WPCSD Names New Superintendent, June BOE Meeting Highlights

Highlights at a Glance

• A new superintendent has been officially appointed

• Several updated policies on special education passed their final vote

• The district certified the results from the May budget vote and board election

• Bonds were authorized to purchase new school buses

• Two staff members were honored for their service as they conclude their roles

• The high school counseling team presented a year-end report on work-based learning

• Dozens of students and staff were recognized for academic, athletic, and artistic achievements

New Superintendent Appointed

The board voted unanimously to appoint Shannon Pitcher Voya as Superintendent of Schools for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026, and running through June 30, 2029. The full board joined in the motion, signaling strong collective support for the appointment. Pitcher Voya briefly addressed the board after the vote, expressing enthusiasm for the work ahead and thanking them for the opportunity. Outgoing Superintendent Jo-Ann Sexton was honored at the meeting's close with a keepsake gift inscribed: "Never underestimate the difference you made and the lives you have touched — WPCSD 1989–2026."

Counseling Department Year-End Presentation

High school counselors presented a thorough overview of their work this year, focused on work-based learning as their Annual Professional Review (APR) goal. The presentation emphasized that the counselors' role goes far beyond scheduling and graduation checks, they aim to help every student answer three questions: Who am I? Where am I going? How will I get there?

Key takeaways for parents:

Individual planning meetings are held with students at every grade level (9th through 12th), using developmentally appropriate planning forms. After these meetings, families receive follow-up information by email, and students' post-secondary goals are now entered into the district's student management system (School Tool) so families can see how their child's coursework connects to their goals.

Work-based learning hours are being tracked for all students in the school's student management system. This includes job shadows, guest speakers, luncheons with industry partners, and internship experiences — not just traditional employment. These hours can be valuable for scholarship applications and the Seal of Civic Readiness.

Community partnerships expanded significantly this year. The district hosted college admissions counselors and military representatives, facilitated student job shadows (including providing transportation for students without access to a vehicle), and recently met with UHS to explore a healthcare rotation program for next year.

The counselors noted that reaching students in a rural area requires creative solutions and community involvement. Parents and community members interested in volunteering as mentors, hosts for job shadows, or guest speakers are encouraged to reach out to the counseling office.

K–12 alignment: Career readiness work begins in the lower grades. The counselor at the CA (elementary school) is already building digital career portfolios with students as early as kindergarten through third grade.

The board praised the presentation and asked about the future outlook given New York State's evolving graduation and "Portrait of a Graduate" requirements. The counselors acknowledged that upcoming changes will require significant effort and noted that a team approach — including support staff like aide Allison Lewis, who was specifically thanked for her contributions — will be essential.

Policy Updates

Several special education and student services policies passed their second (final) reading and are now in effect:

• Policy 7614 — Preschool Special Education Program (updated from 2009 language to current IDEA requirements)

• Policy 7609 — Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (now includes specific language prohibiting disability-based discrimination, as required)

• Policy 7611 — Renamed from "Children with Handicap Conditions" to Students with Disabilities; updated to emphasize universal design for learning, inclusion, least restrictive environment, and family engagement

• Policy 7620 — Removed from the policy manual, as its content was folded into Policy 7611

• Policy 7660 — Parent Involvement (updated to use "parent/legal guardian" language throughout for inclusivity)

Additionally, Policy 7131 (exchange students) was approved on first reading. The board had recently revised this policy, but then recognized a gap affecting exchange students; this amendment restores the ability for exchange students to attend and for Whitney Point students to participate in exchange programs elsewhere.

Budget Vote & Board Election Results Certified

The board officially certified the results of the May 19 public vote:

• Proposition 1 Passed — School Budget: Yes: 198 | No: 57

• Proposition 2 Passed — School Vehicle Purchase: Yes: 195 | No: 58

• Proposition 3 Passed — Library Vote: Yes: 166 | No: 85

Board of Education Election:

• Aubrey Noraki — 199 votes

• Thomas Casper — 187 votes

• Tyler Host — 75 votes

The board noted that absentee ballots had not been included in the board member tallies at the previous meeting and were incorporated in this certification.

New Buses Approved

Following the community's approval of Proposition 2, the board formally authorized the issuance of bonds to finance the purchase of:

• Two new 71-passenger diesel buses (up to $416,500)

• Two new 42-passenger diesel wheelchair-accessible buses (up to $424,701)

Total cost not to exceed $841,201, to be financed through serial bonds and repaid through a tax levy over time.

