Matthew Dodge

Key discussions during the meeting included a budget presentation for the 2026/2027 fiscal year focusing on revenue. Personnel actions included accepting the retirement of a school nurse effective September 3, 2026. The Superintendent reported on take-back days for emergency closings, the draft 2026-2027 District Calendar, BOCES Board Member nominations, and a partnership opportunity with Falk College related to sports industry careers. Business Office reports highlighted earned interest from NYCLASS, food service profits, and receiving the highest designation, Titanium with Honors, for the Utica National School Safety Excellence Award, in addition to securing a Cyber Security Grant. Facilities updates covered the completion status of Capital Project Phase I and the commencement of Phase II demolition. Special Education reported on data reviews concerning chronic absenteeism and the start of the fifth cohort for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training. Elementary schools reported on testing data and PreK registration deadlines. The Jr./Sr. High School reported on student feedback regarding food service quality and specific requests for menu item frequency adjustments, along with ongoing efforts to address milk quality concerns. Athletics reported on successful seasons and upcoming sectional games. New Business involved awarding contracts for Phase 2A and Phase 2B of the 2026 Capital Improvement Project, approving a Memorandum of Agreement for an association member, and reviewing an update on the Superintendent Search. The board also approved various consensus items, including CSE/CPSE/Section 504 recommendations, personnel changes (appointments and rescinding a coach position), and an asset disposal.

The meeting included discussions on a donation from Reagan Companies, an update on the Reveal Math Curriculum, and an update on Capital Project Phase 2 by Ashley McGraw. Financial reports were accepted, and the Superintendent provided a report. The board approved consensus items, including CSE, CPSE, and Section 504 recommendations, instructional and non-instructional substitute resolutions, a salary adjustment for John Roelen, mentors for the 2025-2026 school year, and an asset disposal request. An IHO was appointed, and a service agreement with Syracuse Orthopedic Specialist, P.C. was approved, along with an independent contractor agreement for Rob Cormier. The OCM BOCES Regionalization Plan and Recommendations were also approved. Policy revisions were made to policies 5681, 7515, 7670, and 7680. The board approved a Memorandum of Agreement for Renee Cormier, accepted the 2024-2025 Independent Audit Report, and accepted a donation from the New York FFA Leadership Training Foundation, Inc. Change orders for construction projects were addressed, and a preventative maintenance agreement with Betlem Services Corporation (EMCOR Group Inc.) was approved. The board entered into an executive session and later accepted the retirement of Robin Price.

The meeting included discussions and approvals regarding personnel matters, such as the retirement agreement for Dan Thomas and the appointments of Amanda Wittenmyer as Family and Consumer Science Teacher and Cole Walsh as English Teacher. The board also addressed several consensus items, including the appointment of Kathryn Smith as Yearbook Club Advisor, leaves of absence for Sarah Nakoski and Emily Magiera, and the approval of coaches for various sports. Budget transfers were approved for foster care residency, retiree sick day payouts, substitute teacher salaries, special education summer school, bus garage contract, and foster care residency.

The agenda included presentations on the OCM BOCES Regionalization Plan and Capital Project Renovation, as well as Capital Project Prevailing Wage. Financial reports were reviewed and accepted. The board discussed the Superintendent's report, administrative staff reports, and recognized Board of Education members. Consensus items were approved, including recommendations from the CSE, CPSE, and Section 504 committees, the appointment of a substitute lunch monitor and information aides, student teacher approvals, coach approvals, a Fitness Club Advisor approval, asset disposal, intermunicipal agreements with fire departments, a corrected tax bill, and a donation for a gazebo at Wheeler Elementary. The board also approved Debra Polly as Teaching Assistant, a letter of intent for the purchase of school buses, and entered into an executive session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning the meeting.

The meeting included discussions and actions on personnel matters, such as approving Kelley Horst as a School Bus Driver and Diana Abbott as a School Nurse, as well as granting Permanent Civil Service Status to Evan Masker and Randy Carmona. The annual audit report was presented, highlighting key financial aspects for the 2024-2025 audit with no deficiencies noted. The Superintendent's Report covered the opening of school, student enrollment information, capital project updates, staffing, and a welcome event for Ex Officio Student School Board Members. Administrative staff reports included updates from the Business Office, Maintenance, Transportation, and the Director of Student Services. Reports from Rockwell ES, Wheeler ES and Jr/Sr High School were also shared. The board also discussed the use of Internet and Cellular Enabled Devices During the School Day.