ELDRED, NY — The change was subtle but perceptible. Rather than the board members sitting in a line and having to speak over each other, the tables and chairs were arranged so that the members can easily look each other in the eye as they deliberate.

As she explained the reasoning behind the new seating arrangement at the Eldred School Board meeting on August 17, board president Carol Bliefernich stated her expectation that the board can disagree without being disagreeable. The other members agreed that the new configuration was a positive move.

Another difference from prior meetings was the almost-capacity crowd, primarily of teachers and other district employees but also including a smattering of parents and members of the public. A Highland constable was also present.

Following up on the prior month’s discussion of low graduation percentages, Principal Scott Krebs reviewed with the board a policy enacted in 1991 that had prohibited students from doubling up on classes in English, history or physical education until their senior year. This policy could prevent students from making up a class they had failed that is needed for graduation, as the state requires four years of study in these subjects. Krebs recommended that the policy be eliminated in its entirety, and after some discussion, the members voted unanimously to do so. This will allow students additional flexibility in scheduling to make up classes and aid in their graduating within four years.

One of the agenda items was the reappointment of legal counsel. Objecting to the practice of paying the firm a retainer rather than as service is provided, members Brian Siegel and Alysson Wagner voted against the retention of Hogan, Sarzynski, Lynch, DeWind & Gregory LLP. Later, after an executive session, the board voted to engage the firm under a pay-as-you-go arrangement for three months while other avenues of representation are explored.

During the public comment session, Jessica McGrail asked about the district’s plans to increase the number of advanced placement classes as well as college-credit classes through the SUNY system. She cited her son’s experience of having graduated a year ago. All 24 of his college-level credits earned while a student at Eldred were accepted at the Berklee College of Music whereas his Advanced Placement course in music theory was not accepted. She stated that a significant number of graduates who pursue higher education do so at a SUNY school. Siegel asked that this matter be placed on a future agenda. It was decided to include it as part of the October meeting to give administrators time to prepare.

The new music choral teacher, Matthew Camara, was introduced. The resignation of elementary teacher Jessica Davis (Olsen) was accepted. The bus drivers’ five-year contract was ratified and the buses that will be replaced through the leasing agreement will be auctioned on eBay.