North Syracuse board hears budget update; approves routine propositions, policies and contracts in unanimous votes

Superintendent provided a budget update and the Board of Education approved a slate of routine motions, all carried unanimously, during the regular meeting.

Superintendent overview and budget status

Dr. Ward presented a budget update to the board, citing inflation pressures, reduced federal pandemic‑era funding and uncertainty over state aid. Ward said inflation has eased slightly (she cited a 2.8% overall inflation figure and lower food and energy prices) and that the district’s projected deficit has fallen from about $6.8 million to about $6.0 million after director spending reductions and a $500,000 projected increase in interest income identified by Treasurer Vince Love. Ward said the district is using the governor’s executive budget numbers for planning because the final state aid figure remains uncertain.

Ward said the district will not include a Micron PILOT in the 2025–26 tax cap calculation because no pilot agreement is yet in place, and she reiterated district effort to limit staffing and use attrition where possible. Ward described negotiations that produced compensation increases estimated at about 4.25% coupled with employee concessions on health benefits that partly offset district costs.

Capital project referendum and buses

Ward said the board will be asked to approve a capital project referendum to allow the district to spend a $3.0 million grant secured by Al Sturpi for pool work, noting that voter approval is required to access the grant funds. The board also considered a vehicle (bus) proposition for the May 20 ballot; Ward said two activity/long‑range buses with larger fuel tanks and cargo storage were substituted for two 65‑passenger buses to better support extracurricular and field trips.

Votes at a glance (motions recorded during the meeting)

- Approve minutes from regular meeting of 03/10/2025. Mover: Paul. Second: Mark. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Place Group B, C and D student classification and placement items on the record. Mover: F. Second: Paul. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Acknowledge business reports for September and October 2024. Mover: Josh. Second: Mandy. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Declare marketable and non‑marketable surplus. Mover: Josh. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve notice of public hearing and annual meeting voters’ notice. Mover: Paul. Second: Josh. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve vehicle bonding proposition for May 20 ballot. Mover: Bob. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve ballot propositions for May 20. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Second reading and adoption of Board of Education policies revised with Area 1 BOCES. Mover: Mark. Second: Josh. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve 2025–26 North Syracuse Central School District calendar. Mover: Josh. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Accept gift of $45,000 from Cicero Elementary PTG for two playgrounds (initial contribution; further fundraising expected). Mover: Josh. Second: Mark. Outcome: accepted with gratitude (unanimous). - Approve contract award under Sourcewell cooperative purchasing (insurance issuance/contract). Mover: Josh F. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve resolution authorizing attendance locations for Lakeshore Road Elementary School students for 2025–26 (building not finished). Mover: Paul. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve contract between North Syracuse Central School District and North Syracuse Teaching Assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses Unit. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve separation agreement between an employee and CSEA Local 100 North Syracuse Teacher Aid Unit. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve personnel items A, B and C as submitted. Outcome: approved (unanimous). - Motion to move into executive session to review three personnel matters with no action to follow. Mover: President (Michael Maurizio). Second: Best. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

Board members and administrators asked procedural and scheduling questions related to Lakeshore Road updates and encouraged constituent outreach to state legislators about timely state budget passage. Several board members praised recent student activities (a school play) and recognized the recent death of a student, Jeremiah Huff; the superintendent read his obituary to the board.

The meeting included routine acknowledgments of retirements and procedural approvals; no contested votes or policy reversals occurred.

Votes recorded here reflect the motions and outcomes announced on the meeting record; roll‑call detail in the official minutes should be consulted for individual member voting records where required.