001night, May 21st, 2025 at the regular scheduled meeting. At this time, I'll call the meeting to order and we'll stand for the pledge of allegiance. Not run over. So, I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You can have mine. All right. We're going to start off with the approval. I'll make a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 12th, 2025. Moved by Kirsten, second. Second by Kelly. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Meetings are approved. Uh, Superintendent Ansom, any additions or deletions to the agenda? We do. Under miscellaneous item, um, we have items 1 through five, which is concerning the election results. All right, board. I
002will take a motion to add action items 1 through five to miscellaneous business to tonight's agenda. Moved by Sue, second by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor. Any opposed? So added and moving on. Uh do we have any public comment? All right. So we will move right back to you. Okay. Perfect. Some acknowledgements that we have tonight. Um, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to several outstanding individuals and groups whose efforts have exemplified really the spirit of service, community, and excellence over the past several days and weeks. First, a sincere thank you to our board clerk, Mrs. Sandy Russell, and our director of business and finance, Dr. Georgia Gonzalez. Your tireless and diligent work over the past few months ensured that election day ran as smoothly as possible and that all information regarding
003the school budget was communicated in a timely and effective manner. Your behind the scenes dedication did not go unnoticed and we are grateful for your professionalism and unwavering commitment. Thank you again to both of you. We are also incredibly appreciative of all the election inspectors including our own VP Suka workers and chairpersons who dedicated an entire day 12 hours or more to support this important democratic process. Your contribution made it possible for our community to exercise their right to vote in a welcoming and organized environment. And lastly, to the voters who took the time to come out and cast their ballots, thank you. Your participation is a powerful testament to democracy in action. Your voice and support help shape the future of our schools, our students, and our community. We are stronger because of your
004engagement and belief in our shared mission. So, we thank you and all of the voters. In addition, we also want to celebrate a vibrant and inspiring event held yesterday at Ganzavo. You might see some videos of me trying to do the dance Jerusalem. The school's first ever World's Culture Day. A special recognition goes out to the English as new language teachers. They used to be known as ESL. Um students, administrators, community performers, and families who made this vision come to life. Students researched and presented information on cultures from around the world, sharing it with pride and enthusiasm. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, uplifting music, and lively dancing. A true celebration of diversity, learning, and unity. A great time was had by all, and it reminded us how beautiful and rich our community truly is. I know
005that our assistant superintendent was with me at Ganszel, so I don't know if you wanted to say a few words about last night. Um, I was uh incredibly moved by this. I was very moved by uh the amount of families that actually uh parttook in this. And when we came in, Nurlan was very uh superintendent Ansom was very excited because they actually had paper passports and she went through every single piece to make sure that the students were telling them about their specific um country and everything that was going on there from food to the clothing. And then from there we're a she was able to actually get her stamp. So when I came in I joined her and she was very excited about that. So I think that they did a great job. Um,
006and I'm very very proud of that department and the teachers in that in Ganzvort because this was a really wonderful event and it's the first and they're already talking about the excitement and how they're going to make it even better. So, it was really really great and there was a lot of kids and they were smiling and having so much fun. Thank you. And as we enter ceremony and graduation season, we're proud to recognize three of our home district students who completed the PEK program through OHM Boseies. Today OM had their ceremony and our students along with other students in the county was represented. So PEK as you know stands for Pathways in Technology Early College High School. It's a unique program that allows students to earn both a high school diploma and some of
007our students have their associate degree right now in May even before they graduate with their high school diploma through that program while gaining hands-on experience in the field of technology. So, we congratulate these students for reaching this incredible milestone and we can't wait to see what you will accomplish. And tomorrow, we hope to post something online so that you know um the three students and we'll have a picture of them. And last, but certainly not least, congratulations to our very own again, board vice president, Sue Carvelli, on earning level two of the boards board excellence award through the New York State School Boards Association Board Excellence Recognition Program. This achievement reflects her dedication to ongoing learning, leadership, and advocacy on behalf of our students and schools. So to everyone that I mentioned earlier and to
008all who continue to support our schools, thank you. Your contributions truly reflect the very best of Rome and together we are truly making a difference. Thank you. That concludes my report. All right. Uh try to follow that one up. Uh on to our student board member report. This week, uh, ball tickets were being sold for the whole week. Tomorrow is the last day to buy them. They're $50. The ball is June 7th at Breezes Banquet Hall in Udica. Um, a reminder that lots of senior events are coming up, including grad walk and senior celebration where we go to Green Lakes. We are meeting with Learon tomorrow to talk about these events. Last year, we had a senior breakfast before the grad walk and it went very well and they would like to make it a
