Clay, New York
· Tuesday, September 1, 2026· Sep 1, 2026
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🎓 Board of Education (Liverpool)
Liverpool School Board Upholds Student Suspension, Approves Next Phase of Capital Project
The Liverpool Board of Education voted unanimously to uphold a long-term student suspension following a disciplinary appeal during a lengthy executive session. The board also moved forward with bids for the 2022 Capital Improvement Project but rejected a vendor agreement for school apparel.
●Unanimously upheld a long-term student suspension following an executive session disciplinary appeal.
●Approved bid awards for "Phase C" of the 2022 Capital Improvement Project to continue construction updates.
●Rejected a proposed apparel agreement with Ohiopyle Prints Inc. following a 5-2 vote.
●Authorized a "Type II" environmental determination for the 2026-2027 capital outlay project.
●Approved participation in the Oswego County BOCES cooperative purchasing for water testing services.
●Engaged the NYSSBA for consultant services regarding school aid.
●Accepted various gifts and grants for the district.
●Heard public comments regarding MTSS and union contract negotiations.
LIVERPOOL, NY – The Liverpool Central School District Board of Education convened Monday night for a session that stretched past 10:30 p.m., addressing disciplinary actions, construction bids, and district finances.
The most significant action of the evening occurred behind closed doors. The board met in executive session to hear a disciplinary appeal regarding a long-term student suspension. Upon returning to open session, the board voted unanimously to uphold the Superintendent’s decision. The motion, made by Board Member Daniel McKeever and seconded by Stacey Chilbert, directs the administration to inform the family of the final decision.
**Capital Project Moves Forward**
On the facilities front, the board gave the green light to the next phase of the district’s ongoing improvement work. By a unanimous vote, the board approved the bid awards for "Phase C" of the 2022 Capital Improvement Project. This approval allows the district to contract with construction firms to continue specific upgrades outlined in the project plan.
Looking ahead, the board also approved a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) resolution for the 2026-2027 Capital Outlay Project. The "Type II" determination indicates that the proposed work will not result in a significant environmental impact, streamlining the approval process for future maintenance and upgrades.
**Vendor Agreement Denied**
In a split vote, the board rejected a proposal to approve an apparel agreement with Ohiopyle Prints Inc. The motion, brought by Daniel McKeever, failed with a vote of 5 to 2. While McKeever and Matthew Jones voted in favor of the agreement, the majority of the board—including President Nicholas Blaney and members Stacey Chilbert, Kimberly Melnik, Jecenia Bresett, and Alexandra Gyder—voted against the measure.
**Financial and Administrative Updates**
The board took several steps to ensure fiscal responsibility and regulatory compliance. They approved an agreement with the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) for consultant services. Superintendent Richard Chapman and the district will utilize these specialists to navigate complex state aid formulas, potentially securing more funding for Liverpool students.
Additionally, the board approved participation in a cooperative purchasing program through Oswego County BOCES. This agreement will streamline the procurement of water testing and sampling services, ensuring the district meets health and safety regulations efficiently.
**Public Voices Concerns**
During the public communications portion of the meeting, residents addressed the board on two distinct issues. Michele Sargalski spoke regarding the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a framework used to provide academic and behavioral support to students. Brian Christopher also addressed the board concerning ULFA and other union matters, signaling ongoing labor discussions within the district.
**Meeting Calendar**
The next scheduled meetings for the Liverpool Board of Education are set for Monday, April 6, and Monday, April 20, both at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office. With the budget season looming, the April 6 meeting is expected to include further discussions on the 2026-2027 draft budget.
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
Early coverage (re-verified). An early article, drafted by AI before our verification gate existed. Every one was later adversarially re-reviewed against its source record, and the errors found were corrected and republished in August 2026.
●Meeting called to order at 5:45 p.m. with all nine members present: Nicholas Blaney, Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Daniel McKeever, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones and Alexandra Gyder
●Budget Adoption Tabled:** The board voted 8-1 to delay approval of the 2026-2027 Annual Budget and the Real Property Tax Report Card until the April 20 meeting. Board Member Daniel McKeever voted against the delay.
●Reserve Fund Reduced:** Board Member Matthew Jones successfully moved to amend the resolution for a Liability Reserve Fund, lowering the amount from $1.5 million to $500,000. The amendment and the final resolution passed unanimously.
●New Club Approved:** The board unanimously approved the creation of the "Youth Alive Club."
●Personnel & Special Ed:** The board unanimously approved personnel actions and recommendations for preschool and school-age special education placements.
●Capital Project Update:** The board received an update on capital projects from Ashley McGraw Architects and Campus Construction Management.
●Calendar Adjustments:** The board discussed adjustments to the 2025-2026 school calendar.
●Public Concerns:** Three residents addressed the board regarding budget concerns, board observations, and a personal matter.
Liverpool School Board Approves Tax Exemptions for Volunteers, Hears Update on 2026-27 Draft Budget
●Phase 1 Capital Project Bids Approved:** The board unanimously approved bid awards for construction contracts related to the 2024 Capital Improvement Project.
●Safety Audit Considered:** Superintendent Chapman noted the district's last security audit was in 2013 and will explore costs for a new audit and weapons detection systems.
●Security Gate Quote:** A quote of approximately $27,000 was received for one Open Gate System from Day Automation.
●Student Representation:** Nandika Rajaram was sworn in as the new Ex-Officio Student Board Member.
●Student Trips Approved:** The board unanimously approved a baseball trip to Myrtle Beach, SC.
●New Clubs Formed:** The board voted to approve the creation of new clubs, including a GSA Club.
●Budget Discussion:** The board accepted the 2026-2027 Draft Budget update, noting a serious budget gap.
●Strategic Planning:** A public Strategic Planning meeting is scheduled for February 23rd at 4:30 p.m. at Soule Road Elementary.
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