LIVERPOOL, NY – The Liverpool Central School District Board of Education took its first formal steps toward the 2026-27 fiscal year during a regular meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025. Board members convened at the District Office at 5:30 p.m. to discuss a range of personnel matters, financial updates, and long-term planning strategies. The meeting was marked by unanimous consensus on key agenda items, including the creation of a new teaching position aimed at supporting the district’s diverse student body. **Budget Planning Begins** Looking ahead, the Board formally adopted the budget calendar for the 2026-2027 school year. This motion, made by Board Member Jecenia Bresett and seconded by Kimberly Martin, establishes the timeline for the district’s financial planning process. Adopting the calendar early is a critical step in school district administration, allowing the finance team and Superintendent to prepare revenue projections and draft budget proposals well before the state deadline. **Supporting English Language Learners** In a move to address student needs, the Board voted to create a new Full Time Equivalent (1.0 FTE) position for an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher. The resolution, put forward by Superintendent Richard Chapman, was approved unanimously. This addition comes as districts across New York continue to adjust staffing to meet the needs of changing demographics. ENL teachers provide critical support to students who are learning English as a second language, ensuring they can access the general curriculum alongside their peers. **Union Agreement and Personnel** The Board also moved to approve a Memorandum of Agreement with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The specific details of the agreement were not read aloud during the meeting, but the ratification solidifies the working relationship between the district and its unionized support staff. The motion was made by Daniel McKeever and seconded by Kimberly Melnik. Routine business moved quickly, with the board approving standard personnel actions and recommendations from both the Committee on Preschool Special Education and the Committee on Special Education. These approvals are necessary to ensure students with identified needs receive their mandated services and placements. **Financial Oversight** During the "For Discussion" portion of the agenda, the Board reviewed the results of the 2024-2025 Independent Audit. While the minutes note the discussion, no formal action was taken on the audit during this session. The Board also reviewed a resolution to amend reserves. The management of reserve funds is a key tool for districts to smooth out tax rates and pay for unexpected capital projects without borrowing. **Board Composition and Voting** All nine members of the Board were present for the votes, including President Nicholas Blaney, Vice President Daniel McKeever, and Trustees Kimberly Martin, Jecenia Bresett, Stacey Chilbert, John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, Matthew Jones, and Alexandra Gyder. Every resolution listed in the minutes passed with a 9-0 "Aye" vote. Prior to adjournment at 8:10 p.m., the Board entered an executive session to discuss legal updates, ongoing litigation, and employment history matters. The public portion of the meeting reconvened briefly before adjournment. The next scheduled meetings for the Liverpool Board of Education are set for October 6 and October 20, 2025, both at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office.