Members Present
Dr. Archer
Mr. Babikian
Mr. Baxter
Mrs. Cortese
Mrs. DeForest
Mr. Gross
Mrs. James Murad (attended remotely)
Mrs. Scott
Mr. Mantalios (student board member)
Members Absent
Mr. Zoghby
Administration Present
Dr. Smith, Superintendent
Mr. Franz, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Bartlett, Business Administrator
Administration Absent
Mr. Reyes, Assistant Superintendent
Others in attendance: Andrew Cottet, Andreas Koenig, Garrett Fuller, Max Fisher, Kevin Vigneault, Lucas Chiorini, Kimberly Jocko, Olivia Comerford, Rozir Kirkland, Lauren Bennett, Mark Barbuto, Marnie Eisenstadt, Lisa Dolbear, Sarh Marsh, Paulomee Amin, Kimberly Gormel, Monica Sparrow, Erin Brown, Kathenne Sullivan, Aubrey LeFort, Kellie Ellis, Megan Leach, Peter Ashworth, Kristie Falasco, Heather Morse, Meghan Fahey, Christina Quijano, Tansy Schoonmaker, Hayrim Soury, Michale Soury, Karen Montgomery, Carolyn Pfister, Alicia Murray, Lauren Cerio, Janet Rider, Susanna Gawrysiak, Courtney Cameron, Cecelia Cannon, Alexandra Deryn, Linda Maloz, Peter Scheu, Jessica Bex, Christine Brophy, Michelle Ralph, Milena Crosley, Shanna & Rian Zeckzer, Max, Elizabeth & Susanna Ruckdeschel, Annie Ruddy, Caitlin Seamans, Eric & Katie Kenna, Brady Kim, Anwar Aljabbarin, Shilpa Gowda Kabbli, Erica Stark, Amber Chilcote, Connie Lickstein, Simran Sanders, Andrew Starowicz, Maria Podbelski, Eda McSherry, Lindsay Rowe, Samantha Pilger, Edith Westpfal, Deborah Westpfal, Abby Gorzynski, Jessica Barbuto, Erin Brodsky, Nickole Barbuto, John Barlow, Scott Van Atter, Luke Van Marter, Douglas Brown, Mona Farah, John Sarno, Ashley & Mike Rothman, Tracy Zappola, Dennis Tarlev, Lauren Ryan, Maria Rautins, Rachel Wagner, Dess White, Monica Booth, and Kiefer Booth.
Mr. Gross called the meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Middle School and via Zoom.
Mr. Babikian moved, and Mrs. Scott seconded the motion to move to Executive Session to discuss the employment history of personnel.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
At 6:51 p.m., Mr. Babikian moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to adjourn Executive Session.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
At 7:00 p.m., Mr. Gross called the regular meeting to order.
Statement by Superintendent, Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith read a statement regarding safety and disciplinary matters within the district. The district experienced technical difficulties with Zoom during this statement and Dr. Smith re-read his statement again after Red Ram Recognition.
(See Supplemental Minutes for full statement).
Presentation, Mr. Eldridge, Principal, Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School
Mr. Eldridge welcomed the Board of Education and community members to the Middle School. His presentation included information about changes implemented for the 2024-25 school year, the student experience, the state of the middle school, curriculum and programs, culture of wellness, DEI initiatives, student voice, and communication. Assistant Principal Woolery and Mr. Bentley, school counselor, shared a presentation on Project Adventure titled, Socioemotional Learning in Grade 5. Lastly, Mr. Eldridge shared a number of student accomplishments including Scholastic Art and Writing winners, 7th grade ELA Poetry Café, ESF Youth Climate Summit, Lego League, and the Scripps national Spelling Bee 2-time CNY Regional Champion Simran Sanders.
(See Supplemental Minutes).
Red Ram Recognition
Mr. Gross shared Red Ram Recognition. He recognized and thanked Mrs. Sabrina Scott for her work on the Black History Assembly which took place on February 14. He also recognized the students, staff and community members who took part in the assembly.
Mr. Gross also recognized and congratulated the following:
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- Science Olympiad Team – placed 2nd in the Midstate Regional Tournament at LeMoyne College
- Girls Varsity basketball team for their SCAC Empire Championship and wished them luck in the semi-finals.
- He wished the best for the going section and state tournaments for Boys Varsity Basketball, and Boys Ice Hockey
- Ailey Babikian, first place in NYS Gymnastics Competition
- Skylar Vaught and Kevin Vaught, Section II champions in Weight and Shot Throw
- Bryce Dadey, 3rd place in the NYS Wrestling competition.
- JD High School Student Government for hosting an All-Night Walk-a-Thon which raised funds to benefit Vera House
Lastly, Mr. Gross recognized the following five JD students taking part in the 2025 Puerto Rican-Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute in Albany:
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- Gabriella Garcia Thomas
- Stefanie Cervantes
- Rebecca Mendez Siquier
- Sara Skewes
- Stefanie Alfonso
(See Supplemental Minutes)
Statement by Superintendent, Dr. Smith
Due to technical difficulties earlier in the meeting, Dr. Smith re-read his statement regarding safety and disciplinary matters within the district. Dr. Smith’s full statement can be found on the website and in Supplemental Minutes.