009tradition before the grad walk every year. And spring sports are coming to an end. Senior nights have gone great and most are moving on to sectionals. All right. Great. Thank you. All right. Moving on. Uh resolution to accept consent agenda that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the consent agenda be accepted by the board of education. I move the resolution. Second by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Consent agenda passes and that will move us to page 16 in tonight's agenda. Okay. On to the finance action items. Resolution to accept the treasures report. Where is the treasurer's report of the Rome City School District has been presented to the board of education for the month of March 2025. And whereas the board of education has reviewed and discussed the contents of
010the reports and whereas the treasures report provides a detailed and accurate summary of the financial activities and status of the district for the specified period. Now therefore be it resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District hereby accepts the treasures report for March 2025 as presented. I move the resolution. Second by Kelly. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Resolution two to approve application for refund of real property taxes. Whereas it has come to the attention of the board of education of the Rome City School District that Donna Bean has made an overpayment in real property taxes. And whereas the district has re see reviewed the matter and seeks issu and seeks issue appropriate refunds for any verified overpayments for the 2024 2025 school year. Now therefore, be
011it resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District hereby approves the application for refund of real property taxes for the 2425 school year for the property owned by Donna Ben and authorizes the issuance of a refund in the amount of $817. And be it further resolved that the designated district officials are hereby authorized to take all necessary actions to issue said refund in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and district procedures. I move the resolution. Second by Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. resolution to accept the external audit financial statements and reports. Whereas MMB and company has completed an independent risk assessment for the 2324 school year for the Rome City School District. And whereas the board of education has reviewed and discussed the findings, conclusions,
012and recommendations presented in the risk assessment report conducted by MMB and Company. Therefore, be it resolved that the board of education formally accepts the risk assessment as completed and presented by MMB and company. I move the resolution. Second, second by Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Resolution for appointment of election inspector assistant pole clerk. Resolved that the Rome City School District Board of Education hereby acknowledges and retroactively approves of the emergency appointment of the following individual as an election inspector assistant pole clerk for the 10 school district 10 school election districts which shall align with the city of Rome election wards for the election budget vote held on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 or on any legally authorized day thereafter and that they be paid for this service. the superintendent of
013schools or their designate authorized to fill any vacancies and make location assignments. Gloria, sir Sullley and Donald Bates. I move the resolution. Second by Paula. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Resolution to accept cooperative bidding with Madison and United Boseies. Where is it? It is the plan of a number of public school districts in the Madison and Nightabosis during the 2526 school year to bid jointly for the p purchase of various types of computers and technology commodities the commodities and whereas the Rome City School District the school district is desirous of participating in the joint bidding of the commodities as authorized by general municipal law article 5G and whereas this board of education has received and reviewed view the cooperative bid procedures or procedures governing its rights and responsibilities. Should it
014elect to participate in the joint bidding of commodities and be it further resolved that in accordance with cooperative bid procedures, the board of education agrees to award bid purchase item purchases according to the recommendations of the Boseies. If such award is in the best interest of the school district, I move the resolution. Second by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any oppose? Resolution passes. Resolution to accept intermunicipal agreement between the Rome City School District in the Madison and United Boseies for attorney services. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools. Intermunicipal agreement for attorney services between the Rome City School District and the Madison and Knight of Boseies for the 2526 school year be accepted by the board of education. I move the resolution. Second, second by Kristen. Any discussion? All in
015favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Okay. We had an audit committee meeting last week where we went through and reviewed um the independent audit that was just voted on. And I would have to say that it was a very interesting audit because a lot of it pertained to um items that had we not been hit with a tornado and a few other things at fact at the time um we probably wouldn't have been written up in the way we were. But there was a lot of mitigating circumstances that brought us to where we are and we've already addressed those uh deficiencies that we had and are looking forward to instituting some new policies going forward. Um one of them is we have taken all of our um paper type documents and we have scanned used
016a company to scan them in. So now we will have everything online versus actual paper. So in case there's another tornado we will be all set in that respect. So, it was a very interesting meeting and I would say that we learned a lot from it. Wouldn't you agree, Nadia? Yeah. So, and that concludes the finance report. All right. Moving on to human resources. Kelly is going to take the lead. Action item number one. Resolution to approve administrative personnel. resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the probational appointment of Andrew Barton for the position of principal at Rome Free Academy at a salary of $134,750 plus contractual benefits prrated effective July 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2029. I move the resolution second by John. Any discussion?
