[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6334495,"mediaKeyId","2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761","parentId",2295568,"title","Votes at a glance: Board approves contracts, calendar, policies and personnel on Feb. 4","audioSeconds",648,"startMs",3864000,"endMs",4512000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761&start=3864&end=4512","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761/thumbnail_3864000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6334495/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-approves-contracts-calendar-policies-and-personnel-on-Feb-4","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334495-bd850b772ae1081bc6cf021b1f24f68a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773651529&Signature=FTb3k6HdzqQnWTci7i--YYlR6mmKUoPIPJtN43AE~ji499xw3zmSAZ-Uz9UafYLO-ZJbNMGa3n1Z1t1eLxXbAX2VoNboVdG1EOLPwpBbhJN2Tgz~Agt2kkWNxQ8aQW4WlBnJZGwc~84xhjwfGyvCg4os7PtIdWujk2IZp17whCy5yT-APVJuZgFZg1nZ1A9-uRCNBb8oNaUbkGZPBiCpKf5UlA-zKsCwREVUBWwVxVwMe96WOJD441rqqP2bJ69JK50cbSFZBtxoiOnSJlDCD1lMxnylpDjXavR8Kl~c5m~hPTSQtRkdpR53L-BDRXjHo3RQ7bfvzPNlJDgwZz5FhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-13T08:45:09.9Z","article","The Shenendehowa Central School District Board of Education approved a slate of consent and action items during its Feb. 4 meeting. Most motions passed by unanimous vote (recorded as 6 in favor unless noted). The board handled bids, contracts, policy readings, calendar approval, personnel actions and the authorization related to a district office property sale.

Votes and key details (motion text abbreviated)

- Motion to adjust the agenda — mover Naomi; second Mary Collins; vote: 6–0, motion passes.

- Approve treasurer’s report — mover Mary Collins; second not specified in transcript; vote: 6–0, motion passes.

- Approve minutes (Jan. 24, Jan. 28 and others listed) — motion and second on the record; vote: 6–0, motion passes.

- Award bids: custodial supplies and transportation bus parts (two bid-award recommendations) — motion to approve bid and award recommendations; vote: 6–0, motion passes. (One line-item described as nearly $138,000 and another approaching a larger aggregate cost.)

- Approve additional ECA club: Cenkol Musical Club — motion approved, vote: 6–0.

- Discovery Education contract renewal (e-textbook/online content) — six‑year renewal approved by motion; vote: 6–0.

- Secondary-science curriculum and resource contracts (as a group): Smithsonian Science Kits; Explore Learning; Savvas Learning Company (topical review books); BioZone Corporation — motion to approve group; vote: 6–0.

- Tyler Technologies (GPS services / bus go‑live assistance) — motion to approve; vote: 6–0.

- Angela Stockman professional development (standards-based grading at elementary level) — motion to approve; vote: 6–0.

- ComSource (Duo two‑factor authentication renewal) — motion to approve; vote: 6–0.

- Scholarships and donations acceptance (Adirondack Orthodontics; GlobalFoundries; Hannaford helps and others) — motion to accept donations with gratitude; vote: 6–0.

- Resolution authorizing participation with primary BOCES services (EDLA TV and related) — motion to approve; vote: 6–0.

- Approval of 2025–26 school calendar — motion to approve; vote: 6–0.

- Shen Summer Adventure program: rate approval for coordinator and nurse — motion to approve both positions together; vote: 6–0.

- Resolution regarding district office property sale — motion to approve; vote: 6–0.

- Special education and preschool special-education committee recommendations — motion to approve committee recommendations; vote: 6–0.

- Personnel: tenure recommendation for Brandon Miller (special education; Gewanna Middle School) — motion approved; vote: 6–0.

- Personnel: retirements accepted with appreciation — Holly Green (18 years), Kevin Gunnigle (22 years), Kathy Gurewitz (8 years) — motion approved; vote: 6–0.

- Second reading and adoption of policies and procedures scheduled for second reading — motion to adopt presented policies; vote: 6–0.

