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Board of Education Meeting Minutes January 31, 2024

March 29, 2024 | Filed in Archive

BOARD OF COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Counties

Johnstown, NY 12095

Click here for a printer-friendly version of the January 31, 2024 minutes

DATE

January 31, 2024

PLACE

HFM BOCES Board Room

KIND OF MEETING

Regular Meeting

MEMBERS PRESENT

Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan, Rebecca Cozzocrea (left at 5:40pm)

OTHERS PRESENT

David Ziskin, District Superintendent; Aaron Bochniak, Assistant Superintendent; Jay DeTraglia, Assistant Superintendent; Kathi Lewis, School Business Official; William Bordak, Director of Human Resources; Alex Ruggeri, Communications Specialist and Christine Eaton, Clerk of the Board

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion to waive the 48 hour notice and approve the agenda as presented adding any items introduced by unanimous vote.

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Carolyn Wilcox.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Rebecca Cozzocrea, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR

None

BOARD MINUTES

Recommend that the Board approve the Board minutes for the December 20, 2023 Regular Board Meeting.

Motion by Rebecca Cozzocrea, second by Carolyn Wilcox.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Rebecca Cozzocrea, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES REPORT

The Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Partnership-Advocacy-Leadership Report included:

Educational Program Updates

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR OPERATIONS AND DISTRICT SERVICES REPORT

The Assistant Superintendent for Operations and District Services Partnership-Advocacy-Leadership Report included:

Electric School Bus Impact Study

Utica University

Community Schools Update

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

The District Superintendent Partnership-Advocacy-Leadership Report included:

Rural Schools Summer Conference Planning

NYS OSC Audit Corrective Plan

2024-2025 Administrative Budget

NEW BUSINESS

Consent Agenda Statement

PERSONNEL (CONSENT A-C)

Personnel Matters – Unclassified

Resolution: BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Education Services accepts the recommendation of the District Superintendent to approve the following unclassified personnel actions:

 

A. Probationary Appointments:
Upon the recommendation of the District Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby appoint the individual(s) listed below to a probationary appointment in the indicated tenure area contingent upon their successful completion of the probationary term and having received composite or overall APPR ratings of either “Effective” or “Highly Effective” in at least three of the four preceding years and a rating higher than ineffective.
Item Name Tenure Area/
Position Title
FTE Assignment Probationary Appointment Start Date Probationary Appointment End Date Certification Status Salary
1 Culkin-Boice, Catherine* School Counseling and Guidance / School Counselor 1.0 PTECH 10/19/2023 10/18/2026 School Counselor Permanent Schedule D, Step 13 (prorated)
2 Marotta, Jessica Health Occupations / Medical Assisting Teacher 1.0 CTE 3/1/2024 2/29/2028 Medical Assisting 7-12 Transitional A Schedule D, Step 16 (prorated)
3 Rodriguez, Carlos F. Special Education / Special Education Teacher 7-12 English 1.0 PTECH 1/2/2024 1/1/2028 Students with Disabilities – Grades 7-12 – English Professional Schedule D, Step 5 (prorated)
4 Walag, Amelia School Counseling and Guidance / Transition Specialist 1.0 Special Education 3/4/2024 3/3/2028 School Counselor Permanent Schedule D, Step 18 (prorated)
*Original resolution 10/25/2023 amended to reduce probationary appointment end date from 4 years to 3 years in accordance with Education Law §3014(1)(B)
B. Tenure Appointments:
Upon the recommendation of the District Superintendent, the Board of Education hereby tentatively grants the following instructional employee(s) tenure in the indicated tenure area contingent upon successful completion of the probationary term.
None
C. Temporary Appointments
Item Name Position Title FTE Assignment Start Date End Date Certification  Salary
1 Bobbette, Joan School Psychologist Up to 250 hours Special Education 1/8/2024 6/30/2024 School Psychologist Permanent $50/hour
2 Marotta, Jessica Curriculum Hours Up to 200 hours CTE 3/1/2024 6/30/2024 n/a $25/hour
3 Wood, Joanne* Medical Assisting Teacher 1.0 CTE 1/17/2024 6/30/2024 Medical Assisting 7-12 Permanent $40,425
*Original appointment 12/20/2023 amended to change the start date and salary
D. Leave Replacements
None
E. Substitutes (Certified)
None
F. Substitutes (Uncertified)
Item Name Position Title FTE Assignment Start Date End Date Salary
1 Appell, Mark Uncertified Substitute Teacher Pro Re Nata Any BOCES location as needed 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Hourly*
2 Lawrence, Caitlynn Uncertified Substitute Teacher Pro Re Nata Any BOCES location as needed 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Hourly*
3 Rivas, Brianna Uncertified Substitute Teacher Pro Re Nata CTE Cosmetology Program 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Hourly*
4 Smith, Brandy Uncertified Substitute Teacher Pro Re Nata Any BOCES location as needed 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Hourly*
5 Tirado, Sade Uncertified Substitute Teacher Pro Re Nata Any BOCES location as needed 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Hourly*
6 Willmann, Jennifer Uncertified Substitute Teacher Pro Re Nata Any BOCES location as needed 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Hourly*
7 Francik, Alex Uncertified Substitute Teacher — Long Term:  Living Environment 1.0 PTECH 1/2/2024 6/30/2024 $120/day
8 Healy, Matthew Uncertified Substitute Teacher – Long Term 1.0 Itinerant Services 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Per diem*
*Hourly or per diem substitute rate as established by the Board of Education
G. Leaves (Unpaid)
Item Name Position Title Assignment Date(s)
1 Haas, Heather Anne Teacher Adirondack Academy 2/8/2024 – 2/9/2024
Leaves (FMLA)*
Item Name Position Title Assignment Date(s)
1 Mead, Julie** Teacher CTE 8/3/2023 – 6/26/2024
*Time off constitutes use of employee’s leave accruals and, once exhausted, unpaid leave time
**Original resolution 8/30/2023 and 11/29/2023 amended to extend end date
H. Resignations
Item Name Position Title Assignment Effective Date
1 Napolitano, Karen Teacher PTECH 3/1/2024
I. Layoffs
None
J. Recalls
None
K. Terminations
None
L. Retirements
None
M. Summer (Temporary) Appointments
None
N. Rescind Appointments – Instructional Personnel
None
O. Change of Assignment – Instructional Personnel – Informational Only
None

