Jamesville-Dewitt Central School District > Board of Education > Board Meetings > Minutes of February 27, 2023 Board of Education Meeting

Minutes of February 27, 2023 Board of Education Meeting

Members Present

Dr. Archer
Mrs. Austin
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad
Mr. Leach
Ms. McKenney
Mrs. Souser (Attended Remotely)
Mr. Zoghby
Ms. Aljerari (Student Board Member)

Members Absent

None

Administration Present

Dr. Smith. Superintendent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Furlong, Interim Business Administrator

Others in attendance: Jodi Ridzi, Emma Ridzi, Joanna Meskos, Nicole Meskos, Susan Glisson, Christiana Semabia, Sophia Commandeur. Amy Spitzer

Mrs. DeForest called the Board Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office and via Zoom.

Mrs. Austin moved and Mr. Leach seconded the motion to amend the Agenda, to include a Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session to consider a request to appeal a suspension pursuant to Board Policy Number 7313.

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Red Ram Recognition

Mrs. DeForest recognized, thanked and congratulated the UMOJA Club for their work during Black History Month.  The club created a Periodic Table of Black History which was displayed in the main foyer, various art displays throughout the building and hosted a schoolwide assembly. She thanked and recognized Sabrina Scott, club advisor for her tireless efforts.  Mrs. DeForest congratulated the cast and crew of The Prom, for sharing the powerful message of inclusivity with our community.  She recognized Producer Jordan Berger; Director, Kelsie Deyo; Vocal Music Director, Jesstina Drake; Orchestra Director, Daniel Blumenthal; Choreographer, Chelsea Colton; and Set Manager, Jacob Brodsky.

Mrs. DeForest recognized and congratulated:

    • J-D/CBA Ice Hockey team for their Section III, Division II semifinal win
    • J-D/CBA Wrestling who earned the Team Title at Section III, Class AA Tournament
    • Wrestlers Matt Dougherty and Gerald Vielhauer crowned champions in their brackets
    • J-D/CBA Boys’ Swimming and Diving for their Class A Sectional Title and winning the Fallwell Cup
    • Swimmer, Nathaniel Wales who received Swimmer of the Meet award
    • Coach Bewley, who received Coach of the Year Award
    • National Shakespeare Competition school-level winners: 3rd place and Rising Star Award, Rozir Kirkland; 2nd place and back-up for next level, Aiden Caporaso; and 1st place Anka Chiorini who will compete at the branch level

Mrs. Austin reminded the public of the upcoming Operation Graduation bottle drive.

(See Supplemental Minutes)

Student Board Member Report, Ms. Aljerari

Ms. Aljerari provided the Board with a report which highlighted the Black History Month Assembly.  She said the presenters and performers were phenomenal and the message was positivity and unity.  Ms. Aljerari read a portion of club advisor, Ms. Scott’s speech. In addition, Ms. Aljerari shared updates on the Science Olympiad Decathlon, MUN UNAR conference, French Club Fundraiser, Student Government Constitutional Convention and upcoming events.

(See Supplemental Minutes).

Community Comment Time #1

James Albanese, Jr. commented on the recommendation to modify the District Safety Plan and reiterated the importance of safety for all students and staff.

Alisa Albanese commented on the recommendation to modify the District Safety Plan and said we should do whatever it takes to protect our students and staff. She would like to see a School Resource Officer in each of our schools.

Rachel Wagner commented on the recommendation to modify the District Safety Plan and urged the Board to postpone the vote until a recommendation from the safety audit is received.

Approve Consent Agenda

Ms. McKenney moved and Dr. Archer seconded the motion to remove the Internal Claims Auditor’s Report from the Consent Agenda. 

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the approval of the Consent Agenda as amended. 

    1. Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments
    2. CPSE and CSE Recommendations
    3. Approve Overnight Field Trip Request
    4. Approve Revised Substitute Rates of Pay

Motion carried. (9-0-0)                                 

Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – February 27, 2023

INSTRUCTIONAL

Appointments

Name and position: Brian Bartlett, School Business Administrator, probationary appointment (4 years), replacing T. Decker

    • Location: District Office
    • Salary: $143,000.00
    • Certification: Professional School District Business Leader
    • Effective: July 5, 2023

Name and position: Julie Kielbasa, Teaching Assistant, probationary appointment (4 years), new position

    • Location: Jamesville Elementary School
    • Salary $28,860, prorated $10,389.60
    • Certification: Teaching Assistant Level I
    • Effective: March 13, 2023

Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – High School – 2022-2023 School Year

Name, assignment and stipend:

