Sachem committees push Albany advocacy on unfunded mandates; board accepts $133,869 donation for Linwood

Committee chairs told the board that the budget advisory and legislative committees focused on unfunded mandates, income streams, communication improvements and the need for greater community involvement. Committee members urged the board to provide specific legislative priorities so committees can coordinate joint advocacy in Albany; one trustee said the committees should produce a list of the district's largest unfunded mandates to guide targeted lobbying.

A board member asked administration to compile a list of unfunded mandates and related quantifiable burdens; administration said it had located sample lists from other districts and would include the largest and most easily quantified items in the next packet.

Separately, the board approved acceptance of a $133,869 donation from the Wheeling Foundation earmarked for Linwood. "Motion, please," the board president said; the motion was seconded and carried with no recorded opposition. The donation was presented as a one-time gift designated for Linwood; no further spending details were discussed at the meeting.

Board members also discussed using joint social media and outreach to explain budget constraints and unfunded mandates to the public and to solicit broader community involvement in advocacy.