Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Mrs. James Murad
Dr. Lei
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: Fred Wheeler.
Dr. Archer called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office and via YouTube Livestream Link.
Red Ram Recognition
Dr. Archer recognized the teachers who, during the summer, have been in the buildings for professional development. She gave a shout out to their dedication to continuously learn and grow. In addition, she said that she has seen many students in and out of the buildings for summer camps. She recognized coaches and parents for their work with our students during these sports camps.
Community Comment Time #1
There were no comments.
Approve Consent Agenda
Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to discuss the Consent Agenda.
1. Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations, Substitute
Reappointments and New Substitute Appointments
2. Accept Tenure Recommendation
3. Approve Minutes of July 14, 2025 Reorganization Meeting
4. Approve Minutes of July 14, 2025 Regular Meeting
5. Approve Resolution Authorizing Participation in Cooperative Energy
Purchasing Service (NYSMEC) for Natural Gas
6. Approve Overnight Field Trip Requests
7. Approve Standard Work Day resolution for Employees
8. Approve Combined Sports Teams for the 2025-2026 School Year
Mr. Babikian moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda.
Motion carried. (7-0-1) Mrs. Scott abstained. (See Supplemental Minutes)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – August 4, 2025
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name and position: Sarah Arnold, Teaching Assistant, four-year probationary appointment, replacing M. Coir
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- Location: Tecumseh Elementary School
- Salary: $31,122.00
- Certification: Teaching Assistant Level I
- Effective: August 27, 2025
Name and position: Heather Garrow, School Nurse, (.4)
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- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $24,193.60 (prorated)
- Certification: Registered Professional Nurse
- Effective: August 27, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Name and position: Rachel Powers, K-6 Elementary Teacher, four-year probationary appointment, replacing K. Ward
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- Location: Tecumseh Elementary School
- Salary: $66,203.00 (B5-M+36)
- Certification: Initial Childhood 1-6
- Effective: August 27, 2025
Name and position: Lauren Redmond, Special Education Teacher, Regular Substitute, replacing E. Brauner (on leave)
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- Location: Jamesville Elementary School
- Salary: $67,366.00 (B6-M+36)
- Certification: Professional Students With Disabilities 1-6
- Effective: August 27, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Name and position: Emily Townsend, School Counselor, four-year probationary appointment, replacing, C. Weissenborn
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- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $69,803.00 (B4-M+CAS+54)
- Certification: Provisional School Counselor
- Effective: August 27, 2025
Name and position: Nicholas Vecchio, Special Education Teacher, four-year probationary appointment, replacing B. Schunck
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- Location: Middle School
- Salary: $66,817.00 (B6-M+33)
- Certification: Professional Students With Disabilities 7-12, Generalist
- Effective: August 27, 2025
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Jamesville Elementary – 2025-2026
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Katie Deehan, Bus Supervision, AM and PM, $1,391.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Fall Coaching – 2025-2026
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Amanda Brown, Varsity Assistant Cheerleading Coach, $3,563.00*
- Carter Galle, Boys Varsity Volleyball Coach, $0 (volunteer)
*Pending completion of the certification process
Request for Leave of Absence
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Erin Brauner, Special Education Teacher, Jamesville Elementary, unpaid leave of absence, August 27, 2025 through June 30, 2026
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Katherine Berry, TOSA, Districtwide, August 26, 2025
- Megan Keukelaar, School Psychologist, Districtwide, August 17, 2025
- Erin Nowicki, Special Education Teacher, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, August 1, 2025
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Kimberly Farnett, Teacher Aide, 52-week probationary appointment, Tecumseh Elementary School, $16.20/hr., August 27, 2025, replacing S. Arnold
- Davinder Kaur, Teacher Aide, 52-week probationary appointment, Tecumseh Elementary School, $16.20/hr., August 27, 2025, replacing A. Goldberg
- Julie Lesinski, Typist II, 52-week probationary appointment, High School, $18.75/hr., August 5, 2025, replacing P. Kibby
Change in Status
Name, change in assignment, location, salary and effective date:
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- Kelsey Rozyczko, from Cook 1 to part-time Food Service Worker, Cafeteria, $17.70/hr., August 26, 2025
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Sarah Arnold, Teacher Aide, Tecumseh Elementary School, August 26, 2025
Approve School Lunch Prices
Mr. Bartlett explained that the District is continuing to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). He said that although there is no cost to Jamesville-DeWitt families, the District still needs to set breakfast and lunch prices, as to not fall behind. He shared the new breakfast and lunch prices for each building:
Breakfast for each building will increase $.10 from $2.35 to $2.45, and lunches increase $.10 at the elementary level from $3.30 to $3.40, Middle School from $3.45 to $3.55 and High School from $3.60 to $3.70.
Mr. Babikian moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to approve the 2025-2026 School Lunch Prices.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Board Policies, First Reading
Board Policy # 5685 – Maximum Temperature for Buildings and Facilities and Policy # 7316 – Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day were brought to the Board for a first reading.
Mrs. James Murad explained that both policies are based on changes to New York State Education Law. She said Policy #5685 sets forth implementation plans for when the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit and when it reaches 88 degrees Fahrenheit. She said Policy 7316, Use of Internet Enabled Devices During the School Day, also referred to as the “Cellphone”, is based on the recently passed statute. She said that we are following the language of the policy to allow the superintendent and administrators to adopt procedures. Mrs. James Murad said Dr. Woodcock has sent out a letter to families and the information has been posted on the website.
