Board removes Cook Center payment from bill list after debate over cost, use and oversight

The Albany County School District #1 Board of Trustees voted to remove a planned payment to the Cook Center for Human Connection from the district bill list following extended discussion about cost, utilization and whether the board had adequate notice.

The decision came during the board’s monthly meeting after staff described the contract components and cost breakdown. Trustee Nate Martin moved to strike the Cook Center item from the bill list; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote, 7 yes, 2 no. The board then approved the monthly financial report as amended.

Why it matters: trustees said the item was a sizable, unbudgeted expenditure and they wanted more data on who uses the services and how the district measures value. Several trustees and staff stressed support for staff mental‑health resources but said they needed clearer justification and utilization metrics before authorizing new recurring costs.

Board discussion and numbers Dr. Kimberley Goldhart, the superintendent (participating by videoconference),…