Submitted Photo Sophia Stewart, a 10th-grade student, was recently appointed as the Forestville Board of Education’s first Student Board Member.

FORESTVILLE — The Hornets’ nest has a new, young face helping lead its district into the future, as the Forestville Board of Education has appointed Sophia Stewart as its first Student Board Member.

Stewart, a 10th-grade student, has attended Forestville schools since kindergarten. Stewart is also an active member of the Envirothon Club and Stage Crew.

“We are looking forward to Sophia’s thoughts and input and welcome her as Forestville’s first Student Board of Education Member,” said Superintendent Dr. John O’Connor.

Stewart’s first Board of Education meeting was especially sweet, as the Board also welcomed Michele Dolce’s sixth grade class to present its maple syrup project, an annual tradition at Forestville. Students Allison DeMarie and Ana Maria Andrews were included in the presentation. Board members, including Stewart, received a sample of the syrup the students collected.

Following the presentation, the Board got down to business, including the approval of three new contracts. Stacy Korzenieski, District Treasurer; Amanda Seneca, Account Clerk; and Wesley Wright, Director of Technology and Communications all had their contracts approved by the Board. Each contract is effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030.

The Board of Education also passed a resolution regarding a proposed Capital Outlay Project including $100,000 of state-aided improvements. The 2025-2026 school budget proposal includes a tax increase of 2.3% to support its total budget amount of just over $14.1 million.

Three propositions will be listed on the ballot, including the budget itself (Proposition 1); allocation of $394,701 for gasoline bus purchase (Proposition 2); and a library tax increase of $42,540 to be collected on behalf of the Anderson-Lee Library (Proposition 3), as requested. One seat on the Board of Education is up for election, as well.

The budget vote will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from 1 to 8 p.m. in the Hornet Lobby. The budget vote will be conducted by Carol DePasquale, Site Coordinator; Marlene Bradigan, Poll Inspector; and District Clerk Melody Voigt, who will open and close the polls.

The next meeting of the Forestville Board of Education is Thursday, May 8, beginning at 5:15 p.m., with a public hearing on the 2025-2026 school budget.