Brandie Collins

The meeting began with an Executive Session to discuss Adirondack Teachers' Association contract negotiations, followed by a return to the regular session. Discussions during the budget review included preliminary numbers for the 2026-2027 Budget, State Aid Runs, Debt Service Projections, and Historical Enrollment, noting a significant enrollment decrease since 2003-2004. Concerns were raised regarding the funding status of Pre-K-3 programs and the methodology for determining the poverty/wealth-based aid percentage. Health insurance projections indicated a potential 9% increase. During the Public Forum, a question regarding the eligibility of homeschooled students for school sports was addressed, referencing state law. The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Business Administrator to transfer substantial funds to various reserves, including the Capital Construction Reserve, EBLAR Reserve, TRS Reserve, and ERS Reserve. Information items included updates on the School-Based Health Center re-opening, the target date for Diligent Community (Board Docs), and an upcoming Jefferson-Lewis School Boards Association Legislative Forum. The meeting concluded with a second Executive Session on contract negotiations, followed by adjournment.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss employment history and ATA contract negotiations, followed by a move to Regular Session. Key discussions included welcoming the new Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Superintendent and providing an overview of BOCES activities, such as expanding electrical and heavy equipment CTE programs and potential interest in a welding program. The Business Administrator provided an update on the 2026-2027 Budget, detailing the Operations, Maintenance, Grounds & Transportation budget, including bus replacement plans. During the Public Forum, a concerned resident voiced worries regarding security protocols following a recent fake gun incident. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included substitute appointments and field trips. Under the Regular Agenda, the Board appointed an individual to a permanent Office Specialist I position, approved the 2024-2025 Audit Corrective Action Plan, approved student placements through the Committee on Special Education, declared certain equipment and textbooks as surplus, appointed a volunteer assistant coach, and adopted a resolution to retain King + King Architects for post-referendum services for the 2025 Renovation Project. Information items covered a new Regulation for School Volunteers, Warrant & Receipts, the Treasurer's Report, and positive reports on Food Service Health Department Inspections.

The agenda for the meeting included a proposed Executive Session to discuss employment history of personnel and ATA contract negotiations. Key discussion items included an update on the 2026-2027 Budget, specifically focusing on Operations, Maintenance, Grounds & Transportation Budgets. The board planned to appoint Mrs. Karen Cole to the permanent position of Office Specialist I upon successful completion of her probationary period, and approve the 2024-2025 Audit Corrective Action Plan. Furthermore, the board intended to grant placement approval for students per the Committee on Special Education recommendation, declare certain equipment and/or textbooks as surplus for disposal, and appoint Dr. John Leuenberger as a volunteer assistant coach for Nordic Ski. A significant item involved adopting a resolution to retain King + King Architects, LLP for Architectural/Engineering Services for the post-referendum stage of the 2025 Renovation Project. Information items included a review of the Policy for School Volunteers, Warrants & Receipts, the Treasurer's Report for November 2025, and positive reports regarding Food Service Health Department Inspections.

The meeting began with an Executive Session to discuss proposed/pending litigation, employment history of personnel, and negotiations with the Adirondack Teachers' Association, followed by a return to regular session. Key topics included a Public Hearing on the Special Patrol Officer's Agreement with Oneida County for 2025-2026, which will include language from Adirondack's Parents Bill of Rights. The Athletics presentation covered fall sports success, Hall of Fame Inductions, and the upcoming Crowley Cup Ski Invitational. Under the Regular Agenda, the Board accepted the irrevocable resignation for retirement of a Social Studies Teacher effective December 2026, accepted the resignation of a Groundsworker/Cleaner, appointed several individuals to extracurricular advisor roles and permanent positions (Custodian, Bus Driver, Bus Dispatcher), and appointed volunteer assistant coaches for the winter season. The Board also declared certain equipment and textbooks surplus for disposal, granted placement approval for students per the Committee on Special Education, and approved the 2026-2027 Budget Development Calendar. Finally, the Board officially entered into the Special Patrol Officer Agreement with Oneida County. Discussion items included financial reports for October/November 2025, reserve balances, an update on the West Leyden building interest from a developer, and a student board member's report on student surveys.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel history, followed by a return to the Regular Session. Key discussions included recognizing faculty for the STEAM Program and honoring a PE teacher/swim coach for an external award. New faculty and staff members were introduced. Presentations covered highlights from the Summer School program, including STEAM and credit recovery, and the Wildcat Summer Camp. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included substitutes and field trips. The Regular Agenda involved accepting the resignation of the Middle School Principal as an advisor for two classes and appointing new extracurricular advisors. Support staff were appointed to permanent positions and new support staff were appointed. The District Safety Plan, including the Cardiac Plan, was approved. Community Education courses for Fall/Winter 2025-26 were approved, as were budget transfers for September 2025, and the acceptance of a Bus Driver resignation. The Board reviewed first readings of policies (1000's, 2000's & 3000's), budget status reports, and Treasurer's Reports. The Board approved moving forward with the implementation of Diligent Community (formerly Board Docs) and received updates on the Jeff-Lewis BOCES, including the appointment of a new District Superintendent. A recap of the NYSSBA Convention was given, and a Board Member was nominated as the Advocacy Liaison. Discussions included considering a Student Leadership Group report, the effectiveness of the no cellphone policy, curriculum relevance (Google vs. Microsoft), and communication regarding illnesses in the district.