001Good evening and welcome to the June 3rd, 2025 meeting of the Spacken Hill Union Pree School District Board of Education. Please rise and recite the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Item 2.01 is comments from the public on consent agenda items only. Do we have any public comments on consent agenda items this evening? Okay. Any board discussion on consent agenda items? Sure. Wow. Sounds louder than the past. Upgrade our sound system here. Uh, I just have a very quick question about item 316, the uh, policy 55000 regarding student records. So, I guess we'll pull that. Okay. I'll take a I'll ask for a motion to
002pull 3.16 from the consent agenda. So, move. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? Passes by zero. Any other items up for discussion? I'd also like to pull 3.13 for discussion. Okay. I'll I'll uh ask for a motion then to pull 3.13 from the consent agenda. Do I have a second? All in favor? You got anything else? Okay. I'll ask for a motion then on uh accepting the consent agenda. Absent uh item 3.13 and 3.16. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? Okay. Well, Richard, you were first. So 3.16, first reading of policy 5500 for student records. Yeah, it's just a very small question. First of all, I appreciate the updating of these policies um and the chance to review them uh in due course. So my question is just a
003very small question. So in the text of the um policy and this is really I think an existing line but in the section uh entitled I guess newly entitled surveys it's previously section one there are what eight bullet points there and then the seventh bullet point item um well just to contextualize it uh the sentence that sets up the bullets is in accordance with law and board policy parent guardian consent is required before requiring minors to take part surveys which gather any of the following information. And then there's a listing of eight different types of information. And the seventh one reads religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student with the students parent guardian. And I'm just not sure what the last part of that clause means with the parents students parents parent guardian. That
004is that just seemed opaque to me. And I was is the idea that uh this be believes to the student that the student shares with the parent guardian um I'm just I just am at a loss as to the distinction there. Was that a section that was existing? It was an existing section. The only the only change in that bullet was to add guardian to parent at the end. Which page? So it's on page one of the policy. It's in the section entitled surveys. So, this is this is policy 5135. Oh, well, I was going by the Yeah, I guess these are there's several that are code coded 5500, but this SP it says SPACK policy 5135. Sorry. Yeah, I guess that's a like a sub subtitle. So, it's 5135 co uh student privacy. Okay.
005So, this is 3.17 then. Yes. Okay. So, we'll have to uh I think we'll just resend what we just did and then we'll pull Oh, I circled the wrong one on the agenda. Sorry about that. That's okay. Yeah, it is 317. You're right. Why don't Why don't we just procedurally Why don't we do that? I'll entertain a motion to resend the previous um passing of the consent agenda and actually let's just do just the one the one motion for resending the previous approval of the consent agenda. Second. All in favor? I. Okay. So now in lie of pulling 3.16, we'll do pulling 3.17. So I'll ask for a motion to pull 3.17 from the consent agenda resolution. Right. So So move. Okay. Do I have a second? Second. All in favor? I. All right. So
006now, do I have a motion to accept the consent agenda less item 3.13 and 3.17? Do I have a second? All in favor? Okay. All right. Richard. Okay. probably uh it'll take less time to clarify it than it took to do all that. But uh but yeah, so it's 5135 and uh in this section, it's the first section titled surveys and there's a bullet list there. These are types of information that parent guardian consent would be required before requiring minors to participate in surveys gatherings and any of this type of information. And the second last bullet point that begins religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student with the students parent guardian. I just don't know what with the parents students parent guardian means beliefs of the student and the students parent guardian it seems
007like with the student's parent guardian just shouldn't be there I think we clarify that yeah we should clarify that yeah I mean in other words the parent or guardian should be there while the students completing survey. It reads that way, but let's get started on that. Yeah, cuz cuz these surveys are are administered in are they usually taken home or are they administered in school? Could I be in school? So, the parent or guardian wouldn't be there necessarily. Yeah. So, just clarify that. I think that was it for me. Okay. So, it's a first reading. So, yeah. Yeah, as a first reading. So, why don't we um what why don't we we have does this have to be done before certain date or is this okay? So, why don't we just table uh 3.17 until
008the next meeting after we've had a chance to have some advice from legal counsel. Okay. Thank you for that, Richard. And uh yeah. Okay. Motion to table 3.17. Do I have a second? Second. Okay. All in favor? I passes 50. Okay. So 3.13 is continuation of reserve funds. Mr. Cohen, what do you got? Um, I I probably will not be actually I know I probably cannot get the answer to this tonight, but I just wanted to see how much uh we end up putting into the reserve bonds once we know those numbers from October, I guess. Um, whatever they end up being, we know how much we're putting into them or how much we spent out of them this year. Uh, just so we have those numbers. Absolutely. you can definitely get your opinions and
