School Board prepares for 2009-2010 budget

   The Caledonia-Mumford Board of Education is planning for the 2009-2010 budget process in light of the governor’s proposed cuts in state aid to schools. Superintendent of Schools David V. Dinolfo said the district will have a better idea on how to proceed with next year’s spending plan after the governor releases the state budget.

   Christa Construction Project Manager Kevin Donaghue reported on the progress of the voter approved Excel Capital project work being done in the elementary and middle school buildings. Ceiling tiles are removed in both buildings as contractors are running upgraded wiring for the computer network. The next phase will be asbestos abatement in the boiler rooms of both the elementary and middle schools. The boilers will be shut down and the buildings will be closed to students, faculty and the public during the abatement process. All work related to the abatement will be completed and the boilers turned back on by January 1, 2009. Campus activities are expected to resume on January 3, 2009. The boiler replacements will take place after the first of the year.

   Donaghue also reported on a water leak that occurred near the concession building inside Hamilton Field Sports Stadium. It was determined that a plumbing contractor working on the stadium construction in 2006 used an inferior part, causing the leak. The contractor agreed to pay for all of the costs associated with the leak. Further testing revealed no additional leaks.

   Dinolfo reported to the board the findings of the Commission on Propert Tax Relief. The report found that New York State’s property taxes are 78 percent high than the national average. Many recommendations are being proposed in reponse to the report, including a proposed property tax cap.

   The board accepted a $500 donation from the Caledonia office of Five Star Bank to be used for the Odyssey of the Mind program.

   Senior class advisor Steve Nole and Senior Class President Abby Formella presented to the board the plans for the 2009 senior trip to Cedar Point theme park in Sandusky, Ohio. The trip includes stops at the Cleveland Zoo and the Rock and Roll of Fame.

Board Appointments/Resignations

   Lisa Carney was appointed as a long term substitute teacher to replace Claudia Brunea. Megan Barrell was appointed as a per diem substitute teacher with social studies certification. Cheryl Ann Tucker was appointed as a substitue food service worker. Sandra Worden-Balonek was appointed as a clerical, teacher aide, teaching assistant substitute. James Garland was appointed to a probationary full time civil service cleaner. The board accepted with regret the resignation of Nancy Skivington, teacher aide, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2009.

   The next meeting of the board of education will be January 13, 2009 at 6 p.m. in the district office board room.