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🎓 Board of Education (NSCSD)

North Syracuse Board Sets May Ballot on $2.5 Million Bus Fleet, Retains Architect and Construction Manager for a Future Capital Project

2026-03-23 · 6800 words
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Key Actions & Decisions

  • Board voted to place two propositions on the May 19 ballot: a vehicle bonding measure not to exceed $2,525,994 for buses, vans and a mower, and an increase in the Salina Free Library annual appropriation from $524,861 to $536,933.
  • That ballot resolution was the meeting's only recorded roll-call vote: seven yes, Michael Shusda abstained, and Robert Crabtree was recorded absent from the vote.
  • Four board seats are up in the May 19 election, held by Michael Mirizio, Joshua Ludden, Cheryl McDonald and Michael Shusda; nominating petitions are due by April 20, 2026.
  • Board retained C&S Engineers, Inc. as construction manager and King + King Architects as architect/engineer to provide "Pre-Referendum Services" for a Capital Improvement Project whose scope, schedule and budget are still "to be determined."
  • Board declared itself SEQRA lead agency for the Roxboro Road Middle School Acoustic Panel Installation Project and classified it as a Type II Action requiring no further environmental review.
  • After an executive session on one parental appeal, the board voted to amend the Superintendent's decision, 8 yes.
  • Board approved the hire of Sean Fahey as Director of Data, Accountability and School Improvement at an annual salary of $153,203, replacing Donna Marie Norton.
  • Personnel A (instructional appointments, transfers and leaves) carried with seven yes votes, one fewer than most other motions that evening.
  • Board acknowledged retirements of Carol Strzelecki (School Secretary II, 17 years), Scott Wilson (Custodian II, 21 years) and Marie Tubolino (Teaching Assistant, 20 years).
  • Board approved memoranda of agreement with the NSEA (dated March 4, 2026) and the NSADA (dated March 20, 2026); the minutes do not describe their contents.

The North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education voted March 23 to place a bus-purchase bond and a Salina Free Library funding increase on the May 19 ballot, and separately hired an architect and a construction manager to prepare a larger capital project ahead of a future referendum. The board also reversed a superintendent's decision on a parental appeal and approved a new director-level hire.

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

Contents · 29 sections
  1. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
  2. OTHERS PRESENT
  3. BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
  4. CALL TO ORDER
  5. SCHOOL LIBRARY
  6. APPRECIATION
  7. OCCUPATIONAL
  8. PRESENTATION
  9. 2026-27 NSCSD
  10. BUDGET UPDATE
  11. COMMENTS FROM
  12. THE AUDIENCE
  13. MINUTES OF THE
  14. OFFICE REPORTS
  15. PUBLIC HEARING
  16. ANNUAL MEETING
  17. NOTICE OF PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING, AND ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION
  18. OF THE NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
  19. SALINA FREE LIBRARY ANNUAL APPROPRIATION
  20. PROPOSITIONS
  21. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
  22. CONSTRUCTION
  23. ARCHITECTUAL
  24. APPOINTMENTS
  25. INITIAL CERTIFICATION
  26. ANNUAL SALARY
  27. PERMANENT CERTIFICATION
  28. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
  29. APPEAL DECISION

Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 427

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education held on March 23, 2026, at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building, 5355 West Taft Road, North Syracuse, NY 13212

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

OTHERS PRESENT

Michael Mirizio, President

Dr. Terry Ward Superintendent (absent) Paul Farfaglia, Vice President

Christopher R. Leahey, Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent (absent) Amanda Sugrue

Donald F.X. Keegan, Associate Superintendent for Business Services Mark Thorne

Michael Baroody, Ed.D., Asst. Superintendent for Human Resources Cheryl McDonald

Jilian K. Herrera, District Clerk Joshua Ludden Michael Shusda Matthew Hermann

Brigid Gill Student Ex-Officio

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT

VISITORS

Robert Crabtree

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Mirizio called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

PLEDGE OF

Board President Michael Mirizio led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ALLEGIANCE

MOMENT OF

Mr. Mirizio asked for a Moment of Silence for the following:

SILENCE

Mary O'Hara, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District, Nina Baxter, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District, James Leone, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District, Ralph Mizener, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District, Ronald Beauchamp, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District and Nancy Martin, a retiree of the North Syracuse Central School District.

SCHOOL LIBRARY

Michael Mirizio made the following Proclamation:

& MEDIA

SPECIALIST

Throughout our school buildings, School Library Media Specialists have an impact on the district’s

APPRECIATION

students. They have accepted this exceptional responsibility with commitment, dedication and DAY love.

