Julie Gallagher

The board meeting focused on the initial budget workshop for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussion topics included the long-range financial projections, the governor's executive budget proposal, and trends in health insurance costs. Administrators reviewed the current operating performance, the impact of capital projects, and strategic budget planning, including revenue sources and expenditure categories such as salaries, benefits, and pension costs. The presentation outlined budget development scenarios and emphasized the importance of maintaining structural fiscal health and sustainability in future budget planning.

The board conducted a budget workshop to review the first draft of the 2026-2027 budget. Key discussion topics included managing structural deficits, analyzing enrollment trends, addressing rising health insurance costs, and reviewing BOCES special education placement expenses. The board also examined long-range financial projections and the impact of debt service on the district's fiscal planning.

The meeting included a Budget Workshop which presented the Draft 1 2026-2027 Budget, requesting a 2.09 tax levy. A public hearing was held regarding the request to use the Repair Reserve for the Homer Brink Cafeteria Floor. Reports covered updates from the Student Board Member on various school activities, including construction, fundraisers, and academic competitions, as well as Superintendent reports on Marathon Health, Capital Projects, and Professional Learning Communities. The Board discussed the 'Coffee w/ Superintendent and Board President' event and the upcoming Board Evaluation workshop. Key actions included approving the use of up to $115,000 from the Repair Reserve Fund for the Homer Brink Cafeteria Floor repair, approving a Bus Proposition for acquiring new school buses up to $1,100,000, approving the 2026-2027 School Calendar, declaring specific Food Service and Custodial Equipment as surplus, and approving a budget transfer of $72,850 for a VOIP System Upgrade. The session concluded with discussions in Executive Session regarding Pending Litigation and the Employment History of several employees.

The meeting included a Budget Workshop focusing on Long Range Projections and the 2025-26 Budget Performance. Recognitions were made for the High School. Reports and presentations covered the Student Board Member updates on school activities, the Superintendent's reports on Marathon Health, Capital Project, and a Special Olympics Athletes Presentation. Professional Learning Communities updates were also shared. The Board discussed policy and culture/climate updates. Key actions included entering into and exiting Executive Session to discuss an employee's employment history. The Consent Agenda approved extracurricular reports and the Treasurer's Report. Personnel actions involved acknowledging several retirements (Julie Gallagher, Elyse Papa, Karen Kuzel, Michael Lurenz, Johanne Quinlivan, Cindy Yale, Sheila Coats, Kathleen Blake), accepting resignations (Dana Calandra, Marcela Macias), and approving several probationary appointments and terminations, including the appointment of Mark Wilson as Assistant Superintendent. Old Business involved approving the second and final read of Revised School Policy #4170 Expenses Reimbursement. New Business included approving various contracts and agreements for special education services, approving a fund transfer for BOCES needs, and approving field trip requests for the 8th Grade Band, Chorus & Orchestra and the JV and Varsity Girls Basketball Teams. Non-resident tuition rates for 2025-26 and the BOCES Meat & Cheese Bid were also approved, along with CSE, CPSE, and 504 recommendations. The board also approved the first read to retire School Policy #5135. A second Executive Session was held to discuss negotiations updates, pending litigation, and the employment history of two employees.

Key discussions included the Superintendent's reports covering Marathon Health status, Capital Project updates, the State of the Middle School Building, and a review of Regional Substitute Teacher Rates, with plans for rate review in the 2026-27 school year. Board committee updates detailed the Policy Committee's work on updating policies, including AI implementation for 2026-27, and the Culture and Climate Committee's efforts to extend the 'Spartan Way' focus across K-12. New business involved approving the first read of a revised School Policy on Expenses Reimbursement. Significant financial actions included approving several fund transfers totaling over $388,700 to cover Special Education Services, BOCES Computer Assisted Instruction needs, and a retirement payout. The Board also approved the 2025-2026 Spring Coaching appointments and the 2026-2027 Fall Head Varsity Field Hockey coaching appointment, along with numerous personnel actions including new probationary appointments and accepting several resignations. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss negotiations, pending litigation, and employment history/student matters.