001All right. Good. Good evening, East Hampton Boe. This meeting is being recorded. We're streaming to YouTube. Phone lines are open for public comment. You may begin. Thank you. Have a motion to open. Second. All in favor? Please rise for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the republic for which it stands. One nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. I just ask that you remain standing for a moment of silence. Come before me. Thank you. So turn it over to Mr. Bond. Well, this is that meeting. So uh I think this has become an annual tradition here and is my favorite meeting of the year uh to hand to listen to everybody talk the administrators talk about the hundreds of years of experience and dedication to the
002students of East Hampton and this community. Um before we start I want to thank Mr. Mandado and our students high school students in the back. Thank you very much and Mr. How where is he? Oh, I can't even see. Sorry, Jonathan. All right, so we are going to begin. I think let's this year let's start with the high school. [Laughter] Uh, congratulations to all of our retirees. Um, so I have the honor of speaking about Patty, the newly arrow, uh, who began her East Hampton High School career in 1997. She has taught through five New York State math curricula, sequential 1, 2, and three, math A and B, algebra, uh, geometry, algebra 2 or trigonometry, common core, and nextgen. At the beginning of her teaching career, she used an overhead projector just so she didn't
003have to turn her back on her students and at times even audio taped classes so she could work on her classroom management. She true story. Uh she then became a national board certified teacher along the way and tried any and every way to get students involved in class, including geometry survivor. That's the board game. Um and we were also reminded about an Angry Birds lesson she created to teach parabas. Uh, the students had to make the equation of a parabola that started at the bird and went through each of the few targets. I'm not sure we would allow that now, but there was a time. Uh, Patty has been the math coordinator for over 13 years. And as coordinator, Patty is patient, fair, and engaged with her whole department. She is so committed uh that
004when the faculty first started dressing up for Halloween, she had her mom make the whole department Star Trek t-shirts uh so that they could all participate and hopefully they won the contest. smack and dressed up tonight. Yes, even got back on. Uh, more importantly, in my four years, and I'm sure Adam can say in his years, we have never seen Patty get upset or irrational as a coordinator. She is always willing to work with teachers, administrators, and families to figure out what is best for kids. And as the coordinator, she led the math department through datadriven instruction, universal backwards design, depth of knowledge, and lesson study. Outside of the classroom, she was the cheerleading coach for multiple seasons and multiple years. Goonic. And uh she was the class of 2000 advisor where she built floats,
005organized dances, a fashion show, prom, banquet, and balorate. Um, she was I still have a ninth grade advisor position open for next year, just in case. Just keep it in the back of your mind. Uh, she was always uh she was on a women's softball team coached by her husband who's here tonight uh that many members of the staff played on and she was also a member of the AR committee, the chair of the EHTA audit committee and has organized several math competitions for students. Needless to say, Patty has been an integral part of the math department and the high school, and she will be dearly missed. But enjoy retirement and Florida. Oh, you both are. [Music] Okay, Lyn Brown. So, this will be based loosely on real events because even when I asked her
006department and asked Lyn Brown to sit down with me and go over some of her accomplishments, she would turn the story around and ask me how my kids were doing and we're going in the main office. So, some of these things might be dramatized. So, here's the thing about Lynn Brown, though. It's because that's what she does. She makes everything about somebody else. And she doesn't make anything about herself. For example, she makes it about the students. Whether it's stepping into the classroom to walk them through the college application process, helping them plan for life after high school, or preparing them for upcoming schedule and meetings about millions, Lynn is there. She's a passionate advocate of the personal best program. She leads the local scholarship application process and she makes sure both programs are front
007and center for kids. students know they can meet with her by appointment or just to drop by when they need advice, a sounding board, or just the shoulders who need and when it's AP season, she makes it about those students, too. Lynn coordinates hundreds of so many hundreds of exams and supports not just the students, but the teachers and the proctors through the entire process. Her planning is meticulous. Her patience is boundless, especially when it comes to navigating the college board. She makes it about the teachers helping them with Nviance. Again, it's like a main component what you do. Supporting their students college recommendation letters and always following up about student needs or concerns. Lynn also orchestrates articulation meetings with feeder schools to ensure those students have the smoothest possible transition into high school. She
008makes it about the families. She created counselor Tuesdays so parents could access the counselor during the summer months. She builds relationships that span years, often guiding multiple siblings from the same family through their high school journeys. Always thoughtful, always considerate, she works with families to find the path that best suits their child's success. It's my son. He like knows exactly when I meet him. She makes it about the guidance department. Lynn holds weekly meetings to keep everyone in the loop and make sure nobody is left without support. She's their biggest cheerleader. She never misses a birthday. She always recognizes accomplishments and she definitely doesn't miss Halloween which I guess is the theme of retirement. Despite quiet and professional demeanor, she is the very first person to be waiting for and to respond to that Halloween
009costume email and she brings her a a game every year and you could stop by the guidance office anytime and you will see years and years of photos of all of those costumes. But Karen, you're still in Yeah. She makes it about her friends. She's quick with a mason jar of fresh flowers to brighten your day, serve as a pickme up, or to acknowledge a celebration. She's a kind ear when you need to vent. And she's offered me so much support in my transition to this role. And for that, I'm deeply grateful, Linda. So, after 20 years here at East Hampton, always making about everyone else, it's time for Lynn to make it about herself. Lynn is excited to do some traveling. She's heading off to travel to Ireland in October because now she could
010travel in October. In the winter, she'll head to California. And most exciting of all, she is planning to hike the Dolommites with Italy with friends, but not no date yet, but probably during a school year. Yeah, Lynn's family is very important to her and she's always prioritized time with them. But now she's looking forward to time with simply relaxing with Michael and her kids with no school bell schedule to hurry back to. She's traveling in October. She'll be helping her daughter plan her wedding next summer and she's looking forward to watching her son's company grow. Lyn is excited to find out what's next and make it about her. Congratulations. Time [Music] Good evening. I have the privilege to speak for Mr. Excuse me, Senor Peter Jacob. Peter, we are so honored that you finished your
011career in education here in Peter has had 36 years in education. Wow. That's a lifetime for some. Peter, I'm 36. But we are here to celebrate way more than a Spanish teacher with Peter. Peter has been a mentor, a role model, a daily dose of good humor, and let's not forget, a smooth dancer. We're going to get to that later. Uh Peter's commitment to education has always gone above and beyond. Despite a commute that could rival some people's entire workday, sometimes over 3 hours, it's a good round trip. Yes. He never used it as an excuse. Peter still made time to attend a student's parents' memorial service. And though science wasn't his teach on his teaching schedule, he was a regular at the science research symposium, another night event. And if you ever wandered the
012halls early in the morning, you'd know exactly where Peter's classroom was. Not just by the open door, but by the sound of music drifting out before first period even started. He played it not for himself but for the students to help them shake off the groggginess of the morning to bring a little joy into their day and to make them feel like this was the classroom to be in. That's the kind of energy and care Peter brings. His classroom wasn't just a space for learning Spanish. It was a space where students felt awake, seen, and encouraged to show up as their full selves. And it wasn't just the students who felt that support. Peter has always been there for his colleagues. Whether it was giving thoughtful, nononsense advice about professionalism or helping an aspiring administrator
013prep for a big interview. Every bit of his wisdom has come wrapped in kindness and usually with a clever remark or two. When Sarah Smith found out that I was going to observe Peter this year, her exact words were, "It's a real treat. Enjoy." I think that says everything. Uh, now as Peter heads into retirement, he's trading early commutes for easy mornings. Coffee in hand, dogs Bella and Medley by his side, maybe on the beach in Cape Cod or soaking up the sun in Mexico. We suspect he'll be navigating more waves on his boat than back roads on Google Maps from here on out. But before he gets too comfortable in paradise, let's talk about something really important. The man's got moves. If you've seen Peter in action during our faculty March Madness stands, you
014know exactly what I'm talking about. That salsa flare isn't just for the classroom. So Peter, consider this as your official invitation to come back and leave next year's. The faculty's rhythm depends on you. No pressure. And before you leave, I hold your most difficult assignment. Teach me one dance move. Many have tried, including my wife. All have failed. Challenge is yours. Peter, you have a seamless and invaluable part. You've been a seamless and valuable part to our high school team. Your thoughtfulness, your sense of humor, your everyday presence, those will be missed more than words can say. Thank you for showing us what it truly means to be a great teacher, colleague, and friend. Enjoy the adventures ahead, and just don't forget to come visit us. Preferably with those damn shoes on. Happy retirement, Peter.
