Syracuse City School District public meetings in 2020
15 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Meeting
The Board of Education decided on several personnel actions, including the abolishment of one school nurse position and various new appointments. The board also approved financial reports and the budget development calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.
- Abolishment of one school nurse position effective December 31, 2020
- Appointment of Karen Prentice as Substitute Bus Monitor at $12.52 per hour
- Appointment of six substitute teachers with daily rates from $90 to $125
- Approval of the 2021-2022 Budget Development Calendar
- Approval of the October 2020 Internal Claims Auditor and Treasurer's Reports
The Board of Education approved a personnel consent agenda including several new appointments and the abolition of one school nurse position. Other approved items included financial reports, a budget development calendar, and special education placements.
- Approved personnel consent agenda including abolition of one school nurse position (7-0)
- Approved 2021-2022 Budget Development Calendar (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved October 2020 Internal Claims Auditor and Treasurer's reports (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved Extraclassroom Activity Fund Corrective Action Plan (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Accepted Special Education and Preschool Special Education committee recommendations (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved admittance of a non-resident student for 2020-2021 school year (7-0)
- Approved minutes from November 10, 2020 meeting (7-0)
- Approved unpaid leave of absence for Joanna Greenman (6-0, 1 abstain)
Regular Meeting
The board will consider approving tenure for Assistant Superintendent Kerrie Johnston effective February 20, 2021. Other business includes a financial reserve plan presentation, approval of personnel actions (resignations, appointments at rates from $12.50 to $46 per hour), and a consulting agreement with Rural Health Network of SCNY, Inc. All consent items were approved unanimously.
- Tenure appointment for Kerrie Johnston, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Programs, effective Feb 20, 2021
- Personnel consent agenda: resignation of Tina DeBiew; appointments of 11 enrichment teachers at $34/hr, bus driver at $17.58/hr, cooks, substitutes, and a tutor at $46/hr
- Consulting agreement between Sidney Central School and Rural Health Network of SCNY, Inc.
- Approval of September 2020 Internal Claims Auditor Report, Treasurer's Reports, and October 2020 Budget Transfers
- Financial Reserve Plan presentation by Superintendent
The Board approved several construction bids for the 2019 Capital Improvement Project totaling over $3.9 million. Other actions included approving the 2020-2021 Financial Reserve Plan and various personnel appointments.
- Awarded $1,544,000 General Construction bid to Daniel J. Lynch, Inc. (6-0)
- Awarded $2,108,000 Site Construction bid to Fahs Construction Group (6-0)
- Awarded $193,900 Plumbing Construction bid to H.J. Brandeles Corporation (6-0)
- Awarded $116,400 Mechanical Construction bid to H.J. Brandeles Corporation (6-0)
- Approved 2020-2021 Financial Reserve Plan (6-0)
- Approved tenure for Kerrie Johnston, Assistant Superintendent, effective Feb 20, 2021 (6-0)
- Adopted revised Retention and Disposition Schedule for NY Local Government Records (6-0)
- Approved personnel consent agenda including various teacher and driver appointments (6-0)
Regular Meeting
The Sidney Central School District Board will hear an external audit presentation from D'Arcangelo & Co. LLP and vote on a consent agenda including personnel appointments, resignations, budget transfers, donations, and special education recommendations. The consent agenda includes hiring substitute teachers at $90-$125 per day, substitute aides at $12.52/hour, and appointing coaches for winter and spring sports. The board also accepts donations totaling $200 to the Varsity Letter Club and $200 from Sidney United Methodist Church.
- External audit presentation by D'Arcangelo & Co. LLP
- Personnel consent agenda: hires, resignations, and coaching appointments
- Acceptance of $200 donation to Varsity Letter Club in memory of David MacDonald
- Approval of August 2020 Treasurer's Report and September 2020 budget transfers
- Acceptance of recommendations from Committee on Special Education
The Board of Education approved a contract with Highland Associates, Architecture Engineering Design, PC and the 2019-2020 audit. Members also approved revisions to student record and data privacy policies and authorized several fund transfers.
