SCSD Board of Education Meeting, 01-07-26

001To 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. cell phones. Thank you. Far from the first on the agenda tonight is the PTA update here. Um for anybody who doesn't know me, PCA president, uh we have had a busy month or so since I saw you guys last. Um, so Otis fundraiser pickup went very well. It's the smoothest we've had in a long time. We raised about $14,000 for the PTA. Uh, spirit store, we did a sweatpants order that was very well received, but it was a little late coming in, so we're still working on getting those out. We also did a winter hat fundraiser type thing. So, that was kind of a low key because

002they came in really late. So, we're hoping to do those again. Um, we did order spirit shirts this year early. Um, for all of the fifth graders that did not get an order in, PTA paid for those shirts so that they uh can get their special shirt and they'll have their names on the back of them. Um, holiday shop was a big success. This is the first year that we reached out to the community and parents for um donations for Santa Bucks. So, if you don't know what they are, Santa Bucks um is money that we provide have provided in the past for kids who don't who come with no money to shop. Um so, we just kind of we didn't know how much to expect, so we put it at the 300 and the

003community blew it out of the water and gave us a little over $400 for that. So, we're able to give a little bit more to the kids that didn't have money. Plus, we did have leftover money. about I think it was about 150 to 175 that were we voted on to the donate to the backpack program. So that will be going there. So if you donated, thank you very much. The kids really appreciated it and so does the PTA. Um we did purchase new equipment. Um it's been a while. It's been a while coming. But we bought a new printer just for PTA use. And then we also bought a collapsible wagon to help with carting stuff around. Uh we have a global event going on at the um elementary school next Thursday. We're kind

004of excited about this and I hope the kids are too. Um so I'm hoping it'll go over well. If it does, we could do more in the future. So stay tuned for that. Um PTA is putting together a basket um with a bunch of cards from the kids for Officer Lions for a send off because he is retiring this week, I believe. So I'm going to be receiving that. Um, still working on organizing the fun family fun that we're going to be do. Excuse me. Our first one will be family Zumba with Kira Hair down in the elementary. We just have to set a date for that. Um, PTA provided holiday survival bags to all teachers and staff in the schools at the right before break. And we have currently an under aderondex under hockey

005fundraiser going on. More information will be coming out about that, but the game will be March 18th, I believe. Um, and we're just we're hoping to sell the tickets and that it's a different kind of fundraiser that everybody can look forward to. That is all I have. Any questions? >> Questions? >> Any of your [clears throat] Okay. Next on our agenda is the athletic director, Mr. Kenny, about our athletic program review. you mind seat here? >> Sure. >> Um, first of all, thank you for having me tonight. I'll just start just give you an update on the program from the fall up to where we are now. Um, all of our fall sports teams qualified for section play, boys soccer, girls soccer, volleyball, football, golf, and cross country. In golf, we had Tai Morris make

006it to the state qualifier round um this year. varsity volleyball, they won the Waser League for the fourth straight year. Tim Oliver in cross country, he was the uh the Waser League champion. Um girls soccer, they repeat repeated as sectional and regional champions in class C. Um they defeated Tuo by the score of 10, one zero to win their third state championship in nine years since 2017. They've won five sectional titles, five regional titles, and three out of five um state championship title games. Unified Botchi. Um this is the second year that we've had Unified Botchi. Um we've been doing it as a club team. Next year we are looking to move into playing in uh the league that the the section has. Um and we did it as a again as a um club

007team. We had 10 students participate. We used the courts down at the internal the fraternal society in Mechanical. Paul Fesa um gave us access to the courts and um let us use them um you know anytime that we wanted to go down there with this year. We did have um matches set up with the kids. We they went against teachers. They went against the uh the cafeteria staff and then we did do one competition against water for half moon who has a team as well. So next year when we um move on to the league we'll be playing against uh other other schools. But uh you know the kids really enjoyed it. the adults that went down and played against them. You can see they enjoyed playing against the kids and it was a a