015Oh, thank you. Thank you. Dr. Soriano, I'm ready. Okay. So tonight we celebrate a teacher, a dramatist, a traveler, and a true educator who has left a permanent mark on the hearts and minds of countless language students during her tenure with us, our beloved middle school French teacher, Madame Ralph. From her infectious love of all things pink that brightens her classroom to her very dramatic and very special flare that brings French vocabulary and verbs and culture to vivid life. Madame embodies everything that we could hope for in a middle school teacher. She has the very unique ability to transform her subject from a language to an experience. And it is an experience whether through songs that resonate down the sec second floor hallway or rhythmic stomping on the floor above the main office. We've often
016thought that the ceiling would collapse and that was the level of enthusiasm that she inspires and the level of engagement. Her dynamic personality, her oo laa and her Jennaqua has captivated the many middle schoolers in her orbit, turning even the most complex grammar rules into very accessible and active adventures as our students ba ba ba around room 211. Learning in her room, as you would imagine, is active. It's joyful, and it's there are no students here, a hell of a lot of fun. Beyond her rosecolored glitter and catchy earworm songs about verb endings and prepositions, Madame knows how to set high expectations for her middle schoolers and maintain classroom discipline when needed. I'm convinced and I've always thought this she somehow has onboard radar or onboard sonar because nar a mobile phone in the middle
017school has escaped her eye. Her loving toughness and ability to be supportively strict are never harsh, but they're always constructive, guiding and pushing her students to reach their potential and excel beyond what they thought they could do. All in the service of learning while simultaneously fostering a deep and abiding interest for all things French. Madame's passion for the conjugations of vulvoir, devoir, avoir, and puvoir is matched only by her canny ability to connect with students on a personal level, reminding all of us that education is as much about connection as it is about the content. She brings sparkle, laughter, a sense of magic to every lesson. In short, this Madame has Sabo fair in spades. Madame, you are an amazing teacher, a creative person, a dear friend, and I hope you know how much your
018students and all of us will miss you at the middle school. Your light and your can do spirit is amazing. So, Thank you so much. [Music] Yes. There go Carrie. It's not goodbye though. [Music] It's always pleasure. Karen, are you leaving? Like I don't know. think in the long run. Marian, I will leave it up to you if you'd like to come up or I can address you. [Music] So, I have the pleasure of honoring two retirees from John Marshall uh this evening. It's very hard. It's very hard to follow up um because I've had such a wonderful career working with so many of you. Um Marian um working with Marian has been an absolute pleasure. She is truly a consumate professional. In the time that I've worked with her, it's clear that you have
019a great love not only for teaching but also for learning. Marian possesses a wealth of knowledge in so many areas that even her colleagues are surprised when a topic comes up that Marian has that depth of knowledge in this in this particular area that maybe we never knew about. Marian has been a beacon for our students. She's worked with so many of our English language learners over the years, teaching them the English language and creating an environment where students felt safe to take risks in learning their new language. She is flexible and kind when working with her students and she is a trusted colleague. You'll often find that teachers are seeking her out for guidance on how to best support their English language learners in the classroom. She's always collaborating with her teammates to support
020language development across all different content areas. When I asked Marian's colleagues about her outstanding characteristics, it really wasn't a surprise that I heard a common theme throughout all of your colleagues responses. She has a great love of American history and specifically she loves to teach about the American Revolution. The excitement and enthusiasm that Marian brings to the subject area is contagious and our fourth graders absolutely love learning social studies when Marian is part of the classroom. You may or may not know this, but Marian's also an expert editor. She has an extensive knowledge of word origins and loves all things grammar and is a valued colleague and is the staff's go-to when someone needs assistance in editing something or correcting their grammar. I have also been told Marian that in your retirement you're looking forward
021to learning how to cook. Yes. And um that pizza is first on your list. So feel free to uh come back and share with us what you've learned in the kitchen. Uh Marian, thank you for your dedication to the school district and your unwavering support for English language learners. You will be great. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Hey, Miss Lauren Cook, I'm going to address you from here if that's okay with you. Great. Thank you. Uh, I'm grateful to have the opportunity tonight to speak about Laura Cook, whose generosity has touched every corner of our school. This year, Laura is retiring from a position as a teaching assistant. However, her title doesn't even begin to illustrate the contribution that she has made to John Mont Elementary School. For years, Laura has been the person you
022call when you have a person, a student who's struggling. Whether she's called in to collect data to help develop a behavior chart, to lend a hand in the classroom, or to make a meaningful connection with a student, she has helped so many children find success in school. I know that Laura has made a direct impact on many students and one in particular stands out in my mind when I think about all of the students that I've witnessed in my 5 years at John Marshall that you've touched. When the student particular student attended John Marshall, you took the time to listen to her story knowing that she had a very difficult home life. And when the student's path led her to move in with a foster family up island, Laura made a point to connect with
023that foster family and keep in contact with this student to make sure she knew she was loved and not forgotten just because she had left our community. you made a priority to show up in this child's life and um you've really made that priority to show up in all of the students lives that we work with. Beyond the classroom, Lorna is one of the most generous people I've ever met. She's always the first to offer help, share a smile, or lift someone's spirits. She um well, you know this, you've been at the helm of so many of our major events, whether it's a sunshine club, caroling, staff gettogethers, or secret Santa. Um, outside of scheduled events, Lorna is always there to support her colleagues. Whether it's been through hardship, um, illness or celebration, you are
024at the forefront of planning home visits, collecting for gift cards, sending food, and overall supporting your colleagues. Lauren is the type of person that if you shared with her that a family member of yours was having a surgery, she'd bring a gift basket for your family member, even if she had never met your family member. Laura never forgets when a colleague tells her a story. And you always support those that you work with. And we're really going to miss that end. Your retirement is leaving a legacy of care, commitment, and true generosity at John Marshall. You are already missed. [Applause] Thank you. [Music] Yeah. two two retirees who might not be here tonight, but I definitely wanted to say a little bit about them. One is Chuck Westerard. Chuck has been involved in every aspect
