Hornell City School District > Board of Education > Meeting Minutes and Agenda > Meeting Minutes July 6, 2022

Meeting Minutes July 6, 2022

A motion was made by Kerry Davis and seconded by Jessica Hess to appoint Susan Brown as Clerk Pro Tem. CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

Clerk Pro Tem, Susan Brown opened the reorganizational meeting for the 2022-23 school year at 5:15 PM and led the Board/Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

PRESENT via ZOOM: Kerry Davis, Jessica Hess, James Marino, Uzma Mehr, Meghann Khork, Christopher Clark, Joseph LIberto

ABSENT: None

Recommended Actions

District Clerk Eaton administered the “Oath of Office” to new (re-elected) Board of Education Member Kerry Davis.

The Board acted on the following items for the 2022-23 school year:

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS

Clerk Pro Tem Brown requested nominations for President of the Board of Education for the 2022-23 school year.

Motion made by DAVIS, seconded by MEHR that Jessica Hess be nominated as President of the Board Education. Hess accepted the nomination. There being no further nominations for President, the nominations were closed.

RESOLVED: that, Jessica Hess be appointed as President of the Board of Education.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

Clerk Pro Tem Brown administered the “Oath of Office” to President Jessica Hess and turned the meeting over to the President.

President Hess requested nominations for Vice-President of the Board of Education for the 2022-23 school year.

Motion made by DAVIS, seconded by MEHR that Christopher Clark be nominated as Vice-President of the Board of Education. Clark accepted the nomination. There being no further nominations for Vice- President, the nominations were closed.

RESOLVED: that, Christopher Clark be appointed as Vice-President of the Board of Education.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

Board President Davis administered the “Oath of Office” to Vice-President Christopher Clark.

BY: DAVIS/MEHR

RESOLVED: that, Carol Eaton be appointed Clerk of the Board.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

Clerk Eaton was out of town and will be administered the “Oath of Office” upon her return

BY: DAVIS/MEHR

RESOLVED: that, Susan Brown be appointed Treasurer of the Board.

CARRIED –7 AYES – ALL

Board President Hess administered the “Oath of Office” to District Treasurer Brown.

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS /MEHR that, Carol Eaton be appointed as Deputy Treasurer of the Board.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

Deputy Treasurer Eaton was out of town and will be administered the “Oath of Office” upon her return.

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, agenda items IV.A. 2. c. through IV A. 6. m. be grouped together for one action.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, the Board takes the following action:

  • approves the appointment of Mary Wolf as Claims Auditor, with an annual stipend of $4,000.
  • approves the appointment of Renay Shull as Deputy Claims Auditor at a rate of $16 per hour on an as needed basis.
  • approves the appointment of the Tax Collector to be made at a late.

OTHER APPOINTMENTS:

  • approves the appointment of Hodgson Russ LLP as the school attorney at the rates established in the RFP, furthermore they approve John Dagon, Esq. to provide legal services on an as needed basis.
  • approves Timothy R. McGill, Esq. as bond counsel.
  • approves the resolution to cross-contract with Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES in accordance with Section 170.12 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.
  • establishes an Audit Committee, consisting of Kerry Davis, Jessica Hess, Uzma Mehr, Meghann Khork, Christopher Clark and Joseph Liberto.
  • approves Stony Brook Pediatrics as the school physician for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 at a fee of $1.
  • approves the following appointments ( “C” denotes compensated )
    • Attendance Officer – Patrick Flaitz
    • Architect – Hunt Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors & LaBella Associates- C
    • Broker of Record – Lawley Insurance – C
    • Chemical Safety Officer – Shannon Davis
    • Chief Information Officer – Colby Moore – C
    • Chief Faculty Counselor – Morgan Allison
    • Construction Manager – Welliver McGuire, Inc. – C
    • District Copyright Officer – Patrick Flaitz
    • Emergency Disaster Coordinator – Patrick Flaitz
    • Financial Advisor – Bernard Donegan – C
    • Head Building Maintenance Mechanics – Shannon Davis and Mitchell Weaver- C
    • Health & Safety Committee – Safety Committee, others to be determined
    • Homeless Liaison – Jennifer Sorochin
    • LEA Designee (Asbestos) — Shannon Davis
    • Official District representative to the GST BOCES Worker’s Compensation consortium – Patrick Flaitz. In his absence, Jeremy Palotti will serve as the official District representative for any plan business requiring a vote.
    • Official District representative to the Steuben Area Schools Health Insurance Plan – Jeremy Palotti. In his absence, Patrick Flaitz will serve as the official District representative for any plan business requiring a vote.
    • Records Access Officer – Carol Eaton
    • Records Retention Officer – Patrick Flaitz
    • Records Management Advisory Committee –Patrick Flaitz, Carol Eaton, Amy Feeley, and others to be determined
    • Representative for Public Law 874 – Patrick Flaitz
    • Representative for Title IX – Juliana Smith
    • Representative for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act – Amy Feeley
    • Safety Committee – Patrick Flaitz, Shannon Davis, BOE, Building Administrators, Parent & Union representatives to be determined
    • Student Activity Accounts Central Treasurer – Diane Bakerink
    • Student Activity Accounts Assistant Treasurer – Jennifer Bixby
    • DASA Coordinator – Nancy Shedlock
    • Administrative Staff as Lead Evaluators / APPR Plan:
      • Morgan Allison
      • John Cardamone
      • Amy Feeley
      • Sean Gaffney
      • Ted Illi
      • Jeremy Palotti
      • Lisa Sanford
      • Erica Siebert
      • Juliana Smith
      • Jennifer Sorochin

