The North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education created five staff positions, including a new Associate Principal post at Smith Road Elementary School filled the same night, and unanimously upheld the superintendent's decision in a parental appeal reviewed in executive session, at its December 15, 2025 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 December 15, 2025, 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 (5:45 p.m.)
Donald F.X. Keegan, Associate Superintendent for Business Services Robert Crabtree
Michael Baroody, Ed.D., Asst. Superintendent for Human Resources Josh Ludden
Jilian K. Herrera, District Clerk Mark Thorne
Matthew Hermann Michael Shusda Cheryl McDonald
Brigid Gill Student Ex-Officio
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Mr. Mirizio called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Mirizio asked for a Moment of Silence for the following:
John Robinson, former student of Mr. Crabtree 1972-73 Barbara Sleight, a retiree of the North Syracuse Central School District Lorraine D'Agostino, a retiree of the North Syracuse Central School District Francis Bliven, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District
Cicero-North Syracuse Orchestra Members performing this evening include:
CNS Brass Quintet, Drew Rebecchi, Director Joe Cannella - Trumpet Katie Barney - Trumpet Kristian Reichard - Franch Horn Mark Morris - Trombone Jayden Hunkins - Tuba Musical Selections: Jingle Bells, Last Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas CNS Orchestra, John Harnois, Director Jacob Carver - Viola Carly Corsoniti - Viola Mara Dietrich - Viola Isabella Secor - Viola Carina Stone - Viola Keira Blackmer - Violin Jonathan O'Donnell - Violin Elias VanDreason - Violin Yeli Valdes - Violin Joseph Cassel - Cello Musical Selections: Various Holiday Music
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Associate Superintendent, Donald F. X. Keegan, presented on 2026-2027 Budget Considerations
and Assumptions.
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No Comments
Mr. Thorne stated the next scheduled Policy committee meeting is in January if there is anything
to review. Mr. Crabtree stated the next Legislative Committee Meeting will be on January 7th,
2026.
Mr. Crabtree stated they had a short virtual meeting on December 11th. If anyone has any
questions to please reach out.
SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Ward thanked all the students who performed tonight, saying they did an amazing job! He also
reminded everyone that the holiday break starts next week and wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
No Board comments
Ms. Gill shared that Spirit Week at CNS was this week with lots of student participation. They
also held student voter registration and pre-registration events and they were very well received.
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Mr. Ludden made the motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board REGULAR Education on December 1 , 2025. Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with nine
yes votes.
December 1, 2025
CLASSIFICATION Mr. Thorne 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 11/25, 12/01, 12/02, 12/03, 12/05 and 12/09/2025
& 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 12/2/2025.
Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
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. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the textbook list for the 2025-2026 school year.
Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Shusda made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.
WHEREAS the North Syracuse Central School District, in analyzing the transportation and
instructional needs of students, has determined that for reasons of efficient student service, it is necessary to create certain positions; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
Civil Service: Transportation The following position be and hereby is created effective December 16, 2025:
Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Hermann made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.
WHEREAS the North Syracuse Central School District, in reviewing staffing needs
pertaining to the 2025-2026 adopted budget, has determined for student support needs, it is necessary to create certain positions, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
The following positions are hereby created effective December 16, 2025:
Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the following gifts with gratitude. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 295
The North Syracuse Central School District has received donated audio equipment for use at Gillette Road Middle School from Mr. Timothy Chupeck valued at $3,328.00. Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Ms. McDonald made the motion to accept the following gifts with gratitude. The North Syracuse Central School District received a check for $1,000.00 for support of the CNS Green Closet from Stewart's Shops. Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Ludden made the motion to approve the memorandum of agreement between Employee #08176, the North Syracuse Central School District and the North Syracuse Education Association. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Shusda made the motion to Approve the memorandum of agreement between North Syracuse Central School District and the North Syracuse Education Association dated December 3, 2025. Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Shusda made the motion to approve the foregoing request. ROOM ACCT.
A request by CNS Executive Principal, Kristen Hill, for the creation of an extra classroom account for the CNS Mock Trial Club was submitted by Daryle Redmond, Director of Fine Arts and Co- Curricular for the Board of Education's approval. Mr. Ludden seconded the motion.
The request was approved with nine yes votes.
Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to Approve the safety plan to include changes due to Desha's Law.
Mr. Ludden seconded the motion.
W/DESHA’S LAW
The motion was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Mirizio acknowledged the retirements of the following individuals:
Julie Albanese, Special Education Teacher, retires with 11.7 years of service
Colleen Harbold, Elementary Teacher, retires with 30.7 years of service
Shannon Heffron, Guidance Counselor, retires with 26.7 years of service
Domenic Liccione, Music teacher, retires with 29 years of service
Kristin Lisi, Reading Teacher, retires with 4 years of service
He thanked them and wished them well.
Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve Personnel A as submitted below.
Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion.
PERSONNEL A – INSTRUCTIONAL
NAME: Garrett, Susan ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Reading Teacher
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School
Nursery, Kind. & Grades 1-6, dated 9/1/91
$79,626 EFFECTIVE: 1/5/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Reading Teacher; replaces Emily Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 296
Kiggins.
NAME: George, Jennifer ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Special Education Teacher
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
Childhood Education Gr. 1-6, dated 12/3/25, & Students w/ Disab. Gr. 1-6, pending
$64,312 EFFECTIVE: 12/3/25 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Special Education Teacher; replaces Lisa Prosser.
NAME: Hogan, Sophie ASSIGNMENT: Substitute ENL Teacher
LOCATION: .6 Cicero Elementary School/.4 Gillette Road Middle School
English to Speakers of Other Languages, pending
$71,428 EFFECTIVE: 1/5/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute ENL Teacher; replaces Nicholas Spencer.
NAME: Lamirande, Marcia ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Part-time .6 School Psychologist
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
School Psychologist, dated 9/1/08
$50,622 EFFECTIVE: 12/1/25 ACTION: Hired as a part-time .6 School Psychologist; replaces Carey Pomietlasz.
NAME: Maciariello, Makaela ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
Level I, dated 11/22/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 1/5/26 – 1/4/30 SALARY: $26.75 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/5/26 ACTION: Replaces Suzanne Catalano.
NAME: Schuldt, Michelle ASSIGNMENT: Part-time Pre K Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program
Level I, dated 9/9/23 SALARY: $25.92 per hour EFFECTIVE: 12/17/25 ACTION: Replaces Kate Hevener.
NAME: Stukus, Susan ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Music Teacher
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School PERMANENT CERTIFICATION: Music, dated 9/1/95
$79,626 EFFECTIVE: 1/5/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Music Teacher; replaces Rachael Alakki.
NAME: Taranto, Kyle ASSIGNMENT: Substitute School Social Worker
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program
School Social Worker, dated 8/27/21
$79,214 EFFECTIVE: 1/5/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute School Social Worker, replaces Emily O’Brien.
ATHLETICS – WINTER 2025-26:
Jones, Steven Boys Modified Wrestling Head Coach $6,101 Amended from Boys Modified Wrestling Assistant Coach Salvatore, Mark Boys Modified Wrestling Assistant Coach $5,783 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 297
Amended from Boys Modified Wrestling Head Coach School Psychologist Intern – 9/1/26-6/30/27:
Winn, Mackenzie Gillette Road Middle School $20,000/yr. Homebound Tutors - $43.34 per hour:
Hubbard, Lisa Substitute Teachers (retired) - $210 per day:
Hahn, Kelly Paladino-Baldwin, Mary Substitute Teachers (uncertified) - $145 per day: Brown, Nicholas Libretti, Lana Dimitroff, Yannis Sellin, Anthony Dwyer, Anna Thornton, Lauryn Esce, Anna Vedda, Isabella Gilligan, Mariah Wameling, Giana Houser, Ryan Substitute Teaching Assistants - $17.80 per hour: Donovan, Sophia Ronneburger, Olivia Sweiki, Evan
CHANGE IN ASSIGNMENT:
NAME: Bannister, Amanda ASSIGNMENT: Part-time .4 Speech Therapist
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program
$33,174 EFFECTIVE: 12/19/25 ACTION: Position temporarily increased from a part-time .4 to a part-time .6 ends. Amanda returns to her part-time .4 Speech Therapist position.
REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:
NAME: Alakki, Rachael ASSIGNMENT: Music Teacher
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School
1/5/26 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.
NAME: Butler, Colleen ASSIGNMENT: Speech Therapist
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
12/10/25 ACTION: Requests a child rearing leave.
NAME: George, Jennifer ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
12/3/25-6/30/26 ACTION: Requests an unpaid leave.
NAME: Kiggins, Emily ASSIGNMENT: Reading Teacher
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School
1/5/26 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.
NAME: O’Brien, Emily ASSIGNMENT: Social Worker
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program
12/2/25 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
NAME: Pomietlasz, Carey ASSIGNMENT: School Psychologist
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
12/1/25 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.
NAME: Runge, Ashley ASSIGNMENT: Speech Therapist
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
12/21/25 ACTION: Requests a child rearing leave. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 298
VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS:
NAME: Miner, Alexandra ASSIGNMENT: Special Education Teacher
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
1/5/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Roxboro Road Elementary School to Cicero Elementary School; replaces Heather Gallauresi.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: Albanese, Julie ASSIGNMENT: Special Education Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 11.7 years of service.
NAME: Harbold, Colleen ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Lakeshore Road Elementary School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 30.7 years of service.