Community Comment Time
Daniel Miller and Anna Gaetano both submitted requests to comment, but they were not in attendance and could not be found online.
Alicia Murray, a mental health professional commented on violence and destructive behavior. She said the well-being and safety are in the hands of administration and the board of education.
Shanna Zeckzer, parent of two middle school students said she is deeply concerned for staff and students and the lack of transparency.
Chris Junium commented on school safety. He asked how decisions are made to inform parents, students and teachers and would like more clarity on what process the district uses.
Jim Gaffey commented on student discipline. He said that the board members and Superintendent should share the blame for the act of violence on a teacher aide.
Peter Ashworth commented on discipline and the procedure to return a student to the class. He said parents are unsure of who is making decisions, and mental health professionals should be involved in the process.
Megan Fahey commented on student safety. She said she was disturbed by incidents at the Middle School as much as she was the incident at the High School, where student brought a bb gun to school. She said the district has breached its duty to keep students and staff safe and that it is time to install metal detectors.
Janet Rider commented on Jamesville-DeWitt’s ICE Policy. She said Mr. Franz had sent it to her and it is the best statement of policy regarding protection of students across the state.
Carolyn Pfister commented on school safety. She recounted an incident in the locker room at the Middle School involving her child and another student. She said she has ongoing concerns over bullying and aggressive behaviors at the Middle School.
Cecelia Cannon commented on school safety. She said there is an inaccurate perception of safety and belonging, and that administrators ignore students. She said Middle School students have started a petition with a significant number of signatures. She is hoping it makes it way to the district.
At 8:38 p.m. Mr. Gross indicated that Community Comment Time had ended and that there would be a two-minute recess.
Shilpa Gowda Kabbli commented out of order and when instructed she could speak at the second community comment time, refused the direction and continued to comment.
At that time, Dr. Archer motioned to extend Community Comment Time to include the remainder of comments. Mrs. Scott seconded the motion.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Shilpa Gowda Kabbli was allowed to continue her comment. She commented on the need to work as a community to help children. She wanted to know why we don’t have a social worker to help with de-escalation.
Sarah Marsh commented on school safety. She said she was a physician and parent in the community. She acknowledged the difficult job of punishment. She is concerned about biological males playing against biological females. She does not believe they should be in the same bathrooms or locker rooms. She is concerned for the safety of her own children who are girls.
Eda McSherry commented about her three children and safety in the schools. She said she has two children at a private school and will be moving the third to a private school. She said she loves the schools and appreciate the teachers, but the schools are not safe. She wants to know who she can talk to about not paying school taxes.
Approve Consent Agenda
Dr. Archer moved and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
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- Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations and Substitute Appointments
- Minutes of February 10, 2025, Board Meeting
- Overnight Field Trip Requests
- Approve January Treasurer’s Report (See Supplemental Minutes)
- Award OCM BOCES RFP-225-32 to Grossman St. Amour CPA
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Superintendent’s Personnel Recommendations – March 3, 2025
INSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Extra Duty Assignment – Extended Teaching – Coaching Spring Season – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Christian Daly, Boys JV Assistant Lacrosse Coach, $4,957.00
- Robert Drummond, Boys Varsity Track Head Coach, $5,282.00
- Eugene Sul, Boys Varsity Tennis Head Coach, $5,930.00
Extra Duty Assignment – Intramurals – Middle School – 2024-2025
Name, assignment, and stipend:
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- Catherine Flynn, Session 3 Coach, $45.76
- Jessica Marko, Session 3 Coach, $274.56
- Andy Starowicz, Session 3 Coach, $68.64
Request for Retirement
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Patricia Hill, Teaching Assistant, Jamesville Elementary School, June 30, 2025
NONINSTRUCTIONAL
Appointments
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Abdelhafid Ait Said, Bus Driver, 52-week probationary appointment, Transportation, $34.36/hr., March 4, 2025, replacing K. King
- Kai Gesek, Teacher Aide, 52-week probationary appointment, Jamesville Elementary School, $15.70/hr., March 4, 2025, replacing E. Shute
- Marissa Yackel, part-time Food Service Worker, Cafeteria, $16.70/hr., March 4, 2025, replacing M. Fralick
Request for Leave
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Joseph Czornij, Custodian II, Custodial Department, Intermittent Leave, February 26, 2025, through February 25, 2026
Request for Retirement
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Kathleen King, Bus Driver, Transportation, March 1, 2025
Resignation
Name, assignment, location, and effective date:
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- Mary Fralick, Food Service Helper 1, Cafeteria, February 10, 2025
Approve Agreement with Onondaga County for School Bus Photo Violation Monitoring Program
Mrs. DeForest moved and Mr. Babikian seconded the approval of the Agreement with Onondaga County for School Bus Photo Violation Monitoring Program.
Motion carried. (8-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Approve 2025-2026 District Calendar
Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the 2025-2026 District Calendar.
