Hornell City School District > Board of Education > Meeting Minutes and Agenda > Meeting Minutes August 16, 2021

Meeting Minutes August 16, 2021

President Davis opened the meeting at 5:15 PM and led the Board/Public in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

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

ABSENT: None

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

. CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

PRESENTATIONS:

None

REPORTS:

Construction Report: Andy Billiotte (Welliver) provided the Board with a construction update.

Celebrating Success:

Sean Gaffney, North Hornell Principal reported:

  • Work has begun on the Capital Outlay Project and things are going great.
  • SLA and ESY Programs wrapped up, it was an amazing and busy summer
  • Cleaning staff is ready to get the building prepared for school to start
  • BCT and BCS have been planning, have had great conversations
  • Good stuff is happening at the North Hornell School

Supt. Palotti, on behalf of Julie Smith, Intermediate School Acting Principal reported:

` The Intermediate School is hosting an orientation for their second graders tonight, so Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Marino were unable to attend, but they provided the following celebrations from the Intermediate School:

  • A lot has been happening at the Intermediate School this summer!
  • A big shout out to the maintenance and custodial staff for a smooth and speedy process of merging Bryant and Intermediate.
  • Bryant school classrooms have all been moved over and teachers are beginning the work of setting up their classrooms and preparing for students!
  • A lot of teachers have been working on curriculum and professional development throughout the summer. There is an energy and excitement in the building when teachers are looking forward to the upcoming school year!
  • The library is getting new carpet and a new design to be fully functional and appealing to students in grades 2-6.
  • Two new intervention spaces are being built out of what was big wasted space in a hallway. With everything, we are looking for the most effective and efficient use of space. While it seemed hard to believe that all of Bryant would fit into the Intermediate School, it doesn’t really seem that cramped! A big thank you to our teaching staff for their flexibility and willingness to share some space and storage.
  • The Building Leadership Team has met and is working on creating a positive culture in our (NEW) building and revamping our PBIS efforts to improve consistency with student behaviors.
  • We were able to hold one family swim night before the chlorinator went down, thanks to our lifeguards Sam Sirianni and Mark Kelly.
  • This week, we will be hosting 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students to the building with their own orientation nights and we look forward to seeing all of our families at Open House on September 2nd.
  • Finally, a big thank you to Eileen Marino, our new Dean of Students who is providing valuable input on building logistics from the teacher’s perspective. She has awesome ideas and is doing a terrific job!

Eli Marcus, High School Assistant Principal reported:

  • All summer long we have had a lot of staff professional development going on with PLC and Department Chairs.
  • SLA just finished and we had great attendance.
  • Shout out to the maintenance and cleaning staff for working hard to get the building ready for the first day of school!
  • Shout out to the Student Government – Nick Oyer and Jane Spitulnik for spearheading changes, it has been very cool and impressive to see them take a very proactive roll!
  • Shout our to Jen Bixby for womaning the helm all summer!

John Cardamone, Athletic Director reported:

  • We are ready to go with COVID plans from last year in place.
  • A special thanks to the maintenance staff for having everything ready ahead of schedule.

Shannon Davis, Director of Buildings and Grounds reported:

  • “We haven’t been too busy!” (haha)
  • Successfully moved the Bryant staff into the Intermediate School
  • Finishing up some spaces next week
  • The guys have been trooper, took on a monumental task…a big shout out to them for making it happen!

Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Palotti reported:

  • We have had a very full summer, with a lot of things happening, a building move, SLA, ESY and prepping for the new school year.
  • Curriculum work has created a great road map for the upcoming year.
  • As far as the “elephant in the room” – “what is school going to look like?”
    • So far the State has taken a back seat as far as directives go, so we are leaning on guidance from the CDC and Public Health. Each school is supposed to develop their own plan and have been told to look to the County for guidance and suggestions. The local School Superintendents meet often with the Steuben County Public Health Department. The challenge is guidance vs. directives vs. mandates and the interpretations of each.
    • We are waiting for some State directives before publishing our plan – with the upcoming change in the Governor, there have been suggestions that we may have a mask mandate coming. We do not want to publish a plan and then have to change shortly thereafter.
    • Right now, guidance says cleaning and disinfecting consistent with last year. Social distancing of 3 feet instead of 6 feet – we are confident that we can do this. HVAC and air handling to keep things clean and moving.
    • We are ready to come back in person with all students – we do not have a model otherwise.
    • Bussing restrictions are not out, we anticipate open windows and masks, constant throughout the district
    • Masks in school – guidance is “encouraged / recommended” – mandated for some circumstances. If the infection rate is “substantial” the recommendation is universal masking.
    • We are awaiting further guidance and what the trend is going to do.
    • The bones of our plan are together, we will be putting the final touches on soon. We realize that any decision made will be unpopular with some. Our priority is to keep the kids safe and in school. We will be sharing our plan with the public as soon as possible.

