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Clay, New York · Sunday, September 20, 2026· Sep 20, 2026
🎓 Board of Education (Liverpool)

Liverpool School Board's Two Split Votes Both Broke 8-1 — With the Same Dissenter

2024-12-02 · 1324 words
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Key Actions & Decisions

  • Approved a single block of routine business items — Nov. 20 meeting minutes, personnel actions, preschool and special education committee placements, an affidavit of unpaid 2024-2025 school taxes for the towns of Salina and Clay, gifts and grants, surplus items, and a budget amendment — unanimously, 9-0.
  • Approved a new mascot nickname, "Legends", effective July 1, 2025, on a motion by Kimberly Martin, seconded by Matthew Jones. Carried 8-1, with Stacey Chilbert opposed.
  • Approved a proposed new club as presented. Carried 9-0.
  • Approved proposed policy revisions and a proposed new policy, each as presented. Both carried 9-0.
  • Entered executive session at 7:38 p.m., 9-0, to discuss collective bargaining strategy under Article 14 of the Civil Service Law, a personnel matter, and a student's disciplinary appeal; returned to open session at 9:27 p.m., 9-0.
  • Voted to deny, with modification, the appeal of a long-term suspension for a student identified only as "Student #1", and directed Interim Superintendent Douglas Lawrence to notify the parent or guardian. Carried 8-1, with Stacey Chilbert opposed.
  • Approved salary adjustments for ten non-affiliated employees, unanimously, 9-0, including Chilbert. Examples as recorded: Patricia Kazmierski (School Claims Auditor) and Dr. Peter Christiano (School Physician) each 3.00% + $1,700; several secretarial and administrative staff each $1,000 + 4.00%; District/Board Clerk Gail Massett 4.00%.
  • Discussed LHS new course recommendations and continued discussion of a property tax exemption; the minutes record no further detail or vote on either.
  • Set the next two meetings for Dec. 16, 2024, and Jan. 6, 2025, both at 6 p.m.

At its Dec. 2, 2024 meeting, the Liverpool Board of Education approved a new mascot nickname, "Legends", and denied with modification a student's appeal of a long-term suspension — the meeting's only two contested items, and both times board member Stacey Chilbert cast the lone dissenting vote.

People
Nicholas Blaney (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) Jecenia Bresett (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) Kimberly Melnik (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) Matthew Jones (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) John Solazzo (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) Daniel McKeever (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) Stacey Chilbert (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) Kimberly Martin (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) Hayley Downs (Liverpool CSD Board of Education member) Briana O'Brien (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Kasey Dolson (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Brett Woodcock (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Dana Ziegler (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Gail Massett (District Clerk, Liverpool CSD) Jonna Ball (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Jason Armstrong (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Jennifer Woody (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Harmony Balintfy (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Douglas Lawrence (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance)) Dan Farsaci (Liverpool CSD administrator (recurring in meeting attendance))

Typeset from the official record — motions and recorded votes are detected automatically. The official copy governs.

Liverpool Central School District

Board of Education

Regular Board Meeting Monday, December 2, 2024

Members present

Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

Others present

Interim Superintendent Douglas Lawrence, Harmony Balintfy, Dan Farsaci, Dana Ziegler, Kasey Dolson, Jonna Ball, Brett Woodcock, Jennifer Woody, Briana O'Brien, Jason Taylor, Jason Armstrong, District Clerk Gail Massett

Meeting called to order at 6:03 PM

1. OPENING

2. RECOGNITION

2.1 POOLS Award - Soule Road Middle School

3. ROUTINE BUSINESS

3.1 Approve November 20, 2024 Meeting Minutes

Resolution: Motion to approve the minutes from the November 20, 2024, Board of Education meeting.

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

3.2 Personnel Actions

Resolution: Motion to approve the personnel actions as submitted.

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

3.3 Approve Committee on Preschool Special Education Recommendations

Resolution: Motion to approve the classification and school placement of students who are certified as eligible to receive preschool special education services by the District Committee on Preschool Special Education.

