Chris Jaques

The Board meeting included presentations on the Tech Club's drone project, standards-based grading, and updates on the student board member process. The Board approved the 2026-2027 BOCES administrative budget, conducted the Jeff-Lewis BOCES Board election, and authorized several overnight field trips. Various personnel actions were taken, including position creations, resignations, retirements, and appointments. The Board also accepted the 2026-2027 district budget, approved the property tax report card, and reviewed financial reports for February and March 2026. Additionally, the Board accepted a teacher appreciation grant and approved a multi-year contract for instructional technology and administrative computer services. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding safety and security.

The Board of Education meeting covered a wide range of agenda items including a student presentation on the high school musical and a review of Phase 2 of the capital improvement project. Presentations were provided regarding the Adams Free Library proposition, high school counseling, and curriculum standards. Board members discussed student updates, the upcoming school calendar, and approved an overnight trip for the boys lacrosse team. Additionally, the Board handled various personnel actions including resignations, changes in title and position, appointments for coaches and substitute staff, and the granting of tenure. Financial discussions included a first draft of the 2026-2027 budget, approval of financial reports, and approval of various service contracts and cooperative bids for technology and water testing. The Board also accepted grants from the Northern New York Community Foundation and conducted an executive session.

The Board of Education discussed the American Exchange Project, received an update from student board members regarding various high school activities, and adopted a 187-day calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. Several policies underwent a first reading and were subsequently adopted, including policies on board meetings, student attendance, medication, web page publishing, student acceptable use, personal technology, accidents and medical emergencies, and internet safety. The Board also reviewed recommendations from the Committee on Special Education, acknowledged homeschooling requests, and received district updates, including a school safety award. Personnel actions were taken, including terminations, resignations, changes in positions, and appointments for staff and coaches. Additionally, the Board authorized the submission of transportation and library propositions for voter approval and approved a legal notice for the upcoming district budget vote and public hearing.

The meeting addressed several significant operational and financial matters. Key discussions included a presentation on Phase 2 of the Capital Improvement Project, focusing on scope of work and gym upgrades at the Wilson Elementary Building. Budget considerations for 2026-2027 were reviewed, covering detailed information from the Transportation, Athletic, and Buildings and Grounds Departments. The Board approved the 2025-2026 District-Wide Safety Plan and the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, as well as agreements related to the Trap Club, including a Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement and a Facility Use Agreement with the Adams Center Sportsman's Club. Personnel actions included accepting a teaching assistant's retirement and a bus driver's resignation, the appointment of an Interim Director of Facilities, and various appointments for after-school support, coaching, and student teaching/field experience placements. Financial matters included the approval of the Treasurer's Report for December 2025 and the Health Insurance Report for December 2025. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss contractual negotiations and employment history.

The meeting commenced with the appointment of a Chairperson Pro Tem due to excused absences. Key discussions included considerations for the 2026-2027 budget pertaining to Instructional Technology and secondary principals, involving detailed information on technology infrastructure, staffing, and equipment needs for Clarke Middle School and Clarke High School. Public forum comments focused on restoring four class sections per grade level at the elementary level and smaller class sizes, as well as concerns regarding the volleyball sport season timing. The Board approved an out-of-country trip request for French and Spanish Club students to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Furthermore, the Board approved CSE/CPSE recommendations for special education services and acknowledged homeschooling requests for the 2025-2026 school year. District updates covered topics such as a grant for purchasing AEDs, NYS Council of School Superintendents activities, Universal PreK, and zero emission buses. Personnel actions included accepting two cleaner resignations, approving a maternity leave of absence for an Elementary Teacher, and making several appointments for Special Education Teacher, Aide, Field Experience Placement, Spring Coaches, Extracurricular Supervisor, Volunteer Assistant Coaches, and instructional/support staff substitutes for the 2025-2026 school year. The Board also approved the 2026-2027 Capital Outlay Project SEQRA determination for toilet room upgrades at Clarke Jr/Sr Highschool, approved the tax levy cap calculation, and authorized intermunicipal agreements for the 2026 Summer Recreation Program with the Village of Adams, Town of Ellisburg, Town of Lorraine, and Town of Rodman. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss contractual negotiations and employment history.