Board of Education member Tom Tarpley.

Westfield Academy and Central School District Board of Education members learned at their meeting about a bill introduced by Sen. Rob Ortt of Lockport, which would permit New York schools to opt out of state-designated holidays that are observed by less than 10% of a district’s population,

Board members discussed the proposed bill (S.8501) after board member Tom Tarpley mentioned it during the period of board commentary. Tarpley asked that Board President Wendy Dyment schedule an agenda item for a future board meeting so the full board could discuss the pending legislation.

“I am in support of this legislation and I am requesting a discussion to decide if our board would request the New York State School Board Association to advocate on behalf of our district for passage of this legislation,” Tarpley said.

Board member Deanne Manzella asked whether the district should seek feedback from students before the legislation is passed. District Superintendent Ryan Sikorski said he feels it would be best to wait until the bill passes before bringing it up to the students.

Dyment said she would schedule the proposed bill for discussion at the Oct. 27 Board of Education meeting. This would allow time for everyone to become acquainted with the bill and the opt out holidays, which would include Asian New Year, Diwali and a number of potential new holidays that are under consideration.

In other business, board members approved a resolution confirming the details of a capital outlay project, which Dyment noted that this is the annual $100,000 project. Improvements will include, but not be limited to, upgrades to the existing door access system, loading dock replacement, as well as the replacement of existing ceiling tiles and lights, along with any related work, she said..

In matters of personnel, board members granted a leave of absence to Wade Dellow, Special Education Teacher, from Jan. 6 through Feb. 23.

The board also accepted the resignation of Kyle Petersen as JV Girls Basketball coach, effective Sept. 19, and approved the appointment of Peterson as Varsity Girls Basketball coach for the 2025-26 school year.

Subsequently, board members approved the appointment of Michael Putney as the JV Girls Basketball coach for the 2025-26 school year, effective September 23, 2025.

Ex-officio student board member Addison Lendt addressed the board regarding some of the issues students are discussing, such as better mental health services and academic offerings.