Board approves routine capital project change orders and discusses EV bus grant extension

During the Dec. 12 meeting the Hyde Park Central School District board approved multiple consent and capital project items and received updates on an electric-bus (EV) grant timeline.

Motions: The board adopted the agenda and later approved the consent agenda (motion moved and seconded; recorded as "Aye" and carried). The board voted to approve capital project change orders including Phase 2A for Violet Avenue, the 2022 Phase 1 contract with Train USA Incorporated, and Phase 2B work associated with Haviland Middle School and Ralph R. Smith. In discussion, staff clarified that the $35,700,000 figure shown in the agenda is the total project budget and that the specific change-order amount before the board was much smaller (example cited: a $2,005.66 change-order line item). All motions recorded in the transcript were carried with standard voice votes; the transcript records 'Aye' and 'Motion carried' but does not provide named tallies.

EV bus grant: The EV bus committee reported the EPA granted the district a 45-day extension on a grant tied to a proposed electric-bus purchase. Committee members and administrators are seeking a longer extension (up to 180 days) and coordinating with Rep. Pat Ryan’s office and state contacts to preserve the option of placing the proposition before voters at a later regular vote date. Board members discussed lobbying options in Albany and the need for more state guidance on marketing and implementation.

Tax corrections: Finance staff explained tax certiorari refunds reflected in the consent agenda (examples given: Hyde Park Cinema — $44,652; North Cross — $87,797.89) and noted these are paid from a tax cert reserve rather than current operating revenue.

The board closed the meeting after public comment and adjourned; no additional votes were recorded on the EV bus extension or future referendum timing at this meeting.