John Hicks

The Board of Education covered numerous personnel matters including the appointment of substitute staff, teaching assistants, cleaners, and various teaching positions, as well as the acceptance of multiple resignations and retirements. Tenure was granted to several staff members. The board abolished specific positions in music, social studies, and school psychology, and addressed contractual agreements for various services, including a successor collective bargaining agreement with the administrators association. Additionally, the board approved budget transfers, a five-year reserve plan, and student scholarships, and reviewed the results of the annual budget vote and election.

This document presents the Five-Year Reserve Plan for the Gorham-Middlesex - Marcus Whitman Central School District, detailing the financial management strategy for various reserve funds. The plan outlines projected contributions, planned uses, interest earnings, and ending balances for categories such as Worker's Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, Retirement Contribution, Teacher Retirement, Employee Benefit/Accrued Liability, Tax Certiorari, Liability, Capital Bus Replacement, Capital Reserve Building, and Debt Service Fund. Its purpose is to ensure responsible fiscal planning and resource allocation in accordance with New York State Comptroller's Office guidance over a five-year period.

The board meetings covered several key agenda items, including the approval of the district's 2026-2027 budget and associated propositions regarding bus purchases and library funding. Administrative actions included the appointment of a new School Business Administrator, the granting of tenure to three staff members, and various personnel adjustments such as resignations, retirements, and probationary appointments. The board also authorized participation in cooperative bidding for various commodities and services, re-established a liability reserve fund, approved a property tax report card, and scheduled the upcoming reorganization meeting. Additionally, the board cast votes for the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Board and approved its administrative budget.

The board meeting included a budget workshop and discussions regarding the New York State EV Bus Mandate. Key actions involved appointing a clerk pro tem, approving various personnel appointments and resignations, and authorizing substitute positions. The board recognized student athletes and FFA accomplishments. Additionally, the board issued a notice for the upcoming annual budget hearing and school district vote, accepted budget transfers and a five-year financial plan, and approved CSE/CPSE recommendations. The session also covered reports on facilities, student ex-officio board member processes, and concluded with an executive session regarding probationary staff review.

The Board of Education meeting included various personnel actions such as approvals of substitute staff, new appointments, leaves of absence, and acceptances of resignations for retirement. Board members authorized several field trips, marching band and coaching appointments, and a sabbatical request. The Board also reviewed and moved forward with ballot propositions for the upcoming annual meeting, including the 2026-2027 budget, bus purchases, and library funding. Furthermore, the Board authorized participation in a cooperative bidding program, re-established a liability reserve fund, approved the property tax report card, authorized emergency herbicide applications, and processed CSE and CPSE recommendations. A separation agreement was approved, and a SEQRA resolution was passed regarding a capital outlay project.