Wendy Werner
CherryRoad Media
At their regularly scheduled meeting on July 21, 2025, the Syracuse Board of Education continued the discussion of adding baseball as a school sponsored spring sport. The board anticipates a vote on August 18th that will include if baseball will be added and whether it will be in cooperation with another school. If it is added, they will also decide if it will be in 2026 or 2027 with that decision dependent on the conversation with co-op school.
The board held the second reading of Policy 4144 Voluntary Early Retirement Benefit which phases the benefit out effective September 30, 2030.
Superintendent David Kraus explained, “The discussion is being driven by financial considerations. While the current policy provides an incentive for early retirement, the ongoing teacher shortage has made it increasingly difficult to replace retiring staff with lower-cost employees. In some cases, replacements result in higher overall expenses, ultimately defeating the intended purpose of the incentive. As such, the policy no longer serves its original intent and is being considered for phase-out. Out of respect for our staff, the Board is not recommending immediate elimination. Instead, the intent is to provide advance notice, allowing those nearing retirement eligibility the opportunity to plan accordingly. At the same time, the Board recognizes the need to make this change in a timely and fiscally responsible manner.”
The board is expected to vote on Policy 4144 at the August 18th meeting. All SDA policies may be found on the school’s website, SDARockets.org.
In Mr. Kraus’ report, he updated the board on summer projects that included completion of the abatement and carpet replacement on the high school stage, the refurbishment of a couple classrooms, work on the high school parking lot, work on gym floor and multiple painting updates.
The board approved Mr. Kraus moving $750,000 from the Special Building Fund to a 12-month CD at the local financial institution offering the highest interest rate.
Breakfast and Lunch prices were approved. Lunch will be $3.30 for students in grades PK-3 and $3.55 for students 4-12. Breakfast will be $2.35 for all students. Milk will be $.55.
The purchase of a 2025 Suburban in the amount of $65,138 was approved. Policies 4011 through 4020 and 5406 were approved.
Prior to the Board of Education meeting, hearings were held on Parent/Community Involvement in Schools Policy 6400 and Student Fees Policy 5416. At the board meeting, the Student Fee Appendix, Use of Local Substitutes and the SNRP inter local agreement were approved and Bullying and Parent Involvement policies were affirmed.