025of our technology department for 25 plus years and has been an employee here because he originally started as a contract employee for over 22 years. I think in digital years, which is much more than dog years, that's a really long I think and this is unconfirmed fact that Chuck his colleagues George and Kim Cobert actually solved the Y2K bug cyber attack in 1999, but we can't confirm that. Um, everything digital that our staff and our students use involved for his work. Um, also unconfirmed, but it is believed that Chuck actually got Tiss Office and Carrie in the early 2000s to switch from their Commodore 64s and rubber typewriters to the gateway computers that were over time. And they use this thing called Netscape to connect to the worldwide web. Um, thus changing the trajectory of
026our district office technology in our district. For those at home, the worldwide web is the www for all of the websites. Um um he also blocked Napster during the same time in the early 2000s. So um Chuck Chuck has helped the district transition in so many different ways in his you know 25 plus years. Uh at one point uh he was part of the transition from this thing called Colombia to ehchool to school tool. That's our student management system. Um he also transitioned uh as part of the transition from this thing called finance manager to envision from my learning plan to frontline back to my learning plan. Um and he has transitioned I think in my time here at least three or four digital camera systems and they all seem to to work. So um
027he also knows a lot about servers and switches and uh that's interesting. No one else knows about um Chuck's influence to all things digital is immense. Um he he was in the forefront of our our our onetoone device initiative and that was obviously accelerated during the co pandemic and he handled it with a real champ. Um he also um is exceptional with cyber security. He has thwarted numerous cyber attacks like the cyber ninja he is and he did not even need nunchucks. Um his involvement instruction technology is also topnotch. So anything digital we have Chuck he's been involved with. folks that work with him cannot express, you know, how grateful they are to hear all of his advice and his patience and whatnot. Some have even said even though they've heard it, they still listen
028to it. Um, Chuck, uh, Chuck to say the least, uh, you know, leaving, you know, is a huge hope for our district, but uh, he can leave knowing uh, with absolute certainty that he's left the place better than when he arrived here and we're pointed in a very good direction because of truck's leadership all these years. So to Chuck, you know, congrats on the next chapter and the like. So there's another person who could not be here tonight. I think it was partially by design and we would name her and that is Joan Kendall. Uh Joan has been in district for over 27 years. Um she started many years ago. Uh and I seem to be the administrator trainer that she is. She spent numerous years training Adam to make him the person he is.
029that she was left to to shape me up. Um so um she is definitely a special employee. Um without her guidance on my journey I I think you know I would have been years behind. Um she's sharp. If you don't know this she loves her cabbage soup um like every day. Um she is very regimented every day she walks at noon and she is also very curious and always learn. Um Joan is steady as they come. She rarely misses work and she's even uh offered to come to full hazmat suit when she was sick, not to infect any of us. Um I kid, but the cabbage and her walking are truly what keep her healthy and she's very regimented with that. Uh she maintains a professional space. She's super uh she models what it is
030to be a professional. She corrects and guides me often and I appreciate that and better off it. She does this with grace and poise. Another person, let's call her Carrie, also corrects me often, but it's a little more direct when she corrects me. And I also appreciate that. Um, you know, the more we speak of Joan, the more she'll be upset with us, so I only have a little more to speak of. Um, to say we'll miss her is an understatement. Her posting stamp in time is vague. Uh, though we do know she has plans. She just doesn't know. We know she has plans. I think this will be uh including her regular 10:00 a.m. cabbage soup or scheduled noon walk as well as I suggested repeatedly hydroponic cabbage farming so she can become a
031hipster kimchi maker because she loves cabbage. So John, I know you're sort of listening. Thank you for everything you do and for what comes to you next. [Applause] someone else taking minutes. He came to see this. So, you're no cursing at this. Where do I begin? Carrie has served the staff and students and community of East Hampton for the past 35 years. She's held various clerical roles. Over the last 15 years, she has been the secretary to the superintendent and the district. Her institutional knowledge is second to none. Her intuition as it relates to the district has provided multiple superintendents with a supportive and loyal assistant. Carrie always acted in a way that put business put the business of East Hampton first. She said many times, "We are a business entity and when we evaluate
032decisions, we do so from that point of view. Our relationship with our legal council has helped navigate many potential challenging situations. Our work as district clerk, and I'm sure the board can back this up, is also remarkable. The board had the board always had someone who would speak their mind and respect their position when it came to the district. Your constant and steady presence at board meetings will be sorely missed. There is not enough time for me to accurately describe how valuable she is to this district and to me and to the many overall functions of the superintendency. She is simply the best administrative assistant this district has ever seen. Carrie is the mother of two young ladies who live in Maine. As you may or may not know, Carrie loves animals. She anticipates adopting
033a mountain lion and probably a grizzly bear who large moose named Ben could also have a new home when her and her husband Zeke relocate to Montana after the last day of school. I know I speak for countless staff and students when I say this place is better for having you here for the past three decades. I will miss you terribly. Your quick wit, sense of humor, and work ethic are second to none. I wish you the best of luck and know that East Hampton will always have a place for you if you decide to come back, which I know you will. Congratulations to all the retirees. But Carrie, thank you. um you know from from me and I know the rest of the board and every I'm sure will have a comment but in
034all seriousness Carrie has shaped a lot of what you see at at this district. Carrie's been a big part of it and I thank you was coming in from a brand new board member. I was only here a third of the time that you were here. Um, but probably the most important times of the district and you stepped up when I came in, you were always there with a, you know, question, whatever it might be. And, and Carrie always had an answer and if she didn't know the answer, she'd find the answer. And, you know, I learned early on you sign nothing without Carrie checking it three times, otherwise, you know, forget about it. Um, but she protects she protects the district. She protects our staff. Respects the board and uh the people of the
035our community. And Carrie, thank you so very much for everything. I'm going to miss you a lot. It's been my pleasure. Thank you very much. Thank you to all of you. I'm a professional retiree. Um, it's ready or not. We used to run a course uh the union teaches union ready or not. and you can figure out the money, but especially to all you retirees, you have to figure out what you're going to do for 40 or 50 hours that you put in to this job here. We really appreciate it. And then with respect to Carrie, we all know, we all know the secretaries run the school. We know that that I mean that's the case. And Carrie, uh, not only did you run the school well, but you almost try to keep me straight.
