David J. Baroody

The Schoharie Central School District's 'Blueprint for Excellence' is a strategic plan designed to serve as a roadmap for continuous growth and improvement. It focuses on empowering students through engaging education, aspiring to be a leading educational organization that provides access, opportunities, and personalized paths to successful futures. The plan is organized around three priority areas: Academic Excellence and the Instructional Environment, The Student and Family Experience, and Operations, guided by core values such as Kindness, Integrity, Respect, Commitment, and Safety.

The meeting included a presentation on the Schoharie Free Library's tax levy proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year and a presentation on the use of Artificial Intelligence in Schoharie Schools. The board reviewed the tentative 2025-26 budget, including preliminary budget objectives, highlights, and the appropriation status. They ratified a Memorandum of Agreement for a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Schoharie Central Employees Association. Several personnel actions were approved, including retirements, resignations, and appointments. The board also approved the Treasurer's Report, CSE, CPSE and/or 504 Recommendations, Capital Region BOCES Nomination, propositions for the May 20, 2025 ballot, a budget amendment for the use of capital reserve funds, the legal notice of the Annual District Meeting, a services agreement with Graybar Electric Company, a SUNY Oswego Affiliation Agreement, the 2025-26 school calendar, the Schoharie CSD Policy Manual, and several field trips and donations.

The meeting included presentations on the elementary counseling program and updates on COVID-19 testing for staff and student athletes. Reports were given on the spring musical, grant funding, the equity committee, and the CTE advisory committee meeting. Personnel matters included appointments, resignations, and leave of absences. Business items included budget transfers, audit corrective action plans, budget calendar adoption, donations, and surplus/obsolete items. Executive sessions were held to discuss negotiations, contracts, and specific individuals.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss negotiations, contracts, and specific individuals. Reports were given on high school data, including attendance, referrals, and assessment data; a capital project update; and a long-range financial plan update. Personnel matters included appointments, resignations, and the addition of substitutes to the non-certified substitute list. Financial reports were reviewed and approved, along with CSE, CPSE, and 504 recommendations. Field trips were approved, and fixed assets and textbooks were declared surplus/obsolete. Donations were accepted, and resolutions were approved regarding participation in a cooperative bid program and a shared services agreement with Schalmont CSD.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss negotiations, contracts, and specific individuals. Key discussion topics in the regular session included an update on the American Rescue Plan (ARP) grant, including its allocation for salaries, purchased services, and supplies and materials. Other topics covered were COVID testing policies, an energy performance contract, a book study on equity and cultural competence, equitable grading practices, and FFA student achievements. Personnel matters included approving a long-term substitute teacher, additional period stipends, a teacher aide, winter sports appointments, a tutor, additions to substitute lists, Odyssey of the Mind coaches, an unpaid leave request, musical assistants, and additions to the Capital Region BOCES teacher substitute calling service list. Business items included claims, cash flow, and revenue reports; CSE, CPSE, and 504 recommendations; a resolution for NYS minimum wage increase; the school tax collector's report; a distance learning classroom rental agreement with BOCES; an FFA field trip; and the treasurer's report. Finally, upcoming meetings and other information were shared.