Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. D’Imperio
Dr. Lei
Dr. Nolan
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Zoghby
Mr. Wagner-Flynn (Student board member)
Members Absent
Mrs. Cortese
Administration Present
Dr. Woodcock, Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Others in attendance: Udochukwu Okereke, Caitlin Cooke, Jason Douglass, Bethany Cooke, Emily Stephens, Laith Al-Mudamgha, Carson Kim, Toby Thompson, Evan Huyck, Ethan Dugan, Jaely Zombek, Gabriela Doumit, Paul Rush and Mike Fitzpatrick.
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 Live
Red Ram Recognition
Dr. Archer gave a shoutout to every parent and caregiver that had to get their kids up and back to school. She also recognized the students in attendance and thanked them for taking the time to come to a meeting.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn recognized Caitlin Cooke, a senior whose poem “Sunlight” will be published this fall in the anthology “With Honors” after she submitted it to the American Library of Poetry 2026 Student Poetry Contest.
Dr. Woodcock gave a shoutout to the Tecumseh community and said they did an amazing job with the new parking lot, parent drop-off and pick-up loop and bus loop. Dr. Woodcock said she was there for drop-off and pick-up and everyone did spectacular.
Mr. D’Imperio echoed Dr. Woodcock’s comment and said the teachers and principals were out every day, and he gives them all a lot of credit.
Mrs. DeForest recognized the PTG’s in all the buildings and all the fun activities they put together for the start of school from chalk art to the give-aways and the welcomes. She thanked all who are involved with the PTG’s.
Presentation, Educational Foundation: Tom Greenwood and Diane Kelly
Dr. Woodcock introduced Tom Greenwood and Diane Kelly from the Educational Foundation. Mr. Greenwood said he was a member of the class of 1972 and the first class to enter both Tecumseh Elementary School and Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, and 55 years later is presenting to the school board.
Mr. Greenwood shared information on the Educational Foundation including forming the organization, the members of the Foundation, the work and purpose, equitable opportunities and beneficiaries.
Alumni Diane Kelly passed out flyers for an upcoming event honoring Tom Muench on October 20, 2026. Mr. Greenwood also shared information on the recruitment of members for the Educational Foundation. He said they are looking for representatives from every graduating class.
Dr. Woodcock said that early on, she spoke with Mr. Greenwood and Ms. Kelly about how the Foundation would benefit the school with NY Inspires. She said the Foundation is like an inventory of all the talents in the community and how we might be able to offer the students guest speakers or field trips. Mr. Greenwood said that there are extremely successful alumni who have offered to come and speak with students and that Dr. Lawson and Mr. Franz are working to make this happen.
Mr. Wagner-Flynn thanked Mr. Greenwood and Ms. Kelly and said this stands to benefit thousands of future students. He asked what avenues were available for getting student ideas to the Foundation. Mr. Greenwood said there is an awards committee and a program committee, and ideas can be brought by presenting to the committee or emailing the committee.
Mr. Greenwood stated that he has presented information to the Town of DeWitt and they are excited about working with us on this and putting information on their website.
Both Mrs. Scott and Dr. Archer thanked Mr. Greenwood and Ms. Kelly and expressed how amazing it is that less than four months ago this idea was introduced and now it has turned into the Educational Foundation with upcoming events already planned.
Community Comment Time #1
There were no comments.
Approve Consent Agenda
Mrs. Scott moved and Mr. D’Imperio seconded the motion to approve the following Consent Agenda:
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- Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Substitute Appointments and Substitute Reappointments
- Approve CPSE and CSE Recommendations
- Approve Internal Claims Auditor Report
- Approve Treasurer’s Report
- Approve Disposal of Surplus Assets
Motion carried. (8-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – September 14, 2026
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointment
Name, assignment, location, and effective date: Kelly Martin, full-time Special Education Teacher, four-year probationary appointment, replacing K. Azria
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- Location: Tecumseh Elementary School
- Salary: $64,705.92 (B6-M+30) (prorated)
- Tenure Area: Special Education
- Certification: Professional Students with Disabilities 1-6, Professional Childhood Education 1-6, Professional Students with Disabilities 5-9 Generalist, Professional Generalist in Middle School Education 5-9
- Effective: September 15, 2026
Name, assignment, location, and effective date: Haley O’Neill-Leverenz, full-time Teaching Assistant, four-year probationary appointment, replacing K. Graham
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- Location: Tecumseh Elementary School
- Salary: $31,348.08 New Hire + TA III (prorated)
- Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
- Certification: Teaching Assistant Level III
- Effective: September 15, 2026
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Middle School – 2026-2027 School Year
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Ghada Abu-Ramadan, Cafeteria Supervision Grade 6, $2,058.00
- Kathalyn Brazie, Cafeteria Supervision Grade 5, $2,058.00
- Beth Greer, Cafeteria Supervision Grade 7, $2,058.00
- Jeff Loan, Cafeteria Supervision Grade 8, $2,058.00
- Jessica Murray, Cafeteria Supervision Grade 7, $2,058.00
- Mary Pidkaminy, Cafeteria Supervision Grade 8, $2,058.00
- Emily Townsend, Cafeteria Supervision Grade 5, $2,058.00
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Kara Azria, Special Education Teacher, Tecumseh Elementary School, September 8, 2026
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointment
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- JuanCarlos Calderon Brandt, Substitute Bus Attendant, Transportation Department, $17.00/hr., September 15, 2026
- Justin Didio, Custodial Worker I, F/T, 52-week probationary appointment, Custodial Department, $26.83/hr., September 15, 2026, replacing C. Mathes
- John Hudson, Substitute Grounds Worker, Custodial Department, $18.25/hr., September 15, 2026
- Danielle Morgan, Teacher Aide, F/T, 52-week probationary appointment, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, $16.20/hr.*, September 15, 2026, replacing J. French
- Krista Shattes, 12-month Typist II, F/T, 52-week probationary appointment, Jamesville-DeWitt High School, $18.75/hr.**, September 15, 2026, replacing A. Fox
*to be increased to $20.45/hr. once contract is ratified
** to be increased to $23.00/hr. once contract is ratified
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Heorhii Borodavko, Teacher Aide, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, September 4, 2026
- Kirsten Hess, Procurement Specialist, District Office, September 23, 2026
Termination
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Helen Burke, Custodial Worker I, Custodial Department, September 9, 2026
Approve Minutes of the August 24, 2026 Board Meeting
Dr. Lei moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to approve the Minutes of the August 24, 2026 Board Meeting.
