Orleans-Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services

The meeting included an executive session to discuss the employment of a particular individual, followed by a presentation from Young + Wright Architecture regarding a Building Condition Survey. Key actions involved approving Standing Consent Agenda Resolutions, which included budget modifications (#83-99 for 2025-2026) and the approval of Treasurer's Reports for the General Fund, Special Aids, and Other Funds. New Business items included acknowledging receipt of the Single Audit Report for the year ended June 30, 2025, approving a Juul Agreement with Newfane Central School District, approving a Lease Agreement with Niagara Falls City School District, approving change orders for the 2024 project annex, adopting a resolution for the School Library Systems' DREAM Consortium, approving the 2026-2027 administrative and school calendars, accepting a $1,000 cash donation, and approving the disposal of obsolete electronic components. The personnel section addressed the resignation of Board Member Timothy Kropp and the appointment of R.J. Seager to fill the vacancy. Numerous resignations, leaves of absence, probationary appointments, and permanent status appointments were approved for various staff positions, including multiple appointments for Aurea Benbenek and Elizabeth Bittar. The board also approved Extended School Year and Summer School Compensation Rates and provided financial sponsorship for two individuals to participate in the Leadership Niagara Class of 2026. Finally, travel requests for conferences and competitions were approved.

The meeting commenced with a presentation on Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programming, reviewing the Program Expansion and Space Utilization Plan. Board Committee Reports indicated updates on Capital Projects (elevator submission process beginning) and the initiation of the Safety Committee's first meeting in December. Directors' Reports covered enrollment data comparisons, Superintendent's Conference Day agenda, facility projects including a new office build, current staffing vacancies, and the review of the Administrative, Capital, and O&M 2026-2027 Budget. The Superintendent reported on the success of Staff Professional Development Day and the focus of the Board of Education SMART Goals on implementing the BoardDocs process, updating policies, and revisiting committee structure. New Business included the approval of a First Amendment to a Lease Agreement, approval of a Master Service Agreement with TimeClock Plus, LLC, acceptance of quarterly extra classroom activity fund reports, and acceptance of several donations, including a truck and supplies. The extensive Personnel and Staffing section addressed numerous resignations, extended sick leave grants, staffing FTE adjustments, appointments to permanent and probationary status, long-term substitute teacher appointments, and several conference requests. The meeting included an executive session to discuss potential staffing changes.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss the employment of a particular individual, followed by the confirmation of the agenda. Key presentations included the Special Education relocation plan for the North Tonawanda Learning Center and updates on Niagara Academy. Board Committee Reports were provided for Audit (internal auditors scheduling interviews), Capital Projects (elevator repairs commencing soon), and Negotiations (a meeting scheduled for the following week). Directors provided reports covering Career Education program approvals, the Center for School Improvement, ongoing Facilities projects, Human Resources vacancies, and the Career and Tech. budget for 2026-2027. The District Superintendent's report mentioned conference participation and learning opportunities regarding graduation requirements. The Standing Consent Agenda approved Budget Modifications #73-82 and the Treasurer's Reports for General Funds, Special Aids, and Other Funds. New Business included the approval of the Juul Agreement for fund distribution across several school districts, approval of an amendment to the District Wide Safety Plan, and a SEQRA Resolution regarding capital improvements at the Lockport Community Education Center and Orleans Learning Center buildings, which were determined to be a Type II action. A cash donation of $4,000 from Dr. Clark Godshall for the Godshall Scholarship account was accepted. The Personnel and Staffing section addressed resignations, the termination of a teacher, staffing level changes, and numerous appointments, including permanent status appointments for several Teacher Aides, and probationary appointments for a Public Relations Coordinator, a General Special Education Teacher, an Occupational Therapist, and an Account Clerk. The session concluded with conference request approvals.

The meeting included the appointment of Wayne Wadhams as Clerk Pro Tem. The board moved into and reconvened from an executive session to discuss the employment of particular individuals before adjourning.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and reading of the Mission Statement, following adjustments to the agenda to include a Sub-Lease Agreement with the New York State Power Authority and information regarding donations received from the Town of Tonawanda Youth Parks and Recreation. A presentation featured the Animal Science - Educational Travel program. Board committee reports were provided, with the Negotiations committee noting upcoming meetings in March 2026, and the Audit and Capital Projects committees scheduling meetings for March 19, 2026. The Facilities Report included updates on drinking water tests, Capital Project Punch list completion, and Business Office updates. The Superintendent presented a plaque to Dr. Bruce Frasier for his service. The Standing Consent Agenda Resolutions covered the approval of budget modifications and treasurer's reports for General Funds, Special Aids, and Other Funds. New Business included accepting the quarterly extra classroom activity fund report, approving agreements with SUNY Niagara and the Niagara County Sheriff's Office for school resource officer services, accepting the annual fire inspection report, approving the disposal of outdated instructional and library items, approving the Sub-Lease Agreement with the New York State Power Authority, and accepting gym equipment donations. The Personnel and Staffing section accepted the resignation of Board Member Dr. Bruce Fraser, approved staffing changes effective in 2026, approved substitute appointments, authorized a leave of absence for Anita Muzzi, authorized health insurance coverage for certain personal care aides during the extended school year, approved the personnel section of the agenda, approved compensation for staff Ukeru training, and approved several conference requests.