Concerns regarding handicap accessibility at the Middle School, the departure of the Director of Facilities, and a potential shakeup to the Board’s structure highlighted the Albion Board of Education’s regular meeting on July 8. Board President Mr. Wadhams called the meeting to order at 7:19 p.m., beginning with a public forum that featured an emotional plea from resident Rich Gannon and his daughter, Taya. **Accessibility Issues Take Center Stage** Mr. Gannon addressed the Board regarding what he described as significant accessibility barriers for individuals with disabilities within the district. Specifically, he cited issues with the Middle School Auditorium seating, handicap parking availability, and restroom facilities for spectators. According to Mr. Gannon, the current designated "handicapped seating" area in the auditorium does not actually accommodate wheelchairs properly. He presented photographs, including one of his daughter, Taya, forced to sit in an aisle because her wheelchair would not fit in the designated rows. He proposed the removal of two seats to create a "four-pack" space that would allow for a wheelchair and a companion. "The sign there says it is handicapped seating, but it is clearly not," Mr. Gannon said, requesting the misleading signage be removed. Regarding parking, Mr. Gannon noted there are only three handicapped spots in the lower-level parking lot at the Middle School. Superintendent Edwards indicated that the ongoing capital project loop at the Middle School is expected to address this by providing additional handicapped parking spots, though no timeline for specific renovations was discussed during the forum. Mr. Gannon also highlighted that bathrooms near the auditorium are too cramped for wheelchair navigation. Superintendent Edwards acknowledged the concerns regarding the capital project, noting that improvements to parking are part of the plan. The 2022 Capital Improvements Project was reported to be moving ahead on budget and on schedule later in the meeting. **Leadership Changes and New Hires** The Board accepted the resignation of Timothy Mercer, Director of Facilities, effective August 30, 2024. Mercer’s departure comes as the district continues to manage capital improvement projects. To fill leadership gaps, the Board approved several key appointments for the 2024-2025 school year. Tara DeVay was appointed as the new Assistant Principal at the High School. DeVay, who holds certification as a School Building Leader and in Social Studies 7-12, will enter a four-year probationary period with a starting salary of $80,000. Additionally, Kyra Burgess was appointed as a Spanish Teacher for the Middle and High School at Step 1 of the salary scale. The Board also appointed Michael Mannara as a Custodial Worker, pending standard clearance requirements. **Board Structure Under Review** In a move that could alter the future governance of the district, the Board approved the formation of an Ad-Hoc committee to research the pros and cons of reducing the number of Board members. Currently, the Albion Board consists of nine members serving five-year terms. The committee, comprised of Mrs. Weller, Mr. Schmitt, Ms. Taylor, and Mr. Wadhams, will research the implications of reducing the Board to seven members and shortening terms to three years. If the committee recommends changes, the matter would need to be approved by voters during the next Annual Election and Budget Vote. **Summer Programs and Student Activities** The Board moved to support student enrichment and activities for the upcoming year. utilizing federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER funds, the Board approved the High School Summer Enrichment program. The program, scheduled to run from July 9 to August 31, will employ teachers at a rate of $125 per day for a four-hour workday. Athena Nichols was approved as a teacher for the program. These federal funds are specifically designated to combat learning loss exacerbated by the pandemic. The Board also greenlit a busy travel schedule for the district’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter. Trips approved include: * **FFA National Convention:** Indianapolis, Indiana (Oct. 21–26, 2024) * **Youth Agriculture Leadership Conference:** Albany, N.Y. (Nov. 13–14, 2024) * **Winter Leadership Retreat:** Camp Oswegatchie, Croghan, N.Y. (Nov. 22–24, 2024) * **NYS FFA Conference:** Syracuse, N.Y. (May 7–9, 2025) **Financial and Safety Updates** Routine business included the approval of the Treasurer’s Report for April and Quarterly Revenue and Expenditure Reports. The Board approved the 2024-2028 Albion Association of School Administrators and Supervisors Agreement and the Workplace Violence Prevention Program for the upcoming school year. A new Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group was also authorized. **Superintendent’s Report** Superintendent Edwards provided a sobering update regarding student safety, noting that the Albion Village Police Department notified the district that the Village is eliminating the crossing guard position. Edwards explained that under General Municipal Law, the school district is legally prohibited from employing an individual to act as a crossing guard or blocking roads. Several years ago, the district attempted to save the position by sharing the $5,000 cost with the Village, paying $2,500. Edwards is drafting a letter to individual Village Trustees requesting they reconsider the elimination of the position. The next Regular Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 5, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.