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🎓 Board of Education (Liverpool)

On a Night of 9-0 Votes, Liverpool's School Board Splits 8-1 Three Times on Student Appeals

2024-11-20 · 1538 words
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Key Actions & Decisions

  • Approved Nov. 12 minutes, personnel actions, preschool and special-education committee placements, the September Treasurer's Report, gifts and grants, and surplus items — 9-0 on each, motions by Daniel McKeever and Kimberly Martin
  • Passed a resolution on Ex-officio Audit Committee members designating a proxy, amended on the floor to include "any Board of Education Member" — 9-0
  • Passed a resolution abolishing admission/entry fees for District students at athletics and sporting events held on District-owned property — 9-0
  • Approved a tax settlement with Ruhle & Kerr Associates II c/o Reeb Millwork, taken by roll call vote — 9-0
  • Approved a tax certiorari settlement with Waste Management of NY, LLC — 9-0
  • Appointed Kenneth B. Lynch as Impartial Hearing Officer in a separate student disciplinary matter — 9-0
  • Voted to seek outside special counsel for "an investigation involving a particular personnel matter" — unspecified in the minutes — 9-0
  • Denied, with modification, three student suspension appeals (Student #1, #2, #3) after executive session — each 8-1, with Stacey Chilbert the sole dissent
  • Heard a superintendent-search update from Matt Cook of OCM BOCES and a property-tax-exemption presentation from Onondaga County's Donald Weber; discussed capital project "Phase C", a mascot recommendation, a January Regents Days calendar change and a proposed new club — no votes recorded
  • Adjourned at 10:10 p.m., a little over four hours after the 6:01 p.m. start, minutes after returning from executive session

At its Nov. 20, 2024 meeting, the Liverpool Board of Education approved a long run of routine business, a free-admission policy for student athletes, two tax settlements and a vote to hire outside counsel all by identical 9-0 votes — then, in the minutes after a closed-door session, split 8-1 on all three student suspension appeals it decided, with Stacey Chilbert the lone dissent each time.

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)) 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 Wednesday, November 20, 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, Jonna Ball, Kasey Dolson, Dan Farsaci, Jennifer Woody, Dana Ziegler, Briana O'Brien, Jason Taylor, Jason Armstrong, District Clerk, Gail Massett

Meeting called to order at 6:01 PM

1. OPENING

1.1 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance

2. RECOGNITION

2.1 POOLS Award - Long Branch Elementary School

3. ROUTINE BUSINESS

3.1 Approve November 12, 2024 Meeting Minutes

Resolution: Motion to approve the minutes from the November 12, 2024, Board of Education meeting.

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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

3.5 Acknowledge receipt of September 2024 Treasurer's Report

Resolution: Motion to acknowledge receipt of the September 2024 Treasurer's Report

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

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

3.6 Accept Gifts and Grants

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

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

3.7 Approve Surplus Items

Resolution: Motion to accept surplus items as presented.

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

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

3.8 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 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

4. REPORTS, UPDATES AND PRESENTATIONS

4.1 President's Report

4.2 Superintendent's Report

4.3 Student Liaison Report

4.4 Committee Reports

4.5 Department Update

5. POLICY REVIEW

5.1 Proposed New Policy - Second Reading

5.2 Proposed Policy Revisions - Second Reading

6. FOR DISCUSSION

6.1 Superintendent Search Process - Matt Cook, Ed.D., District Superintendent, OCM BOCES

6.2 Property Tax Exemption Presentation - Donald Weber, Director, Real Property Tax Services, Onondaga County

6.3 Capital Project Update - Phase C

6.4 Mascot Recommendation

6.5 Calendar Change Discussion - January Regents Days

6.6 Proposed New Club

7. COMMUNICATIONS

7.1 Public Communications

7.2 Board Communications

8. FOR ACTION

8.1 Resolution regarding Ex-officio Audit Committee members designating a proxy for specific meetings in the future.

Motion to approve the resolution regarding Ex-officio Audit Committee members designating a proxy for specific meetings in the future as presented. Amend the resolution to include any Board of Education Member.

Motion by John Solazzo, second by Hayley Downs.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

8.2 Resolution abolishing admission/entry fees for all District students to athletics/sporting events when held on District-owned property.

Motion to approve the resolution abolishing admission/entry fees for all District students to athletics/sporting events when held on District-owned property as presented.

Motion by Daniel McKeever, second by Matthew Jones.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

8.3 Approve Proposed Tax Settlement - Ruhle & Kerr Associates II c/o Reeb Millwork

Motion to approve the proposed tax settlement with Ruhle & Kerr Associates II c/o Reeb Millwork by roll call vote 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

8.4 Appointment of Impartial Hearing Officer

Motion to appoint Kenneth B. Lynch as the Impartial Hearing Officer in the matter of student 910011181.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Kimberly Melnik.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

8.5 Approve Proposed Tax Certiorari Settlement - Waste Management of NY, LLC

Motion to approve the proposed tax certiorari settlement with Waste Management of NY, LLC as presented.

Motion by Jecenia Bresett, second by Kimberly Melnik.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS

9.1 December 2, 2024 - Board of Education Meeting 6:00 p.m., District Office

9.2 December 16, 2024 - Board of Education Workshop, 6:00 p.m., District Office

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION - AS NEEDED

10.1 Executive Session

Motion to enter into executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular person or persons in anticipation of review for granting tenure and for three (3) disciplinary appeals to the Board of Education of long-term suspensions resulting from Superintendent Hearings for three particular students and possible appointment of outside counsel.

Motion by Kimberly Melnik, second by Hayley Downs.

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 10:07 PM.

Motion by: Stacey Chilbert, 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 seek outside special counsel for the purpose of an investigation involving a particular personnel matter.

Motion by: Kimberly Melnik, second by Jecenia Bresett

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

11. APPEAL OF STUDENT DISCIPLINARY DECISION

11.1 Affirm or Deny Appeal - Student #1

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.

Deny appeal with modification.

Motion by John Solazzo, 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

11.2 Affirm or Deny Appeal - Student #2

The Board of Education, upon review of student appeal as discussed in executive session for Student #2, 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.

Deny appeal with modification.

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

11.3 Affirm or Deny Appeal - Student #3

The Board of Education, upon review of student appeal as discussed in executive session for Student #3, 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.

Deny appeal with modification.

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

12. ADJOURNMENT

12.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 PM.

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