Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mrs. Austin
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Mr. Leach
Ms. McKenney
Mr. Zoghby
Ms. Evans
Members Absent
Mrs. Souser
Administration Present
Dr. Smith. Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mrs. DeForest called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office.
In attendance: Laura Dietz, Kerri McKee, Kristen Hefti, Cindy Heaslip, Andy Eldridge, Aspen Pace Lamit, Avery Auge, Sion Willis, Udo Okereke, Talia Salomon, Nahvie Reed and Jamie Lamit.
Middle School Dialogue Group Presentation
Mr. Eldridge gave an overview of the work of the Middle School Dialogue Group and explained how the group was formed, which was a result of trying to get the work the teachers have been doing with culturally responsive training into the hands of the students. He also explained how Mrs. Jacobs from Interfaith Works has helped to pivot from the original plan that was sidetracked by COVID-19 and the construction project. He said the team of adult allies (teachers) were trained to run dialogue circles and then they were joined by the students. Mr. Eldridge introduced Mrs. Dietz, Ms. McKee, Ms. Heaslip and Ms. Hefti. Ms. Hefti began by explaining the timeline of the work of the group and introduced each student in attendance: Avery and Aspen from 5th grade, Sion and Udo from 7th grade, and Talia and Nahvie from 8th grade. Each student shared information about the Dialogue Group. Sion spoke about the issues that were identified, Udo spoke about a day in the life of a participant, Aspen and Avery spoke about words that were learned, and Talia and Navhie spoke about the future of the dialogue in action group. The group explained that they worked to bring in Al-Amin Muhammad from We Rise Above the Streets to speak at a student assembly. The group asked for other suggestions for speakers from the Board. The group named themselves the Justice League and will continue their work at the Middle School. The group then took questions from the Board. (See Supplemental Minutes for presentation).
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Presentation
Mrs. Tracey Menapace, Director of PPS and Mrs. Ginger Holleran, Asst. Director of PPS, provided the Board with a presentation including, Where We Have Been, Where We Are Going, State Performance Indicators 9, 13 & 14 and Mental Health and Suicide Safety and Prevention. Mrs. Menapace and Mrs. Holleran took questions from the Board. (See Supplemental Minutes for full presentation).
Red Ram Recognition
Mrs. DeForest began Red Ram Recognition by recognizing Pride Month and said the Board of Education values, respects and supports the LGBTQIA+ community. She made note of the recent Kente Club Senior Celebration and thanked Mrs. Sabrina Scott and all the staff and students who helped with the celebration for our seniors. Ms. DeForest congratulated all the Kente Club Honorees from the Class of 2022. Mrs. DeForest congratulated J-D HS Senior, Lizzie VanBuren for winning the Poetry in Flight Contest. Lizzie’s winning poem will be featured at Hancock airport throughout the next year. Mrs. DeForest congratulated all recipients of awards presented at the Junior and Senior Award Ceremonies and thanked Mrs. Diane Ennis, Mrs. Laura Bond, Mrs. Susan Techman, and all of the counselors for serving on the selection committees and coordinating the ceremonies. She also thanked Mr. Paul Gasparini, Mrs. Maria DeJesus and Ms. Kristine Wisnieski for serving as Masters of Ceremonies. Mrs. DeForest thanked the spring coaches and congratulated all athletes for their achievements both off and on the field. Lastly, Mrs. DeForest recognized Mr. Paul Gasparini for his extraordinary contributions to the Jamesville-DeWitt High School for the past 21 years. She congratulated him on his retirement and presented him with a certificate of recognition. She also said that the State Legislature named today Paul Gasparini Day. (See Supplemental Minutes for full Red Ram Recognition presentation).
Ms. McKenney shared her experience attending the Special Olympics and said it was an amazing event. She praised all involved. She also attended the Athletics Senior Awards Night. She said it was a different event than in the past because it was entirely planned by seniors. She offered congratulations to the Athletic Department for the event and was great to see the students honor their coaches.
Dr. Archer shared her experience attending the Moses DeWitt Diversity Night. She said she has watched it grow in inclusiveness and was proud to have both her daughter and students from the Syracuse City School District involved. She said she is looking forward to this event continuing to reach out to the greater community.
Community Comment Time #1
Erika Stark requested to speak but was not on the online participant list.
Rachel Wagner commented that both presentations this evening were inspiring and upsetting. She said the students should be guideposts but not be asked to fix the problem, as that is the adults’ responsibility. She wondering why the right people are not at the table and appreciates the work so far, but we still need to work harder.
