Morgan Allison

Key discussions and actions included the approval of the meeting agenda, a budget presentation by the Superintendent and Business Official, and reports from school principals celebrating successes such as student performances, academic achievements, and positive school events. The consent agenda comprised numerous approvals, including financial reports for January 2026 (Student Activities, Treasurer's Report, General Fund Appropriations, Revenue, Budget Transfers), the February 2026 warrant report, Special Education Committee reports, and various personnel actions such as resignations, staff amendments, appointments, and substitute approvals. New business focused on approving the 2025-26 Corrective Action Plan, adopting revised Policy #7522, approving the 2026-2027 Payroll Calendar, and rescheduling the April 1, 2026, meeting to March 31, 2026. Finance matters involved setting the date and procedures for the May 19, 2026, School Board Member Election/Budget Vote, proposing propositions related to expenditures from the Transportation Reserve Fund, creating a new Transportation Reserve Fund, and approving the Hornell Public Library funding proposition. The Board also approved contracts for voting machines and the GST BOCES Food Service Bid, the Cost Allocation Methodology for GST BOCES, a resolution for a mutual assistance agreement with the City of Hornell resolving tax assessment challenges and transferring Maple City Park property, a Professional Services Agreement with Labella Associates, and an MOU with ProAction of Steuben & Yates for the Family Resource Center. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss a non-tenured tenure recipient.

The meeting included opening exercises, the approval of the agenda, and public comment regarding wearing accessories in school. Key actions involved recognizing Jim Tobin, a retired teacher and soccer coach, for his service. School principals provided updates on various successes, including Guest Readers Week, student growth in reading, empathy/responsibility assemblies, implementation of a dedicated RTI block, partnership coordination, field trips (Rochester Museum and Science Center, The Clemens Center), and recognizing counseling staff and substitute teachers. High school principal updates included the 'Life Powered by You' program, ELA Regents pass rates, Honor Pass statistics, and naming Honor Graduates. Construction updates were provided. The consent agenda covered numerous items, including the approval of minutes dated January 6, 2026, various December 2025 financial reports (Student Activities, Treasurer's, General Fund Appropriations, Revenue, Budget Transfers), the January 2026 Warrant Report, CSE and CPSE reports, and several probationary appointments, resignations, limited-term instructional appointments, a mentor appointment, a practicum student placement, and spring coaching appointments (Softball, Flag Football amendment), along with changes to the substitute roster. New business included the approval of updated grade-level configurations, appointments to the Board of Registration, amendments to the 2025-26 calendar, approval of the 2026-27 academic calendar, adoption of new policies, and the disposal of high school library books and an old scale. Finance actions included awarding the Hornell Intermediate Precast Bid to LaChase Construction Services and approving an agreement with Lexikeet Language Services. The meeting concluded with an executive session for a personnel matter.

The regular board meeting included opening exercises where the agenda was approved. Key discussions involved recognizing the Hornell Boys Soccer team for their Sectional Title. Reports detailed numerous successes across North Hornell (including gratitude events, author visits, holiday celebrations, and fundraising for the Humane Society), Intermediate School activities (such as author visits, a Kindness Club, a student debate on homework, a Macy's Thanksgiving Day balloon parade reenactment, a Poetry Slam, and holiday performances), and High School activities (including drama production, club trips, the DECA Regional Competition, and various holiday events, along with recognition for members of the Area All-State Choir and Band). The Athletic Director reported on expanded travel due to facility limitations and highlighted participation in Girls Wrestling and State Farm Tournaments. Construction updates were provided. The consent agenda addressed multiple items including the approval of minutes from December 3, 2025, financial reports for November 2025, student activities reports, CSE/CPSE/504 reports, staff appointments and resignations, and approval of Spring Coaching appointments. New business involved the first reading of new and revised policies, and authorization to dispose of an ice cream freezer. Finance action included approving an Energy Performance Contract with Day Automation.

The meeting included presentations from the HHS Choir and recognitions for Lynda Kull's retirement. The board received construction updates and reports. The consent agenda included approvals for the Treasurer's Report, General Fund Appropriations Report, General Fund Revenue Report, General Fund Budget Transfers, CSE and CPSE Reports, Student Activities Report, Warrant Report, and several MOAs regarding repayment of sick bank days, creation of coaching positions for Girls Flag Football, and a bus driver rate increase. Additionally, the board approved support staff appointments, resignations, amended instructional staff appointments, interscholastic sports volunteers, advisor removal, and department chair appointments. The meeting convened into an executive session for a personnel matter before adjourning.

The plan serves as a guide for establishing and utilizing reserve funds, aiming to enhance the district's financial stability and reduce reliance on unfunded debt for capital projects. It outlines specific reserves, including those for employee benefits, bonded debt, workers' compensation, unemployment, and capital projects. The plan emphasizes maintaining a balance of 3.5% to 4% of undesignated fund balance within its operating funds, along with legally established reserve funds, to ensure financial resilience during uncertain economic times. It also addresses the importance of saving for future expenses like employee leave time accruals to avoid spikes in annual real property levies.