036And thank you. And thank you all. And Karen, I got to say it's not goodbye cuz we need language teachers and the gentleman Spanish teacher there. Um we need help and uh we love our retirees to come back and stay with us. Right, Lana? That's right. And one other thing, God bless Jim McMullen. Yes. Yes. Yes. Agree. Yes. Was a was a wonderful teacher in the school system. Okay. Absolutely. Uh so, uh I it's weird that my two secretaries I had here are retiring at the same time at the same day, but whatever. Um I want to wish everybody the the amount of history here and and the thoughts that go through my mind and what you have given to this school district is very very special place and I feel I could say that
037because I've been in other places. what you have done and some of you I've worked with directly, some I haven't, some I've seen you in this capacity. Um, this place is, and I said it about Carrie, but I could say it about everybody. This place is better for having you and we were so blessed to be blessed by your presence for all the years that you were here, every one of you. And uh, I truly appreciate you and I wish you the best of luck in retirement. And you are always welcome back. Um, and this the best thing. So, I would hope you don't want to see Sarah Smith's presentation on cell phone banning. So, you are free. Please retire. Well, you can leave anyway, but please grab some cupcakes, some waters. Um, and uh
038see you at the retirement bar. [Music] It's up to you. Congratulations to you. Thank you. Thank you. [Music] so many years just walking out. [Music] Okay. All right. So uh the uh the next uh the next presentation is uh a presentation unfortunately we have to do um I I didn't like the timing of it but it is you know again something we have to do now because we have to get a policy in place um for the bell-to-bell cell phone policy. Uh let me let the board know both the elementary school and the middle school have already address they already have successful programs. They don't there's nothing that needs to be done. The policy as a it is as a board policy uh Sam Schneider is getting from Eerie Wosis. We'll wait uh waiting for
039that. That'll be a generic big policy. What you're about to hear is procedural from the high school level uh from Sarah. Uh you know, and uh it's again, you know, I don't dispute what the governor is doing. I I just the timeline's a little off. I I I'm not thrilled about it because we actually have to have this policy in place by August 1 and we have one board meeting between now and then. Um the other piece is some pieces with local control, but I don't want to get into that. I don't want to spoil this. So, I know you're waiting spoil weeks to do this. Sorry. You want me to help you move it back? Sorry. Okay. So, um completely different note, change of tone. Nothing like timing, but um I will actually Oops,
040Luke. Is it this one or I'm actually going to skip ahead just a tad in the interest of time. Um, and there are a few statistics that we can, you know, refer back to if need be. But just to kind of cut to the chase and get to the heart of the matter, um, this conversation, just so you know, like our trajectory at the high school, our path to get to where we are now, it pretty much started a tipping point for us was our sitebased team had a group read of the anxious generation by Jonathan Height. And that is teachers, parents and administrators. And we were talking about, you know, what are we seeing? What is their experience with cell phone use as parents? What are they seeing at home? What are we seeing
041in schools in school? And very interesting conversation about all things cell phone. You mental health aspect, um, addiction elements, you know, what we're doing to prevent everything under the sun. It was really rich and great discussion. And um then to bring you closer to today, the when the governor's bellto bell uh policy came out, we essentially have two options. Uh if you really kind of break it down to brass tax, the two options are one, you know, no show um and two yonder. and no show at the high school level is an option. But in my personal and professional opinion, that is a very big ask of a high school student to go from having access to your phone pretty much most of the time except for when it's in a pocket in a classroom
042um to it is in my bag but I can't use it. There's a muscle memory that has been developed for students, a habit if we want to think of it differently, an addiction. And I think the the if we went no show, I think that is a very uh unfair thing to ask of students that there would have to be some sort of intervention to help them with that. Um and that intervention is yonder. Uh so we have met with our sitebased team with our student association with coordinators uh and we all agree that yonder is the best way forward. Um in fact even students when we were talking with them about the idea of no show they said yeah no we can't do that. Uh so they were very honest about the limits of
043that. Um so what we are looking to bring in is uh Yonder and to partner with Yonder. And the way that it would work is um every student would have a pouch and this would be theirs. It would go home with them. It would come back with them. Of course, there's going to be days they forget it and we'll deal with that. That's not a big deal. We can adjust. But when the students come in in the morning, uh they put their cell phone in here and it is locked in here for the day. So ideally it is on silent so it's not ringing and they can't get to it. Uh but they put their phone in here and they go about their day. Um you don't need the magnetic device to lock it. You
044just close it and it locks. Um, and then they have their yonder pouch with their cell phone in it on their person in their backpack likely throughout the day. The reason that we were more comfortable with that is uh that avoids the anxiety of I don't have my phone. My phone's in the main office in a bucket that's collected or where is my phone? So, we thought this was the more studentfriendly way to go so that they have it on their person, they have control of it. Um and then at the end of the day after 9th period uh we will have unlocking devices where they unlock their cell phone on their way out on their way to sports and they can access their phone. Uh one important piece is that um pardon me sorry
045I'm not keeping up with my slides here. Um, one really important piece, um, because all of this is great in theory until it's not, right? So, um, it's very important to me and I would say also to the board when we spoke previously that our parents in a true emergency situation, our parents need to be able to get in touch with their kids. Period. Full stop. And vice versa. Kids need to be able to get in touch with their parents. So, it's very important to me that we have an unlocking device in every classroom in the event of an emergency. And an emergency is not I forgot my lunch and can I unlock my phone? You know, an emergency is, God forbid, a true school emergency. Um, and so every uh teacher will have an
046unlocking device in their classroom, for instance, in their desk or in a cabinet where they know where it is. our subs know where it is so that in the event of an emergency, yes, ideally communication is coming through one source, either me or Adam, but also parents are able to get in touch with their kids to ensure their safety. Um, so that that is an important addition that we do insist on and um other schools uh to the best of my knowledge don't have that, but for it to work for us in East Hampton that would be important. Um, in terms of the communication plan and where we go from here, as Adam said, the timeline was not is not ideal. Um, because, uh, you know, it's a busy time of year and to get
047to parents to explain everything behind this is a little tricky now. But nonetheless, we will try to sneak in a June meeting with parents definitely uh meetings and mailings over the summer so that they will be aware of this. Um in uh for our students, you know, our normal ways of communicating BBS, 9th grade orientation, class meetings, um all of that stuff will be happening in September and October thanks to our new uh partnership with Stonybrook. We are looking at the possibility of talking in uh parent presentations in September, healthy habits for back to school in September. Then maybe narrow that in terms of healthy habits for, you know, digital use. Um and then giving parents strategies at home, you know, that they can use um because as we said, you know, this solves the
048problem in school but maybe not necessarily globally for the student. Um and then I think the most important piece of this is this is going to be you know a transition for all of us. uh and I think the most important thing is that as we always do when there's a change in policy or there's a parent concern we are more than happy to meet with people as needed you know if they have individual concerns about this as we always do and I do think that with discussion we can come to you know uh something that you know the parent feels comfortable but also the students able to abide by our policy and procedure. So what's the first year cost? Uh $40,000. What is subsequent years? Subsequent years is the contract is uh 10,000 thereafter.