009see them as a result of the audit because once we the books and look at what was out of the reserves and look at the legal limits for each one of the different um numbers the other look at them make sure they're all within legal limits and that would be part of the statements that how do we pick which reserve funds we're putting the funds into um some of them have limits Um, for example, there's a specific calculation for the time for the teaching retirement fund. There's a calculation that looks at that for things like tax. We look at opportunity liability of um search that are still outstanding and theories and New York State allows us to go back um four years because usually we have repetitive search for each school and we can get
010some that cross. So that's how that Any further discussion? Okay, with that I ask for a motion to accept item 3.13. Do I have a second? Second. Okay. All in favor? I passes 5. Uh earlier with our consent agenda passing, uh item 3.09, we appointed a certified appointment. as a part-time art teacher. And I believe Mr. Lewis has a few words to say to the board. Hello everybody. I'll be brief. Uh so we welcome Danielle, Miss Danielle Pravati, to the position of the part-time art teacher at the high school. Uh we've had this position for a number of years. Danielle comes to us. She wanted to be here tonight, but unfortunately she couldn't. uh she comes to us from Tuahoo uh school district and looking she relocated up here so she wanted to uh the
011part-time position fit her lifestyle better for now. Um most importantly for us she's an amazing teacher. Um she's going to build this program. Uh right now the part-time position is two 9th grade studio and art classes and they're an introduction to art into the high school and we're always looking for somebody that's going to really create a platform for students to develop their skills and have interest in art moving forward because we have a plethora of of courses that they can take as they move into their their high school career 10 through 12. Um, and we are confident and excited that she is going to uh not only be successful in the classes, but build the program even further than it is right now. And we're super excited to have her. So, thank you. All
012right. Thank you for sharing that. And welcome aboard, Danielle. Okay, that brings us to item 6.01, our spack and kill celebration of successes. I think we always say that this is our bittersweet time of the year, right? I think that's always the word we use. So, um, congratulations to all these, uh, all these folks that are, uh, moving on. Uh, but first, we're going to start off with, uh, Keith Bergen. And I believe that, uh, Val has some words to say. Absolutely. It's definitely my pleasure to speak on behalf of Keith. Um, he began his career in Stafen Hill in November of 2005 and spent the next 19 years keeping things running as our maintenance worker. And for most of that time, he was the sole maintenance worker that maintained all four of our school
013buildings. Keith has a depth of knowledge of all district's mechanical equipment as well as the construction history of a lot of our buildings. For me, this was particularly valuable when I came into this new position and I needed to get familiar with the facilities, the operation side of the district. Um, he also knows the history and the condition of each of the of all the equipment in the building. So, something went wrong. He's like, "Oh, yeah, that happened last year. This is what we So, he's really good about that." Keith is always ready to help and he has this cool, calm, collected demeanor. In all the years I've known him, I don't think I've ever heard him raise his voice for anybody. Um, he's dependable and dedicated, but what's most memorable about Keith is his
014personality. He's a really big guy with a very easygoing disposition, and he's such a pleasure to work with. Um, when he would come to district office, we were always excited to see him, whether he was there to, you know, just kind of stop by and say hello or put up a bulletin board or hang a picture or whatever. Absolutely. When I went around the district and asked people what they know the most about he um some of the responses I got were and at least these are the ones that I can say publicly that he has a quick whit. He would be sitting in a meeting and he would say the most outlandish things with a straight face and look around like oh what did I say something? Why is everybody laughing? Um he always
015had a joke, a smile, extremely easygoing. did anything we asked them. Um, a pleasure to be around and would you be known to shoot rubber bands at people across the country. Keith, I hope you get a chance to see this video. Uh, we not only thank you for 19 years of dedicated service, but also for allowing us the pleasure of working with you and getting to know you. We will miss you and we wish you only the very, very best as you start this new chapter. [Applause] Thank you, Val. And thank you, Keith. Carrie Spiegel. Terry. That's not I know. I'm just going in order here. The order I have. That's okay. That's okay. We're going to Terry DeMarco. Okay. So, um, Mr. Dowy and I are both going to speak on Terry's behalf tonight.
