By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- The Board of Education for the Massena Central School District has decided it will meet on one predetermined Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m. for the 2013-14 school year.

But the decision came with a great deal of protest from board member William Somerfield at Thursday night’s meeting.

He noted that the board at one time held two meetings each month – one for regular board business and the second gave faculty and staff an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns with the board.

“We’re making decisions here that affect people’s jobs and lives and careers … I feel we’re isolated on purpose and I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Somerfield stated. “[The discussion meetings] were not a dog and pony show.”

Board member Kevin Peretta said he believes the faculty and staff may feel the discussion meetings were “an interrogation,” but Somerfield was quick to dismiss the concern.

“That’s your lawyer talk,” he replied.

“Let’s keep it as is. If we need another meeting, we can have another meeting,” board vice president Ron Faucher said at the close of the debate.

Massena’s school board will meet on the following dates at 6:30 p.m. for the 2013-14 school year:

• Aug. 22, where the board will set tax rates

• Sept. 19

• Oct. 17

• Nov. 7

• Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m.

• Jan. 16

• Feb. 6

• March 6

• April 3

• Monday, April 28, the board will vote on the 2014-15 budget

• Tuesday, May 13, the 2014-15 budget hearing

• Tuesday, May 20, the 2014-15 budget vote

• June 19