LIVERPOOL, NY – The Liverpool Central School District Board of Education convened Thursday night for a rescheduled meeting that stretched past 10 p.m., addressing public concerns over school safety and ultimately voting to terminate a district employee. The meeting, originally delayed due to weather, saw eight board members present. The session concluded with an 8-0 vote to terminate the employment of Felicia Mantor, effective January 22, 2026. The decision on the termination came after the board exited an executive session that lasted nearly an hour. According to the motion, the executive session was held to discuss matters that could imperil public safety, as well as employment reviews and confidential budget information. **Safety Concerns Dominate Public Comment** Prior to the board’s business items, the floor was opened to public communications, where community members voiced escalating concerns regarding violence within district schools. Abigail Kelso addressed the board regarding metal detectors and general school safety. Her comments were followed by James Halaka, who spoke about what he described as "ongoing and escalating levels of violence and threats of violence" at Liverpool schools. Halaka specifically referenced a recent school shooting threat at Liverpool High School (LHS). He criticized the district regarding an "apparent misconduct, and lack of transparency and accountability." Emily Halaka also spoke regarding what she termed the "escalating level of violent threats of violence at LCSD schools." **A Split Vote on Routine Business** In a rare procedural moment, the board failed to pass a routine motion to approve a slate of business items early in the meeting. Board Member Kimberly Martin motioned to approve the routine business items, seconded by John Solazzo. However, the resolution failed with a vote of 4 to 3. Board members Nicholas Blaney, Kimberly Martin, John Solazzo, and Matthew Jones voted in favor. Jecenia Bresett, Stacey Chilbert, and Kimberly Melnik voted against. Typically, these "routine business" items encompass consent agenda items such as previous meeting minutes and standard financial resolutions. The failure to pass the motion forced the board to vote on individual items separately or revisit them later. **Business Resumed After Executive Session** Following the executive session, the board returned to open session at 10:03 p.m. and successfully passed several items that had been held earlier or required further discussion. The board unanimously approved the personnel actions, which had been pulled from the earlier failed vote. They also moved to accept gifts and grants, though this vote was not unanimous. Board Member Stacey Chilbert cast the lone "Nay" vote. **Other Business** In other business, the board: * **Reviewed the 2026-2027 Budget:** A presentation was provided as an update on the developing budget for the next school year. * **Discussed Extracurriculars:** The board heard updates regarding a proposed baseball trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, and proposals for new student clubs. * **Capital Project:** Discussion continued regarding Phase 1 of the 2024 Capital Improvement Project, specifically the bid award for construction contracts. * **Medical Services:** The board unanimously appointed Vanessa Lalley-Demong, DO, and Kyle Plante, MD, as School District Physicians, and approved a professional services agreement with St. Joseph's Medical, P.C. * **Board Goals:** The board adopted its official goals for the coming year. The next scheduled meetings for the Liverpool Board of Education are set for February 9 and February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the District Office.