Financial Updates

The board approved funding of two reserve accounts from the unassigned fund balance:

• Retirement Contribution Reserve — up to $1,750,000 (to cover future ERS costs; the district has already budgeted $680,000 of this for next year)

• Capital Reserve — up to $750,000 (building toward a future capital project estimated at $28 million, with the goal of zero tax impact to residents)

The board also discussed the governor's new $10,000 minimum per-pupil Pre-K funding, which is good news for the district. Previously, the district pieced together four separate funding streams with different requirements and amounts. The new unified rate simplifies funding and provides more stability. Importantly, the district has enough Pre-K slots to accommodate all students — a result of prior planning.

Other Business Approved

• Garbage/recycling contract awarded to Taylor Garbage (Vestal, NY) following public bidding

• Co-op bid for janitorial, physical education, athletic, teaching, and art supplies for 2026–27

• Plumbing bid extension with Louis and Pachano and Son Inc. for time-and-material work

• Bus use approved for Whitney Point Preschool and Daycare, July 10–August 7, 2026

• Donation accepted: Three new Titan Fitness Olympic barbells (valued at ~$753) for strength and conditioning and P.E. use

• Employee tuition waivers approved for dependents of district employees

• Memorandum of agreement approved with Amy Alston, providing a one-year bridge from her grant-funded position

New Staff Appointments

• Amanda GM — Part-time food service helper, effective June 1, 2026

• Valerie Neri — Bus monitor, effective June 17, 2026

• James Don — Cleaner, effective June 29, 2026

• Jonelle Sturdevant — Special education teacher (4-year probationary appointment), effective September 1, 2026

• Kimberly White — Math teacher (3-year probationary appointment), effective September 1, 2026

• Christina Emerson — Appointment amended from 4-year to 3-year probationary period as special education teacher (September 1, 2024–August 31, 2027), reflecting prior service credit

Recognitions & Celebrations

The board recognized a remarkable stretch of student and staff achievement:

Athletics

Track & Field — Multiple Section 4 championships, including Dylan Whitney (200m, 1st place; school record of 22.15), Payton Martin (400m, 1st place; school record of 57.6), and the girls 4x400 relay team (Feathers, Oliver, Zehr, Martin) who dropped from a 4:24 at the start of the season all the way to a 4:02:25 school record at the state championships

Five athletes competed at the NYSPHSAA Outdoor Track & Field State Championships; most of the relay team members are returning next year!

Boys Varsity Lacrosse won the Section 4 Class D Championship; Coach Davis was named Section 4 Lacrosse Coach of the Year by USA Lacrosse

Strength and conditioning program participation has roughly doubled or tripled, with more freshmen joining early

Academics & Arts

• High school seniors awarded $75,000 in scholarships at the awards ceremony

• Senior Jaden Starks selected as recipient of the 2026 Outstanding School Careers Award

• Whitney Point FFA earned four first-place finishes at the NYS FFA Convention in Buffalo

• 7th and 8th grade band and chorus students traveled to Hershey, PA for the Music in the Parks competition

• Successful 8th grade trip to Washington, DC

• District Art Show held June 3rd; Cabaret on May 28th; Prom and After Prom on June 5th (at Dave & Busters)

• CEA cafeteria staff recognized as June's Kitchen of the Month by the Bosei leadership team

Staff Recognition

• Miss Busanel nominated for the Equinox Broadcasting Teacher of Teachers "Are Heroes" Award

• Outgoing Trustee Molly Willis recognized for three years of board service (2023–2026)

• Superintendent Jo-Ann Sexton honored for her tenure with the district spanning 1989–2026

Community Moment

The senior walk-through was expanded this year — seniors walked all the way from the high school down to TR Elementary, giving younger students (including Pre-K students!) a chance to high-five their future selves. The Eagles Nest Booster Club donated T-shirts for both kindergartners and seniors. Plans are already underway to build on the tradition next year.

State Updates: Regent Exams & Graduation Requirements

The superintendent shared updated guidance from the New York State Board of Regents on graduation requirements. Regent exams have not been eliminated. Current graduation requirements remain in place while the state works collaboratively with districts to redesign a future competency-based diploma pathway. The board was encouraged to review the Regents presentation included in the board documents.

Farewell Notes

This meeting marked the final regular meeting for both Trustee Molly Willis and Superintendent Jo-Ann Sexton. Both were recognized warmly by the board and audience. The meeting closed with an executive session to complete the superintendent's evaluation. Graduation ceremonies were noted as upcoming, with three board members confirmed to attend.

This summary is based on the recorded proceedings of the June 16, 2026, Whitney Point Central School District Board of Education meeting found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KZQUW1V8uE