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DATE: March 16, 2026
5:00 PM BOARD OF EDUCATION WORK SESSION - TRANSPORTATION CENTER-2810 WEST ENTRY RD, BALDWINSVILLE, NY 13027 & 3535 S. FORTUNA AVE, YUMA, AZ 85365
1. 5:00 PM Board of Education Work Session - Transportation Center
A. In-person Public Attendance Requirements and Live-stream Information
A. Audio/Video Files Will Appear Here Once Available
A. Call to Order
B. Pledge of Allegiance
C. Roll Call
Members Present: Thomas Bull, Jeremy Cali, Wayne Davison Jr, Luke Gasowski (Remote), Andrew Henty, Victor Jenkins, Donald Miller, Christina Pavetto, Sherry Schraven
Also Present: Dr. Joseph DeBarbieri, Superintendent; Tiffany Turner, Assistant Superintendent for Management Services; Renee Burnett, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment; Karrie LaMacchia, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services; David Kilcourse, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Ex-Officio Student Board Member Megan DeMarco
President Victor Jenkins read the District’s Mission and Vision Statements.
A. OCM BOCES Services Visit Superintendent Dr. Joseph DeBarbieri introduced Dr. Matt Cook, District Superintendent. Dr. Cook introduced OCM BOCES Board President Robert Crabtree and Vice President Joan Reeves. He provided an overview of the strong partnership between OCM BOCES and the Baldwinsville Central School District and the services BOCES provides to support district needs.
They thanked the Baldwinsville community for its strong support of the recent capital project vote, which passed with over 80% approval, the first such vote in approximately 25 years.
Information was shared about the upcoming BOCES annual meeting on April 7 and the administrative budget vote on April 20. Baldwinsville contributes approximately $230,000 to the BOCES administrative budget, saves about $314,000 through cooperative purchasing, and receives nearly $5 million in BOCES aid. BOCES services represent approximately 7.3% of the district’s budget.
Presenters also highlighted available student programs, including the new veterinary technician program beginning this fall, student participation in Lego League, and recognition of Baldwinsville student Garrett MacDerment in the BOCES welding program. Additional discussion included services such as the CNY RIC’s work to strengthen cybersecurity and system redundancy, and energy purchasing through the NYS School Municipal Energy Consortium. There was further discussion regarding the recruitment and substitute calling services.
B. Department Updates Assistant Superintendent David Kilcourse reviewed recruitment and retention efforts, including the Baldanza program and current hiring trends. Recent searches included 13 candidates for the Durgee principal position, 35 for physical education, 64 for elementary positions, and smaller candidate pools for specialized areas such as visual and performing arts and technology. The district continues to recruit broadly through colleges, professional organizations, and partnerships with institutions such as Syracuse University and SUNY Oswego. Administrators discussed evaluating candidates’ commitment to equity and ensuring all students are supported.
Athletic Director Chris Campolieta highlighted athletic accomplishments, including strong academic performance by teams, student-athlete college signings, and the addition of modified athletic opportunities. He also announced that the district was awarded the opportunity to host the New York State Field Hockey Championships from 2027–2029. Student mental health initiatives include training more than 400 students in Teen Mental Health First Aid.
Assistant Superintendent for Management Services Tiffany Turner reviewed initiatives in food service, facilities, transportation, and capital projects. Food service participation has increased through the Community Eligibility Program and Farm to School partnerships. Facilities updates include water testing remediation, enhanced safety measures, vape detectors, new security cameras, and a centralized receiving and food storage area. Transportation improvements include bus tablets, student ID tracking, the MyRide app for families, stop-arm cameras, and collision mitigation systems. Capital improvements are underway at several schools, with additional projects planned for Elden and Palmer.
Director Katie Cazzolli presented student health and safety initiatives, including dental clinics, immunization clinics, emergency preparedness training, and expanded staff training such as Stop the Bleed and crisis response protocols. Efforts to support student mental health, alternate instruction, and community partnerships were also discussed.
Director Danielle Nahorney reviewed the work of the district technology team and their collaboration with the Central New York Regional Information Center to ensure accurate data reporting and support data-informed instructional practices. She noted the District Dashboard on the website. She provided updates to the district’s strategic plan, including Elden Elementary’s Targeted Support and Improvement status and ongoing collaboration with the State Education Department. She also reviewed the NYS RECOVS Grant 3 award with $1.2 million supporting student mental health services.
Additional updates included potential increases to Universal Pre-K funding, enrollment projections related to the capital improvement project, and efforts to minimize student transitions. Ms. Nahorney will return at a future meeting to provide additional data updates.
Assistant Superintendent Karrie LaMacchia and Director Jenna Wolken reviewed data-driven supports for students, including mental health programs, staff training in crisis prevention and trauma-informed practices, and inclusive special education services. Approximately 15% of students are identified for special education services, consistent with national averages, with most students participating in inclusive classroom settings.
Directors Melissa Chiodo and Christina Morgan presented on curriculum and instruction updates included the pilot of a new elementary ELA program aligned with the Science of Reading, continued implementation of Eureka Squared in mathematics, expanded academic enrichment opportunities such as Lego League and Battle of the Books, and new course offerings including advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence. The district also continues to expand Project Based Learning training and programs such as the Seal of Civic Readiness and Seal of Biliteracy.
Director of Technology Eric Ziegler presented technology updates focused on improving instructional technology, expanding access to digital platforms, strengthening network infrastructure, and supporting secure data systems.
Director Kris Denton presented regarding visual and performing arts programming continuing to grow, with strong student participation, expanded instrument access, and development of arts-based graduation pathways. Community performances, student recognition, and new program opportunities such as modern bands were also highlighted.
President Victor Jenkins discussed that all of the activities going on are so important and it is all about teamwork.
A. Adjournment at 6:59 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Tiffany Turner
Clerk of the District
*AI was used to summarize meeting notes.