Syracuse City School District public meetings in 2023

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education decided to increase all employee hourly rates to $15.00 per hour effective December 31, 2023, to comply with New York State Labor Law. The body also approved a personnel consent agenda and the 2024-2025 Budget Development Calendar.

• Hourly rate increase to $15.00 for all employees currently earning less
• Appointment of Afterschool Enrichment Teachers at $34.00 per hour
• Acceptance of a donation of shoes and boots from The Salvation Army valued at $2,021.94
• Approval of the 2024-2025 Budget Development Calendar
• Renewal of lease agreement with The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York

The Board of Education approved increasing all employee hourly rates to $15.00 effective December 31, 2023, for those earning less. Other actions included approving the 2024-2025 Budget Development Calendar and renewing a lease with The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

• Approved increasing all employee hourly rates to $15.00 per hour effective Dec 31, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda including new teachers, aides, and coaches (7-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 Budget Development Calendar (7-0)
• Approved October 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Report, Treasurer's Report and Budget Transfers (7-0)
• Accepted donation of shoes and boots from The Salvation Army valued at $2021.94 (7-0)
• Accepted recommendations of the Committee on Special Education (7-0)
• Approved lease renewal with The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (7-0)
• Accepted amendment to Professional Service Agreement with Highland Associates (7-0)

Regular Meeting

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education will hear presentations on the district nickname, the Blueprint for Excellence Quarter 1 update, the ARP-ESSER stakeholder update, and the financial reserve plan. The board will also vote on consent items including personnel resignations, appointments, coaching positions, approval of special education recommendations, and acceptance of donations. A public forum with no requests is scheduled, and minutes from the October 10 meeting will be approved.

• Presentation of District Financial Reserve Plan for November 2023
• Appointment of Alexxis Hayward as Long Term Substitute Teacher effective Dec 11, 2023 through June 28, 2024
• Acceptance of $225 donation to Sidney Field Hockey from Ms. Runion for off-season training
• Acceptance of 100 drawstring bags from Shupperd's Tack Shop with new nickname (approx. $400)
• Approval of August and September 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Reports, Treasurer's Reports, and Budget Transfers

The Board approved the 2023-2024 Financial Reserve Plan and authorized several fund transfers totaling over $1.7 million. They also approved contracts for high school bleacher replacement and a tennis court change order. A merger with Unatego CSD for Varsity Bowling was approved.

• Approved merger with Unatego CSD for Varsity Bowling (6-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 Financial Reserve Plan (6-0)
• Authorized $1,162,400 transfer to Capital Reserve 2022 (6-0)
• Authorized $500,000 transfer to Capital Bus Reserve (6-0)
• Authorized $129,210 transfer to Retirement Reserve ERS/TRS (6-0)
• Approved $84,533.61 contract with Nickerson for High School Bleacher Replacement (6-0)
• Accepted $85,850 change order from AstroTurf Corporation for Tennis Court project (6-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda and special education recommendations (6-0)

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education met to review an external audit presentation and superintendent reports regarding construction and nickname transitions. The session included several personnel appointments, including teachers, counselors, and substitute staff, as well as the approval of various consent agenda items.

• Approval of September 12, 2023, meeting minutes
• Appointment of Mackensie Gravelin as Physical Education Teacher
• Appointment of McKenzie Pietrowski as School Counselor
• Appointment of Fiona Stimus as Farm to School Liaison Assistant at $34.00 per hour
• Acceptance of a clothing donation from the Sidney Elks Lodge valued at $875.00

The Board of Education approved several construction and security contracts, including high school bleacher replacement and stadium lighting. They also accepted a vaping litigation settlement and approved the 2022-2023 audit. All listed actions passed with unanimous 5-0 votes.

• Approved 2022-2023 Audit (5-0)
• Approved $10,000 contract with Highland Associates for High School Bleacher Replacement (5-0)
• Approved contract with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC for stadium retrofit and parking project (5-0)
• Approved contract with Day Automation Systems, Inc. for security measures across schools (5-0)
• Approved contract with Day Automation Systems, Inc. for IP speakers and displays at Junior/Senior High School (5-0)
• Approved contract with Landscape Structures, Inc. for playground equipment (5-0)
• Accepted partial settlement of vaping litigation (5-0)
• Accepted $875.00 clothing donation from Sidney Elks Lodge (5-0)

Regular Meeting

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education will vote on authorizing litigation against social media platforms for alleged damages to the district and its students. Other action items include approving a $15,000 contract with Highland Associates for the Smart School Project and a student trip to the FFA National Convention. Consent items cover personnel appointments, resignations, and special education committee recommendations.

