The Phoenix Central School District Board of Education awarded seven prime contracts and five vendor direct awards for Phase 2 of its 2024 Capital Project at its March 9 meeting, including a $13,015,500 HVAC contract to Ontario and an $8,564,000 general contractor award to Bette & Cring.
Typeset from the official record — motions and recorded votes are detected automatically. The official copy governs.
March 23, 2026 MOTION:
ft was moved by , seconded by that the Board of Education minutes from March 2, 2026 and March 10, 2026 be approved as submitted.
Ayes Nays Abstentions
District Office Conference Room March 9, 2025 7:00 p.m.
President, Rob Southworth, called the regular BOE Meeting to Order at 7:00 p.m.
Jim Brooker MEMBERS PRESENT Jim Graham
Wayne Halstead
Cliff Pelton
Keith Renfrew
Earl Rudy
Jeffrey Slater
Aurora Rose - Student Board Member
Kate Kehn MEMBERS ABSENT
Superintendent Chris Byrne OTHERS PRESENT Administrative Team
Rob Southworth, led the Pledge of Allegiance. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
None RECOGNITION OF VISITORS Superintendent Christopher Byrne began by complimenting Tim Ristau and SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT the PDC committee on their effort in planning today's Professional Development Day. There were many great sessions offered to staff, but the one that stood out and was really well received focused on NY Inspires. This gave teachers an update on what’s to come. NY Inspires - a five year initiative from the NYS Education Department that was presented by CiTi’s Superintendent for Instruction, Roseann Bayne and was shared across the county so everyone is getting the same message. The presentation was facilitated in different buildings during PD day. Students will learn through project-based learning, internships and hands-on experience. Mr. Byme congratulated the Unified Bowling team and Coach Conklin on their Championship win a couple of weeks ago for the Sth time. Mr. Byme knows how much the kids love it. The Phoenix indoor percussion ensemble performed at Toms River Regional this past weekend placing 4th in finals, and for the first time in history they are in the top 5 in the power regionals. Finally, Mr. Byrne reminded everyone that this week is the musical Grease with performances scheduled for Thursday @ 4:30, Friday @ 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mr. Byrne encouraged everyone to come out and support the musical.
Business Official Jennifer Woody gave the initial Budget presentation INITIAL DRAFT BUDGET beginning with the Agenda reviewing the Executive Budget, Tax Cap, Bus PRESENTATION purchase and will discuss some of the Budget factors. The Governor released
her budget on time this year. There was proposed overall aid increase $1.6
billion, or 4.3%, no change in formulas for expense based aids, new UPK
expansion proposal $561 million, includes $779 million 2.96% (for
foundation aid) hold harmless would continue, 461 Districts on hold harmless,
minimum increase for all districts 1% for all districts, if those on formula
don’t grow by at least 1% over 25-26, proposal would give district at least
1%. 2025-2026 Foundation Aid $20,673,400 2026-2027 Foundation Aid
estimate $20,880.134. Amount of Save Harmless $3,632,123. The District is
looking to replace 3 buses: (3) 66 - passenger and (1) 28 passenger wheel
chair bus. Budget Expenditures: Liability insurance, Gas & Electric, _
Fuel/Diesel, Inflation, Health Insurance, ERS & TRS, Contractual Obligations
& Athletic Officials.
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Cliff Pelton, that the BOE APPROVAL OF BOARD OF Minutes from February 2, 2026 be approved as submitted. EDUCATION MINUTES
Motion Carried
It was moved by Keith Renfrew, seconded by Jeffrey Slater, that based on the APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL Superintendent’s recommendations the entire Personnel Appointments, Retirements and Resignations be accepted.