016I'll start. Um, tonight we celebrate someone who is truly special. Um, Terry DeMarco has had unwavering dedication and compassion and care uh for all of her students as a teaching assistant. She is the model for what it means to be a teaching assistant. Uh it's clear that Terry is someone who doesn't just work with students, she understands them. For countless children, she's been a steady hand, a gentle voice, and the person they trusted to help them and find their confidence as middle school students. Terry never sought the sought the spotlight, but throughout Todd, everyone knew about her daily work and the world of difference that she made on students with special needs. Her work never went unnoticed. Not by teachers who worked with her, not by parents who saw the positive changes in their children,
017and certainly not by students who knew that Terry was always there to help them in the classroom. Retirement is a farewell to alarm clocks and school bells, but it's not a farewell to the impact that you've made on students. Your kindness, dedication, and tireless belief in children has left a lasting legacy in our school here at Todd and on so many young lives. When your colleagues were asked to say a few a few things about you, um they said that you're good with every single student and it would take about a thousand TAs to replace you. Um you keep adults in the building happy and smiling. You are a pillar of the school and um you are the go-to person to work issues out. I didn't know that. And you have an you have amazing
018common sense and your students keep saying that you cannot retire. Um the students have been in the best hands with you from the early morning bus duty throughout the school day and to your afterchool supervision and to overnight field trips. Terry, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May the next chapter be filled with peace, joy, and all the things that you've richly earned. Congratulations and happy retirement. [Applause] Terry, um Mr. RS is here tonight cuz he's going to try to stop you from retiring. But unfortunately uh it is bittersweet but you have been uh you know I've been here 10 years and teaching assistants are very special people and you are a special teaching assistant among that special group. Uh today I was thinking
019uh I was thinking about you and about tonight and it made me think of a a Bruce Springsteen song and the line in the song is when they built you they broke the mold and I couldn't remember the title of the song and when I looked it up it's called Terry Song that's the name of the song which uh was appropriate because that is the way I think not just myself but everybody who you've touched at Todd uh you're one of a Um what you brought to Todd is amazing. Um September of 2001 was when you came here and um in September of 2002 after a year which I didn't know you can do this she actually in her application to be a teaching assistant uh she requested that she would be Tom Kersinheider's teaching
020assistant. uh which I didn't even know that but I don't know how that came about but I know about the relationship that you've had uh with the social studies department with Tom and and everybody else in the department Chris uh what you brought to the students uh through the Washington DC trip and all of those trips that you've done um sports will never be the same without you uh Terry is the person who managed manages all of the students who stay for sports at Todd Middle School, which is usually somewhere between 50 and 100 every day. And that is a job that um is not easy. And you've just been amazing. I I don't know. You know, the words that come to mind are you're kind, you're dependable, you're caring, you're intuitive, you were self-directed,
021you were versatile, you were always like you're always like the second teacher in the classroom, the second administrator in the hallway, and like the second mom to like all of these kids. I mean, that's really what you are and who you are. Um, I'm not going to hear the words Beachwood, Nassau, Hagen, and Rag Road. same cuz I've been hearing you say those things. Oh, many years. For my for the years I've been here. Um, you were an informal mentor to uh dozens of TAs. Um, you know, we don't have a mentoring program for TAs. Uh, we do have a mentoring program for TAs. Terry DeMarco is the mentoring program for TAs. Um, and uh, one one last suite of the bittersweet is um, I saw an application today. Um, so, uh, we might see
022Terry here and there, which, uh, is a testament to who you are and what you've thought. So, uh, from the bottom of my heart, uh, every faculty member's heart, every student's heart, every parent's heart, because the parents knew that in your hands your child was safe and cared for. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you, Terry. Okay. Um, Mr. Duza and I are going to both talk about Geraldine Legosi. Um, today we honor Mrs. Miss Geraldine Lagosi's incredible career in Spack and the enormous impact that she's had on our students, especially our students with special needs. Um, it's been an absolute pleasure working with Gerald Dean all of these years. Um, the field of special education requires not only deep knowledge and skill, but a heart full of compassion and resilience. And she embodies what
023it means to be a special educator. Her co-taught classroom has always been a place where differences have been embraced, where progress is celebrated, no matter how small or where every child and where every child is seen, heard, and valued. She's met her students exactly where they are, helping them grow in confidence and ability, and never giving up on them even when things got tough. Being a fifth grade special educator, Geraldene always advocated for her students moving up to the next level, uh, Orville A Todd Middle School. So, she always set them up for success. And she's been a source of with wisdom and support for her colleagues in the department at Hagen. Uh, whether mentoring new teachers, collaborating on writing IEPs, or just listening um on a hard day. Um, she's made our school community
024stronger and kinder by her dedication and just being herself. She's always been somebody that I could count on to talk to openly and honestly, and I've always appreciated that. Um, as she steps into the next chapter, um, we know she'll bring her warmth, her humor, and her generosity with her with all that she does, whether she's traveling, spending more time with her loved ones, or simply enjoying coffee in the morning. Um, we thank you. Thank you for your years of service, your fierce love for your students, and your deep commitment to making the world a more inclusive place for everybody. You've made a difference that will be felt for years to come, and you'll always be part of our Spack and Kill family. So, thank you, and I wish you all the best. [Applause] So
025Geraldine is someone who didn't just make a career out of teaching. She made a life out of doing what's right for kids and making us laugh along the way. Um she didn't take the traditional path into education before she was writing IEPs. She was writing code, working in the cor corporate world as a computer programmer, eventually moving into management. But even amid promotions and paychecks, she felt the pull of the classroom. After 18 years, she did what so many dream of and few actually do. She followed her heart and made a total career change, trading business meetings for morning meetings. She started as Span Hill 21 years ago, stepping into a lead position in a self-contained class at Nassau, and it was clear from the start Gerald Dean was meant to be here. Since then,
026she's held about every role in special education, self-contained, resource room, and of course, co-teer. Over the years, she's partnered with Lisa Marcelli, De Boyce, Anne Real, and her longest and most celebrated teaching marriage. 11 years in fifth grade with Jen Wilson, who in affectionately calls her my work wife. Their relationship is the kind that every co-teer hopes for based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared sense of humor, and the occasional and very necessary summer break from one another. As Jen says, I give her the beginning of the summer off from me because I know I can be a lot. Geraldine brought more than just instructional expertise. She ability. As one colleague shared, she's the calm in any storm. Whether navigating changes in curriculum, un unexpected schedule shifts, or just a tough Tuesday, Geraldine brought
027perspective, a steady hand, and often thankfully a welltimed joke. Geraldine's the kind of colleague who always has your back and your calendar. She's the reminder text before a faculty meeting, the person who knows what to wear for spirit week, and the one who gently nudges you to respond to that email, sign that card, and bring the right copies to the IEP meeting. She brings organization, professionalism, and a quiet calm to the classroom that balances out the chaos of daily school life. The kind of teacher who always has a plan, a backup plan, and probably laminated versions of both. She's described to by her colleagues as trustworthy, quickwitted, humble, and a straight shooter. Even in her final year, when retirement was calling and the finish line was in sight, she didn't slow down. She stayed late,
028worked thoroughly, and continued to put students first. As one colleague said, "Her year this year defines who she is." Geraldine's life outside the classroom has just been out outside the classroom has been just as inspiring. Her passion for running isn't just a personal hobby. It's a gift she shared with the next generation. She helped coach and start the Junior Spartan running team, encouraging young runners to build confidence, endurance, and the joy of crossing the finish line. And speaking of running, her retirement plans are anything but slow paced. Geraldine is looking forward to traveling, including a trip to Ireland this fall to visit family and tour the countryside. She continues to plan and run for the Sparrow's Nest, and she has set her sights on competing in the London Marathon in 2026. Eventually, she and her
029husband Dale will head down south to the beaches of North Carolina, where she hopefully won't have to text anyone at 6:45 to remind them it's pajama day. Geraldine, your legacy at Spagenkill is one of purpose, professionalism, professionalism, and just the right amount of sarcasm. You've helped students feel supported, taught colleagues how to navigate the ins and outs of special education, and built a true partnership in teaching that in teaching that many admire. You are the calm in the storm, the keeper of the calendar, the quiet force that makes a big difference without ever needing credit. We will miss your grounded presence, your quick wit, and yes, your morning reminders. Thank you for showing us how to serve kids with heart and humor. Enjoy every moment that comes next, cuz you've earned it. [Applause] Thank you,
030Geraldine. Diane McCarron. All right. Thank you everybody. Miss McCarron, I I have the pleasure of uh speaking about three individuals here tonight that for me personally in my career here at Spack and Kill I feel very connected to. Um I've always had positive energy, a lot of warmth, a lot of uh just support coming from them. And uh it it's also interesting that we we're losing three people from three of the major departments, teaching assistant teacher and and um secretarial staff. So we'll start with Miss McCarron. Her extraordinary career, a highly respected science teacher and a pillar of the Spacken Hill community. Throughout her time here, Diane has taught a wide range of courses, sharing her deep knowledge and passion for science with generations of students. She concludes her career teaching AP biology and forensics.