008good experience for everybody. So this year we will have three unified teams. We have the the botchi, we have the um bowling which is going to be starting in a few weeks at the end of the month and then also we have the unified basketball. Next with um for the fall to we had um some of our teams they qualified as scholar athlete teams. In order to do that, you have to have 75% of your roster at least [clears throat] 90% or above. We had volleyball with a 96.2, football with a 91.1, girls soccer with a 98.89, boys soccer with a 92.28, and then golf with a 94.11. We also had 52 individuals um that qualified as scholar athletes. And again, with that, you have to have a 90 average or above. So, you know,

009with that, it shows that our that our sports teams are doing well on the field as well as in the uh the classroom. Looking at our fall numbers, um our bets number, in which I have another page, you'll see that over the last several years, it has been dropping, getting lower. Um girls soccer, we had 15 on varsity, 13 on JB, 11 on our modified team. Boys soccer, um actually our numbers were were better this year. We had 15 on varsity. Um, we haven't put a JV team out since 2019. Um, but our our modified level, we did have 19 kids participating this year. Football, we had 33. I believe I had that that number correct at the the JV and varsity level. Um, we did start out with a JV, but due to some

010injuries and um, you know, a couple kids deciding to not play anymore. We didn't finish our JB season. Um, we had 22 kids at the start of the season for modified football cross country. We had one athlete at the varsity. We had four at the the modified volleyball. We had 14 at the varsity, 14 at the JV, 20 at the modified. And then golf, we were at 16. And cheerleading, we were we were at eight. And um you know this so far this year and the last couple years this year though with the fall and with the winter season I believe with all these things we haven't had any cuts and that's due to the fact with our our numbers are getting a little bit bit lower at the moment. We are going in a

011dip and as you'll see in a few minutes we are we will have an uptick again in a few years but um with the winter numbers boys basketball we're at 14 12 and 24. We do have two teams, modified teams with boys basketball. Girls basketball, we have nine on varsity, eight on the um JV, eight on the modified um indoor track, we're at 19 for both the boys and the girls. Wrestling just still water kids, we have 19. Um 19 boys, we have four girls wrestling. Only we have um 13 athletes. cheerleading we have eight and six varsity and the JB alpine schema combined number with mechanic builder we have eight and then unified bowling at the current we have um eight students signed up for unified bowling and then the next part I have

012there for you is the just so you you have to see how we've been rotating through uniforms to make sure that everybody's up to date on uniforms and I have it from 2017 18 up to the present uh in next year we'll be looking at school year we'll be looking at replacing modified boys and girls basketball modified baseball and then lacrosse that's where we stand with with uniforms um just a quick thing the athletics page on the website any information you want to have it's all there um all the information just right there sports signups that's all all easy access on our website all of our coaches are up to date with their their certifications all of our coaches that we have do have the power certification in order to coach. Um, all of our

013AEDs in the district this past year, last year, we we updated them throughout the district and the athletic department for our fall and winter season. We do have individual for those sports because a lot of them are outside. So, we have, you know, updated um, AES for them. They're all functioning properly. We do check them monthly to make sure the batter is working correctly and the pads and everything is is in proper working order. Just a quick thing um and thank you to the community for passing the building project. We will have work starting hopefully this spring or the beginning of summer with the uh the new fields out back. You one thing that we're going to have to work with that if it starts in in June, hopefully that's the plan. um it'll affect

014the fall season where we won't have those fields in the back. So, we'll be down to one soccer field um which we'll have to do some adjustments to the schedule. And then also with practices, the teams are going to have to be really flexible because we lose that whole space where at times we have three or four soccer teams practicing out back there. We won't have that for the fall season. So, we'll have to make some adjustments for that. That may mean potentially, I don't know if it can be done with the Legion deal down there. you may have to, you know, get some soccer goals down there, you know, have some continuous practice down there and some space down there as well. Um, we do have a chap secure for our home varsity and

