Herkimer BOCES Board of Education Regular Meeting Thursday, June 4, 2020 - AWS
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BOE Approved 7/2/2020 Herkimer BOCES Board of Education Regular Meeting Thursday, June 4, 2020 The meeting was livestreamed with public access via the Herkimer BOCES website. Members Present Absent Others Present Thomas Shypski, President Deborah Kessler Sandra R. Sherwood, District Superintendent Daniel Voce, Vice President – arrived at 5:45pm Shawn Maxson, Board Clerk Michael Clements Jim Picolla Ronald Loiacono Jodie Rodriquez Janine Lynch Kathy Fox William Miller Mary Kline Jane North Roberta Matthews James Schmid Linda Tharp – arrived at 5:42pm President Shypski called the meeting to order at 5:40pm and requested everyone rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. REVIEW OF AGENDA The Board reviewed the agenda. Mrs. Tharp arrived at 5:42pm. TENURE APPOINTMENTS Andrew Carpenter As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Andrew Carpenter, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Business Education – General, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Business & Marketing. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. William Carpenter As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to William Carpenter, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Trade Subjects, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Natural Resources & Ecology. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Janet Dodson As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Janet Dodson, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Teaching Assistant, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Teaching Assistant. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Nicole Dutcher As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Nicole Dutcher, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Teaching Assistant, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Teaching Assistant. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0.
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 2 June 4, 2020 Tammie Forbes As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Tammie Forbes, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Teaching Assistant, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Teaching Assistant. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Katelyn Hoke As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Katelyn Hoke, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Teaching Assistant, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Teaching Assistant. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Eddie Lane As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Eddie Lane, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Science, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Biology 7-12. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Alisha LaQuee As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Alisha LaQuee, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Teaching Assistant, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Teaching Assistant. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Gary Lesniak As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Gary Lesniak, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of General Special Education, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Students w/Disabilities (Grades 1-6). All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. José Lopez As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to José Lopez, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Teaching Assistant, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Teaching Assistant. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Rachel Madison As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Rachel Madison, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of General Special Education, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Students w/Disabilities 7-12 Generalist. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Margaret McAvaney As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Margaret McAvaney, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Teaching Assistant, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Teaching Assistant. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Heather Miller As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Heather Miller, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of General Special Education, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Students w/Disabilities 7-12 Generalist. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. James Nicholas As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to James Nicholas, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Science, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Biology & General Science 7-9, Earth Science. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0.
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 3 June 4, 2020 Ashley Schook As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Ashley Schook, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Elementary, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 2). All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Michael Taratuchin As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Michael Taratuchin, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of English as a Second Language, effective 9/22/20. Certification: English to Speakers of Other Languages. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Donald Wisniewski As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Donald Wisniewski, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of School Counseling & Guidance, effective 9/1/20. Certification: School Counselor. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. Christe Zambri As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Clements moved and Mr. Miller seconded a motion to grant tenure to Christe Zambri, in compliance with Education Law, in the area of Health Occupations, effective 9/1/20. Certification: Practical Nursing. All voted in favor; motion carried 8:0. The group of employees who received their tenure were congratulated. Mr. Voce arrived at 5:45pm. ROUTINE BUSINESS Approval of Minutes Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to approve the May 21, regular meeting minutes as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Treasurer’s Report Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for April 2020, as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Extracurricular Treasurer’s Report Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to approve the Extracurricular Treasurer’s Report for April 2020, as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Bid Awards Office Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to accept the office bid from the lowest bidder [awarded to Hummel’s]: Total Bid $287,599.39 All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0.