DESIGNATIONS:

  • approves Community Bank, Five Star Bank, and Chase as the official bank depositories.
  • approves the following dates for Board of Education meetings for the 2022-23 school year. (all meetings will begin at 5:15 PM and will be held in the High School Library,134 Seneca Street, unless otherwise noted)
    • Wed., July 6, 2022 (Reorg – DO Conference Room)
    • Wed., July 27, 2022
    • Wed., August 24, 2022
    • Wed., September 7, 2022
    • Wed., October 5, 2022
    • Wed., November 2, 2022
    • Wed., December 7, 2022
    • Wed., January 4, 2023
    • Wed., February 1, 2023
    • Wed., March 6 1, 2023 (Budget Workshop if needed)
    • Wed., March 29, 2023
    • Wed., April 19, 2023 (Regular Meeting and GST Budget)
    • Tues., May 2, 2023 (public hearing on budget at 6:00 PM / regular meeting immediately following)
    • Tues., May 16, 2023 (HS Cafeteria @ 9:30 PM – Budget Vote/Election) Wed., June 14, 2023
  • approves The Evening Tribune as the official newspaper.
  • approves the following school holidays (unless otherwise negotiated):
    • July 4, 2022 (4th of July)
    • September 5, 2022 (Labor Day)
    • October 10, 2022 (Columbus Day)
    • November 11, 2022 (Veteran’s Day)
    • November 24 & 25, 2022 (Thanksgiving & day after)
    • December 26, 2022 (Christmas – due to falling on weekend) January 2, 2023 (New Year’s Day – due to falling on weekend)
    • January 16, 2023 (Martin Luther King Day)
    • February 20, 2023 (Presidents’ Day)
    • April 7, 2023 (Good Friday)
    • May 29, 2023 (Memorial Day)
    • June 19, 2023 (Juneteeth)

AUTHORIZATIONS:

  • authorizes the School Business Official to certify payrolls.
  • authorizes the School Business Official to act as purchasing agent and the Superintendent will act as Deputy Purchasing Agent.
  • authorizes the Purchasing Agent to open all bids.
  • authorizes the Superintendent or designee to approve all in state conference attendance and expenses. Board is to be notified in advance of attendance at any conference, convention and workshop this is out of state and that is of more than three days in duration.
  • approves appointments of certified staff and classified staff until Board Action is taken at the next meeting.
  • authorizes the Superintendent or designee to apply for grants.
  • authorizes the Superintendent, Board President, Purchasing Agent and/or Clerk to sign legal documents which have been previously approved by the Board of Education.
  • establishes Petty Cash Funds in the amounts and with custodians so designated:
    • District Office $100 Susan Brown
    • High School Office 100 Morgan Allison
    • Curriculum Office 100 Theodore Illi Athletic Dept:
    • Admission Cash Box 1 100 John Cardamone
    • Admission Cash Box 2 100 Jennifer Bixby
    • Admission Cash Box 3 100 Victoria Plank
    • Intermediate School 100 Julie Smith
    • N. Hornell School 50 Sean Gaffney
    • Food Service 100 Tracie McCarthy
    • Food Service 50 Wildwood – Tiffany Donovan
    • Food Service 25 Intermediate – Tiffany Donovan
    • Food Service 25 N. Hornell – Tiffany Donovan
    • Home Economics 100 Lynn (Wendy) Pollinger
    • Maintenance Dept. 100 Shannon Davis
    • Pupil Personnel 100 Amy Feeley
  • approves the signature (including facsimile) of Susan Brown (Treasurer) and Carol Eaton (Deputy Treasurer) on checks
  • authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to approve budget transfers in accordance with Board of Education policy #5330 for the 2022-23 school year.
  • authorizes the Superintendent to amend or approve cooperative service changes provided for in the 2022-23 GST BOCES contract.
  • approves the list of credit cards and cell phones for district use.
  • authorizes the Superintendent to execute contracts on their behalf.

