Joanne Huntington

The Board of Education convened to approve the meeting agenda and entered into an executive session to discuss the employment history of a specific individual.

The meeting featured a presentation on Orleans/Niagara BOCES services and the District Superintendent's 2026-2027 school budget proposal. The Board reviewed committee reports from the Audit and Middle School Building Planning committees and discussed potential membership with the New York State School Boards Association. Key administrative actions included the appointment of new teaching and support staff, approval of resignations, and the formal acceptance of capital improvement project vote results. Additionally, the Board passed bond resolutions regarding district facilities, accepted the internal audit report, approved several revised district policies, and authorized grant fund acceptances and overnight conference requests. An executive session was held to discuss current litigation and employment history.

The meeting agenda included establishing orders of the day, which involved approving the meeting agenda itself. Reports were scheduled, including a presentation by the Newfane High School Principal, the Superintendent's Report featuring the 2026-27 Budget Presentation #3, and reports from the Board President and various committees. The routine order of business covered the approval of minutes from prior meetings (February 3, March 3, and March 12, 2026) and the approval of classification and placement of students based on Special Education Committee recommendations from various dates in January and February 2026. Financial reports to be accepted and filed included Monthly Treasurer Reports (December 2025), Monthly Warrant Reports (January 2026), Monthly Budget Transfers Report (January 2026), School Lunch Profit and Loss Statement (January 2026), and Quarterly Student Activity Fund Report (October 2025 - December 2025). The personnel agenda addressed appointments for Substitute Teachers, Advanced Mentors, and college students for observation hours/field work. New business focused significantly on adopting rules for the use of Voting Machines and the Submission of Questions or Propositions for the Annual Meeting and Election, as well as adopting the Notice of Public (Budget) Hearing and Annual Meeting (Budget Vote) and Election. The budget hearing was set for May 5, 2026, and the Election for May 19, 2026. Additionally, the 2026-2027 School Calendar was addressed, a Collective Negotiations Settlement Memorandum with the Newfane Administrative Council was approved, a first reading for revisions/adoption of several district policies was scheduled, and a nomination for the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education was put forth. The meeting concluded with provisions for Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and employment history.

The board meeting featured a presentation on high school student initiatives, including the 'Away for the Day' policy, Portrait of a Graduate requirements, and specific class projects. The Superintendent presented the third iteration of the 2026-2027 school budget development process. Board actions included the adoption of rules for voting machines, setting the notice for the public budget hearing and annual meeting, approving the 2026-2027 school calendar, and ratifying a collective negotiations settlement memorandum with the Newfane Administrative Council. Additionally, the board held a first reading for several policy revisions and new adoptions, and nominated a member to the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education.

The workshop meeting involved several significant discussions and actions. A Program Director from Blueprint for Excellence provided an overview of a Strategic Planning Project and its anticipated timeline. The Newfane Elementary School Principal presented updates for the 2025-26 school year. The Superintendent presented the second iteration of the 2026-27 School Budget, noting an anticipated 19.70% increase in student transportation costs from STA, resulting in a preliminary budget of $42,241,433 and an estimated tax levy increase of 2.50%. Voters will also consider a proposition to use Capital Reserve Funds for the purchase of two new trucks. Key action items included the approval of an AIA construction contract with Turner Construction Company for the 'Capital Improvements Project, 2026 - Safe Schools, Modern Spaces, Bright Futures,' approval for attendees and expenses for the Scholastic Achievement Recognition Dinner, and approval for an overnight wrestling trip for the NYSPHSAA Championships. Personnel items for the next meeting were reviewed without action. Board discussions covered charging for athletic events in 2026-2027, recognition options for district retirees, the proposed community playground at Newfane Elementary School, and the nomination process for the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Board of Education seat. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss employment history and collective negotiations.