Benjamin McKee

The committee discussed general financial support and established a 5% placeholder for salary increases pending CSEA negotiations. The meeting covered the benefits of new BOCES services, which are expected to reduce district staff workload and provide aid for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the committee reviewed the replacement schedule for district maintenance equipment, specifically targeting a 1980 tractor and a scissor lift. The meeting concluded with a review of the upcoming budget planning and hearing schedule.

The board meeting included the adoption of recommendations from the Committee on Special Education. Resignations were accepted for a part-time bus driver and substitute teacher aide, as well as a middle school social worker. Additionally, the board approved a settlement agreement with an employee and authorized the attendance of board members at the CNYSBA 43rd Annual Dinner.

The committee reviewed several policy updates, including the removal of the Safe Mentoring policy and proposed future discussions on fingerprinting requirements for volunteers. They explored a three-year review cycle for district policies and postponed discussions regarding union participation. Additionally, the group discussed aligning student attendance policies with state law regarding credit limits. Administrative points included reviewing auditor feedback on gift purchasing and re-emphasizing the district's legal obligation to support homeless and transient students under McKinney-Vento policies.

The committee conducted a budget review and discussed changes to several student-facing programs. Key adjustments included increased funding for the P-Tech program, the Cortland Literacy Intervention Program, student supplies, an occupational therapist, an English as a New Language teacher, and an expanded summer school program. These increases were partially offset by reductions in BOCES self-contained program costs and the reallocation of existing summer budget lines. Additionally, the committee discussed the eligibility of expenses for Arts-in-Education programs and plans to consult with auditors regarding allowable options for aid return. The committee also reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule leading up to the budget vote.

The committee discussed financial planning and budgetary topics, including the use of a 5% placeholder for salary increases pending CSEA negotiations, new BOCES service inclusions, and budgeting strategies for unanticipated special education services. Other topics included the differentiation between general fund and grant-funded positions, and an update regarding Pre-K funding adjustments. The committee also outlined the schedule for upcoming budget reviews and public hearings.