Sherman Superintendent Carrie Yohe

SHERMAN – Sherman Central School Board of Education members learned that the John Butler auditorium “needs a little love,” at their meeting on May 11.

District Superintendent Carrie Yohe told board members that the sound and light systems are inadequate, and the projector is beginning to fail.

“Our sound system needs a complete overhaul,” Yohe said. “Also, we are in a critical state for the lighting system.”

Yohe said that, while the sound and light systems are operational, they are not sufficient for performances, such as music or drama.

“Prices are high. We are looking at all of our options,” she said.

Yohe said the district will be meeting with representatives from BOCES, as well as from an outside vendor to compare prices for the work. The music and drama departments will also be involved in the decision making.

“This is a long-term investment for our school.” she said.

In another matter, Yohe updated the board on the ongoing capital improvement project.

“The cafeteria is coming along beautifully,” she said. “It is going very fast.” She showed board members a “sneak peak” of the cafeteria, which has a black ceiling and “clouds” that help diminish sound.

Yohe went on to say that the district is slowly adding the alternate projects, as well.

“We’re pretty sure we’re going to get all of the alternates,” she said. She reported that the district has just signed the contract for alternate 2, which involves paving both parking lots and alternate 5, which will replace the gymnasium bleachers partition.

Yohe also announced that the Valedictorian for the Class of 2026 will be Albert Burkett, and the Salutatorian will be Brookelynn Wright, who was the first ex-officio board member.

In her report, Wright told the board that the senior class had raised roughly $10,000.

“I think this says a lot for us, considering how small the class is,” she said. She noted that there are only 18 students in the graduating class.

Wright went on to say that 14 seniors will be going on the senior class trip to Virginia Beach from June 11 to 14. Because of their fundraising efforts, each student will only have to pay $150, she said.

“After all expenses, we have roughly $2,000 left for Senior Skip Day and caps and gowns,” she said. “I think we can cover it without asking for help.”

Regarding the board ex-officio member, Yohe said there were two applicants for next year, one who will be a senior and one who will be a junior. The applicants will attend the June school board meeting and will then meet with Wright for advice on the position.

Kenneth Labuskes, who was the only candidate for the board seat, was present. He addressed the board during the budget hearing. He has more than 30 years of classroom experience as a mathematics teacher. He has also been involved in local and national projects to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics. He is currently serving on the Village of Sherman Steering Committee, the Sherman Day Committee and the Village of Sherman Zoning Board of Appeals.

In matters of personnel, the board approved several recommendations for tenure. Matt Hair was approved for Physical Education, Stephen Moyer-Matteson was also approved for Physical Education, Jason Rappold was approved in the area of Visual Arts and Wendy Rodgers was approved in the area of Childhood Education, 1-6. All appointments will take effect Aug. 31, 2026.