- Approved Highland Associates, Architecture Engineering Design, PC contract (6-0)
- Approved 2019-2020 Audit (6-0)
- Approved revisions to Policy 5500 Student Records (6-0)
- Approved revisions to Policy 8635 Information and Data Privacy, Security, Breach and Notification (6-0)
- Authorized transfer of unspent appropriations to 2020 Capital Reserve (6-0)
- Amended inter-fund transfer to School Lunch Fund from $95,845 to $9,048 (6-0)
- Approved personnel consent agenda including new appointments and resignations (6-0)
- Accepted donations including $200 for Varsity Letter Club and $300 from Sidney United Methodist Church (6-0)
Regular Meeting
The Board of Education met to approve personnel appointments, resignations, and budget transfers. The meeting included a report on state aid and the acceptance of special education service recommendations.
- Approval of budget transfers for June, July, and August 2020
- Appointment of Jami Hudak as Literacy Specialist effective September 1, 2020
- Appointment of substitute LPN at $19.63 per hour and substitute food service helper at $12.57 per hour
- Appointment of tutors at a rate of $46.00 per hour
- Acceptance of four $25.00 gift cards donated by Dr. Samantha Cole for school supplies
The Board of Education approved a personnel consent agenda including multiple appointments and resignations. Members also approved budget transfers for June through August 2020 and accepted financial reports.
- Approved minutes from August 25, 2020 meeting (6-0)
- Approved personnel consent agenda including appointments and resignations (6-0)
- Approved general consent agenda (6-0)
- Accepted Special Education and Preschool Special Education placement recommendations (6-0)
- Approved budget transfers for June, July, and August 2020 (6-0)
- Approved July 2020 Treasurer's Report and Internal Claims Auditor Reports for July and August 2020 (6-0)
- Accepted donation of four $25 gift cards from Dr. Samantha Cole (6-0)
Regular Meeting
The Board of Education met to approve a comprehensive personnel agenda including new hires and substitute teachers for the 2020-2021 school year. The body also reviewed reports on Covid-19 expenses and the 2021 senior trip.
- Approval of a Preventive Service Agreement with Delaware County Department of Social Services for 2020-2021
- Appointment of Crystal Savory as Custodial Worker at $15.15 per hour
- Appointment of substitute teachers with daily rates ranging from $90 to $125
- Appointment of substitute registered nurses at $20.22 per hour
- Approval of the July 2020 Internal Claims Auditor Report
The Board approved a comprehensive personnel consent agenda including new hires and amendments. Other key actions included approving a revised Emergency Management Plan and a $95,845 transfer to the School Lunch Fund.
- Approved personnel consent agenda including appointments and resignations (6-0)
- Approved revised Emergency Management Plan (6-0)
- Authorized $95,845 inter-fund transfer from General Fund to School Lunch Fund (6-0)
- Approved Preventive Service Agreement with Delaware County Department of Social Services (6-0)
- Approved recommendations of the Committee on Special Education (6-0)
- Approved July 2020 Internal Claims Auditor Report (6-0)
- Approved admittance of non-resident students for 2020-2021 school year (6-0)
- Approved Class of 2021 overnight field trip to Niagara Falls, NY (6-0)
Regular Meeting
The Board of Education discussed the Sidney CSD Reopening Plan and approved several personnel appointments and resignations. The board also voted to approve student handbooks and a transition services agreement for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Approval of the 2020-2021 student handbooks and code of conduct
- Agreement with The Arc of Delaware County for Transition Services for 2020-2021
- Appointment of Summer Gardeners at $15.50 per hour
- Appointment of Farm to School Coordinator at $15.00 per hour
- Approval of rates and policies for interpreter T. Michele Johnson
The Board approved a personnel consent agenda including several new teacher appointments and resignations. Additionally, the Board approved the 2020-2021 student handbooks, transportation contract, and an agreement with The Arc of Delaware County for transition services.