The School Library Media Specialists of the North Syracuse Central School District are professionals of the highest caliber, and have dedicated themselves to the ideals of their profession. Students, parents, administrators and community members recognize, applaud and appreciate their efforts to ensure students receive quality educational services.

To honor the School Library Media Specialists of the North Syracuse Central School District and their accomplishments and, I, Michael Mirizio, President of the Board of Education of the North Syracuse Central School District, on behalf of the Board, express our deepest gratitude hereby declare April 6, 2026 as School Library Media Specialist Appreciation Day to be celebrated with appropriate educational activities.

Mr. Ludden made the motion to declare April 6, 2026 as School Library Media Specialist Appreciation Day to be celebrated with appropriate educational activities.

Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 428

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SCHOOL

Michael Mirizio made the following Proclamation:

OCCUPATIONAL

THERAPIST

Throughout our school buildings, School Occupational Therapists have an impact on the district’s

APPRECIATION

students and families. They have accepted this exceptional responsibility with commitment, DAY dedication and love.

School Occupational Therapists of the North Syracuse Central School District are professionals of the highest caliber, and have dedicated themselves to the ideals of their profession. Students, parents, administrators and community members recognize, applaud and appreciate their efforts to ensure students receive a quality services.

To honor the School Occupational Therapists of the North Syracuse Central School District and their accomplishments and, I, Michael Mirizio, President of the Board of Education of the North Syracuse Central School District, on behalf of the Board, express our deepest gratitude hereby declare April 8, 2026 as School Occupational Therapist Appreciation Day to be celebrated with appropriate educational activities.

Ms. McDonald made the motion to declare April 8, 2026 as School Occupational Therapist Appreciation Day to be celebrated with appropriate educational activities.

Mr. Hermann seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

TEACHER

North Syracuse Central School District teachers Julie Shova, Alexis Williams and Alina Capria

RECOGNITION

have accepted invitations to participate in the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Track 3: Preparing STEM Teacher Leaders for Rapidly Expanding Microelectronics Ecosystems in Idaho and New York at the University of Rochester. These teachers were chosen from a highly qualified list of applicants across four districts in the Syracuse area.

The Board of Education awards a certificate of recognition to Julie, Alexis and Alina in celebration of this outstanding accomplishment. The Board of Education President, Mr. Michael Mirizio, the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Terry Ward and the Director of STEM, Mr. Nickolas Scholz awarded award the certificates.

Congratulations to these outstanding teachers!

OCM BOCES

Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES Deputy Superintendent, Colleen Viggiano, presented

PRESENTATION

information on BOCES services.

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2026-27 NSCSD

Mr. Donald F.X. Keegan, Associate Superintendent for Business Services, presented an update on

BUDGET UPDATE

the budget for school year 2026-2027.

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COMMENTS FROM

No Comments

THE AUDIENCE

BOARD OF

Mr. Thorne stated that the next Policy committee meeting will be held on March 10th.

EDUCATION

COMMITTEE

REPORTS

SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Ward welcomed Mr. Fahey and congratulated him on his appointment. He shared that he

COMMENTS

attended the C-NS production of Mary Poppins, noting that it was the best musical he has seen. He expressed how impressed he was by the students’ talent and described the performance as outstanding, commending everyone involved for a job well done.

BOARD Mr. Mirizio echoed Dr. Ward’s comments regarding the Mary Poppins musical, stating it was truly COMMENTS amazing to see how the students were able to “fly.”

STUDENT BOE Ms. Gill congratulated everyone involved in the musical, noting it was a large-scale production

COMMENTS

with over 100 students participating and four sold-out performances. She also wished the girls’ lacrosse team good luck in their upcoming game.

MINUTES OF THE

Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board REGULAR Education on March 9, 2026. Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with eight

MEETING OF

yes votes.

March 9, 2026

CLASSIFICATION Mr. Shusda 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 2/24, 2/25, 2/26, 2/27, 3/2, 3/3, 3/4, 3/5, 3/10, 3/11, 3/13 and

3/19/2026.

STUDENTS and made the motion to approve the classification and placement of Pre School & PRE SCHOOL DISABL disabled students who are certified as eligible to receive special education STUDENTS District Committee on Preschool Special Education for 3/5, 3/6, 3/10, 3/11, 3/12 and 3/17/2026.

Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

BUSINESS

Mr. Thorne made the motion to acknowledge the business office reports as presented.

OFFICE REPORTS

Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

SURPLUS

Mr. Farfaglia 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 eight yes votes. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 440

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NOTICE OF

Mr. Hermann made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.