015JB boys baseball games. U modified certain a later when the weather's a little bit better and last year we had a, you know, we got most of them in at the the Legion Field. Um, but our varsity JB will be over in chapro for our home games in baseball. And then the next page I have is just a copy of our our beds number which determines our classification from I have it from 201819 and I have it projected out till 203031. back in 201819 we were at 246 and as you can see over those years except with a a dip in the middle there um you know we've been increasingly going or decreasingly steadily where this year we're at 212 next year we're at 207 and then projected out for the 2728 we will be

016at 198 um for our events which still keeps us as a class C school for all of our sports um with the exception football that currently they're in the class D. And then if you look at it the projection, you'll see that it does start an uptick with our uptick with our current sixth grade, uh, fifth grade, fourth grade. You can see down below the current enrollment. We are going to have an uptick in our in our, uh, beds number again, our classification. So, we'll go back up to 207 and then um 222 and then we'll be back up to 262 which at that point, you know, the state does adjust numbers, but that could put our sports teams back into class B again um instead of class C and it could vary from each

017store. But you know we we are in a down slope in our enrollment and um you know with with those numbers you can look at it. You can see if you look at the fall from 202122 we had 274 kids participating in the fall and you look at instead of went down this year we have 228. And the same thing with uh you know the winter we were 182 then 213 205 205 and this year we're at we're at um 178 and then with the spring and the spring is a little bit skewed because the I have the year 2122 that's where we were coming out of out of COVID we were down to 161 and um then it goes up to 214 211 then down to 184 and I anticipate that our numbers this

018year for the spring will probably be down a little bit again based on our our enrollment. Um, you know, and all of our teams the last couple years, you know, have been struggling and that's based on, you know, decline enrollment. But with that uptick, you know, we should see that rise again in the, you know, the next couple few years down the road. Um, you have any questions or anything other than this? Or >> what's the threshold? Like do you know the number off the top of your head what that threshold is for the beds? I was just curious. >> You said um with us with the increasing numbers for the future, we could potentially go back up to B. Is that like a single number? >> Right now currently like if we did girls

019basketball I believe the number is 225 I think it is. That would put you up into the bees. >> So it varies. >> Yeah. If you get up to 262 definitely probably be a smaller. >> Okay. just >> but I couldn't find out. >> That's okay. I was just >> um a question on the football numbers for varsity. You said that you had 33 members. How many of the players were from Spock Catholic and how many still are >> the the varsity? I believe it was seven or eight this year. >> And then how many are graduating for football? you know >> so that next year if you want to talk about football with if we stay status quo with sore spot Catholic and coach can correct me on this number we should be somewhere

020around depending on if kids show up anywhere between 29 28 30 kids somewhere around there based on if kids come back if a couple more jump So those >> that number what's that >> of those 33 kids 78 of them were spot Catholic kids >> spot Catholic would be >> seven3 yes >> Joe can you what is the projected timeline for that finishing up that deal they start this spring >> falls that long. >> I had just one other question for any of the teams that don't feel the JV team. If you do have kids that are in that kind of age group, are they able to play? Like would they play up at that point? with our ninth graders, what we've done that like with boys soccer, we had three ninth graders that chose

021to go down and play on the modified because we can go to the league and say, "Hey, we we're not having a JV." And we have some ninth graders, you guys all agreed, can these guys come down and play on the modified? We have three to three students do that this year. >> So, there is that that possibility that you can do that. >> Okay. In a lot of the schools in our league, just about everybody is having some ninth graders play down. Any more questions? >> We have a knife. >> No, I was just going to add what you were asking about the way that he was done. New York State changed the classification a few years ago to uh try to balance out the divisions. years ago it was ABC D then it

022went 2 A you know 2 A A now it's AAA double A B C D and obviously each sports different you know football's different than girls basketball so the classifications New York State tried to change that to balance out some of the division so there wasn't you know a lack of class C or D schools that's why that that was the intention a few years ago so that that could potentially change again the numbers could change and that's why you see schools going back and forth from we were B in basketball to C in you know in other sports. So that's what happened. The one year we were D in football and B in basketball. So and then all the other sports were the boys were a B and then everybody else was a C.

