Mike Diehl

The Board reconvened to address several recommended action items, including the approval of consensus items 1 through 8. Key resolutions involved authorizing the donation of LAMA sick days to a specific employee, approving the appointment of Leonilda Roth as a Special Education Teacher effective January 5, 2026, and amending substitute rates of pay effective January 1, 2026. The Board accepted the resignation of Part Time Cleaner Troy Nietzel and approved his appointment to a Full Time Cleaner position effective January 7, 2026, replacing a retired employee. Additionally, the probationary appointment for LAN Technician Christopher Barbanti was extended through June 30, 2026, and the resignation of Teacher Aide Venus Houghtaling was accepted. The Board also approved various Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular appointments and amendments for the 2025-2026 period. Outside the consent agenda, the Board discussed and approved a Memorandum of Agreement between the District and the Liberty Faculty Association regarding wrestling.

The board discussed committee reports, including a MS Board Member Visit and a BOE Transportation Meeting, which covered topics like Transfinder, transportation studies, route reviews, and electric bussing. The Superintendent provided a report, and the board approved a consensus agenda, minutes from previous meetings, bills, treasurer's reports, and financial reports. They also approved CSE/CPSE placements, adopted policies, extended a probationary period for a teacher, and appointed a school counselor and a certified floating substitute. Resignations were accepted, and sporting/nighttime event assistants and tutors were approved. Additionally, student teaching hours were approved, and new staff was recognized.

The board meeting included presentations from the World Languages and Guidance/Counseling departments, covering program skills, cultural integration, and student support services. Discussions involved the policy on students' personal electronic devices and a request for bleachers to be donated to the WSS Fire Department. Committee reports were given on policy reviews, asset management, budget updates, building and grounds projects, safety meetings, and a high school walkthrough. The Superintendent reported on Military Family Appreciation Month, SRP appreciation day, new agency partnerships, and embargoed data. Administrators reported on various topics, including Edu Planet timeline, special education training, NAEHCY conference, NWEA data, curriculum alignment, staff development, and athletic achievements. Action items included agreements, bid awards, excessing IT equipment, amending claims auditor, policy readings, teacher appointments, leaves of absence, tutor appointments, extracurricular appointments, substitutes, and student teaching hours. The board also accepted the resignation of a teacher and addressed public comments regarding the girls wrestling coach position.

The meeting was reconvened and immediately entered into an executive session for the purpose of a Board Retreat. The executive session then ended and the meeting was adjourned.

The board meeting included discussions and updates on various educational programs, including the summer school and summer enrichment programs. Committee reports covered topics such as transportation, policy updates, budget and audit matters, and NYSSBA resolutions. The Superintendent's report highlighted Board Appreciation Week and the potential impact of the federal government shutdown on grant funding. Administrators reported on curriculum training, student services, and school activities. The board granted tenure to a foreign language teacher and approved several agreements and policies. They also addressed personnel matters, including resignations, leaves of absence, and extracurricular appointments. A parent raised concerns about bus transportation safety during public comment.