Superintendent Terry Ward told the North Syracuse Board of Education he met with four state legislators to seek support on PILOT-agreement issues tied to the Micron project that he said no other district faces, while the board also heard an OCM BOCES report on regionalization and approved routine personnel, tuition-rate and equipment items.
Typeset from the official record — motions and recorded votes are detected automatically. The official copy governs.
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 316
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education held on January 28, 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 Josh Ludden
Jilian K. Herrera, District Clerk Mark Thorne
Matthew Hermann Cheryl McDonald
Brigid Gill Student Ex-Officio
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Michael Shusda
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:
Dave Giusti, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District, Mark King, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District, Joseph Giannuzzi, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District, and Rosanne Ross, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District.
Michael Mirizio made the following Proclamation: & COUNSELOR
Throughout our school buildings, School and ADAPEP Counselors have an impact on the District's DAY students and families. They have accepted this exceptional responsibility with commitment, dedication and love.
The School and ADAPEP Counselors 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 services.
To honor the School and ADAPEP Counselors of the North Syracuse Central School District and their accomplishments, 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 February 6, 2026 as School and ADAPEP Counselor Day to be celebrated with appropriate educational activities.
Mr. Ludden made the motion to declare February 6, 2026 as School and ADA PEP Counselor Appreciation Day to be celebrated with appropriate educational activities. Mr. Farfaglia seconded the motion and it was carried with six yes votes.
The North Syracuse Central School District's Utilization Study is a major initiative designed to
evaluate how our district uses its facilities and resources to support student success. The committee
is made up of diverse stakeholders including parents, staff, students and community members. The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 317
group worked with nationally recognized educational consultants to explore opportunities for long- term sustainability and growth.
Educational consultant, Ms. Deb Ayers, will provide the final report regarding the results of the Utilization Study. Consultants on Ms. Ayers' team, Ms. Jennifer Heckthorn and Mr. John Wisniewski, will also be in attendance.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the members of the District Utilization Study Committee for generously giving their time, expertise, and unwavering commitment to this important and time- intensive work.
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Donald F. X. Keegan, Associate Superintendent for Business Services, presented information on
the Governor's Budget Proposal and Preliminary Tax Cap Calculation.
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Mr. Thorne stated there is not a policy committee update at this time. Mr. Crabtree stated the next
meeting will be held on February 4th. He stated Central School Board Association Executive
Director Derek Dorsey will be attending and President Joan Reeves to learn more about the Central
New York School Boards Association. Mr. Crabtree stated one of our members Drew Matyaskik, spoke about us working more with the county, so tonight he would like to introduce Dave Capria, who is a councilman in the Town of Clay and he will be joining the Legislative Committee.
Mr. Crabtree stated that Dr. Ward meets monthly with other superintendents, and one of the
primary topics of discussion is regionalization. He explained that regionalization involves districts sharing resources and services. Mr. Crabtree noted that some districts serve as few as 400 students in grades K–12 and operate with limited staff and facilities. He shared that he works with board members in the Cincinnatus and Marathon school districts, each of which operates a single building and may have only one physics teacher. He stated that if that teacher were to leave, students in those districts would not have access to the same educational opportunities available to students in larger districts. Mr. Crabtree stated that Dr. Ward is collaborating with a group of superintendents to explore ways districts can support one another through regionalization efforts. He also referenced work being done in North Syracuse, noting that Dr. Cook and his team have been developing a strategic plan. While the plan has not yet been finalized, he stated that it will be shared with the Board once completed.
He reported that preliminary priorities within the strategic plan include staff recruitment and retention, staff appreciation, and professional growth. Additional focus areas include student attendance, the community schools framework, and the Portrait of a Graduate initiative. Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 354
Mr. Crabtree further noted that BOCES and several local districts, including North Syracuse and Baldwinsville, are beginning to develop long-range capital plans. He stated that these efforts have been made possible through recent voter support.
SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Ward stated that he wanted to inform the Board and the public that he and Don Keegan met
with Assembly member Al Stirpe, Senator Pam Hunter, Assembly member Chris Ryan, and Regent Patrick Mannion. During the meeting, they discussed the district’s unique financial needs and requested legislative support, particularly with respect to PILOT agreements. He noted that the discussion also included the MICRON project and the challenges associated with its PILOT agreement, which he stated no other district will face. Dr. Ward emphasized that while the district fully supports MICRON and recognizes the many opportunities it brings, there are important considerations that must be addressed and advocated for. Dr. Ward also reported that he attended the Syracuse University groundbreaking event along with Jason Clark and Nick Scholz. He noted that only two school districts were invited—North Syracuse and Liverpool—and stated that it was an honor to be included. He added that he continues to emphasize that North Syracuse is the only school district in which the entire facility is located. Additionally, Dr. Ward reported that he met with MICRON earlier that day regarding the possibility of hosting a student event focused on artificial intelligence during Spring Break within the district. He stated that additional details will be forthcoming. The event will be open to North Syracuse students first, and if space allows, it will then be opened to students from other districts.
