December 17, 2024 Board of Education Meeting

Cortland Board of Education met at its regularly scheduled time and learned about newly proposed courses

The Board of Education gathered for its monthly meeting on December 17, 2024, to review key updates and discuss important items impacting the school district.  The meeting commenced promptly with a call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, a recitation of the Board norms, and a moment of silence. After these formalities, the Board moved into an Executive Session to address confidential matters before reconvening in an open session.

In the Open Session Mr. Edwards' presentation reviewed past deadlines regarding activity at the NY State Governor's Office State Education Department regarding changes in regional certification and the Strength and Needs Tool Survey that the district had already submitted. Mr. Edwards continued discussing 2025-2026 CHS Course Catalog. Many new possible courses were introduced by Janesa Cornish and Katherine Swanson. Mr. Edwards then went over updates from the field reminding the board and public that the Winter Concert Season was in full swing, an exciting partnership with the city regarding Parker School and news from the State Education Department. 

Kris Williamson then introduced an early Budget Presentation that discussed BOCES service requests, the BOCES timeline, aid ability, current BOCES services, changes in BOCES services and the BOCES budget process Mr. Williamson then reviewed current budgetary costs and how they will change for the 2025 - 2026 school year. Board members discussed how budgetary information could be communicated to the public in a better way.

The board then voted on and passed a variety of motions such as the one day adjustment of the school calendar, changing the title of a staff member and the purchasing of two electric buses.

Katherine Swanson discussed meetings with the Leadership Team and the spring Olympiad.

Kris Williamson discussed grant funding and the application process, construction updates, and the new classroom temperature guidelines set by the Governor's Office.

The Board of Education recognized our most recent Tiger Paw Recipients, Michael Conlon, Catherine Quigley, Marci Francis, Maureen Monroe and Kristopher Williamson. 

As the district moves forward into 2025, the Board remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality, inclusive education and ensuring a thriving, supportive school environment for all.

For more information on the Cortland Board of Education and upcoming meetings, please visit the district’s official website.

You can  view the agenda and the voting results in BoardDocs or watch the meeting by using this link.