Jonna Ball

The meeting commenced with the recognition of POOLS Award recipients from Long Branch Elementary School, including five student and staff members who were honored for leadership, kindness, perseverance, mentorship, and dedication. Routine business included confirmation of the superintendent's evaluation process and recognition of the BOCES capital project vote passage. The Superintendent reported on exploring modifications to elementary and secondary school start times. Student board members reported on high school activities, including the success of Paige's Pajamarama and planning for holiday celebrations, and discussions regarding Yonder pouches. Committee reports covered safety issues, including updates on DASA, workplace violence incidents, and water testing; the guiding coalition's focus on instructional practices and professional development planning; and the initial strategic planning meeting using the PLC framework. Extensive updates were provided on the 2022 and 2024 capital improvement projects, detailing progress on facility upgrades at the high school and Wetzel Road, and forthcoming bid schedules. Financial advisement confirmed that current debt service projections maintain consistency for avoiding tax increases, with an analysis pointing towards potential for a new capital project around 2027/2029. The board also reviewed and approved new policies, revised existing policies, and discussed an agreement for state aid and Medicaid claims analysis. The final actions involved a denial of a student disciplinary appeal and votes related to creating and eliminating a School Lunch Manager position.

The board meeting commenced with the recognition and commendation of the Liverpool High School marching band for their 2025 state championship title, including the presentation of a proclamation by Assembly Members Pamela Hunter and Al Stirpe. Subsequent agenda items involved the presentation of Liverpool Elementary School's POOLS Awards to three students and two staff members, including the head custodian and a fourth-grade teacher. Routine business included the acknowledgment of several donations received by the district, such as those from the Liverpool Foundation, Wegman's, and Big Fish Promotions. The President's Report and Superintendent's Report highlighted recent events like Placemat Night and the success of the high school's Fame production. Student board members reported on DECA regional competitions, choir/orchestra concerts, and the opening of Dollars for Scholars applications. The Audit Committee reported on the claims audit, external audit results, and the decision to delay new RFP processes for audit providers until 2026. The Athletics report detailed achievements from the fall season, including the girls cross country team's back-to-back championship and facility enhancement plans. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by the Superintendent and a program administrator regarding the feasibility and implications of transitioning the Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program from Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) back into district buildings, analyzing costs, space constraints, and alignment benefits.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding an amendment to the district-wide safety plan, necessitated by the recent enactment of Desha's Law, which mandates a cardiac emergency response annex addressing AED locations and trained personnel. Key discussions followed regarding the new requirements, including future training schedules and policies for outside agencies using district facilities. The board then recognized several student and staff achievements through the POOLS (Proud of Our Liverpool Students and Staff) awards ceremony, focusing on recipients from Elmcrest Elementary. Following this, the board addressed routine business, received reports from the President and Superintendent covering Veterans Day recognition, the superintendent evaluation process, strategic planning meetings, and recent sports/arts achievements, including the marching band being state champions. The Ex Officio student board members provided updates on student accomplishments, including Syracuse Best and Brightest award recipients and upcoming NHS induction. A comprehensive update was then delivered by the English as a New Language (ENL) department, detailing program growth, the adoption of the Vista curriculum, specific support for Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE), and expanded family outreach initiatives addressing employment and healthcare needs. The meeting concluded with an initial update from the Budget Advisory Team (BAT) regarding their process for forecasting the 2026-2027 budget, emphasizing student-centered planning and confidentiality.

The meeting included recognition of the Marching Band with a NYS Assembly Joint Proclamation and Liverpool Elementary School with a POOLS Award. The board eliminated the Transportation Analyst position and approved recommendations from the Committee on Preschool Special Education and the Committee on Special Education. They also accepted gifts and grants, approved a budget transfer, and approved routine business items. New course recommendations for Living Planet and Philosophy in Literature were approved. Leah Murphy was appointed as the Impartial Hearing Officer. The board approved a cross contract with FEH BOCES for transportation planning services. An executive session was held to review the Superintendent's mid-year evaluation and discuss employment matters, followed by approval of an agreement and personnel actions.

The board discussed recognition of board of education members, routine business items, and donations from High School Nation and Micron. The President's Report focused on the meaning of 'Legends' and recognized Ace Ward. Updates were provided on the marching band, budget advisory team, and issues with the school bus app and Uber promotion. The student liaison reported on the club fair, homecoming dance, and a swearing-in ceremony. Committee reports included updates on the external audit, encumbering expenses, risk assessment, and budgeting activities. The guiding coalition discussed teacher evaluations, curriculum materials, and professional development. Capital project updates were given for various phases, including the high school, Wetzel Road, and elementary schools. Financial aspects, including building aid and borrowing, were also discussed.