Typeset from the official record — motions and recorded votes are detected automatically. The official copy governs.
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Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026
Board of Education Meeting Minutes Monday, August 10, 2026 Regular Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
Administrative Offices, Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Building
Michael A. Mirizio, President Paul Farfaglia, Vice President Mark Thorne Cheryl McDonald Amanda Sugrue Matthew Hermann Carol Goehner Mia Lieu, Student Ex-Officio
Joshua Ludden Robert Crabtree
Dr. Terry Ward, Superintendent of Schools Michael Baroody, Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent (absent) Donald F.X. Keegan, Associate Superintendent for Business Services Sarah Jones, Director of Human Resources Jilian K. Herrera, District Clerk
A. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance President Michael Mirizio called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. Moment of Silence Mr. Mirizio asked for a moment of silence observed in memory of the following school community members:
Arlene Ann DeGilormo, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District and Ruth Root, a retiree of the North Syracuse Central School District.
NY Inspires Initiative - Portrait of a Graduate
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Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026 Mrs. Jamie Sullivan, Director of Secondary Education, provided a presentation on the Graduation Measures in NSCSD based on NY Inspires which outlines the adoption of NYS Portrait of a graduate requirements.
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Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026
No Comments from the Audience. (Note: Individuals wishing to address the Board during this portion of the meeting were required to register by Friday, August 7th at 3:00 p.m.)
A. Board of Education Committee Reports There were no Board of Education Committee Reports presented.
B. Superintendent's Comments Dr. Ward stated that more than 100 student-athletes in the district will receive sports physicals tonight. He noted that offering sports physicals to students is a great service and an important benefit for student- athletes.
He also stated that fall sports will begin next Monday, starting with football, followed by the other fall sports.
Dr. Ward highlighted the Rising Rox program and shared that the district is looking into applying for another five-year grant to continue supporting the program.
C. Board of Education Comments There were no Board Comments
D. Student Board Member Comments Ms. Lieu shared an update on the progress she has made toward some of her goals for the year. She stated that she will be collaborating with the Career Center and counselors to provide students with post- graduation resources.
She also shared that the student walkthrough at C-NS will take place on August 27th. She hopes to have a handout available for students that includes helpful information and resources. Ms. Lieu also noted that she will be attending a Summer Principals Cabinet meeting next week.
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Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026 A. Consideration of Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Reorganizational Meeting and the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of July 27, 2026 Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the Minutes of the Annual Reorganizational Meeting and the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of July 27, 2026, as prepared and presented by Jilian K. Herrera, District Clerk. The motion was seconded and carried by Ms. McDonald with seven yes votes.
B. CLASSIFICATION & PLACEMENT OF DISABLED .
as DISABL. STUDENTS
Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve the classification and school & placement of disabled students who are certified as eligible to receive special education by the District Committee on Special Education for 7/15/2026 and also Approve the classification and program placement of preschool disabled students who are certified as eligible to receive special education by the District Committee on Preschool Special Education for 7/20, 7/21, 7/30 and 8/4/2026.
Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
D. Acknowledgement of Business Office Reports May 2026 Mr. Thorne made the motion acknowledge Business office reports as presented. Ms. Goehner seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
B. Surplus Ms. Sugrue made the motion to Declare the non-marketable surplus equipment listed as non-marketable and be disposed of; and marketable surplus, which has some value to others, be disposed through an online auction conducted by Auctions International. Mr. Hermann seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
C. Create and Abolish Positions Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.
WHEREAS the North Syracuse Central School District, in reviewing the most recent enrollment data,
staffing, and student needs, has determined, for instructional reasons, that it is necessary to abolish a certain position, and 46
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
I. The following position is hereby created effective August 10, 2026:
II. The following positions are hereby abolished effective August 10, 2026:
III. The following positions are hereby abolished effective August 31, 2026: 1.0 FTE UPK Coordinator TOSA.
Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
D. Agreement with Architect for Pre-Referendum Work Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve the contact between the North Syracuse Central School District and King & King Architects for pre-referendum work. The motion was seconded by Ms. Sugrue and carried with seven yes votes.
Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve Instructional Personnel Report A as submitted. Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes. A. Personnel A- Instructional Personnel Report APPOINTMENTS:
NAME: Botto, Natalie ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Kindergarten Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
Early Childhood Ed. Birth-Gr. 2, dated 6/6/26
$76,666 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Kindergarten Teacher; replaces Heidi Corwin.
NAME: Capello, Jessica ASSIGNMENT: Part-time Pre K Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program 47
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026
Initial, dated 7/8/26
$28.24 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired to fill an open position.
NAME: Cruz-Rivas, Carmen ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Level I, dated 6/5/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$27.33 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Davis, Lillian ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Level I, dated 3/11/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$26.93 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Germain, Amy ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Initial, dated 7/30/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$28.24 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Keeler, Juli-Ann ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Special Education Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Students w/ Dis. (All Grades), dated 5/22/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 TENURE AREA: Special Education SALARY: $76,137 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a probationary Special Education Teacher, in a newly created position.
NAME: Lopez, Nicholas ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Music Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School INITIAL CERTIFICATION: Music, dated 7/4/24 PROBATIOANRY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 TENURE AREA: Music SALARY: $68,103 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a probationary Music Teacher; replaces Christian Jaquay.
NAME: Monica, Matthew ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Level I, dated 7/3/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$26.93 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
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Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026
NAME: Rice, Rebecca ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Special Education Teacher
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School
Students w/ Dis. (Grades 1-6), dated 7/28/17
9/2/26 – 9/1/29, due to previous tenure from Mexico Academy and Central and School District.
TENURE AREA: Special Education
$86,371 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a probationary Special Education Teacher; replaces Amanda Menikheim-Morey.
NAME: Rubadeau, Allison ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
Level I, dated 6/26/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$28.24 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Rodilla, Nathalie ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
Level I, dated 5/8/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$26.93 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Stassi, Shawn ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Lakeshore Road Elementary School
Initial, dated 8/1/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$26.93 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Swisher, Maria ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Mathematics Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Mathematics 7-9 Ext., dated 9/1/98
$86,101 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Mathematics Teacher; replaces Danielle DiGiovanni.
NAME: Topor, Brittany ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Lakeshore Road Elementary School
Level III, dated 6/19/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$28.24 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Washington, Mckenzie ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Lakeshore Road Elementary School
Level III, dated 7/9/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 49
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026
28.24 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Wood, Miles ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Students w/ Dis (Grade 1-6), dated 6/11/24 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
28.24 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
North Syracuse Junior High School:
Healey, Robert Credit Recovery Teacher $79.23/hr. Substitute Teaching Assistants (Retirees) - $23.25 per hour Crouse, Kimberly Substitute Teaching Assistants - $19.00 per hour D’Avirro, Dominick Gokey, Maegan Miller, Ashleigh Romano, Ayvah Rising Rox Stars – 2026-27:
Roxboro Road Elementary School Bausinger, Dale Program Aide $30/hr.
Brown, Genny Certified Teaching Asst./Program Aide $30/hr. Bryant, Mechelle Certified Teaching Asst./Program Aide $30/hr. Bush, Jennifer OST Instructor $45/hr.
Capria, Teri Sub Cert. Teaching Asst./Program Aide $30/hr. Isyk-Akley, Lindsey Certified Teacher & OST Instructor $45/hr. LaRobardiere, Lisa Certified Teaching Asst./Program Aide $30/hr. O’Neil, Patricia Certified Teaching Asst./Program Aide $30/hr. Rueppel, Tammy Certified Teacher/OST Instructor $45/hr. Rush, Margaret Sub Cert. Teacher/OST Instructor $35/hr. Smith, Kelly Sub Cert. Teaching Asst./Program Aide $30/hr. Roxboro Road Middle School Card, Shannon Certified Teacher/OST Instructor $45/hr. Holmes, Elisabeth Certified Teacher/OST Instructor $45/hr. Ludwig, Laurinda Certified Teaching Asst./Program Aide $30/hr. Wescott, Suzanne Certified Teaching Asst./Program Aide $30/hr. Roxboro Road Elementary School & Roxboro Road Middle School Falinski, Barbara Nurse $45/hr.
REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:
NAME: Coir, Cheryl ASSIGNMENT: Reading Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
9/2/26 ACTION: Requests a child rearing leave.
NAME: Corcoran, Alison ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School
9/2/26 ACTION: Requests a child rearing leave.
RETURNS FROM LEAVE:
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Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026 NAME: Benson, Linda ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
9/2/26 ACTION: Returns from a medical leave.
NAME: Hill, Nicole ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
7/1/26 ACTION: Returns from a medical leave.
CHANGE IN LOCATION/EXCESSES/INVOLUNTARY TRANSFERS: NAME: Williams, Karly ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
9/2/26 ACTION: Excessed from Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School and transfers to Allen Road Elementary School; newly created position.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: DeBottis, Kate ASSIGNMENT: Teacher on Special Assignment
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building
8/31/26 ACTION: Resigns position to accept the position of Assistant Director of Early Learning.
NAME: Smith, Andrew ASSIGNMENT: Music Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
8/5/26 ACTION: Resigns position.
AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES OF JULY 27, 2026: NAME: Wager, Jennifer ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
Level III, dated 1/29/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $27.98 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Amend start date from 1/29/26 to 9/2/26. B. Support Staff Personnel Report C.
Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve Support Staff Personnel Report B as submitted. Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
APPOINTMENTS:
NAME: Brown, Megan ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Occupational Therapist
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
$76,178.60 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Occupational Therapist; replaces Nicole Halligan.
NAME: Carter, John ASSIGNMENT: Security Intern 51
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: N/A SALARY: N/A 9/8/26 – 12/31/26
NAME: English, Becki ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Custodial Helper SALARY: $23.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 8/11/26
NAME: Flanagan, Rebecca ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Occupational Therapist
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School/Cicero Elementary School
$76,178.60 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Occupational Therapist; replaces Emily Jackman.
NAME: Powdyal, Tara ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Food Service Helper SALARY: $18.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/8/26
CHANGE IN LOCATION, CLASSIFICATION AND/OR SALARY: NAME: Hujar, Rachel ASSIGNMENT: Teacher Aide
LOCATION: North Syracuse Junior High School
9/2/26 ACTION: Voluntary transfer from Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School to the North Syracuse Junior High School with an increase in hours from 27.5 hours per week to 32.5 hours per week; replaces Mary Cali-Rachetta.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: Topor, Brittany ASSIGNMENT: Teacher Aide
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
7/29/26 ACTION: Resigns position to take a probationary Teaching Assistant position.
NAME: Rice, Harmony ASSIGNMENT: School Secretary I - 11 Month
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School
8/25/26 ACTION: Resigns position.
NAME: Rebecca Delconte ASSIGNMENT: Food Service Helper I
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary
8/10/26 ACTION: Terminated.
AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 13, 2026: NAME: Brisson, Amy ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Account Clerk III
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building SALARY: $54.21 per hour EFFECTIVE: 7/14/26 – 6/30/27 ACTION: Amend hire date from 7/13/26 – 6/30/27 to 7/14/26 – 6/30/27. C. Administrative Personnel Report Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve Administrative Personnel Report C as submitted. Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes. D. ADMINISTRATIVE:
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Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 8/10/2026 APPOINTMENTS:
NAME: DeBottis, Kate ASSIGNMENT: Assistant Director of Early Learning
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building
School District Leader, dated 4/20/19 SALARY: $118,000 EFFECTIV: 9/1/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Reilly, Matthew ASSIGNMENT: Interim Associate Principal
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
School District Administrator, dated 2/1/27 SALARY: $550 per day for actual days worked EFFECTIVE; 8/11/26 – 12/31/26 ACTION: Hired as Interim Associate Principal; newly created position.
D, E. Executive Session Mr. Mirizio made the motion to move into Executive session for the purpose of discussing particular subject matters permitted by law, with no action to follow. Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
Mr. Mirizio made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was
carried with seven yes votes at 5:26 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jilian K. Herrera District Clerk