    • Matt Phillips, Drama Club Advisor, $2,154.00

Extra Duty Assignment – Spring Coaching – 2022-2023 School Year

Name, assignment and stipend:

    • Joseph Corridori, Boys Modified Track Coach, $3,782.00
    • John Lenish, Girls Modified Track Coach, $3,046.00
    • Parker Noble, Varsity Assistant Track Coach, $3,553.00
    • Alexandria Payne, Varsity Assistant Track Coach, $3,553.00
    • Nicole Piontkowski, Girls Modified Lacrosse Coach, $4,061.00
    • Melissa Quinn, Girls Modified Lacrosse Coach, volunteer
    • Emily Rowles, Varsity Assistant Track Coach, $4,357.00
    • Dennis Schahczenski, Modified Softball Coach, $4,080.00
    • Samantha Siderakis, Girls Modified Track Coach, $3,046.00
    • Kurt Sweeney, Boys Modified Track Coach, $3,367.00
    • Joseph Tesori, Girls Varsity Head Golf Coach, $4,705.00

Extra Duty Assignment – Intramurals – Middle School – 2022-2023 School Year

Name, assignment and stipend:

    • Ruth Cadwell, Session 3 Intramurals, $21.15
    • Dan Glazier, Session 3 Intramurals, $253.80
    • Ken Kline, Session 3 Intramurals, $274.95

Resignation – Extra Duty Assignment – Spring Coaching – 2022-2023 School Year

Name, assignment:

    • Melissa Quinn, Girls Modified Lacrosse Coach

Request for Leave

Name, assignment, location, type of leave, and effective date:

    • Alexandra Bishop, K-6 Classroom Teacher, Moses DeWitt Elementary School, paid parental leave, May 30, 2023 through June 30, 2023 

NONINSTRUCTIONAL

Appointments

Name, position, location, salary and effective date:

    • Christina Lopez, Typist II, High School, $17.00/hr., temporary appointment, April 1, 2023
    • Amber Schmitt, Typist II, High School, $17.00/hr., temporary appointment, April 1, 2023
    • David Kurtz, Substitute Bus Driver, Transportation, $38.43/hr., February 28, 2023
    • Analisa Wedemeyer, Part-time Teacher Aide, Jamesville Elementary School, $14.20/hr., February 28, 2023, Replacing, C. Moran

Resignations:

Name, position, location, and effective date:

    • Christina Lopez, Typist II, High School, March 31, 2023
    • Amber Schmitt, Typist II, High School, March 31, 2023

Addendum to Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – February 27, 2023

INSTRUCTIONAL

Appointments

Name and position:  Jason Douglass, Director of Technology, Provisional Appointment, replacing P. Luckette

    • Location: District Office
    • Salary: $115,000.
    • Effective: March 15, 2023

Approve Internal Claims Auditor Report

Ms. McKenney asked about the frequency of errors found in the Claims Auditor Report.  Mr. Furlong indicated that it is not an unusual amount of errors, but would like to see them disappear or become fewer over time.  He said he feels we are heading in the right direction. 

Ms. McKenney moved and Mr. Gross seconded the approval of the Internal Claims Auditor Report. 

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Dr. Smith conveyed the importance of two new personnel recommendations which were just approved. He said Mr. Brian Bartlett has been appointed as School Business Administrator and comes to us from Norwich City Schools.  Dr. Smith explained that Mr. Bartlett start at the beginning of the new school year and that that the district is excited about the experience Mr. Bartlett will bring to the business office.  Dr. Smith said that Jason Douglass has been appointed as the Director of Technology. He will replace long-term district employee, Mr. Luckette, who is retiring at the end of March.  Mr. Douglass will bring his talents and experience from OHM BOCES, where he is currently employed. 

Approve Minutes of the February 6, 2023 Public Hearing and the Minutes of the February 6, 2023 Board Meeting

Mr. Zoghby moved and Mr. Gross seconded the approval of the Minutes of the February 6, 2023 Public Hearing and the Minutes of the February 6, 2023 Board meeting.

Motion carried. (8-0-1).  Mrs. Austin abstained.

