3/11/26 BOE Meeting

The Sachem Schools Board of Education meeting on March 11, 2026, focused extensively on transportation challenges, particularly the impact of a new federal CDL licensing mandate that has severely reduced the pool of qualified mini bus drivers. Representatives from the contracted transportation company, Wii Transport, explained the operational adjustments made, including route consolidations to address driver shortages, and ongoing efforts to improve communication and service reliability. Board members and community speakers expressed significant concern about the effects on special education students, citing frequent delays, missed instructional time, and poor communication. The board discussed contractual penalties for service failures and explored potential solutions such as GPS tracking apps and parent driver reimbursement programs. Additionally, the meeting covered budget matters including a proposed $9 million capital improvement project focusing on roof and boiler replacements and IT renovations. The board also deliberated on the future of the aging North High School pool, considering a $4 million bond proposal to replace it, with discussion on timing, community input, and associated tax impacts. Motions were passed on personnel and budget consent agendas, and a resolution opposing charter school funding without local voter approval was approved. Overall, the meeting highlighted significant procurement and budgetary decisions related to transportation contracts, capital projects, and facility maintenance.