031And the thing about those courses is that they're really uh you only foster uh interest in those courses through your own teaching style and your own energy. And sometimes those courses fail and we pick other ones. And forensics in particular is one of our most popular courses still to this day and it will continue to be uh in the department because the entire department cares so much about it and Diane is uh is is to thank for that. They're two of the most rigorous and engaging classes in our curriculum. Her ability to challenge students while inspiring curiosity and critical thinking is what has set her apart from the beginning. Diane's impact goes far beyond the classroom. She is without question a person of deep integrity and unwavering character. Someone who commands respect not by demanding
032it but by modeling it every single day. She is the kind of colleague, mentor, and friend that we all strive to be. Steady, thoughtful, kind, and committed. Her work has helped shape the science department into what it is today. one of the most successful and wellrespected in New York State. From curriculum development to mentorship, Diane's influence has been foundational, quietly building a legacy of excellence that will continue to benefit benefit our students long after she retires. Diane, your dedication, professionalism, and strength of character have made you a cornerstone of Smack and Kill High School, and we are endlessly grateful for the example you've set in countless lives you've touched. And especially for me uh I will miss you dearly. I have just always looked to you as a pillar of what professionalism is and just
033a good person is. So you will be dearly [Applause] missed more. Um, so I losing these two people is gonna Hagen is going to be feel very different next year. Um, and we know that. So celebrating Gerald Dean and Julie, it's tough. It is bittersweet as people keep saying. Uh, but Julie is the heart and soul of Hagen Elementary. Julie was hired at Spagenill in July of 1990, straight out of Sunni Courtland. She never subbed, never worked in another district. One interview, one job, and 30 unforgettable years later, here we are. Hagen was her first professional home, and she spent her entire 30 years making it feel like home for everyone else. Over the years, Julie has taught third grade, fifth grade, including a legendary year of full remote and spent the last 11 years
034as an AIS AIS math teacher. For 12 years, she's also served as our grades 3 through 5 math curriculum coordinator. But titles don't tell the whole story. Julie is without exaggeration kind of a math whisperer. She doesn't just teach math. She understands exactly what kids need development developmentally to succeed. She meets them where they are and somehow helps them believe they're better at math than they ever thought possible. Of course, she's not just known for her math mind. Julie is the unofficial birthday fairy of Hagen. If you work here, chances are your birthday has been acknowledged by a sweet treat by Julie. And if you were really lucky, that treat was one of her legendary chocolate chip cookies, which according to a very scientific poll are hands down the best at Hagen. She once even
035dropped off cookie dough, not cookies, mind you, but dough to help entertain a colleague's kids while their household was in quarantine. That's Julie. Thoughtful, hilarious, and always showing up in the most loving ways. She also wears her heart on her sleeve, and that's the one thing we love most about her. Julie's students love seeing her during morning morning duty running towards her for their morning hug because they know she'll give it and because they know she means it. There's no performance. What you see is what you get. And what we've gotten for 30 years is a teacher who cares deeply, laughs loudly, and always helps us put life and teaching into perspective. I I when I was hired as the principal of Hagen, I was extremely nervous to be introduced to the Hagen staff. I
036I had taught at the high school. I only knew high school. And I got an email from one person over the weekend that made me feel a sense of calm. And that was Julie. And she said, "Dear Clint, I want to congratulate you on your new position and let you know I'm looking forward to working with you. Hagen is a great place to be and I know you will be happy in your new home." She couldn't have been more spot on. Um, she just reminds us that the heart of education isn't the paperwork or the pacing guides, but the connections we make, the cookies we share, and the hugs we give at 8:30 in the morning. Of course, no tribute to Julie would be complete without a nod to her unforgettable sense of humor. Always
037ready to lighten the mood with a perfectly timed look, a quick comment, or a face that says everything without saying a word. Let's just say if you've ever made a slightly illvised announcement into a microphone at Sharp, Julie probably made eye contact with you and instantly said, "Did you really just say that?" And from the moment on, you knew it was never going to be forgotten. Some moments become inside jokes. And when Julie's involved, those moments are just more than laughter. They're about the connection, the shared history, and the ability to find joy in the ordinary. As she heads into the retirement retirement, Julie is finally free from the two things that have haunted her for decades. Sunday nights and the entire month of August. She's looking forward to long mornings in her garden, afternoons
038with audiobooks, and guilt-free vacations that don't depend on the school calendar. Julie Warren leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and learning. She's shown us what it meant means to teach with a heart, to lead with kindness, and to be there for each other in the classroom, in the lobby, and sometimes with cookie dough at the door. We love you, Julie. You will always be a part of the fabric of Hagen and definitely a legend in the baking department. Enjoy every moment of this next chapter. You've more than earned it. Congratulations, [Applause] Thank you, Julie. Deborah Rogerio. I now get to recognize Miss Deborah Rigerio, teaching assistant at the high school. uh similar to what we've talked about prior uh Deb for me when I came into the high school as an AP uh I