049So it's 40 40,000 initial start and then 10,000 for this the contract. Mhm. We budgeted that we had to put it in our budget. We we anticipated it. Well, Sarah anticipated it. was going to be there. So, what's our present policy? 50 the first year, but no subsequent uh except replacement except for if we have to sorry 50,000 for the first year, no subsequent fee except if we have to replace which we will have to do and uh but not to not to $10,000. The reason it's a bit more than what she originally said is we changed it because the individual the magnets in the class. Yeah, we put them in every classroom. What's our present policy? Our present policy is that when a student goes into the class, in fact, we have them right
050here. There's the shoe pocket that they have to put in when they're in academic spaces, but the belltoell policy requires no access throughout the full day, including study halls, lunch, the hallway. All right. Is this similar to what Sang Harour has it? Yes. Yep. Yeah, there's there ways around around it. There are, but that is true with everything. I will say, you know, with something like this there, we I I don't think we will have 100%, you know, adherence to this. There are ways around it like everything, but in globally there it should be an anomaly for a student to blatantly have their phone out in class. And so uh the the people we have spoken to and the reports that I have read is it does change the culture as a whole to be
051a cell phoneree zone. And it's interesting because one of our current students who is on student association, her sister is in Sag Harbor and her sister said, you know, we are actually like talking to each other in the cafeteria. And uh our student said, I I'm excited for that. In fact, many of our student association kids were looking forward to that piece of it. Um the social element of it. And what about our staff? Our staff is supportive of Well, do they have to lock? They don't have to lock it, but uh they will absolutely have to have their cell phones away um and out of sight while they are with students. So, um for instance, they have to adhere to the same policy, but they don't lock theirs up. They just have to have
052their phone out of sight away. And that's true for, you know, we were saying as administrators, we're constantly texting each other. We have to we have to move away from that and rely on the radios. Like I will no longer be walking down the, you know, the hallway and have my cell phone on me. All right. So a parent wants needs to talk to her kids. So they call they call the main office. And that's actually Thank you. a great point in terms of we'll continue to um put out the numbers in the main office in guidance that they can call the nurse's office um which we were just talking with our clerical today that is going to be an influx you know in terms of phone calls that used to be text between the
053parent and the child now those calls are going to come to the main office so certainly an adjustment there burden there it's going to be a So, is it going to be hot? They can if they say they want to talk to their kid and they don't want to say why, is that okay? Well, we would absolutely get the student down and make sure that they're able to have that communication. Of course. Yeah. Didn't you mention when we did the preview that there was a table at near the office where the kids were going to have access to a phone to call out, but obviously they're going to be monitored by them. Yep. And so, we have to add Everybody forgets their cleats once in a while, you know. Exactly. And I think that's going
054to be the trickiest part of it, like you know, like families now, you can do everything on the fly and throughout the day. Um, and just that planning before they leave. And of course, as always, you know, when people forget things or things come up, just reminding people of those phone numbers. And yes, adding phones that students can call out. And they also, you know, our social workers, our guidance, our clerical, you know, happy to help students with those phone calls. Yeah. Does this apply just to high school or all schools? Uh, so at the um elementary and middle school, I believe their cell phone pol the belltoell applies to all schools, but it's just we have had, you know, cell phone use essentially over the past 5 10 years. And so at the high
055school level because we haven't done no show for that time, we it's more of an adjustment. I got rid of no show when I was principal cuz no show didn't work. We were suspending kids like ridiculous amounts. Not because of the cell phone because the governor will not let us discipline kids for phone possession. It was because when the show the kids showed the phone, it resulted in a confrontation with an adult that thus being an insubordination. Therefore, suspension, usually suspension out of school. So, I I got rid of it and said, "Okay, let's let's take a new approach. Let's do something different. Let's let the kids have them in the hallways in common spaces and free periods." And I think we'll see a significant decrease in suspensions, which we did. Necessary discipline. Yes. We
056just got every kid addicted to cell phone stuff. So, I mean, on the other hand, I think I guess it worked. You know, you know, Sarah, I have I have a question. So what about with So those would have to go in the pouch as well because they have access to everything on there, right? You know, so those would go in the pouches as well, those can be mounted on the walls in every classroom also. I've seen some videos for schools where the kids are walking hitting it on the way out because my main concern and my main opposition to which I've been very opposed to us the entire time. I love Charlie's no show but also the education piece um because technology is here to stay and we're going to have to teach these
057kids this is going to be part of their lives forever. So I love that at the middle school level we're delving deeper into that. But if we have to have this having those and having every student have access to it in an emergency very quickly. Um because you did show us how quickly you can use that to open it. Mhm. Um but I would suggest that maybe we have them on the walls, not in a teacher locked away in a teacher's desk. Because yeah, obviously somewhere that the teacher can see. The kids aren't going to get up in the middle and you know go unlock it. Um, but they need to have access to it very quickly in an emergency. So, yeah, absolutely. So, we're still working out like how where everything is going to
058go. The ones in the front will likely be on wheels that we can wheel in and out. Where do they need to be in sports? Do we need to open up a second exit at the end of the day? So, you know, is there going to be a ton of uh, you know, backup at our exits? So, abs, absolutely hear you on that. So I will keep you posted as those logistics of it come together. It's a learning curve learning curve for everybody. And more access is better than less and that that's a great idea rolling them in on the cart so that you can have them but at the end of the day you can because that's going to be a bottleneck getting everybody out of the school at the end of the day.
