Laura’s Notes on the 03/18/2025 BOE Meeting Agenda: The Budget

This Board meeting should focus primarily on the Budget. This is the first opportunity the members we elected will deliberate and discuss how to allocate our tax dollars to make the most beneficial impact for our students, their education and for our dedicated staff.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
AP/SAT/PSAT Presentation
REPORT OF THE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Preliminary Budget Adoption
There are 5 goals cited in the presentation:
1) Promote student achievement through support of educational programs;
2) Maintain and upgrade technology in support of district goals;
3) Develop a budget that retains and attracts staff so that we may meet the needs of all students;
4) Upgrade facilities, maintain equipment and enhance security;
5) Be respectful of the impact on taxpayers.
I’m not sure how or why “respect” is included in the Budget, it seems like a stretch to fill a power point bubble.
ADMINISTRATION
C. Approve revised calendar.
Schools will be closed on the following dates due to snow give-back days:
Monday, April 21 (the Monday following Spring Break)
*Friday, May 23 (the Friday of Memorial Day weekend)
*Tuesday, May 27 (the Tuesday following Memorial Day)
*CMS students are required to report to school on 5/23 and 5/27 for 2 half-day sessions to make up for days off during the fire panel issues.
PERSONNEL
E. Approve retirement of staff: Teresa Procaccini and Denise Piatnochka (Para, GL).
I. M. Approve Retirement/Resignation of staff: Violet Lewis (MP Bus Health Aide/Lunch/Playground Aide) and Ginger Wilson (MKM Lunch/Playground Aide and Para).
BUSINESS
A. Adoption of Tentative Budget
I. Resolution to Approve Transfer from Capital Reserve
Roof Replacement at Woodruff: $1,130,868
Roof Replacement at CMS: $310,118
Toilet Upgrades at Woodruff: $700
Press Box Replacement at GL: $421,184
M. Accept State Local Cyber Grant Program
Cybersecurity grant to be utilized through 2029.
N. Resolution to Approve the Lower Columbia Lease Agreement
It was not surprising to see one of the newer items added was this Lease Agreement. Seeing as the Board has not yet held a public discussion on this lease this move seems premature, when just last week the two parties involved were still negotiating the contract. Seeing the narrative being pushed by the Township (through emails and published statements), urging residents to attend this meeting and appeal to their Board members, to apply pressure to the Board (at this specific meeting) is upsetting and disappointing, to say the least. For reference, if you’re really angry about what has transpired – go to the Town Council meeting Tuesday instead. Maybe let them know how you feel about displacing our GL tennis players without making any public attempt to find a resolution. I’m not denying the Board might be dragging their feet – however, this is NOT a simple lease, as some have argued. It is a multi-year commitment that involves transforming school property significantly.
NEW BUSINESS
-Policy Discussion (Stanley)
-Agenda/Attachment Process (Akiri)
-Thanking the Mountainside Recreation Department for welcoming GL tennis students to use their courts (Dillon)
-Thanking Feltre and AJ for providing bussing for 8th grade orientation at GL (Dillon)
Shout out to whomever prepares these agendas – I very much appreciate that all new items that are added to the original agenda are highlighted.