OTHER ITEMS:

  • approves bonding of school district personnel as follows:
    • Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer $1,075,000
    • Tax Collector 500,000
    • Central Treasurer 150,000
    • All other personnel 100,000
  • recommends that the mileage reimbursement rate for the 2022-23 school year be the same as the IRS mileage rate, unless otherwise negotiated.
  • sets the custodial rate charged to organizations using our facilities be established at $36.00 per hour for the 2022-23 school year (with a minimum charge of $72.
  • approves the rate schedule for miscellaneous duties for the 2022-23 school year.
  • approves the District’s membership in the following organizations: Greater Southern Tier School Boards Association New York State Association of Small City School Districts New York State School Boards Association
  • hereby approves legal indemnification of Board Members, Officers, the District Superintendent and School Administrators against all uninsured financial or property loss arising out of any proceeding, claim, demand, suit, tort, arbitration or judgment by reason of alleged negligence or other conduct resulting in bodily or other injury to any person or damage to the property of any person committed while Board Member, Officer, District Superintendent, School Administrator is acting within the scope of his/her employment or at the discretion of the Board of Education for fiscal year 2022- 23; and further, to hold her/him harmless there from.
  • approves the following members of the Committee on Special Education for the 2022- 23 school year:
    • Chairperson Amy Feeley, Amber Kossow, Jennifer Sorochin, John Cardamone
    • Alternate Chairperson(s) Special Education Teacher, Reading Specialist or School Psychologist present at the meeting
    • Psychologist(s) Nancy Shedlock, Katherine Clark & Tricia Bressler
    • Alternating Parent(s) Wendy Chase and Abigail McKee
    • Physician Stony Brook Pediatrics, School Physician
    • Classroom Teachers, Guidance Counselors and Related Services Staff
    • Further resolved, that the CSE/CPSE Chair make the decision when there is no consensus at a CSE/CPSE meeting.
  • approves the following members of the Committee on Preschool Special Education for the 2022-23 school year:
    • Chairperson Amy Feeley, Amber Kossow, Jennifer Sorochin, John Cardamone
    • Alternate Chairperson(s) Special Education Teacher, Reading Specialist or School Psychologist present at the meeting
    • Psychologist(s) Nancy Shedlock, Katherine Clark & Tricia Bressler
    • Alternating Parent(s) Wendy Chase and Abigail McKee
    • Physician Stony Brook Pediatrics, School Physician Classroom Teacher and Related Services Staff
    • Further resolved, that the CSE/CPSE Chair make the decision when there is no consensus at a CSE/CPSE meeting.
  • approves subcommittees for the CSE and CPSE consisting of the following:
    • Parent of student
    • General education teacher of student whenever student is or may be participating in the general education environment
    • Student’s special education teacher
    • Representative of the School District who is qualified to provide special education and is knowledgeable about the general education curriculum and the resources of the School District (can be the special education teacher)
    • School psychologist whenever a new psychological evaluation is
    • reviewed or a change to a program option with a more intensive student/teacher ratio is considered
    • An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results (can be one of the people listed above)
    • Other people having knowledge or special expertise regarding the student
    • Parent representative for all CPSE meetings and when requested by a parent for a CPSE meeting approves Mrs. Wendy Chase, 415 Fairview Avenue, Hornell, NY, to serve as the surrogate parent for the Committee on Special Education/Committee on Preschool Special Education for the 2022-23 school year.
  • approves the list of impartial hearing officers designated for Steuben County for the 2022-23 school year, as provided by the State Education Department. WHEREAS, the Board of Education seeks to authorize certain individuals to appoint an Impartial Hearing Officer if the Board does not have a regular meeting scheduled on a day when an appointment needs to be made. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President or Vice-President to appoint an Impartial Hearing Officer when the Board does not have a regular meeting scheduled on a day when an appointment of an impartial hearing officer needs to be made.
  • readopts all policies in the official policy book kept by the District Clerk, including the code of ethics and code of conduct.
  • approves the 2022-23 Standard Work Day by Title Designations. CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

REGULAR MEETING

 

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that the agenda be approved as presented.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS PRESENTATIONS:

There were no presentations made.

REPORTS:

There were no reports given.

