Valley Central board adopts 2026–27 budget; public comments raise personnel and NHS-selection concerns

The Valley Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt the 2026–27 spending plan and approve the property tax report card at its April 13 meeting, while several members of the public used the meeting’s comment period to press personnel and student-recognition issues.

The budget adoption motion passed on a 6–0 roll call (Ms. Samuelson was noted absent). Brad (meeting staff) read the roll call: Ms. McKnight, Mr. Oaks, Ms. Fox-Bizonya, Mr. Revoir, Mr. Lovoro and Mr. Bond each voted yes.

During the public-comment period, longtime volunteer lacrosse coach Barney Zipkin alleged he was removed from coaching because he had not been "Board of Ed approved," a rule he said had not been enforced previously for other sports. "Up until this winter workout there's never been an issue about being Board of Ed approved. Yet I was let go because I was not Board of Ed approved," Zipkin said, urging the board to review the handling of volunteer coaches.

The chair interrupted to warn speakers not to discuss specific personnel or students by name and asked that these matters follow administrative complaint channels; as a result, Zipkin’s allegation was not resolved during the meeting.

Parents Eric and Kim Lockman appealed a decision denying their son admission to the National Honor Society, saying the advisors found "zero character" despite the student’s community service, academic honors and extracurricular involvement. The Lockmans said their son had appealed and sought further review; the board noted the district’s policy that personnel- or student-specific matters be handled through administrative procedures rather than public comment.

Other public commenters focused on field quality and possible remediation approaches. Bonnie Zipkin, who said she has decades of field experience, urged practical solutions such as rearranging field layouts or prioritizing sod in high-impact zones. Coach Tom Stoddard described current practice conditions as unsafe and said teams sometimes practice on very limited space, underscoring the safety and liability concerns.

Following public comment and staff reports the board moved to adopt the budget. During discussion before the roll call, a board member asked whether staff could increase field funding midyear if Cornell’s ongoing assessment supported that step; staff said modest in-year modifications could be accommodated within budget lines if justified by documented need.

Outcome: The 2026–27 budget and property tax report card were adopted by the board (6–0). The board also approved agreements with Pennsylvania Western University and a resolution for emergency high-school auditorium roof repairs; both motions passed 6–0.

Next steps: Board members said they would review Cornell’s yearlong data and consider budget adjustments if evidence shows the need to accelerate field remediation. Individuals with personnel or student grievances were told to pursue the district’s established administrative channels for review.