023It depends on how many how many teams across the state are playing that sport where the number cut offs are. >> Okay. >> That's okay. >> All right. That sounds like a rabbit hole that we don't need to get into right now. >> I have one more question. So your projection for next year with what losing the seniors and what we're going to have and what we figured Catholic we'll bring to the table looking around 33 again. So safe to say we're in jeopardy of having a JV team >> in order to the number that you really want to have for JB. the smallest number probably about 34 34 to 36 and then I mean we've had a years we were there where we started out with the JB and then injuries come in again

024and then you know you end up not being able to finish the season but I mean you really need the the number the lowest number I would say would be 34 and once you get below that number it does get difficult to to feel >> thank you >> do you know how many modified football players are giving up from the eighth grade through this year for next year >> based on in rosters change from the beginning of the season compared to the end of the season. Um the calculation I would have would be roughly about it would be 12 and seven current seventh grade and then nine and sixth grade based ones that played battle football allergies played. So it would be around that 2122 number in that area. >> So actually my question was

025how many current eighth grade players are modified will be moving up to or expected to move up to J >> there. The number I have there would be eight. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And then it would be two from spot cap would make it [clears throat] 10 something that that range. And then the wire there, the one thing that makes football more difficult than the other sports is that with football, in order to be eligible to play a game, you have to have 60 eligible players. Where you could have, you know, a girls softball game, you can start a game with eight. Baseball, you need nine to start, but you can have a kid get injured and you can continue to play. You know, football has that that high number at 16. And if

026you fall below that 16, then you're not eligible to play the end of the scrimmage. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you, Mike. [clears throat] Okay. Next on our agenda is Mr. Ian Godfrey, our football program discussion. >> [clears throat and cough] >> Okay. Nobody has turn. [clears throat] I did it off. There we go. Okay. All right. Thank you everybody. Uh good evening, President Masterson, members of the board, Superintendent Mariano, uh members of the community. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak tonight. I am a very proud teacher and coach in this district and uh to be able to do this is um is actually an honor and I appreciate that. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Ian Godfrey. Uh I've been the head football coach at

027Stillwater for the past 10 seasons and during that time, our program has gone 72 and 24. However, tonight's presentation is not about wins and losses. It's about the current reality of our football program, the statewide trend we are seeing with participation numbers, and most importantly, the long term long-term sustainability and safety of Stillwater football. We are planning ahead, not reacting. Football requires long-term vision because roster numbers, safety, staffing, scheduling are all determined well in advance. What we decide now impacts not just 2026, but the next four to five years of our student athletes. And I'll have the presentation up there as well. First, uh I'm going to share a bit of good news because it's a little, you know, in here. Found out today, uh Aiden Callahan was an honorable mention, defensive back, New York

028State all state selection. So, congrats, Aiden. [applause] It's quite an honor. It's all New York State classes. So, congrats to him. Very proud. Okay. So, I know coach and I have our our numbers that we've been putting together. My numbers again are based on the kids that played last year that are that are on the roster. I know there are a few kids that we've talked to in the school that are potentially coming back. Um, but sometimes that that doesn't necessarily work out that way. So, this is a look ahead towards 2026 uh with our projected numbers. Uh, Stillwater is projected to return about 22 athletes in grades 9 through 12. Saratoga Catholic is projected to return six, possibly seven. That seventh student has not quite given me a confirmation at this point. That gives