039would look at her and what she would do as a teaching assistant and I would use that as the standard for everybody else and kind of like how I would define the role of a teaching assistant in the school. They those roles are some of the most difficult roles in in the school at least in the high school I'm sure in every other school here too because you have to be so flexible and you have to understand uh psychology of children but you also have to understand how the teacher um wants to run their class and you have to be respectful of what their wants are and then what your needs are and how you define yourself in your role and all of that was all new to me because I never had to really
040interact uh with teaching assistants in my prior administration role. Um so I always look to Deb uh to kind of guide my view of of what what the uh the the exceptional teaching assistant is. Um I recognize her incredible contributions. She's a dedicated teaching assistant who has been an essential part of Spaken High School especially within the science department. Miss Rejiro is the definition of dependable. Her discipline and sense of responsibility have made her a go-to resource for both students and staff. Teachers have relied on her for not only support in the classroom, but for her insight, initiative, and the steady presence she brings every single day. And I just want to highlight the steady presence because that's what she is. Every day I'm in the halls and I see things, you know, positive, negative
041things and and Miss Sugiroio is often always there and she's often she's always a steady presence for me. And in these roles, you have to, you know, things you interact with people that that center you in moments of chaos and and she is one of them. Um, she she approaches work with a genuine willingness to learn, constantly engaging with new content, asking questions, staying current so she can better serve the students she supports. Whether working one-on-one or in small groups, she meets students where they are, helping them understand challenging material and build confidence in their abilities. Uh, she's a teaching assistant who every day after school is always with students in the classroom. Uh she her contributions go far beyond the classroom. Though she's always stepped up, covering classes, chaperoning events, volunteering for afterchool supervision,
042and saying yes whenever there was a need. Her reliability has made her a cornerstone for our daily operations and an example for others. In the science department, Deb has become more than a support. She's a staple. Her work with students is truly on par with some of our best teachers and the positive impact she's had in our school community is immeasurable. We're deeply grateful for your commitment, care, and the difference you've made in the lives of so many. I just can't say enough about how much Dev has interacted with students. She brings concerns to me, positive, negative. She kind of keeps me in the loop. We have a new teaching assistant that'll be starting next year, and I gave her a tour around the building. Deb pulled her into the teaching uh assistant office, showed
043her all her binders, said, "If you end up in Earth Science, here's everything I'll leave for you." Uh just wanting to leave uh as much as her legacy behind and be a resource for the future coming up in Smack and Kill. Um it will not be forgotten and with uh from my heart, thank you for all you do for Smack and Kill. [Applause] Thank you, Deborah. I'm I'm going to tag team this with with uh Mr. Lynch. I already announced this one, right? Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, I know I did. Harry Spiegel. Sorry. Good evening everyone and congratulations to all the retirees tonight. It's my pleasure and honor to recognize and celebrate Miss Carrie Spiegel. Don't don't make me uh emotional, please. I ran into somebody on uh Monday night at Flag Football and it
044was a former student probably 20 years ago and uh they said we're losing a legend. We're losing a legend. I f I first met Miss Beagle in June of 2007. I just been hired at Spack and Kill. My start date wasn't till July, but I I happened to be able to get to the June uh Hagen field day. I was blown away. This is my first experience of of Spack and Kill Fizzed. Um it was an incredibly elaborate, wellorganized, and full of energy. Activities and the theme were great. But what impressed me most was Carrie herself, her energy, her enthusiasm, and especially her connection with the students. That day stuck with me. 18 years later, I can honestly say nothing's changed. She She's ageless. Um Carrie still brings that same excitement, passion, and heart to
045everything she does. She regularly attends local and state PE conferences every year, always returning with fresh ideas to enhance our her lessons and elevate our elementary PE curriculum. Um and most recently she began presenting at those conferences and sharing her knowledge with young upand cominging teachers. In 2023 she was named the New York State Aford Southeast Southeastern Zone Amazing Person, a title that truly fits. This this award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their profession. And Carrie, I can honestly say you've done that. Your impact on Spack and Kill, on students, on all of us is immeasurable. On behalf of the entire P department, thank you. Thank you for your passion, your dedication, your creativity, and most importantly, your heart. We wish you the best on your well-deserved retirement, and I hope to
046see you up at Screw Lake on the uh snowmobile trails. I'll tell a little story. About 8 years ago, I got into snowmmoiling. My brother-in-laws took me up to Scrooan Lake. I'm on a trail and I'm I'm lost. I'm looking for my brother-in-laws. It was a an off trail um at a restaurant where I was going to meet them. So I see this group uh with their helmets on on the side. I pull over to the side of the trail. Sure enough, person takes her helmet off. It's Carrie speaking. I take my helmet off. She was just as surprised to see me as I was her. She goes, "Make her right." She knew right where to go. Um so I wish you many years of uh enjoying upstate and enjoying the uh uh the lake.
