[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111,123],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6395192,"mediaKeyId","2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def","parentId",2101597,"title","Board approves consent agenda; enters executive session","audioSeconds",118,"startMs",7269815,"endMs",7388170,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def&start=7269&end=7388","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def/thumbnail_7269815.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6395192/New-York/Board-approves-consent-agenda-enters-executive-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395192-881b124ad5f325e2bb568766cf235f66/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138518&Signature=jWZegPa6jZak-EEBre0lbpnr5TCQTuZq-aUX2JXZrZVvnZHQwTU19EvTudghVUtvgl8Rs3L3S7PtpBNX9~iYQzswaP3P3b5qMLuPhlIA14gwpKUewRWxkTQgmpZ7s16ooyyWSuQzsafHS4ae3fKIse5nfawHZqMtXdGVhoeULWQ-epZH7Zi8GsQhbpQsKcfzqkDAxcJm25aS5JfFIFg4IoR8HKWCbsI1k7kbKdLWn0zIbZlojcsS9xUIjpTDha21lJYKcEXN-FCzsmpLr~e-j04hiP2WRRhSM3mDlOgOzeu6kpnRsAqESGwb6GWo5nQvOu4qxK9ho6cdAnoo0emcVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-11T00:31:54.19Z","article","Votes at a glance from the Iroquois Central School District board meeting:

- Consent agenda: Approved (motion carried 5–0; two members absent). The superintendent presented the proposed consent agenda and a board member moved and a second was recorded; the meeting record stated five votes in favor and two absences.

- Executive session: Board moved into executive session on matters of personnel/discipline (motion made and seconded and carried 5–0). The board said it would return only to adjourn.

- Adjournment: After executive session, the board voted to adjourn the meeting; recorded vote 5–0 in favor.

No additional formal votes on capital project scope or propositions were taken at this meeting; several items (capital scope refinement, policy drafting for a student representative and budget updates) remained discussion items and will return for further action in future meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Iroquois Central School District BOE Meeting - January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting the board approved the consent agenda 5–0 (two members absent), later voted unanimously to enter executive session and adjourned on a 5–0 tally.","taxTitle","IROQUOIS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",53246,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6395196,"Board supports student representative plan; work session to draft policy",333,5574330,5908220,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def&start=5574&end=5908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def/thumbnail_5574330.jpg","/articles/6395196/New-York/Board-supports-student-representative-plan-work-session-to-draft-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395196-e9c55557204765a205b36f78d9ed7438/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138518&Signature=HrP97kIzoyQcye30M8vYtlKwW1F4sd8AL7n3DVq6umtmhYf-0uH-VrEeQmpZ6lH6ruQQZ25TGJZe62SJ5AkHghPMlAcL0jfefu1Mq7f8c8ISofDrrciB13WZqFE~tzQzpKu1pKar3DIdm0MwVUMZJrQpL-xQHHU4m-eyIzKhYeI76GxO~oLqZo2J2comtMT0fs~D2unanJi8CNLrNlacyDNMLoJfH4H3tS-Bkea4738Aehi29ZwiOWXNgWHgWqeZCwVZjihqFdpGUDv5KwkMZ9fMQRyRNBa13-2pjCMaPx3LW8e8iJOJH4-wUixDCbACPMjtq90C99kWJEKSz6S7xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members and student-cabinet representatives discussed a plan to add a student member of the board. Administration summarized responses from about a dozen nearby school districts: approaches vary, with some boards appointing or receiving recommendations, others using student-government elections.

District student leaders told the superintendent they want a participating representative (not a token appointment), teacher recommendations to reduce popularity-contest selection risk, and a selection process that includes public meetings and a student vote. The superintendent proposed a combined approach: interested students sign up, receive teacher recommendations, attend a board meeting to demonstrate commitment, then the student body votes; the highest vote-getter would serve as the student representative.

Board members said administration should not unilaterally pick the student member and favored a student vote with staff recommendations and a verification interview. The board asked administration to prepare a formal policy and hold a work session with the district’s policy service and NISBA guidance; staff said the policy would be ready in time for a July 1, 2025 start and that elections would align with existing student government timelines.

Why it matters: A student representative gives a voice to the student body and requires policy clarity on expectations, term, confidentiality and attendance.

