Meeting Minutes June 15, 2022

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

ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Kerry Davis, James Marino, Uzma Mehr. Meghann Khork, Christopher Clark, 

ABSENT: Jessica Hess (excused), Joseph Liberto (excused) BY: CLARK/MEHR

RESOLVED: that the agenda be approved as presented.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS PRESENTATIONS:

Jim Caneen from the Hornell Area Wind Ensemble presented the Board with a donation of musical Instruments.

The Board thanked him for the generous donation (donation will be officially accepted later in the evening).

REPORTS:

Construction Report: Supt. Palotti, on behalf of Andy Billiotte (Welliver) provided the Board with a construction update.

Celebrating Success: Administrators honored the following 2021/22 retirees:

Support Staff:

  • Mary Cavalletti – Food Service Helper (14 years)
  • Patricia Clancy – Senior Typist (17 years)
  • Kathryn Colucci – Teacher Aide (16 years)
  • Collette Cornish – Teacher/Library Aide (19 years)
  • Sherry Kramer – Teacher Aide (23 years)
  • Barbara Leaman – Teacher Aide (16+ years)
  • Lisa McNeill – Teacher Aide (17 years)
  • Janice Raish – Food Service Helper (26 years)
  • Nancy Thompson – Food Service Helper (spanning 27 years)
  • Jane Trescott – Cleaner (8 years)

Instructional Staff:

  • Edward Belin – Music Teacher (27 in district / 34 in education)
  • Damian DeMarco – English Teacher (30 years in district / 37 in education)
  • Mary Mauro – Physical Education Teacher (33 years)

Board President Davis and Superintendent Palotti presented those who attended engraved clocks in recognition of their many years of dedicated service to the District.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

Superintendent Palotti thanked the retirees, wished them well and invited them to stay for a picture and brief reception in their honor


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, at 5:40 PM the meeting be paused for a brief reception in honor of our retirees.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, at 5:58 PM the meeting reconvene.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

ROUTINE ITEMS

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

  • Approves of the minutes for the meetings of May 3 and May 17, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Revenue Report of April 30 and May 31, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the GF Budget Transfer Report of April 30 and May 31, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Fed Budget Transfer Report of May 31, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Appropriations Report of April 30 and May 31, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Student Activities Report of April 30 and May 31, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report of April 30 and May 31, 2022.
  • Acceptance of the Cafeteria Budget Transfer Report of May 31, 2022
  • Acceptance of the Warrant Reports of April 30 and May 31, 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 May 18, 25, and 26, 2022 and June 6 and 8, 2022. The CPSE meetings of May 20, 2022 and June 2, 7 and 8, 2022 and 504 meeting of June 8, 2022.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

POLICY/PROCEDURE

The Board reviewed the updated District Safety Plan – no action was taken


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the generous donation of the following band instruments from the Hornell Area Wind Ensemble, Inc.:

  • High School 
    • Ludwig Concert Bass Drum and stand (value $1,400)
    • Latin Percussion Granite Blocks (temple blocks) (value $240)
  • Intermediate
    • Latin Percussion Granite Blocks (temple blocks) (value $240)

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

The Board compared their calendars to determine when would be the best time to hold the annual reorganizational meeting (if it was to be held outside of the first week of July, the Board is required to make a resolution setting the date. They decided to hold it on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 – there will be minimal regular business conducted at that time, a second July meeting will be held at a date to be determined for the regular business.


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board set the date for the annual reorganizational meeting as Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 5:15 PM in the District Office Conference Room.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR motion to group agenda items VI C 1 d through 2 g together for one action.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the following:

  • WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Hornell City School District would like to reduce energy and maintenance costs at School buildings through the use of an energy performance contract. WHEREAS, Article 9 of the Energy Law, as amended by Chapter 368 of the Laws of 1994, establishes procedures to be used by school districts and BOCES in initiating and administering energy performance contracts. WHEREAS, the School District wishes to receive proposals from energy performance contracting firms with the intent to initiate an energy performance contract. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Hornell City School District authorizes the release of a Request for Proposal for the Project to potentially interested contractors, for the purpose of improving the efficiency of the School District’s energy systems in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth by NYSED and the NYS Energy Law; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Board President to execute the necessary documents to effectuate said energy performance design and oversight by the Districts Architects and Engineers LaBella Associates, D.P.C.;

FINANCE

  • approves the resolution to participate in the Cooperative Electric Supply Bids with the Wayne Finger-Lakes BOCES for the 2022/23 school year;
  • approves the contract with Turning Point to provide ABA Consultation Services for the 2022/23 school year.
  • approves the renewal of the contract with Steuben County to provide transportation to Special Education Pre-school student for the term of July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.
  • approves the renewal of the contract with Steuben County to provide evaluation and related services for Pre-school student for the term of July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023.
  • pursuant to the public vote on May 17, 2022 to expend from the 2012 School Bus Reserve and in accordance with the district’s purchasing policy, the Board approves the purchase of a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban as specified in the vehicle detail report from Cappellino Chevrolet, Inc.. (Due to current inventory shortages, dealers are not responding to requests for bids and will not be in the foreseeable future, thus requiring this purchase to be approved by the Board per the district policy);
    • approves the Independent Contractor Service Agreement with Juventas Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services, PLLC for speech services effective July 1, 2022;
    • pursuant to and in accordance with the district’s purchasing policy, the Board approves the purchase of two 2022 Ford F350 Super Duty Trucks as specified in the vehicle detail report from Friendly Ford, Inc.. (Due to current inventory shortages, dealers are not responding to requests for bids and will not be in the foreseeable future, thus requiring this purchase to be approved by the Board per the district policy)