017All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Congratulations to Andrew Barton. Action item number two, resolution to accept memorandum of agreement regarding instructional school year and emergency closures. Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby accepts the memorandum of agreement between the Rome City School District and the Rome teachers association. I move the resolution. Second. Second by Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Action item number three, resolution to accept memorandum of agreement regarding peer support specialist seniority resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent school, the board of education hereby accepts the memorandum of agreement between the Rome City School District and the Rome teachers association. I move the resolution. Second. Second by John. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution
018passes. Action item number four, resolution to accept memorandum of agreement regarding teacher coordinator positions. Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent schools, the board of education hereby accepts the memorandum of agreement between the Rome City School District and the Rome teach and the Rome teachers association. I move the resolution second by John. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Resolution passes. Action item number five. Amend retirement date. Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby amends the retirement of the following individual. Wanita Converse supported learning from the effective date of 93205 to the effective date of 94 2025. I move the resolution. Second by John. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Resolution passes. Action item number six. Resolution to approve administrative leave resolved that upon the
019recommendation of the superintendent of schools that non-instructional employee be placed on placed on a paid administrative leave effective from May 14th, 2025 through May 21st, 2025. The superintendent is authorized to return the employee to active duty at her discretion. I move the resolution second by John. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Action item number seven, resolution to accept separation agreement. Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent schools, the board of education hereby accepts a separation of agreement and general release between the Rome City School District and a non-instructional employee. I move the resolution. Second by John. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Resolution passes. Action item number eight. Resolution to accept resignation. Resolved that upon the res recommendation of the superintendent of schools that the board of education hereby
020approves the resignation of Tanya Deore, registered professional nurse effective May 21, 2025. I move the resolution. Second. Second by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Action item number nine. Resolution to adjust effective date of retirement. Whereas Chris Whitmore is employed by the district's director of food service. And whereas Mr. Whitmore's terms and conditions of employment align to those spec specified in the collective bargaining agreement with the Rome Administrative Association and such terms and conditions of employment include retirement benefits and whereas Mr. Whitmore submitted a notice of intent to retirement effective in September 2025 which was delivered to the district clerk and accepted by the board of education. And whereas in connection with his notice of retirement, Mr. Whitmore selected option two relative to a retirement incentive which authorized a wage
021increase in the final year of employment prior to retirement and a payment equal to $25,000. And whereas Mr. Whitmore received the financial incentive associated with option two under the RAA collective bargaining agreement in connection with his retirement notice except that Mr. Whitmore's salary was increased by 2.75% wage increase effective July 1, 2024 and not that specified in option two. And whereas the district desires for Mr. for Whitmore to remain in his position through June 30th, 2026. And Mr. Whitmore is amendable to extending the effective date of his retirement through at a minimum June 30th, 2026. Now, therefore, it is resolved that one, Mr. Whitmore's effective date of retirement is extended to June 30th, 2026, subject to potential further extension upon mutual agreement. Two, Mr. Whitmore shall retain the 25,000 payment received but shall not receive
022any further payment based on an extended date of retirement. Three, consistent with option two and the fact that Mr. Whitmore will remain in the district for an additional period of time prior to his effective date of retirement, Mr. Whitmore's salary for the 2025 2026 school year shall increase by 1% consistent with option two. Mr. Whitmore's salary for the 2425 school year shall remain as initially calculated and effective July 1, 2024. Number four, Mr. Whitmore agrees to provide the district with no less than 6 months written notice in the event of his retirement from employment. I move the resolution. Second. Second by John. Any discussion? No. Thank you for staying a little longer. Yes. Yes. All right, let's make it official. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. All right, Jeff. Up for policy. Action