• Authorizing law firms Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP and Ferrara Fiorenza PC to sue social media companies for district damages
• Approving $15,000 contract with Highland Associates for Smart School Project
• Approving $100,000 capital outlay project to replace high school gymnasium bleachers
• Personnel actions: resignation of bus driver George Walker, appointment of Jacob DePalma as K-12 Music Teacher, and multiple other appointments
• Approving overnight trip to Indianapolis for the 2023 FFA National Convention (Oct 29 - Nov 4)

The Board approved legal action against social media companies to seek compensation for damages to the district and students. Other approvals included a $15,000 project contract and a national convention trip. Personnel and special education recommendations were also passed via consent agenda.

• Authorized Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP and Ferrara Fiorenza PC to sue social media platforms (6-0)
• Approved $15,000 contract with Highland Associates for Smart School Project (6-0)
• Approved overnight trip to 2023 FFA National Convention in Indianapolis (6-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda (6-0)
• Approved general consent agenda (6-0)
• Accepted Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education recommendations (6-0)
• Appointed CSE and CPSE sub-committees for 2023-2024 (6-0)
• Approved August 22, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)

Meeting

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education approved the minutes from the August 8 meeting, a personnel consent agenda, and the 2023-2024 student handbooks. The board also approved the annual tax levy, the pre-kindergarten program plan, and emergency management plan.

• Approve 2023-2024 Annual Tax Levy
• Approve student handbooks/code of conduct
• Approve Pre-Kindergarten Program Plan
• Approve Emergency Management Plan
• Authorize use of district name/logo for independent Swim Club

The Board of Education approved the annual tax levy and student handbooks for the 2023-2024 school year. Other approved items included the Pre-Kindergarten Program Plan and the Emergency Management Plan. The board also authorized two independent clubs to use the district name and logo.

• Approved Annual Tax Levy for 2023-2024 school year (5-0)
• Approved student handbooks/code of conduct for 2023-2024 school year (5-0)
• Approved Pre-Kindergarten Program Plan (5-0)
• Approved Emergency Management Plan as presented July 11, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved use of district name and logo for independent Swim Club (5-0)
• Approved use of district name and logo for independent Cheer Club (5-0)
• Approved July 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Report, Treasurer's Report and Budget Transfers (5-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda (5-0)

Regular Meeting

The Syracuse City School District Board approved the minutes from the July 11 meeting, accepted multiple resignations, and approved a large personnel consent agenda including summer staff, substitutes, and coaches. The board also approved the June 2023 financial reports and budget transfers.

• Approved minutes from July 11, 2023 meeting
• Accepted resignations of 5 staff members
• Approved hiring of 100+ staff at rates from $14.74 to $52.00 per hour
• Approved June 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Report, Treasurer's Report, and Budget Transfers
• Approved admittance of non-resident students for 2023-2024

The Board approved several operational items including the 2023-2024 Professional Development Plan and the admittance of non-resident students. Other actions included approving a Preventive Services Agreement with Delaware County Department of Social Services and accepting a donation for FFA members.

• Approved July 11, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved June 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Report, Treasurer's Report and Budget Transfers (6-0)
• Approved admittance of non-resident students for 2023-2024 school year (6-0)
• Approved amendment to Agreement between Sidney CSD and C&S Engineers, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved Preventive Services Agreement with Delaware County Department of Social Services for 2023-2024 (6-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 Sidney Central School District Professional Development Plan (6-0)
• Accepted $5,358.08 donation from Sidney FFA Alumni for FFA members (6-0)

Annual Organizational Meeting and Regular Meeting

This is the annual organizational meeting of the Sidney Central School Board of Education. The board will swear in re-elected members, elect a president and vice-president, and approve dozens of appointments for the 2023-2024 school year, including district officials, legal counsel, and various compliance officers.

• Appointment of Ferrara, Fiorenza PC as legal counsel at $230/hour for partners and $175-225/hour for associates
• Designation of Nancy Edwards as Tax Collector with a $5,000 stipend and Constance Umbra as Deputy Tax Collector with a $1,250 stipend
• Approval of bank depositories for district funds, capital funds, and student extraclassroom funds
• Approval of employee dishonesty bonds: $1,000,000 for treasurer and $100,000 for student extraclassroom treasurer
• Designation of The Daily Star, The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, and The Walton Reporter as official newspapers

Special Meeting

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education approved a contract with AstroTurf Corporation for the field surface component of the 2022 Capital Improvement Project. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

• Approval of AstroTurf contract for tennis court project
• Contract awarded via NJPA/Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing
• Motion carried unanimously by Board of Education

The Board of Education approved a contract with AstroTurf Corporation for a Capital Project. No other substantive items were decided during the meeting.

