Fairport board approves reserve fund plan, budget transfers and multiple personnel, policy and program items; hears K–8 facilities update

The Fairport Central School District Board of Education on Dec. 18 approved a reserve fund plan and a set of budget transfers tied to K–8 facilities planning, adopted multiple personnel and policy items and voted to enter executive session to discuss an employment matter.

The actions were part of a larger meeting that also included a treasurer's investment update, a report from the student adviser on extracurricular successes, and board discussion of ongoing consolidation and facilities planning for K'8 buildings ahead of an anticipated public vote next October.

Board members approved the district's Reserve Fund Plan for 2025 and moved budgeted amounts related to pre-referendum professional services for K'8 facilities planning (La Bella and campus projects) from operating lines toward facilities accounts. District staff said those pre-referendum expenses would be reclassified to a capital fund if a construction project is later approved.

Treasurer Matt Stevens reported the October 2024 cash activity for the general fund: a beginning cash balance of $71.3 million, receipts of about $79.0 million (driven largely by tax receipts from the Town of Perinton), and disbursements of about $11.7 million, leaving an ending cash balance of $138.6 million. Year-to-date recognized revenue was presented as about $99.8 million and year-to-date expenses about $38.4 million through October.

Superintendent Brett Provanzano and other administrators updated the board on consolidation and K'8 facilities planning. Board members said staff, administrators and lead teachers have been involved in program reviews and planning work; staff reported meetings with Facilities, Transportation, Technology and Food Services to develop transition work plans. The district's workshop recording was cited for more detail.

The board also heard a student adviser report highlighting athletic and music achievements: multiple sectional championships, two all-state teams (boys' soccer and girls' volleyball), and a winter concert showcasing chorus, a cappella and orchestra. Board members praised the district's music program and noted the scale of participation across choir, orchestra and band.

On governance and policy, the board approved first readings of policies (including 3410, 6110, 7219, 7220, 7230, 7250, 7340, 7410, 7522, 7660 and 8460) and approved a set of policies on second reading (items presented on the agenda as second reads). The policy committee said several policies (72/19, 72/20 and 72/30) will be revisited next year in light of changes to state graduation pathways recommended by the Blue Ribbon Commission.

Personnel actions approved included instructional and noninstructional staff employment actions, athletic staff appointments, six retirements (Christina Abbott; Kim Burley; Lisa Kasparke; Mary Reynolds; Peg Bridal; Melissa Williams), memorandums of agreement and updated salaries for personnel not covered by collective bargaining agreements. The superintendent recommended and the board approved the items as presented.

During the legislative update, board members said they met with Representative Morelli to discuss federal assistance and advocated for foundation aid and IDEA funding. The Audit and Finance Committee discussed the district's reserve fund plan, long-range forecasts and the state EV bus mandate; committee members noted an EPA grant could be eligible to help fund electric-bus purchases.

The board voted to move into executive session to discuss the employment history and performance of an individual in a collective bargaining unit; Superintendent Brett Provanzano and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Doug Laff were invited to attend.

Votes at a glance

- Approve meeting agenda: motion moved by Ryan; second Mary Caitlin; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6; no/abstain not specified).

- Approve consent calendar: motion moved by Jan; second not specified; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- Approve field trip request: motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- First readings of policies (3410, 6110, 7219, 7220, 7230, 7250, 7340, 7410, 7522, 7660, 8460): motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6). Board noted that some policies (72/19, 72/20, 72/30) will be revisited next year due to state graduation-pathway changes.

- Approve policies on second reading (as listed on agenda): motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- Approve book recommendations: motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- Approve Fairport Central School District Reserve Fund Plan for 2025: motion moved by Rich; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- Approve budgetary transfers related to K'8 facilities pre-referendum services (La Bella and campus): motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6). Staff explained transfers move funds from special lines to facilities and will be capitalized if a project is later approved.

- Approve instructional staff actions: motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- Approve noninstructional and civil service staff actions (including retirements): motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6). Retirements announced: Christina Abbott; Kim Burley; Lisa Kasparke; Mary Reynolds; Peg Bridal; Melissa Williams.

- Approve athletic staff actions: motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- Approve attached memorandums of agreement: motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- Approve updated salaries for personnel not covered by collective bargaining agreements: motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6).

- Enter executive session to discuss an employment matter (individual in a collective bargaining unit): motion moved; outcome: approved (yes tally stated as 6). Superintendent Brett Provanzano and Assistant Superintendent Doug Laff invited to attend.

Why it matters

The board's approvals keep the district on track for planned facilities planning work and maintain day'to'day operations through personnel appointments and budget adjustments. The reserve fund plan and budget transfers were presented as routine fiscal steps tied to anticipated pre-referendum work for K'8 facilities; if a capital project is later approved by voters, staff said some expenses will be moved to capital accounts. The district also emphasized advocacy work on state and federal funding and highlighted robust participation in music and athletics as district priorities.

What's next

Board members said they expect continued work on K'8 consolidation and facilities planning through the coming year, with a public vote on a proposal targeted for October. The policy committee will return to several policies next year as state graduation requirements evolve. The board recessed into executive session and will reconvene afterward only to adjourn the meeting.

Ending

No public comments were recorded at the meeting. The board closed its business and recessed for the executive session, wishing staff and the community a safe holiday break.