001I'd like to call the Lancaster Central School District Board of Education meeting to order. In the unlikely event of an emergency, if we do have to evacuate the room, please note the locations of the exits. At this time, I ask you to silence your cell phones and rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Please remain standing for a moment of silent reflection. Tonight, we remain standing for a moment of silent reflection for Mr. Raymond Wolfe, a math teacher and a guidance counselor from 1960 through 1988, who passed away on February 19, 2020. All right, moving on to form, we have presentations. 4.1, we have a tenure presentation. Dr. Mark Buhler? Tonight, we are honoring Haley Lone, who is a librarian at William Street. Through her time at William Street, she's dedicated unwavering dedication to our students,
002staff, and school community. Her commitment to education makes her a very valuable member of our team. Haley has played a crucial role in ensuring that the Library Media Center remains a vibrant, well-organized, and resourceful space for both students and faculty. She not only manages materials efficiently, but also fosters an environment where learning thrives. Her ability to develop and facilitate research projects aligned to the New York State standards speaks to her instructional expertise. And through her lessons, rubrics, and detailed timelines, she provides students with the guidance they need to be successful. Beyond her work in the Media Center, she's deeply invested in supporting our self-contained students in reading and language arts. Her patient and accommodating nature allow her to meet the needs of students where they are, offering individualized support that helps students grow academically and
003personally. She's an educator who truly puts her students first. Ensuring that all learners have access to the resources that they need. Haley also actively collaborates with her colleagues and serves on the ELA Committee at William Street, and previously served on the Climate Committee. She's a team player who works to support the faculty and staff, demonstrating her deep commitment to the success of the school in all ways. Like all great educators, she understands that growth is an ongoing process. She has embraced the challenge of adapting to the evolving educational standards and curriculum changes. She works closely with her department chair, colleagues, and the administrative team to ensure that her work remains aligned to our school and district goals. Her willingness to seek feedback and refine her process is a testament to her dedication to continuous improvement.
004It was with great confidence that we recommended her for tenure, knowing that she will continue to make meaningful and lasting impacts on the school community. And we look forward to you being a member of the team for years to come. Thank you, Dr. Mark Hueling, and congratulations, Haley. This is a very important step in an educator's career. Tenure is very important, and at Lancaster we hire the best, and this is just the culmination of that hire. So again, congratulations. 5.0, correspondence. We have two emails on record under correspondence. 6.0, approval of minutes. 6.1, can I have a motion to approve the regular session from February 10th, 2025? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 6.2, can I have a motion on the budget work session from February 24th, 2025? Any
005comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. Just to note, Mr. Davenport is excused from this evening. Just a reminder, as we mentioned at our last budget work session, Mr. Jackson has resigned. Based on the timing and in accordance with the applicable education law, the position will remain vacant until the May budget vote and Board of Education election. At that time, the individual receiving the third highest number of votes will assume Mr. Jackson's position, effective immediately upon taking the oath of office for the remainder of his term through June 30th, 2026. 7.0, items from staff organizations. Anyone from the Lancaster Administrative and Supervisory Association? Just two quick items. First and foremost, I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate Mrs. Gannon for her anticipatory appointment here this evening. I've known Ms. Gannon for four
006years now, great asset to our school district, and I think I speak for all my colleagues. I think you're going to do a great job at that appointment, so congratulations. In addition to that, our school district is celebrating students in a variety of capacities on the final 15 weeks of school, so we're very excited as an administrative team to be fully embraced in that opportunity to work with our kids and see them through their final 15 weeks of school. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Candela. Anyone from the Lancaster Central Teachers Association? Thank you, Ms. Ferrer. Anyone from the Lancaster Association of Service Personnel? Anyone from the Lancaster Association of Substitute Teachers? 8.0, board reports. Do any board members have anything to report? I do. Just a very quick, I was at the William Street School
