The third budget committee meeting of the annual series took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Superintendent Kathleen Skeals introduced Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Naté Turner-Hassell, who discussed New Programs and Initiatives, Projected Staffing Needs, and Professional Development and Summer Curriculum Priorities for the 2025-26 school year. Skeals concluded the meeting by offering an update on building enrollment, exploring how many of the projected staffing needs were made based on these changes.
New Programs for 2025-26
Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Naté Turner-Hassell began her presentation by presenting to the group three new programs for 2025-2026. These programs include dual enrollment at Shaker High School for AP Computer Science A and college credit, creation of the Shaker Middle School testing center, and expansions of the special education transition program.
The Dual Enrollment Program at SHS allows for students to take AP Computer Science A and earn credit through Siena College’s College in the High School program. The program will not require an additional full-time equivalent (FTE) position and will provide students with an introduction to college course content and college credits.
“This is a major opportunity for growth and exploration,” said Turner-Hassell of the dual enrollment program.
Turner-Hassell also introduced a full-time teaching assistant position for the SMS testing center, which would allow the district to expand accommodations for special education students and those with 504 plans. Being able to staff the center would provide support beyond the general education classroom and also allow for teachers to offer make-up tests and better utilize instruction and testing time.
“We have a number of students who are well deserving of accommodations that need to be made,” said Turner-Hassell. “Accommodations may look like extended time or it may look like reading the text to a student, so we want to really be cognizant of setting up the environments that are responsive in that way to students. This is an opportunity for us to sort of expand some of the support that we’re providing.”
Lastly, Turner-Hassell introduced a plan to expand the transition program for students aged 18-22, to better align with New York State education requirements and offer a dedicated employee to help foster community partnerships and streamline learning opportunities. The program would utilize community-based learning opportunities, encourage student independence, and offer more opportunities for authentic application of skills.
“In really thinking about how we are supporting our students beyond high school and being very intentional about post-secondary work… we will be thinking about what that looks like beyond our setting,” said Turner-Hassell. “What makes me really proud about this programming is this notion of dignity and making sure that we’re always cognizant of maintaining everyone’s dignity. I think this programming is doing that.”
Projected Staffing Needs
Following the presentation of new programs, Turner-Hassell outlined the instructional staffing requests for the 2025-26 school year. She reflected on how the district made these requests while being mindful of the overall budget. The district hopes to add a full-time Teaching Assistant for the SMS testing center, a Special Education Teacher for the High School Transition Program (to be funded through a federal grant), a Special Education Transition Coordinator for the district, a Psychologist at SHS, a part-time Music Teacher at SHS, a part-time Intervention Specialist at the elementary level, two Hall Monitors at SHS, and a Transportation Clerical position. Additionally, the district aims to transition three Keyboard Specialists to the Secretary I positions to better align with their duties.
Summer Curriculum- Professional Learning (SCPL)
Turner-Hassell highlighted the importance of staff development and professional learning opportunities within the district. To help staff continue to expand their knowledge and opportunities, the district offers Summer Curriculum – Professional Learning every summer. Assistant Superintendent Turner-Hassell presented opportunities at the district K-12 level, K-5 level, and secondary 6-12 level in a variety of subject areas.
“Our team of administrators are so invested in their own growth and development,” said Turner-Hassell. “There was a real intentionality to align with our pillars, people were really cognizant of that. All of the administrators, all the supervisors, all the principles, all the directors, were extremely thoughtful and accommodating.”
Turner-Hassell discussed how the district aimed to keep costs for the summer work aligned with previous summer budgets, if not less.
“A lot of good opportunities here,” said Board of Education President Linda Harrison. “We’re happy we can afford them.”
Updated Building Enrollment
Following the conclusion of Turner-Hassell’s presentation, Superintendent Skeals took over to review the updated building enrollment. She highlighted how projections for enrollment have helped to shape the upcoming projected staffing needs. Skeals focused on the addition of the part-time music teacher to SHS, citing that an increase in 48 students at SHS for the next school year has generated a need for more elective classes.
“Any time we can offer electives and have an opportunity for students… if it’s that versus a study hall, and we can give them a class and interest over study hall, that’s always a great opportunity,” said Skeals.
Skeals concluded the presentation by summarizing that the district requests this year are less than prior years, as the administration team works on student-focused long-range planning.
“We really have talked at length with our administrative team about trying to budget not just for this year, but for future years,” said Skeals. “We really appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into everybody’s requests and really putting our students’ needs at the front center. I think we’ve done a great job to build a staff that supports our students really well.”
The next in the series of budget meetings is Tuesday, April 1, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Shaker Middle School auditorium. The topic for this meeting is Final Review of Anticipated Revenues and Projected Expenditures, Proposed Tax Levy Recommendation, and Property Tax Report Card. Join us in-person or via livestream. Visit our Budget and Finance webpage for additional information.