- Approved personnel consent agenda including teacher appointments and resignations (6-1 abstain)
- Approved 2020-2021 student handbooks and code of conduct (6-1 abstain)
- Approved 2020-2021 Transportation Contract (6-1 abstain)
- Approved agreement with The Arc of Delaware County for Transition Services (6-1 abstain)
- Appointed Superintendent Eben Bullock as District Chief Emergency Officer (6-1 abstain)
- Approved rates and policies for interpreter T. Michele Johnson (6-1 abstain)
- Approved June 2020 Internal Claims Auditor and Treasurer's reports (6-1 abstain)
- Approved minutes from July 7, 2020 meeting (7-0)
Annual Organizational Meeting and Regular Meeting
The Sidney Central School District Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting to swear in new and re-elected members, elect officers, and approve a slate of district officials and management resolutions for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Swearing in of new Board member Jason J. Miller
- Election of Board officers and committee assignments
- Appointment of Constance Umbra as District Clerk and Treasurer
- Appointment of Ferrara, Fiorenza PC as counsel at $215/hour
- Approval of $1,000,000 employee dishonesty coverage for Treasurer
The Board of Education elected its officers and appointed various district officials, including the Clerk, Treasurer, and legal counsel. The board also designated NBT Bank as the depository for district funds and approved standing management resolutions.
- Elected Kerrie Green as Board President (6-0)
- Elected Marisa Orezzoli as Board Vice President (6-0)
- Appointed Constance Umbra as District Clerk and Treasurer
- Appointed Ferrara, Fiorenza PC as counsel ($135-$215 per hour)
- Appointed Eben Bullock as Purchasing Agent and Designated Educational Official
- Designated NBT Bank for General, Payroll, and Capital funds (6-0)
- Approved $1M insurance rider for District Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer
- Approved IRS mileage reimbursement rate of $0.575 effective Jan 1, 2020
Regular Meeting
The Syracuse City School District Board will approve the minutes from the May 26, 2020 budget hearing. It will also approve a personnel consent agenda that includes resignations, summer feeding staff hires at $15.00 per hour, summer school teachers at $44.00‑$46.00 per hour, and several staff reclassifications. Several district policies—including Investments, Purchasing, and Contracting for Professional Services—will be adopted through second‑reading votes. Additional first‑reading policy items will also be considered.
- Approve minutes from the May 26, 2020 Annual Budget Hearing
- Approve personnel consent agenda: resignations, summer feeding workers ($15/hr), summer school teachers ($44‑$46/hr), and staff reclassifications
- Adopt Policy 6240 Investments (second reading)
- Adopt Policy 6700 Purchasing (second reading)
- Adopt Policy 6741 Contracting for Professional Services (second reading)
The Board of Education approved a personnel consent agenda including new appointments and resignations. Members also adopted policies on investments and purchasing, and conducted first readings on several other administrative policies.
- Approved May 26, 2020 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved personnel consent agenda including summer school teachers and fall coaches (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 6240 Investments (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 6700 Purchasing (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 6741 Contracting for Professional Services (7-0)
- Approved first readings of policies regarding Medicaid Compliance, Drug Testing, and Information Security (7-0)
- Approved April 2020 Internal Claims Auditor and Treasurer reports (7-0)
- Approved DCMO BOCES 2020-2021 ice cream and milk bids (7-0)
Annual Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting
The Sidney Central School District will hold a public hearing and vote on a $27,782,464 budget for the 2020-2021 school year, which will be decided entirely by absentee ballot. The board also seeks authorization to establish a $1,000,000 capital reserve fund for building projects and will adopt several student policies.
- Proposition 1: $27,782,464 school budget for 2020-2021
- Proposition 2: Authorization for $1,000,000 capital reserve fund
- Proposition 3: $655,898 Sidney Memorial Public Library budget
- Absentee-only voting with deadline of June 9
- Adoption of policies on student promotion, attendance, and animals
The Board of Education approved the minutes from May 19, 2020, and adopted several student-related policies including those on attendance, privacy, and wellness. The board also held a budget hearing to present the 2020-2021 annual school budget and library budget for voter consideration.