029us about a combined 28 varsity eligible athletes. On paper, this meets the technical requirements of the state, but football's not played on paper. Uh these numbers directly impact our practice structure, fatigue, player safety, which has been a major issue, and the ability to develop our younger players. Uh to give you a little deeper look, this is kind of the story behind the numbers. Um we're currently experiencing really small upper classmen uh numbers. Our seniors and our juniors uh combined for only six, which is which is not a recipe for success. Uh at the same time, we have larger sophomore and freshman classes, but it's creating a bottleneck where these younger players are going to be forced into varsity roles way earlier than than ideal. Uh it's just not sustainable long term. And and I have

030a huge concern with injuries while also limiting our >> in that drawer. Uh so our modified numbers at at this point um again these are all potential numbers because the seventh graders I I don't know of yet. They're in sixth grade so they're they could play they may not play. Um but we are projecting around 18 or 19 athletes total. Last year we started off with 22. That number dwindled very quickly due to injury attrition. Um, as as my modified coaches can speak to, it is sometimes difficult to get those middle school kids there. Um, but to be clear, what this means is that we are we are right at the threshold of of putting this entire program at risk. We're only these two or three kids above the legal requirement. This level is the

031foundation of our program. Uh, right now that that is a really fragile foundation. So currently what I I want to do is give you the three potential options uh that we are looking at as a program and as a school. Option one is still Still Water operated independently with 22 projected athletes. This option is just simply not viable. There's no margin for injury, no ability to practice safely, no JV program, and significant concerns about fatigue and player safety. This option places student athletes at unnecessary risk and does not align with best practices in intercolastic football. Option two is our current uh situation, our current partnership with Saratoga Catholic whom we have been partnered with the last few seasons. The first is just JB, the last as varsity. So those numbers I heard earlier were a

032combined number between Stillwater and Saratoga Catholic. While this does technically meet our minimum roster requirements, it does not solve our core issue. We would still, as of 20, as of right now in 2026, we would not be able to field a JV team, limiting development for our younger players, and those younger players would be forced to play upon the varsity. Last season, we canled the final three JV games of our season due to insufficient numbers, and unfortunately, that trend has continued uh not improved. The third option provides a truly stable model with 40 to 50 projected athletes between three schools of Stillwater, Mechanville, and Seraty Path. We would be able to guarantee a full varsity schedule, build a full JV team, and build a strong modified program. This option improves safety. It allows appropriate skill

033level placement, and mirrors successful existing mergers we already have in lacrosse and wrestling. Importantly, serotonin path would remain included and our classification would not be impacted. To give you an idea of our rosters, uh, since I became the head coach, I've been going to Quebec and that. Um, but this is not a sudden issue, it's a trend. Um, and it's not not just here. That's that's for sure. We've gone from the mid-40s uh with our rosters my first year uh having 43 still water athletes full JV, full varsity uh to low 20s less than a decade later. The last two seasons require JV cancellations. 2024 was our first year of a merger with Saratoga Catholic. And once again, most athletes that we start with is as many may or may not know in football that

034number that number never stays the same. uh it's generally always lower by the end of the year. It's a large commitment and uh unfortunately some athletes decide not to make that commitment. Uh we lost two games in 2024. We lost our last three games in 2025 and as of right now there is no projection for a a JB team next fall. That's why we we are here tonight and I appreciate your time because I think the planning is is really truly critical to what Coach Kane had mentioned earlier. I was not able to go back much further because the state only provided these beds numbers. Um again the conversation with football it's very different. There's not as many uh schools in state playing football anymore and most of those small schools have merged anyways. Um

035even larger schools have merged. So they changed that number. Uh currently even with Saratoga Catholic we are a D school which is the smallest of the classifications in the state. Uh that is based on our number and a percentage of Saratoga Catholics. Um so our number as of right now is 212. Next year we are 207 and as coach uh did the uh wonderfully did the math for us. We're projected for under 200. Our enrollment has declined uh and which is good to know that that that number is coming back up um especially having children in the district. uh but this certainly has direct implications for for sports that require high participation levels. I want to talk uh just a few things quickly about program sustainability in football particularly roster size impacts everything safety competitiveness