Motion by Carmen Caraco, second by Carolyn Wilcox.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Personnel Matters – Classified

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Education Services accepts the recommendation of the District Superintendent to approve the following classified personnel actions:

A. Non-Instructional Appointments:  Permanent Status Serving Probation
Item Name Position Title FTE Assignment Probationary Appointment Start Date Probationary Appointment End Date Salary
1 Rivera Rivas, Noraima Teacher Aide 1.0 ALCE 1/2/2024 1/1/2025 $22,155.09 (prorated)
2 Anadio, Nicole Teacher Aide 1.0 Special Education 2/1/2024 1/31/2025 $22,155.09 (prorated)
3 Welch, Stephanie Teacher Aide 1.0 Special Education 2/1/2024 1/31/2025 $22,155.09 (prorated)
4 Young, Melissa Teacher Aide 1.0 Special Education 2/1/2024 1/31/2025 $22,155.09 (prorated)
5 Buley, Tracey Teacher Aide 1.0 CTE 2/15/2024 2/14/2025 $26,197.35 (prorated)
B. Non-Instructional Appointments:  Contingent Permanent
None 
C. Provisional Appointments:  Starting
Item Name Position Title FTE Assignment Provisional Appointment Start Date Salary
1 Boomhower, Dominique Senior Typist 1.0 Adirondack Academy 1/2/2024 $32,300.96 (prorated)
2 Healy, Madison Senior Typist 1.0 CTE 1/2/2024 $32,300.96 (prorated)
3 Husek, Michelle Senior Typist 1.0 Human Resources / Substitute Services 1/16/2024 $34,786.89 (prorated)
Provisional Appointments:  Ending
None 
D. Substitute Appointments
Item Name Position Title FTE Assignment Start Date End Date Salary
1 Cole, Dawn Substitute School Bus Attendant – Retired Pro Re Nata Regional Transportation 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Hourly*
2 Lawrence, Caitlynn Substitute Teacher Aide/School Monitor Pro Re Nata Any BOCES Location As Needed 2/1/2024 6/30/2024 Hourly*
*Hourly or per diem substitute rate as established by the Board of Education
E. Leaves (Unpaid)
Item Name Position Title Assignment Effective Date(s)
1 Cool, Jennifer Teacher Aide Special Education 12/19/2023
2 Cutter, Rachael Occupational Therapist Special Education 12/12/2023 (1/2 day), 12/14/2023 (1/2 day), 12/15/2023, 12/20/2023, 12/21/2023 (1/2 day)
3 Manzer, Kerry Teacher Aide Special Education 11/3/2023, 11/8/2023, 11/15/2023, 11/16/2023, 12/5/2023, 1/3/2024
4 White, Melinda Diane** Teacher Aide Special Education 1/24/2023 -1/26/2023
Leaves (FMLA)*
Item Name Position Title Assignment Effective Date(s)
1 Agard, Maryerin Occupational Therapist Special Education 12/22/2023 – 3/23/2024 (intermittent)
2 Memrick, Trisha Registered Professional Nurse (School) Special Education 12/5/2023 – 3/8/2024
3 White, Melinda Diane** Teacher Aide Special Education 10/31/2023 – 1/23/2024
4 Wilmot, Erin Teacher Aide Special Education 1/8/2024 – 1/22/2024
*Time off constitutes use of employee’s leave accruals and, once exhausted, unpaid leave time
**Original leave resolution 11/29/2023 amended to extend end date
F. Retirements
Item Name Position Title Assignment Effective Date
1 Knapp, Lori* Teacher Aide Special Education 1/1/2025
*Original resolution 11/29/2023 amended to change effective date
G. Terminations
Item Name Position Title Assignment Effective Date
1 Boomhower, Dominique Senior Typist Adirondack Academy 2/1/2024
H. Resignations
Item Name Position Title Assignment Effective Date
1 Boomhower, Dominique Teacher Aide Adirondack Academy 1/1/2024
2 Bush, Saphire Teacher Aide Adirondack Academy 1/1/2024
3 Davis, Jennifer Teacher Aide Special Education 1/5/2024
4 Manzer, Kerry Teacher Aide Special Education 1/4/2024
I. Layoffs
None 
Reductions
None 
J. Recalls
None 
K. Change of Assignment – Information Only
Item Name Position Title Change Assignment From Change Assignment To Effective Date
1 Pape, Tyler Teacher Aide Special Education Adirondack Academy 1/29/2024
L. Temporary Appointments
Item Name Position Title Effort Assignment Start Date End Date Salary/Rate
1 Barnes, Rachel Teacher Aide PT/Hourly ALCE 1/2/2024 6/30/2024 $17.04/hour
M. Summer (Temporary Appointments)
None 

