The North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education approved a five-year, up-to-$1 million services contract with OCM BOCES over one member's abstention — the only non-unanimous vote of the night — and declared an emergency to authorize no-bid asbestos abatement and heating repairs at North Syracuse Junior High School, at its February 9, 2026 meeting.
Typeset from the official record — motions and recorded votes are detected automatically. The official copy governs.
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education held on February 9, 2026, at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building, 5355 West Taft Road, North Syracuse, NY 13212
Michael Mirizio, President
Dr. Terry Ward Superintendent Paul Farfaglia, Vice President
Christopher R. Leahey, Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent Amanda Sugrue
Donald F.X. Keegan, Associate Superintendent for Business Services Robert Crabtree
Michael Baroody, Ed.D., Asst. Superintendent for Human Resources Cheryl McDonald
Jilian K. Herrera, District Clerk Mark Thorne
Matthew Hermann Brigid Gill Student Ex-Officio
Joshua Ludden
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Michael Shusda
Mr. Mirizio called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
BOARD WORKSHOP The Board of Education and administration held a roundtable discussion regarding options
related to the utilization study.
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Board President Michael Mirizio will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Mirizio asked for a Moment of Silence for the following:
SCHOOL RESOURCE Michael Mirizio made the following Proclamation:
OFFICER APPR. DAY Throughout our school buildings, School Resource Officers (SROs) and School Patrol Officers (SPOs) play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and school communities. They have embraced this critical responsibility with dedication, professionalism, and care.
The SROs and SPOs of the North Syracuse Central School District are committed professionals who exemplify the highest standards of service and integrity. Their presence fosters positive relationships, promotes a secure learning environment, and provides valuable guidance to students and staff. The Board of Education, along with students, parents, administrators, and community members, recognize and appreciate their unwavering efforts to protect and support our schools.
To honor the School Resource Officers and School Patrol Officers of the North Syracuse Central School District and their contributions, I, Michael Mirizio, Vice President of the Board of Education of the North Syracuse Central School District, on behalf of the Board, express our Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 369
deepest gratitude and hereby declare February 12, 2026, as School Resource Officer and School Patrol Officer Appreciation Day, to be recognized with appropriate educational activities.
Mr. Crabtree made the motion to declare February 12, 2026, as SRO and SPO Appreciation Day to be recognized with appropriate educational activities. Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
Mr. Jason Clark, Director of Technology, presented about the recent Lego League competition held
at Roxboro Road Middle School.
Mr. Matthew Erwin, Director of Facilities, and Ms. Tina Chmielewski, Principal of Lakeshore
Elementary School, updated the Board on the Lakeshore Renovation Project and other Capital Projects.
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No Comments
Mr. Thorne stated that the February Policy Committee meeting will be postponed; however, several
policies will be reviewed at the March 10, 2026 Policy Committee meeting.
Mr. Crabtree reported that the February Legislative Committee meeting has also been postponed.
He shared that he and Mr. Farfaglia attended the virtual Capital Conference on Friday, which he found to be very informative. He also noted that he and Mr. Ludden had the opportunity to spend two days with the Governor, during which she spoke repeatedly about the importance of universal pre-kindergarten.
Mr. Farfaglia stated that he will be attending Lobby Day later this week. He noted that there will be several NYSSBA talking points, and he plans to share some of the district’s own talking points as well. He commented that Mr. Shusda sent a helpful email outlining key information and acknowledged that Dr. Ward has been meeting with legislators regarding the tax cap, which he described as an important issue. Mr. Farfaglia also expressed frustration with the number of virtual conferences hosted by NYSSBA, stating that he does not find them as effective as in-person events.
SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Ward stated that he has met with Senator Ryan, Assemblyman Stirpe, and Assemblywoman
Hunter. He also participated in an additional meeting with Assemblyman Stirpe and other area superintendents at East Syracuse Minoa (ESM).
