Stephanie Cook

The Board meeting focused on program presentations, including student projects on mental health in the dairy industry. Administrative reports covered disciplinary data, curriculum assessments, winter benchmarking, and special education instructional support. The Board reviewed the Superintendent's report regarding the school calendar, overnight trips, and a contract for social worker mentorship. Financial discussions involved the Treasurer's report, tax levy limit calculations, and the initial draft of the proposed budget. Additionally, the Board handled various personnel actions, including appointments for the Director of Security, substitute teachers, and non-instructional staff, as well as several retirements and resignations. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding contractual and personnel matters.

The meeting began with reports on planned activities, including the senior trip itinerary modification to include only hors d'oeuvres and desserts for prom, and updates on the capital project at the bus garage, recommending the purchase of two new large buses and one minibus. Program discussions included updates on National Honor Society participation, celebrating elementary CLASS achievements, and a partnership initiative with Houghton University. Curriculum updates featured a visit by children's author Daryl Cobb, progress on winter benchmarking for grades K-8, and attendance at sessions on the NYS Portrait of a Graduate and Inquiry Based Learning. Special Education reported on the start of Houghton University interns and progress with Literacy West afterschool clubs. The Superintendent reported on an invitation for a student to serve on a Statewide DEI Advisory Council, and enrollment review plans. Financial matters included the Treasurer's Report review and approval, and various grants and budget section breakdowns. New Business addressed the approval of the 2026-2027 Unit Cost Methodology for BOCES services and approval for participation in cooperative purchasing with neighboring counties. Personnel actions included the approval of several substitute teacher appointments and non-instructional appointments, including new hires, retroactive placements, and probationary appointments. The session included an Executive Session.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on the senior trip itinerary and changes to the prom format. Operational updates covered capital project progress at the bus garage, including new fuel pumps and parking lot widening, and a recommendation for purchasing two new large buses and one mini bus in the next budget. Academic discussions focused on National Honor Society participation, elementary CLASS celebrations, and the Houghton University Partnership. Other topics included sharing an integrity character video, announcing a free family dinner event with food boxes provided by ACCORD, and reporting on a visit by children's author Daryl Cobb. Curriculum updates involved winter benchmarking and sessions on the NYS Portrait of a Graduate and Inquiry Based Learning. Special Education updates noted the start of Houghton University interns shadowing the SEL team and Literacy West nearing its afterschool club participation goal. The Student Board Member reported on boys' basketball achievements and exploring the New Visions program. The Superintendent reported on an invitation for a student to serve on a Statewide DEI Advisory Council and announced forthcoming enrollment section reviews with faculty. Financial reports were presented, leading to the acceptance of the Treasurer's Report. New business addressed the approval of the 2026-2027 Unit Cost Methodology for BOCES services and the approval of the Cooperative Purchasing Annual Resolution for joint bidding of supplies and services with neighboring counties. Personnel actions included the approval of substitute teacher appointments, non-instructional appointments, extra-curricular appointments, and an amendment to the Superintendent's contract.

The meeting included a review of the Building Condition Survey by CPL consultants, focusing on safety, security, code compliance, and energy efficiency. Presentations featured a look at Lion King Jr. production costumes. Discussions covered the National Honor Society eligibility, faculty longevity recognition, and holiday traditions. Updates were provided on Secret Santa shopping for 144 students and 7th/8th grade incentive trips. Curriculum updates included Literacy Night, a BOCES production visit, a sing-along with The Manhattan School of Music, and data meetings for K-6 teachers. The donation of books to the elementary library in honor of Mr. McGeorge was noted. The SEL Team reported on support provided, and the welcoming of two counseling interns in January was announced. Plans for student attendance at the BOCES Winter Carnival were discussed. Student Board Members reported on Christmas concerts and the cultural learning aspect of the K-6 Christmas Extravaganza. The Superintendent reported on a new state bill affecting reorganizational meeting dates, an update on the Capital Project's rain screen panel issues, and discussions with the Statewide DEI Network. Work session items included reopening the District Wide Safety Plan for revision based on a new cardiac annex law, the addition of Narcan to every AED box, the implementation of an after-school weightroom for students, efforts to resume transportation for Amish students, and an update on the Shared Athletic Agreement for wrestling with Keshequa. Financial reports were reviewed, and the Board approved the Treasurer's Report. New business included authorizing the Superintendent to apply for and execute a combined wrestling team agreement with Keshequa Central School, approving a contract for speech-language therapy services, awarding a Capital Outlay Exception Project to Frontier Glass Inc., and approving the Annual Retainer Agreement with attorneys Richardson, Pullen and Buck, P.C. Substitute teacher and non-instructional appointments were approved, along with the sixth amendment to the Superintendent's contract.

The meeting included discussions and reports from the PK-12 Principal, Assistant PK-12 Principal, PK-12 Curriculum Coordinator, and Director of Special Education, covering topics such as volunteering at the food pantry, updates on the first semester category list, STEAM classroom tours, Secret Santa, the Fillmore Community Table dinner, discipline data, Literacy Night, author presentations, book pals, math spirals, and regents exams. The Student Board Members reported on the new bell schedule, water fountains, and the advisory period. The Superintendent provided an update on the capital project, roof repairs, the faculty handbook, and community walking hours. The board discussed and reviewed the Use of Force policy. The Business Administrator shared the Treasurer's Report and Board Financial Summary Report. The board approved a resolution for transportation contracts with BOCES Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming for specialized transportation services for special education students for the Summer 2025. They also approved various personnel appointments, including substitute teachers, non-instructional staff, extra-curricular advisors and a probationary teacher aide. The board entered and exited an executive session.