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 CBAHerkimer 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 CBAHerkimer 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 ScienceHerkimer 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 administratorsHerkimer 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 ClerkYou can also read