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

3.4 Approve Committee on Special Education Recommendations

Resolution: Motion to approve the classification and school placement of students who are certified as eligible to receive special education services by the District Committee on Special Education.

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

3.5 Acknowledge Receipt of 2024-2025 Unpaid School Taxes

Resolution: Motion to acknowledge receipt of the Affidavit of the Tax Collector of unpaid 2024-2025 school taxes for the towns of Salina and Clay.

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

3.6 Accept Gifts and Grants

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

3.7 Approve Surplus Items

Resolution: Motion to approve surplus items as presented.

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

3.8 Approve Budget Amendment

Resolution: Motion to approve the Budget Amendment as presented.

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

3.9 Approve Routine Business Items

Resolution: Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion to approve, acknowledge and/or accept the Routine Business items as submitted.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

4. REPORTS, UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

4.1 President's Report

4.3 Student Liaison Report

4.4 Committee Reports

4.5 Department Update

5. FOR DISCUSSION

5.1 LHS New Course Recommendations

5.2 Property Tax Exemption - Continued Discussion

6. COMMUNICATIONS

6.1 Public Communications

6.2 Board Communications

7. FOR ACTION

7.1 Proposed New Club

Motion to approve the proposed new club as presented.

Motion by Daniel McKeever, second by Kimberly Martin.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

7.2 Mascot Recommendation

Motion that the Board of Education approve the new mascot nickname "Legends" as selected by the students, staff, community and alumni of the Liverpool Central School District effective July 1, 2025.

Motion by Kimberly Martin, second by Matthew Jones.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

Nay: Stacey Chilbert

7.3 Approve Proposed Policy Revisions

Motion to approve proposed policy revisions as presented.

Motion by Kimberly Melnik, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

7.4 Approve Proposed New Policy

Motion to approve proposed new policy as presented.

Motion by Daniel McKeever, second by Jecenia Bresett.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

8. ANNOUNCEMENTS

8.1 December 16, 2024 - Board of Education Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

8.2 January 6, 2025 - Board of Education Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION - AS NEEDED

9.1 Executive Session - As Needed

Motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:38 PM for the purpose of matters leading to collective bargaining under Article 14 of the Civil Service Law; to discuss a personnel matter pertaining to a particular person; and for a disciplinary appeal to the Board of Education of a long-term suspension resulting from a Superintendent Hearing for a particular student.

Motion by Kimberly Melnik, second by John Solazzo.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

Motion to re-enter open session at 9:27 PM

Motion by John Solazzo, second by Stacey Chilbert

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

10. APPEAL OF STUDENT DISCIPLINARY DECISION

Action: 10.1 Affirm or Deny Appeal - Student #1

Deny appeal with modification.

The Board of Education, upon review of student appeal as discussed in executive session for Student #1, hereby affirm or deny the appeal of the Superintendent's suspension and further directs the Interim Superintendent to notify the parent/guardian of the Board's decision.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Kimberly Melnik.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones

Nay: Stacey Chilbert

Action: Motion to approve salary adjustments for non-affiliated employees as presented.

Employee

Position

2024-2025

Increase

Patricia Kazmierski

School Claims Auditor

3.00% + $1,700

Dr. Peter Christiano

School Physician

3.00% + $1,700

Melinda Mayer

Secretary to the Superintendent

$1,000 + 4.00%

Denise Wisely

Administrative Assistant

$1,000 + 4.00%

Tracey Sheridan

Personnel Aide

$1,000 + 4.00%

Sara Tully

Personnel Specialist

$1,000 + 4.00%

Mary Ellen Kalahar

School Secretary II

$1,000 + 4.00%

Wendi Martin

School Secretary II

$1,000 + 4.00%

Catherine Morabito

School Secretary II

$1,000 + 4.00%

Gail Massett

District / Board Clerk

4.00%

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Kimberly Martin

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, John Solazzo, Kimberly, Melnik, Matthew Jones, Stacey Chilbert

11. ADJOURNMENT

11.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion by Kimberly Martin, second by Daniel McKeever.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried Aye: Nicholas Blaney, Hayley Downs, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones