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He is a proud very proud Batavia graduate [clears throat] and Batavia resident and I think his family's back here, right? You guys can come on over. Let's go. Come on over. We can say hi to them. >> [laughter] >> I guess they don't want to. >> want to. And he has his own Batavia BPS 101 students. So, they all made it out today. So, I you know, so that's that's the recommendation. Okay. Thank you.
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Um new casework, so all the cabinets are getting changed out. New marker boards, tack boards, um we're getting in the flat panels instead of the the smart boards that you can barely see. Um laminated glass interior and exterior, same like with the entryways and the the windows in the doors. Um exterior door replacements and select interior door replacements. So, when you walk in a Deerpath in August, it's going to be basically brand new, just as nice as uh the one side we did in uh Briargate this past summer. So, yeah, that one's going to be have a total facelift. When you say you have to badge into the classrooms, now, so like if a child goes out to the bathroom and comes back, will they have a badge? No, like um that was decided not to give the kids badges as a security concern. So, basically the closest student is uh is a helper like for the teacher.
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As you can see, we have a really large class, but they're good full full of good character. I'm sad to see them go. These students, please stand and stay standing. You deserve a round of applause because you had straight A's, not only this year, but your entire time at CMS. Nyla Alers, Riley Burton, Gabby Denny, Luke Ernst, Wyatt Fry, Landon Hobbermill, Emory Harris, Haley Hazes, Morgan Hesterberg, Ella Hitzman, Lou Cornell, Isaac James, Jackson Kemp, Michael Lairman, Emma Mik, Eve Martin, Chase Nennis, Leilani Ola, Ian Patel, Arlo Pelch, Llaya Randall, Ally Reman, Sophia Saler, and Liam Web. Straight A's all four years. [applause] You may be seated. Recently, our eighth grade class and ELA teachers were recognized as first place winners in the Young Writers Fright Club contest. Out of entries submitted from 834 schools, our students work was selected as some of the very best.
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And so we will be increasing it from 45,500 to $46,865. Um, an investment that I do feel is well worth it for the return that we gain from having Leah here. There were some other pieces that I laid out for you in the agreement, their payment structure. Um, they're switching it to a payments due on the 15th of each month. I've talked with Tamara about it. she has no issues with how they're requesting the payment to go through on that and they've just changed some of their staffing flexibility with some of the lensure that they will allow uh as far as to be part [clears throat] of youth first and again it doesn't impact us right now while we have LEA but they do have they have a lot more people wanting youth first social workers than what they have with the current licensing so they have expanded that out is my recommendation at this um for the board to accept the memorandum as presented.
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As parents, we receive Panther Press emails on a weekly basis. If a statement wasn't going to be made publicly on Facebook, I understand that it is a very heavy topic, but I feel an email could have been sent to the middle school parents. I have three daughters and I want to trust they're in good hands and that includes transparency. Parents deserve to know this stuff from the leaders of our school, not the internet. So my questions to you are why was with information held from parents? Are there potentially more victims that statements are needed from? And how can we as parents expect to be able to trust you moving forward? >> May I address that? >> Yes, you can. >> Um, first, these types of situations are probably the most frustrating part of of my job. Um, and what we can say and what we can't say.
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And just going through the rest of these items, we also have summer work. High school is getting there. We have summer work going on here in a couple of sections that'll happen as well. That'll start later in summer and it will spill over a little bit into the fall. Um here's a building here. This I love a little bit of McKinney cuz everything almost everything is brand new and that's McKinney right there. We are in great shape. I also really love those metal roofs that we have in places like Country Meadow cuz that roof will last forever. Gutters up there, not so much. We do have a little bit of attention we need to take there. Moving along to building exterior, also includes doors and windows. This this document we we did this a little bit different. I I should have mentioned that our facilities operations and advisory group also took a look at this and provided us some feedback for this and how this could look.
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Thank you, Mr. Melcher. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Those opposed? We adjourn.
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You don't have to work to have Mack get the ball. >> Yep. Mack puts it when she gets face guarded, she's got to put on a few extra mileage of uh running around just to get open. Yep. But there she can just start right off with that take off. >> Yep, exactly. Gets the ball over to Marino. Kiley Marino, see if Kiley can find a seam. Gets the ball back to Pellegrino. Pellegrino to Marino over to McKechnie. McKechnie behind the cage. Gets the ball over to Parsons. Parsons has got the wheels, she'll turn around try to Now they're calling coach Cowls calling out a play. Pellegrino gets it, gets it temporarily displaced. Good job to stay up, stay with it. Nothing there, gets the ball over to Marino. Marino over to McKechnie. Looking to find somebody that'd be a cutter. Nobody there. McKechnie goes in and out and McKechnie will get herself an eight-meter attempt.
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a bank balance on the March 31st 5,371,44.35. uh our min amassment uh depository trust account balance February 26 1249,956.36 year's interest up to February 28th 2026 $254,32952 for a total of 12,34,28588 plus transfers from concentration ation account interest $45,6059 GLT a jeep greater Lawrence balance on March 31st 2026 12,349,34647 bank balance of March 31st 12,349,34647 and total operating cash balance 16 million in $580,37528. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion to uh accept the cash balance report? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Consolidated cash. There's a handout. We have the handout. Revolving fund report is the packet and the budget report is a packet.
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There's nothing to worry about. It's mostly mechanics inside the building. Um the playground's not bad shape excluding poison ivy. Um On on the playground the perimeter of the playground and I was looking at the other day with the DPW. It does go along the whole back fence area, so um we need to come up with a little more aggressive plan because it's a yearly thing. Um I believe that's it for Newton Street. Um Four Corners School >> add to the poison ivy topic that it go it runs behind the fence where we can't necessarily reach it. Right. >> it comes back over. Yeah, it's been a challenge for many years and and unfortunately that's the type of thing that grows back. Worse than a weed. It It's pretty hard to kill unless you use some harsh chemicals, but um Four Corners School has some newer boilers.
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So, that that's where they're uncomfortable. I know it's the big thing, but that's where the hurt comes. So, um, it's my opinion that the cuts made to the Board of Education budget last night were too light and unbalanced. Board of Finance attempting to specify that cuts to the CIP but the BOF budget is an operating and CIP budget together. So, Board of Selectmen were asked to cut 1.2 million from their original budget, which is 7.3%. And the BOE was asked to cut 575,000, which is 1.5%. Not balanced or equitable in any way. So, overwhelmingly last night the comments and the emails that were sent in were to cut administration and central office staff in Board of Education. Dr. Grossman and Anna come from Granby school district. Granby is a similar sized town as Canton and has a similar school district size. They know that there are less central office staff there and less tech staff in Granby.
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The recipient of this year's department award for excellence in English IS KATHERINE BIZARO. >> [cheering] [applause] >> OUR SECOND AWARD IS THE DEPARTMENT award for excellence in writing. This year's winner demonstrates remarkable skill as a writer in a variety of mediums and methods. She brings a lively and vibrant authoral personality to each and every piece of writing. What teacher finds most impressive is her ability to shift her style to suit the purpose and audience while maintaining a voice that is unmistakably hers. Speaking to teachers in other departments, it is clear that this student's writing skills shine in any discipline. We wish her the best in the future as she continues to showcase her talents in all walks of life. The recipient of this year's department award for the excellence in writing is Julia Gonzalez. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Uh, Miss Chryney could not be here tonight, but she asked that I would give the awards for the theater department.
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And connection changes everything. Second, choose your attitude. Life will not always be easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments that test you. But, here's the truth. You always have a choice. Choose resilience. Choose optimism. Choose to rise even when it's hard. Your attitude will shape your path more than any circumstance ever will. Third, make their day. This world needs you. Not just your intelligence or your talents, but your kindness, your compassion, your humanity. Make someone feel seen. Make someone feel valued. Make someone they believe they matter because they do. Never underestimate the power of a small act of kindness. It can change a life. And finally, play. Yes, play. Stay curious. Stay joyful. Stay willing to take risks. Dream boldly. Try new things. Laugh often. Because the people who change the world are the ones who never lose their sense of wonder. Class of 2026, you leave here today with more than a diploma.
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You have demonstrated exactly what it means to be a knight. From the inaugural class of '66 to the class of 2026, the Katella spirit has remained unchanged. It is defined by our diversity, our resilience, and our unwavering commitment to one another. To my first graduating class, you are the living legacy of these six decades. Whether you were performing on a stage, competing on a field, or collaborating in the classroom, you have carried forward the traditions of thousands who walked the halls before you. Now, it is time to carry those traditions out into the world. I'm incredibly proud of the people you are today, and I am even more excited for the people you are destined to become. Carry the knight spirit with you wherever your journey leads next. Congratulations, class of 2026. And just for the record, for the 4,321st time, LET'S GO, KNIGHTS! [screaming] >> [cheering] [applause] [cheering] >> ALL RIGHT, it is now time to put you center stage.