PUBLIC HEARING

ANNUAL MEETING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING, AND ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION

OF THE NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Public Budget Hearing of the North Syracuse Central School District for the discussion of the expenditures and budgeting of funds for the 2026-2027 school year will be held in the Board of Education meeting room of the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building, 5355 West Taft Road, North Syracuse, New York on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time (E.D.S.T.).

NOTICE is also given that the Annual Meeting and Election to vote on the budget for the 2026- 2027 school year and election of members of the Board of Education will be held at the polling places designated below in Election districts No. 1 and 2 on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at which time the polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (E.D.S.T.); voting shall be by machine.

NOTICE is also given that a copy of a statement prepared by the Board of Education of the estimated expenses and the amount of money that will be required for school purposes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, may be obtained at each school in the District, and at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building, 5355 West Taft Road, North Syracuse, New York, on and after April 26, 2026 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., each weekday, except Saturday, Sunday or holiday.

NOTICE is also given in accordance with Section 495 of the New York Real Property Tax Law, that the District shall prepare a Real Property Tax “Exemption Report” which shall show how much of the assessed value on the final assessment roll (utilized for the school tax levy) is exempt from taxation. This Exemption Report will be posted on the District’s web site and on District bulletin boards utilized for posting public notices. The Exemption Report will be annexed to any preliminary District budget, and shall become part of the final budget.

NOTICE is also given that the following proposition will be submitted at the same election to the voters who live in the Town of Salina and vote in Election district No. 1:

SALINA FREE LIBRARY ANNUAL APPROPRIATION

Shall the annual appropriation for the Salina Free Library within the School District be increased from $524,861 to $536,933, such sum to be raised by levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the District located in the Town of Salina in accordance with Section 259 of the Education Law?

NOTICE is also given that the following proposition will be submitted at the same election to all District voters:

Vehicle Bonding Proposition:

Shall the Board of Education be authorized to purchase and finance eight (8) 65- passenger gasoline school buses, two (2) 65-passenger gasoline school buses with wheelchair lift and AC, two (2) 65-passenger 100 gallon gasoline school buses, and for maintenance operations, two (2) service vans and one (1) wide area mower, including, for each, necessary furnishings, fixtures and equipment and all other costs incidental thereto, and expend a total sum not to exceed $2,525,994, which is estimated to be the total maximum cost thereof, and pay for such vehicles by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District to be collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District, in the principal amount not to exceed $2,525,994, shall be issued.

NOTICE is also given that four (4) members of the Board of Education will be elected due to the expiration of the terms of Michael Mirizio, Joshua Ludden, Cheryl McDonald and Michael Shusda. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to three-year terms. The candidate with the lowest number of votes will be elected to a one year term.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Education law, candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education shall be nominated by petition. A separate petition shall be required to nominate each candidate. Each petition shall be signed by at least twenty nine (29) qualified voters of the District, such figure being two percent of the voters who voted in the previous annual election, and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and the residence of each signer. Each petition shall be filed with the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. E.D.S.T., but no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2026. Forms of petition may be obtained from the Clerk of the District, located at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 441

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NOTICE is also given that the District has established personal registration of voters and has divided the School District into two election districts. Election District No. 1 consists of all that part of the District south of the centerline of New York State Route 481, and Election District No. 2 consists of all that part of the District north of the centerline of New York State Route 481.

The only persons entitled to vote on May 19, 2026 are those who are citizens of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and a resident within the District for a period of 30 days preceding May 19,

2026. In addition, persons seeking to vote must:

register to vote by May 14, 2026 in the Office of the District Clerk, 5355 West Taft Road, North Syracuse, New York, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on any day when the Office is open for business upon proving that he or she is entitled to vote in the District;

have registered to vote previously and have voted in any annual or special meeting of the District within the prior four calendar years; or

be registered with the Onondaga County Elections Board to vote in general elections, pursuant to the provisions of Article 5 of the Election Law.

The place and time where a resident may register to vote is as follows:

Election District No. 1 – Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building

5355 West Taft Road, North Syracuse, New York

Monday through Friday 8 am - 4 pm through May 14, 2026

The place in each election district where the vote and election will take place is as follows:

Election District No. 1 – Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building

5355 West Taft Road, North Syracuse, New York

Election District No. 2– Michael J. Bragman Stadium, Cicero-North Syracuse High School,

Route 31, Cicero, New York

The Board of Registration will also meet on May 19, 2026 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to register voters for elections held after May 19, 2026.

