LIVERPOOL, NY – The Liverpool Central School District Board of Education moved quickly Tuesday evening to finalize several key requirements for the start of the 2025-2026 school year, approving new tax rates, the student Code of Conduct, and the district’s emergency response plan. The meeting, held on August 19, also served as a formal welcome for Superintendent Richard Chapman, who was administered the oath of office. Board members expressed optimism about the upcoming year, praising the administration’s preparation over the summer months. **Tax Rates and Budgets** As required by state law prior to the start of the fiscal year, the board voted unanimously to establish the tax rates for the 2025-2026 school year. The vote (8-0) approves the tax levy for both the school district and the Liverpool Public Library. The board also approved a resolution to collect these taxes. In prior meetings, the board has discussed the need to balance the tax levy with the rising costs of operations, though specific tax rate figures per $1,000 of assessed value were detailed in the financial resolutions submitted at the meeting. **Student Safety and Conduct** With students returning to classrooms in the coming weeks, the board adopted the District-Wide Emergency Response Plan. The plan outlines protocols for safety drills and emergency procedures. The approval (8-0) is a standard annual requirement for school districts in New York State. Additionally, the board approved the updated Code of Conduct. Superintendent Chapman’s report had previously touched upon updates regarding the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day, a topic often linked to the district's discipline and behavioral policies. **Athletics and Shared Services** To ensure robust athletic programming, the board approved cooperative agreements for several varsity sports for the 2025-2026 school year. These "mergers" allow Liverpool to team up with neighboring districts where roster numbers might be low. Approved combinations include: * **Boys Varsity Ice Hockey:** Merged with Cicero-North Syracuse (CNS), which will serve as the host. * **Girls Varsity Ice Hockey:** Merged with Oswego City School District (host). * **Girls Varsity Gymnastics:** Merged with East Syracuse Minoa (host). * **Girls Varsity Wrestling:** Merged with Phoenix Central School District (host). **Administrative Updates** Superintendent Chapman used his report to highlight district achievements, congratulating Dr. Leah Stuck on being named the NYASP Ruth Steegmann Chapter E School Psychologist of the Year. He also commended Kasey Dolson and the team for the professional development opportunities provided to staff over the summer. Jason Taylor, Associate Director for Student Services, presented a brief update on the School Counseling/Guidance Plan. He noted the plan follows the national model for school counseling. Board President Nicholas Blaney mentioned that a board member would be participating in the program's Advisory Council during the coming year to maintain alignment with student needs. **Board Business** The board tackled several personnel and logistical items: * **Committees:** Daniel McKeever and Kimberly Martin were appointed to the Audit Committee. The Policy Committee will include Nicholas Blaney, Stacey Chilbert, Alexandra Gyder, and Matthew Jones. The Safety Committee appointments went to John Solazzo, Kimberly Melnik, and Jecenia Bresett. * **Contracts:** A contract for beverage pouring rights (RFP-2025-004) was awarded, though the specific vendor was not detailed in the verbal motion. The board also renewed its agreement with BASCOL for before and after-school care. * **Evaluators:** The board appointed the official Lead and Principal Evaluators for the 2025-2026 school year. **Looking Ahead** During the President’s Report, Mr. Blaney informed the board that OCM BOCES is preparing for a future Capital Project vote that would impact the Thompson Road and McAvoy campuses. He indicated he would invite BOCES representatives to a future meeting to present the details to the public. The next scheduled Board of Education meetings are set for September 8 and September 22, both at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office.