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Marcellus board approves a package of routine measures including superintendent contract, energy consortium participation and therapy dogs
Summary
During its meeting the board approved participation in a cooperative energy-purchasing consortium, adopted the special education plan, ratified an employment agreement for Jean M. Charlo, retained legal counsel, approved therapy dogs at two schools, confirmed the tax levy, and approved personnel and consent-agenda items.
The Marcellus Central School District Board of Education approved a slate of routine but consequential measures at its meeting, including contracts, plans and personnel actions.
Energy purchasing: The board approved participation in the New York School and Municipal Energy Consortium for electricity and natural gas, a move staff said produces bulk-purchase cost savings for participating districts. The motion was moved, seconded and carried; a single opposition was voiced by a member identified in the roll-call dialogue as "Carrie." The district did not provide a full roll-call tally in the transcript.
Special education plan: The board approved the district's special education plan for 2025–2027. Staff explained the plan is updated every two years to maintain compliance with state funding requirements.
Superintendent employment agreement: The board approved and adopted an employment agreement between the Marcellus Central School District and Jean M. Charlo reflecting the terms of employment as district superintendent and authorized the board president to sign the agreement.
Legal counsel retention: The board voted to continue retaining the law firm named in the resolution to provide legal services for the 2025–26 school year; staff said the district periodically issues requests for proposals for professional services to ensure fees remain competitive and to evaluate alternatives.
Therapy dogs: The board approved two separate resolutions to allow therapy dogs at district schools: Obi (owned by Megan Newhouse) for Driver Middle School, and Lolo (owned by Rebecca Eaton) for KCH Elementary School. Staff said the model will be gradual and driven by counseling-department needs.
Tax levy: The board adopted the resolution fixing tax rates as established by the state Board of Equalization and authorized the tax warrant to support collection of amounts approved by the budget vote; staff summarized how the tax warrant gives legal authority to local tax collectors and how unpaid amounts are reconciled with the county.
Personnel and consent agenda: The board approved personnel items (7.1–7.16) and the consent agenda, which included an overnight girls soccer trip to Albany and an employee-children attendance request tied to a recent hire.
Why it matters: Together these votes set the district's operational and contractual footing for the coming school year — from energy procurement and legal representation to personnel and student supports.
Next steps: Many of the approved items are effective immediately; staff will carry out procurement and onboarding tasks and will follow up on implementation details as appropriate.