059Yeah. Sack Harbor. I mean it's obviously distinctly different sizewise. You know a building of a thousand. I will tell you Cold Spring Harbor had it much larger school. everything Sarah has said exactly is what their experience has been. You know, um not 100% compliance, but better compliance than was before. Um but obviously you'll figure out the exits, the exodus, uh in the class. Kids are actually excited about it because the thing that's obviously quite different from the high school than the middle and the elementary, I mean, these kids are driving themselves. These kids are, you know, it's it's a different age group. So where you know I mean phones are obviously more prevalent in that group but the kids we've talked to and it has been a different group of kids um they seem excited
060because again something that's hard in all of the schools is peer pressure and so many many times the kids don't want to be the ones that are saying I'm not going to use my phone but when we're taking that away that we did um a day without cell phones and the kids were we saw what Carver was excited about when the kids were talking like our cafeteria was loud again and the kids were talking and that was really nice to see and so I think like again asking them to no show for this this age group is difficult because they've known it for so long in so many different capacities. But for us saying everybody's doing it that almost takes that pressure away from them. And I I think that they're going to lean on
061to that and is it is everyone going to do that? Of course not. But I think a lot of the kids are really going to be appreciative that that pressure for them to be the one to know and you know is going to be sneaken away. And so I think we're excited about the kids actually talking to each other and eye contact. I got a question. At what age do do kids get cell phones? It depends. Karen, you got eight. You all have them, but kindergarten kids. Fourth grade typically where smartwatches Karen and and Charlie, what are your biggest problems with cell phones? Charlie doesn't have it. Yeah, Charlie has a great policy. We have no cell phone issue. We do have students who wear their smartwatches and so teachers are often asking them to
062put you know put them away. Um but we have no no phones at all at John Marshall and John we've had it for so long it's just a part of the fabric of the school. It's now 12 years and we have Karen Crowley as you heard. So but that's a big part of it but that's a big that's also a really big part and you know and to force I don't know up to the high school you know we all have different opinions and I I don't like the way they did it. I don't like the way it was sort of rolled out and forced um with an expense generally speaking because they know they know in high school you're going to have this right it's another you know not it's not funed and and
063we're stuck with it and it's not a one-sizefits-all thing and I know and I listen I applaud you guys you're stuck with a a mandate that that you have to deal with and you guys handled it very very well but at the same time if we're not ready by August 1st I mean I I got to tell you you're not going to get any push back from me because you what give us the ample amount of time. Let's do it properly. You know, if this is not if this is not something that's feasible, we we'll back up a second and let's roll it out properly. Do it right. You know, thank thankfully you budgeted for it. But suppose in the district that somebody forgot, didn't think about it, and then you got to spend 50
064or 100 grand on something that doesn't teach. I mean, it's teaching people something. Yes. But as soon as they walk out the door, you know, let's call them a senior, and they walk out the door, their their anxiety will go, which I can leave my phone home, you know, it rings as I'm sitting going like this. I'm going, you know, because it's always you have to check it. And it's unfortunate I'm not studying and, you know, trying to get into a college and doing all those other things that they're doing. But it's it's a little tough, you know. I just it just it's unnecessary to make it like put your foot on the gas all of a sudden, you know, here we are in 2025 and you have to do this right now. you know,
065it's like okay and it doesn't solve the problem which is outside of school and correct children to help inside of school. Yeah. Well, let's hope that this means that you know test scores are going up and you know kids are learning more and paying attention and they talk more. I'm all for that. I think I think that's something that's absolutely will engage more which is huge. Um and uh I think will be a benefit across the board, not just academically but socially. Um and maybe that will spill over into after school, you know, uh who knows. So um uh so you know, we will move forward. We wanted to have this conversation and then we'll move forward. Um and of course uh keep you posted as you know, as it unfolds and logistics come together.
066Thank you. Thanks for listening to us in the process. Anybody want to try to Is there any news of the schools that you guys want to report? Just anything that you want to talk about? Yes, I do. Go ahead. Just a couple things. Good. Um, just last night, Ava Tinto was received an all-American scholar. Who can ava at the last night's lacrosse uh award ceremony? She was what? All academic. Academic allameric. [Music] Charlie winners school. He's playing with me. My phone is now locked. Your phone is locked. It's locked. Funny. I don't think it could stay that for one day as well just to see what the kids are going through. So we last Wednesday uh night we had our national junior honor society induction which was really great. But Karen uh Crowley and Nick
067Fazo moderate that club. We inducted 53 kids which was really fantastic. Um 53 eighth graders. And then tomorrow night we have our awards evening which is by invitation only. We have about 64 eighth graders coming and 28 6th and 7th graders. So it's similar to like the scholarship they do. Yeah, exactly. Um and that's tomorrow evening. We'll probably have about 350 people in the end um attend that. That's always very well attended. And then to Sy's question, two Wednesdays from then we will have on the 25th 25th 25th I think. Check it. But it's that last week of school Wednesday, not Thursday. Wednesday always Wednesday. Always Wednesday. Um 10. Exactly. So 7:00. Y on the front lawn because it will not be raining. Nope. Nope. Charlie. Okay. Exactly. So, before we move on to the
068rest of our um business, I just wanted to say two things. One, thank the residents and taxpayers of East Hampton for supporting our budget and our kids in the last election. Thank all the board we sort of talked about. There's been a there's a gap between the two meetings. So, sometimes you kind of get lost in in the translation. But secondly, uh Justine Lemonius, uh this would have been her last meeting. She couldn't come tonight, but wanted to thank Justin for her service to the board. She did a little over three terms. So, three uh was it an extra year? Three years. Three years. Three years. Three years and then one extra extra year. Okay. So, for Thank you for that. And you know, the board appreciates it. And um you know, I don't know
069if anybody else has anything they want to add to it, but we have a new and our new member. And our new member. Yes. Let me hear. You don't have to stand up. You're we'll put the spot on light on you next month. Next meeting. Um and our next meeting is in July for our reorg. So, we've got a little time in between the two and just wanted to mention those two things and and thank um both sides on that. Yeah. And you know, I'm very proud of being a member of this whole school system. It's great for all that we do, the staff, the parents, the kids, but uh and and it's good to know that I mean the seven of us board members, we're all managed to to to deal with all our
070difference of opinions and then still yet and I really appreciate uh everybody's participation. Agreed. Yes. Welcome, John. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Um, that brings us to public comment. Do we have anybody here that has a public comment? Come come out to the podium. Can you just state your name when you come up? Sure. Marissa. Yes. Thank you for having me. Um, I appreciate your patience because I need to convey something um that uh maybe nobody here understands, but I do on behalf of myself and other moms of girls uh who are in middle school or maybe high school and have been to a school that has a dress code policy. So, um, my daughter has been dresscoded three times for, um, outfits that were apparently considered extremely brief. I'm going to show you two
071of those shirts. They showed between a half inch and an inch of belly skin. Here's one, extremely brief. Here's the other one. And the other one has been donated but was also extremely brief in this manner. Sorry, which building age? The middle school. And I just want to add that I'm a big fan of the middle school. I very much like the administrators. I very much like the teachers. We've all in all had a good experience. This is not a good experience. Um, it's gotten to the point where several mornings, two, three mornings, I can't get her to school. She's crying hysterically. I have nothing to wear. We're spending 40 minutes trying to find outfits. I'm late for work. She's late to school twice. I wasn't even able to get her out the door. Crying
072hysterically. I hate it there. They control me. I'm being terrorized. Terrorized. So, I looked at the dress code. But I saw that it said extremely brief. I talked to three staff members whom I adore at the school and each of them said basically the same thing. They said essentially you kind of need a second wardrobe for school. And I said, "Well, A, that's called the tax on women. B, I don't have that money, but C, I'll give it a try." You know? So I sent her with my mom to TJ Maxx. She calls from TJ. She's like, "There's nothing here. It's there's nothing cute." And and I'm sorry, but a woman, a human is allowed to want to look cute. It's allowed to want to feel good in their body and in their clothes. So
073I say, "Okay, fine. We'll get you stuff online. It probably won't fit. I'll probably have to return it. I probably won't have time to return it, but you know, we'll do it anyway." So I go on to nordstrom.com, right? A classy place, you think. I look up shorts for girls. Literally, out of like the first three pages, there were two pairs of shorts that were long enough and they looked like they were for 10 year olds. She's not 10. So then I go to zara.com and I look up shorts for girls and I'm like, "Oh, guess what, daughter? Great news. I found shorts for you." And then I click on it and do you know what they're called? Mom shorts. They're called mom shorts. And then I find another pair and I was like, "These
074are ripped cuff. These are great. You're going to look like Miley Cyrus. And then I click on it and do you know what they're called? Excuse me, Ford President. I'm just letting you aware it's been past 3 minutes. Thank Thank you. They're called ripped cuff mom shorts. Okay. So then we go to New York City and then we're shopping in New York City and that's like an ant farm for tween girls who are all wearing miniskirts. My son is balling while from the craziness of the whole event. And I bring her into the dressing room and it's like this. This shirt shows belly. This shirt shows chest. This shirt shows bra. Okay, fine. I just won't wear a bra. Okay, fine. Then you can't run around. You just gota you just got to stay there.
