Akron Central looking for clarification of proposed state aid

Akron Central School Board of Education members received a preliminary look at projected state aid for the next budget cycle during their meeting last Wednesday night.

Superintendent of Schools Patrick D. McCabe shared that the current proposals would freeze foundation aid and consolidate all aid, BOCES, Transportation etc. and he noted that the STAR reimbursement is being considered state aid, not local aid. McCabe said the good news is that transportation aid includes costs due to the delivery of materials and food during the pandemic.

McCabe said School Business Administrator Cynthia Tretter and other school business administrators are looking carefully at the proposed aid package to get a clearer idea of the impact on the districts.  He noted Tretter will share their findings at the next Board of Education Meeting.  Also at that meeting, a presentation on the proposed ACS budget for non-instructional components is expected.

Relative to the hybrid model at ACS, McCabe said there is an increase in the number of children moving from totally virtual to hybrid, with a net 40 students making that move since January 4 – 59 returning to in-person, 19 going all virtual.  He said the district is still in compliance with social distancing.

Reporting on the district’s capital project, McCabe shared discussions to address surface water drainage to minimize impact on neighbors and the municipal storm sewer system.  Board Member Erik Polkowski who was also at the capital project meeting said, “the proposed containment system will slow down the water.”  He also noted significant flexibility in the bids.

Board members received an update on Section VI decisions relative to winter sports (see separate story), noting that the Niagara-Orleans League is not allowing locker room usage and not allowing spectators.  Board members asked McCabe to research how Akron can be represented in these decisions and asked for permission to allow Senior Parents for a Senior Ceremony.

Board members approved the following Native American Homework Tutors for the 2020-2021 school year: Mary Borden, Jodi Patterson, Martha Risitano

The provisional appointment of Bonnie Lee James to a full-time, twelve-month Principal Clerk Typist position effective February 1, 2021 was approved.  James will replace Venessa Jones.

The Board voted to accept the letter of resignation from food service helper, Bethany Gillette, effective immediately.

Wendy Baulmer was approved as a food service helper substitute for the 2020-2021 school year.

The following athletic appointments were approved: Antoinette Abrams – Varsity Girls Basketball, Mary Borden – Modified Swim, Clock Operator, Anthony Buono – Modified A Boys Basketball, David Butler – Clock Operator, Scorekeeper, Andrew Clouse – Winter Strength Coach, Jeff Diebel – Scorekeeper, Eric Gerstung – JV Boys Basketball, Justin Gerstung – Varsity Boys Basketball, Michael Gerstung – Scorekeeper, Suzanne Guyton – JV Girls Basketball, Clock Operator, Jim Holtz – Scorekeeper, Emily Kenline – Clock Operator, Jessica Matusek – Clock Operator, Julie Matusek – Clock Operator, Robert Meek – Unified Bowling, Clock Operator, Scorekeeper, Mark Schmigel – Announcer, Kenneth Stoldt – Modified Girls Basketball, Marlene Stone – Clock Operator, Scorekeeper, Brenda Sundown – Clock Operator, Scorekeeper

Also approved were the following athletic volunteers: Anthony Buono – Varsity Basketball, James Holtz – JV and Varsity Basketball, David Mietz – JV & Varsity Basketball (pending required certifications), Raymond Orr – JV Girls Basketball, Chris Romesser – JV and Varsity Basketball, Marlene Stone – Varsity Girls Basketball.

Board members approved the sale of a 2017 Ford F-350 pickup truck to be sold on eBay, Auctions International or other advertised sources, with the proceeds returning to the District.

Also approved were the following school district policies following Board of Education first and second readings: Policy #1330 Appointments and Designations by the Board, Policy #1640 Absentee Ballots, Policy #3421 Title IX and Sex Discrimination, Policy #4210 Administrative Organization and Operation, Policy #5681 School Safety Plans, Policy #6411 Use of emails in the District

Donations to the District were received from:

Cheryl Jackson – $125.00 – Class of 1964 Scholarship (existing) , Elizabeth Houlihan – $100.00 – Class of 1964 Scholarship (existing) , James Flint – $100.00 – Class of 1964 Scholarship (existing) , Stephen Kossuth – $100.00 – Class of 1964 Scholarship (existing), Lucy Zimmerman – $100.00 – Class of 1964 Scholarship (existing), Jerome Bartel – $100.00 – Class of 1964 Scholarship (existing) , County Line Stone – $4000.00 – 2020 County Line Scholarship (existing) , Niagara Specialty Metals – $1000.00 – 2020 Niagara Specialty Metals Scholarship (existing), Whiting Door Mfg. – $1000.00 – 2020 Akron Business Scholarship (existing), Cold Spring Construction – $1000.00 – 2020 Akron Business Scholarship (existing), Janice Gawel – $250.00 – Abraham Family Scholarship (existing), Nicholas Abraham – $250.00 – Abraham Family Scholarship (existing), Joanne Abraham – $250.00 – Abraham Family Scholarship (existing) , Justine Warnstrom – $500.00 – Abraham Family Scholarship (existing).