Board Action: Approve Consent Agenda
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- Accept Internal Claims Auditor Reports
- Accept the Recommendations of the CPSE and the CSE
- Approve Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments
- Approve agreement with district office management confidential clerical for a stipend related to additional duties in the business office
- Approve Minutes of the May 23, 2022 Public Hearing
- Approve Minutes of the May 23, 2022 Regular Meeting
- Approve Resolution for Contract with OCM BOCES for networking printing services
- Adopt 2022-2023 Board Meetings Calendar
- Adopt District Code of Conduct
Mr. Leach moved and Mr. Gross seconded the approval of the Consent Agenda.
Motion carried (8-0-0).
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations
Instructional
Appointments
- Name and position: Lindsey Alexander, Special Education Teacher; probationary appointment (3 years); Replacing C. Donovan
- Location: Moses DeWitt
- Salary: $65,703 (B9-M+30)
- Certification: SWD 1-6, professional
- Effective: August 31, 2022
Requests for Leave
- Name and position: Courtney Perrigo, Social Worker
- Location: Jamesville Elementary
- Type of Leave: Parental Leave (Paid)
- Effective: May 25, 2022 through June 30, 2022
Extra Duty Assignment – Extending Teaching – Mentoring 2021-2022
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- Name and assignment: Michelle Batschelet, Mentor for Claire Donovan
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: Jamie Cottet, Mentor for Anna Delaney
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: Cheryl Hoosock, Mentor for Kathryn Woodrick
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: Susan Howes, Mentor for Christine Henderson
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: John Hunter, Mentor for BethAnn Smith
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: Kelly Miller, Mentor for Lauren Middleton
- Stipend: $300 (prorated)
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- Name and assignment: Jeff Loan, Mentor for Danielle Manzone
- Stipend: $300 (prorated)
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- Name and assignment: Rose Palmisano, Mentor for Allison LaScala
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: Nancy Raicht, Mentor for Parker Noble
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: Susan Ransier, Mentor for Rebecca Trevisani
- Stipend: $300 (prorated)
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- Name and assignment: Moira Ristau, Mentor for Emily Baker
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: Christina Taylor, Mentor for Charity Bianchi
- Stipend: $599
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- Name and assignment: Caroline Tuck, Mentor for Ryan Smith
- Stipend: $300 (prorated)
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- Name and assignment: Vitaliy Yanchuk, Mentor for Stephanie O’Rourke
- Stipend: $599
Extra Duty Assignment – Intramurals
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- Name and assignment: Dan Glazier, Coach Substitute
- Stipend: $20.88
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- Name and assignment: Mitzi Longway, Choice Intramural Activities
- Stipend: $292.32
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- Name and assignment: Jessica Marko, Choice Intramural Activities
- Stipend: $104.40
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
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- Name and position: Barbara Baxter, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: April Butler, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Patricia Carter, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Mary Fralick, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Johanne Hyatt, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Mitzi Longway, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Tina Mason, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Tammy Noreault, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Michelle Opalenick, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Susan Smith, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: Jenny Wheeler, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
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- Name and position: John Wheeler, Sub Custodian – Summer Worker
- Location: Custodial Department
- Salary: $13.20/hr.
- Effective: June 27, 2022
Change in Status
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- Name: Jenny Wheeler
- Location: Food Service
- Change: Cook 1 to Cook Manager
- Salary: $19.04/hr.
- Effective: August 3, 2022
Retirements
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- Name and position: Julia Holder, Teacher Aide
- Location: Moses DeWitt Elementary
- Change: part-time to full-time
- Effective: September 6, 2022
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- Name and position: Kathleen Clark, Bus Driver
- Location: Transportation
- Effective: June 24, 2022
- Name and position: Joce Kondovski, Custodial Worker I
- Location: Custodial Department
- Effective: September 2, 2022
- Name and position: Michael Schwartz, Bus Driver
- Location: Transportation
- Effective: June 30, 2022
- Name and position: James Tuck, School Monitor
- Location: High School
- Effective: June 30, 2022
Resignations
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- Name and position: Maryanne Smithers, Typist II
- Location: High School
- Effective: June 24, 2022
Approve Resolution for Contract with OCM BOCES for networking printing services
Mrs. Austin moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the approval of the Resolution for Contract with OCM BOCES for networking printing services. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Motion carried (8-0-0).
Adopt 2022-2023 Board Meetings Calendar
Mr. Leach moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the adoption of the 2023-2023 Board Meetings Calendar. (The calendar will be posted on the website).
Motion carried (8-0-0).
Adopt District Code of Conduct
Mrs. James Murad moved and Mr. Gross seconded the adoption of the District Code of Conduct as amended. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Motion carried (8-0-0).