Next steps: Administration will schedule a work session to draft a student-representative policy with the board, consult policy services, and plan a spring election so the representative can take office July 1, 2025.","Board members agreed with staff recommendations to create a student board representative selected via student vote with teacher recommendations; implementation aimed for July 1, 2025 and a work session will draft a governing policy.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6395202,"District says girls’ wrestling program being adjusted in real time; singlets, mats and transportation funded",649,4316770,4966710,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def&start=4316&end=4966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def/thumbnail_4316770.jpg","/articles/6395202/New-York/District-says-girls-wrestling-program-being-adjusted-in-real-time-singlets-mats-and-transportation-funded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395202-bd8bedf7ee159f477a2481ca61c741bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138518&Signature=gn5SpaLXewyxlGkqeYKsGHvA~x4TdvhiWe7wsU~wN5QObKdzSO2Y~4gcAAJgznFGdaxhYFTeJ8f4fuiszX5DQuIOQ6Pyxi68gSgwhdKPmZkHYR8vPV7q2r-n4SjtpB6pqOvr9rp3w9gLN9RjPKj4h-tC74~uQHJvtW~sVFIjYYTCZhSdvQSZn4D7xnH3BFsdRG6B0lnxSMR2ObpdzYpJJ-pcPR2j~lCs5Q14KZV9QDPveEoAW2ZY2U~uooNkmiv2ize4do9THR97lxbLlmQSgSMj0abzB482b7-WDQjAfWPZsEXhW2zMYp2Z9LdhrsqOoB3i6TNh5hIlua~HmkInmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The superintendent and athletic staff told the board they have been addressing parents’ concerns about the newly expanded girls’ participation in the school’s wrestling program and are working to formalize the program for next year.

District leaders described the season as an evolving situation: the program began as mixed competition with a small number of girls, numbers grew, and the athletic department adjusted practice times and provided additional coaching support. Parents raised issues in December about practice space, storage in shower areas and appropriate singlets. The superintendent said the district inspected locker rooms and removed storage that made showers unsuitable; new singlets were ordered and are expected to arrive this week.

On equipment, staff said they will purchase freestyle practice mats and other pads to reduce injury risk from repetitive throws; the superintendent characterized the mats as appropriate safety equipment and said the district will procure them. The district confirmed it is paying for transportation, tournament entries and coaches’ stipends; the superintendent and athletic director said the district will work to get athletes into tournaments and to arrange practice opportunities with neighboring districts when helpful.

Board members and staff discussed whether to pursue a separate girls team next year; staff said if participation levels remain and scheduling logistics permit, the district will consider establishing a girls team rather than mixed competition. Staff also said it will explore partnerships with neighboring schools to produce a larger roster for competition and more appropriate practice/travel times.

Why it matters: The district said it is funding core program needs—uniforms, transportation, mats and tournament entries—while working through program structure, safety equipment and scheduling.

Next steps: District staff will continue to provide practice access, acquire necessary mats and pads, refine tournament sign-ups, and assess whether to convert to a girls-only team for the next season if numbers and logistics support it.","Superintendent said the district responded to parent concerns about practice space, singlets and mats, provided separate practice times and ordered equipment; the district confirmed it is funding singlets, transportation, tournaments and plans for mats and pads next year.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6395206,"Principal says regional BOCES centers expand Iroquois students’ career pathways",848,3049300,3897970,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def&start=3049&end=3897","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def/thumbnail_3049300.jpg","/articles/6395206/New-York/Principal-says-regional-BOCES-centers-expand-Iroquois-students-career-pathways","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395206-710c5cd2d6df2f87045810a8446aab5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138518&Signature=UoaFkQ29hR57HTrvkADfyWZjgSvNSnXepFefBUWbKKOX0HhQewrvs4BjxznOFdxOvFT~YVJitnjFbrfQGWhF7RoO6dhTNSvku9OqHt~1GQdHf5X~4~a5JBYUt8IOAPX9z9bcMhGs0DDQLxQfd--~UZa5Yx5iUqNBm~w4FCbhok9c9dt3kWcg8MQzL0BMm~JSZHcZZU-Dck6xvl7ZYXZvwxcoeLDRXplrKFYifuey7Nkwap58YCLhiM-SLPAVBIz5aT3LjNZHdp74aNv9FBs2mH4i05TLNCKAsSR1IZzZpaxdKxcPXmLSIC56Vh-u71wwiYGxaYRzXyWAB4LW-3gxJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Christian Nesri, the Iroquois High School principal, briefed the board on career and technical education (CTE) opportunities available to juniors and seniors through regional BOCES centers.

Nesri said the district’s central location in Western New York allows students to attend programs at multiple regional centers (Erie 1 and Erie 2), offering specialized courses—diesel technology, welding, aviation, health-related New Visions programs and others—that would be difficult or costly to sustain locally with low student counts. He said those regional programs can provide industry certifications and college credit, and that the district frequently coordinates with multiple centers to place students when one center’s program fills.

