President Davis opened the meeting at 5:16 PM and led the Board/Public in the Pledge of Allegiance (the meeting was held in the High School Library).
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Kerry Davis, Jessica Hess, James Marino, Uzma Mehr, Meghann Khork Joseph Liberto
ABSENT: Christopher Clark, (excused)
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that Patrick Flaitz be appointed as Clerk Pro Tem for the meeting.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that the agenda be approved as presented.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS PRESENTATIONS:
None
REPORTS:
Construction Report: Andy Billiotte (Welliver) provided the Board with a construction update.
Superintendent Palotti offered to meet the Board at the North Hornell School at 4:15 PM prior to the next Board Meeting on March 16, 2022 to tour the new construction.
Celebrating Success:
Superintendent Palotti, on behalf Julie Smith, Intermediate School Acting Principal reported:
- We are celebrating 100 days of school, which will officially now fall on Feb. 16, with a display of “What I’ve Learned in 100 Days”. Every student is writing what they’ve learned on a post-it and putting it on our display, which will continue to grow until Feb. 16. They are such a joy to read and remind us all why we are in the field of education. A few examples of post-its already put up:
- This year I have learned to be way better at math!
- I have learned that our teachers actually care for us and they are not mean.
- This year I learned to swim!
- I have learned to be a better writer.
- This year I learned that decimals are not so hard and that sugar is what yeast needs to break its dormancy.
- This year I learned that it is better to be respectful than to be cool.
- Thank you to Dawn Hopper and the rest of the cast, crew and helpers of the Intermediate musical, “Mary Poppins, Jr.”. With the snow days last week, they’ve postponed the show until this weekend. We are all looking forward to some fantastic performances, celebrating all of their hard work.
- Since our meeting last month, we’ve had a lot of professional development. Something awesome about our teachers is their willingness to share their skills with each other and to learn from other teachers right in the building.
Many of our teachers offered workshops for each other on the superintendent’s conference day, with a focus on staff wellness.
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- We’ve had several teachers who are completing peer observations in order to improve their craft.
- We’ve had two teachers receive further support from G&R for the co-teach setting.
- All 31 of our classroom teachers have participated in multiple Writer’s Workshop trainings through Teachers’ College.
- The majority of our classroom teachers are taking some time to work with Erica on their curriculum as grade levels.
- Erica also has provided a few trainings on our reading assessments, which have received a lot of positive feedback.
- Every grade level is working with Charity Spencer, our GST STEM mentor on STEM projects.
- Three teachers are joining me for a webinar series on Diversity and Equity in the School Setting and we are finding it very impactful.
- Our teachers have a growth mindset and are always looking to improve!
- This week is National School Counselors Week. A special shout-out to Cassie Tyler, Jodi McAneney and Aryn Bailey for doing a great job supporting a safe and caring environment for students and staff!
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Palotti reported:
- Provided an update on the current masking guidance for NYS schools.
- Provided an update on the sale of the Bryant School
- Provided an update on the status of the 2022/23 budget preparation.
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 January 5 and 20, 2022.
- Acceptance of Claims Auditor/Warrant Reports for the period ending December 31, 2021.
- Acceptance of the Student Activities Report of December 31, 2021.
- Acceptance of General Fund Budget Transfer Report of December 31, 2021.
- Acceptance of Revenue Report of December 31, 2021.
- Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report of December 31, 2021.
- Acceptance of Appropriations Report of December 31, 2021.
