Hornell City School District > Board of Education > Meeting Minutes and Agenda > Meeting Minutes November 17, 2021

Meeting Minutes November 17, 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

  • Shout out to NH Staff and Students for all of their donations in honor of Veterans Day celebration, we loaded the back of a truck with supplies and dropped them off at the VA
  • Thank you to parents for participation in the Fall Harvest Day and dress up, great job!
  • I have had a wonderful time Reading to classes!
  • Thank you to Amy and John for our TCI refresher and also to our guest, Jessica Hess!

Julie Smith, Intermediate School Acting Principal reported:

  • Thank you to Kasi Washburn for coordinating the After S’Cool Program. 104 students are currently attending.
  • The elementary marking period ends next Tuesday, so teachers and interventionists have been busy with assessments, preparing for parent-teacher conferences and planning new instructional groups.
  • The 5th and 6th grade co-teach teams are doing an exceptional job developing the co- teach model in their grade levels!
  • Thank you to our counselors and especially Cassie Tyler who has taken the lead to organize our holiday donations for families, working with counselors in other buildings as well.
  • We held our first vaccine clinic for students last night in the Intermediate School cafeteria. It ran very smoothly, thanks to the Department of Health.
  • Amazing things were happening in our library today! Jen Carretto can share some of the excitement we experienced!
  • Library. We just had our third book give away of the year, each student received four

    • Jen Carretto shared that “Book Magic” is happening in the Intermediate School books for their personal library, they got to choose from 2,068 titles. We have given away a total of 5,170 books in the first three months of school!

      Ted Illi, Director of Secondary Curriculum reported:

  • They have been working on BAS testing.
  • Planning is underway for the January and Spring Conference Days.
  • Currently undergoing a 7-12 Curriculum Audit/
  • In the elementary we are working with Sean and Julie on Scope and Sequence.
  • There are a lot of good things happening!

Amy Feeley, Director of Pupil Personnel reported:

  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Training was facilitated by Administrators John Cardamone and Amy Feeley this month, we had a great group!
  • Have been working with the families of our 11th and 12th graders this month.
  • The Hornell Family Resource Center (FRC) located at Columbian School is hosting great events this month connected to STEM, Health and Wellness and families can check out the FRC calendar for more information.

Shannon Davis, Director of Facilities and Grounds reported:

  • We are in the midst of training three new cleaners.
  • We are also training on some new equipment
  • Shout out to our Cleaners and Custodians – for their hard work and flexibility, they are our “unsung” heros for keeping our buildings safe!

Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Palotti reported:

  • Shout out to our District Office Staff and Colleen Amidon for helping to make our recent COVID Booster Shot Clinic a success. With the help of some extra nurses, we were able to help get boosters to approximately 150 staff members and their families!
  • Thank you to our Board of Education Members for volunteering their time. It is a big Responsibility dealing with policies, budget, long range planning, etc. He handed out “Certificates of Appreciation” in honor of School Board Member Recognition Week that was at the end of October.

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 October 6, 2021.
  • Acceptance of Claims Auditor/Warrant Reports for the period ending September 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of the Student Activities Report of September 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of General Fund Budget Transfer Report of July 1, 2021-Septewmber 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of Revenue Report of July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of Treasurer’s Reports of July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021.
  • Acceptance of Appropriations Report of July 1, 2021 – September 30, 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 meetings of October 4, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2021. The CPSE meetings of October 6, 14, 18, and November 3 and 16, 2021 and the 504 meetings of October 13, 14, 20, 27 and November 3 and 10, 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 technology items on the list dated November 2021.

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 library books:

North Hornell Library Books disposal list dated October 22, 2021 Intermediate School Library Books disposal list dated September 29, 2021

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board authorizes Patrick Flaitz to dispose of the miscellaneous items on the list dated November 10, 2021.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the following application to participate as Incomplete Team:

  • Arkport to Hornell for Indoor Track – eight students CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

The Board reviewed the proposed updated District Safety Plan, no action was taken.

