The Albion Board of Education convened on Monday, December 1, for a regular meeting that bridged the district’s past and future. While the session opened with solemn remembrances of two late educators, the business portion of the evening focused heavily on rising costs in regional special education and workforce development. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Board President Mrs. Linda Weller. **Remembering Community Pillars** The board began by honoring the memory of two recently deceased members of the school community. Board Member Mr. Schmitt recognized retired elementary teacher Mrs. Patti Levandowski, who passed away on November 20. Mrs. Levandowski taught first grade at Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary for 17 years before retiring in 2022. "She was a teacher who took her craft seriously," Mr. Schmitt read, noting her reputation for humility and dedication. Board Member Mr. Kast also honored Joseph Sacco, Sr., the district’s former Transportation Director, who passed away on November 4. Mr. Sacco served the district from 1976 until his retirement, acting as a supervisor and later the Head Bus Driver. **BOCES Budget to Rise 19.3%** The most significant financial news of the evening came from a presentation by Dr. Taweepon Farrar, the District Superintendent of Orleans/Niagara BOCES. Dr. Farrar warned the board of a "significant increase" of 19.30% in the BOCES Administrative Budget. Districts vote on this budget in April. The increase is slated to fund additional legal staff, clerical positions, and necessary space expansions. "The increase allows for the addition of another attorney, clerical positions, and increased space that is needed," Dr. Farrar explained. She noted that detailed information would be sent to business officials soon. Dr. Farrar was joined by BOCES leadership, including Mr. Wayne Wadhams, President of the BOCES Board. The presentation highlighted the scope of BOCES services, which support Albion’s approximately 1,700 students through career and technical education (CTE) and special programs. Dr. Michael Weyrauch, Director of CTE and Adult Education, shared that enrollment at the two technical centers is strong, with roughly 720 students at the Orleans center in Medina and 1,210 at the Niagara center in Sanborn. He noted that due to industry trends, HVAC and Emergency Medical Services/Fire Science programs are expanding to include Orleans County. **Special Education Numbers Rise** Mr. Brad Lehman, Director of Student Services, provided the Academic Focus update, zeroing in on special education trends within the district. Mr. Lehman presented data comparing student populations from the 2020-21 school year to the current 2025-26 year. The data revealed a marked increase in both Preschool (CPSE) and school-age (CSE) special education needs, as well as a rise in students requiring out-of-district placements. "There has been a behavioral/mental health jump since COVID," Superintendent Edwards commented. To manage these rising needs and bring students back into the district, the administration has utilized 8:1:3 classrooms (eight students, one teacher, three aides). Mr. Lehman noted that he meets regularly with building principals to plan for transitions and ensure students are served in the "Least Restrictive Environment" (LRE) possible. **Safety and Staffing** Under the Health and Safety Committee report, Superintendent Edwards detailed recent security measures. The Orleans County Threat Assessment Team recently met at the school with representatives from the FBI, the District Attorney’s Office, and local law enforcement. Additionally, the district is preparing to comply with "Desha’s Law." Staff and students will receive training on the location and use of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) by January 20, 2026. On the personnel side, the board accepted the resignation of Jacob McEwen-Miller from his position as a Cleaner in the Elementary School, effective December 2. The resignation allows Mr. McEwen-Miller to move into a full-time Custodial Worker position within the district. **Financial Housekeeping** The board approved the consent agenda, which included the Treasurer’s Report for October 2025. One business item required a specific budget transfer: * **$1,500** for an "Out of State Conference" in February 2025, focused on "Leader in Me" development. * **$4,000** for the cost of a new professional service agreement. The board will hold its next regular meeting on **Monday, January 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.**