Thomas Fargo

The Board received a presentation from students regarding the New Vision Allied Health program and heard an overview of the upcoming external audit process for the 2025-2026 school year. Discussions included board reports concerning health insurance consortium activities and cost-reduction strategies. The Board approved various financial items, adopted several policy resolutions, awarded bids and contracts, and authorized architectural and engineering services. Additional actions included adopting the school year budget, approving capital financing, declaring surplus property, and authorizing personnel matters including retirements and appointments. An executive session was held to discuss personnel, legal matters, and collective bargaining negotiations.

The Policy Committee discussed several policies including the Wellness Policy, Accommodation of Hearing-Impaired Parents Policy, and the Drug-Free Workplace Policy, focusing on naming consistency and language refinements. The committee also reviewed a draft policy regarding capital projects contracts and change orders to establish appropriate approval thresholds. Additionally, a potential policy on diapering and toileting was discussed, with the committee deciding it was not necessary. The committee concluded by voting to move the reviewed policies to the full Board for adoption.

The board conducted the annual meeting, which included the election of a chairperson and clerk, and remarks from board candidates. A student board member provided insight into the Carl D. Perkins Grant and its impact on Career and Technical Education programs. The board reviewed the preliminary administrative and capital budgets for the upcoming school year. Additional actions included awarding bids and contracts, accepting donations, authorizing the use of the liability reserve fund, and approving a contract amendment with Dell Technologies. Personnel matters were addressed, including student observations, the transfer of civil service title functions, and various staff appointments and tenure resolutions.

The meeting involved reviewing several capital projects and making recommendations to the full Board. Discussion covered the need for a $1,250 change order to resolve an air balancing issue in the 2023-24 Paint Booth project. For the 2024-25 electrical supply project for the Print Shop, replacement of decades-old switchgear in the high voltage panel box was identified as necessary, requiring ordering with a 23-week lead time and certified electrician labor. Future project planning addressed soffit repairs at the Pole Campus main entrance and playground work. Funds from the 2026-27 and Future $500K Projects are planned for SSC building upgrades not covered by aidable funds, pending approval at the April 22nd meeting. The committee recommended the full Board pass a resolution authorizing the change order for the switchgear replacement, which can be covered by surplus funds from the 24-25 project.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on capital projects, such as a required change order for the 2023-24 Paint Booth issue, replacement of switchgear for the 2024-25 Print Shop electrical supply, scheduled soffit repairs for the Pole Campus entrance, and initial planning for utilizing future funds for the SSC building scope items. The Policy Committee recommended approval for three policies, including the Flag policy. Feedback was provided on the recent Legislative Breakfast event, and the next BTD Consortium meeting date was noted. Financial items approved included the January 2026 financial reports and combined board reports for Instructional Services & Management Services. Resolutions were adopted for rescinding and approving policies, awarding bids and contracts, and authorizing cooperative bidding for library system resources. New Business saw approval for accepting donations, declaring property surplus, appointing election workers, and authorizing board member attendance at the Rural Schools Association Conference. Personnel matters included adopting resolutions for various staff actions, such as retirements and appointments, and approving a student observation period for SUNY Oneonta students. Professional development noted upcoming attendance at the Rural Schools Association Conference and reminded members to register for the NYSSBA Fall Convention. There was a note regarding statewide recognition for SkillsUSA activities.