Mrs. Cortese asked Dr. Woodcock what type of feedback she had received. Dr. Woodcock said that the District has purposely kept close to the law which will allow the school procedure to adjust as needed. She said information was sent out to families, and that we are following protocol for policy adoption. Dr. Woodcock said the questions that she has received have come mostly from High School students and have been great questions. She said she met with Mr. Ghanim and he posed many great questions to her. Dr. Woodcock said she would be meeting with the principals tomorrow and will discuss such things as sufficient passing time in the halls, the time needed for dismissal appropriate, and what needs to be addressed with moving back to locker use. Dr. Woodcock said she feels the feedback that she has received is understanding that change is difficult, but supportive of the process. Dr. Woodcock will continue to listen, respond and update the FAQ page on the website.
These two policies will come back for second reading and adoption at the next meeting, August 25.
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Dr. Archer said that the previous list of items for consideration was woven into the agenda. She said they are still working on nominating Jon Phishman for the Hall of Fame.
There were no new items presented for potential consideration for future meetings.
Presentation: Athletic Handbook – Mr. Wheeler, Athletic Director
Mr. Wheeler shared a presentation on the new Athletic Handbook. He said that this project began in March when he and Mr. Reyes put together a committee of 15 people including parents, students, coaches, JDFA members and administrators. He said the focus of the new Athletic Handbook is to guide athletes, parents, coaches and administrators to easily access information with transparent guidelines which align with board policies, the Code of Conduct, and NYSPHSAA Section 3 policies. Mr. Wheeler demonstrated how you would find the Handbook on the website and how the hyperlinks will take you directly to the information you need. He reviewed sections of the handbook including Sports Offered at JD and how to sign up, Expectations of Athletes, DEI Alignment with the Code of Conduct, Athletes and Parents’ communication with coaches, Protection for Coaches and Athletes, Transportation, and Substance Abuse.
Mr. Wheeler shared new proposals for the Athletic Department; establishment of Varsity Girls Flag Football, change to Board of Education Policy where team pays for buses for matches outside the section, special process for 7th graders to play JV/Varsity sports.
Lastly, Mr. Wheeler answered questions from the Board.
Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Woodcock
Dr. Woodcock started her report with information on federal funds which have been unfrozen. She said that going forward we should be cautious and have a plan if it happens again.
Dr. Woodcock provided a weapons detection update and said that New York State is reviewing the documents that were submitted by the District. She said they are recommending we wait for approval before purchasing a system, as we would be responsible for the cost if it is not approved. Once the internal review is done, it will go for state approval, which can take up to four weeks. She said both herself and Brian are watching closely.
Dr. Woodcock provided an update on the Southwood property. She said the bill is still waiting for the Governor’s signature. Once the bill is signed, the Town of Onondaga and the District will get started on a lease.
Dr. Woodcock reported that she attended the Town of DeWitt Zoning Board of Appeals on July 21 to discuss the cell tower. She said that at the meeting there were two people against and one person who was in favor of the cell tower in attendance. They both spoke briefly, and the Board unanimously agreed to issue a permit that is needed for the District and Verizon to move forward. She said that the next steps are to have a safety plan and construction plan in place.
Dr. Woodcock reported that the Board of Regents adopted the Portrait of a Graduate this month. She said that this is the first of four transformations that will take place. She said the second transformation will be to redefine the credits and replace the diploma requirements, the third will be to sunset the Regents assessments and the fourth will be to move to one diploma.
Dr. Woodcock shared that the NYSSBA is inviting all student board members to a statewide celebration on September 17 and she will provide more details as they are available.
Lastly, Dr. Woodcock shared upcoming events including staff orientation, opening day on August 27, and the start of school on September 2.
Committee Reports
The only committee that has met was the policy committee and there was nothing to add other than the information previously provided during the first reading of the policies.
Board President’s Report: Dr. Archer
Dr. Archer shared the following new committee assignments:
Policy Committee – Mrs. James Murad, Mr. Babikian and Dr. Lei
Facilities Committee – Mr. Baxter, Mrs. Cortese and Mr. Zoghby
Finance Committee – Mrs. DeForest, Mrs. Scott and Dr. Archer
Audit Committee – Dr. Archer, Mr. Baxter and Mr. Babikian
She also shared the ad hoc committee assignments:
Town Board Liaison: Mrs. Cortese and Mr. Baxter
Governance Handbook: Mrs. DeForest and Mr. Babikian
District Equity Council: Dr. Lei and Dr. Archer
Advocacy Liaison NYSSBA: Mr. Zoghby and Mrs. James Murad
Mrs. DeForest asked about the additional member of the Audit Committee that is outside the Board. Mr. Bartlett said that we will use Teo Wright for the outside member.
Dr. Archer reported that she attended the Leadership in Education Event through NYSSBA this past weekend and that it was excellent, and every session informative. She has emailed her notes from the event to the Board. She also reminded the Board that the Annual Convention is taking place October 23 through October 25 in New York City. She said there are many topics of interest on the agenda and that any Board member interested in attending should let Dr. Woodcock or herself know.
Community Comment Time #2
There were no comments
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Mrs. DeForest asked for an enrollment update and Dr. Archer indicated that it would be on the next meeting’s agenda. Mrs. DeForest asked if we had to add new staff, would they be able to attend new staff orientation. Mr. Reyes indicated any new staff that have accepted their positions are invited to attend the orientation and anyone hired after orientation will work directly with Mr. Reyes for onboarding.
At 7:48 p.m., Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: August 25, 2025