Context and process notes

Most items were routine consent or renewal actions with limited public debate during the meeting. Several contracts included multi-year terms (e.g., a six‑year Discovery Education renewal) and curriculum-approval bundles were grouped for efficiency. When dollar figures were discussed on the record, the board chair and administration clarified that some line items were substantial (one custodial/parts line approached a mid-five-figure or low six-figure amount and several smaller donations were accepted).

Ending

The board closed the meeting after a short public-comment period and “for the good of the order” remarks; no contested motions or roll-call split votes were recorded in the transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Shenendehowa Board of Education Meeting | Feb. 11 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 4 meeting the Shenendehowa Board approved routine consent and action items including bid awards, multiple curriculum and technology contracts, the 2025–26 school calendar, personnel actions (one tenure and several retirements), and a district office property-sale resolution; most votes passed unanimously (6–0).","taxTitle","SHENENDEHOWA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",13431,"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},6334500,"Shenendehowa launches high‑school esports teams; program aims to expand feeder and competitive play",499,3437000,3936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761&start=3437&end=3936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761/thumbnail_3437000.jpg","/articles/6334500/New-York/Shenendehowa-launches-highschool-esports-teams-program-aims-to-expand-feeder-and-competitive-play","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334500-8f24b561f04d97627fabfc8023aaa999/orig.mp4?Expires=1773651529&Signature=K8KfXPcVWvUK~R8008geBK6Jkw-CnCleoY-RDnCVLaQFK6Ur4aoG2s-rK-ONxv8awgFKQMKsW18v4SLFSM7jvMP1yMHwqs~X7iO1P~aOT-Ah6SEZlJIBVJOCsw1KQjLnJZObJCHS9TIiOYUqIXXwE~SIQc3O5iwge5AjlyZMf0Fk~wlciJ5VbwyGknnR43gdnnfguiiqPFksakERpNucosyTaMFiQ-zzWPE1uYXselohtMDxyPjNQxHFSC0aK8~~ED3aIE870A0wPxphMNClniPUBYfpYL~30kzO6cZBqCMOYfvsEIKj6i44lUUkA~8vj7Uh3PNokamQdYyyzdARUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","High‑school staff and students told the board that Shenendehowa launched its varsity esports teams this week and is fielding multiple squads in a national high‑school league.

A student speaker said the district used the PlayVS platform (a national school-league platform) and competed in Valorant on the program’s first day, then planned Overwatch and Rocket League matches the following days. The student reported the team did not win its first Valorant match but praised players’ effort and the quick program launch.

Why it matters: The program creates a new competitive pathway and extracurricular option for students who may not otherwise participate in traditional sports or clubs. Administrators also emphasized outreach to the middle school: an esports club at the feeder middle school is intended to grow interest and supply players.

Key details

- Practice and competition schedule: Practices are held Monday and Friday, roughly 4 p.m.–6 p.m.; matches in league play typically start at 4 p.m. local time and are scheduled across different weekdays depending on the title.

- Participation and team sizes: The initial turnout included about 80 interest responses districtwide. Current rosters: about 6–7 players for Valorant (with substitutions), 14 for Overwatch (two teams), and 8 for Rocket League (two teams) plus substitutes; coaches are rotating players to provide equitable play time.

- Equipment and funding: Matt Davis secured a grant to purchase hardware — headsets, keyboards, mice, monitors and several high‑performance laptops — so students do not need to provide personal equipment.

- Venue and logistics: The program uses Tech Room 130 (for desk space and connectivity) while the district continues to evaluate options such as the little theater or other campus spaces. Staff coaches include Christopher Hood (co‑coach) and another staff member identified as Dave/ David, with student leadership and club support noted.

- Inclusion objectives: Coaches and administrators emphasized that esports is reaching students who may not typically join other extracurricular activities and that the middle-school club has shown early engagement.

