Westfield Central School District

The document outlines the Westfield Academy and Central School's budget building objectives for 2026-2027. It emphasizes prudent fiscal management by adhering to state tax levy limits, developing a balanced budget through stakeholder collaboration focused on educational outcomes and mandates, and ensuring long-term fiscal health through careful review and application of fund balance and reserves. The plan also prioritizes maximizing federal and state funding opportunities to support educational programming and a multi-year financial strategy, aligning with the mission to provide high-quality education in a supportive environment.

The meeting focused on the reorganization of the Board of Education for the 2024-25 school year. Key actions included the election of the President and Vice President. Numerous officers were appointed, such as the District Treasurer, Tax Collector, District Clerk, and internal claims auditor. Other appointments confirmed external service providers, including school attorneys, independent auditors, financial advisors, and insurance advisors. The board also appointed compliance officers for various areas like discrimination/sexual harassment and civil rights. Furthermore, the board designated bank depositories and official newspapers, authorized payroll certification, set spending limits for budget transfers and change orders, and established the Board Meeting Calendar and various non-resident tuition and facility usage rates for the upcoming year.

Key discussions included updates on Regionalization, specifically revisions to Section 124-2.5(d) making suggested amendments advisory and the addition of Section 124-2.8 allowing districts to opt out of the process by January 15, 2025. Board members expressed concerns regarding mandatory participation and lack of detailed information. Reports covered winter weather impacts on transportation and buildings/grounds, increased food service participation post-CEP, and the Rockefeller Institute's report on Foundation Aid formula revision. Action items approved the Proposed 2025-26 Budget Development Calendar, appointments for substitute teacher, Occupational Therapist, and Teacher's Aide, approval of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Westfield Teachers' Association regarding Team Leaders, setting substitute teacher rates effective January 1, 2025, and adoption of the New York State minimum wage of $15.50 effective January 1, 2025. The board also took action to terminate the employment of Mary Cady as a bus driver.

The meeting included presentations on the Professional Development Plan, highlighting curriculum alignment and Social Emotional Learning assessment, and a review of the updated Code of Conduct, which now incorporates student handbooks and Covid-19 policies. Discussions covered the 2020-21 Board of Education Goals, with a motion passed to table the goals for later review. Action items involved the approval of the 2020-21 District Professional Development Plan and Code of Conduct, approval of the tax rates for the 2020-21 school year, and resolutions regarding retaining surplus funds from the fund balance. Several personnel actions were taken, including the approval of new substitute appointments and additional work days for specific staff members, the acceptance of Julia Murphy's resignation as District Clerk and the appointment of Tina Winslow as her successor, and the approval of Taylore Laska's resignation. The Board tabled and subsequently approved the MOA concerning the cheer club and Jacob Hitchcock's increased FTE status. The meeting included an executive session to discuss negotiations, potential litigation, and personnel issues.

The meeting primarily focused on a Budget Study Session, reviewing updates to the proposed 2020-2021 budget, including guidance on utilizing the debt service reserve and the impact of potential state budget shortfalls on district aid. Discussions addressed the potential elimination of two retiree positions, with concerns raised about meeting state-mandated health and physical education hours, and the significant cost ($500,000 estimated BOCES tuition) of tuitioning out nine special education students if the high school special education position were eliminated. The board agreed to wait until the April 13th meeting for the final budget decision. Other items included approving warrants, approving combined winter sports teams for the 2020-21 school year, and approving the permanent appointment of a Cleaner I. Board members also commended the administrative team's proactive response to the Covid-19 pandemic.