Hornell City School District > Board of Education > Meeting Minutes and Agenda > Meeting Minutes November 16, 2022

Meeting Minutes November 16, 2022

President Hess opened the meeting at 5:16 PM and led the Board/Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Jessica Hess, Christopher Clark, Meghann Khork, Uzma Mehr, Joseph Liberto

ABSENT: James Marino (excused), Kerry Davis (excused) BY: MEHR/CLARK

RESOLVED: that at 5:17 PM the Board move to Executive Session to discuss a particular personnel matter.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: MEHR/KHORK that, at 5:37 PM the Board return to Regular Session.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: MEHR/KHORK that, the agenda be amended to add the following under “Personnel”:

  • n. MOU w HPDG – Retirement Incentive
    Resolved that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approve the MOU with HPDG regarding Jennifer Sorochin and the retirement incentive.
  • o. Administrative Staff – Retirement
    Resolved that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accept the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Jennifer Sorochin as STEM Director / CSE Chair effective at at the end of the day on February 15, 2023.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: MEHR/KHORK that, the agenda be approved as revised.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

PUBLIC COMMENT

NONE

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS PRESENTATIONS:

Superintendent Palotti presented the Board with a review of the Capital Project Master Plan in preparation for the upcoming “Town Hall” meeting to be held on December 7, 2022 to provide the community with information prior to the public vote on December 20, 2022. (slide presentation)

REPORTS:

Construction Report: There was no construction report.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS:

  • Sean Gaffney, North Hornell Principal reported:
    • BAS testing- we are seeing some positive growth so far for our 1st graders
    • Veterans collection we delivered 7 boxes and 3 bags of supplies to go to the Bath VA
    • Pennies for Paws is going on now, we almost have our 1st jar full
    • We helped a family in need of a student who has been in the hospital for some time
    • Thank you to the Seniors for their visit on Halloween
    • In October the kids had great visits to the fire departments, K&1 went to North Hornell and the 4PK went to the Hornell Fire and Police department
    • We had picture day, which was a rousing success, if anyone would like my picture just let me know!
  • Julie Smith, Intermediate School Principal reported:
    • We’ve participated in a lot of professional development and in-service over the past month. I am so grateful that our district supports professional learning!
    • We’ve attended sessions on school safety, reading, writing, math, and crisis intervention. I was also able to attend the Teachers’ College Leadership Institute and learned strategies for improving our students’ reading and writing abilities. Mrs. Marino and I are also attending sessions to learn more effective discipline strategies that include alternatives to suspension.
    • And now, I’d like to introduce you to our Student Ambassadors:
      • My name is Wayland Whitney and I am a Student Ambassador. We were invited to be Student Ambassadors over the summer based on being Respectful, Responsible and Safe, but also being outgoing and pretty good at talking with adults. We started this summer with a training. We learned all about talking to adults, eye contact, handshakes, and showing people around the school.
      • My name is Noah Fanton and I am a Student Ambassador. We work all concerts and school events. We greet all the adults and visitors to our school and help out where needed. As Ambassadors, we are a part of the leadership in our school. We take turns attending monthly meetings with the adults in our school to help make school-wide decisions and plan school-wide events like our upcoming marking period one assembly.
      • My name is Ricky Andrus and I am a Student Ambassador. Our Intermediate School theme this year is Outer Space. We thought it would be a good idea to have some student contests related to Outer Space. One was a writing contest. Our winners were Charlotte Clark, Onalea Miller, Norma Wachter, Molly Billings, Willa Smith, and Hope Allen.
      • My name is Eadie Allison and I am a Student Ambassador. We also held a Drawing Contest with our theme, Outer Space. Our winners were Matheus Chagas, Ellie Clark, Abby Woolever, Rowan Striker, and Angel Mota.
      • My name is Sarah Haynes and I am a Student Ambassador. At Intermediate School last month, a scientist from the National Security Agency came to teach 5th and 6th grade about science. It was really cool.
      • My name is Akshya Veena Narra and I am a Student Ambassador. We also had volunteers from Alstom come for Junior Achievement Day to teach us about careers and future planning. Thank you for having us!
    • The Board thanked the Student Ambassadors for attending and presenting.
  • Wendy Wachtel, High School Assistant Principal reported:
    • We wrapped up the end of the first marking period.
    • Successful Halloween parade with some great senior costumes.
    • BOCES students of the month: Matthew Kilsdonk – Automotive Technology and Kyle Bacon – Criminal Justice.
    • We had our first drama production in 2 years – radio show format.
    • We had a school wide assembly on mental health and suicide prevention called Do It For Daniel.
  • Amy Feeley, Director of Pupil Personnel reported:
    • Pupil Personnel- 12th, K-1 meetings took place in October.
    • Meeting with 2-3rd grade families this month.
    • Initial Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in Schools (TCIS) training was provided to 18 staff members in October.
    • Hornell hosted a Family Support and Information Day. OPWDD presenters, Shelby Wisneski and Seth Downey, provided a Front Door session and information regarding the OPWDD referral process. Other presenters that day included: Lisa Latten from Galisano Children’s Hospital Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Sharon Linne from the Finger Lakes Parent to Parent network and Judy Jarosch from ARC. A thank you to Bev Matern from GST BOCES as well as School Psychologists Tricia Bressler, Nancy Shedlock and Katie Clark for organizing this event. We also want to thank Walmart and Wegmans for their generous donations and Mrs. Kiesl’s class for helping with desserts.
  • Shannon Davis, Facilities Director reported:
    • We have begun groundwork for Columbian school transition for maintenance dept.
    • Closing of recent auction, adding 50k to general fund.
    • Completed heating/cooling building transition.
    • Happy to have had three extra weeks to prep ball fields due to weather.
    • In house upfit of suspension on F-250 to allow addition of salt spreader.
    • Transitioned all equipment from lawn/field to snow removal. Along with vehicle services.
    • Salt bin construction and transition.
  • Erica Seibert, Director of Elementary Curriculum reported:
    • Celebrating lots of in-service teacher trainings.
    • G & R Consulting for our co-teach classrooms across the year.
    • F & P training for upper elementary teachers across the year.
    • Writing Workshop training for K-6 across the year.
    • Teachers & Admin participating in Teachers College Institutes: Leadership Institute, Dyslexia Institute, Decodable Institute, and Teaching Towards Social Justice, Civic Engagement and Project-Based Learning.
    • 7-12 Scope & Sequence work, Phase 1 to be completed by the end of the year
    • Educational Equity Committee meetings have begun to explore equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging.
  • SUPERINTENDENT ’S REPORT: Superintendent Palotti reported:
    • Capital Project presentation covered his report for this month.