Information regarding the legal boundaries of each election district and directions to the designated voter registration and polling places may be obtained from the Office of the District Clerk during normal business hours. The register of voters will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on any day when the Office is open for business from May 12, 2026 to May 19, 2026.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that qualified voters of the District may obtain applications for an absentee ballot or an early voting ballot from the office of the Clerk of the District. Completed applications must be received by the Clerk of the District no later than 4:00 P.M. on May 18, 2026 and must be received no later than 4:00 P.M. on May 12, 2026 if the absentee ballot or an early voting ballot is to be mailed to the voter. Completed applications received after 4:00 P.M. on May 12, 2026 will require the voter to personally appear at the office of the Clerk of the District to receive an absentee ballot or an early voting ballot. A listing of all persons to whom an absentee ballot or an early voting ballot is issued will be available for inspection by any qualified voter in the office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. during each of the 5 business days prior to the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military ballots may be applied for by qualified voters by requesting an application from the District Clerk at 315-218-2131 or jherrera@nscsd.org. Completed applications for military ballots must be received by the Clerk no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 23, 2026. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.

Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 442

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BALLOT Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.

PROPOSITIONS

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

OF THE NORTH SYRACUSE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

To Authorize Propositions for Placement on the District’s Ballot

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education (the “Board”) of the North Syracuse Central School

District (the “District”) hereby adopts the following vehicle bonding proposition and directs the District Clerk to include this proposition on the ballot at the Annual District Meeting and Election scheduled for May 19, 2026:

Shall the Board of Education be authorized to purchase and finance eight (8) 65-passenger gasoline school buses, two (2) 65-passenger gasoline school buses with wheelchair lift and AC, two (2) 65-passenger 100 gallon gasoline school buses, and for maintenance operations, two (2) service vans and one (1) wide area mower, including, for each, necessary furnishings, fixtures and equipment and all other costs incidental thereto, and expend a total sum not to exceed $2,525,994, which is estimated to be the total maximum cost thereof, and pay for such vehicles by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District to be collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District, in the principal amount not to exceed $2,525,994, shall be issued.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board directs the District Clerk to also include the following Salina Free Library proposition (as prepared and submitted to the District by the Library) on the ballot at the aforesaid the Annual District Meeting and Election, to be submitted to the voters who live in the Town of Salina and vote in Election District No. 1:

Shall the annual appropriation for the Salina Free Library within the School District be increased from $524,861 to $536,933 such sum to be raised by levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the District located in the Town of Salina in accordance with Section 259 of the Education Law?

Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Mr. Hermann seconded the motion and it was carried with the following roll call vote.

Michael Mirizio, President Paul Farfaglia, Vice President Robert Crabtree Matthew Hermann Cheryl McDonald Joshua Ludden Michael Shusda Amanda Sugrue Mark Thorne Voting Voting Voting Voting Voting Voting Voting Voting Voting yes yes

absent

yes yes yes

abstain

yes yes

SEQRA

Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Board of Education (the “Board”) of the North Syracuse Central School District

(the “District”) desires to embark upon a capital improvement project at the District, known as the Roxboro Road Middle School Acoustic Panel Installation Project (the “Project”);

WHEREAS, the District has engaged King & King Architects, LLP (“King & King”) to design the

Project and administer construction;

WHEREAS, the installation of acoustic ceiling and wall panels and related work at the district’s

Roxboro Middle School is subject to review pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”);

Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 443

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WHEREAS, SEQRA requires the designation of a “Lead Agency” to determine whether an

environmental impact statement is required for the project;

WHEREAS, SEQRA Regulation 6 NYCRR §617.5(a) declares Type II Actions to be actions that

have no significant impact on the environment and require no further review under SEQR;

WHEREAS, SEQRA Regulation 6 NYCRR §617.5(c)(8) provides that routine activities such as

renovations to, or expansions of, existing public school facilities by less than 10,000 square feet are classified as Type II Actions;

WHEREAS, SEQRA Regulation 6 NYCRR §617.5)(c)(2) declares that “replacement,

rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site, including upgrading buildings to meet building or fire codes, unless such action meets or exceeds any of the thresholds in section 617.4 of this Part;” and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education, as lead agency, has examined information available to it from

King & King related to the Project and has, in reliance on information provided by King & King, determined that this additions and alterations Project is classified as a Type II Action pursuant to 6 NYCRR §§617.5(c)(2) and (8);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the North Syracuse

Central School District hereby declares itself as “Lead Agency”, specifically pursuant to 6 NYCRR § 617.6(b), for the proposed Project;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby declares that the Roxboro Middle School Acoustic Panel Project is a Type II Action, which requires no further review under SEQRA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to forward an official copy of this Resolution to the New York State Education Department, if necessary, together with a copy of correspondence to and from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in connection with its request for approval of the Project from the New York State Education Department.

Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

APPROVE MOA

Ms. Sugrue made the motion to approve the memorandum of agreement dated March 4, 2026 between the district and the NSEA. Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

APPROVE MOA

Mr. Shusda made the motion to approve the memorandum of agreement dated March 20, 2026 between the district and the NSADA. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

CONSTRUCTION

Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.

MANAGEMENT

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the North Syracuse Central School District (the “Board

of Education”) has determined that it is in the best interest of the School District to retain a construction manager prior to and in preparation for a voter referendum, to: assist with the development of a voter proposition for the Project; collaborate with the project architect; provide construction planning; prepare and update as needed a project schedule; provide cost estimating; Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 444

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provide project status reports; and provide related administration and professional services (“Pre- Referendum Services”) in connection with a Capital Improvement Project, with scope, schedule, and budget to be determined (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, the School District previously issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for

Construction Management Services for the Project; and

WHEREAS, the School District received proposals in response to the RFP, diligently analyzed

the proposals, and conducted interviews with selected candidates as part of the selection process; and

WHEREAS, as the result of the RFP process the School District’s Superintendent recommends

approval of C&S Engineers, Inc., (“C&S”) to provide Pre-Referendum Services for the Project as being in the best interest of the School District; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has determined that it is in the best interest of the School

District to retain C&S for the purpose of providing Pre-Referendum Services for the Project; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education authorizes the School District to enter into the contract for

Pre-Referendum Services in connection with the Project (the “Pre-Referendum Contract”) in the form approved by the School District’s legal counsel.

NOW, THEREFORE be it resolved as follows:

The Board of Education approves the retention of C&S to provide Pre-Referendum Services for the Project as being in the best intertest of the School District.

The Board of Education hereby authorizes the President of the Board or the Superintendent of Schools to execute the Pre-Referendum Contract with C&S in substantially the same form presented to the Board of Education and take all actions necessary to proceed under the Pre- Referendum Contract.

This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

ARCHITECTUAL

Ms. Sugrue made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the North Syracuse Central School District (the “Board of

Education”) has determined that it is in the best interest of the School District to retain an architect/engineer to

provide architectural and engineering consultation and services as set forth herein prior to a voter referendum, including but not limited to: preliminary conceptual design and project planning; prepare and

update as needed a proposed project milestone schedule; assist with market analysis in connection with the required competitive bidding process; provide status reports; provide assistance with compliance with

applicable environmentally related laws and regulations; and provide related professional services (“Pre-Referendum Services”) in connection with a proposed Capital Improvement Project (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, the School District previously issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for

Architectural/Engineering Services for the Project; and WHEREAS, the School District diligently analyzed the proposals as part Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 445

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of the selection process; and WHEREAS, as a result of the RFP process the Superintendent of Schools recommends retention of King + King Architects as being in the best interest of the School District; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has determined that it is in the best interest of the School

District to retain King + King Architects for the purpose of providing Pre-Referendum Services for the Project; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education authorizes the School District to enter into the contract for

Pre-Referendum Services in connection with the Project (the “Pre-Referendum Contract”) in the form approved by

the School District’s legal counsel; NOW, THEREFORE be it resolved as follows: 1. The Board of Education approves the retention of King + King Architects to provide Pre- Referendum Services for the Project as being in the best interest of the School District.

2. The Board of Education hereby authorizes the President of the Board or the Superintendent of Schools to execute the Pre-Referendum Contract with King + King Architects in substantially the same form presented to the Board of Education, and take all actions necessary to proceed under the Pre-Referendum Contract.

3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATE OF NEW YORK SS.: COUNTY OF ONONDAGA

I, the undersigned Clerk of the Board of Education of the North Syracuse Central School District, DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

That I have compared the annexed resolution adopted at a meeting of the Board of Education of the North Syracuse Central School District (the “Board”), held on the 23 rd day of March, 2026,

with the original thereof on file in my office, and the same is a true and correct copy of said original and of the whole of said original.

I FURTHER CERTIFY that the full Board consists of ( ) members; that __________ (__) members of the Board were present at such meeting; and, that _________ (__) of such members voted in favor of the above resolution.

I FURTHER CERTIFY that (i) all members of the Board of Education had due notice of the meeting, (ii) pursuant to Article 7 of the Public Officers Law (Open Meetings Law), such meeting was open to the general public, and due notice of the time and place of such meeting was duly given in accordance with Article 7 of the Public Officers Law, and (iii) the meeting was in all respects duly held in compliance with applicable law.

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Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

POLICY

Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the amendment and readoption of Policy 3281, Access to Buildings. Mr. Shusda seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

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AMEND 1-12-26 Mr. Ludden made the motion to amend the minutes of the January 12, 2026 Board of Education MEETING meeting to include the MOA dated January 9, 2026. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was MINUTES carried with eight yes votes.