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make the celebration much more meaningful. >> And congratulations to all and their parents. >> And now bringing more energy to the stage, let's welcome another intermission number, our select high school students. computer. Oh The guy say goodbye. Dalmat. Give me another day. Louder. Sh. Christmas. Happy birthday. Where would you share? Thank you boys. NOW INTRODUCING SOPHOMORE TNC You're going to see Everybody. This is where I saw you say your Little school. Thank you sophomores for our last performance. That's not It's going down. You better dance. You won't be the one. You want it like going down. You better dance. What are you doing? about forive. You better dance. Thank you for such a wonderful place. You did great. To all our honores, may you continue to reach for stars. To our parents and teachers, thank you for believing, encouraging, and guiding. Let's all keep shining together.
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Does the board have any questions or comments? Okay, hearing none I will entertain a motion to approve the hiring of Joshua Lewis for the position of principal of Rotolo Middle School on a three-year contract beginning July 1st, 2026. So moved. So moved by Rob. Second. Second by Aaron. Cindy, please lead us in a roll call vote. Susicki? Abstain. Slyger? Abstain. Matthews? Yes. Gilbert? Yes. Gonzalez-Thomas? Abstain due to spouse working at the middle school. Arredondo? Yes. Garrels? Yes. Thank you. Motion passes. Welcome to the family. >> [applause] >> Well, just a few short remarks here, but members of the Board of Education, Superintendent Kim, and cabinet members, thank you for this opportunity. It is deeply meaningful to return to a community that played such an important role in shaping who I am. To come back and serve in this capacity is both humbling and an honor.
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And then if the student's coming back in, they can see in the window and then just let them back in. Okay. Without disturbing the class too much. All right, our next school, Oakknoll Early Childhood Center. Um, so they're getting a new solar panel system as well on their roof. Uh that one's going to get started in the next couple of weeks once they wrap up what they're doing at Briargate. And um the delay we had last summer with the window replacement, so all their windows are ready to go. So, June 3rd as well, they're going to start uh swapping out all those windows, uh all the exterior windows at Oakknoll. So, they're going to get all brand new windows and a new solar panel system. So, it's going to be much more energy efficient in that school as well. And then Three Oaks, along with um uh Deerpath, the same company, Tyler Lane, is doing those renovations.
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We got a first place choice. Congratulations ELA students. Yes, [applause] we also have some school record breakers in our presence. Please stand after I say your name. After 10 years, we had some boys break our track record in the 800 meter relay with an incredible time of 1 minute 42.23 seconds. This team was made up of Evan Morris, Brock Klein Schmidt, Jacob Young, and Jackson Dunn. [applause] Stay stand. Stay standing, boys, because they also broke the 400 meter relay with a time of 48.34 seconds. [applause] >> [applause] >> Great job, guys. I would like to recognize a few groups of people in the audience. If you are a member of the CUSD4 school board, please stand. [applause] If you attended Colombia Middle School yourself, please stand. If you are going to be a parent of a high school student for the first time, please stand.
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>> She's absolutely wonderful. [clears throat] >> The kids, well, I've been there for a year, but the kids that I knew [clears throat] that went to her said she is like the best. >> Yes. Yes. We're very blessed to have her. Any comments or questions regarding youth first memorandum or understanding of the 2026 27 school year? If not, I'll make a motion to accept that memorandum for 2026 27. >> All in favor say I. >> I. >> Next on the list is the school resource officer memorandum of understanding 2627 school year. all [clears throat] of these agreements this month trying to get things ready to go for next year. So, you do have in there our SRO agreement with the Davies County Sheriff's Department. Nothing has changed with that agreement. Again, it's another partnership that I really can't say thank you enough that we have the ability to have Officer Myers in our building.
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Um, what I can say today is if we were not made, the law enforcement agency that conducted this investigation did an incredible job and did an amazing job keeping us in the loop and keeping us informed. Had we received information that in any way indicated that there was more to this than what they had found through the serving of the warrants that they were able to serve, our approach to this would have been um completely different because student safety would have been still at the top of the list then. Um, so that's what I can say as far as why that wasn't shared right now. Um, hopefully this runs its course and there's more that can can come out after that that gives people more peace of mind. Uh, but it is extremely frustrating. >> It just feels too late. >> It's >> as a parent of daughters.
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