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

PERSONNEL

RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approve the following additional appointments for the 2022 ESY and SLA programs:

  • SLA:
    • Elizabeth Willsey – Para through PAL Katrina Hurd – Para Sub
    • Amanda Fanton, LPN
  • ESY:
    • Nicholas Baker – Para
    • Cheyanne Carney – Para
    • Mary Campbell – Para
    • Emma Flaitz – Para
    • Joan Flaitz – Para Sub
    • Deb Kenney – Teacher Sub
  • Summer Nurses:
    • Amanda Fanton, LPN
    • Sarah Fuller, RN
    • Colleen Amidon, RN
    • Karen Dgien, RN

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Samantha Seager as Teacher Aide effective May 23, 2022 (last day worked was May 16, 2022).

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the changes to following appointments effective on June 16, 2022:

  • Teha Stephens – FSH – from 2.5 hours/day to 3.75 hours/day
  • Tammy Lathrop – FSH –from 3.75 hours/day to 7.0 hours/day
  • Diana Perry – FSH – from 3.75 hours/day to 6.0 hours/day
  • Terah Wilson – FSH – from 3.75 hours/day to 7.0 hours/day

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Nicholas Baker as Teacher Aide, effective May 31, 2022, 10 months, 7 hours/day at the rate specified in the HPA contract.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Karla Combs as Teacher Aide, effective September 1, 2022, 10 months, 7 hours/day at the rate specified in the HPA contract.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Timothy Miller as Cleaner, effective TBD based on fingerprint clearance, 12 months, 8 hours/day at the rate specified in the HESSA contract.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Christina Ritenour as Food Service Helper, effective June 16, 2022, 10 months, 3.75 hours/day at the rate specified in the HESSA contract.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the probationary appointment of Rebecca Rose as Food Service Helper, effective June 16, 2022, 10 months, 3.75 hours/day at the rate specified in the HESSA contract.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Jacey Hanson as Elementary Teacher effective June 30, 2022.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Jayson Dinger as Elementary Teacher effective June 30, 2022.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the resignation of Deanne Lyng as Special Education Teacher effective July 1, 2022.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the following Department Chair appointments effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023:

  • Sue Willitt – Kindergarten
  • Leigh Emerson – 3rd Grade
  • Andrew Newman – English

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the four-year probationary appointment of Nicholas Navarro as Physical Education Teacher, effective September 1, 2022 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. Nicholas 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). (BS in Physical Education from CUNY Queens College and presently completing MS in Physical Education anticipated June 1, 2023 – NYS Initial Certification in Physical Education.)

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the four-year probationary appointment of Julia Butts as Music Teacher, effective September 1, 2022 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. Julia 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). (BS in Music Education from Hartwick College – and presently completing her Masters in Music Education from Nazareth College – NYS Initial Certification in Music).

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the four-year probationary appointment of Brittany Martin as Special Education Teacher, effective September 1, 2022 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. Brittany 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). (Associates in Childhood Education, BS in Psychology from SUNY Brockport, Masters of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from Western Governors University – pending NYS Initial Certification in Childhood Education 1-6 and SWD 1-6).

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the four-year probationary appointment of Joan Clancy as Special Education Teacher, effective September 1, 2022 at a starting salary as defined in the HEA Contract. Joan 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). (BS in Education from St. Bonaventure University, MS in Literacy from SUNY Geneseo – NYS Initial Certification in SWD Childhood Ed 1-6, Professional Certifications in Early Childhood Ed B-2, Childhood Ed 1-6 and SED Early Childhood Ed B-2).

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approve the following changes to the appointments/tenure area of the following (effective the 2022/23 school year):

  • Dawn Reinhart – from Elementary to Reading CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the appointment of Mitchell Murphy as a Psychology Intern and furthermore approve the intern contract with a stipend of $20,000 effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the MOU with HEA and HPDG for a Teacher on Special Assignment for the Intermediate School Dean of Students for the 2022-23 school year.

CARRIED – 5 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:
  • James Beer – Cleaner (Effective 4/30/22)
  • Maisy Booth – Uncertified Teacher (Effective 5/16/22)
  • Cheyanne Carney – Teacher Aide
  • Damian DeMarco – Certified Teacher (Effective 1/1/23)
  • Debra Hardy – Laborer (Effective 5/11/22)
  • Annie Willsey – Uncertified Teacher (Effective 5/16/22)

CARRIED – 6 AYES – ALL

Discussion:

Informational:

Please meet us at the gate to the stadium at the 50 yard line closest to the building at 6:45 pm. If it looks like rain, we will meet in the A gym at the same time.

For those who will be attending graduation on Friday, June 24th:

The Annual Reorganizational Meeting and next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on July 6, 2022 at 5:15 PM in the District Office Conference Room.


RESOLVED: BY: CLARK/MEHR that, at 6:09 PM made a motion to move to Executive Session to discuss the tenure of Particular individuals.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL


RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/CLARK that, at 6:50 PM made a motion to return to Regular Session and adjourn meeting.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

Respectfully submitted, Carol Eaton, District Clerk