Construction is continuing at Sherman Central School. Photo by David Prenatt

SHERMAN – Sherman Central School Board of Education members received updates on the Sherman, Clymer and Panama merger study, the proposed 2026-27 district budget and a proposed BOCES capital project at their meeting on April 20.

Board President Teresa Guzman said that the Clymer, Sherman and Panama School Boards will conduct a joint meeting on June 16 at 6 p.m. in the Panama school building. At their individual meetings in July, each of the boards will be asked to pass a resolution to continue the process, she said. Guzman said prior to the joint CSP meeting, board members will tour each of the facilities.

During the period of public participation the board heard concerns from Meredith Kenyon who has lived in the district for 19 years and had children in the school for 12 years. She told the board she is fearful the superintendent’s contract might not be extended beyond the current agreement which runs through 2028, which, she said, would be detrimental to Sherman.

“I’ve never seen anything from our staff and superintendent other than how much they care for our children,” she said. “I am extremely concerned that there might be such upheaval in such a difficult time. I’m worried that Sherman is going to lose its vote in the merger if it does not have its staff and superintendent.”

In another matter, Business Manager Kim Oehlbeck reviewed the proposed 2026-27 budget. The proposed $13,933,695 budget, if approved, will include an increase in the tax levy of 2.75%, she said.

Later in the meeting, board members approved election personnel for the budget vote. Kristin Irwin was approved as Chairperson and Melissa Polley and Margaret Sears were approved as Board of Elections Personnel.

In her report to the board, District Superintendent Carrie Yohe noted the capital project is moving along very well. “Everything is catching up,” she said. “We were concerned about being delayed because of the weather but it appears we are on schedule.”

Yohe noted the floor is finished in the new addition and the new cafeteria space is almost complete. Also, Yohe said, “we were able to include many of the alternates in the project.”

Yohe told board members that the year is almost complete for ex-officio student board member Brookelynn Wright. She said that she would be meeting with Brookelynn to talk about what improvements could be made and how to provide a good transition to a new student board member.

Wright responded by telling the board that the year as a board member was a very good experience. “I did enjoy being on the board more than I thought I would,” she said. “It was good to learn about what goes on behind the scenes.”

Wright said the biggest challenge was getting information from the students because, as a senior, she did not have much interaction with Freshman and Sophomore classes. “We need a better way to access other grades,” she said.

Wright suggested students interested in becoming an ex-officio board member might come to a board meeting in May or June to see what it is like. This suggestion was affirmed by the rest of the board.

In another matter, Yohe reviewed the BOCES proposed Capital Project information. The project is anticipated to cost $49.5 million, she said. The board will discuss Sherman’s share in that at the next meeting, she added.

Board members and Yohe gave special congratulations to Transportation Supervisor Dave Maleski after Yohe reported that he came in first place in his Civil Service test.