Key Actions & Decisions

• ◆ • High School Principal Jennifer Ashbery presented the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, covering new multiple pathways (Arts, CTE, CDOS, Civics, Humanities, STEM, World Languages), the Seal of Civic Readiness, Seal of Biliteracy, and the 4+1 Arts pathway; Albion's 22.5 graduation credits (statewide requirement is 22) include a half credit for community service, and the district will return next year to requiring a full 30 hours of service for that credit
• ◆ • Board President Wayne Wadhams closed the meeting by saying he has "real concern" about how the Blue Ribbon Commission changes are being communicated, recounting an account from a BOCES meeting of an NCCC student who received a high school diploma but was later required to take, and pay for, additional English and math coursework
• ◆ • Budget Transfer Requests: $87,117.53 additional transfer for BOCES adjustments — BOARD APPROVED; a $900.00 Middle School 8th grade field trip transfer was presented for information only
• ◆ • Finance and Audit Committee (Mr. Kast) reported the enacted state budget restores save-harmless Foundation Aid cuts, sets Albion's Foundation Aid increase at 2.25%, and allocates $2 million to study the Foundation Aid formula, with recommendations due by December 2024; the district's proposed 2024-2025 budget aligns closely with the state allowance
• ◆ • Health & Safety Committee (Mr. Schmitt) reported an unplanned high school evacuation caused by dust in a sensor, with students moved to the elementary school during rain without incident; drywall dust from the ongoing construction project was also raised as a concern
• ◆ • Personnel: BOARD APPROVED resignations of Rebekah Thompson, Michael Fahy, and Peter Kemblowski; tenure was granted to Amanda Kast, Cayla Hutteman, Amber Marvin, and Stephanie Hack; two new 2.0 FTE Teacher Aide positions were created
• ◆ • Superintendent Edwards reported Orleans County has no preschool special-education program since Rainbow Preschool closed, leaving some eligible children without services; the district is starting an "8+1+2" program in response
• ◆ • Donations of $500 to the Albion High School Band and $1,000 to the district were BOARD APPROVED
• ◆ • Upcoming dates: Public Hearing May 14 at the HS LGI; Budget Vote May 21, Noon-8:00 pm, at Hoag Library; Graduation set for June 28 on the football field, with a rain-date contingency