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 4 June 4, 2020 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to accept the PPE bid from the lowest bidder [awarded to Hummel’s]: Total Bid $288,050.21 All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Cosmetology Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to accept the cosmetology bid from the lowest bidder [awarded to Burmax]: Total Bid $6,287.88 All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Intermunicipal Agreement for Labor Relations with Madison-Oneida BOCES Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion authorizing the District Superintendent to execute the intermunicipal agreement between Herkimer BOCES and the Madison-Oneida BOCES for Labor Relations Services for the 2020-2021 school year as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. PERSONNEL REPORT As recommended by District Superintendent, Sandra R. Sherwood, Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to accept the resignations, approve the paid and unpaid leaves of absence, appointments and amendments, as listed in the Personnel Report, noting the salary, certification, and tenure status of all appointees, as appropriate. Salaries are as per the relevant collective bargaining agreement unless otherwise noted. The expiration dates of the 3-year and 4-year probationary appointments are tentative and conditional only. Except to the extent required by the applicable provisions of Section 3012 of the Education Law, in order to be granted tenure the teacher must receive composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of the Education Law of either effective or highly effective in three (3) of the probationary years, and if the teacher receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period the teacher shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. Separations Jean Rogers - Resignation, Occupational Therapist, Extended School Year, 7/1/2020 [COB] Julie Moreau - Resignation, Physical Therapist, Extended School Year, 7/1/2020 [COB] Michael Cimo - Resignation, Advanced Manufacturing Teacher, Technical Education, 6/30/2020 [COB] Sara Greene - Resignation, Special Education Teacher, Extended School Year, 7/1/2020 [COB] Shelly Schwasnick - Retirement, Teaching Assistant, Special Education, 9/24/2020 [COB] Leave of Absence Jason Dodge – Building Maintenance Mechanic, Operations & Maintenance, EPSL, 4/23/2020-5/1/2020. Amend Dates Julie Bondarchuk - Food Service Worker, amend end date from 8/31/2020 to 6/30/2021 [BOE 5/2020]
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 5 June 4, 2020 Amend probationary dates as indicated below due to unpaid leave(s) of absence: Original Term Adjusted Term Days Position Starting Ending Starting Ending Adjusted Margaret Loveless Teacher 9/1/16 - 12/8/20 9/1/16 - 1/29/21 51 Nicole Taylor TA 1/23/19 - 2/3/23 1/23/19 - 2/7/23 4 Rachel Kent Teacher 11/4/19 - 11/3/23 11/4/19 - 11/24/23 21 Amend probationary dates as indicated below due to COVID-19 School Closure: Original Term Adjusted Term Position Starting Ending Starting Ending Paula Darby Teacher Aide 2/14/20 - 10/13/20 2/14/20 - 1/14/21 Gregory Hamilton Cook 9/3/19 - 8/29/20 9/3/19 - 1/29/21 Sabrina Hunt Teacher Aide 2/14/20 - 10/13/20 2/14/20 - 1/14/21 Kassi March Teacher Aide 3/18/20 - 11/17/20 3/18/20 - 2/18/21 Brianne Parker Teacher Aide 1/10/20 - 9/9/20 1/10/20 - 12/10/20 Crystal Postal Teacher Aide 1/10/20 - 9/9/20 1/10/20 - 12/10/20 Wendy Redner Teacher Aide 1/14/20 - 9/13/20 1/14/20 - 12/14/20 Jessica Sweeting Teacher Aide 12/13/19 - 6/12/20 12/13/19 - 11/13/20 Nina Watson Teacher Aide 2/24/20 - 10/23/20 2/24/20 - 1/24/21 Tina Weaver Teacher Aide 2/14/20 - 10/13/20 2/14/20 - 1/14/21 Andrea Wilson Teacher Aide 1/10/20 - 9/9/20 1/10/20 - 12/10/20 Certified Appointments – Current Employees Barbara Dunadee - Adult Education Teacher, Adult Early Childhood and Outreach Education, Re- Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Biology & Gen Science 7-12 (Permanent), Per CBA Christe Zambri - LPN Teacher, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Practical Nurse (Transitional A), Per CBA Cornelia Luppino - Teaching Assistant, Adult Early Childhood and Outreach Education, Re-Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Teaching Assistant (TA Continuing Certification), Per CBA Dawna Hohall - Clinical Supervisor, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Reg Prof Nurse (Exp. 1/31/2021) (License), Per CBA Deborah Kidder - Adult Education Teacher, Adult Early Childhood and Outreach Education, Re-Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Special Education (Permanent), Per CBA Erin Brien - LPN Teacher, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 8/31/2020, RN (Exp. 12/31/2021) (License), Per CBA Gail Tubbs - Clinical Supervisor, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Reg Prof Nurse (Exp. 8/31/2021) (License), Per CBA Jacqueline Edwards - Adult Education Teacher, Adult Early Childhood and Outreach Education, Re- Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Job Skills (Adult Education Extension), Per CBA Jacqueline Edwards - Adult Education Teacher, Adult Early Childhood and Outreach Education, Re- Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Job Skills (Adult Education Extension), Per CBA