075You just got to stay there and you can't move because you can't wear a bra because everything you wear a bra strap is going to show. And the thing is that she has developed some lovely special precious curves. And frankly, the style of jeans are baggy and t-shirts don't look good on her. It's just with baggy jeans. It's just not flattering. It's not fair to I don't want I don't want to cut you off. I just have you talked to the the school administrators. Have you where what process have you gone through just so because you're at the board level where you know we're a couple kind of missed up couple steps I think in my opinion in between and if you I would say am I correct on that? Yeah. I mean building have
076you talked to him? That's a really fair question. Okay. Here's the process. And again, I really really strongly in my heart have known Dr. Zoriano for a long time and I really have a lot of affection. Um, I've talked to two teachers to get their opinions, acquaintances of mine. I talked to an assistant in the administration. I have had several occasions in the past to um where I have reached out with concerns including bullying concerns etc. Okay to we have so I got your true but so why don't you make an appointment with Dr. Seriano speak with them talk to you know Mr. from and you know there's a there's a process before it gets cuz like I understand what you're talking about but at the same time um I'm not sure what the forum
077for it that's all. So the problem is that I don't know who to talk to because in because in the past when I brought concerns to Dr. Soraniano I don't think that he really wants to address them. Okay. Well I'd redirect you back to Dr. Soraniano and if that doesn't if you don't get what you need then I would say Mr. Mr. Are you next or is it Mr. Yeah, listen there's a process. So I just would just redirect you to Dr. Soriano and start there. That would be the best thing to do. And then how do I proceed with Dr. Soraniano and make an appointment with him? We he'd have to go to him with your concerns and and set him an appointment. Be receptive when I email of course. I mean I would
078because I haven't felt that in the past. But you're just saying you have a lot of affection for me and everything is good. So I don't understand. The thing is is this is the first I'm hearing about this that in the middle school this is really not appropriate to do this. I think stick at the policy level. The board has a policy. We follow the policy of the board. It's in the code of conduct and that the nurse is the point of contact and has always been. It was Barbara Tracy before. Now it's Amy Ren for good. And that is the point of contact for dress code issues. And then if there were anything that would escalate from there, I would be the person to take it. But yeah, and also I don't have an
079assistant. So I'm sure he's the only administrator in the building. Yeah. I'm the only administrator in the building. He's the he's the one. So I would just recommend you make an appointment to talk to talk to Dr. Surano and you should be able to go from there. And from that and there is a dress code and the dress code could be wrong. I mean I bet you think the dress code is wrong. Could be right. Well, that's something that that we might address. But the first thing I believe the right thing to do is to is to go through the chain of command and make sure that that maybe the the maybe can all be fixed in the school itself rather not the whole school system. All right? Maybe it's just an issue at at
080the middle school and maybe you can address it. So communicate and then if there are issues I'm sure we we'd be willing to address them. Yeah, that would be a but this is we can't we can't we can't discuss that for that. We're just not we're just not able to comment and we can't talk about personnel. There's things we can't talk about in public like that. So what I would suggest just make an appointment with Dr. Suraniano, talk to him and go from there. That would be the the the first place and the appropriate place to go. Okay. I'm very grateful in advance that you're going to be receptive enough to of course. Yeah. Great. Thank you. Thank you. But there is a policy, so you have to be prepared to hear the policy from
081the policy. Right. Well, I've never heard any other complaint. Listen, when you stood up, literally the only complaint I've heard, and I've been we've been I've been here 12 years. She's been longer. S's been longer. John's been longer than all of us. So, this is news to all of us. So, and that's why I'm bringing it to your attention because I would venture to say that most people, most moms are not brave enough to stand up here and tell this story. That could be that could be but if there's a policy, there's a policy and it doesn't mean that everybody likes a policy, but that's a policy for everybody. Totally. Which is why I'm asking to re-examine. Well, that's where that's the appropriate place to start with Dr. Surion. It's his it's his building. He's
082the one that that you know runs that building. He'll come to us and we'll go from we'll go from there. We'll work with every is it the middle school policy or the polic so each the board does general policy from there that that sets the tone for everything. Then at the schools the schools adapt the policy procedurally and at a regulation level kind of like just what you heard about the cell phones board will do a big generic cell phone policy then in each building we'll have different specific guidelines but it all comes from the board policy. So for example you would meet with Dr. Soraniano hopefully you can resolve it and we you get an understanding and it's it's fine. If not, you go to the next level which you come up to see
083the assistant superintendent or myself. We talk about it if there's a real policy issue here and that it comes to light to us. And again, I I was at the high school that we we had the high school dress code was there's different procedures in place there. But if there is a policy issue and it comes to our attention that it is something at the board level, the board then has a policy committee that meets and discusses their policies. And that would be it. It's just a drawn out. It's a process. It's a process for a reason because the policies are pretty, you know, they're pretty tight. We we work with other school districts, uh, OC's, OC's, New York State School Boards. So, that policy manual is pretty the board has to change that by
084voting to change that. So, doing it at the building level kind of is, but we wouldn't do it without Dr. Sorino's recommendation. Anyway, we have no issue. and not based on parents experience because I've got to be honest. I've had I've heard from over the years over the 13 years I've actually heard the opposite from parents. In fact, a number of years ago during Rich's term, we had a number of parents come to us and ask for it to be stricter. Yes. Um yeah, I don't know if Well, that's at the high school. The high school was made extremely extremely strict with a ruler and I dialed that back. Uh that was over the top there. Um, but we dial back and then we kind of found that common ground. But I mean, you know,
085at the high school, high school is a different level, different level of child and and whatnot. And the boys do kind of I think more of the band stuff, too. Some of the stuff stuff that's written on their shirts. But, um, but I think, you know, I think meeting with Dr. Soran is the first thing. If you don't like that, I will gladly take a meeting with you with with Mr. Trump to talk about it and whatnot. And I'll show you the policies and how it's developed and hopefully. But but just to clarify, we don't have a different policy. We only have the board policy. So we do not have anything different in our handbook except what the board created in their policy manual word for word. We don't do anything different. Um so what
086you've read and what I'm sure the nurses referred to you um is from the board manual. That is not it's within the middle school handbook, but it is taken from the board code of conduct. It's not our version. Okay. Correct. Please. Okay. Well, I thank you all for your time and I hope I cracked open a little bit of um possibility for flexibility. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else have a public comment? Do you have anybody for a public comment? We have no callers on the line at this time. Okay. Going to move on to the uh consent agenda. I have a motion to accept the consent agenda. I'll make a motion. Second. Second. All in favor? Any opposed? Move on to the superintendent report recommendations. Second here. Realign myself. All
087right. Number one. Yeah. So, summer schools. So, resolving the board approve the following summer school program staff effective July 7th, 2025 for the 202526 school year. Can I have a motion? Make a motion. Second. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Number two. um recommend that the board approve the appointments for the summer school bus drivers, transportation, par profofessionals, substitute custodians, and bus cleaners on an as needed basis for the summer session effective June 30th, 2025 through September 1st, 2025. Can I have a motion? I'll make a motion. Second discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Number three, recommend the board approve the memorandum agreement between the Eastampton Union Pree School District and the East Hampton Teachers Association regarding amendments the EHTA contract uh pertaining military leave salary differential. Can I have a motion?
