At the start of public comment on May 22, resident Cara Sheehan told the HORSEHEADS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education she was concerned about language in the superintendent’s contract. She read aloud what she identified as language on page 9, item c: "the superintendent and or his spouse and legal dependents shall be provided with health, prescription drug, optical, dental insurance coverage under either individual or family plan for the superintendent and his spouse and legal dependents for the remainder of their lives." Sheehan called that phrasing "not in the best interest of our community" and asked the board to remove or revise the clause.

Sheehan told the board that she had calculated potential future costs and that such language could expose taxpayers to large long‑term obligations; she asked the board to examine the contract clause and consider a cash equivalent or a more narrowly scoped benefit. No board action was taken on the contract at the May 22 meeting; the speaker asked the board to review the clause in coming days.

The nut graf: public contracts for senior administrators are within the board's authority to negotiate and approve; residents may request review or amendment when the board next considers contract renewal or amendment. Sheehan also requested that the board increase transparency around contract terms and related budgetary impacts.

Ending: the board did not take immediate action on the contract during the meeting; the district clerk and board president noted the letter and public comment will be added to the record, and residents were told how to follow up with the clerk for additional documentation.