NAME: Heffron, Shannon ASSIGNMENT: Guidance Counselor
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 26.7 years of service.
NAME: Liccione, Domenic ASSIGNMENT: Music Teacher
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 29 years of service.
NAME: Lisi, Kristin ASSIGNMENT: Reading Teacher
LOCATION: Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 4 years of service.
NAME: Rosario, Ariana ASSIGNMENT: Teacher on Special Assignment - ENL Coordinator
LOCATION: District wide
1/4/26 ACTION: Resigns position to accept an Associate Principal position.
NAME: Young, Kristan ASSIGNMENT: Special Education Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
1/4/26 ACTION: Resigns position.
TENURE:
NAME: Cooper, Scott ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School EFFECTIVE: 2/28/26
NAME: Rush, Patrick ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School EFFECTIVE: 3/21/26
NAME: Scalisi, Marika ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School EFFECTIVE: 4/4/26
AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 1, 2025: NAME: Smith, Nancy ASSIGNMENT: Reading Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retirement date amended from Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 299
6/30/25 to 6/30/26.
The motion was carried was carried with nine yes votes.
Ms. McDonald made the motion to acknowledge personnel B as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion.
PERSONNEL B – SUPPORT STAFF
APPOINTMENTS:
NAME: Cavino, Debbie ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Typist I SALARY: $16.00 EFFECTIVE: 12/16/25
NAME: Dotson, Sonia ASSIGNMENT: Substitute School Bus Attendant SALARY: $20.00 EFFECTIVE: 12/16/25
NAME: Omolino, Christine ASSIGNMENT: Part-time Typist I
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program SALARY: $23.57 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/5/26 ACTION: Replaces Anja Donoghue.
NAME: Pettit, Joshua ASSIGNMENT: Substitute School Bus Driver SALARY: $28.00 EFFECTIVE: 12/16/25
NAME: Wells, John ASSIGNMENT: School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 12/3/25 ACTION: Replaces Filip Mecea.
CHANGE IN LOCATION, CLASSIFICATION AND/OR SALARY: NAME: BeVard, Hailey ASSIGNMENT: Part-time Occupational Therapist
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program
$48,490.61 EFFECTIVE: 11/24/25 ACTION: Position decreased from a part-time .8 back to a part-time .6 as this was temporarily increased to cover a medical leave that has ended.
NAME: Henrie, Anthony
Long-term Substitute School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 10/14/25 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Justin Olney who is on a leave.
NAME: Maldonado, Lynn
Long-term Substitute School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 10/15/25 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Thomas Crosby who is on a leave.
NAME: Wells, John
Long-term Substitute School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 10/15/25 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Anita West who is on a leave.
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REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:
NAME: Andrianos, Lisa ASSIGMENT: School Secretary I
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building
11/24/25 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
NAME: Coleman, Susan ASSIGMENT: Teacher Aide
LOCATION: North Syracuse Junior High School
11/18/25 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
NAME: Eppler, Jennifer ASSIGMENT: School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
12/2/25 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
NAME: Lookner, Rene ASSIGMENT: School Bus Attendant
LOCATION: Transportation Department
11/17/25 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
RETURNS FROM LEAVE:
NAME: Bush, Allyson ASSIGNMENT: Part-time Physical Therapist
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School/North Syracuse Junior High School/Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
1/5/26 ACTION: Returns from a child-rearing leave.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: DeJesus, Kelvin ASSIGNMENT: Substitute School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
12/2/25 ACTION: Long-term substitute assignment ends; returns to substitute status and pay.
NAME: Joseph, Adam ASSIGNMENT: Custodial Worker I
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
12/2/25 ACTION: Terminated.
NAME: Mecea, Filip ASSIGNMENT: School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
12/2/25 ACTION: Section 75 termination.
NAME: Wells, John ASSIGNMENT: Substitute School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
12/2/25 ACTION: Long-term substitute School Bus Driver position ends; hired as a probationary School Bus Driver.
AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 1, 2025: NAME: Crosby, Thomas ASSIGMENT: School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
12/15/25 ACTION: Remains on a medical leave; did not return to work.
The motion was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Mirizio made the motion to acknowledge Personnel C as submitted below. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion.
NAME: Rosario, Ariana ASSIGNMENT: Associate Principal
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LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 1/5/26 – 1/4/30
School District Leader, dated 6/18/25
$95,088 EFFECTIVE: 1/5/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
The motion was carried with nine yes votes.
EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Mirizio made the motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of reviewing one Parental Appeal with action to follow. Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.at 6:15 p.m.
Mr. Mirizio made the motion to reconvene into open session. Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it
was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to uphold the Superintendent’s decision. Mr. Ludden seconded the
motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
Mr. Mirizio made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jilian Herrera District Clerk
BOARD APPROVAL ________________________