President Davis added:

She recently heard from some who attended their HHS 50th Class Reunion and toured the buildings that the buildings were “amazing” and they were “very impressed”…..kudos to the buildings and grounds crews!

ROUTINE ITEMS

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

  • Approves of the minutes for the meetings of July 7. 2021.
  • Acceptance of GF Budget Transfer Report of June 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of Appropriations Report of June 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report of June 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of Revenue Report of June 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of the Student Activities Report of June 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of Cafeteria Budget Transfer Report of June 30, 2021
  • Acceptance of Claims Auditor/Warrant Reports for the period ending June 30, 2021.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

POLICY/PROCEDURE

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board authorizes Patrick Flaitz to dispose of the miscellaneous outdated technology items on the list dated August 11, 2021.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the 2021-22 Parent/Student Handbook.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

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

  • “Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective of the Past” ISBN 978-0-07-670069 61 copies

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the proposed Senior Class of 2022 Trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina on June 9 – 12, 2022.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

Member Mehr asked if there were plans to require all those who travel to be vaccinated. It was explained by Senior Class President, Nicholas Oyer, that originally the class had wanted to go on a cruise, however, anyone traveling on a cruise ship must be vaccinated and the class did not want to exclude anyone, so they opted for a trip that did not have that requirement. It was then asked if a negative test would be required prior to departure and both Oyer and Class Advisor Toni Nasca agreed that that would be a reasonable requirement.

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the proposed HHS Choir Competition Trip to Washington, DC on March 31-April 3, 2022.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

The Board held the second reading of proposed revisions to the Non-Resident Student Policy # 7132.

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the revised Non-Resident Student Policy #7132 as presented for reading at the meetings of July 7, 2021 and August 16, 2021 and set the tuition rate as outlined.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

FINANCE

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that agenda items VI. D. 2. a.-e. and 3. a. – m. be grouped together for one action.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

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

  • approves the tax warrant for the 2021-22 school year (noting that this is .24 less per $1,000 than last year);
  • approves the following changes to the Petty Cash allotments for the 2021-22 school year:

PERSONNEL

Wildwood Cafeteria $50 – from Zach Cannes to Tiffany Donovan North Hornell Cafeteria $25 – from Zach Cannes to Tiffany Donovan

  • approves the School Resource Deputy Agreement with the Steuben County Sherriff’s Department for SRD services for September 1, 2021 through September 1, 2022;
  • approves the School Resource Officer Agreement with the City of Hornell for SRO services for September 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022;
  • approves the proposal of Terracon for Contractor Phase Testing services pertaining to the 2021-22 Capital Project;
  • approves the list of substitutes for the 2021-22 school year;
  • accepts the resignation of Rebakah Fletcher as Food Service Helper effective on August 2, 2021;
  • accepts the resignation of Andraya Bartlebaugh as Food Service Helper effective at the end of the day on August 16, 2021;
  • accepts the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Nancy Thompson as Food Service Helper effective August 4, 2021, (The Board thanked Nancy for her many years of service to the District);
  • approves the probationary / conditional appointment of Britney Ormsby as Senior Typist, 12 months and furthermore approve her individual contract effective September 1, 2021 and to work on a time sheet basis when needed prior to that time. This appointment is conditional upon Britney passing the Steuben County Senior Typist examination when it is offered and being reachable on the Civil Service list;
  • approves the 26-week probationary appointment of Laura Sexton as LPN effective September 1, 2021, 10 months, 6.5 hours per day.at the rate specified in the HPA contract;
  • approves the following additional substitutes for the ESY/SLA programs: Jennifer Bowie – ESY Teacher Sub effective August 5, 2021 Michelle Marion – ESY & SLA Teacher Sub effective July 12, 2021
  • accepts the resignation of Christopher Stiles as Elementary Teacher effective on September 1, 2021;
  • approves the request for an unpaid leave of absence of Amanda Owens from her position as Elementary Teachers for the period of September 1, 2021 through October 22, 2021;
  • approves the list of 2021-22 Advisors under the condition that the club is able to operate – applicable stipends may be prorated accordingly;
  • approves the appointment of Kristen LaFleur as Special Education Department Chair to complete the that was left vacant with the resignation of Beth McNelis.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the three- year probationary appointment of Stephanie Neff as Elementary Teacher, effective September 1, 2021 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. Stephanie is also hereby 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). (BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Grove City College, ME in School Library and Information Technologies from Mansfield University. NYS Professional Certifications: Childhood Education (gr 1-6), Early Childhood Education (B-2) and Library Media Specialist.)