023item number one, resolution to approve second reading and adoption of policies. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the second reading and adoption of the following policies as listed on page 21 of the minutes. I move to resolution second again by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Uh resolution passes. So we will start meeting again after our reorg meeting in July. Wonderful. All right. On to miscellaneous business. Action item number one. Resolution to recognize dually elected member of the board of education. Whereas the district conducted an election on May 20th, 2025 for the purpose of electing one member to the board of education. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the here board of education hereby accepts and acknowledges
024the election results as follow. Johnny Roland 372 votes. Felicia James Williams 251 votes. All other writin votes are listed on page one of the additional business. Be it further resolved that the board of education hereby recognizes Johnny Jonathan Roland as duly elected to serve a three-year term as a member of the board of education in accordance with the district policy and applicable laws. Said term shall commence on July 1st, 2025 and conclude on June 30th, 2028. Be it further resolved that the clerk of the board is hereby directed to provide written notice as required by law to Johnny Jonathan Roland informing him of his election and notifying him of the requirement to take the prescribed oath of office. I move the resolution second. Second by Sue. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution
025passes and congratulations All right. Action item number two, resolution to accept election results of the budget proposition of the school district election. Whereas the district conducted a public vote on May 20th, 2025 for the purpose of approving the budget proposed school district budget for the 2025 2026 fiscal year in the amount of 160,533,458. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby accepts and acknowledges the voting results as follows. Yes. 3 434 votes. No. 257 votes. So the budget passes and I move the resolution. Second. Second by John. Any discussion? just again and I know this oh things take time and there's a lot of they you know a lot that goes into all this I just real quick just for knowledge of how come ours took so much longer talk a little
026bit about This was the first year for Sandy uh Russell and myself to actually count the election votes. And one of the things that we found out after we had collected all the votes were that there were a few locations that did not necessarily know that write in votes had a separate location on the machines. So before we put out a final notice, we wanted to make sure that we actually had all of the ballots. And it was luckily that we did hold on to that because we had four that we knew of in one location. So we wanted to make sure that we were providing accurate information with all numbers included. Thank you. Appreciate that. All right. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Sorry, I had a moment there. Uh action item
027number three, resolution to adopt the 2025 2026 budget. Resolve that the 2025 2026 bud proposed budget in the amount of $160,533,458 be adopted as the 20252026 budget. Be it further resolved that the proposed budget of expenditures for the Rome City School District for the 2025 2026 school year is hereby approved in the amount of 160 million $533,458 and that the necessary taxes shall be levied to fund said budget. I move the resolution second. Second by Sue. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Congrats on your budget. Uh action item number four, resolution to accept the election results for the bus expenditures. Whereas the district conducted a public vote on May 20th, 2025 for the purpose of approving bus expenditures in the amount not to exceed $200,000. Now therefore, be it resolved that
028the board of education hereby accepts and acknowledges the voting results as follows. Yes, 513 votes. No, 180 votes. Be it further resolved that the board of education hereby accepts and confirms the approval of the bus expenditure proposition as authorized by the voters of the district. I move the resolution. Second by John. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Resolution passes. Action item five. Resolution to accept the election results for the 2025 capital reserve. Whereas the district conducted a public vote on May 20th, 2025 for the purpose of approving a 2025 capital reserve in the amount not to exceed $10 million. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby accepts and acknowledges the voting results as follows. 492 yes votes, 196 no votes. Be it further resolved that the board of education hereby