Ending

District staff said they will continue to refine schedules, technical support and space as the program grows and will explore local-league options in addition to national play.","District staff and students described an inaugural week of competitive matches in a national high‑school esports league and plans for practices, equipment, and a middle‑school feeder club; the program is using grant-funded hardware for equipment and fields multiple teams across titles such as Valorant, Overwatch and Rocket League.",{"_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},6334505,"District outlines multi‑year capital project plan, condition-survey priorities and reserve proposal",970,2406000,3376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761&start=2406&end=3376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761/thumbnail_2406000.jpg","/articles/6334505/New-York/District-outlines-multiyear-capital-project-plan-condition-survey-priorities-and-reserve-proposal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334505-895359036d0db1e9e08b99c73b041e64/orig.mp4?Expires=1773651529&Signature=TCeRMtwiwQxKgU9RGvFu1bcybb7EGzEJ0d5QxiDUPA~-oB5FGDQ3zbfm8D6RphMuNMSU47CHGEx~Pw2zlUESPi0w1EMPS5jJGLEsEwLjTju1TyGU2Kh5UwWjd5PKxStE3vcYyyK3-Yw6K~XT4vb5fq-~3fjEN0ScTv1qFsTKMKONYqZFHO6g8d8llV9AI8zNf-MLhBOxvREhnkhXylLCePx7jfGGYr70qLyCHKNmJVeFQaYAcT0gu--fvXf4~-muv~H42YAX858-LU5qZm89RhfDuuI~V5CeIx8M0DssjwmleiHV69tqKfJfv-KwaG1dJH81Bd-fr~kECxtVu0wacg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Robinson told the board the district is continuing work on a potential capital project that would address facility needs across the system, with planning steps and projected timelines shared at the Feb. 4 meeting.

Robinson said the district completed the required five-year building condition survey and has prioritized needed work — older roofs, pavement repairs, HVAC upgrades, electrical distribution and accessibility improvements — that would be addressed through a future referendum.

Why it matters: The administration said many required items are not emergencies today but will become significantly more expensive if deferred. Robinson urged voters and board members to consider the timing of construction, state building-aid schedules, and the district’s declining debt service that creates capacity for new borrowing.

Key project elements discussed

- Facilities needs from the survey include roof replacements (portions of High School East and other buildings), pavement repairs, HVAC and chiller maintenance, electrical distribution upgrades, bathroom and plumbing replacements, and asbestos abatement where required during construction.

- Safety and functionality upgrades highlighted: foyer construction at High School West (to create a secure arrival vestibule), replacement and modernization of PA systems (move to IP-based systems), upgraded generators and district-wide generator-testing practices, and site electrification infrastructure to support future equipment and vehicle-electrification plans.

- Program-focused space changes under consideration: repurposing underused physical-education spaces for career and technical education (CTE), updated art and tech rooms, and expanded robotics/CTE lab space.

- Financial approach: the district plans to use a mix of capital reserves, possible state building-aid formulas, and voter-authorized borrowing. Robinson described a prior established reserve and recommended creating another voter-approved capital reserve (a common local mechanism) with a suggested standard figure used previously of $15 million (the transcript notes that figure as an internal guideline rather than a legal requirement).

Timing and next steps

Robinson said a May referendum approval would not mean immediate construction; projects of this scale would likely begin in the 2027–28 window, depending on design, state aid timing and contractor schedules. The administration is working with financial advisers to refine debt-service schedules and build a proposal for the board’s review.

Ending

Robinson asked the board to weigh facility priorities and noted further details and cost estimates will be provided during the budget process and in subsequent capital‑project briefings.","Superintendent Dr. Robinson briefed the board on a potential capital project and a voter-established capital reserve; priorities include roofs, pavement, HVAC and electrification infrastructure, with project timing expected several years out and some cost offset by reserves and state aid.",{"_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},6334510,"Superintendent lays out budget priorities, warns of federal-grant uncertainty and rising insurance costs",2872,698000,3570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761&start=698&end=3570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2295568-86b6ae9bdf878790403e3f1eef267761/thumbnail_698000.jpg","/articles/6334510/New-York/Superintendent-lays-out-budget-priorities-warns-of-federal-grant-uncertainty-and-rising-insurance-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6334510-8e0af392c6f97c9eb1c80fbce6fc3335/orig.mp4?Expires=1773651529&Signature=OKuz-8TCUbXpdNygONN~NSAMivTzp3Bnpt0RpZ~RpSIW7AM9uPWZWDFdUixo2012OVhqKQYLo8sGCljY9Y~9~AakdGHnz7eJQDw7-GLTSggHv3qSVb1opUoFagOsFmarF1ulxC1HjAS2zHNt0KivAgE2maA-0PQ7Yz86R7gGHEa2kr1Q0oa9w0YpLG1WAyQLUQN7N5AKY2GhdAbfdgdl7QAzbD4O~IJZDs2F4gO6gLi4e~vTzG~5-iqg3OcvWeKwJsfTbi5uVlGHgZhPUWWL5YTiTIStjDhf6zgW-MLL1bSSPp3bbxM-7RZanP1OdJ7QEBOV7071VMYaRfI~FyGKog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Robinson told the Shenendehowa Central School District Board of Education on Feb. 4 that the district is beginning the 2024–25 budget process with a cautious, data-driven approach as uncertainty persists at the federal level.