036long-term viability we are seeing small upper classes and lower larger classes at the moment which means decisions today are going to affect those graduating cohorts the question becomes how do we structure the program so that it's not only thriving but existing in five talking about resource considerations in a merger. As I've mentioned, we have been a merger with Saratoga Catholic these past few seasons, but mergers require careful planning, facilities, transportation, equipment, administrative coordination, they all matter. However, these challenges are not new. We already manage them successfully in other merge sports. Stability allows us to coach properly, develop athletes appropriately, and maintain the clear progression from modified to varsity. I cannot stress that progression enough, especially in a contact sport like football. to put somebody out on the field on the varsity level that is not

037ready is not only not only wrong but just putting them in danger. It also provides of a stable program discipline, leadership, accountability for our student athletes, benefits that extend far beyond the football field. You know, the best part about this is that football remains a a major point of pride in in our communities and engagement. It's one of the highlights of the fall. A stable program not only does that, but it strengthens alumni connections, keeps traditions alive while adapting to modern realities. Being on the section 2 football committee, I'm all too familiar with the trend that we are seeing not only in our size school districts, but larger school districts such as ours who are merging to continue not only their football programs but all three levels of those football programs. To end the key

038question that I would like us all to consider is what is the long-term vision for Stillwater football? We also have real deadlines. February 1st is for our merger application to the section and on February 13th we will gather together for the section 2 football merger meeting. My goal tonight is not to rush a decision but to ensure that our board and our community has the information needed to make an informed and proactive choice. I appreciate your time, your commitment to our athletes, and I cannot wait to work collaboratively and collaboratively with all of you as we determine the best path forward for Stillwater football. >> Hopefully, you're able to hear. >> Okay. Is [clears throat] that all you have? Okay. Um, first of all, we're going to take questions from any of the board members

039that would like to ask questions of Mr. West or the superintendent [clears throat] or the athletic. So, does anybody have any questions? >> Oh, I have a question. >> What are you doing to strengthen recruitment of the younger players? >> Yeah, that's a great question. uh myself along with the other coaches that work as teachers in the district. Um I'd like to say there's probably not an athlete that walks by us without us asking the question of hey we do a call or hey wait room's open coach Kuzo is down there. So we we really are doing a as best a job as we can considering the enrollment issues that we're facing. Um other issues and factors beyond our control of of kids in general uh not participating in sports. Um, I mean, I'm trying

040to recruit kids right now for my spring track team in modified, so it's constant year round. And football, if I'm being 100% honest, is a tough sell. I asked them I asked for 11 months out of the year. Uh, training, summer workouts, uh, seven on sevens, team camps, uh, it's a big ask. It's the biggest physical ask and mental ask that I'm I'm asking them to make in high school. And those who those who play can certainly understand that. Uh, so we're doing our best to try to get kids excited about it, to try to make those connections and and try to get them through other sports as well. Like like I said, if I get them in track, probably get them to football. So I'm do we are certainly uh doing our best and

041um know our kids are wonderful kids. So a lot of them are receptive to the idea and uh hopefully we can get more great. >> Thank you for your presentation. Um what are we doing to engage the school? We spent time there. Have we had meet and greets with athletes, coaches, teachers? >> Great question. >> Parents, what are we doing on site at? >> Great question. So, the football program, uh, myself, my coaching staff, um, my booster club who has been wonderful. We, uh, do outreach meetings with them. We have parent nights with them, uh, meet and greets. We gave the parents a tour of our facilities, the students as well. Um unfortunately they have not I mean could be however you look at it but we have not had a coach from Saratoga Catholic.

