Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego Board of Cooperative Educational Services

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.

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.