- Approved minutes from May 19, 2020 meeting (6-0)
- Adopted Policy 4750 Promotion and Retention of Students (6-0)
- Adopted Policy 4772 Graduation Ceremonies (6-0)
- Adopted Policy 4850 Animals in the Schools (6-0)
- Adopted Policy 5100 Student Attendance (6-0)
- Adopted Policy 5151 Homeless Children (6-0)
- Adopted Policy 5405 Student Wellness (6-0)
- Adopted Policy 4526.1 Internet Safety (6-0)
Special Meeting - Budget Adoption
The Sydney Central School District board will hold a special meeting to adopt the 2020-2021 budget. The agenda includes a presentation of the proposed budget, approval of personnel appointments (including two assistant principals at $70,000 each), and second reading and adoption of several policies regarding special education procedures. The board also plans to enter executive session to discuss the superintendent's evaluation and a personnel matter.
- Overview of proposed 2020-2021 budget presented
- Appointment of Megan O. Rose as UPK-12 Assistant Principal at $70,000/year
- Appointment of Maggie G. McNamara as UPK-12 Assistant Principal at $70,000/year
- Second reading and adoption of Policy 4321.07 (assessments of students with disabilities), 4321.08 (hearing officer), 4321.09 (declassification), 4321.11 (public report on disproportionality), and 4321.13 (preschool special education)
- Acceptance of resignation of Steven Alger, K-12 Physical Education Teacher
The Board of Education approved several administrative appointments and the resignation of a teacher. Members also adopted multiple policies regarding special education and conducted first readings of policies covering student wellness, attendance, and records.
- Approved appointment of Megan O. Rose as UPK-12 Assistant Principal at $70,000 (7-0)
- Approved appointment of Maggie G. McNamara as UPK-12 Assistant Principal at $70,000 (7-0)
- Accepted resignation of Steven Alger, K-12 Physical Education Teacher (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 4321.07 regarding assessments of students with disabilities (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 4321.08 regarding Impartial Hearing Officer compensation (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 4321.09 regarding declassification of students with disabilities (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 4321.13 regarding Preschool Special Education (7-0)
- Approved first readings of policies on student attendance, wellness, and records (7-0)
Regular Meeting
The Syracuse City School District Board of Education approved minutes from March 17, 2020, and a consent agenda including personnel appointments, budget transfers, and tenure awards for teachers. The meeting was held at Sidney Central School.
- Approved minutes from March 17, 2020
- Approved Substitute Teacher Megan McNamara ($90-$125/day)
- Approved tenure for Kelly Post (Special Education, July 1, 2020)
- Approved tenure for Katherine Webb (Elementary, July 1, 2020)
- Approved tenure for Carissa Cuccia (Elementary, Sept 1, 2020)
The Board of Education approved the personnel consent agenda, including a substitute teacher appointment and minimum wage adjustments for student lifeguards. Several teachers were awarded prospective tenure across various subject areas. The board also approved February 2020 Treasurer's Reports and March 2020 Budget Transfers.
- Approved minutes from March 17, 2020 meeting (6-0)
- Approved personnel consent agenda including substitute teacher Megan McNamara (6-0)
- Approved minimum wage rate amendments for seven student lifeguards (6-0)
- Approved reclassification of Andrew Bolster to permanent Cook (6-0)
- Approved February 2020 Treasurer's Reports and March 2020 Budget Transfers (6-0)
- Approved Special Education and Preschool Special Education service recommendations (6-0)
- Awarded prospective tenure to Kelly Post, Katherine Webb, Carissa Cuccia, Alyssa LeRoy, Catherine D'Agostino, Andrea Sterbenz, Veronica Cokely, Jamielyn Pisan, and Lisa Bundy (6-0)
Regular Meeting
The board will discuss the superintendent's reserve plan and budget presentation, covering O&M, transportation, general support, debt service, employee benefits, instruction, and special education. Consent items include personnel appointments, donations, and approval of financial reports. Two presentations (aquaponics and scholar athlete awards) have been postponed.
- Superintendent's budget and reserve plan review for final decision-making across multiple budget categories
- Personnel consent agenda: resignation, substitute teacher aide appointments at $11.81/hr, bus driver at $16.74/hr, coaching positions, and reclassifications
- Accept $1,000 donation from Gordmans and $2,097.10 donation from Creating Healthy Schools and Communities for Farm to Table
- Appoint Constance A. Umbra as Records Management Officer until annual meeting
- Approve January and February internal claim auditor reports, treasurer's reports, and budget transfers
The Board adopted a resolution regarding the COVID-19 State of Emergency and designated all district staff as essential. Other actions included approving the 2020-2021 instructional calendar and personnel appointments.
