Mary Lou Allen

The meeting commenced with a budget workshop followed by discussions on key educational programs. The Elementary Principal reported on holiday activities, including the Santa Trolley visit, the holiday concert, fourth-grade visits to Sitrin, spirit week events, a third-grade Reader's Theater, and plans for hosting student teachers. The High School Principal updated the board on preparations for mid-year assessments, holiday spirit week activities, an addiction presentation, the Snow Ball dance, and progress on fundraising and club activities such as Drama Club, FFA, International Club, Mathletics, and Music Department auditions. The Facilities Report detailed progress on capital projects at the Elementary and High School levels, including new windows, doors, and HVAC unit installation. The Transportation Report noted the completion of all 19A responsibilities in-house, a recent SED file audit, the commissioning of a new "lunch wagon" conversion from an old bus, and the donation of an old bus to the Fire Department. The Board approved two FFA overnight trips: one to the NYFFA State Leaders Experience in Albany and another to Camp Oswegatchie for winter survival skills training. Resolutions were passed to approve warrants, accept financial reports, approve budget transfers, accept Special Education Committee recommendations, declare music stands and an old bus as surplus for donation, void a specific check, and appoint three substitute teachers. The Board also accepted the resignation of the mock trial advisor. An executive session was held to discuss the Superintendent's informal mid-year evaluation.

The meeting began with a Budget Workshop. Key discussion items included approving business operations reports, receiving principal and athletic director reports, and addressing new business. New business focused on approving recommendations from the Committee on Special Education (dated February 27 and March 3), approving the 2026-2027 School District Calendar, entering into a 4-year contract for RIC Administrative Computer Services, accepting the Tax Cap for 2027, authorizing a resolution for bus financing (estimated maximum cost of $353,000), approving the 2026-2027 BOE Meeting Schedule, and approving agreements for DCMO Cooperative Purchasing and Lead in Water Testing. Personnel matters included accepting the resignation of a Senior Custodian (effective March 6, 2026), granting a request for unpaid leave, appointing a substitute clerical worker (retroactive to February 13, 2026), accepting the resignation of the Varsity Softball Coach, and appointing a Volunteer Varsity Softball Coach. The board also acknowledged information correspondence, including the SBI Showcase, and concluded with discussions during the Board of Education Roundtable Remarks, including recognition for Five-Star Service.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by Mark Harlander regarding the Technology Curriculum, detailing various courses offered, including Technology 7 and 8, Drawing and Design for Production, Woodworking, Construction, Career and Financial Management, Computer Aided Design, Drone Technology, Game and App Design, and Real World Math. Following a public comment period with no participation, the Board passed a resolution appointing Erin Muzio to tenure in the Special Education tenure area, effective December 15, 2025. The Board also approved warrants for payment, accepted financial reports, and approved budget transfers. Reports from the Elementary Principal included updates on student visits to the Remsen Arts Center, the Evening of Excellence awards, the Genesis Group Recognition dinner, and Parent Teacher Conferences. The High School Principal reported on upcoming events, student achievements in Senior High Area All-State, the Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast, a presentation on healthy relationships, honor roll celebrations, and activities for various clubs (Principal's Cabinet, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, Diversity Club, FFA, International Club, Journalism Club, Ski Club). Athletic reports detailed the Scholar Athlete Team Awards for Fall sports and winter sports roster numbers. The Facilities Report covered daily maintenance, equipment readiness for winter, and updates on the Capital Project, including elementary school window installations, brickwork completion, and mechanical system updates in the bus garage and high school. Additionally, the Board accepted recommendations from the Committee on Special Education, approved an Ancillary Administrative Services Agreement and a Business Associate Agreement with LBS for FSA and Dependent Care Benefit programs, approved the 2025-2026 Tax Collector's report, approved a Family Medical Leave request, appointed substitute staff, approved an agreement for two unpaid days, appointed a substitute teacher and a modified basketball coach, and approved hourly wage adjustments due to the New York State Minimum Wage Increase.

Key discussions included a presentation on Technology Curriculum offerings, such as Technology 7 and 8, Woodworking, and Drone Technology. The Board appointed Erin Muzio to tenure in the Special Education tenure area, effective December 15, 2025. Routine business included approval of warrants for payment, acceptance of financial reports, and budget transfers. Elementary and High School reports covered events like the Evening of Excellence, Thanksgiving Breakfast, student participation in All-State events, and club activities including FFA fruit sales and the Journalism Club's third edition. Athletic reports noted several teams qualifying for the NY State Scholar Athlete Award. Facility updates detailed progress on elementary school window installations and boiler system work at the bus garage. The Board approved recommendations of the Committee on Special Education and authorized agreements for the management of the District's Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Benefit Account programs, contingent upon legal review. Further actions included approving the 2025-2026 Tax Collector's report, approving a request for Family Medical Leave, and appointing substitute personnel.

The Board meeting included a review of facilities reports detailing completed upgrades to windows, floors, stage curtains, and HVAC systems across district buildings. The Board accepted recommendations from the Committee on Special Education, nominated a candidate for the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES Cooperative Board, and appointed a new substitute teacher. Additionally, a presentation was provided on the current Home and Careers and related pathway courses. The Board also reviewed correspondence, acknowledged the district's 'No Designation' fiscal stress score, and held a roundtable discussion covering recent school events, including an emergency alarm incident during a drama production and upcoming sports schedules.