029accepts and confirms the approval of the 2025 capital reserve proposition as authorized by the voters of the district. I move the resolution. Second by Paula. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Resolution passes. And we are moving on to our discussion items on page 22 of tonight's agenda. So, upcoming events. Uh do not forget save the date. Uh we have our Oh my goodness. Thank you team. Just kidding. Back to action item number six. I got so excited. Uh resolution to approve the renewal of participation in the community eligibility program. Whereas the Rome City School District has previously participated in the community eligibility provision uh C, a federal program that enables the eligible schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. And whereas the district's
030current C cycle is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2025 2026 school year. And whereas due to the recent closure of Rome Catholic, the district has experienced an increase in its identified student population ISP from 54.69% to 57.23%. And whereas this increase in ISP prompted the district to submit an early renewal application for C which has resulted in a higher reimbursement rate from the federal government from 87504% to 91.57% at the free rate effective for the next 4-year cycle. And whereas the increased reimbursement rate will enhance the financial s sustainability of the district's food service program and continue to ensure equitable access to nutritious meals for all students. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District hereby approves the renewal of the district's participation in
031the community eligibility provision C for the 4year period covering the 2025 2026 through 2028 2029 school years. I move the resolution second. Second by John. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Resolution passes. Thank you, Mr. Whitmore, for all of your work. Snuck you right back in. All right. Now, we're really going to talk about upcoming events. So, make sure you save the date uh for the retirement retirement dinner at the beaches, June 9th, 2025 at 5:30. Uh following that, the big shebang of RFA graduation, Friday night, June 27th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the stadium. I'll let you all let that sink in. Uh uh just a notice that the board meeting uh that is scheduled for June 9th has been rescheduled to June 17th. So please update your calendars. Uh and also
032very importantly it is that time for the end of the year superintendent evaluation. I believe everyone has been able to log in. So from a next steps perspective Nurani will push her evaluation to us. Uh, everyone will have the opportunity to go in and do their own self-review of that and provide commentary. Uh, we will likely need to have a special meeting to kind of just quickly talk through consolidate feedback uh so that we can deliver that back to Miss Ansom. Um, so we'll be looking for any availability the week of June 1st for a special executive session uh where we can consolidate that. Send out a Yes. Go ahead. No problem. Ping pong. Um, we should have gotten an email about that because not yet. Well, not that it's ready yet. We got an
033email December 18th. I believe shared with us for the super eel for super evil back in December. We That was when we first got the email. Did you resend it? She did. She did the other day. The other day sent you the date. I don't remember that. I can send you the link. I have the link. You can send it. All you have to do is remember your uh password and you email and if you don't remember your password you can make a new one. I don't remember seeing things but yes S sent another one because I couldn't find the December one either. So make sure if you haven't log in make sure your access works. But did you send a not yet invit Okay. Thank you. Nope. I thought I missed that. So I'll
034follow up with an email to see what everyone's availability it'll just be us for that. Yes. So special link to everyone or do you want me to I can put it in the email asking for everyone's availability. How does anyone like inherently know that they're not available June first week in June? I'll let you know later. Okay. All right. Uh, outside of that, we have no additional agenda items under old business. I've not seen anyone sneak in for any additional public comment. Uh, congratulations and, uh, welcome again. And are we going into an executive? Yeah, just quickly. Okay. All right. I will make a motion to go into executive session to discuss collective negotiations. Uh, Kirsten is going to make the motion. Sorry, I'm Yeah, sorry. Moved by Garen, second by John. All in favor?
035Any opposed? Uh we will not return to uh open session. Thank you all.