FINANCE

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the Professional Service Agreements for Boundary and Topographical Surveys at the Intermediate School and High School as proposed by LaBella Assoc., DPC.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board accepts the following generous donations to the HHS Music Department in Memory of Douglas Smith (father of Penny Smith, Elementary Teacher):

Ms. Dawn Bea Gehrig

$500

Ms. Julie van Leeuwen

50

Mr. & Mrs. Clementoni

50

Ms. Catharine Sisca

25

Mr. & Mrs. Kavelak

40

Mr. & Mrs. Kolesnik

25

Mr. & Mrs. Keihl

20

Ms. Susan Collier

50

Mr. & Mrs. Maresco

25

Mr. & Mrs. Trzesniowski

25

Mr. & Mrs. Carter

100

Mr. & Mrs. Spangenberg

25

(Note: Donations were deposited into Student Activities Account – Junior High Vocal Treasury #227) and furthermore accepts the generous donation of $200 from Mr. & Mrs. Douglas M. Barnard to the North Hornell Library in honor of Vanessa Spitulnik.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the MOU with ProAction for the Family Resource Center effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approves the plan to use up to $400,000 of the federal funds allocated under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Plan (ESSER) towards air quality and ventilation improvements and construction.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Palotti, the Board approve the Independent Contractor Agreements with Theresa Howard to provide AIS and

Professional Development services to St. Ann’s Academy for the 2021/22 school year. CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

PERSONNEL

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, agenda items VII D 3 a-gg be grouped together for one action.

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

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

  • accepts the resignation of Britney Ormsby as Senior Typist effective at the end of the day on October 22, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Laura Sexton as LPN effective at the end of the day on November 12, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Theresa Rhude as Teacher Aide effective at the end of the day on November 5, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Mindy Graham as Food Service Helper effective on October 31, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Michael Makitra as School Bus Attendant effective at the end of the day on November 3, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Brandy Nilson as Food Service Helper effective on October 20, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Richard Smith as School Bus Driver effective at the end of the day on December 22, 2021 and furthermore approve his addition to the substitute list.
  • accepts the resignation of Brienne Woodworth as Teacher Aide effective at the end of the day on October 15, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Sean Curran as Teacher Aide effective at the end of the day on October 1, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Dennis O’Dell as Cleaner effective at the end of the day on October 1, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Nicolas Gallicchio as Teacher Aide effective at the end of the day on October 29, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Vicki Plank as Senior Typist, and furthermore approves her individual contract effective October 25, 2021 – June 30, 2023.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Mary Hendee as Teacher Aide, 6.5 hours per day, 10 months at the starting rate stated in the HPA contract, effective October 18, 2021.
  • accepts the resignation of Mary Hendee as Teacher Aide effective on October 29, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Sara Wood as Regular Assigned Substitute at the rate of $175 per day, 10 months, effective October 25, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Jamie Morris as Teacher Aide, 6.5 hours per day, 10 months, at the rate specified in the HPA Contract, effective November 22, 2021 November 30, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Susan Thompson as Teacher Aide, 6.5 hours per day, 10 months, at the rate specified in the HPA Contract, effective November 22, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Christine Smith as Cleaner, 3 hours per day, 10 months, at the rate specified in the HESSA Contract, effective November 8 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Becky Smith as Bus Attendant, 4 hours per day, 10 months, at the rate specified in the HESSA Contract, effective November 4, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Jordan Harrison as Cleaner, 8 hours per day, 12 months, at the rate specified in the HESSA Contract, effective November 8, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Melinda Gates as LPN, 6.5 hours per day, 10 months, at the rate specified in the HPA Contract, effective November 5, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Kaeden Weakland as Teacher Aide, 6.5 hours per day, 10 months, at the rate specified in the HPA Contract, effective November 12, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Heather Stewart as Teacher Aide, 6.5 hours per day, 10 months, at the rate specified in the HPA Contract, effective December 7, 2021.
  • approves the probationary appointment of Hollie Lorow as Teacher Aide, 6.5 hours per day, 10 months, at the rate specified in the HPA Contract, effective December 6, 2021.
  • approves the permanent appointment of John Hollister as Cleaner, effective April 15, 2021.
  • approves the contract with HESSA dated July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2026.
  • approves the following additional advisor appointment for the 2021-22 school year under the condition that the club is able to operate – applicable stipend if any may be prorated accordingly (effective 11/4/2021):
    • French Club – Mark Lombardo
  • approves the following additions to the Winter Sports Coaching appointments for the 2021-22 season:
    • Jill Brown – Winter Sports Faculty Manager
    • Joseph Flint –Volunteer Varsity Basketball
  • approves the following faculty/staff members to work on a time sheet basis (as defined in their applicable unit contract) during the Before / After School Program:

