The Albion Central School District Board of Education voted Monday to adopt a $39.4 million budget for the 2015-2016 school year, a spending plan that lowers the tax levy by 1% and decreases overall expenditures by 0.92%. The Board met during their regular session on April 13, called to order by Board President Mrs. Margy Brown at 7:00 p.m. The adoption sets the stage for a public hearing and a final vote by the community next month. Mr. Liddle, presenting on behalf of the Audit Finance Committee, highlighted that the largest categories in the budget remain employee salaries and benefits. He noted that the district has managed to decrease total expenditures despite rising fixed costs. The budget will be subject to a public hearing on May 12, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. in the High School LGI. The official statewide vote will be held on May 19, 2015, from Noon to 8:00 p.m. in the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School Conference Room A. In addition to the main spending plan, the Board authorized four propositions to appear on the May 19 ballot: 1. The 2015-2016 School Budget. 2. A proposition regarding the Bus Purchase Reserve Fund. 3. A proposition for Building Reconstruction, Energy, and Safety projects. 4. A proposition concerning the Hoag Library. Common Core Concerns Before the business portion of the meeting, the Board heard from residents during the Public Forum regarding the upcoming New York State Common Core exams for grades 3-8. Mrs. Michelle Restivo addressed the Board regarding her concerns about the testing and the issue of test refusal. Superintendent Bonnewell thanked Mrs. Restivo for her comments and clarified the district's administration protocols for handling test refusals. Student Riley Seielstad also spoke to the Board, raising concerns about the English Language Arts (ELA) exams and the situation of students "sitting out." Superintendent Bonnewell assured Miss Seielstad that the Board’s decisions are made with the best interest of all students in mind. Personnel and Appointments In personnel matters, the Board approved the appointment of Cade Staines as a long-term substitute teacher for Elementary Health, effective April 7 through May 20, 2015. The Board also accepted the notice of discontinuation of services for School Physician Dr. Satya P. Sahukar, effective June 30, 2015. Looking ahead to the next school year, the Board approved a comprehensive list of extracurricular appointments. Gary Parisi was appointed as the Head Coach for Varsity Football, with Keith Akers heading up Boys Varsity Soccer and Bruce Blanchard leading Girls Varsity Soccer. The varsity wrestling program will be led by Keith Piccirilli. Numerous club advisors were also approved, including Gary Simboli for the High School Play and Musical, and Adam Krenning for the High School FFA. Recognitions and Tributes The meeting began with a moment of silence requested by Mr. David Sidari in memory of Mrs. Betty Sherwood Genter. Mrs. Genter was a former elementary teacher and administrator in the district from 1956 to 1990. Mr. Sidari noted that she led a full life with a deep love for children, teaching, and traveling. Additionally, the Board recognized High School students Sam Slick for Leadership and Kaitlyn VanSkiver for Character. The Board approved the standard consent agenda, including minutes from the March 2 meeting and financial reports for February and March. They also approved several building use requests and recommendations from the Committee on Special Education (CSE). Following the public session, the Board moved into Executive Session to discuss the employment of an individual and ongoing negotiations.