- 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 January 5, 10, 12, 14, 19, 24, 25, 26 and 27, 2022 and February 1 and 2, 2022. The CPSE meeting of January 13, 20, 24 and 17, 2021 and the 504 meetings of January 19 and 26, 2022 and February 2, 2022.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
POLICY/PROCEDURE
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR Resolved that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board authorizes Patrick Flaitz to dispose of the following miscellaneous items:
Rotary 7000 lb Rotary Vehicle above ground lift – Asset tag 20081600 and 00053 Whirlpool Washer (broken) – tag # A00497655
Maytag Electric Stove (broken) – tag # A00496588 Galaxy Electric Stove (fire damaged) – tag # A00497407
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR Resolved that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board authorizes Patrick Flaitz to dispose of the North Hornell Library books on the list dated January 25, 2022.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
FINANCE
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the cost allocation methodology for GST BOCES for the 2022-23 school year.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the Professional Service Agreement with Alla Breve Educational Services, LLC to provide PAL Grant oversight services effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2026.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
PERSONNEL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Nicole Allen as substitute effective on February 10, 2022.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Gretchen Hoyt as Teacher Aide effective on January 9, 2022.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Jennifer Sauerbier as Teacher Aide effective on January 5, 2022.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Kasi Washburn as After School Program Coordinator effective on February 1, 2022 and hereby approves her to work as a substitute in the program.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Victoria Plank as Teacher Aide to accept the position of Senior Typist effective on October 25, 2021.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Bridgit Thomas as Fourth Grade Department Chair effective on February 18, 2022.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Paul Woughter as eSport advisor effective November 18, 2021.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the following appointments for the High School and Intermediate School After School Programs to be paid on a time sheet basis as specified in their applicable contract:
- Katie Bowie – Program Coordinator effective February 1, 2022
- Brittany Martin – Int substitute – effective January 18, 2022
- Dawn Hopper – Int substitute – effective February 1, 2022
- Nina Sargent – Int substitute – effective January 24, 2022
- Heather Stewart – HS substiture – effective January 4, 2022
- Kelly Kuhn – Int substitute – effective February 7, 2022
- Bridgett Ray – Int substitute – effective February 7, 2022
- Colin Hall – Int substitute – effective February 2, 2022
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Aubrey Dragonetti as Food Service Helper, effective January 6, 2022, 10 months, 3.75 hours per day at the starting rate specified in the HESSA Contract.
Furthermore, the Board accepts her resignation from the position of Food Service Helper, effective January 6, 2022.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Ashley Ordiway as Teacher Aide, effective February 2, 2022, 10 months, 6.5 hours per day at the starting rate specified in the HPA Contract.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Irene Cavalier as Teacher Aide, effective February 1, 2022, 10 months, 6.5 hours per day at the starting rate specified in the HPA Contract.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Samantha Seager as Teacher Aide, effective February 7, 2022, 10 months, 6.5 hours per day at the starting rate specified in the HPA Contract.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approve the change of appointment of Judea Haynes from 6.5 hours per day to 8.0 hours per day effective January 31, 2022.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the updated individual contract with Jennifer Bixby, Senior Typist (HS Secretary).
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the appointment of Kirk Scholes as a mentor effective February 28, 2022 through June 30, 2022. CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the appointment of Staci Zigenfus as Fourth Grade Department Chair effective February 18, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the following Spring Coaching Assignments for the 2022 season, (pending proper certifications and clearances) appointments are conditional upon actual existence of a Spring 2022 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. Appointments are effective April 1, 2022.
Baseball:
- Jacob Kenney – Varsity Head Coach
- Joe Flint – JV Head Coach
- Christopher vanLeeuvan – Mod Head Coach
Track and Field:
- Michael DeGaetano – Boys Varsity Head Coach
- Damien DeMarco – Girls Varsity Head Coach
- Mary Wolf – Assistant Coach
- Angela DeLany – Assistant Coach
Tennis:
- Sean Gaffney – Varsity Head Coach
- James Dagon – Modified Head Coach
Golf:
- Amy Feeley – Varsity Head Coach
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the appointment of James Welch and Nicole Miller as Lifeguards.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Edward Belin as Music Teacher effective June 30, 2022. (27 years of service in the District 34 in education)
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
The Board congratulated Ed on his retirement and thanked him for his dedicated service to the district.
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the change of appointment of Dr. Juliana Smith from Acting Principal of the Hornell Intermediate School to Principal of the Hornell Intermediate School effective 2/11/2021. (12 months, continuation of current salary as set forth in previous MOU with HPDG, no change in tenure area).
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/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:
- Sophia Carretto – Uncertified Teacher (Effective 1/10/22)
- Jeni Cook – Teacher Aide
- Jeremiah Cooper – (Effective 1/11/22) Certified Teacher, Teacher Aide
- Joseph Gibson – Uncertified Teacher (Effective 1/10/22)
- Christopher Hollowell – Bus Attendant, Uncertified Teacher (effective 10/26/2021)
- Ann Postilli – Teacher Aide
- Bailey Smith – Teacher Aide
- Mary Jo Sullivan – Teacher Aide, Typist
- Christel Sylvester – Uncertified Teacher, Typist, Teacher Aide, Bus Attendant,
- Nurse Annie Willsey (Effective 1/13/22) – Typist, Teacher Aide, Bus Attendant, Food Service Helper, LPN Aide
Removed:
- Nicole Allen – Food Service Helper, Teacher Aide
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
INFORMATIONAL:
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 5:15 PM in the High School Library located at 134 Seneca Street, Hornell, NY.
RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, at 5:59 PM made motion to move to Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/MEHR that, at 6:20 PM motion to return to Regular Session and adjourn meeting.
CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick Flaitz, Clerk Pro Tem