Motion carried. (8-0-0) (See Supplemental Minutes)
Board Policies, Second Reading
Mrs. Cortese moved, and Mr. Baxter seconded the motion to approve the following board policies:
· 5840 – Artificial Intelligence
· 7510 – School Health services
· 7512 – Student Physicals
· 7540 – Suicide
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Potential Consideration for Future Meetings
Mr. Gross stated the Strategic Plan for next year will be on the next agenda. He said he would like to discuss further safety enhancements including metal detectors at a future meeting.
Budget Discussion: State Aid Update and Non-Instructional Budget, Mr. Bartlett
Mr. Bartlett shared a presentation on the budget. His presentation covered the 2025-26 expected revenues, 2025-2026 non instructional budget, ballot propositions, and key calendar dates in the budget development.
(See Supplemental Minutes).
Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith started his report by sharing the elementary principal search plan. He said the position has been posted and applications are due by March 17. Applications will be reviewed by March 19 and interviews to commence week of March 24 with final interviews taking place on March 31. He said the district will utilize the Thoughtexchange to gain feedback from stakeholders. Dr. Smith said the goal is to move quickly to get the best possible candidate appointed by May 12, possibly earlier.
Dr. Smith shared an update on emergency closings. He said to date, we have used a total of three snow days and based on the required number of days that school must be in session; we still have two more snow days available. Dr. Smith said that should we be required to use more emergency closing days, the district would move into remote instructional days. He said administrators are working to put plans into place for this option. Dr. Smith said we would give staff and students heads up if a storm is coming to make everyone aware to bring necessary resources home ahead of the remote day.
Dr. Smith shared upcoming events.
Committee Reports
Mrs. DeForest shared an update from the Finance committee, which met last week. She said they discussed the 25-26 budget, including the change to BOLD Systems, election management software, as well as an exit poll to be used on the day of election as well as the non-instructional budget. Mrs. DeForest reported on upcoming board agendas, including the external auditor RFP approval. She said the district is transitioning from WINCAP to Envision, which is our financial software program. She also gave updates on capital projects, including the Southwood property, the cellphone tower and the Town of DeWitt zoning process approval, the E-rate project, the Smart Schools Bond and the IP Access Phase 1 and 2. Mrs. DeForest provided updates on the 24-25 capital projects and said that projects for the 25-26 capital outlay are being scoped. She shared minor changes to the 2024 capital project to include UPK playgrounds at Jamesville and Moses DeWitt Elementary Schools, staff and student bathrooms at Jamesville and minor brick work and window replacement at Moses DeWitt. Lastly, she said the committee discussed electric buses and the growing pushback. She said the district will continue to monitor the mandate.
Board President’s Report
Mr. Gross updated the board on the superintendent search. He thanked the board members that met to review the candidates who submitted applications for the position. He said the first screening is complete and next up will be the first and second round interviews in March with Dr. Matt Cook. Mr. Gross said the hope is bring the new superintendent to the Board for approval sometime in late April or early May and restated that the search is confidential, and the name of the candidate will not be revealed until that person is appointed.
Mr. Gross shared important dates for the budget vote and board of education election. He said to contact Tish Hauser in the Superintendent’s Office for a petition. He also said that you can contact any current board member for more information on what it means to be a board of education member. He also said that the CNYSBA has information on board membership.
Student Board Member Report: Mr. Mantalios
Mr. Mantalios said the student body reflects the sentiments raised regarding safety and discipline in schools, however, there are things that were said today, that they do not echo, and wish were not needed to be said. He said that the point he is trying to make is that everyone should do better, not just the board and administration, but parents as well. He said we should all act, lead and teach by example.
Community Comment Time, 2
Caitlin Seamans commented on school safety, specifically the student climate survey and asked who the contact person is for the survey. She said that she has called to ask this question numerous times and that no one answers the phone or her questions. Mr. Gross stated that any questions regarding the school climate survey should be directed to Dr. Smith.
Tiffany Gratien commented on safety and security. She recommended the book Why Meadow Died, by Andrew Pollack, the parent of a student that was killed in the Parkland shooting. She said there are similarities to our district where every red flag was ignored. She asked what steps are being taken to ensure students and staff safety before a child returns to school, how are you securing the perimeter of the building, and what measures are in place to prevent an administrator’s keys from getting into the wrong hands.
Unfinished and Continuing Business
Mrs. DeForest referred to remote instruction and asked if wireless accessibility is included in the plan. Dr. Smith responded that it is not included in the plan, and we are currently investigating wireless accessibility for other issue we are working through. He said there is currently limited availability, but we are working on this.
At 9:25 p.m., Dr. Archer moved, and Mr. Babikian seconded the motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss the employment history of particular persons.
Motion carried. (8-0-0)
Mrs. James Murad left the meeting at this time.
At 10:26 p.m., Dr. Archer moved, and Mrs. Cortese seconded the motion to adjourn executive session.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
At 10:27 p.m., Mr. Babikian moved, and Dr. Archer seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried. (7-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Bartlett
Clerk of the Board
BOARD APPROVED: 3-24-25