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RETIREMENTS

Mr. Mirizio acknowledged the retirements of Carol Strzekecki, School Secretary II, retires with 17 years of service, Scott Wilson, Custodian II, retires with 21 years of service, and Marie Tubolino, Teaching Assistant, retires with 20 years of service. He thanked them and wished them well.

PERSONNEL A

Mr. Ludden made the motion to approve Personnel A as submitted below.

Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion.

PERSONNEL A – INSTRUCTIONAL

APPOINTMENTS

NAME: Dwyer, Anna ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Elementary Teacher

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School

INITIAL CERTIFICATION

Childhood Education Gr. 1-6, dated 3/6/26

ANNUAL SALARY

$72,614 EFFECTIVE: 3/23/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term Elementary Teacher; replaces Amy Emond.

NAME: Jennings-Collier, Cathy ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Elementary Teacher

LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School

PERMANENT CERTIFICATION

Special Education, dated 9/1/01

ANNUAL SALARY

$81,998 EFFECTIVE: 3/10/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Elementary Teacher; replaces Melissa Figueroa.

NAME: Klinger, Malinda ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Mathematics Teacher

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School

INITIAL CERTIFICATION

Childhood Education Gr. 1-6, dated 9/26/25

ANNUAL SALARY

$74,120 EFFECTIVE: 3/26/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Mathematics Teacher; replaces Maria Agnew.

NAME: Vinciguerra, Alicia ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Elementary Teacher

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

Childhood Education Gr. 1-6, dated 1/5/17

ANNUAL SALARY

$81,749 EFFECTIVE: 3/23/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term Elementary Teacher; replaces Paige Iannolo. ELA & Math Tutoring 4th Grade - 8 sessions each – 3/10/26-5/8/26:

Allen Road Elementary School Diers, Lisa $65.67/hr.

Luckette, Sophie $64.62/hr.

Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School Andrews, Joanna $89.23/hr.

Beckley, Marsha $89.09/hr.

Cicero Elementary School Jaquin, Amy $101.16/hr.

Matthews, Dawn $83.13/hr.

Roxboro Road Elementary School Johnson, Laura $77.36/hr.

Romeiser, Kate $76.98/hr.

Smith Road Elementary School Carney, Danielle $74.28/hr.

Haskins, Amy $67.08/hr.

Lakeshore Road Elementary School (located at Gillette Road Middle School) Alexander, Cassandra $74.60/hr.

Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 451

3/23/26

CO-CURRICULAR – 2025-26:

North Syracuse Junior High School Cussen, Morgan JV Winterguard – Director $7,522 Pay amended from $6,918 Substitute Teachers (retired) - $210/day:

Haas, John

REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:

NAME: Agnew, Maria ASSIGNMENT: Mathematics Teacher

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

3/16/26 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.

NAME: Earle, Alexis ASSIGNMENT: Special Education Teacher

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

3/16/26 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.

NAME: Iannolo, Paige ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/23/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.

NAME: Tubolino, Marie ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant

LOCATION: Lakeshore Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

2/26/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.

VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS:

NAME: Burns, Patricia ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher

LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Allen Road Elementary School to Gillette Road Middle School; replaces Linda Earle.

NAME: Findlay, Alisa ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher

LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Lakeshore Road Elementary School to Cicero Elementary School; replaces David Weaver.

NAME: Foley, Chelsea ASSIGNMENT: Social Studies Teacher

LOCATION: North Syracuse Junior High School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Roxboro Road Middle School to the North Syracuse Junior High School; replaces Katherine Carr.

NAME: Gray, Elise ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher

LOCATION: Lakeshore Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Smith Road Elementary School to Lakeshore Road Elementary School; replaces David Schmidt.

NAME: Hartmann, Denise ASSIGNMENT: Family & Consumer Science Teacher

LOCATION: North Syracuse Junior High School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Roxboro Road Middle School to the North Syracuse Junior High School; replaces Nita Bellucci.

NAME: Lumia, Jhosalynn ASSIGNMENT: Kindergarten Teacher

LOCATION: Lakeshore Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Roxboro Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 452

3/23/26

Road Elementary School to Lakeshore Road Elementary School; replaces Alisa Findlay.

NAME: Ortiz, Jaclyn ASSIGNMENT: Reading Teacher

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School

EFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from .5 Roxboro Road Middle School/.5 Lakeshore Road Elementary School to Allen Road Elementary School; replaces Maureen Walsh.

