Votes at a glance: Kenmore-Tonawanda board approves budget amendment and consensus agenda unanimously

The Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District Board of Education took several routine actions during its Jan. 14 meeting, approving the agenda, past minutes, a budget amendment related to a DASNY premium payment and the full consent agenda, all by unanimous voice votes.

President Shamara called for approval of the meeting agenda; "So moved by Paul," a trustee said, and the motion was seconded by Karen. The board approved the agenda unanimously.

The board likewise approved the minutes of its Dec. 10, 2024 meeting on a motion moved by Leanne and seconded by Fred; the motion carried unanimously.

The board approved a budget amendment related to a premium payment tied to financing through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). Assistant Superintendent Marasco explained the accounting detail: the district received a premium payment from DASNY tied to prior financing and, by state rules, that premium may only be used to pay down the associated debt. "We're only allowed to spend that money to pay down that debt," Marasco said. Superintendent Samato recommended the resolution. The motion to amend the 2024–25 budget was moved by Fred, seconded by Karen and carried unanimously.

Later in the meeting the board approved the consent agenda — which included personnel appointments and contracts — on a motion by Leanne and a second by Paul. After passage, Superintendent Samato announced two personnel appointments included in that consent agenda: Amy Malone as the district’s regular accountant and Katie Cannon as assistant principal at Holmes Elementary; both were recognized from the audience.

All recorded motions at the Jan. 14 meeting were carried by unanimous voice vote; the clerk recorded that all trustees were present for the meeting.