Sharon Board approves $81,152 surplus transfer, directs firearms safety letter and adopts five policies

The Sharon Board of Education on Oct. 21, 2024 approved a series of motions including a 5–1 vote to deposit the FY24 surplus of $81,152 into a non‑lapsing Board of Education fund in the town’s general funds, and directed the superintendent to send a firearms safety letter to families and staff.

At the meeting, Philip O’Reilly moved and Kathleen Visconti seconded a motion to transfer the FY24 surplus of $81,152 into a non‑lapsing BOE fund; the motion carried with five yes votes (Doug Cahill, Anne Vance, Philip O’Reilly, Nancy Hegy Martin, Kathleen Visconti) and one opposed (Plamen Petkov). The board did not record an amendment to the motion; the transfer was described as a deposit into the town general funds to preserve the surplus for board use.

On student placement and transportation, the board approved (motion by Philip O’Reilly, second by Anne Vance) accepting a student’s request to remain at Sharon Center School through June 2026 on the condition that the family pay pro‑rated tuition from Oct. 19 to June 2025. The board noted that transportation remains pending while insurance liability is investigated.

The board also unanimously directed Superintendent Melony Brady‑Shanley (motion by Doug Cahill, second by Nancy Hegy Martin) to distribute a firearms safety letter to the school community. Separately, the board tabled the Interest Survey for a School Resource Officer/Armed Resource Officer (motion by Philip O’Reilly, second by Kathleen Visconti) until the next meeting.

Business Manager Sam Herrick reported the district’s Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR) calculation was off by $1,301; following discussion the board (motion by Anne Vance, second by Philip O’Reilly) directed Herrick to apply to the state for exceptions to reconcile the discrepancy. Herrick also said he would respond to an IRS letter and request removal of a penalty.

On policy and administrative matters, the board unanimously approved five policies as presented (motion by Nancy Hegy Martin, second by Anne Vance): School Climate Policy 5131.911; Sexual Harassment/Title IX 4000.1/4200.1/5145.44; Reserve Account 3171.1; Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process 5114; and Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice 0521. The board also accepted the 2025 meeting calendar and approved a PMT training stipend as presented.

Board members scheduled a goals meeting for Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to further discuss board and superintendent goals. The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m. and minutes were submitted by Cindy Webb, Board Clerk.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (correction to Sept. minutes): carried unanimously (motion: P. O’Reilly/A. Vance; SEG 007). - MBR exceptions: directed unanimously to apply for state exceptions (motion: A. Vance/P. O’Reilly; SEG 009–010). - Student acceptance with pro‑rated tuition and transportation pending: carried unanimously (motion: P. O’Reilly/A. Vance; SEG 012–013). - Firearms safety letter: directed unanimously (motion: D. Cahill/N. Hegy Martin; SEG 017). - SRO interest survey: tabled until next meeting unanimously (motion: P. O’Reilly/K. Visconti; SEG 018). - FY24 surplus $81,152 deposit into non‑lapsing fund: passed 5–1 (motion: P. O’Reilly/K. Visconti; yes: D. Cahill, A. Vance, P. O’Reilly, N. Hegy Martin, K. Visconti; no: P. Petkov; SEG 019). - PMT training stipend: approved unanimously (motion: N. Hegy Martin/A. Vance; SEG 021). - 2025 meeting dates: approved unanimously (motion: A. Vance/P. O’Reilly; SEG 022). - Five policies adopted as listed: approved unanimously (motion: N. Hegy Martin/A. Vance; SEG 023).

The article summarizes motions and directives recorded in the meeting minutes; it does not infer implementation details or outcomes beyond what the board recorded.