“Measure twice and cut once,” Robinson said, summarizing the district’s approach to budget planning and underscoring the administration’s emphasis on repeatable, sustainable results.

Robinson explained the budget process in detail, saying the public-facing vote covers the general fund while the district manages multiple fund categories — school lunch, debt service, capital projects and special aid/grant funds — behind the scenes. He noted the district uses New York’s uniform accounting code system to analyze roughly 900 plus codes so leaders can “read the budget like a story.”

Why it matters: Robinson warned that while many federal education grants are established by Congress and are not subject to abrupt cancellation, there is public confusion and misinformation about what might change. He identified Title I and IDEA as examples of congressional grants that provide critical supports and emphasized that the loss or reduction of such funds would force the district to prioritize services and potentially cut or repurpose other items.

Key details and numbers discussed

- The district currently expects about $2,300,000 in special-education funds and roughly $700,000 across various Title grants; Robinson called those sums “critical” even if they are small relative to the overall budget.

- Health-insurance costs are a major pressure. Robinson noted prior annual increases of 6–8% have in recent years grown to the 10–15% range and said the district spends about $36 million on health insurance; even small percentage changes have large dollar effects.

- The school tax-cap formula (often called the “2% cap”) is a formula-driven tax growth factor rather than a flat 2% limit; Robinson reported the district’s tax growth factors have been roughly stable year-to-year (example figures discussed: 1.0093 last year, 1.094 this year).

- Staffing and collective bargaining: Robinson reminded the board that negotiations with employee groups SCA and CSEA are under way; he estimated those two groups together represent roughly 85% of the district’s employee population and thus have major budgetary impact.

- Retirement activity is below typical levels. Robinson said the district has unusually few retirement submissions this cycle, lowering opportunities to repurpose positions or realize turnover savings.

District priorities and process

Robinson said the budget process begins with equity and outcomes, focusing resources where needs are greatest and examining program effectiveness (where the district sees diminishing returns, it asks why). He described scenario analysis across multiple years, repurposing vacancies for new priorities, and leveraging grant opportunities where possible (he thanked staff including Matt and Vicky for recent grant work such as a learning-technology award that will support AI-related work and a teacher-collaboration grant with Siena).

On community and compliance issues

Robinson also flagged operational items that feed into the budget: cybersecurity, obsolescence of technology (device replacement cycles), electric-bus planning, and the upcoming kindergarten center construction, which will require multi-year budgeting once construction begins.

Board reaction and next steps

Board members asked logistical questions about advocacy and calendars for legislative outreach; Robinson said regional advocacy and BOCES-led opportunities are planned and confirmed that the administration will continue to brief the board as assumptions firm up. He said budget work will intensify during March and that the board will be more engaged as the process moves toward public hearings and the May vote.

Ending

Robinson closed by reiterating the district’s focus on preserving programs that produce results and preparing for contingencies while prioritizing equitable student outcomes.","Superintendent Dr. Robinson told the Shenendehowa Board the district is taking a “measured approach” to the 2024–25 budget, highlighting stable local priorities, potential shifts in federal funding (Title I and IDEA), a roughly $2.3 million special-education funding line, and rising health-insurance costs that could exceed prior projections.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Board approves contracts, calendar, policies and personnel on Feb. 4

Shenendehowa launches high‑school esports teams; program aims to expand feeder and competitive play

District outlines multi‑year capital project plan, condition-survey priorities and reserve proposal

Superintendent lays out budget priorities, warns of federal-grant uncertainty and rising insurance costs