007PTO put on a bowling party for all the kids yesterday, so I actually volunteered to chaperone a lane of kids bowling, which was a lot of fun. So I just want to give a quick shout out to the William Street PTO, Tracy, for putting it on, and then all the rest of the volunteers that did a really good job. The kids had a lot of fun. They do it about twice a year, and it's always a blast, so I just wanted to give a quick shout out. Thank you, Mr. Chavarico. I was able, Dave Lyman, I was able to attend the Hillview Talent Show on Friday, which was pretty wild. They had 137 kids participating, and an amazing staff show at the end. If there's a video out there, watch it. That was great. And
008Ms. Pilello, Ms. Domino, and Ms. Shamrock, they put on an excellent show for the... Thank you, Mr. Lyman. Moving on to 9.0, Superintendent's Administrative Report. Dr. Kufel? Thank you, Mr. Sage. I'll kind of pick up where Mr. Lyman left off. I'll piggyback you a little bit. Their talents were on full display on Friday. During the day, as Mr. Lyman said, they performed for their classmates, their teachers, and staff. And I had the pleasure of, we sat on the floor, Mr. Lyman and I next to each other, to make sure that the kindergartener right behind us could see. Friday evening, they performed for their family and friends, and there was a lot of excitement in that one. There were class performances, dancers, gymnasts, singers, musicians, athletes, and even a few comedians. So thank you to all
009the faculty, staff, and administration for organizing that event. It was a lot of hard work. They dedicated their time. They choreographed the performances and allowed our youngest students to shine under the bright lights. The teachers and staff also performed brilliantly in the finale, as they do each year, and their dance skills were also on full display. It's fantastic. It was a great evening and a great way for our kids to celebrate some of their talents. Quick one. We received some great news. Not surprising from the School Administrator Association of New York, Saney's office last week. Judy Feldmayer is the first ever recipient of the Saney's Essential Service Leader Award. Judy is our Transportation Director. She is humble and hardworking. So when she sees this, this will likely embarrass her, but I'd like to share some
010sentiments that were expressed during the nomination process. Judy is an expert in her field, a trusted leader with her staff, and works miracles daily to ensure every student gets to school safely. With 25 years of experience, she is widely regarded as a leader in school district transportation, setting the standard for other districts. So congratulations, Judy, on that. One more quick report. So tonight, I want to take a moment to speak about something that resides at the heart of who we are as a school community, our traditions. Specifically, I'd like to address the Lancaster-Dupieux rivalry and Homecoming Week, a tradition that has united generations of students, alumni, and families for over a century. Let me be clear, Lancaster remains fully committed to the annual Lancaster-Dupieux game and the week-long homecoming celebration that surrounds it. This is
011more than a game. It is a cornerstone of the community's legacy, a testament to the pride, spirit, and tradition that defines Lancaster, past, present, and future. Since 1919, the Lancaster-Dupieux game and week-long homecoming events have brought our community together, not just to cheer on our teams, but to celebrate what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. The bonfire, the powder puff game, spirit days, the motorcade, and pep assemblies. These events create lifelong memories and foster a sense of connection that transcends the final score. We were recently approached by Dupieux about the possibility of discontinuing or phasing out the game. Let me be clear and unwavering in our response. Myself, Mr. Eric Rupp, Mr. Mike Candela, and Lancaster have no intention of walking away from this long-standing rivalry. This is more than a
012game. At a recent 8th grade information night, when students were asked which event incoming freshmen should not miss, every student on the panel answered without hesitation and unequivocally, Lancaster-Dupieux Week. That speaks volumes about what this tradition means to our students, our families, and our community. While some have pointed to our recent success on the field as a reason to consider the game, reconsider the game, it's important to remember that the significance of this rivalry extends far beyond the scoreboard. Rivalry is naturally ebb and flow. We've seen it before and we'll see it again. What remains constant is the way this tradition brings our community together. It is about legacy, not just wins and losses. As a Lancaster graduate, parent, and now superintendent, I know firsthand how special this week is to our community and district-wide,
013not just as an athletic event, but as a celebration of our shared legacy. Our districts will continue to lean into experiences that connect our students to one another, to our schools, and to the greater Lancaster community. The Lancaster-Dupieux rivalry represents pride, spirit, and tradition. And that is something we will always champion. Certainly, if Dupieux is interested, we welcome the opportunity to work together to ensure this rivalry continues for another 106 years. Mr. Sage, turn it over. Thank you, Dr. Coveau. And thank you for that passionate display because, you know, the Lancaster-Dupieux Week is one of the best things that I've ever seen in this community. You see kids, you know, five, six, coming to these events and starting to be a part of the community. And I look forward to keeping this going. And I
