Patti Gallaher

The meeting addressed the receipt of a required policies list from MO BOCES. Discussion covered the upcoming transition of BoardDocs software to Diligent Community, scheduled to begin in June for an August or September go-live date, along with associated training. The committee reviewed and agreed to move three new required policies forward to the full Board for adoption on March 4, 2026: POL 7021 regarding Security Searches of Students, POL 5500 concerning Flag Display, and POL 6001 addressing Complaints and Grievances by Employees. Specific language adjustments were discussed for policies 5500 and 6001 to correctly reference DCMO BOCES.

This joint board meeting served as a kick-off presentation regarding the potential merger study between Deposit Central Schools and Hancock Central Schools. The discussion focused on the rationale for reorganization, driven by financial, opportunity, and staffing constraints, referencing prior studies from 1992-1993 and 2012. The process involves DCMO Boseies acting as the lead group, which hired Leadership Solutions Advisors to conduct the feasibility study following an RFP process. Key steps discussed included public engagement via stakeholder groups, maintaining transparency, and subsequent stages like a non-binding straw vote or petition to assess public support, which must precede any formal statutory vote ordered by the commissioner. Efforts are underway to leverage state aidability rules through Boseies and to secure local government efficiency grants to minimize cost impact to the districts.

Key discussions during the meeting included an overview of the proposed 2026-2027 budget, noting changes due to increased health insurance costs and requests for additional services. Financial consent items, including the December 2025 Financial Reports and January 2026 Claims Auditor Report, were approved. The Instructional Services & Management Services Combined Board Report was accepted. Actions taken included the approval of a Resolution Awarding Bids and Contracts, the adoption of resolutions appointing a Clerk Pro Tempore/Substitute Clerk, declaring surplus property, appointing additional election workers for a recent vote, declaring the results of a referendum, approving the 2026-2027 Regional Calendar, and accepting donations. Resolutions authorizing retirements, appointments, tenures, and resignations for Non-Instructional Staff were also adopted. A portion of the meeting was held in Executive Session to discuss legal matters and the employment history of an individual.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics such as financial reports, claims auditor reports, instructional and management services, and policy approvals. The board adopted a new policy regarding the use of surveillance cameras on school property, focusing on the retention period for video footage. They also approved resolutions for awarding bids and contracts, declaring surplus property, and appointing an Interim District Superintendent for Sullivan BOCES. Additionally, the board approved an External Audit Corrective Action Plan for 2024-2025 and discussed personnel matters, including retirements, appointments, and resignations.

The meeting included a preliminary audit discussion, internal claims auditor reports review, and a board resolution approval for funding of reserves. The funding of Liability Reserve, Insurance Reserve, Retirement Contribution Reserve, Unemployment Reserve, and Employee Benefit Accrual Liability Reserve (EBAL) were discussed.