Michael J Barbieri

The meeting agenda was accepted with an addendum. A significant portion of the discussion involved an overview of key technology initiatives presented by the GST Regional Information Center team, covering the Regional Data Lake Initiative, technology governance (including cybersecurity and data privacy), and leadership development efforts. Consensus items approved included the minutes of the February 3, 2026, Regular Meeting, the December 2025 Treasurer's Reports, and the January 2026 Internal Claims Auditor Report. The Board also approved finance actions, personnel actions, and board policy first and second readings. Under 'Other Business,' the Board approved the GST BOCES BOE Calendar and a correction to a term date for a Board Member following the Reorganization Meeting. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss legal matters and employment histories, followed by adjournment.

The meeting commenced with the acceptance of the agenda, including an addendum. Discussions during the privilege of the floor segment included a review of the regionalization survey results and a presentation by the Executive Director of the GST School Boards Association regarding recent legislative events. The internal audit report summary indicated effective internal controls and compliance with standards, though continued attention was recommended for extraclassroom activity funds. An update on Exceptional Education services highlighted increased demand for elementary and autism-related services, along with regional professional development efforts to address staffing shortages. Consensus items approved included the minutes from the January 6, 2026, meeting and various Treasurer's and Auditor's reports. Finance and Personnel actions were approved as recommended by the Superintendent. The Board reviewed proposed policy updates and timeline for adoption. Other business included the approval of the 2026-2027 Regional School Calendar and the 2026-2027 GST Holiday schedule. The Board also addressed several purchasing matters, including participation in cooperative agreements for software and hardware procurement, and the approval of resolutions for an Installment Purchase Agreement for equipment for Spencer-Van Etten Central School District. Approvals were also granted for bidding on food service supplies for various districts. Donations of vehicles to the Auto Body and Auto Tech classes were accepted. The Board approved the Proposed Scope of Work for the 2025-2026 Capital Project and determined that the associated Capital Construction project, involving Security & HVAC Controls, was a Type II Action under SEQR, requiring no further review. The meeting concluded with resolutions to enter and then exit Executive Session to discuss employment histories of particular persons.

The meeting included a discussion on a Legislative Update from a prior zoom call with Senator O'Mara and a representative from Congressman Langworthy's office, focusing on the potential impact of lost state aid on districts. The Board also reviewed the New York Inspires Initiative, which involves phased implementation leading up to 2029, and a proposed amendment requiring climate education and personal finance instruction. Consensus items included the approval of minutes from December 2, 2025, and various Treasurer's and Auditor's reports. Finance actions involved budget establishment, increases for several CoSer programs supported by various district contributions, and transfers within Computer Services. Purchasing involved permission to bid paper and supplies, approval of an Installment Purchase Agreement for technology for Elmira City School District, and extensions for waste disposal and signage bids. Personnel actions covered new hires, resignations, tenure appointments, amended appointments, salary changes, and probationary appointments. A revised policy regarding Board Meetings Conducted via Videoconference was discussed, with a second adoption scheduled for January 6, 2026, and a first reading indicated for January 6, 2025. An annual report for the School Library Systems was accepted. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss employment histories.

The regular meeting commenced with the acceptance of the agenda. During the Privilege of the Floor segment, the Board congratulated a staff member on receiving the NYLA School Librarian of the Year award and discussed the helpfulness of Cabinet board notes. Consensus items approved included the minutes of the prior regular meeting and the Treasurer's Reports for June and July 2025, as well as the Internal Claims Auditor Report for August 2025. Key financial actions involved establishing budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, approving numerous budget increases and decreases across various CoSer programs, and approving transfers within Computer Services. The Board resolved to accept the RPC/TAC grant budget of $1,340,573 for the second year of a five-year term. Purchasing actions included awarding a mini bid for a new transit van to C. Basil Ford, Inc. and awarding a mini bid for a landscape truck to Ferrario Ford. The Board also approved a lease agreement with Corning Community College for GST BOCES STEM Academy space spanning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Other items included accepting a donation of physical therapy equipment, opening a new club account for the Welding Club, requesting permission to switch banks for the Dental & Vision Checking Account, accepting the 2024-2025 External Audit Report, and awarding the bid for the 2025 Wildwood Campus Asphalt Replacement Project to Dalrymple Gravel & Contracting Co. Inc.

The meeting included the acceptance of the agenda and covered several key operational items. Financial actions were approved, involving budget increases and decreases for various CoSer programs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, alongside specific transfers between budget codes. Personnel actions were resolved, encompassing approvals for new hires, salary changes, tenure area appointments, and temporary assignments. The Board President's report focused on simplified written goals, survey results timing, and focusing on employment areas for BOCES students. The Superintendent reported on merger study discussions involving Bradford, Dundee, Campbell Savona, and Watkins Glen districts, noting the upcoming public meeting and grant deadline. The Board also entered into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular persons.