014think it's one of the things that everyone in Lancaster, if you went to Lancaster, if you went to Dupieux, everyone has stories. Everyone loves seeing the motorcades. And you see all the kids going out there, all the players waving to them on the street. Just a great atmosphere. And I'm glad you said some of those things because we truly are committed to making this a great experience for both Lancaster and Dupieux and the community at large. Because I think that's what it's about, just keeping us together. And we are fully committed to that. So again, Dr. Coveau, thank you for saying that. I just have one quick thing to say about the game as well. So just to piggyback off what Dr. Coveau said, I think in Lancaster, something that's really important to keep at
015the forefront is traditions matter. They matter because they connect all different generations of people who came through this community, came through this school. Where I grew up and where I graduated from, football wasn't very big, but I will say that living in the district for the last 15 years, I do know how much it means to the district, how much it means to the kids. My 10-year-old has gone to the game since she was probably four, and she's already talked about how she's excited to get into high school and experience it from that viewpoint. So although some people might say that it's just a game, it transcends just being a game. It's the entire community coming together for an entire week. So, and if you really look through history, there are very few places in
016the country that have an over 100-year tradition or rivalry. So it would be very unfortunate for that. I'll touch on this a little bit because I think I have a little bit different of a take on it a little because obviously my kids aren't that age yet. I haven't really intended it too much myself, but I've heard a lot of stories about it. And I just think about my high school, great memories with Mr. Candela who's out there. And it's just one of those things that you never forget. And having my kids go through this school has something I really look forward to having them go through. So I'm hopeful we can come to a resolution to make this kind of stick around so my kids can experience as well. So on to 10.0, old
017business. Does anyone have any old business to discuss? 11.0, new business. 11.1, personnel items. 11.1.1, can I have a motion to appoint director of special education? Any comments or questions? Before we vote on this, Dr. Krufl did you have any words? I'll let Mr. Sage defer to Mr. Kraisman for a moment and then I do have a few words that I'll chime in for after. Good evening. I'm very excited to come before you tonight and endorse the recommendation of Ms. Erin Gannon to take over as the district's new director of special education. Ms. Gannon has worked in the district for these past four years and over that time she's shown a tremendous commitment to the students, families, teachers, support staff, the Lancaster Central School community. Ms. Gannon is a strong leader who always puts students
018as the first priority in her decision making process. She's a critical thinker who has the ability to brainstorm creative solutions to challenging situations while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of programming for the students of Lancaster. Over the years she has earned a strong reputation with her colleagues, families, and outside agencies as a knowledgeable and thoughtful leader of our district. As we have gone through the interview process, Ms. Gannon was the unanimous decision of the interview panel. Throughout the process she displayed her ability to reflect as a professional, analyze data, and provide a vision for our special education students in the district for many years to come. Our students are in very good hands moving forward. At Lancaster we say we hire the best. Ms. Gannon is another example of hiring the best and we look forward
019to her transitioning into this new role and working with our families for many years to come. Congratulations, Ann. I took a few words so I'll be brief. Ms. Erin Gannon does have some big shoes to fill with the gentleman behind her who will be departing. But I couldn't be more proud and excited for Ms. Gannon. She will do an unbelievable job. I will share a few thoughts that I have about Erin and part of the conversation I had with her during my interview. Erin cares deeply about our students and much of this is going to be in line with Mr. Candel and Mr. Craig. She cares deeply about our students and doing what's best for them. Her leadership, work ethic, and willingness to be honest and direct, having quotes tell it like it is, are