• Approved contract with AstroTurf Corporation for Capital Project (4-0)

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education approved the minutes from the May 9 meeting, a personnel consent agenda including appointments and rescindments, and the April 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Report, Treasurer's Report, and Budget Transfers.

• Rescind appointments of 5 substitute teachers and aides
• Appoint 3 new teachers and 1 school counselor
• Approve April 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Report
• Approve April 2023 Treasurer's Report and Budget Transfers
• Approve minutes from May 9, 2023 Regular Board Meeting

The Board approved a capital project to install clean heat technology in the Elementary School POD area using American Rescue Plan Act funds. Other key actions included adopting a new meal charging policy and approving the 2023-2024 Strategic Plan.

• Authorized $1,078,021 for Elementary School heat pump updates (6-0)
• Adopted Policy 8505 Charging Meals and Prohibition Against Shaming (6-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 Strategic Plan (6-0)
• Approved 2023 Summer and 2023-2024 Transportation Contracts (6-0)
• Accepted $2,000 donation from #AKSTRONG and $500 from Serafino Maiorano (6-0)
• Approved agreement with Delaware County Sheriff's Department for 2023-2024 (6-0)
• Approved Sidney Nickname Transition Plan (6-0)
• Approved agreement with Delaware Opportunities Head Start (6-0)

Annual Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the 2023-2024 proposed budget of $31,304,858 and vote on the Sidney Memorial Public Library budget of $670,899. The meeting also includes the approval of personnel appointments and the minutes from the April 24, 2023 meeting.

• Proposition 1: Adopt 2023-2024 Sidney Central School District budget ($31,304,858)
• Proposition 2: Adopt Sidney Memorial Public Library budget ($670,899)
• Approve minutes from April 24, 2023 Regular Board of Education Meeting
• Approve personnel consent agenda (Summer Enrichment Teachers at $34/hr, Lifeguards at $15.50/hr)
• Vote to fill three Board of Education vacancies

The Board held a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 Sidney Central School Budget of $31,304,858 and the Sidney Memorial Public Library budget of $670,899. The Board approved the personnel and general consent agendas and the first reading of a policy regarding meal charging. Minutes from the April 24, 2023 meeting were also approved.

• Approved April 24, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda (6-0)
• Approved general consent agenda (6-0)
• Accepted Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education recommendations (6-0)
• Approved First Reading of Policy 8505: Charging Meals and Prohibition Against Shaming (6-0)

Budget Adoption and Regular Meeting

The Sidney Central School Board approved the 2023-2024 Annual Proposed Budget, a $2.8 million BOCES administrative budget, and salary increases for administrators. The meeting also covered personnel appointments and the SMART Schools Investment Plan.

• Approves 2023-2024 Annual Proposed Budget
• Approves $2,836,035.00 Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES budget
• Approves 4% salary increases for Superintendent and staff
• Approves amended SMART Schools Investment Plan
• Approves amended February Budget Transfers and March reports

The Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 Annual Proposed Budget and the Property Tax Report Card. Additionally, the board approved a $2,836,035.00 BOCES Administrative Budget and an amended SMART Schools Investment Plan.

• Approved 2023-2024 Annual Proposed Budget (7-0)
• Approved Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES Administrative Budget of $2,836,035.00 (7-0)
• Approved amended SMART Schools Investment Plan (7-0)
• Approved Property Tax Report Card (7-0)
• Set 2023-2024 salary increase for non-represented employees, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent (7-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved amended February Budget Transfers, March 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Report, and Treasurer's Report (7-0)
• Voted for two BOCES Board Members (7-0)

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education will receive presentations on the Sidney CSD 2023-2024 budget and the DCMO BOCES admin & capital budget. Consent agenda items include personnel appointments, cooperative purchasing resolutions with BOCES, and appointment of election inspectors for the May 16 annual district meeting.

• 2023-2024 Sidney CSD budget presentation with line-by-line revenue and expense details
• DCMO BOCES admin & capital budget for 2023-2024
• Appointment of substitute teachers, aides, coaches, and reclassification of several employees to permanent status
• Approval of cooperative purchasing, generic, and food/cafeteria supplies resolutions with DCMO BOCES for 2023-2024
• Appointment of inspectors for the Annual District Meeting & Election on May 16, 2023

The Board of Education approved a sports merger with Unatego CSD for varsity tennis. Other actions included approving personnel changes, tenure awards, and purchasing agreements with DCMO BOCES.

