Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services

Key discussions included the student governance report, the presentation of the 2026-2027 Budget Development and Enrollment & Staffing Report, and committee reports from policy, buildings & grounds, and legislative updates. Policy 6120: Medical Treatment of Students was approved. Announcements were made regarding the upcoming Annual Meeting scheduled for April 1, 2026, and the BOCES Board Election on April 21, 2026. Personnel actions included the creation of several classified positions, approval of employment changes for Lloyd Gifford and Jessica Cuva, approval of a change in unpaid military leave for Michael Donlon, acceptance of retirements and resignations, approval of leaves of absence without pay, and numerous appointments to various programs and roles, including Teacher Mentors and TCIS Trainings. Financial actions involved approving cash disbursements for January 2026, and approving Financial Reports and Budget Adjustment Appropriations and Budget Status Reports for November 2025. Contracts for electrical construction ($327,700.00) and roofing construction ($177,700.00) for capital improvement projects were awarded. Several donations were accepted, and 85 pieces of surplus personal property, primarily Lenovo Chromebooks, were declared for disposal. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of an employee.

The Early College Career Academy (ECCA) is a partnership program between SUNY Adirondack and WSWHE BOCES, designed to integrate college coursework with career and technical education for high school students. The program is structured around four foundational components: Credentials, Work Based Learning, Degree Aligned Programs, and Industry Technology. It offers students opportunities to earn college credits and industry certifications in diverse fields such as Advanced Manufacturing, Business & Entrepreneurship, IT: Computer Networking & Cybersecurity, New Media, and Pathways to Teaching. The document details the program's offerings, student benefits, potential challenges, and comprehensive support systems, including dual enrollment, flexible scheduling, and accessibility services.

The meeting addressed several key areas including the Extended School Year Program for 2026, minimum wage adjustments, and advocacy priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session. The advocacy priorities included zero-emission buses, school aid, small group health insurance, workforce development, and ongoing capital projects. Additionally, the board discussed position changes, staff resignations, appointments, and financial matters such as cash disbursements, financial reports, NYSITCC contracts, donations, and disposal of surplus property.

The agenda included a public hearing on the District-wide Safety Plan, followed by a review and approval of the Independent External Audit Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The board discussed administrative reports, including a spotlight award and updates from various committees. New business included approving an administrative substitute and appointing a BOCES Asbestos LEA. Personnel matters involved position changes, staff resignations, leaves of absences, permanent appointments, and various staff appointments for different programs and trainings. Financial matters covered cash disbursements, financial reports, a lease for Hartford CSD, donations for the CTE WORKS! Career Exploration Event, an E-Rate distribution, and a NYSITCC contract add-on. The board also approved the disposal of surplus property and discussed upcoming meetings and component school board visits.

The agenda included a student governance report, strategic plan update, and discussion on NYSSBA bylaw amendments and resolutions. The board adopted the 2026-2027 budget calendar and approved amendments to terms and conditions for Group 2 Other SRP Supervisory Personnel. Personnel matters included position changes, staff resignations, leaves of absences, permanent appointments, and new staff appointments. Financial matters included approval of cash disbursements, a cooperative RFP for annual financing, an RFP for real estate marketing services, and an extension of the Career and Technical Education Strategic Marketing Plan contract. The board also accepted donations and declared surplus property for disposal.