Intermediate School:

  • Kasi Washburn (Coordinator)
  • Penny Smith
  • Michelle Lehman
  • Tristin Christie
  • Katrina Hurd
  • Christine Locker
  • Jennifer Bowie
  • Keelia Hamden
  • Andrew Gibbs
  • Alivia Fox (Watt)
  • Stacy Moravec
  • Leigh Emerson
  • Kelcy Beckstrom
  • Kim Smith
  • Samantha Sirianni
  • Liz Willsey
  • Kate Hurd
  • Michelle Marion
  • Kari Kiffer (sub)
  • Becky Sable (sub)
  • Carli Cavanaugh (sub)
  • Ashlee Matsay (sub)
  • Christina Locker (sub)
  • Kelcy Beckstrom (sub)
  • Deb Pierce (sub)
  • Sara Wood (sub)
  • Michelle Lovell (sub)
  • Kathryn Wall (sub)
  • Deb Kenney (sub)
  • Felicia Plank (sub)
  • Cassie Tyler (sub)
  • Kaleigh Burritt (sub)
  • Eileen Marino (sub)
  • Jennifer Sauerbier (sub)

High School:

  • Jill Brown (Before)
  • Bryan Schram (After)
  • Mary Ann Trimble (After)
  • Tanya Ross (After)
  • Diane Talbot (After)
  • Paul Woughter (After)

 

  • accept the resignation of Morgan Allison as Social Studies Teacher effective on July 1, 2021.
  • approves the four-year probationary appointment of Stephanie Wheeler as Special Education Teacher, effective November 9, 2021 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). (BA in Early Childhood / Childhood Education from Alfred University, MS in Special Education from Alfred University – NYS Initial Certification in Early Childhood (B-2) (Expired), Childhood Education (1-6) (Expired)
  • approves the request for an unpaid leave of absence of Megan Bonacquisti from her position as Math Teacher for the period of November 23, 2021 through December 31, 2021 with a return date of January 3, 2022.
  • 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:

  • Candy Brundu – Uncertified Teacher (Effective November 1) Michael Clark – Bus Driver
  • Stephanie Coddington – Uncertified Teacher (Effective November1) Dakota Franklin – Laborer, Bus Attendant
  • Jack Henby – Food Service Helper, Bus Attendant, Laborer, Teacher Aide, Typist
  • Natalie Marino – Uncertified Teacher (Effective November 1)
  • Theresa Rhude – Teacher Aide (Effective November 8)
  • Christina Ritenour – Typist, Teacher Aide, Laborer, Food Service Helper, Bus Attendant, Bus Driver
  • Isabella Slocum – Teacher Aide

Removed 

  • Elliott Flint
  • Kathryn Sirianni

CARRIED – 7 AYES – ALL

INFORMATIONAL:

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 5:15 PM in the High School Library located at 134 Seneca Street, Hornell, NY.

RESOLVED: BY: HESS/MEHR that, at 5:41 PM the Board adjourn to Executive Session to discuss contractual matters.

CARRIED – 5 AYES – ALL

RESOLVED: BY: DAVIS/CLARK that, at 7:02 PM the Board return to Regular Session and the meeting be adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Eaton, District Clerk