Dr. Ward further reported that he met with Regent Manion, along with Don Keegan and Dr. Cook from OCM BOCES, to discuss PILOT agreements. He noted that they continue to raise concerns at every opportunity regarding the exclusion of PILOT agreements from the tax cap calculation, particularly given the size of the Micron PILOT agreement within the district. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 374
He also shared that he has one additional meeting scheduled this week with Mr. Keegan and Dr. Rick Timbs. Dr. Ward described Dr. Timbs as highly knowledgeable regarding New York State’s property tax cap calculations and noted that securing a one-on-one meeting is difficult. Dr. Timbs has agreed to meet to discuss potential alternative approaches and possible requests from the district related to the Micron PILOT agreement.
Mr. Hermann commented on the LEGO presentation, stating that he was “jealous.” He shared that
he had the opportunity to take an industrial robotics course in college, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He noted that the skills students are learning at such a young age will greatly benefit them in the future and that they appear to be having a great deal of fun. He expressed hope that more students will become involved in the program. Ms. Sugrue inquired about programming opportunities for students beyond middle school. Mr. Clark responded that the district offers VEX Robotics; however, it is currently available only at the middle school and junior high levels. Mr. Mirizio stated that he also attended the Festival of Nations, along with Mr. Crabtree and Mr. Ludden. He commented that the food was excellent and that the event had a strong turnout. Mr. Crabtree reminded Board members that the Legislative Breakfast will be held on February 28 and asked that anyone who has not yet registered notify Ms. Herrera if they wish to attend. He noted that Dr. Timbs and other school board members from neighboring districts will be present. Mr. Crabtree also expressed appreciation for the district’s snowplow team and School Resource Officers (SROs), stating that they do an outstanding job. He congratulated both track teams for breaking records, as well as the district’s divers and a member of the wrestling team for their accomplishments. Mr. Crabtree shared several additional concerns. He stated that the student Board member should attend meetings as part of the Board and expressed that he would also like her to attend the February 28 Legislative Breakfast. He further stated that he would like the district to continue advocating for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), noting that the Governor has expressed a goal of expanding Universal Pre-K across New York State within the next two years. He reflected that the district was among the last to transition to full-day kindergarten and that the change ultimately proved beneficial. He noted that kindergarten teachers currently face challenges due to limited UPK availability and that the district’s UPK program operates in multiple locations outside of district schools. He expressed a desire to explore expanding UPK within district buildings, stating that approximately 250 students currently attend UPK and that additional support would benefit kindergarten teachers. Finally, Mr. Crabtree suggested reviewing meeting times to ensure that all Board members are able to attend.
Ms. Gill stated that last Tuesday the Principal’s Cabinet held its annual Griffin’s Guardians Hoops
for Hope event. She was proud to announce that they raised $1,412, which exceeded last year’s total. She noted there was strong attendance and shared that it was great to hold the event on the same evening as the Elementary Shootout.
Ms. Gill also reported that the Festival of Nations was a great success. Many students completed their Seal of Biliteracy presentations in English or their native language. She noted that many guests remained after the presentations to enjoy the festival and cultural activities, including a salsa lesson, which she said she personally participated in and found to be a lot of fun.
Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board REGULAR Education on January 28, 2026. Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with seven
yes votes.
January 28, 2026
CLASSIFICATION Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve the classification and school placement of & PLACEMENT disabled students who are certified as eligible to receive special education by the District OF DISABL Committee on Special Education for 1/20, 1/21, 1/22, 1/27, 1/28, 1/29, 2/02 and 2/03/2026. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 375
& PRE SCHOOL and made the motion to approve the classification and placement of Pre School DISABL disabled students who are certified as eligible to receive special education STUDENTS District Committee on Preschool Special Education for 02/03/2026.
Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
Mr. Hermann 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. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
The North Syracuse Central School District has received a gift of office furniture from inLine and Co of 405 Spencer Street, Suite 2, Syracuse, NY. The Logiflex Volt desk is valued at $3,579.20.
Mr. Thorne made the motion to accept give of office furniture from inLine and Co for use at the North Syracuse Junior High School. Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the North Syracuse School District desires to enter
into up to a 5 year service contract with the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services (hereafter referred to as OCM BOCES) in order for the Regional Information Center (RIC) to furnish certain services to the District pursuant to Education Law 1950(4)Uj), those services being but not limited to classroom technology and library automation and other instructional technologies in CoSer 562 and/or CoSer 620.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the above School
District agrees to enter into a contract with the OCM BOCES for the provision of said services to the District in total over the life of this agreement not to exceed the principal amount of $1,000,000.00 plus related borrowing fees incurred by the OCM BOCES on behalf of the school district, plus yearly Regional Information Center support during the term of this contract. This amount may be amended with the approval of both parties. Payments will be made as part of a regular annual BOCES contract for services. Further, this contract will be finalized by the Superintendent of the school district and is subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Education for both this multi-year service agreement and the OCM BOCES Installment Purchase contract which will be entered into on behalf of the school district at its request. This contract will be for a maximum period of 5 years commencing on or about March 1, 2026.
Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with six yes votes, one board member abstained.
Ms. Sugrue made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.
WHEREAS the North Syracuse Central School District, in analyzing job duties and
necessary tasks, has determined that for reasons of efficiency, it is necessary to abolish and create certain Civil Service positions; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
Civil Service: Office Personnel The following positions be and hereby are abolished effective October 24, 2025:
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Civil Service: Office Personnel The following positions be and hereby are created effective October 24, 2025:
Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
MOA DATED 2/9/26 Ms. McDonald made the motion to approve the MOA dated February 11, 2026, between the District, the NSPA, and the NSEA. Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
MOA DATED 2/11/26 Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the memorandum of agreement dated February 11, 2026, between the District, the NSPA, and the NSEA. Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes.
Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.
WHEREAS, a failure has occurred in an in-building heating line at North Syracuse Junior High
School, resulting in the loss of heat to a portion of the building; and
WHEREAS, the damaged section of the heating line contains asbestos material, requiring
licensed asbestos abatement in order to safely access and complete the repair; and
WHEREAS, the loss of this heating line impacts building operations and presents an immediate
risk to the health, safety, and property of students, staff, and the District if not promptly addressed; and
WHEREAS, due to the immediate nature of the condition, the need to restore heat, and the
potential for further damage if delayed, this situation constitutes an emergency as defined under New York State General Municipal Law §103(4); and
WHEREAS, the District intends to engage licensed asbestos professionals and qualified
mechanical contractors in full compliance with New York State Department of Labor Industrial Code Rule 56, AHERA requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the North Syracuse
Central School District hereby declares an emergency condition pursuant to New York State General Municipal Law §103(4); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools and/or his designee to procure, on an expedited basis and without competitive bidding, the necessary asbestos abatement and mechanical repair services required to address this emergency condition; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such services shall be limited strictly to the work necessary to stabilize the condition, restore heat, and protect the health, safety, and property of the District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Superintendent or his designee is authorized to execute any and all contracts or agreements necessary to effectuate this resolution and to report the emergency expenditures to the Board at the next regular meeting.
Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 377
Mr. Mirizio acknowledged the retirements of Renee Merritt, Teaching Assistant, Retires with 26 Years of Service, and Jeri Williams, Teaching Assistant, Retires with 19 Years of Service. He thanked them all and wished them well.
Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve Personnel A as submitted below.
Ms. McDonald seconded the motion.
PERSONNEL A – INSTRUCTIONAL
NAME: Bosket, Lori ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
Level III, Dated 10/29/25
2/23/2026 – 2/22/2030 SALARY: $26.25 per hour EFFECTIVE: 2/23/26 ACTION: Replaces Hibah Al-Omari.
NAME: Bradish, Steven ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Technology Teacher
LOCATION: .6 Gillette Road Middle School/.4 Cicero-North Syracuse High School
Technology Education, Dated 9/1/04
$84,370 EFFECTIVE: 2/23/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Technology Teacher; replaces Alexis Williams.
NAME: Cavino, Deborah ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
PreK, Kind. & Grades 1-6, dated 9/1/05
$87,928 EFFECTIVE: 2/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Elementary Teacher; replaces Bridget Burrows-Maum.
NAME: Just, Samantha ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School
Level I, Dated 11/1/23 SALARY: $26.75 per hour EFFECTIVE: 2/10/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Teaching Assistant; replaces Lisa Williams.
NAME: Pascarella, Alexis ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Social Worker
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
School Social Worker, pending
$77,526 EFFECTIVE: 2/23/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute 8:1:1 Embedded Social Worker; replacing Felicia Lattanzio.
