
Mrs. Cortese asked if it was possible to schedule building tours during the board meetings or if that was more appropriate for the Facilities Committee.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no community comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Dr. Archer said there was a conversation that took place during the self-evaluation about connecting the Facilities and Finance Committees and that it might be something to put on the agenda. Mrs. DeForest suggested clarifying the purpose and role of each committee and Dr. Archer agreed and said it should be made part of the Handbook as well.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn asked if there were any updates on plans to implement any safety changes. Dr. Woodcock said there will be a meeting to discuss the next steps and that she will include Mr. Wagner-Flynn to be part of the next steps.
At 6:39 p.m., Mrs. Cortese moved and Mrs. DeForest seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (5-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Tish Hauser
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: August 24, 2026