Motion by Carmen Caraco, second by Carolyn Wilcox.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Miscellaneous Personnel Items

Resolution: Recommend the Board approve the following Miscellaneous Personnel Resolutions:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves the Memorandum of Agreement by and Between Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Counties Board Of Cooperative Educational Services and The BOCES Teachers’ Association and authorizes the District Superintendent to execute said MOA.  (SY 23-24 #101)

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves the January 31, 2024  Memorandum of Agreement by and Between Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Counties Board Of Cooperative Educational Services and The HFM BOCES School Related Professionals’ Unit and Tracey Buley CSEA and authorizes the District Superintendent to execute said MOA.  (SY 23-24 #102)

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Education Services accepts the recommendation of the District Superintendent to abolish the Director of Facilities III position #131735 and establish a Director of Facilities II position with the same position number (#131735) effective February 1, 2024.

Motion by Carmen Caraco, second by Carolyn Wilcox.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

BUSINESS ITEMS (CONSENT A-M)

Claims Auditor Report

Recommend the Board approve the Claims Auditor Reports for the period of December 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. (SY 23-24 #103 #104)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Treasurer’s Reports

Resolution: Recommend the Board approve the Treasurer’s Reports for the periods of November 1, 2023 through November 30, 2023 and December 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. (SY 23-24 #105, 106)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Extra Class Report

Resolution: Recommend the Board approve the December 2023 Extra Class Reports as submitted.  (SY 23-24 #107))

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Acceptance of the Office of the State Comptroller’s Report of Examination 2023M-116 Investment Program

Resolution: Recommend the Board accept the Office of the State Comptroller’s Report of Examination 2023M-116 Investment Program taking note of the attached District Superintendent’s Corrective Action Plan dated January 18, 2024.  (SY 23-24 #108)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

ENGIE Natural Gas Firm Commercial Service Agreement

Resolution: Recommend the board authorize the District Superintendent to execute the New York Natural Gas Firm Commercial Service Agreement by and between HFM BOCES and ENGIE Power & Gas LLC  (SY 23-24 #109)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Culinary Arts Extra Class Fund

Recommend the Board establish a Culinary Arts Extraclassroom Activity fund.  (SY 23-24 #110)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Grants