ROUTINE ITEMS:

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti to approves/accepts the following Consent Agenda items:

  • Approves of the minutes for the meetings of June 15, 2022.
  • Has no objections to the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education and approves the authorization of funds to implement the special education programs and services consistent with such recommendations for the CSE meeting of June 15, 2022, the CPSE meetings of June 15 and 22, 2022 and the 504 meeting of June 15, 2022.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

POLICY/PROCEDURE

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board authorizes Patrick Flaitz to dispose of the North Hornell Library Books on the list dated June 22, 2022.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board authorizes Patrick Flaitz To dispose of the following textbooks:

Glencoe World History: NY Edition ISBN: 978-0-07-87218-2

212 copies CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

FINANCE

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, agenda items III D. 2. A through III D. 2. e. be grouped together for one action.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, the Board takes the following action:

  • approves the proposed service agreement for Capital Projects and other financial matters dated June 28, 2022.
  • approves the Independent Service Contract with Melissa Hooker to provide AIS and and tutoring instruction at St. Ann’s Academy beginning July 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022.

PERSONNEL

  • approves the Independent Service Contract with Jennifer Dworak to provide tutoring instruction at St. Ann’s Academy beginning July 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022.
  • approves the GST BOCES Resolution and 2022/23 AS-7.
  • approves the change to Emily Haynes, Senior Typist appointment from 11 months to 12 months. Furthermore, the Board approve her individual contract effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.
  • approves the following additional appointments to the SLA and ESY summer programs (pending fingerprint clearance and completed new hire paperwork if applicable):
    • Jolynne Burritt – SLA Substitute Teacher
    • Lily Gaffney – ESY Paraprofessional
    • Michelle Marion – ESY
    • Substitute Teacher Anna Flaitz – ESY
    • Paraprofessional Katlyn Tatu – Teacher (ASL)
  • accepts the resignation of Alivia Watt Fox as Special Education Teacher effective at the end of the day on June 24, 2022.
  • accepts the resignation of Emily Schwytzer as Elementary Teacher effective at the end of the day on June 24, 2022.
  • approves the MOU with HEA to provide a stipend for eSports Advisor. CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the three-year probationary appointment of Jeffrey Wilmore as Music Teacher, effective September 1, 2022 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. Jeffrey is also approved to work with his team on an hourly time sheet basis over the summer when requested by his building principal. Eligibility for tenure at the end of the probationary period is dependent on the employee receiving APPR ratings of H or E in 3 of the 4 preceding years (and no I rating in the final year). (Bachelor of Music in Music Education form SUNY Fredonia, Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University – NYS Professional Certification in Music K-12) CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the four-year probationary appointment of Amy Winslow as Elementary Teacher, effective September 1, 2022 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. Amy is also approved to work with her team on an hourly time sheet basis over the summer when requested by her building principal. Eligibility for tenure at the end of the probationary period is dependent on the employee receiving APPR ratings of H or E in 3 of the 4 preceding years (and no I rating in the final year). Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University at Fairbanks, Alaska, Master of Elementary Education from the University at Albany – NYS Professional Certification in Elementary Education)

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the appointment of Tracy Marchionda as Interim High School Assistant Principal effective July 1, 2022. Furthermore, the Board approve the Individual Contract with Tracy effective July 1, 2022.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the MOU with HPDG regarding the retirement incentive.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Sean Gaffney, effective June 30, 2022. Furthermore, the Board approve the Independent Contract with Sean to perform Principal duties at the North Hornell School for the 2022/23 school year.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the four year probationary appointment of Wendy Wachtel, MEd as Assistant High School Principal in the tenure area of Secondary Administration effective 7/6/2022. (12 months, HPDG Contract salary as negotiated, (BSE in Mathematics from Arkansas State University, Med in Leadership from University of Houston Victoria. She is certified in Texas and is currently working with our local GST BOCES Certification Specialist to obtain NYS Certification.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the following changes to the substitute roster and other assignments, pending successful fingerprint clearance through the New York State Education Department and approval through DMV and or Civil Service if applicable:

Substitute Additions:

Marlaina Bennett – Typist, Teacher Aide, Laborer, Bus Attendant, Food Service Helper

Lily Gaffney – Typist, Teacher Aide, Laborer, Bus Attendant, Food Service Helper

(Effective July 1, 2022)

Benjamin Woods – Typist, Teacher Aide, Laborer (Effective 7/1/22) CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

Discussion:

The Board reviewed the “year end” report from the Career Development Council.

Informational:

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 5:15 PM in the High School Library.

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, at 5:24 PM the meeting be adjourned.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Brown, Clerk Pro Tem