088I'll second. Second. Any discussion? Yeah, that was it's with an employee who's active uh military and uh we entered into an agreement as she was summoned upstate. so uh to help out this year and now she's at at training. So uh the ourselves and the EHTA came to an agreement and doing right by the uh employee and our military service. Good. All in favor? Any opposed? Number four, recommend the board approve the contracts for 2024 25 school year. I have a motion. I'll make a motion. Second. I'll second. Any discussion? Yeah, Colette is uh we extended Colette's contract. Uh she's agreed to stay uh another year. That's great. That's good for the district. Thank you for that. I hope you stay. All in favor? Any opposed? Number five. Uh recommend that the the board approve
089the uh third addendum to the employee agreement between the board of education and Adam S. Fine, superintendent of schools. I have a motion. Make a motion. Second. Any discussion? Adam, thanks for staying. Thank you, Adam. Thank you. Adding on. Thank you. We're in good hands. All in favor? Any opposed? Number six, recommend the board approve uh James Pis, district treasurer to be sorry, Jamie. I have my glasses. I got I think I'm have to get new ones. They're not strong enough anymore. district treasures and uh to be authorized signatory on the high school extra uh classroom activity account, also known as the east high school student association account and the middle school school extra classroom activity account uh for the 202425 school year. Can I have a motion? Make a motion. Second. A second. Any
090discussion? Thank you. All in favor? I any opposed? Number seven, recommend that the board approve the end of school year funding uh of school district reserves allowable by law using the fund balance in order to save money and plan expenses in the future fiscal year. Do I have a motion? I'll make a motion. Second. I'll second. Any discussion? So, this is you're just making a motion that is allowing us to legitimately put the leftover money into these reserves. sometime I believe in the fall Sam and Jamie will give you actual amounts and you'll decide where they amount. Good. All in favor? I I Any opposed? Uh number eight, recommended the board approve the tax anticipation note resolution for the East and Union Free School District authorizing the insurance uh insurance of a not to exceed
091$20 million tax anticipation note of the receipt of taxes to be levied for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2026. I have a motion. I'll make a motion. Second discussion. So this is our normal TAN borrowing obviously because we don't get our taxes to pay our employees until the first of the new year. So, we obviously have to take TANS out. Uh, we do pay interest, but Sam budgets for the interest we pay on the TANS. He did take a higher TAN this year. I think we took 16 million last year. Um, he anticipates needing more cash on hand due to some of the things we're doing in the district. But again, it's a far we get the money back. Yeah, we have a actually like look at that. It cost districts and taxpayers money.
092So much money. Well, especially with the interest rates going up and then thank goodness we've got a AAA rating so that helps us get a lower rate. Yes. Correct. But we still have to borrow. It cost us something. Yes. All right. All in favor? Any opposed? Number eight. Recommend the board approve the budget transfers for the 202425 school year. I have a motion. I'll make the motion. Second. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? Uh any opposed? New business. We we kind of covered everything, right? From Oh, businesses. Can we talk about um the lovely facility out back now? Oh, the patio. Well, the patio first of all. Yeah, we have opening for that. But even our grounds department. I mean, that really looks nice. It's very cleaned up. They have running water. Great job back
093there. And there's a bathroom there. No, they have a bathroom now. They actually work. We'll take you on a tour. I know we keep forgetting it graduation and everything like that. So, uh to be a priority that's another thing you mentioned the automotive graduation last week was phenomenal. First class to graduate. Um thank you to everybody that made that happen. That's a that was a long that was basically 10 years I think in motion. The first class to graduate which is pretty monumental when you look at it and if you saw the kids how excited they were their um achievements going forward the the doors that have been open for them and they're happy they like it. They enjoyed it. Some will use it, some will, you know, some will use it professionally, some will
094use it personally, and I think they really got something great out of it. So, it was it was a really wonderful ceremony to see all the the graduates go up and with their tassels on and the um John speaking. It was just wonderful. And then the culinary department made a wonderful lunch. The culinary department was really cooking last week. I had to leave early for that part of it. But I did see it. It was fantastic. They even did the little cookies with the trucks, the representatives from Boseies that we've developed with the high schools maintained it. I mean, they are so they they they could not I think Jill, Liam, Sarah, I mean, they are so impressed with, you know, the not just the facilities, which you know, are great, but they're so impressed
095with the dedication and they are very happy to help us, you know, kind of finetune these programs. Thank you for impressing them, but also for our kids. And but you guys put it all together. Like it was our idea. We got it going kind of. But you know, you guys put it together and had to make it happen and and you did and did a great job. And just finding the teachers for these things that I mean that was really a letting it out and and the kids the relationship that you that the kids speak how they speak about their teachers and the staff is really something else. It's proud. Proud to be a moniker. Exactly. Exactly. It's a wonderful program. Which brings us to our second public comment. Anybody have a public comment in
096the audience? How about LTV? We have no callers on the line. Terrific. Thank you. Uh board committee meetings in June. We've got academic on the 17th. Personnel I'm sorry, uh personnel and academic on the 17th at 1 and 2 p.m. Then policy on the 18th at 9:00 a.m. The retirement is on the 18th. Yes, which is why we moved the academic to the 17 on my calendar at home. 99% the other way we'll switch it back and then we'll announce that but we did move it for that very reason. That's right. Right. Okay, that's it. Um have a motion to adjurnn. I move we move second. All in favor? Hi. Thank you very