Sherman Central School District Superintendent Carrie Yohe

SHERMAN – At their meeting this month, Sherman Central School Board of Education members prepared for the coming school year by reviewing the 2023-24 district goals with Superintendent Carrie Yohe.

Yohe told board members the district had worked to decrease chronic absenteeism throughout the past school year. From September through December 2023, she said 107, or 54% of students, in seventh through 12th grades were considered chronically absent. By the end of the school year, that number had decreased to 24%, she said.

In the elementary school, the number rose slightly, from 14% in December, to 21% by the end of the school year, Yohe said. However, this was due largely to “many spreading viruses, hand foot and mouth and strep throat,” she said.

“We’re looking to get 90% attendance,” she said.

She noted that one thing which has helped with the problem has been at home visits by the guidance department and Principal Leslie Melquist.

In the area of community, Culture and Climate activities, Yohe highlighted several events that were very successful in the past year. These include Wellness Day, Family Picnic, Literacy Nights, Grandparents’ Day and the Secret Spirit Week, she said.

The goals for the coming year in this area are “by December 2024, implement a district-wide communication platform to ensure that 90% of families are actively engaged in school activities and receive timely updates,” Yohe said.

Goal number two is that “by June 2025, to establish and sustain at least five community partnerships that provide support and resources for student social, emotional, and physical well-being, and create three to five after school skills building programs for students,” Yohe said.

In terms of school district operations, Yohe said there are two goals for the coming year. The first is to achieve a balanced budget, “by implementing cost-saving measures and optimizing resource allocations,” Yohe said.

The second goal would be to develop a comprehensive technology plan by June 2025.

“That includes identifying the district’s support needs, establishing a computer life cycle rotation, and creating a five-year purchasing plan to ensure that all classrooms have high speed internet and modern teaching tools,” Yohe said.

Also, in her report, Yohe updated the board on the district’s capital project, including major renovations, upgrades to the locker room and to restrooms. In particular, Yohe noted that the new nurses’ office, which is now located across from the district office, will be completed by the start of the new school year.

Yohe noted the project is being done in-house.

“We took that upon ourselves to save the district money,” she said. “The former nurses’ office has been renovated into a new classroom.”

In other business, board members approved the new Sherman Central School Code of Conduct. Although public comments and questions were invited, none were received.

Board members also approved the Inter-Municipal Agreements with Clymer Central School District for the shared curriculum coordinator and the shared cafeteria manager for the 2024-25 academic year.

The board also approved the agreements with Panama Central School District and Clymer Central School District for sports programs for the 2024-25 academic year.

In matters of personnel, board members approved the recommendation for tenure of Jacob Marino in the area of Special Education, effective Aug. 31. They also accepted the resignation of guidance counselor Shawn McKane, effective Aug. 27.

In other business, Melquist told board members the district is in the process of updating the student handbook. Also, she told the board that she is working to increase communication with parents, especially regarding attendance notification.

School Business Administrator KIm Oehlbeck reported that the district’s external audit was to begin on Aug. 20. She also noted that, even though the district approved an increase in the tax levy, which would have increased the rate per thousand, when the new assessments were released, the tax rate per $1,000 of property value decreased from $12.92 to $12.80.

“So, I thought that was pretty good news,” she said.