Approve SEQRA Resolution for Building Control Systems Upgrades

Mrs. James Murad moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the approval of the following SEQRA Resolution for Building Control Systems Upgrades:

SEQRA RESOLUTION

February 27, 2023

WHEREAS, the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District is considering undertaking a capital improvement project consisting of renovations to building control systems necessary to upgrade the buildings at Jamesville Elementary School, Moses DeWitt Elementary School and Tecumseh Elementary School, including, site improvements, original furnishings, fixtures and equipment (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, the District, as a local agency pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), ECL Section 8-0 IO1, et seq., and implementing regulations, 6 NYCRR Part 617 (the “Regulations”), having reviewed the impact of the Project upon the environment, intends hereby to determine that the Project constitutes a “Type II Action” under 6 NYCRR § 617.5(c)(25) of the Regulations and is not subject to review under SEQRA.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by this Board of Education as follows:

Section 1. The Project constitutes a “Type II Action” under 6 NYCRR § 617.5(c)(25) of the Regulations and is not subject to review under SEQRA. The regulatory bases for this determination are Section 617.5(c)( 1): “maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes in an existing structure or facility”; Section 617.5(c)(2): “replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site ….” and 617.5(c)(8): “routine activities of educational institutions, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area….”

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

The motion having been duly moved, the resolution was acted upon by the Board of Education and there were 9 votes in favor of the resolution and 0 votes against the resolution.

The resolution was thereafter declared adopted.

William Furlong, Interim District Clerk, Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District

February 27, 2023

Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)

Approve use of CRRSA/ESSER II Funds for Building Control Systems Upgrades

Mrs. McKenney moved and Mr. Gross seconded the following Resolution to approve the use of CRRSA/ESSER II Funds for Building Control System Upgrades:

RESOLUTION FOR USE OF CRRSA/ESSER II Fundsfor Building Control Systems Upgrades

WHEREAS, the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District is considering undertaking a capital improvement project consisting of renovations to building control systems necessary to upgrade the buildings at Jamesville Elementary School, Moses DeWitt Elementary School and Tecumseh Elementary School, including, site improvements, original furnishings, fixtures and equipment (the “Project”); and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by this Board of Education as follows:

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Ms. McKenney moved and Mr. Gross seconded the motion to approve the resolution for use of CRRSA/ESSER II Funds for Building Control System Upgrades.

The motion having been duly moved, the resolution was acted upon by the Board of Education and there were 9 votes in favor of the resolution and 0 votes against the resolution. 

The resolution was thereafter declared adopted.

William Furlong, Interim District Clerk, Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District

February 27, 2023

Motion carried. (9-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)

Approve Town of DeWitt Bus Request for Operation Graduation

Mrs. Austin moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the approval of the Town of DeWitt Bus Request for Operation Graduation. 

Motion carried. (9-0-0)

Approve Town of DeWitt Bus Request for Emergency Use

Ms. McKenney moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the approval of the Town of DeWitt Bus Request for Emergency Use.

Motion carried. (9-0-0).

Recommendation to Modify the 2022-2023 District Safety Plan 

Mrs. DeForest asked for a motion to modify the 2022-2023 District Safety Plan.  Mr. Leach moved and Mr. Zoghby seconded the motion to modify the 2022-2023 District Safety Plan.  Mrs. DeForest opened the floor for discussion.

Dr. Smith stated that this is a very challenging topic with strong opinions on both sides. He said he put forward the best proposal based on information he had at the time and that he appreciates the feedback received.  He said he believes that all involved have the same goal of making sure all students feel safe all of the time.

There was a lengthy board discussion surrounding the process, procedures, timeline, cost analysis and expert advice leading to the recommendation.

Mrs. DeForest reviewed what would be considered a substantive change to the District Safety and what would trigger an additional 30-day public comment period.  Dr. Smith discussed the timeline of the security audit. 

Mrs. DeForest reviewed the options available; to approve what has been proposed and commented on or to wait/table the modification to the District Safety Plan until the security audit has been received.

Mrs. Austin moved to table the recommended modifications to the 2022-2023 District Safety Plan until after the security audit. Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion.

Motion carried. (7-2-0) Mr. Leach and Mrs. Souser opposed.

Potential Consideration for Future Meetings

Ms. McKenney requested an update on the master schedule at the Middle School.

At 8:06 p.m. the Board took a five minute break at which time all students were dismissed to get home safely due to inclement weather.

At 8:06 p.m. Ms. Aljerari was excused from the meeting.

At 8:12 p.m. Mrs. DeForest called the meeting back to order after the break.

Budget Discussion: Athletics and Central Office 

Mr. Furlong presented the Athletics and Central Office segments of the budget and reviewed the impacting factors including inflationary increases in the area of athletics, addition of a clerical position in the business office and anticipated increases in the cost of BOCES services.  He reported an increase of 2.84% increase in the Athletics budget and a 6.89% increase in the Central Office budget. The Instruction portion of the budget will be reviewed at the next meeting. (See supplemental minutes).

Treasurer’s Report, Mr. Furlong

Mr. Furlong presented the Quarterly Treasurer’s Report.  (See Supplemental Minutes).