Nesri and staff provided current participation numbers: about 48 of 158 seniors (roughly 30%) and 68 of 170 juniors (about 40%) participate in CTE programs; about 72 of 144 sophomores (50%) visited a BOCES center as part of outreach. He highlighted examples of students in aviation and health-related New Visions placements and said the district encourages continued board support for off-site placements and transportation.

Board members asked about parent outreach and how the district promotes BOCES options; Nesri said the district promotes open houses and field trips and will continue event promotion to families. Nesri also said that New Visions offerings are limited to seniors and that juniors/seniors access most CTE pathways.

Why it matters: Access to regional CTE programs provides work-ready skills, certifications and college credit for students who might otherwise lack access to specialized instructors and equipment.

Next steps: The district will continue outreach and promotion of open houses and collaborate with BOCES to maintain and expand student access.","High school principal Christian Nesri told the board the district leverages multiple regional BOCES centers to offer students industry certifications, college credit and work-based experiences; about 30–50% of current juniors/seniors visited or participate in CTE programs, staff said.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6395211,"Board narrows capital scope to $23 million option to avoid near-term tax impact",1332,1697640,3029930,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def&start=1697&end=3029","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def/thumbnail_1697640.jpg","/articles/6395211/New-York/Board-narrows-capital-scope-to-23-million-option-to-avoid-near-term-tax-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395211-098badf456592c5940aad2c709e71f1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138518&Signature=KaB774Rb5zPPVdVSG0sJ2NU0kTUTV624~dH5ph1yAOHg7wHB0TSiuoJgSKpiBWjM7LE-Bde6-rE748Ls64HKgiBa73T5vaW7GQa9TbrYwqkjMSuuvnWzy150ySFDzfxQSIS0CKaNepyqM2cGwxTXTT4ve0pFZfBpjLgPNoze6HMMq1ZBj6m848vLGo2DdZxBZEmPJki0--2Ixp~0dKSDUPMAO8A4z8cQjjbfqsVoqX~RdOH1uWMnuW-PQRG3J6eu5II7LDCdtggQbhOdp3fCvtV9oq7XjcpnHwxwxELJzl7vTwAmby4GJTTRX323G4RFNE9owCQwJvdWcFUX82r3IA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members and district staff spent extended time weighing options for a planned capital project and questioned whether a split (two-proposition) ballot would confuse voters or jeopardize later budgets.

Superintendent Douglas Scofield and staff presented two main options: a larger comprehensive project (discussed at roughly $34 million in earlier planning) that would require voter approval with a tax impact, or a trimmed scope of about $23 million that staff said could address the highest-priority items—high school roof, Wales Primary and Marilla Primary roofs and backbone electrical/heating work—using available reserves, phasing and project design to avoid an immediate tax increase.

Staff said the $23 million approach would allow the district to complete the most critical roofing and heating backbone work now and defer some room-level unit replacements (for instance, individual unit ventilator replacements at the high school) if funding or grants do not materialize. The district’s head of buildings and grounds (named in the discussion) told the board roofs and the heating backbone were the most urgent items; staff emphasized that delayed work can increase long-term costs but also noted that a tax‑impact proposition’s levy effect often appears one to two years after a project vote because of the project approval, design and borrowing timeline.

Several board members expressed concern that a two-proposition ballot has produced mixed results in neighboring districts and might depress approval rates for essential items. There was broad support in the board discussion for focusing on a single, no‑tax‑impact proposition if staff can ensure the chosen scope covers “critical” and “really critical” needs. Staff said the revised $23 million number results from updated reserve calculations and refinements with financial consultants and buildings staff.

Staff outlined the practical timeline: project approval by the state, design and bidding take many months; borrowing and levy effect typically lag the voter decision, often by about 18 months. The superintendent and business staff also said they would continue to refine scope and reserve use and bring further details back to the board.

Why it matters: Capital projects are large, visible taxpayer investments and the board must balance urgent building needs against voter sentiment and future budgetary impact.