- Adopted resolution regarding COVID-19 State of Emergency (5-0)
- Designated all District staff as essential staff (5-0)
- Approved 2020-2021 Instructional Calendar (5-0)
- Approved personnel consent agenda including appointments and reclassifications (4-0, 1 abstain)
- Accepted $1,000 donation from Gordmans (5-0)
- Approved $2,097.10 donation from Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (5-0)
- Approved Capital Reserve Resolution (5-0)
- Approved overnight field trip for NYS FFA Convention May 14-16, 2020 (5-0)
Special Board of Education Meeting
This special Board of Education meeting was convened primarily to move into executive session for the purpose of reviewing the New York State Comptroller's Performance Audit Report and a draft response letter prior to public release. The board voted unanimously to enter executive session and later adjourned without any public action.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session to review the NYS Comptroller's Performance Audit Report and draft response letter
The Board of Education met to review the New York State Comptroller's Performance Audit Report and a draft response letter in executive session. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved motion to enter Executive Session to review NYS Comptroller's Performance Audit Report and draft response (5-0)
- Approved motion to exit Executive Session (5-0)
- Approved adjournment of meeting (5-0)
Regular Meeting
The Syracuse City School District Board will hear a superintendent's budget presentation on projected revenue and expenses, approve a consent agenda including personnel changes, and vote on the second reading and adoption of Policy 1050 on the annual district election and budget vote.
- Superintendent's budget presentation on projected revenue and expenses
- Personnel consent agenda: resignations, appointments, reclassifications, and coaching positions
- Approval of December 2019 Internal Claim Auditor and Treasurer's Reports
- January 2020 budget transfers approval
- Second reading and adoption of Policy 1050 on annual district election and budget vote
The Board approved several district policies regarding elections, records, and family engagement. It also approved a personnel consent agenda and set tuition rates for out-of-district students for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Adopted Policy 1050 (Annual District Election and Budget Vote), Policy 1120 (School District Records), Policy 1900 (Parent and Family Engagement), and Policy 1925 (Interpreters for Hearing-Impaired Parents)
- Approved first readings of Policy 2160 (Officer and Employee Code of Ethics) and Policy 4311.1 (Display of the Flag)
- Set 2020-2021 out-of-district tuition at $1,931 for grades 7-12 and $525 for grades K-6
- Approved personnel consent agenda including resignations, appointments, and reclassifications
- Approved January 2020 Budget Transfers
- Approved December 2019 Internal Claim Auditor and Treasurer's Reports
- Approved FFA Winter Camp at Oswegatchie Educational Center (Feb 28-Mar 1, 2020)
- Approved Municipal Cooperation Resolution with NYCLASS
Regular Meeting
The Board of Education met to approve personnel appointments, financial reports, and special education placements. The board also conducted a second reading and adopted Policy 0100 regarding Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity.
- Adoption of Policy 0100 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
- Approval of 2020-2021 Unit Cost Methodology for DCMO BOCES Shared Services
- Appointment of Afterschool Enrichment Teachers at $34.00 per hour
- Appointment of Bus Monitor and Substitute Bus Monitor at $11.81 per hour
- Approval of November 2019 Internal Claims Auditor and Treasurer's Reports
The Board of Education approved several district policies regarding non-discrimination, sexual harassment, and student bullying. It also approved a personnel consent agenda and various financial reports. Additionally, the board authorized two members to attend a national conference in April 2020.
- Adopted Policy 0100 Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 0110 Sexual Harassment (7-0)
- Adopted Policy 0115 Student Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Intervention (7-0)
- Approved revisions to Policy 5661 District Wellness Policy (7-0)
- Approved personnel consent agenda including various teacher and coach appointments (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved November 2019 Internal Claims Auditor and Treasurer's reports and December 2019 budget transfers (7-0)
- Approved 2020-2021 Unit Cost Methodology for DCMO BOCES Shared Services (7-0)
- Approved attendance of Kerri Green and Marisa Orezzoli at NSBA Annual Conference (5-0, 2 abstain)