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

The Board congratulated Stephanie and welcomed her to Hornell.

RESOLVED:BY: HESS/MEHR  that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the four-year probationary appointment of Haley Mistretta as Special Education Teacher, effective September 1, 2021 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. Haley is also hereby 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). (BS in Bimolecular Science with minors in Biology and Business from Clarkson University anticipated MS in Biology Education, Inclusive Generalist 5-12 from SUNY Brockport – graduating December 2021. NYS Certificate of Internship – Biology Education Inclusive Generalist 7-12. Grades 5 and 6 SWD Generalist 7-12)

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

The Board congratulated Haley (who was in attendance) and welcomed her to Hornell.

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approve the following appointments as a Regular Assigned Substitutes. 10 months, $175 per day for the 2021/22 school year effective September 1. 2021:

  • Glenn Gebhard
  • Sue Greenthal
  • Michelle Marion
  • Deborah Kenney

James Dagon (new) CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approve the following Fall Coaching Assignments for the 2021 season, (pending proper certifications and clearances) with salaries as defined in the HEA Contract appointments are conditional upon actual existence of a Fall season, with stipends as defined in the HEA Contract – stipends may be prorated to reflect the abbreviated season due to the COVID restrictions in place.:

Football:

  • Erik Werner – Head Coach
  • Gary Kelleher – 1st Varsity Assistant
  • Luke Morgan – JV Head Coach
  • Kyle Flaitz – Modified Head Coach
  • Daniel Schwartz – Assistant Coach
  • Adam Dwyer – Assistant Coach
  • Will Greenthal – Assistant Coach

Boys Soccer:

  • Jim Tobin – Varsity Head Coach
  • Zach Haynes – Co-JV Head Coach
  • Caden Dunham – Co-JV Head Coach
  • Andrew Newman – Modified Head Coach

Girls Soccer:

  • Mike Wilkinson – Varsity Head Coach
  • James Dagon – JV Head Coach
  • TBD – Modified Head Coach

Volleyball:

  • Kristi Gemmel – Varsity Head Coach
  • Mary Wolf – JV Head Coach
  • Ashlen Arias-Baird – Modified Head Coach

Cross Country:

  • Damian DeMarco – Varsity Head Coach
  • Mike DeGaetano – Assistant Coach 

Volunteers:

  • Ismail Mehr – Football
  • Mike Davidson – Football
  • Frank Libordi – Football
  • Trevor Stiles – Football
  • Sandy Hillman – Girls Soccer
  • Kerrigan Lisi – Girls Soccer
  • Nichole Gibson – Girls Soccer
  • Fred Thompson – Boys Soccer
  • John Ashworth – Boys Soccer

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

INFORMATIONAL:

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 5:15 PM in the High School Library located at 134 Seneca Street. (NOTE: The meeting was subsequently changed to be held in the High School Auditorium with no change to the date or time)

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, at 5:54 PM the Board adjourn to Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/HESS that, at 6:26 PM the Board return to Regular Session and the meeting be adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Eaton, District Clerk