Assistant Superintendent’s Report, Mr. Franz

Mr. Franz began his presentation on the 20-week impact report with a review of the District Equity Policy. His report covered data points, measurement of work being done within the Strategic Plan and ways we have responded to previous data. Mr. Franz reviewed the data on academics, literacy efforts, attendance, BIMAS, Social Emotional Efforts, and discipline factors.  Lastly, Mr. Franz shared information on overall risk analysis and Multi-Tiered System of Support work which has been done to date and took questions from the Board.  (See Supplemental Minutes).

Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Smith

Dr. Smith provided an update on the capital project including before and after photographs of the Middle School locker room, library and yoga and fitness room.   He said the students have been using the library since January and it is a great space for students and an incredible design. He also shared the evolution of the houses and the meaning behind the house colors.  Dr. Smith gave kudos to the architects for bringing to life the conversations and visions from teachers and students.  

Dr. Smith shared information on Chat GPT, artificial intelligence software which is used to create discussion between the user and artificial intelligence.  He spoke about the different iterations of GPT and the progression, and gave examples.  He said that on Wednesday, together with Mr. Franz and the High School English Department chair, he will be attending a workshop where Dr. Bill Daggett, an educational futurist, will speak about the power, opportunity and challenges it offers to education.  Dr. Smith shared upcoming events with the Board, including the OCM BOCES Annual Meeting on April 13, 2023, which will be in person, and a presentation at the High School by Contact Community Services on the topic of suicide for both students and the public.  Lastly, Dr. Smith shared that he has added a presentation to the Board calendar in May by Dr. Matt Cook, Superintendent of OCM BOCES.  He said Dr. Cook will present on what BOCES is and the services it provides.

Committee Reports

Mrs. Archer said she wanted to reiterate the decision to move the SRO out of the Central Office budget to the Operations and Maintenance budget.  Mr. Furlong stated that he will continue to meet with the Finance Committee and they are close to having the budget finalized. He said we need to be cautious of state aid numbers but should have a better idea by April 1st.

Board President’s Report, Mrs. DeForest

Mrs. DeForest discussed two dates for the rescheduled Board retreat and it was decided to schedule the Board retreat for March 29 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Mrs. DeForest spoke about the book study.  She said every Board member has been provided the book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain.   Mrs. DeForest stated she will send out a survey for topics for the Board retreat. 

Last, Mrs. DeForest discussed the Board Handbook survey and based on the results, the next four items to be addressed are: Response to community and employee complaints, public forums, writing and review of district and board goals and review of non-tenured personnel.

Community Comment Time #2

Mrs. Albanese commented on the proposal to have a School Resource Officer at the Middle School.  She said that mental health should be top priority but you can’t address mental health unless students feel safe.

Mr. Albanese commented that he and his wife have reached out to people of all different backgrounds and the main concern is safety.  He asked for the District to not lose sight that the proposal is about safety for all students of all backgrounds

Unfinished and Continuing Business

Mrs. DeForest stated that the Board is looking for a new date for the Public Forum and opened the floor for topics.  She said some topics are cultural competency for LGBTQIA sensitivity training, connecting kids and community, resources for youths and families, extracurricular activities and balancing with social emotional wellness.  It was decided that the Public Forum will take place on May 24th, with a topic to be determined. 

Mrs. DeForest said that Dr. Smith presented a mid-year evaluation of district goals and now the goals need to be put into the system and the Board will have an executive session at the next meeting to review.

Mrs. DeForest reviewed the most recent CNYSBA newsletter where Dr. Rick Timbs summarized what happened at the legislative forums. She suggested reviewing the newsletter as it highlights many different areas that we can advocate for, including an advocacy tool kit which she will forward to all Board members.

Mrs. DeForest reminded the Board that this is the time of year where the Board puts together scholarships for graduating seniors and Mrs. Austin will be reaching out. 

At 9:45 p.m., Mr. Gross moved and Mrs. Austin seconded the adjournment to Executive Session for the purpose of considering an appeal to a suspension. 

At 10:09 p.m., Dr. Archer moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the motion to adjourn from Executive Session.

Mrs. James Murad moved and Mrs. DeForest seconded the Motion to uphold the suspension which was appealed to the Board of Education.

Motion carried.  (9-0-0).

At 10:10 p.m., Mr. Zoghby moved and Mrs. James Murad seconded the adjournment of the meeting.

Motion carried. (9-0-0).

Respectfully submitted,

 

William Furlong
Interim Clerk of the Board

BOARD APPROVED:  March 13, 2023