Motion carried. (7-0-1) Mr. Babikian abstained.
Approve Award of 2026-2027 Capital Outlay Project Bid
Mr. Babikian moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to approve the Award of the 2026-2027 capital Outlay Project Bid to the lowest bidder.
Motion carried. (8-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Approve Funds to Implement a Three-Year Contract with the Clerical Aide Unit
Mrs. Scott moved and Mrs. DeForest seconded the motion to approve funds to implement at three-year contract with the Clerical Aide Unit.
Motion carried. (8-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Dr. Woodcock reviewed the existing list of items for potential consideration for future meetings, including UPK transportation questions, coaching certification and evaluations, building tours, equity updates and NY Inspires.
Mrs. DeForest stated that as the advocacy liaison for the NYSSBA, she will be bringing to the next board meeting a list of resolutions to share with the Board so that she knows how to proceed with her vote.
Professional Learn Plan Presentation: Mr. Franz, Asst. Superintendent
Mr. Franz presented the Board with the 2026-2027 Professional Learning Plan. He provided an overview of the professional development process including a review of New York State Regulations and Requirements, the planning process, and highlights of the focus areas
Mr. Franz shared a timeline which includes board approval of the plan at the October 5 meeting and submission to NYSED after the approval.
(See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Woodcock
Dr. Woodcock began her report with an update on the opening of school. She said the district had two superintendent conference days to kick off the new school year. Dr. Woodcock said when planning the two days, we wanted to keep the schedule respectful of the preparations that needed to be made for the school year. She said the first four days of school went great with the normal hiccups such as late buses and placement of new students. Dr. Woodcock shouted out the Transportation Department and said we have one of the best transportation departments she has ever seen. She said she saw a lot of great relationships being reconnected, students smiling, and parents ready for students to be back at school. Dr. Woodcock said we will continue to improve on items such as bus stops and student placements.
Dr. Woodcock invited the Board to the first building tour at the Middle School on Thursday, September 24 at 4 pm with the Facilities Committee meeting taking place after the tour.
Dr. Woodcock reviewed updated procedures under New York State Education Law § 3201-b, which took effect earlier this summer. She said the district already complies with most requirements but must implement three additional procedures: clearly designate who will review and authorize requests if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrives; establish protocols for notifying parents and parental relationships of their rights and the district’s procedures; and ensure that parents can be contacted when necessary. Dr. Woodcock said that the Administrative Team will be trained on all new procedures, communications to family, what to do if anything occurs on J-D campus, and what to do at the building level to maintain security. She said the staff will be trained next, and a message will go out to all families as well as information will be posted on our website. Lastly, she said a report will be completed and submitted to the New York State Education on Thursday, which is ahead of schedule.
Lastly, Dr. Woodcock shared upcoming events.
Student Board Member Report: Mr. Wagner-Flynn
Mr. Wagner-Flynn said his report from the student body regarding the start of school is the same as Dr. Woodcock’s except for a concern about the tennis courts not yet finished. He said he heard today they were completed and the tennis team is very happy.
Board President’s Report, Dr. Archer
Dr. Archer reminded the Board of the upcoming NYSSBA Conference on October 22 – 24 and encouraged participation for those who can attend.
Dr. Archer said the first retreat will take place on Thursday, October 1 from 6 to 8 pm. She said we will be learning about Board Docs, a different way to publish the minutes from the meetings, as well revising our vision and mission and resetting some goals. Dr. Archer said she will make dinner. Dr. Archer will send an email to see how many members are interested in attending the Educational Foundation dinner.
Lastly Dr. Archer wanted to acknowledge the start of the school year. She said she had the privilege of attending the opening day and said the mood was very positive and everyone was happy to see each other.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no Community Comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Dr. Woodcock provided an update regarding the exemptions that have been previously discussed. She said that Mr. Bartlett has been working with the Onondaga County Tax Accessor to get this information. She stated that regarding the 100% Total Permanent and Disabled Tax Exemption, no one has adopted this exemption yet, as it is new and starts in October. She said that currently 27 community members have the exemption and that if they all qualify for the new exemption, this would be approximately 7 million dollars of exempted district property, and $127k of taxes that would need to be redistributed.
Dr. Woodcock said there is a senior citizen exemption already in place and would like to discuss whether the Board has an interest in raising the maximum income limit. She said right now, there is a minimum of $29k and a maximum of just under $38k which is approximately 14 million dollars of exemptions. She said if we raised the minimum to $50k and the maximum to $58k, that would increase the exemptions to 24 million dollars which would be approximately $165k that would need to be reallocated.
Dr. Woodcock suggested bringing this back to the next meeting for more discussion.
Mr. D’Imperio wanted to clarify that these exemptions would be for the 2027-28 tax year.
At 6:56 p.m., Mr. D’Imperio moved and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Tish Hauser
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: October 5, 2026