Next steps: Staff will continue to refine the scope and return to the board with a final recommended proposition; the board instructed staff to prioritize roofs and backbone heating/electrical work and to avoid a confusing multi-proposition presentation if a single $23 million solution can meet the urgent needs.","After discussing multiple approaches including a two-proposition plan, directors signaled preference to pursue a $23 million project focused on roofs and key heating work that staff say can be done without an immediate tax increase; full $34 million scope remains an option for later.",{"_33":124,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":125,"_41":126,"_43":127,"_45":128,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6395215,"Iroquois officials cautious as state aid, tax-cap factors shape next budget",1263,79850,1343820,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def&start=79&end=1343","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2101597-234f1829166933ba255d1d2939309def/thumbnail_79850.jpg","/articles/6395215/New-York/Iroquois-officials-cautious-as-state-aid-tax-cap-factors-shape-next-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395215-4bbec0f022133c3e0d30b570c04881e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138518&Signature=koaPa3tuOHd5CIP3WspXNkUEdYRlJ58sS8afQHi-wsAblvXcZOE30fFYBw-Pa42IEoVCL19hj0LZgUSpxW~GvXgO2UUgcsoXDu6ZSqZZphYHI4XXKUmX2Id52xdGrG7GnUX9fgnM1iE1c0kZ4wb2-4ATX~kMdnYg-XtrumiPfZSgS4ScObjHjYlYEOIOHFXToUl7bURXGmzScRn-ZYR8A3MQkHBZ3EmnI1-Y0gWvKOmsTq8KIYeuVjnmykCgSEVUekAEbsbso97JtZLUdOlennNA7acS7ydz5kfyWHepx93aOb661a5zEz2Y8ZQbJTcA7Oj5dBuEH5E5cxiDGtViqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Iroquois Central School District officials told the board that state aid and tax-cap rules will sharply limit revenue growth for next year and urged caution as they finalize budget assumptions.

The district’s chief finance presenter said almost 80% of the district’s revenue comes from two sources—foundation aid and the tax levy—and that both are tightly controlled by state formulas and local assessments. The presenter noted the district cannot generate new operating revenue outside the tax levy and state aid streams and therefore must protect instructional programs from fluctuations.

Board members discussed several specific uncertainties. The district flagged the Rockefeller Institute’s December report on foundation aid as a potential driver of future change but said it contains recommendations rather than an implementable formula; the superintendent said the district does not yet know whether any recommendations could be adopted quickly or would help or hurt Iroquois. The presenter also said the governor’s upcoming executive budget (discussed in the meeting as expected on January 14) is unlikely to propose large increases in foundation aid and that district staff are instead modestly hoping for small percentage increases through legislative negotiations.

District staff reviewed tax-cap mechanics and recent levy history. The business presenter said the district’s allowable tax levy growth will depend on the tax base growth factor (already known to be 1.006 for the year discussed), the allowable growth factor derived from the Consumer Price Index and other components such as service payments. The presenter estimated the district’s tax-cap calculation will likely yield an allowable levy growth in the mid-to-high 2 percent range (example ranges cited in discussion: 2.7–3.6 percent), noting the final CPI and other inputs normally arrive later and that the finalized number is expected in February.

Staff also reviewed expense-side pressure: the State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) employer rate was discussed as likely to be roughly flat in the next budget year (presenter referenced an estimate “between 9.5 and 10%” and said the current rate being budgeted is about 10.11%). The superintendent emphasized that a flat TRS rate still produces higher costs because salary steps increase payroll. Health insurance was described as producing lower-than-market increases for Iroquois this year, attributed to local self-funding and a change in the pharmaceutical plan; staff estimated health premiums may rise 2–3 percent in the coming year, below market trends.

Several board members asked about BOCES contract growth and whether BOCES could trim costs if state aid remains flat; the superintendent reported ongoing conversations with BOCES leadership and said the district will review each BOCES line item (technology, programs, service counts) before finalizing next year’s budget.

The presentation also previewed an upcoming proposition proposal: staff said they intend to present a vehicle-replacement proposition (small buses and full-size buses) similar to the prior year in May, and that the district will continue to apply for grants (NYSERDA and EPA clean bus grants were discussed) though the district has not qualified as a priority district for at least one federal program and has not yet secured sufficient grant funding to make electric buses cheaper than diesel or gas alternatives.

Why it matters: With roughly four-fifths of operating revenue tied to state formulas and the tax levy, the district has limited capacity to offset rising costs. Board members said they will weigh program protections and reserve use against taxpayers’ capacity to absorb levy increases.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the district’s tax-cap calculation when state inputs arrive, continue BOCES line‑by‑line reviews, monitor the governor’s executive budget and produce a further update at the board’s February meeting.","District leaders told the school board they expect little growth in foundation aid and outlined tax-cap and revenue constraints that will shape the 2025–26 budget; Rockefeller Institute recommendations and BOCES costs are uncertainties.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves consent agenda; enters executive session

Board supports student representative plan; work session to draft policy

District says girls’ wrestling program being adjusted in real time; singlets, mats and transportation funded

Principal says regional BOCES centers expand Iroquois students’ career pathways

Board narrows capital scope to $23 million option to avoid near-term tax impact

Iroquois officials cautious as state aid, tax-cap factors shape next budget