HCSD BOE Meeting 10 15 26

Horseheads Central School District Board of Education meeting, October 20, 2026 (the meeting title references October 15). The board reviewed the annual audit, which received an unqualified opinion with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. The auditor reported that general-fund balance declined by about $230,000, compared with $3.1 million planned use of fund balance and reserves; health-insurance costs rose approximately $2.1 million. Board members discussed reserve levels and long-term affordability. The claims audit identified five exceptions among 205 checks reviewed, including purchase orders approved after goods or services were requested; staff are reminded of purchasing procedures.

The board reviewed a proposed $128,081,134 capital referendum covering renovations and climate-control work at school buildings, middle-school mechanical and roof upgrades, high-school pool and facility improvements, and related site work. After discussion of state building aid, borrowing schedules, and an estimated local share of about $3.6 million annually, the board approved the SEQR resolution and voted 6–2 to advance the referendum proposition for a public vote, anticipated in December; this authorizes a proposal to voters, not a construction award. A separate approximately $10 million energy-performance project and property transaction were discussed as possible future actions, with no approval taken and further information requested. The board also reported that an RFP for superintendent-search consultants had been issued, with proposals due in early November; no consultant was selected.