Michael K. Faustino

The board meeting covered several key administrative and operational items for the 2026-2027 school year, including the election of board leadership, appointment of various district officers and committees, and the adoption of fiscal resolutions regarding purchasing, banking, and budget transfers. Discussions included public concerns regarding parent involvement, operations, and academic support. The board also addressed personnel matters, including staff appointments, resignations, and the setting of substitute and non-resident tuition rates. Additionally, field trip authorizations, special education committee placements, and approval for surplus equipment disposal were finalized.

The board discussed several topics, including recognitions for graduating students and an outgoing board member. During the public forum, community members raised concerns regarding 5th-grade scheduling, communication, and teacher workloads. The board acted on various personnel matters, including permanent appointments, resignations, and retirements. Additional actions involved approving a field trip, attendance at the FFA convention, the extended school year staff, the board meeting calendar, a standard work week, memorandums of agreement with the Related Professionals Union, and a crossing guard agreement with the Village of Boonville. The board also handled the disposal of surplus equipment, budget transfers, and reviews of the District Safety Plan and Fine Arts Calendar. Information items included financial reports, updates on facility inspections, and the introduction of a new certified therapy dog.

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.