Board Policy – First Reading – 1510 – Regular Board Meetings and Rules (Quorum and Parliamentary Procedure)
Mrs. DeForest explained the policy is being brought back to align with the changes in Open Meetings Law. She said it will come back for a second reading at the next meeting.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Smith acknowledged and recognized Mr. Timothy Decker who was the Business Administrator for J-D since 2009. Mr. Decker passed away on June 3rd after a brief illness. Dr. Smith shared a few of Mr. Decker’s accomplishments such as overseeing all financial aspects of the District including developing the annual operating budget, which voters overwhelmingly approved every year. Mr. Decker provided leadership to all non-instructional district operations as well as oversaw numerous large scale capital projects. Mr. Decker, was extremely proud of the current capital project and was very excited about how the renovations would impact the teaching and learning experience for our students and staff. Dr. Smith said that Mr. Decker was a colleague and friend and that he will be missed terribly by the District Office.
Dr. Smith said the Board approved an interim Business Manager, Peter Mahunik, who will start in July. Mr. Mahunik is a recent retiree from Fabius-Pompey and has done interim work in other districts. The District will begin a search for a new business official immediately.
Dr. Smith shared the Quarterly Financial Report with the Board and explained that all accounts in the general and cafeteria fund are in balance with a few exceptions. He said the state aided software line connected to a non-public school will be cleaned up after purchasing is complete. In addition, he said the line associated with mental health supports will be made whole when federal funds are received. Dr. Smith said that we are still receiving monies for approved grants in the federal funds, as they usually lag, and the lines will be updated as the funds are received. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Dr. Smith shared projected enrollment numbers. He said the numbers are not significantly different from last meeting but that Kindergarten enrollments are significantly higher than they were at this time last year. He will continue to keep an eye on the numbers over the course of the summer and will update the Board at the next meeting.
Dr. Smith provided a brief construction update at the Middle School including information on current moves within the building to help move along the demolition of House 1.
Dr. Smith addressed the tragic shooting at Uvalde, Texas which has everyone concerned about safety. He said he reached out to the Town of DeWitt Chief of Police who was contacted by the Town of Dewitt Fire Chief. They will all meet to do a walk- through of the buildings for evaluation, coordinating and training for the departments to have a better understanding of the layouts and how to respond in the event of an emergency. There was a discussion surrounding security, lock down drills, and doors being propped open. Dr. Smith said conversations have been taking place at all buildings, and admitted that with the construction going on, it has been a bit of a challenge. He also said, that if you see something, say something so that it can be corrected immediately. There was also a discussion regarding SRO’s at other buildings, and Mr. Leach suggested that it is time to start talking about this. Dr. Smith said that he will report back from his meeting with the Police and Fire Departments. Lastly, Dr. Smith shared upcoming events with the Board.
Student Board Member Report
Ms. Evans provided her Student Board Member Report via a slide presentation which included a demographic breakdown of responses by grade, gender identity, racial ethnic identity, disability and sexual identify. Her report covered responses to the “State of the School” and the Wellness ThoughtExchange. Lastly, Ms. Evans shared reflections on her past year. Mrs. DeForest wished Ms. Evans well and thanked her for her work this year and said she set the bar very high. (See Supplemental Minutes).
Board Vice-President’s Report
Mr. Gross provided the Board with a report on the District’s Partnership with the Town of DeWitt. He said that during the periodic meetings they try to identify topics of common interest. Some of the topics identified to date are: sidewalk initiatives around town, the Klim Center and how it might be beneficial to partner with the District, the District’s DEI work, electric vehicle initiatives at an exploratory level and designating school speed zones near Tecumseh.
President’s Report
Mrs. DeForest thanked all staff, for their time, effort and energy during all the end of the year activities and is looking forward to the upcoming graduation ceremony. Mrs. DeForest said the Board followed up with Interfaith Works regarding community-wide dialogue proposals and how to engage IFW for retreats as well as our community next year. Lastly, Mrs. DeForest said Dr. Smith has posted his reflection of end of the year goals into SuperEval. She said she will update the timeline on submitting Board reflections. She said there will be an Executive Session at the Board meeting in July to review the reflections and then the Board will provide Dr. Smith with his review.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no comments.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Mrs. DeForest added mental health support as an agenda item for the finance committee for next year.
Mr. Leach asked to add security for a future agenda item.
Dr. Archer asked for the draft of the Handbook of the Board Rules and Responsibilities. Dr. Smith said the next step will to bring the Handbook to the Board for approval.
At 9:38 p.m., Mr. Leach moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the adjournment of the meeting to Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person.
Motion carried. (8-0-0).
At 10:23 Mr. Gross moved and Mr. Leach seconded the adjournment of Executive Session.
At 10:23 Mrs. James Murad moved and Ms. McKenney seconded the adjournment of the meeting.
Motion carried. (8-0-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Peter C. Smith
Acting Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: 7/11/22