Michelle Bulla

The board approved the adoption of the proposed 2026-2027 budget and the 2026-2027 property tax report card. Additionally, the board voted to approve the Orange-Ulster BOCES 2026-2027 administrative budget and elected members to the Orange-Ulster BOCES Cooperative Board. The meeting concluded with an adjournment into executive session to discuss the annual probationary staff review.

The board adopted the proposed 2026-2027 budget and the corresponding property tax report card. Additionally, they approved the administrative budget for the Orange Ulster BOCES and cast votes for candidates filling vacancies on the cooperative board. The meeting concluded with a transition into an executive session to review annual probationary staff evaluations.

The Board of Education meeting included an enrollment presentation detailing trends in student population, including English language learners and students with individual education plans (IEPs). The discussion covered staffing recommendations for the upcoming school year, specifically the need for additional positions to support literacy, mathematics, special education, and social-emotional counseling, while maintaining program flexibility. Furthermore, the Superintendent presented budget focus areas for the upcoming fiscal year centered on enhancing student, staff, and family experiences through academic programs, athletics, and professional development.

The meeting featured a presentation on the proposed personnel budget for the 2627 school year, covering full-time equivalent changes, staff expenditures, and employee benefits. Key discussion topics included the reallocation of staff positions from grant funding to the general fund, the addition of new teaching and instructional support roles, the impact of student enrollment trends on staffing levels, and the driving factors behind increases in health insurance premiums. The board also received an update on the progress of various district goals, focusing on student attendance, performance monitoring, and curriculum council initiatives.

The meeting included a community member's request for the board to adopt resolutions in support of two state-level bills, the Melt Act and the New York for All Act, and to issue a public statement regarding school policies related to ICE. Additionally, there was a detailed presentation on the proposed personnel budget for the 26-27 school year, covering full-time equivalent staffing, the shift of positions from grant funding to the general fund, and the factors driving proposed headcount increases despite declining student enrollment. The board also reviewed employee benefits, noting an overall increase primarily driven by rising health insurance premiums.