020fantastic and appreciated. Additionally, and most importantly, one of the things that I mentioned was I told her that she will certainly do the fleet perform the roles and responsibilities of the job. I have no doubt about that. But great leaders do more. Great leaders analyze organizations, programs, and processes to determine how we can improve. Then they in turn create a vision with the help of all the important stakeholders. And lastly, great leaders turn that vision into a reality through persistence and unwavering commitment. Erin is a great leader and I look forward to working with her for years to come. Congratulations, Gannon. No pressure. Thank you all so much for the kind words. It is so appreciated. I'm so excited for this new opportunity and thank you all for providing that to me. It has been
021a wonderful past four years here in Lancaster. I've learned so much. But I really had the privilege to work with one of the best. And as Andy said, I know I have big shoes to fill. So I have been so lucky to learn from John Armstrong over the past four years. And I promise to take the foundation that he's built here in Lancaster for special education and continue to build upon it and make us the best we can be. So thank you so much. Let's make it official. Can I have a motion? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. And again, we say this a lot. We do hire the best. We have a very intensive process to make sure we hire the best. And the special education department has
022a very special place in my heart. And I can tell you that when I call this a destination district and especially our special education department, it's rivaled by no one. John, you've had a huge part in that. And Aaron, you're going to do an amazing job for decades to come. So again, congratulations. Let's go to 11.1.2. Can I have a motion on the personal changes? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 11.2 education items. 11.2.1. Can I have a motion on the committee on special education? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 11.2.2. Can I have a motion on the committee on preschool special education? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.0 business and financial items. 12.1. Can I
023have a motion on the financial items? Second. Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.2 can I have a motion on the policy adoption 5661 wellness? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.3 is a policy second reading 7530 child abuse and maltreatment that's for information only. We'll vote on that in our next regular meeting. 12.4 policy first reading 7513 medication and personal care items that's for information only and we'll vote on the two subsequent meetings. 12.5 policy first reading 3311 notification of disclosure of employee disciplinary record that is for information only and we'll vote on that in a couple of meetings. 12.6 can I have a motion on the various providers of special education? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against?
024Motion carries. 12.7 can I have a motion on the food service operating reports? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. Without objection I'll lump 12.8 through 12.11 together. We've got a contract with Frontier Central School District at 12.8 and 12.9 a contract with West Seneca Central School District. 12.10 a contract with Alton Central School District and 12.11 a contract with the Williamsville Central School District. Can I have a motion to approve? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.12 can I have a motion to appoint election workers? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.13 can I have a motion for the surplus equipment? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.14 can I have
025a motion on the construction change holders? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.15 can I have a motion to accept the internal audit reports and correct action plans? Any comments or questions? Mr. Talerico, does the audit committee have a recommendation? Yes, we met with our external auditors today prior to the meeting. So based on the audit report that we received, I would vote to accept the audit report and the correct action plans. Moving forward. Thank you Mr. Talerico. All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.16 can I have a motion for the legal notice, annual budget proposition vote and trustee election? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.17 can I have a motion on the budget amendment, budget purchase? Sorry, bus purchase?
026Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.18 can I have a motion for the club creation? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 12.19 can I have a motion on the donation acceptance? Any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. 13.0 is a public hearing. We do not have anyone signed up to speak this evening. 14.0 is an executive session to discuss the employment of a particular person. Before we go into executive session, I do want to mention that the next and final budget work session is April 7th, 2025, 630 at the William Street School multipurpose room. And our next regular session is going to be Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, 7 p.m. at the Lancaster High School auditorium. I have a
027motion to go into executive session. So any comments or questions? All those in favor? Anyone against? Motion carries. All right, that effectively ends the meeting for this evening. Thank you all for coming out.