Michael K. Faustino

The board meeting included a review of the 2026-2027 budget, covering tax cap calculations, expenditure adjustments such as staffing changes, out-of-district placements, and capital outlay reductions. A public forum addressed safety protocols following a prior incident and community expressions of gratitude for the use of school facilities by a local church. The board accepted a teacher's resignation, entered into a construction management agreement for the 2025 capital improvement project, and upheld a superintendent's decision regarding a student disciplinary matter. Additionally, information regarding the upcoming instructional calendar, solar energy systems pilot, and board petitions was provided.

Key discussions during the meeting included a tour of the high school highlighting the good condition of the facility. The Director of Special Education provided an overview of departmental updates, noting an increase in enrollment, the success of the previous Extended School Year Program, and plans for a dedicated Special Ed. Department webpage. Assessment data for 2024-25 NYS Assessments was presented, showing comparable proficiency rates to peer districts. Budget information was reviewed, covering health insurance cost assumptions, BOCES service requests, and drafts for revenue and expenses, including finalizing salaries and benefits. The Public Forum included a citizen's request regarding classroom volunteering. The Regular Agenda involved approving support staff appointments, including a Groundsworker/Cleaner position, approving the Class of 2027 Junior Prom date and location, approving school tax adjustments, confirming spring 2026 coaching assignments, granting approval for student placements by the Committee on Special Education, and declaring certain equipment/books as surplus for disposal. Jordan Sweeney was approved as the unpaid 5th grade class advisor. Discussion items included warrants, receipts, the Treasurer's Report for December 31, 2025, and information regarding Board of Education petitions and expiring terms.

The meeting began with an Executive Session to discuss Adirondack Teachers' Association contract negotiations, followed by a return to the regular session. Discussions during the budget review included preliminary numbers for the 2026-2027 Budget, State Aid Runs, Debt Service Projections, and Historical Enrollment, noting a significant enrollment decrease since 2003-2004. Concerns were raised regarding the funding status of Pre-K-3 programs and the methodology for determining the poverty/wealth-based aid percentage. Health insurance projections indicated a potential 9% increase. During the Public Forum, a question regarding the eligibility of homeschooled students for school sports was addressed, referencing state law. The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Business Administrator to transfer substantial funds to various reserves, including the Capital Construction Reserve, EBLAR Reserve, TRS Reserve, and ERS Reserve. Information items included updates on the School-Based Health Center re-opening, the target date for Diligent Community (Board Docs), and an upcoming Jefferson-Lewis School Boards Association Legislative Forum. The meeting concluded with a second Executive Session on contract negotiations, followed by adjournment.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss employment history and ATA contract negotiations, followed by a move to Regular Session. Key discussions included welcoming the new Jefferson-Lewis BOCES Superintendent and providing an overview of BOCES activities, such as expanding electrical and heavy equipment CTE programs and potential interest in a welding program. The Business Administrator provided an update on the 2026-2027 Budget, detailing the Operations, Maintenance, Grounds & Transportation budget, including bus replacement plans. During the Public Forum, a concerned resident voiced worries regarding security protocols following a recent fake gun incident. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included substitute appointments and field trips. Under the Regular Agenda, the Board appointed an individual to a permanent Office Specialist I position, approved the 2024-2025 Audit Corrective Action Plan, approved student placements through the Committee on Special Education, declared certain equipment and textbooks as surplus, appointed a volunteer assistant coach, and adopted a resolution to retain King + King Architects for post-referendum services for the 2025 Renovation Project. Information items covered a new Regulation for School Volunteers, Warrant & Receipts, the Treasurer's Report, and positive reports on Food Service Health Department Inspections.

The agenda for the meeting included a proposed Executive Session to discuss employment history of personnel and ATA contract negotiations. Key discussion items included an update on the 2026-2027 Budget, specifically focusing on Operations, Maintenance, Grounds & Transportation Budgets. The board planned to appoint Mrs. Karen Cole to the permanent position of Office Specialist I upon successful completion of her probationary period, and approve the 2024-2025 Audit Corrective Action Plan. Furthermore, the board intended to grant placement approval for students per the Committee on Special Education recommendation, declare certain equipment and/or textbooks as surplus for disposal, and appoint Dr. John Leuenberger as a volunteer assistant coach for Nordic Ski. A significant item involved adopting a resolution to retain King + King Architects, LLP for Architectural/Engineering Services for the post-referendum stage of the 2025 Renovation Project. Information items included a review of the Policy for School Volunteers, Warrants & Receipts, the Treasurer's Report for November 2025, and positive reports regarding Food Service Health Department Inspections.