Board approves routine business, contracts and investigations; summary of motions and outcomes

The Shenendehowa Central School District Board of Education approved the evening's agenda and a package of business items, including finance reports, contracts, policy updates, personnel actions, donations and the retention of outside counsel for a confidential investigation.

Nut graf: several routine consent items and discrete actions were resolved by voice vote; the board approved a special education services review, contracts, policy second readings and a motion to retain Keane & Bean for an investigation at a specified blended hourly rate.

Key votes and outcomes (as recorded in the meeting):

- Adopt agenda: Motion passed (voice vote). Quorum confirmed; 4 in favor. (Transcript timestamp ~00:29:49).

- Treasurer's report: Approved (motion; 4 in favor).

- Minutes (Dec. 10, 2024): Approved (motion; 4 in favor).

- Special education services review (RFP award): Board approved awarding the special education program review/RFP. Motion made and passed (mover: Augusta; second: Mary Collin; 4 in favor). The vendor name was not specified in the transcript.

- Updated annual authorizations (personnel modification): Approved (mover: Mary Collin; second: Crowley; 4 in favor).

- Volunteer firefighter tax exemption (local adoption to match amended state law permitting up to 10% reduction): Board approved adopting the volunteer firefighter tax exemption policy change to align with the amended state law; motion passed (4 in favor). The transcript states the district will allow the exemption and described the fiscal impact as minimal; statutory citation was not provided.

- ECA funds and accounts updates: Approved (motion passed; 4 in favor).

- Bids awarded (classroom and office supplies; diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline): Board approved both bids as a package (mover: Ray; second: Augusta; 4 in favor). The district participates in a cooperative purchasing arrangement with neighboring districts.

- Donations and scholarships (Campisi donation to OCTE $1,500; Hannaford Helps donations): Accepted with gratitude (motion passed; 4 in favor).

- True North K‑12 special education contract (limited term, approx. $8,000): Approved (motion passed; 4 in favor).

- IPAC updates and new course proposals (instructional material): Approved (motion passed; 4 in favor).

- Retain Keane and Bean law firm for a confidential investigation: Motion to retain law firm at a blended rate of $215 per hour on mutually agreed terms passed (mover: Mary Collin; second: Carla; 4 in favor). The agenda language recorded the blended rate and confidentiality; full scope and terms to be set on mutually agreed terms.

- Preschool and school‑age special education committee recommendations: Approved (motion passed; 4 in favor).

- Staffing and retirements: The board accepted retirements with appreciation (Jonathan Burns — 26 years; Michelle Mylod — 17 years; Marie Ferretti — 45 years) and approved staffing changes that included appointing Hillary Hopstein as director of environmental health and safety (voice vote; 4 in favor).

- Policies: First reading policies (personal use of district computers, others) presented; second reading policies including updates to visitor procedures (reflecting the visitor management system) were approved (motion passed; 4 in favor).

The board recorded no roll‑call tallies for individual board members in the transcript; most motions were finalized with the notation "All in favor" followed by "Motion passes" and a recorded count of 4 in favor. Several items were described as cooperative or of minimal fiscal impact; specific budget amounts were provided only where noted (True North contract approx. $8,000; Campisi donation $1,500; Keane and Bean blended rate $215/hour).

Ending note: The board adjourned after routine business and scheduled further budget presentations for future meetings so more members can participate.