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 6 June 4, 2020 James Van Wormer - Executive Director for SBI, Instructional Support Services, Re-Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, School District Administrator (Permanent), $17,500.00 Stipend Janet Vickers - LPN Teacher, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Practical Nurse (Permanent), Per CBA Jessica Murphy-Armstrong - Adult Education Teacher, Adult Early Childhood and Outreach Education, Re- Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Pre K-6 (Permanent), Per CBA Jessica Murphy-Armstrong - Adult Education Teacher, Adult Early Childhood and Outreach Education, Re- Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Pre K-6 (Permanent), Per CBA Jordan Davies - Clinical Supervisor, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, RN (Exp. 4/30/2022) (License), Per CBA **Kaitlin Regan - Criminal Justice Teacher, Technical Education, Long-Term Substitute, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, (Uncertified), Per CBA Marcia Thomas-Bruce - Clinical Supervisor, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, RN (Exp. 10/31/2021) (License), Per CBA Mary Prokopienko - LPN Teacher, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Practical Nurse (Permanent), Per CBA **Megan VanEvera - Science Teacher, Technical Education, Long-Term Substitute, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, (Uncertified), Per CBA Melissa Bleaking - Clinical Supervisor, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 9/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Reg Prof Nurse (Exp. 7/31/2021) (License), Per CBA Nathan Purinton - Social Studies Teacher, Technical Education, Short-Term Substitute, 5/7/2020 to 6/30/2020, SWD (Soc. Stud.) Per CBA Sara Nicolette - Adult LPN Program Coordinator, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Practical Nurse (Permanent), Per CBA Sara Nicolette - LPN Teacher, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Practical Nurse (Permanent), Per CBA Stacie Shedd - Teaching Assistant, Adult LPN, Re-Appointment, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Teaching Assistant (TA Level 3), Per CBA Certified Appointements – New Employees Anthony Arcaro - Social Studies Teacher--8th Grade, Regional Summer School, New, Term, 7/1/2020 to 8/31/2019, Social Studies 7-12 (Initial), $37.25 per hour Denise Hayes - Earth Science Teacher, Regional Summer School, New, Term, 7/1/2020 to 8/31/2020, (Uncertified), $37.25 per hour Penny Haggerty - Clinical Supervisor, Adult LPN, New, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Reg Prof Nurse (Exp. 9/30/2221) (License), Per CBA Tami Welch - Clinical Supervisor, Adult LPN, New, Term, 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021, Reg Prof Nurse (Exp. 3/31/2021) (License), Per CBA Classified Appointments – Current Employees **James Garcia - School Safety Advisor, Safety Office, Re-Appointment, Provisional Pending Exam, 7/1/2020 to Per CBA
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 7 June 4, 2020 For Your Information Richelle LaPolt (Miller) will complete her probationary period as an Account Clerk and become permanent on June 12, 2020. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. BOARD FORUM During Board Forum, President Shypski discussed School Board Institute events and indicated that during the pandemic some training will be held via videoconference. He shared his thoughts on the cost of the budget vote now that it is being conducted by absentee ballot only. Mr. Clements is hoping for positive results on the Frankfort-Schuyler budget vote and that graduation ceremonies can be held for the seniors; Mr. Schmid congratulated the employees who were granted tenure and to this year’s retirees. He recognized the National Technical Honor Society Inductees and LPN students who passed their Boards. In response to Mr. Schmid’s inquiry about the CARES Act and if schools would see any of that funding, Mrs. Sherwood stated that it’s a debate that is going on now – will it go to schools or can the state distribute the funding as they want? He also inquired about the Governor’s Order that delays the deadline date for tax collection. Mrs. Sherwood shared that bond counsel is recommending districts conduct a cash flow analysis regularly so that they can proactively plan for any pending shortfall. They are further recommending Board approval of Tax Anticipation Notes (TAN) and Revenue Anticipation Notes (RAN) in the case of any revenue shortfalls. Mrs. Tharp reiterated issues around the absentee ballot voting process. Mr. Voce congratulated the students inducted into the National Technical Honor Social and specifically called out the Herkimer CSD students for the great honor they achieved. NYSSBA Update Mrs. Sherwood requested Mr. Miller share some of her thoughts with the NYSSBA Executive Committee regarding the 2020 Annual Convention. She stated that the CDC guidelines recommend that no student field trips be held for the fall, which would include the convention’s student presenters. Mrs. Sherwood noted that NYSSBA continues to call for proposals of student presentations. She further stated that at-risk convention attendees may not consider attending this year’s convention in New York City and suggested the organization show some creativity and possibly offer mini sessions via videoconference. Mr. Loiacono reported that he attended the SBI Executive Committee meeting and there was discussion around serious cuts to school budgets and that some districts may not renew their NYSSBA membership. According to Mr. Miller, NYSSBA Area 5 Director, NYSSBA is considering waiving its dues for the 2020-2021 school year. NEW BUSINESS 2019-2020 Calendar Amendment Mrs. Sherwood explained that the current 2019-2020 calendar needs to be amended now that all lost days prior to March 18 (the date that the Governor’s order went into effect) are accounted for, and further account for working through spring break. The districts have calculated the end of their school year and the last staff and student day for BOCES is June 18. Mrs. Sherwood emphasized that school is not ending early, the same number of days that staff and students were scheduled to be in session have been accounted for.