Mr. Ludden reminded everyone that the Governor’s budget has been released. While the
Foundation Aid outlook appears positive, he emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate to ensure the district receives the funding it needs. Mr. Crabtree reported that the Virtual Capital Conference is upcoming, as well as Lobby Day in Albany on February 11. He noted that Mr. Farfaglia will be attending and thanked him for his participation. Mr. Crabtree also shared several student and staff recognitions. He congratulated Dr. Leahey, noting that his son is ranked among the top five volleyball players in Onondaga County. He recognized Board member Cheryl McDonald’s daughter, who is a member of the track team that placed first in a recent competition, and commented on her outstanding performance. He also acknowledged Board member Mark Thorne’s daughter, who is a coach for the boys’ diving team, noting that the district has two of the top divers in Central New York and that the boys’ swimming team remains undefeated. Mr. Crabtree further recognized student-athlete Anthony Aloi, an eighth grader, who broke a school record. He concluded by noting that there are many student celebrations taking place throughout the district.
Ms. Gill stated that the Student Legislative Committee will meet on Monday to discuss the student
voter registration campaign, next steps moving forward, and ways to improve the initiative in the spring.
She also reported that the Principal’s Cabinet will host the Hoops for Hope event to benefit Griffin’s Guardians. Griffin would have been a senior this year and passed away from cancer. He previously attended Cicero Elementary School. Ms. Gill noted her appreciation for the district’s support of this organization. The Hoops for Hope event will take place on Tuesday, February 3, and raffle baskets will be sold. She thanked the Board for contributing a gift card basket. In addition, the Festival of Nations will be held on February 4 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the high school. The event provides an opportunity for students across all grade levels to celebrate cultural diversity. A silent auction will also be held, featuring a basket of international snacks representing various cultures. Ms. Gill stated that this event is a meaningful way to celebrate the diversity of the district.
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Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board REGULAR Education on January 12 , 2026. Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with eight
yes votes.
January 12, 2026
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 12/17, 1/05, 1/08, 1/09, 1/13, 1/14 and 1/15/2026.
& 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 1/13 and 1/21/2026.
Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.
Ms. McDonald 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. Hermann seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.
The district is obligated annually to establish non-resident tuition rates. Although the district does not accept non-resident students on a tuition-basis from parents, these rates are used to bill other school districts whose students are placed here through the Family Court, the Department of Social Services, etc.
The 2024-2025 tuition rates for non-resident students have been revised in accordance with calculations received from the state.
Mr. Ludden made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.
Resolved, that the Board of Education approve the revised 2024-2025 non-resident tuition rates as follows:
Full Day – K-6 $ 7,316
Full Day – 7-12 $ 9,150
Special Education – K-6 $44,123
Special Education – 7-12 $45,957
Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes.
Mr. Mirizio acknowledged the retirements of Pam Mertens, School Secretary II, Retires with 26.1 years of service, Ralph Walker, Automotive Mechanic, Retires with 35.2 years of service, and Kimberly Crouse, Teaching Assistant, Retires with 23 Years of Service. He thanked them all and wished them well.
Mr. Crabtree made the motion to approve Personnel A as submitted below.
Ms. Sugrue seconded the motion.
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 356
PERSONNEL A – INSTRUCTIONAL
NAME: Abbe, Courtney ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School INITIAL TEACHING ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION: Dated 12/30/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 2/5/26 – 2/4/30 SALARY: $26.75 per hour EFFECTIVE: 2/5/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Wike, Melissa ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
Level I, dated 10/10/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 1/28/26 – 1/27/30 SALARY: $26.75 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/28/26 ACTION: Replaces Kathleen Lacagnina.
SAT Prep Course – CNS High School – 3/7/26 – 4/25/26: Sherry, Ken English $40.00/hr.
Shova, Julie Mathematics $40.00/hr.
Stauffer, Heather Mathematics (substitute) $40.00/hr. McAvoy, Patrick English (substitute) $40.00/hr.