ROUTINE ITEMS

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

  • Approval of the minutes from the meetings of October 5 and 26, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Warrant Reports of September 30, 2022 and October 31, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Student Activities Report of September 30, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the General Fund Budget Transfer Reports of July 31, 2022, August 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Reports of July 31, 2022, August 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Revenue Report of July 1, 2022 – September 320, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Federal Budget Transfer
  • The Board 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 September 5, 9, 15, 20, 21 and 28, 2022, the CPSE meeting of September 20, 21 and 26, 2022 and the 504 meetings of September 12 and 21, 2022.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

OLD BUSINESS

NONE

NEW BUSINESS

RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, agenda items VII. E. 1. a. through 3. i. be grouped together for one action..

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti the Board:

POLICY/PROCEDURE

  • authorizes authorize Patrick Flaitz to dispose of the following:
    • Tech equipment on the list dated November 16, 2022.
    • 7 – 60’x42” old “cheer” mats – transferred to JT High School
    • Broken HS Dishwasher – Asset Tag A00456828 8 – round folding cafeteria tables (from Bryant) 2 – cafeteria warming carts (from Bryant)
  • approves the application of Ryan Andrus as a Parent Volunteer in the Intermediate School.

FINANCE

There were no finance items on the agenda.

PERSONNEL

  • approves the Separation Agreement with Employee #1847.
  • accepts the resignation of Rebecca Rose as Food Service Helper effective at the end of the day on November 10, 2022.
  • accepts the resignation of Candi Brundu as Teacher Aide effective at the end of the day on November 10, 2022.
  • accepts the resignation of Roben Brown as Regular Assigned Substitute effective November 17, 2022.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Kristi Sheldon as Food Service Helper effective November 14, 2022 with a starting rate as designated in the HESSA Contract – 10 months, 3.75 hours per day.
  • approves the MOU with HPA regarding Eric Prentice as Teacher Aide/Piano Accompanist.
  • approves the following additions to our list of lifeguards: Jennifer Brovero Monoson, Sarah Fuller
  • approves the following change to the advisor appointments:
    • Kaleidoscope – Timothy Crowe from Advisor to Co-Advisor (50/50) with Paula Fox effective September 1, 2022
  • approves the MOU with HEA regarding the Varsity Ski Coach stipend. CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: MEHR/CLARK that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the four- year probationary appointment of Alyssa Liberto as Special Education Teacher, effective December 5, 2022 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. 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). (BS in Childhood & Special Education from Roberts Wesleyan University expected December 2022. NYS Initial Certifications in Childhood Education and Special Education anticipated December 2022.) 

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

The Board congratulated Alyssa and welcomed her to the District.

RESOLVED: BY: MEHR/CLARK that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the Individual Contract with Angela Conway as Interim CSE Chair effective November 15, 2022.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: MEHR/CLARK that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the Individual Contract with Barbara Kramer as Interim Administrator effective November 16, 2022.

CARRIED – 5 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:

  • Candi Brundu – Uncertified Teacher, Teacher Aide, Clerical
  • Anne Walsh – Certified Teacher
  • September Carpenter – Laborer, Food Service Helper* Irene Cavalier – Typist, Teacher Aide
  • Lisa Morey – Typist, Teacher Aide
  • Britney Ormsby – Typist, Teacher Aide, Food Service Helper
  • Lisa Pelton – Uncertified Teacher
  • Teha Stephens – Bus Attendant
  • Megan Tomeno – Teacher Aide
  • Logan Whittall – Typist, Teacher Aide 

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

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

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: MEHR/CLARK that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Jennifer Sorochin as STEM Director / CSE Chair effective at the end of the day on February 15, 2023.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

Discussion:

Informational:

There will be a “Town Hall” Capital Project informational meeting on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 5:15 PM in the Intermediate School Cafeteria

The next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 in the Intermediate School Cafeteria immediately following the Town Hall Meeting.

There will be a public vote on the proposed Capital Project on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from Noon – 9:00 PM in the HS Lobby.

There will be a Special Meeting of the Board of Education on Wednesday, December 20, 2022 at 9:30 PM in the HS Cafeteria.

RESOLVED: BY: MEHR/CLARK that, at 6:11 AM the Board return to Regular Session and the meeting be adjourned.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Eaton, District Clerk