Bonnie Berry

The meeting focused on navigating significant financial uncertainty regarding the 2020-2021 budget, largely driven by potential reductions in state aid due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration presented an overview of proposed expenditure reductions across various departments, including personnel downsizing, adjustments to sports programs and extracurricular clubs, and changes to support services. The Board also reviewed the impact of local assessed property value increases on tax rates and discussed potential strategies for bridging the budget gap, including the use of fund balance reserves.

The meeting involved a procedural opening, including an executive session to discuss employment history, followed by a brief recess to preview the Drama Club's musical performance of "Footloose." Key agenda items included personnel matters, authorizing a leave of absence for a Teacher Aide, and accepting/approving consent items for Reports & Communications and New Business. Discussion points covered affiliation agreements, a settlement resolution, and a sports merger. Old business included adopting policies numbered 8000s and 5280. New business involved waiving a building use fee for a scholarship basketball tournament and approving the use of CSD buses for shuttle services for the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority Finals.

The meeting included administrative proceedings such as the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. Key discussion items centered on the February 2026 budget information session, including a review of the 2025-2026 adopted budget, preliminary information for the 2026-2027 budget, and analysis of the New York State Executive Budget proposal, noting a minimum 1% foundation aid increase and discussions around universal pre-kindergarten mandates. Other topics included student council updates regarding partnership with PACE for a career fair and exploring a non-academic spring event. Administrative updates covered Hall of Fame nomination deadlines, staff development days, and a reunification drill scheduled for March 18th. The board also reviewed the New York State Fiscal Stress Monitoring System, noting that the district is not currently in fiscal or environmental stress. New business involved discussions on a $50,000 state grant, student placement procedures for special education services, personnel changes (retirements and resignations), and the second reading and adoption of several policies.

The meeting began with an Executive Session to discuss employment history, reconvening to Open Session shortly after. Key actions included the approval of the agenda with revisions, establishing a sick leave bank for an employee, and processing retirements/separations for two teachers who will remain as per diem staff. Discussions covered fixed assets, including authorizing the removal of a Hyundai Loader from inventory, and various budget and agreement matters under New Business. The Board also conducted second readings and adopted several policies (5100, 5156, 5251, 5605, and 5152). The 2026-2027 academic calendar was adopted, and a first reading was conducted for the revised 8000 series policies and policy 5280. Representation for the upcoming Clinton County School Boards Association Recognition Banquet was established. The meeting concluded with another Executive Session followed by adjournment.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss personnel matters concerning medical and employment history. Key discussions focused on budget development for the upcoming fiscal year, including reviewing proposals and reductions to balance revenues and expenditures against a projected deficit. Enhancement proposals included funding for an associate principal for the elementary school, a social worker position, an elementary counseling position, and an instructional grants coordinator, with efforts made to cover the coordinator's salary through various grants. Reductions considered included cutting one speech therapist, one teacher, one school psychologist, downsizing music and social studies teacher positions, downsizing one section each of fifth and sixth grade, and reductions in supplies/materials and Chromebook replacement parts. The board also addressed the first reading of a revised field trip policy aimed at improving consistency and reducing the need for individual approvals. Furthermore, the time and location for a special budget meeting on April 18th was set, and various personnel actions, including position creation and conversion, were approved.