Motion Carried
James Cassella Sub. Teacher EJD $140/day 03/10/2026 Nevaeh Lando * Sub. Teacher | MAM & EJD $140/day 03/10/2026 Amanda Lebbon * Teacher ALL $140/day 03/10/2026
Sub T.A. $120/day
Clerical $16.00/hr
Teacher Aide $16.00/hr Bradly Hall * Sub. Teacher | EJD & JCB $140/day 03/10/2026 Madelyn Delano Sub.Teacher ALL $140/day 03/10/2026 Alex Gonzalez Sub. Teacher | EJD $140/day 03/10/2026
*Pending Finger Print Clearance
Victoria Sampson Teaching Assistant MAM 06/26/2026
Emily Schlueter | Business Teacher JCB 2/19/2026-2/18/2030
Nathaniel Hooper Messenger/Maintenance Worker O&M 03/10/2026
Brittany Ayer Food Service Worker ALL 02/13/2026
Laurie Tomarchio Clerical EJD 03/12/2026
Donald Earle Custodial Worker EJD 03/9/2026
NAME POSITION BUILDING | SALARY EFFECTIVE
Nathaniel Hooper- Maintenance/Grounds O&M $30.32/hr. 03/10/2026
replacing Ryan Worker
Hyde
Donald Messenger/Maintenance O&M $27.62/hr 03/10/2026
Earle-replacing Nathaniel Hooper
Angela Martis Substitute Custodial Worker | O&M $16.00/hr 03/10/2026 Elayna Whitcomb | Food Service Sub ALL $16.00/hr
vill Lunn Cassandra Washo $607.50 03/5/2026
Caleb Pidlypchak Drumline Volunteer 03/10/2026
Cassandra Special Education EJD $59,609 pro 03/2/2026-3/1/2030 Washo-replacing Teacher rated to
Gabriella Bailey $23,843.60
Matt Amidon Modified Softball $3,589/Step 1 Spring 2026
Al Archer .5 Modified Softball $1,795/Step1 Spring 2026
Jill Loy .5 Modified Softball $1,829/Step 2 Spring 2026 It was moved by Wayne Halstead, seconded by Jim Brooker, that the RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE Recommendations from the Committee on Preschool Special Education and COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL Special Education be approved as submitted. DUCATION
Motion Carried
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Jeffrey Slater, that the attached FIRST READING OF POLICIES policies #310, 6410, & 6412 be read for the first time. #1310, #6410, #6411 & 6412
Motion Carried
It was moved by Keith Renfrew,seconded by Jim Graham, that attached travel TRAVEL PROPOSAL FOR JCB proposals for the jCB Varsity Soccer team to travel to Charlotte, NC - VARSITY SOCCER October 7th - October 12th and Copenhagen, NY (Watertown) 9/4/26-9/5/16
be approved as submitted.
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Cliff Pelton, that the following APPROVAL OF BID AWARD contracts are hereby awarded to the lowest responsible bidders for Phase 2 of PHASE II the 2024 Capital Project:
GC Bette & Cring $8,564,000 HVAC Ontario $13,015,500 Electrical S & L Electric $2,736,000 Sitework Landmark Enterprises $1,772,700 Plumbing Lovett Mechanical $642,670 Kitchen & Equipment Main Ford $924,799 Environmental Abscope $525,000 Vendor Direct Awards:
Facilities Equip. & Svc. $162,528.78 Western New York Flooring $108,900 Day Automation $644,979.89 Energy & Environment $76,740 Facilities Commissioning $68,050
All contract awards are contingent upon the contractor timely providing all required bonds and insurance certificates.
Motion Carried
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Wayne Halstead, that be it RESOLUTION REGARDING STATE resolved,by the Board as follows: ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(SEQRA),
action in accordance with SEQRA regulations.
3. No further review of the Proposed Action is required under SEQRA.
4. The resolution shall be effective immediately.
Motion Tabled
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Keith Renfrew, that the Phoenix RATIFICATION AND EXTENSION
Central School District (PCSD) and the Phoenix Central School Teachers’ OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Associations (PCSSTA) existing 2023-2027 Collective Bargaining BETWEEN PCSD & PCSTA Agreement be extended through the 2027-2028 school year and hereby THROUGH 2027-2028
authorize the Superintendent to sign it on behalf of the District.
Motion Carried
It was moved byJim Brooker, seconded by Keith Renfrew, that the resolution APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR to set forth a proposition on May 19, 2026 to purchase and finance four (4) TECHNOLOGY SERVICES passenger buses in the amount not to exceed $735,432 be approved as presented.
Motion Carried
It was moved by Jim Brooker, seconded by Keith Renfrew, that the resolution APPROVAL OF PROPOSITION to set forth a proposition on May 19, 2026 to purchase and finance four (4) FOR ACQUISITION OF BUSES passenger buses in the amount not to exceed $735,435 be approved as
presented.
Motion Carried
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Jeffrey Slater, that the Phoenix AUTHORIZATION OF Central School District Board of Education officially authorizes the closure of SCHOLARSHIP CLOSURE the Class of 1962 Scholarship fund effective March 10, 2026.
Motion Carried
None BOARD MEMBER REPORTS FOR
None BOARD CONCERNS FOR
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Jeffrey Slater, to move into EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive Session at 8:01 p.m.
Motion Carried
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Keith Renfrew, to move out of OPEN SESSION open session and Adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Motion Carried
It was moved by Jim Graham, seconded by Keith Renfrew, that the meeting ADJOURNMENT be Adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Haney District Clerk