Sodus Central School Board swears in president and vice president, adjusts fall meeting times and names committees

Jason Walters was sworn in as board president and Jeff Martinez took the oath as vice president at the Sodus Central School District board meeting on July 9, 2026. Nelson College also recited the oath and will serve as superintendent for the district.

The reorganization was formalized early in the meeting when members nominated and approved the two officer positions. Walters read the oath aloud: "I, Jason Walters, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of The United States and the constitution of the state of New York, and I will faithfully discharge the duties president of the board of education of the Sodus Central School District for the period of 07/09/2026 through 07/08/2027 according to the best of my ability." Martinez delivered a parallel oath as vice president.

Why it matters: Board officers set meeting agendas, represent the district in regional forums and typically serve as liaisons to external committees. The board immediately moved to assign members to standing committees and confirm meeting logistics for the coming year.

During routine business the board handled several consent agenda motions without opposition, then discussed and voted on regular meeting times. The board tentatively confirmed meetings for the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. but, citing recurring September and October conflicts (harvest season and community events), approved a revised start time of 7:00 p.m. for those two months after a revote and a motion to amend the schedule.

The board also reviewed and staffed committees that will govern district work between full-board meetings. Assignments included representation to the 4-county school board legislative group and a single BOCES liaison; facilities and transportation responsibilities; the district wellness group; the audit committee; scholarship and safety teams; and a newly formed policy committee. The board agreed to create a policy committee (referred to in the meeting as "10.12") to vet policy updates — including social media and Title IX items — before bringing them to the full board. Members who volunteered or were appointed to the policy committee include Jim, Eric and Julie.

What’s next: The board said it will continue using committee meetings and targeted presentations to prepare policies and reports for full-board votes. Members also scheduled an agenda item for the August meeting to review summer building work and opening plans.

(For provenance: the nominations, oath language and the meeting-time motion were recorded in the board’s July 9, 2026 meeting transcript.)