Chatham Central School District

The board meeting primarily focused on the presentation and discussion of the school district budget. Key topics included a three-part budget breakdown, revenue sources such as state aid, property taxes, interest income, and the use of reserve funds to stabilize the tax levy. Expenses, including salaries, health insurance, debt service, and building maintenance, were reviewed alongside strategies to manage inflationary costs and enrollment declines. The board also discussed the issuance of a bond for a capital project, the utilization of capital reserves for air conditioning upgrades, and candidate information for upcoming board elections.

The Board discussed student accomplishments, including a robotics competition and career development initiatives. Reports covered a upcoming Learning Fair, ongoing capital projects, and school branding efforts. The meeting included academic updates on Multi-Tiered System of Support, a special education status report, and operational updates regarding facility maintenance and NYS budget projections. Policy committee reports addressed safety plans and record management. Personnel actions, including resignations and appointments, were finalized alongside business and finance items such as library material disposal, sheriff's office service agreements, and budget status reports. An executive session was held to discuss collective negotiations and personnel matters.

The meeting focused on the presentation and discussion of the 2026-2027 fiscal budget. The finance committee, comprised of district and community members, outlined the budget development process, which includes a long-term financial planning schedule and the adoption of a reserve plan.

The Board of Education meeting included reports on student attendance trends, capital project progress, and a presentation by the High School and Middle School robotics teams. The Director of Innovation, Curriculum, and Assessment provided an update on the Portrait of a Graduate initiative, while the Director of Student Support Services shared information on special education annual reviews and professional development plans. The Assistant Superintendent for Business presented the final budget review, focusing on state aid, tax levy projections, and fiscal planning. The Board approved several items, including the 2026-2027 school calendar, memoranda of agreement with the teachers' union, the tentative educational plan and budget, and property tax report card. Additionally, the Board accepted donations for the public library and the robotics team and discussed upcoming calendar updates and the district learning fair.

The Board of Education conducted a special meeting to cast votes for the election of several candidates to the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) of Rensselaer-Columbia-Greene Counties for terms commencing July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Additionally, the Board authorized the expenditure for the 2026-27 Tentative Administrative Budget of the BOCES in the amount of $7,687,882.