Key Actions & Decisions

• ◆ • Board adopted (8-0, Christopher Kinter absent) a resolution declaring a $100,000 bus-garage upgrade project (replacement of doors, frames, hardware, ceilings and lighting) a Type II action under SEQRA, exempt from environmental review, to be funded through a Transfer to Capital Fund line in the 2024-2025 budget.
• ◆ • Board adopted (8-0, Kinter absent) the Annual School District Meeting Resolution setting the May 21, 2024 vote at Hoag Library (noon-8 p.m.) on the 2024-2025 budget and three other propositions: $650,000 for bus purchases from the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund, $664,510 for the Hoag Library, and a new Capital Improvements Reserve Fund capped at $15,000,000 over a term of up to 10 years. Two Board seats (five-year terms) are also on the ballot; candidate petitions are due by 5 p.m. April 22, 2024.
• ◆ • Board adopted (8-0, Kinter absent) a resolution designating election personnel, naming Wayne Wadhams permanent chairperson, Cindy M. Ishmael chief election inspector, and Richard Recckio II assistant clerk; inspectors without a contracted rate are paid $16 per hour.
• ◆ • Finance and Audit Committee Chairperson John Kast reported the committee met March 26 to finalize the proposed budget, which goes out at zero percent on the tax levy; the minutes record him saying the process "has been challenging because theoretically, we're not sure of the state's budget."
• ◆ • During public forum, bus driver Heather Allchin asked the Board to fund an aide for every large bus route, citing runs of 20-45 students per bus; the minutes record no Board response or vote on the request.
• ◆ • Personnel actions: retirements of sixth-grade teacher Mary Jane Klips and cleaner Ricky O'Kussick; resignations of substitute cleaners Charles Hannigan and RoseMarie Matias; new hires Joseph King (custodial worker, $32,760) and Angela Boyce (district office clerk, $38,000).
• ◆ • Athletic Director Mariah LaSpina was presented a certificate for the 2024 NYSAAA Liam Frawley Emerging Athletic Administrator Award; Middle School enrichment students presented a repainted fire-station mural and a 3D-printed Hot Wheels track engineered to descend 60 feet from the auditorium balcony to the stage.