Resolution: Recommend the Board accept the following grant funds, and authorize their suitable appropriation and expenditure, pursuant to State Education Department and/or local approvals:

Pathways in Tech Early College HS- $625,000.00  (SY 23-24 #111)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Endorsement of 2024-2025 Administrative Budget

Resolution: Recommend the Board endorse the 2024-2025 Administrative budget in the amount of $4,051,317 which includes $2,034,279 for retiree health and dental. This is a 3.1% increase over the 2023-24 budget of $3,929,339, which included $1,990,269 for retiree health and dental. The Administrative budget will be reviewed with the component Boards of Education at the April 10, 2024 annual meeting and is subject to public vote by said school districts on April 24, 2024.  (SY 23-24 #112)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

RFB 24-02 Scoring & Analysis of NYS Assessments

Resolution: Pursuant to the competitive bidding process, it is recommended the Board approve the BOCES Scoring and Analysis of NYS Assessment recommendation from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the BOCES Bid Number: 24-02 as noted by memorandum from the Purchasing Official in the following area:

RFB 24-02 Scoring & Analysis of NYS Assessments – Educational Vistas, Inc. 22 Maxon Rd Ext., Schenectady, NY  12309. (SY 23-24 #113, #113B)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

VelocityEHS MSDSonline

Resolution: Recommend the Board authorize the District Superintendent to execute the three-year subscription agreement with VelocityEHS MSDSonline effective May 15, 2024 through May 14, 2027.  (SY 23-24 #114)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

One Digital/Bouchey and Clarke ACA Agreement

Resolution: Recommend the Board authorize the District Superintendent to execute the Agreement by and between HFM BOCES and One Digital/Bouchey and Clarke Benefits, Inc. to perform tracking and reporting services pursuant to the Affordable Care Act for HFM BOCES for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.  (SY 23-24 #115)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Home Run and Turnabout Prevention Program Agreement

Recommend the Board approve the agreements by and between the Montgomery County Department of Social Services and Hamilton-Fulton Montgomery BOCES to provide the 2024 Home Run and/or Turnabout Prevention Programs to the following school districts: Greater Amsterdam School District (2 programs); Fort Plain School District (2 programs); Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Central School District (2 programs); Fonda-Fultonville Central School District (1 program, Turnabout) and Canajoharie Central School District (2 programs) effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. (SY 23-24 #116, #117, #118, #119, #120, #121, #122, #123, #124)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Contractor Services Agreement – The Family Counseling Center

Resolution: Recommend the Board authorize the District Superintendent to execute the Contractor Services Agreement by and between HFM BOCES and The Family Counseling Center to provide counseling, crisis intervention and referral services to students identified as in need by the participating component districts from February 1,2024 through June 30, 2024.   (SY 23-24 #125)

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Paula Brown-Weinstock.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

OTHER BUSINESS

Policies Second Readings and Adoption

Recommend the Board accept policy #7068 Limitations on the Use of Timeout Rooms and Physical Restraints as a first reading, accept revised policy #8300 as second readings and adopt them and delete policy #1103 Use of Time Out Rooms.  (SY 23-24 #126, #127, #128)

Motion by Paula Brown-Weinstock, second by Matt Sullivan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

Policy First Reading # 5010 Workplace Violence and Prevention

Recommend the Board accept policy #5010 Workplace Violence and Prevention as a first reading. (SY 23-24 #129)

Motion by Paula Brown-Weinstock, second by Kathryn Zajicek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

2024-2025 HFM BOCES School Calendar

Recommend the Board adopt the 2024-25 HFM BOCES School Calendar as submitted.  (SY 23-24 #130)

Motion by Carmen Caraco, second by Carolyn Wilcox.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS AND/OR COMMENTS

Kathryn Zajicek told the Board about the last Health Insurance meeting she attended.

ANNUAL MEETING/ELECTIONS

HFM BOCES Annual meeting is 4/10/2024

Board Members whose terms are up on 6/30/24:

Carmen Caraco

Rebecca Cozzocrea

Matt Sullivan

FUTURE MEETINGS

April 10, 2024 – Annual Meeting 5:00pm, HFM BOCES Cafeteria

ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn the meeting

Motion by Kathryn Zajicek, second by Matt Sullivan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yea: Carmen Caraco, Harry Brooks, Kathryn Zajicek, Paula Brown-Weinstock, Carolyn Wilcox, Matt Sullivan

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