Utica City School District Board of Education

This document details the Utica City School District's significant achievements and progress during the 2025-2026 period, referred to as "District Wins." It highlights measurable gains in academic proficiency, reduction in state accountability designations, and the expansion of innovative programs like the Raiders' Extended Day initiative. The report also emphasizes improvements in workforce and organizational culture, stronger career and technical education pathways, increased student enrollment, and growing partnerships with community organizations, all contributing to the district's vision of strengthening schools and expanding opportunities for students and families.

The meeting began with the observance of the community's recent loss following a fire, including the reading and adoption of a resolution in memoriam of Margaret Mardany. Board recognitions were given to Steet Ponte Auto Group for donating coats and cold weather items. Reports were heard from the Student Representative and various organizational units including the PTO/PTA and labor associations. A significant portion of the discussion involved an update on Capital Improvement Projects, focusing on confusion regarding the location of a courtyard canopy and project timelines for the pool, which is projected to open by the start of the 2027 school year. The Superintendent presented a budget update, which led to extended discussion on budget priorities, particularly the technology replacement plan, the necessity of hiring proposed assistant principals, and the consideration of implementing a one-to-one Chromebook program for students to ensure remote learning capability. The Treasurer presented budget status reports. The Board entered and exited executive session to discuss employment of particular people and legal matters. Action items included approving several Food Donation Partnership Agreements with local organizations (The Hope House and The Rescue Mission), abolishing two positions (Senior Stenographer and Account Clerk), creating a new Typist position, approving employment agreements for Robert Hansen and Sharon Eghigian, accepting donations, and approving multiple applications for extended field trips for Proctor High School students. Additionally, various personnel actions were approved, including coaching appointments, extra-curricular advisor appointments, new school monitor appointments, mentor/mentee assignments, paid administrative leaves, and several probationary/provisional appointments and resignations.

The meeting included a request for an Executive Session, with the announced agenda covering Legal Matters, the Employment of Particular Persons, and Student Appeals. The Board entered into and subsequently exited Executive Session before adjourning the Special Meeting.

The meeting commenced with the reading and adoption of resolutions in memoriam for Sherry Cooperman, Edgardo Torres, and Enasia Newbold, followed by a moment of silence. The public comment session addressed topics including the budget, safety, and student education. Recognitions were given to student-athletes from Donovan and JFK Modified Basketball teams and for Black History Month, featuring student poetry readings and a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Reports were received from the UTA and SEIU committees. A budget update presentation discussed mandated pension contributions (ERS and TRS), highlighting that the district obligation ($35 million) exceeds revenue collected from residents ($30 million), and discussed strategies for budget development considering factors like claims costs and potential plan changes. Board members agreed on the benefit of holding an additional budget workshop in early March. The Superintendent also delivered a presentation. The Board entered an executive session to discuss legal matters and employment history. Action items included withdrawing approvals for several budget transfers and conferences, and pulling specific items (S--165 and S--168) for individual consideration. The Board acted on resolutions for Sherry Cooperman, Edgardo Torres, and Enasia Newbold. Significant resolutions included authorizing the submission of a proposition to voters for a new capital reserve fund of up to $30,000,000 for facilities improvements in the May 19, 2026, annual meeting, and authorizing the expenditure of $10,000,000 from the existing 2024 Capital Reserve Fund for the 2025 Capital Project. The Board approved various field trip applications, an addendum to a contract with the Southern Regional Education Board, awarded contracts for the 2024 Capital Improvement Project Phases 1 and 2 to Day Automation Systems, Inc., approved procurement through GSA Contract #47QSWA20D002A with Trane USA, Inc., determined the 2026-2027 Capital Outlay Project to be a Type II SEQRA action, and awarded prime contracts for the 2024 Capital Improvement Project Phase 2 to J. Priore Construction, H.J. Brandeles Corporation, and Ferguson Electric.

The Board Budget Workshop focused primarily on the preliminary budget presentation by the Superintendent. Key discussions revolved around the collaborative process for developing the budget, including input from teachers channeled through principals and central office specialists. Concerns were raised regarding the timeline, the need for continued budgetary tightening despite initial projections, and the conceptual nature of the current proposal. Significant time was dedicated to the expansion of the RED program, focusing on increasing student access, the nature of its programming (academic vs. enrichment), and the budgetary impact of potential expansions or increased transportation needs. The Board also extensively discussed the feasibility and implications of reinstating and rotating health and dental clinics within schools, linking this to broader community school initiatives. Furthermore, there was considerable debate regarding the proposed addition of seven new Assistant Principal (AP) positions, their necessity given current staffing shortages for Teacher Aides (TAs), particularly in CTE and Special Education, and the criteria used for allocating new APs based on student population ratios. Finally, the Board expressed concern over the ongoing issue of chronic absenteeism and the capacity of the school system to support staff while addressing non-instructional community needs, emphasizing the need to prioritize core academic support for the September through June school year.