NAME: Peterson, Carissa ASSIGNMENT: English Teacher

LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Roxboro Road Middle School to Gillette Road Middle School; replaces Kathleen Sullivan.

NAME: Santmyer, Shannon ASSIGNMENT: Music Teacher

LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from .4 Cicero Elementary School/.4 Roxboro Road Middle School/.2 Roxboro Road Elementary School to Gillette Road Middle School; replaces Suzanne Stephenson.

NAME: Shova, Julie ASSIGNMENT: Mathematics Teacher

LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from the North Syracuse Junior High School to Cicero-North Syracuse High School; replaces Mary Gilmour.

NAME: Stebbins, Michele ASSIGNMENT: Mathematics Teacher

LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from the North Syracuse Junior High School to Cicero-North Syracuse High School; replaces Kimberly Crowley.

NAME: Upah, Steven ASSIGNMENT: Social Studies Teacher

LOCATION: North Syracuse Junior High School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Roxboro Road Middle School to the North Syracuse Junior High School; replaces Philip DeAugustine.

NAME: Vernyi, Kristina ASSIGNMENT: Music Teacher

LOCATION: .4 Cicero Elementary School/.4 Roxboro Road Middle School/.2 Roxboro Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Allen Road Elementary School to .4 Cicero Elementary School/.4 Roxboro Road Middle School/.2 Roxboro Road Elementary School; replaces Shannon Santmyer.

NAME: Vogt, Shannon ASSIGNMENT: Science Teacher

LOCATION: North Syracuse Junior High School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from CiceroNorth Syracuse High School to the North Syracuse Junior High School, in a position moved from the high school to the junior high school; replaces Anthony Bakowski.

NAME: Walsh, Maureen ASSIGNMENT: Reading Teacher

LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Allen Road Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 453

3/23/26

Elementary School to Gillette Road Middle School; replaces Karen Clarcq-Perez.

NAME: Weaver, David ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher

LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Voluntarily transfers from Cicero Elementary School to Gillette Road Middle School; replaces Michael McCaffery.

CHANGE IN LOCATION:

NAME: Pawlikowski, Nichelle ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/16/26 ACTION: Location change from the North Syracuse Junior High School to Allen Road Elementary School; due to student need.

RETURNS FROM LEAVE:

NAME: Alakki, Rachael ASSIGNMENT: Music Teacher

LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/26/26 ACTION: Returns from a child rearing leave.

NAME: Henson, Kristen ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant

LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/26/26 ACTION: Returns from a child rearing leave.

NAME: Thorne, Sandra ASSIGNMENT: Reading Teacher

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

2/26/26 ACTION: Returns from a medical leave.

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

NAME: Martin, Alissa ASSIGNMENT: Special Education Teacher

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

5/31/26 ACTION: Resigns position.

NAME: Tubolino, Marie ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant

LOCATION: Lakeshore Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Retires with 20 years of service.

The motion was carried was carried with seven yes votes.

PERSONNEL B

Ms. McDonald made the motion to acknowledge personnel B as presented. Mr. Hermann seconded the motion.

PERSONNEL B – SUPPORT STAFF NAME: Bushnell, Jeffrey ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Custodial Helper SALARY: $23.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 4/6/26

NAME: Hall, Parker ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Custodial Helper SALARY: $23.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 3/24/26

NAME: Hunter, Jayden ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Custodial Helper SALARY: $23.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 3/24/26

NAME: Mazzole, Angel ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Custodial Helper SALARY: $23.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 3/24/26

NAME: Oliveri, Vincenzo ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Custodial Helper SALARY: $23.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 3/24/26 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 454

3/23/26

NAME: Schad, Bryce ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Custodial Helper SALARY: $23.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 3/30/26

NAME: Stagnitta, Jessica ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Teacher Aide SALARY: $16.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 3/24/26

CHANGE IN LOCATION, CLASSIFICATION AND/OR SALARY:

NAME: Bartlett, Gary

ASSIGNMENT

Long-term Substitute School Bus Driver

LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/27/26 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Gary Mace who is on a leave.

NAME: Colavecchio, Adelaide ASSIGNMENT: Assistant School Transportation Supervisor

LOCATION: Transportation Department

EFFECTIVE

3/16/26 ACTION: Change in classification from provisional Assistant School Transportation Supervisor to permanent Assistant School Transportation Supervisor.

NAME: DeJesus, Kelvin

ASSIGNMENT

Long-term Substitute School Bus Driver

LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/21/26 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Anita West who is on a leave.

NAME: Glasser, Brigitte ASSIGMENT: Food Service Helper I

LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/24/26 ACTION: Increase in hours from 4.5 hours per day to 4.75 hours per day; due to support increased meal participation.

