Joanne Allie

The Board of Education convened a special meeting to address administrative actions, including the appointment of a Clerk Pro Tem and the acceptance of the meeting agenda. The Board conducted an extensive executive session for the purpose of discussing matters leading to the appointment of a Superintendent before adjourning the public session.

The Board of Education meeting focused on personnel matters, including various resignations, appointments, and terminations for unclassified and classified staff. The Board authorized the destruction of election ballots, appointed a construction manager for the 2025 Capital Project, approved the consolidation of the junior and senior high schools, and authorized participation in a statewide data privacy and risk management arrangement. Additional approvals included a mural project, generator maintenance agreement, accounting services, and collective bargaining agreements. The Board also reviewed financial reports, approved a cafeteria cooler replacement, authorized special education placements, and discussed the 2026-2027 draft school calendar. The meeting included an executive session regarding employment history and concluded with the official acceptance of the budget vote and board member election results, including the adoption of the 2026-2027 fiscal budget.

The board meeting addressed several key items, including the logistical plan for collecting ballots and tally sheets from polling locations, with a clarified process for handling ballots securely. Reports were provided on capital projects, including construction at the high school and freezer installations, alongside updates on the energy performance contract and the search for a new superintendent. Additionally, the board recognized members for their participation in professional development programs and heard public comments regarding district communication about student behavior and conflict resolution.

The board added an executive session to the agenda to discuss a person's employment history. The newly appointed director of student services presented the New York State Department of Education's suspension review analysis, which utilized data from the previous school year to examine suspension rates for students with disabilities and general education students. The presentation detailed the purpose of the Special Education Quality Assurance team, the evaluation process, identified areas for institutional growth in disciplinary procedures, and proposed an action plan to strengthen policies, student supports, and compliance.

The meeting included a student representative report on upcoming school events such as a Valentine's dance, Model UN, and a dodgeball tournament. The Board discussed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including a new mission statement, the establishment of a DEI community, and the implementation of a strategic plan focused on inclusive curriculum, high expectations, and bias training. Additionally, the Board discussed a potential football merger, a public hearing and subsequent adoption of a local law regarding tax exemptions for disabled low-income property owners, and the adoption of a policy on workplace violence prevention. The meeting concluded with the introduction of new staff and administrative updates regarding grants and student advisory team meetings.