Jennifer Blossey

The Board of Education meeting covered updates on a capital construction project and a student presentation regarding accelerated academic programs and course selection. The District presented the revenue budget and mid-year reports for Onondaga Nation School and Grimshaw Elementary. Additional topics included a winter athletics update, a policy review for several district policies, reports on music month activities and recent Battle of the Books competitions, and the status of district accountability designations. Consent agenda items were approved, including financial reports, contracts, and various personnel actions, followed by an executive session to discuss employment history, litigation, and student discipline.

This document outlines the LaFayette Central School District's preliminary budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It is guided by the district's mission to educate, honor, and develop students, and a vision to inspire, empower, and prepare all students for excellence. Key budget goals include meeting contractual obligations, fully implementing district school improvement plans, sustaining current grant-funded positions, and creating a fiscally responsible budget while adhering to the property tax cap. The document details proposed expenditures for administrative, capital, program, and benefits categories.

Key discussions centered on several updates and proposals. The Construction/Capital Project Update covered progress on various construction phases, including front-end deliverables collection, projected timelines for fire alarm replacement at Grimshaw, commencement of the high school septic system replacement, and planning for the Big Picture project start in June. Capital Outlay Projects updates included scheduling the slate roof replacement at the Onondaga Nation School for summer 2026. The OCC Course Presentation involved a discussion on a college-level analysis and persuasion course for seniors, focusing on college application navigation, resources, and addressing student concerns regarding BOCES inclusion and FAFSA class timing. The Big Picture Update highlighted innovation and growth strategies aligning with the NYS Portrait of a Graduate, noting the school's leadership in the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) and plans to travel to Austin, Texas, to present on learner-centered environments. The Budget Update detailed the executive budget, explaining funding sources (taxes and State Aid), the utilization of grants, maintenance of current positions despite falling enrollment and rising costs, and increases/decreases across administrative, capital, and program budgets. Policy review included the second reading approval for four policies and the first reading for five others. The Superintendent Report covered various highlights including Project-Based Learning initiatives at ONS, the success of Family Fun Night at Grimshaw, Career Day at the Jr./Sr. High School, and athletic achievements. Finally, the Board approved several administrative action items, including budget transfers, the Treasurer's Report, the 2026-2027 calendar/dates, and resolutions related to the Capital Project.

The meeting included several significant discussions and updates. The Technology supervisors provided a status update on the network, confirming K-12 device distribution and wireless coverage, and planning future switch updates. The School Business Official presented the budget environment update, noting slower grant growth, rising utility/insurance costs, and proposing the purchase of two diesel buses next year, pending an application for an electric bus waiver. A public hearing was held regarding the revised Emergency Response Plan SAVE, necessitated by Desha's Law, focusing on AED location awareness and staff communication protocols. A presentation was given on the Pre-K and Kindergarten Readiness Night project, detailing academic and social-emotional data and proposing implementation of recommendations at Grimshaw and ONS schools. Policy discussions involved the second reading of several policies (7242, 7243, 7250, 7260, 7270) and the first reading of others (7311, 7313, 7314, 7315). The Superintendent reported on recent student achievements, including Scholastic Art award recipients, a Division I lacrosse commitment, and a victory in the FIRST Lego League competition for Best Robot Design. Furthermore, the meeting covered the kick-off of the Capital Project with the architect and contractors, and the continuation of the AIMSWeb Universal Screening. The board also entered into executive session to discuss employment history and proposed litigation.

The meeting included a Capital Project Update where bids for construction, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing came in favorably under budget, suggesting a kick-off meeting in January. The Supervisors provided updates: the Facilities and Grounds Supervisor noted smooth operations and inventory control efforts, while the Transportation Supervisor highlighted the ongoing driver shortage necessitating them to drive daily. The Fall Sports Update recognized the achievements of the football, soccer, golf, and volleyball teams, noting five teams earned scholar athlete recognition and a student signing a lacrosse letter of intent. Discussions centered on the review of several Board policies (second and first readings) and a comprehensive review of the LaFayette School Resource Officer Contract concerning traffic control and congestion at Grimshaw, with various suggestions made regarding traffic assistance and parking. The Superintendent provided highlights of her first week. The consent agenda covered CSE, CPSE, 504 recommendations, financial reports, audit reports, contract agreements, and bid awards for capital projects, alongside personnel matters including resignations, substitutes, and co-curricular recommendations. The session concluded with a financial review and an executive session to discuss employment history and current litigation.