047And then my mother-in-law bought a house a mile away from uh from where Carrie is. So um um this isn't goodbye. This is we we'll see you upstate. Congratulations. [Applause] All right. Uh good evening everyone and congratulations to all the retirees. Um, so it's my pleasure to to say a few words about Carrie as well. Um, I'll start off by just talking about Carrie's energy and her passion. So, um, those who have been at a at a K2 building, um, and I actually was a teacher in Upper Elementary, and I like to think that Upper Elementary is a very high energy place. I really didn't know what that meant until I started at Nassau. And you can't, especially in the gym, have an off day. And I can honestly say all of the times I've
048seen Carrie outside or in the gymnasium, she's never had an off day. And she's never had an off period. She is always bringing it. And that's impressive. Carrie's poured passion, love, and incredible sense of dedication into everything that she does. Whether leading a gym class or dancing through the hallways with her mobile speaker, she's always brought her whole heart to this work that she does. If you've ever walked our halls during a holiday or any other special day, you know what I mean. Carrie's become kind of famous for her her costumes and her dancing spirit and the way she turns just an ordinary day into a celebration. The kids literally light up when they see her. Her music movement and presence has been a source of energy and happiness for both students and staff for
049many years. The other thing I want to touch about and the and touch on the board has heard a lot about uh the pumpkin run and the turkey trot and all of these other uh walking challenges that we do. Carrie's been a staple on our health and wellness committee and really been a leader in all of the events that we've done over the years. Um, but I would say the thing I was most impressed with happened just a few weeks ago. And so I was in a meeting in the office and I saw a group of high school students go up to Carrie outside and saw them embrace. It was an emotional moment and you know when you think about when you get to the end of your career and I would say especially as
050a K2 educator because you know you're teaching kids when they're five 6 7 years old and they're graduating they're 18 years old it's it's a long time to remember back exactly what your teachers said and did and how they they made you feel. And so I started asking around like what what's going on? what are these students doing? And they were they were telling her that they wanted to be they wanted her to be the 2025 commencement speaker at graduation. So that made me think of, you know, the famous Maya Angelo um quote, and the quote goes like this, if you haven't heard it. I've learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. and Carrie, they certainly didn't forget
051how you made them feel. Thank you for everything and congratulations on your retirement. You've left a lasting legacy. Now take all those old costumes and that rolling speaker you love and ride off, I guess, next to Marco. Honestly, I didn't know this. I knew they were close, but you know, uh, take it on that snowmobile and and enjoy that that next chapter uh, up in the North Country. Congratulations, Carrie. [Applause] on the laptop. Yeah, [Music] we go. Let me go. Let [Music] me go. [Applause] Thank you, Carrie. Good again. So, last but not least, we have Sherriick. All right. So, we are celebrating someone dear to my heart, the retirement of someone whose quiet dedication has had an enormous impact on the day-to-day life of Spack and Kill High School, our very own attendance clerk,
052Miss Sher. uh I have said for me one of the most important uh aspect of school for learning is safety and you can't have a safe school if you don't know where the kids are and where the staff is. Um, I can't stress enough that the attendance is I mean I'll say this again, but it's the heartbeat of the school. And I have personally seen when you don't have a structured, serious approach to attendance and what that can do to a school culture. Um, and I would be lying if I would would say I wasn't concerned about uh what it's going to look like moving forward without Miss Olrich in charge. Um, we're working on plans to make sure that we have someone that can uh rise to the same standard that Miss Olrich has
053in her career here because um, being honest, when I came to Spack and Kill, the first thing I noticed was the attendance and just through lots of different school experiences. I I just was like blown away by how organized and how structured and how serious she took that piece. And I don't think that people necessarily realize how important that role is. Um unless something goes wrong and we always hope that that doesn't happen. But um Sherry has taken on so many different roles in that role. Um and and she has been the forefront of the communication at the high school with parents and sometimes she's dealt with some negative interactions with that and some uh people not understanding why they have to submit the doctor's note or why they need to submit that or that
054and and she gets the brunt of that. Um and she has always stood by her integrity and the the structure of the school and the policies so that we can uh have a safe school and that's what's most important. Um for years she has been the heartbeat of our front office and although the attendance office in our school is not in our front office it is very much uh an appendage of it and she's always helped in our office as well uh in the mornings. Her attention to detail has been nothing short of exceptional. a quality that's been absolutely vital when it comes to state reporting, maintaining accurate records, excuse me, and ensuring everything runs like clockwork. Her precision hasn't just met expectations. It is the standard. Sherry's role went far beyond data and numbers.