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 8 June 4, 2020 Mr. Miller moved and Ms. Lynch seconded a motion to amend the 2019-2020 calendar to identify the last day for students and 10-month staff as June 18. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Non-Represented Salary Increases for Employees Covered under Policies 6600, 6601, and 6602 Mrs. Sherwood presented the Board with the proposed non-represented salary increases and policy adjustments for employees covered under Policies 6600, 6601, and 6602 for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years: Policies 6600 [Managerial Confidential Employees] and 6602 [Facilities Director Employees] 1. 2020-2021 – 2.5% increase in base salary with a change in prescription co-pay 2. 2021-2022 – 2.5% increase in base salary with a change in prescription co-pay Policy 6601 [Central Administration Employees] 1. 2020-2021 – 2% increase in base salary with a change in prescription co-pay 2. 2021-2022 – 2% increase in base salary with a change in prescription co-pay Mr. Voce moved and Mr. Clements seconded a motion to approve the salary increase for the non-represented employees and to waive the second reading and approve the changes to policies 6600, 6601 and 6602 as outlined. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Special Board Meeting Mrs. Sherwood proposed the Board hold a special Board meeting on Thursday, June 18 to review the administrative structure and discuss the roles and responsibilities of the administrative team as it relates to personnel changes. Mr. Loiacono moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to hold a special meeting on Thursday, June 18 at 6pm. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Topic for Next Meeting The next meeting will be the BOCES Reorganization Meeting. It is scheduled for July 2, 2020 at 5:30pm. Newspaper Articles/Good News Newspaper articles – BOCES recently distributed 1,500 bottles of hand sanitizer to schools across the region. BOCES received two pallets loaded with bottles of the “NYS Clean” alcohol-based hand sanitizer produced by the state and distributed at no cost to local governments. The Jarvis School is preparing to reopen and one final step will be to bring in the BOCES classrooms and office furnishings. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS Director of Special and Alternative Education, Roberta Matthews Mrs. Matthews provided the following updates: Special Programs and Pathways There are three career-based program options in the special education division: Career Preparation or Career Prep, Career Awareness I and II, and Career Exploration I and II. Each are unique, but all share the goal of preparing students for the world of work. Work has been done to add credit to Career Awareness II and Career Exploration I and II, which will allow more choices in career options for Special Education and Alternative Education students.