ATHLETICS – SPRING 2025-26:
Bailey, Stephan Baseball Varsity $11,417 Campbell, Derek Baseball Varsity Asst. $9,515 Marano, Jamie Baseball JV $9,515 Gates, Matt Baseball 8/9 $7,612 Rockwell, Kevin Baseball 7/8 $7,612 Nandin, Morgan Softball Varsity $11,165 Feeney, Brandi Softball Varsity Asst. $8,255 Nash, Alicia Softball JV $8,465 Heidemann, Matt Softball Modified Blue $7,612 Bradley, Kristin Softball Modified White $7,612 Banks, Chuck Golf Girls Varsity Blue $8,881 Shannon, Jason Golf Girls Varsity Green $8,881 Wojcik, John Tennis Boys Varsity $8,519 Prentice, Stephanie Lacrosse Girls Varsity $11,417 Cummings, Bryer Lacrosse Girls Varsity Asst. $8,465 Raymond, Noelle Lacrosse Girls JV $9,095 Smith, Emma Lacrosse Girls JV Asst. $6,101 Gates, Jeanne Lacrosse Girls 8/9 $7,612 McCaffery, Mike Lacrosse Girls 7/8 $7,612 Wilbur, Chuck Lacrosse Boys Varsity $11,417 Villano, Michael Lacrosse Boys Varsity Asst. $9,515 Ryan, Ray Lacrosse Boys JV $9,515 Hatem, Sam Lacrosse Boys JV Asst. $7,108 Jones, Steve Lacrosse Boys 8/9 $6,101 Cappon, Jack Lacrosse Boys 7/8 $6,101 Hilt, Todd Track Varsity Boys $11,360 Ross, Mackenzie Track Varsity Asst. $8,465 Brown, Casey Track Varsity Asst. $9,515 Harbold, Jack Track Varsity Girls Head $11,360 Kennedy, Pat Track Varsity Asst. $8,465 Ellis, Steve Track Varsity Asst. $9,515 Wise, Dave Track Boys Modified $7,612 Buchanan, Bryan Track Boys Modified Asst. $6,343 Purkiss, Nina Track Girls Modified $5,224 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 357
Schlotzhauer, Jim Track Girls Modified $7,444 Lucia, Kim Track Girls Modified Asst. $6,343 Sherry, Ken Track Girls Modified Asst. $6,343 Mirizio, Stephen Flag Football Girls Varsity $10,158 Diego, Ron Flag Football Girls Varsity Asst. $8,465 Marzullo, Joe Flag Football Head Modified 7/8 $7,612 Karas, Olivia Flag Football Asst. Modified 7/8 $4,944 Smith, Eric Unified Basketball Blue $6,343 Jones, Becky Unified Basketball White $6,343 Howell, Joe Faculty Manager $15,224 Volunteers:
Meola Sr., Mike Varsity Baseball -0- Furcinito, D’Ante Varsity Baseball -0- Brisson, Joe JV Baseball -0- Pierce, Lucia Varsity Softball -0- Matyko, Kim Varsity Softball -0- Larobardiere, Frankie JV Softball -0- Stahrr, Bri Varsity Girls Lacrosse -0- Garofalo, Rocco Varsity Boys Lacrosse -0- Gatto, Nick Varsity Boys Lacrosse -0- Hard, Jason Varsity Boys Lacrosse -0- Wynn, Tray Varsity Flag Football -0- Miriziio, Nick Varsity Flag Football -0- Bough, Nick Varsity Girls Golf -0- CO-CURRICULAR 2025-26:
Cicero-North Syracuse High School Fiesinger, Irene Indoor Percussion – Support Staff $1,220 Revere, Tom Indoor Percussion – Support Staff $1,119 King, Jarred Indoor Percussion – Support Staff $1,119 Volunteers:
King, Paris Indoor Percussion – Volunteer -0- North Syracuse Junior High School Budziszewski, Chloe Musical – Costume Designer $933 Kantor, Elena Musical – Support Staff $933 Seamans, Karen Winterguard – Support Staff $3,298 Amended from $2,425 Substitute Teachers (retired) - $210/day:
Bradish, Steven Substitute Teachers (certified) - $155/day:
Marcus, Susan Page, Amanda Substitute Teachers (uncertified) - $145 day:
Burak, William Shahzad, Kamilla Howell, Madeline Smith, McKenzie Kline, Tricia Spencer, Madison Oswald, Jack Turner, Elizabeth Substitute Teaching Assistants - $17.80/hr.:
Bamonte, James Darling, Daniel Boehm, Danielle Royle, Kiara
REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:
NAME: Collard, Dawn ASSIGNMENT: Special Education Teacher
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program
1/13/26 ACTION: Requests a family medical leave.
NAME: Henson, Kristen ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 358
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
1/12/26 ACTION: Requests a child-bearing leave.
NAME: Sciarrino, Allison ASSIGNMENT: Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
2/7/26 ACTION: Requests a child rearing leave.
NAME: Serviss, Keanna ASSIGNMENT: Mathematics Teacher
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School
1/6/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: Al-Omari, Hibah ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Cicero Elementary School
1/25/26 ACTION: Resigns position.
NAME: Crouse, Kimberly ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Smith Road Elementary School
6/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 23 years of service.
NAME: Parsons, Nicole ASSIGNMENT: Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
2/4/26 ACTION: Resigns position.
AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2025: NAME: Sarosy, Christine ASSIGMENT: Substitute Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
12/19/25 ACTION: Long-term Substitute Teaching Assistant assignment will continue; replaces Crystal Ouimette who remains on leave.
AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2025: NAME: Hogan, Sophie ASSIGNMENT: Probationary ENL Teacher
LOCATION: .6 Cicero Elementary School/.4 Gillette Road Middle School
English to Speakers of Other Languages, dated 1/16/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 1/16/26 – 1/15/30
$72,021 EFFECTIVE: 1/16/26 ACTION: Appointment amended from long-term substitute to probationary ENL Teacher, due to the issuance of NYS certification.
To Appoint a Probationary Classroom Teacher - Sophie Hogan The Superintendent of Schools (“Superintendent”) recommends that Sophie Hogan (“Ms. Hogan”) be appointed by the Board of Education (“Board”) of the North Syracuse Central School District (the “District”) to a probationary term as an ENL Teacher, at an annualized salary of $72,021, minus applicable withholdings and deductions; Ms. Hogan possesses initial certification in English to Speakers of Other Languages, dated 1/16/26;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that upon the Superintendent’s recommendation, the
Board hereby appoints Ms. Hogan, in accordance with §3012 of the Education Law, to a four year probationary term, in the ENL tenure area, commencing on January 16, 2026 and ending on January 15, 2030.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that nothing in this Resolution shall be construed to limit the unfettered statutory right of the District to terminate Ms. Hogan for any statutorily and constitutionally permissible reason while she remains in Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 359
probationary status.
The motion was carried was carried with eight yes votes.
Mr. Ludden made the motion to acknowledge personnel B as presented. Mr. Thorne seconded the motion.
PERSONNEL B – SUPPORT STAFF
APPOINTMENTS:
NAME: Boehm, Danielle ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Teacher Aide SALARY: $16.00 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/29/26
NAME: Collie, Della ASSIGNMENT: Part-time School Monitor
LOCATION: North Syracuse Junior High School SALARY: $24.09 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/20/26 ACTION: Hired to fill an open position.
NAME: Flanagan, Rebecca ASSIGNMENT: Part-time (.5) Long-term Substitute Occupational Therapist
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School/St. Rose Parochial School
$36,536.50 EFFECTIVE: 1/28/26 ACTION: Replaces Caroline Biscardi who is on a leave.
NAME: Harper, Robert ASSIGNMENT: Custodian I
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School SALARY: $32.63 per hour EFFECTIVE: 2/12/26 ACTION: Replaces Zachary Carone.
NAME: Obit, Lewis ASSIGNMENT: Part-time School Monitor
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School SALARY: $24.09 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/20/26 ACTION: Hired to replace Michele Paskell.
NAME: Smith, Debra ASSIGNMENT: Substitute School Bus Driver SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/27/26
CHANGE IN LOCATION, CLASSIFICATION AND/OR SALARY: NAME: Foster, Michelle
Long-term Substitute School Bus Attendant
LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $23.37 per hour EFFECTIVE: 11/13/25 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Rene Lookner who is on a leave.
NAME: Price, May
Long-term Substitute School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department SALARY: $30.95 per hour EFFECTIVE: 11/14/25 ACTION: Completes 30 consecutive days and moves to the contract rate; replaces Robin Trytek who is on a leave.
REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:
NAME: Biscardi, Carolyn ASSIGMENT: Part-time (.5) Occupational Therapist
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School/St. Rose Parochial School Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 360
1/13/26 ACTION: Requests a child bearing leave.
NAME: Walters, Kaylie ASSIGMENT: School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
1/14/26 ACTION: Requests a medical leave.
RETURNS FROM LEAVE:
NAME: Andrianos, Lisa ASSIGMENT: School Secretary I
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building
1/26/26 ACTION: Returns from a medical leave.
NAME: Crosby, Thomas ASSIGMENT: School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
1/12/26 ACTION: Returns from a medical leave.
NAME: Deyo, Cathy ASSIGMENT: Licensed Practical Nurse
LOCATION: North Syracuse Early Education Program
1/26/26 ACTION: Returns from a medical leave.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: Maldonado, Lynn ASSIGMENT: Substitute School Bus Driver
LOCATION: Transportation Department
1/9/26 ACTION: Long-term School Bus Driver assignment ends; returns to substitute status and pay.
NAME: Mertens, Pamela ASSIGMENT: School Secretary II
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building
12/28/26 ACTION: Retires with 26.1 years of service.
NAME: Paskell, Michele ASSIGMENT: School Monitor
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
1/9/26 ACTION: Resigns position.
NAME: Walker, Ralph ASSIGMENT: Automotive Mechanic
LOCATION: Transportation Department
7/30/26 ACTION: Retires with 35.2 years of service.
The motion was carried with eight yes votes.
Mr. Mirizio made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jilian Herrera District Clerk
BOARD APPROVAL ________________________