Sarah Camus

The Special Full School Board meeting addressed the FY26-27 budget, noting a significant projected decrease in total revenue of $1.4 million, largely due to a reduction in state adequacy aid calculated at 95%. Suggested reductions include 39 positions and the potential closure of Maple Street Magnet School (MSMS). The Board discussed public funding mechanisms, the impact of property values on the adequacy formula, open enrollment, and how position reductions affect student outcomes. During public comment, alternatives to budget cuts were suggested, such as exploring revenue sources like the Lilac City Casino partnership, increasing free/reduced lunch applications, and decreasing transportation services. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.

The meeting included student recognitions, such as the Employee of the Month and acknowledgments for the AFJROTC Drill Team, a wrestling achievement, and a Scholastic Art & Writing Award. Public comment heavily focused on advocating for the continuation of the Maple Street Magnet School, with speakers detailing its benefits and questioning documentation related to its potential closure. In committee reports, the Governance Committee sent policy KG-R-1 and KG-R back for revision. The Teaching, Learning, & Student Supports Committee approved a job description for a high school interventionist. The Finance Committee unanimously approved several personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, nominations, and stipends. The Board also approved student activity transfers for several schools, approved two donations, and approved bids for switch equipment and an IT assessment. Discussions in the full board addendum involved supporting the Fair Funding Project, adding a legislative line to the agenda, exploring high school enrollment outreach to surrounding districts, and examining the need for another NESDEC assessment. The meeting concluded with a non-public session to discuss pending litigation/claims and tuition contracts.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on the FY 26-27 budget, where the Administration indicated that reductions estimated between $4.0 and $4.5 million would be necessary to achieve a tax-cap-compliant budget. Strategies discussed for personnel cost reduction included prioritizing attrition and retirements. Other topics included the potential closure of Maple Street Magnet School, exploration of revenue opportunities through partnerships with local corporations such as Safran, Albany, and Alkegen, and the possibility of requesting additional funding from the City. The Board received a commitment for detailed budget information and cost-saving recommendations. A motion was unanimously passed for the Superintendent to write a letter to state and local parties regarding the increased need for funding. The meeting included a non-public session concerning pending litigation, followed by a motion to seal the minutes of that session for five years.

The Operations Committee meeting began with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions centered on transportation services provided by SDA. The committee addressed procedures for ensuring adequate staffing, noting reliance on online advertising and local grassroots recruitment, as well as challenges like out-of-state applicants. Discussions also covered coordination for accurate route changes, noting difficulties encountered this year compared to past processes utilizing routing software. The committee explored opportunities for route adjustments to improve efficiency, acknowledging that major changes are typically implemented at the start of a new school year or during breaks to minimize disruption, and discussed the status of acquiring two additional buses. Furthermore, the implementation plan for GPS tracking on buses to allow for real-time monitoring via an application was reviewed, with assurances that units should be installed before the Christmas break, although details on app integration and multi-factor authentication security still required follow-up. Finally, training procedures for bus drivers concerning safe and orderly behavior, deescalation, and behavior management were discussed, with interest shown in potentially partnering with the school district for shared training protocols.

The meeting included the election of the new School Board Chair and Vice Chair following roll call votes. Key discussions and actions involved public comment regarding facility rental policy and Policy EBBA-7 on head lice, which will be reviewed by the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee approved the SHS Duty MOU. Policies for first reading included the Facility Rental Schedule, Community Use of School Facilities, and Title IX regulations. The Teaching, Learning, & Student Supports Committee approved a Title I job description. Recognition was given to an Employee of the Month and several student athletes for recent achievements. Personnel actions included the approval of one resignation and one nomination, as well as the unanimous approval of numerous stipends for various club and athletic coaching positions.