NAME: Hildreth, Daniel

ASSIGNMENT

Long-term Substitute School Bus Driver

LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/23/26 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Kaylie Walters who is on a leave.

NAME: Lindmeier, Casey ASSIGMENT: Food Service Helper I

LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/24/26 ACTION: Increase in hours from 4 hours per day to 4.25 hours per day; due to support increased meal participation.

NAME: Mills, Terri ASSIGMENT: Food Service Helper I

LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/24/26 ACTION: Increase in hours from 4 hours per day to 4.25 hours per day; due to support increased meal participation.

NAME: Pascarella, Hailey ASSIGNMENT: Part-time (.7) Occupational Therapist

LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program

ANNUAL SALARY

$56,572.38 EFFECTIVE: 3/16/26 ACTION: Position increased from a part-time (.6) Occupational Therapist to a part-time (.7) Occupational Therapist; due to student need.

Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 455

3/23/26

NAME: Plamondon, Margaret ASSIGMENT: Food Service Helper I

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

3/24/26 ACTION: Increase in hours from 5.5 hours per day to 5.75 hours per day; replaces Susan Commisso.

NAME: Sustache, Diane ASSIGMENT: Food Service Helper II

LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/24/26 ACTION: Increase in hours from 5.75 hours per day to 6 hours per day; due to support increased meal participation.

EXCESSES:

NAME: Nasby, Kimberly ASSIGMENT: School Nurse

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School/Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

9/1/26 ACTION: Excessed from Gillette Road Middle School/Roxboro Road Middle School; changes location to Allen Road Elementary School/Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School; due to student enrollment.

REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:

NAME: Bessette, Arianna ASSIGMENT: Custodial Worker II

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/16/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.

NAME: Betsey, Rahmear ASSIGMENT: Custodial Worker I

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

3/13/26 ACTION: Requests a parental leave.

NAME: Janusz, Kathryn ASSIGMENT: School Bus Attendant

LOCATION: Transportation Department

EFFECTIVE

3/11/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.

NAME: Johnson, Greta ASSIGMENT: Cook I

LOCATION: Cicero North Syracuse High School

EFFECTIVE

3/2/26 – 3/20/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.

NAME: Jones, Dessye ASSIGNMENT: Teacher Aide

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

3/6/26 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.

NAME: Pacheck, Jennifer ASSIGMENT: School Bus Driver

LOCATION: Transportation Department

EFFECTIVE

3/19/26 ACTION: Requests a family medical leave.

RETURN FROM LEAVE:

NAME: Mackey, Lisa ASSIGMENT: Teacher Aide

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/18/26 ACTION: Returns from a medical leave.

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

NAME: King-Collard, Rose ASSIGNMENT: Food Service Helper I

LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School

EFFECTIVE

3/6/26 ACTION: Resigns position.

NAME: LeBaron, Sylvia ASSIGNMENT: Typist I – 12 Month Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 456

3/23/26

LOCATION: Transportation Department

EFFECTIVE

3/23/26 ACTION: Termination.

NAME: Strzelecki, Carol ASSIGNMENT: School Secretary II

LOCATION: Administrative Office Building

EFFECTIVE

6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 17 years of service.

NAME: Topor, Sierra ASSIGNMENT: School Monitor

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

3/16/26 ACTION: Services no longer needed.

NAME: Wilson, Scott ASSIGNMENT: Custodian II

LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School

EFFECTIVE

8/4/26 ACTION: Retires with 21 years of service.

The motion was carried with eight yes votes.

PERSONNEL C

Mr. Ludden made the motion to acknowledge personnel C as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion.

PERSONNEL C – ADMINISTRATIVE NAME: Fahey, Sean ASSIGNMENT: Director of Data, Accountability and School Improvement

LOCATION: Administrative Office Building PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 5/26/26 – 5/25/29

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

School District Leader, dated 9/1/10

ANNUAL SALARY

$153,203 EFFECTIVE: 5/26/26 ACTION: Hired to replace Donna Marie Norton.

The motion was carried with eight yes votes.

EXECUTIVE

Mr. Mirizio made the motion to move into Executive session for the purpose of reviewing one parental

SESSION

appeal with action to follow. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

RECONVENE

Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to reconvene into open session. Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it

INTO OPEN

was carried with eight yes votes.

SESSION

PARENTAL

Mr. Mirizio made the motion to amend the Superintendent’s decision. Mr. Farfaglia seconded the

APPEAL DECISION

motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.

ADJOURN

Mr. Mirizio made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was carried with seven yes votes at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jilian Herrera District Clerk

Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 457

3/23/26

BOARD APPROVAL ________________________