• Approved merger with Unatego CSD for Varsity Tennis (7-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved Cooperative Purchasing, Generic and Food and Cafeteria Supplies resolutions with DCMO BOCES for 2023-2024 (7-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 Unit Cost Methodology for DCMO BOCES Shared Services (7-0)
• Accepted recommendations for Special Education and Preschool Special Education services and placement (7-0)
• Appointed Inspectors for the May 16, 2023 Annual District Meeting & Election (7-0)
• Awarded prospective tenure effective September 1, 2023 to Danielle Barto, Susanna Johnson, and Erin Nordenhold (7-0)
• Approved unpaid leave of absence for Kelly Cammer from April 17, 2023 through June 30, 2023 (7-0)

Regular Meeting

The Sidney Central School District Board of Education approved personnel appointments, the 2023-2024 budget development calendar, and the SMART Schools Investment Plan. The board also accepted a donation for baseball/softball programs and committed to purchasing technology equipment from Broome-Tioga BOCES.

• Approves 2023-2024 Budget Development Calendar
• Accepts $2,711 donation from Sidney Baseball Bullpen Club
• Approves SMART Schools Investment Plan
• Commits to purchasing technology equipment from Broome-Tioga BOCES
• Approves personnel appointments and resignations

The Board of Education approved the SMART Schools Investment Plan and a Universal Pre-K (UPK) contract with Cullman Child Development Center. Other actions included approving the 2023-2024 Budget Development Calendar and technology equipment purchases from Broome-Tioga BOCES.

• Approved SMART Schools Investment Plan (6-0)
• Approved UPK contract with Cullman Child Development Center (6-0)
• Approved purchase of Technology Equipment from Broome-Tioga BOCES (6-0)
• Approved amended 2023-2024 Budget Development Calendar (6-0)
• Accepted $2,711.00 donation from Sidney Baseball Bullpen Club (6-0)
• Approved legal notice for May 16, 2023 Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election (6-0)
• Approved February 2023 Internal Claims Auditor Report, Treasurer's Report and Budget Transfers (6-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda (6-0)

Regular Meeting

The Syracuse City School District Board will hear presentations on the SMART Schools Investment Plan, a Universal Pre‑K Request for Proposals, and a budget projection of state aid for 2023‑2024. It will also approve the minutes from the January 10 meeting and a consent agenda that includes personnel appointments, the 2023‑2024 instructional calendar, the holiday schedule, audit reports, and special‑education recommendations. An Open Forum provides an opportunity for community members to discuss school‑related topics.

• Presentation of the SMART Schools Investment Plan (SmartSchoolsProposalSummary2023.pdf)
• Presentation of the Universal Pre‑K Request for Proposals (RFP UPK 2023-24.docx)
• Budget Presentation: State Aid Projections 2023‑2024 (Budget Presentation February 2023.pptx)
• Approval of the 2023‑2024 Instructional Calendar (Instructional Calendar 2023-2024.pdf)
• Approval of the Schedule of Holidays for 2023‑2024 school year (Schedule of Holidays 2023-2024.pdf)

Regular Meeting

The Board of Education met to review presentations regarding a capital project and various administrative items. Key actions included approving several staff appointments, resignations, and a settlement for tax certiorari proceedings.

• DCMO BOCES Capital Project Presentation
• Settlement of tax certiorari proceedings by Seritage KMT Finance, LLC
• Transfer of $67,249.06 from the tax certiorari reserve to the general fund
• Appointment of substitute teachers at rates between $100 and $125 per day
• Appointment of Jacqueline Biger as Substitute Science Teacher/tutor up to $22,800

The Board of Education approved a tax certiorari settlement and the transfer of $67,249.06 from the tax certiorari reserve to the general fund. Other actions included approving an architectural contract and upholding a student discipline decision. Personnel and financial reports were approved via consent agenda.

• Approved transfer of $67,249.06 to pay Seritage KMT Finance, LLC for tax reassessment (7-0)
• Approved settlement of tax certiorari proceedings for Seritage KMT Finance, LLC (7-0)
• Approved contract for Highland Associates Architectural Firm (7-0)
• Upheld Superintendent decision on a student discipline appeal (7-0)
• Approved November 2022 Internal Audit Report, Treasurer's Report, and Budget Transfers (7-0)
• Approved personnel consent agenda and special education placement recommendations (7-0)
• Approved unpaid leave of absence for teacher Joseph Munson from Jan 4 to June 30, 2023 (7-0)
• Approved minutes from December 13, 2022 meeting (7-0)