Theresa Stopka

The strategic plan, titled 'Blueprint for Excellence', outlines the Avoca School District's vision for advancing educational programs, improving student outcomes, and strengthening community connections. It identifies three priority areas: academic excellence, the student experience, and operations. The plan aims to provide students with a meaningful, innovative, and engaging educational experience in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment, preparing them to be contributing members of their community and lifelong, critical, independent thinkers.

The board meeting included reports from athletics, administration, and the superintendent. Actions taken included the approval of the treasurer's report, acceptance of Committee on Special Education recommendations, and a change to the reorganization meeting date. The board approved the 2026-2027 school calendar and authorized the RIC ONE Risk Operations Center agreement regarding data privacy. Additionally, the board agreed to accept ownership and maintenance of a drainage culvert from the New York State Department of Transportation and approved the disposal of obsolete district property. Personnel matters included the acceptance of a bus driver's resignation. An executive session was held to discuss personnel and contract negotiations.

The board meeting included several reports and discussions regarding special programs, athletics, and superintendent updates. Action items approved included the election of BOCES board members, authorization for student overnight trips, and a summer transportation request. The budget for the 2026-2027 school year was approved, along with the administrative budget for BOCES. Additionally, the board declared several items of district property as obsolete, approved a cooperative natural gas bid, and accepted a donation. Personnel actions included granting tenure to three staff members, accepting resignations and retirements, approving substitute lists, and confirming extracurricular and volunteer coaching appointments. The board also held an executive session to discuss personnel, collective negotiations, and pending litigation.

The board convened for a special meeting to hold an executive session regarding pending litigation. Following the return to regular session, the board officially approved a settlement agreement.

The District-Wide School Safety Plan for Avoca Central School District outlines comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to emergencies and violent incidents, ensuring coordination with local resources. It details general considerations, emergency response protocols, communication strategies, and recovery procedures, including prevention/intervention, school security implementation, cardiac emergency response, and early detection of potentially violent behaviors. The plan also integrates a Public Health Emergency Continuation of Operations Plan and an Emergency Remote Instruction Plan to address various extraordinary circumstances affecting the district.