NAME: Smith, Kaylee ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
Level I, Dated 8/15/25
February 10, 2026 – February 9, 2030 SALARY: $25.49 per hour EFFECTIVE: 2/10/26 ACTION: Replaces Nicole Parsons.
ATHLETICS – SPRING 2025-26:
Wojcik, John Tennis Boys Varsity $8,881 Amended from $8,519 Hilt, Todd Track Varsity Boys Head $11,417 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 378
Amended from $11,360 Harbold, Jack Track Varsity Girls Head $11,417 Amended from $11,360 Kennedy, Pat Track Varsity Asst. $9,515 Amended from $8,465 Substitute Teachers (retired) - $210 per day:
Marano, Vincent Substitute Teaching Assistants - $17.80 per hour:
Meek, Rebecca
REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:
NAME: Burrows-Maum, Bridget ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
2/2/26 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.
NAME: Williams, Alexis ASSIGNMENT: Technology Teacher
LOCATION: .6 Gillette Road Middle School/.4 Cicero-North Syracuse High School
2/23/26 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.
VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS:
NAME: Schmidt, David ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Lakeshore Road Elementary School to Gillette Road Middle School; replaces John Haas.
RETURNS FROM LEAVE:
NAME: Butler, Colleen ASSIGNMENT: Speech Therapist
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
2/12/26 ACTION: Returns from a child rearing leave.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: Lamirande, Marcia ASSIGNMENT: Substitute part-time .6 School Psychologist
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
2/23/26 ACTION: Resigns long-term substitute part-time .6 School Psychologist position. Returns to substitute status and pay.
NAME: Merritt, Renee ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 26 years of service.
NAME: Williams, Jeri ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 19 years of service.
The motion was carried was carried with seven yes votes.
Ms. Sugrue made the motion to acknowledge personnel B as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion.
PERSONNEL B – SUPPORT STAFF NAME: Chilbert, Michael ASSIGNMENT: Custodial Worker I
LOCATION: .5 Roxboro Road Middle School/.5 Roxboro Road Elementary School SALARY: $26.74 per hour EFFECTIVE: 2/10/26 ACTION: Replaces Jason Pulis.
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NAME: Suflita, Melissa ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Typist I
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building SALARY: $23.57 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/5/26 – 6/30/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Typist I; replaces Julia Shannon.
CHANGE IN LOCATION, CLASSIFICATION AND/OR SALARY:
NAME: Bryan, Kristine ASSIGNMENT: School Secretary I
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School SALARY: $34.22 per hour EFFECTIVE: 10/24/25 ACTION: Change in classification from Typist II to School Secretary I.
NAME: Duncan, Darlene ASSIGNMENT: School Secretary I
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building SALARY: $37.10 per hour EFFECTIVE: 10/24/25 ACTION: Change in classification from Typist II to School Secretary I.
NAME: Johnston, Kristin ASSIGNMENT: School Secretary II
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building SALARY: $39.13 per hour EFFECTIVE: 10/24/25 ACTION: Change in classification from School Secretary I to School Secretary II.
NAME: Kidd, Christine ASSIGNMENT: School Secretary II
LOCATION: Maintenance and Operations Department SALARY: $36.36 per hour EFFECTIVE: 10/24/25 ACTION: Change in classification from School Secretary I to School Secretary II.
NAME: Obit, Lewis
Long-term Substitute School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 12/3/25 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Jennifer Eppler who is on a leave.
NAME: Potter, Rebecca ASSIGNMENT: School Secretary II
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building SALARY: $36.36 per hour EFFECTIVE: 10/24/25 ACTION: Change in classification from School Secretary I to School Secretary II.
REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:
NAME: Gersbacher, Kristine ASSIGMENT: School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
2/4/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
NAME: Jones, Dessye ASSIGMENT: Teacher Aide
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
2/3/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
NAME: Mace, Gary ASSIGMENT: School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
1/26/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
NAME: Mackey, Lisa ASSIGMENT: Teacher Aide Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 380
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
1/12/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: Bunis, Lisa ASSIGMENT: Food Service Helper I
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School
2/5/26 ACTION: Terminated.
The motion was carried with seven yes votes.
Mr. Mirizio made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes at 6:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jilian Herrera District Clerk
BOARD APPROVAL ________________________