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 9 June 4, 2020 In addition to these programs, Trade and Service is also an option for students. This program is housed on the Pathways campus. Beginning in September, students will access a new version of Trade and Service, which includes all of the 16 Career Clusters across two years. New units are being developed that will expose students to a wide range of career options. An important component of all of our career-based programs is the ability for our students to earn work- based learning hours. Work-based learning (WBL) is the “umbrella” term used to identify activities, which collaboratively engage employers and schools in providing structured learning experiences for students. The Special Education administrators have been working collaboratively with the Central Valley CSD administration on the transition of classes to Central Valley. The CVA administration has been very welcoming and collaborative. BOCES is very excited for the special education classes to be housed at Central Valley, as it will provide very positive academic as well as social experiences for the students. Director of Technical Programs & Instructional Support Services, Kathy Fox Mrs. Fox provided the following updates: Technical Education ● The Technical Education staff continues to improve with on-line delivery of instruction. Although honing technical skills is not possible without live hands-on practice, students are receiving instruction and support through virtual delivery. Resources continue to be reviewed and shared regularly as administrators and teachers attend career cluster meetings scheduled through the CTE Technical Assistance Center of NY. ● The National Technical Honor Society induction ceremony was held virtually and can be viewed on the BOCES website. Congratulations to the following inductees: Central Valley Academy Little Falls ● Rhiannon Corsette, Building Construction Reese Battisti, Welding ● Jessie Greig, Culinary Samantha Frere, Health Science Dolgeville Mount Markham ● Andrew Ashe, Conservation Chelsea Mashtare, Criminal Justice ● Zachery Kleist,VP-TECH ● Dylan Lamphere, Heavy Equipment Poland ● Emily Miller, Health Science Jack Oczkowski, Welding ● Lexie Tennant, Culinary West Canada Valley Frankfort-Schuyler Jordan Brelinsky, Cosmetology ● Sarah Hamilton, Visual Communications Kaleb Pohleven, VP-TECH ● Mark Shikula, Culinary Madesen Spellman, Welding ● Stephanie Smithling, Visual Communications Chloe Williams, Health Science ● Olivia Talarico, VP-TECH Herkimer ● Marietta Altieri, VP-TECH ● Matthew Gallagher, Visual Communications ● Michial Nichols, Outdoor Power Equipment ● Karli Treen, Health Science
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 10 June 4, 2020 ● The new READiTEC program was presented to the Technical Education Superintendent's Sub- Committee and the superintendents were unanimously in support of the program and excited by the potential opportunities for their students. Application materials were sent to the districts and the responses so far look very promising. READiTEC will allow students an opportunity to be exposed to the 16 career clusters and help them gain a better understanding of career options. The curriculum that students will learn addresses CDOS, SEL, ASCA (American School Counselor Association), and Next Generation Learning Standards. This will prepare them not only academically, but also for entry-level options in a wide range of career trades. VP-TECH ● Congratulations to four VP-TECH students who will earn their Associate’s Degree this year. These students managed to accelerate their learning and garner all their college credits while enrolled in high school. The following students have earned this credential: Marietta Altieri, Herkimer; Charles Buckley, Central Valley Academy; Zachery Kleist, Dolgeville; and Olivia Talarico, Frankfort-Schuyler. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES Mentoring ● The mentees are showing confidence in this new way of educating students. Mentees are feeling the level of frustration is decreasing and the comfort level for providing remote learning is increasing. In fact, many teachers have noted that there are some students who are flourishing in this new virtual learning environment that were struggling with engagement and work in the classroom. ● Teachers are reporting other positive things about how the CSE meetings seem to be more organized and efficient virtually than they were in person. ● The mentees and mentors are often brainstorming to problem solve barriers or are sharing resources they have found to be beneficial during the mentoring meetings. Curriculum Work ● Instructional Support Services has moved toward helping Herkimer BOCES and component schools to utilize technology in the way they deliver their curriculum. This started out on a basic level of providing training on Google Meet, Google Classroom, as well as other technology features on the G-Suite platform such as Google Docs. ● Professional development has been provided via the Zoom platform, which has opened up opportunities to use breakout rooms for educators to be able to have time to discuss and think about the concepts and activities in the PD. ● Mindfulness: Finding Calm in the Crisis was offered twice and was a huge success. It met the maximum capacity of 30 participants both times. Sherri Spina, an elementary teacher from Central Valley, was the presenter. Sherri has a background of certification related to mindfulness. She provided great information and presented strategies that participants can use immediately for themselves and with their students. Professional Development ● Professional Development continued with multiple online workshops that included vocabulary strategies, tech tools and support, autism, and instructional strategies for remote learning. It was noted that there was an increase in participation this year due to the virtual delivery, particularly with teacher aides, as well as some individuals from outside our BOCES region. May 2020 – Total Offerings: 26 May 2019 – Total Offerings: 8 Participation: 285 teachers, staff, and administrators Participation: 55 teachers, staff, and administrators
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 11 June 4, 2020 ● Jon Griffith supported the Social Studies Statewide Curriculum Development team by facilitating a Q&A with one of the nation’s top historical authors and advocates for social studies instruction, Dr. Sam Wineburg of Stanford University. ● Jennifer Stanton and Jon Griffith presented online workshops in collaboration with the Math and Science Statewide Curriculum Development teams. ● Along with other PDs that have been offered virtually, Sarah Trunfio provided professional development for our districts related to instructional practices for students with autism. Sheri Perry continued professional development support for Google Suite applications throughout the month. School to Careers (STC) ● The Fourth Annual Advanced Career Immersion Experience (ACIE) Recognition Ceremony was held virtually and livestreamed. The students spoke about their internships with admiration, passion and gratefulness towards their unique experiences. ● The STC Team continues to work with business and industry partners on a virtual delivery of Career Awareness and Exploration. The team is also participating in the Career and Technical Support Center’s Work-Based Learning statewide meetings. Virtual Online Learning Services ● Online courses have been added for students. BOCES has also been exploring how we can assist districts with online learning for the next school year. Currently, BOCES offers services from Edmentum, Accelerate U, and iTutor. Training has also been done for BOCES and district staff on the use of the LMS (Learning Management System) Google Classroom. Home Instruction ● Home Instruction continues to grow. Three new students have been added to the program. The two coordinators continue to review third quarter reports and letters of intent for the 2020-2021 school year are being received. Honors ● Many great opportunities through different artists/performers for virtual experiences have been offered. Three districts have decided to continue offering their students the opportunity to attend honors programs for the 2020-2021 school year. Director of Adult, Early Childhood and Outreach Education, Mary Kline Early Childhood Education ● Registration for fall PreK continues. Programs are operated in Frankfort-Schuyler, West Canada Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer, and Owen D. Young. There is one integrated class at Central Valley. Registration information is posted on the BOCES website. ● PreK staff continue to provide instruction to the children using a variety of virtual platforms and made a video message of themselves to send to all the children. Adult Education LPN ● The LPN program continues with virtual instruction. The program has already had five students finish for the year. One of the five has passed her LPN Boards. ● The Open Houses have proven to be a successful way to reach out to potential students. We have fourteen new full-time students for the class of 2021. These students will begin the program on June 29.
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 12 June 4, 2020 ● Notification has been given that the application for the Slocum Dickson grant has been denied. The foundation decided to use their funds this year to support COVID-19 projects. The application will be considered in the next round of applications without having to reapply. Adult Literacy ● The Adult Literacy program continues to support the adult learners that were in the program before the shutdown of in person instruction. The NYSED continues to try to offer modifications. Outreach Education ● The Migrant Education Tutorial and Support Services Program continues to help support students and families. Summer programming will be virtual. Activities and lessons are being created that will involve the whole family. Some include outdoor components, virtual field trips with related activities and contests. ● The New York State Migrant Education Program has established an "Unpause" committee to plan for the gradual reopening and what it will mean specifically for the program. Representatives from Herkimer BOCES were selected to participate. ● The NYSED Migrant unit has converted their residential ten-day, college-based program called SUNY Oneonta Summer Learning Academy (SOMLA) to High School Learning Academy (HOLA). Ninth – eleventh graders are being recruited to participate in the 20-day program. Community Outreach and Trainings ● The Herkimer Hunger Coalition is providing five new bicycles to children in various programs. Board members inquired about various topics included in the administrative reports. Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, James Picolla Mr. Picolla provided the final recruitment and retention report. District Superintendent, Sandra Sherwood Due to the pandemic, questions were raised about what the new school year would look like. Various programs were discussed and questions asked about how they managed during the period of virtual learning. Mrs. Sherwood informed the Board that regional reopening workgroups are being formed. The workgroups will be looking at Georgia’s plan, which is a three-tier approach. This will be a big effort and all constituent groups are invited to participate. Mrs. Sherwood noted that the administrators are coming up with creative ideas on ways to celebrate students. FUTURE BUSINESS AND MEETINGS Board of Education Reorganization Meeting, July 2, 5:30pm, Leatherstocking Conference Room *Program administrators are seeking alternative ways of honoring seniors while abiding by the current guidelines.
Herkimer BOCES Regular Meeting 13 June 4, 2020 EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing the employment history of a particular person. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. The Board went into executive session at 7:03pm. President Shypski declared the meeting reconvened at 8:04pm. Mr. Voce moved and Mrs. Tharp seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05pm. All voted in favor; motion carried 9:0. Shawn Maxson Board Clerk
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