055She's built strong, respectful relationships with our families and students, always offering a calm presence and a listening ear. Whether navigating a complicated attendance issue or helping a student get back on track, Sherry brought warmth, professionalism, and consistency to every interaction. Her work has also been an essential to the safety and organization of our building in ways both seen and unseen. And I need to highlight the unseen because there's so much of what she does that just kind of branches out into every other aspect of the school. Uh she's helped create an environment where students can focus on learning, families can feel reassured and staff can rely on a foundation of order and care. Your presence, Sherry, will be greatly missed, not just for what you did, but for how you did it. Thank you for
056your years of service, your commitment, and the legacy of excellence you leave behind. And I truly mean that. Walking into Spack and Kill High School the first time, I noticed two things. And it was the hallways were pretty I hate using this word but quiet for most of the time. And I could not believe how uh organized and accurate the attendance is. And that that really doesn't happen in other districts. Um and our state reporting shows it. And um I just think that that is a testament to the integrity of you uh your professionalism and how much you cared about your role. Um and thank you. [Applause] Thank you. Sherry would want to uh say any words. Uh so this is my uh this is definitely one of my favorite parts about being stag and
057kill is I say this every year with it. I can't imagine being able to do something like this in a wingers or in Arlington of being able to recognize our uh incoming teachers, our retiring teachers or special moments like this at such a large district and the uh the intimacy that we're available to share here in Stack and Kill being such a small community and doing something like this really shines at events like this. It's one of my favorite meetings of the year. uh listening to all the memories and all that you've all accomplished and done in your careers. Um it just it brings goosebumps when uh when we get to listen to this. So um I I appreciate all that you've done for the district, for all the kids that you've helped. Um and
058thank you so much for tonight. We appreciate it. Thanks, J. Anyone else? Thank you for your dedication and enjoy retirement. Yeah, I'd certainly like to thank uh as well uh all the teachers uh and assistants and and staff who are um who are leaving us tonight. Um you know, I've been fortunate uh myself and my wife that our children have had the opportunity to to learn and be supported by uh many of you. Uh but I feel so fortunate that all of our district's children are so clearly uh loved and and supported. I think the overriding feeling I have on on a night like this is that uh everyone in our community would have an opportunity to to listen to this. um the level of dedication and professionalism and integrity and expertise that your colleagues
059testify to and and applaud uh you know are one thing, but what really stands out so much I think on a night like this is the warmth and the support and the the love that you show uh the the students uh the children in our building, you know, the the the children who are parents in our community and trust, you know, to the district and Um, I just feel such affection and and such uh gratitude for um our community as a whole. I think our community is so fortunate to have the kind of people uh that you all are uh helping and supporting our children. And again, I just uh hope uh you know, our community really appreciates this and uh and can see uh the level of u commitment you know that you all
060bring. But with that commitment, just a sense of affection and support, the warmth, you know, in this room and and the warmth that you all feel for one another is just, I think, so outstanding. And uh I hope our community um understands and appreciates that. So, thank you so much and and best of luck and and uh enjoyment in your retirement. Uh thank you for your dedication, the time that you put into the kids in this community. um you touched so many of their lives and they won't forget it. Um I know that I won't forget it. Um and enjoy retirement. Thank you. And uh I'll just add thank you to our speakers for sharing those memories and the stories and the praise. And it's it's really great for us to have that insight of
061the connections that you've all made over the years. and uh the community absolutely is grateful for this. All the work that you've done over the years has put us all on a better place and we'll be forever in your gratitude for that. So, we appreciate that. Best of luck and wishes and everything that you do in future endeavors. Okay. So, item 7.01 is board correspondence, and I I have none. So, we'll move on to 7.02. Do we have any comments from the public on nonaggenda items? Okay. 7.03. Comments from the board. Anyone? I'd like to say it already. I I think I just mentioned one thing there. Um, you know, the administration has worked very hard in the past year to start addressing cell phone policy and then the state comes down with the budget
062and puts in rules that there is no cell phones bell to bail. So, that kind of throws a little monkey wrench into all the planning that the school has done in the last year. Um, and the board by mandate from the state, we have to have a policy in place by August 1st now. So that means we're probably going to end up having two July meetings. So we can have a first reading and a second reading. It's a little possibility that we might have a first reading and the second June meeting and could maybe avoid a second July meeting, but uh just be prepared for that. And uh there's if there's anything that the board wants to add in uh because there's there's basically a template that the state put out, but the district is
063in charge of dealing with the house. So, how do we enforce the delta? That's up to us. So, um if you have any thoughts about it, you can share them with Sandra and uh she can pass them on to the attorneys and we'll have a first reading soon. Okay, with that, I'm going to ask for a motion to recess. So, the board will vote to recess for celebration of staff retirements. Following the recess, the board will vote to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing the superintendent's evaluation. No further business is anticipated after the executive session. Do I have a motion to recess? Do I have a second? All in favor? I Okay, that passes 5. Thank you.