042Um it's mainly a lot of um you know us making connections with those athletes that are there and then having some word of mouth spread which is how we got one of our two of our kids actually this year was was through that. Um I do my best to try to get over especially in the springtime. Um it it is a challenge there's no doubt. I mean, you can't be in two places at once, but um on their end, I I certainly think more of a effort could be made uh to, you know, to promote the program and to pro promote playing, but um we like I said, we do the the parent meet and greets. I will go over to Saratoga Catholic for an informal meeting. Um when our day gets out, when my

043contractual day ends, I usually go try to get over there and see if they have athletes interested. they they did not currently they didn't have football so offering it to them has um you know a lot of these kids haven't played so it's it's their first time playing um we had a bunch of kids this year who were um first year playing so it's it's an adjustment for them it's it's a bit of a sell if I'm being honest um but they they have been receptive they have been receptive and the parents have been wonderful so >> any other questions from the What are we looking at with the timeline for option three? So, like how long is this murder going? Are we going to go until the numbers are back up or are we

044is this permanent? >> Yeah, that's a great question, bro. Um, well, I think we got to look at first and foremost, what's our biggest need now? And our biggest need now is to continue to have three levels of football. is to make sure that our kids who are out there on the field are varsity, JV, and modified level and ready athletes. Um, I know too well looking around section two and beyond. What happens when you don't put that product on the field, there are larger schools than us and other schools uh that had to forfeit the end of their season at the varsity level. Um, which is really just a really awful thing for the sport. Um you're seeing some schools larger than us go to eightman football which has valley has has started an

045eightman program where they're traveling hours to play eightman football. So for me to answer that question I my my answer would be that we need to look at this merger with Still Water and Saratoga Catholic as a way of solving the core issue that is our numbers. And from there, every year we, as we always do, we review our programming. We review our our mergers. Um, and we make sure that they're working well, such as, you know, lacrosse and wrestling. And those programs have high numbers, high participation, and they're super fun to watch. So, hopefully that >> So, that's an excellent segue. Have we discussed with the coaches that coach the merge programs that already exist with mechanical issues that are embedded in those programs? >> Oh, sure. Yeah. Yeah. >> Maybe care about some

046of that. >> Yeah, I think that would be a wonderful idea. No, no question. I know they um they love the sport. They love their kids and I think they are of the same mind that I am is that we want to coach the sport and we want to be able to coach it safely and we want to have those those numbers and travel to tournaments and be competitive in the lacrosse field. Um, and sure you'd have I mean I don't want to speak on their behalf or anything. Um, but you know I'm assuming they have both the pros and the cons. Uh, but ultimately I think as a coach your pro is we want to play and we want to be competitive. Have you considered increasing flexibility for multisport athletes? >> Well, I encourage

047multisport athletes. Doesn't seem like it's encouraged. >> Um I I am a firm believer and proponent of a multi-port athlete. Three sports. Uh >> I mean like between the in the same season, soccer and football, kids that have interest in playing. >> Oh, you mean oh if they play a sport, >> right? I mean similarly our soccer team doesn't have JV and we haven't for a couple years and it functions. But I mean maybe if we increase flexibility, strengthen recruiting, we could you know do a better job in house >> football. Um, I will say this, we have we have done that in the past where uh soccer players um mainly they kick because if they have a Friday game at 4:15 in Tamarak um they're playing the game and then for them to run

048to Stillwater or Greenwich or Cambridge and then ask them to play tackle or wide receiver. We have found that that's just it's too much of an ask. And for my football kids, you know, my athletes who are there Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday busting their home and you have soccer athletes who no to no fault of their own would have a game or have to miss that practice. Justifying the playing time becomes a bit of an issue and a concern. And I I mean flexibility is the name of the game in small school. Like you have to be flexible. We have to make if we can make it work, we will absolutely make it work. Um, I think with football there's always a little hesitation just because of how truly physical the sport is. And I'm

049always concerned uh about putting somebody out there that that either didn't go through the hitting drills or is not conditioned uh properly, I guess. But flexibility, I'm I'm all >> I got one more question as a followup to that. going from, you know, ch following the chain from modified to JV and varsity across all sports. Do we do any deep dive analysis of game time per player in the modified level and how many of those kids that have low game time fall out? Because anecdotally, I'm told that's why a lot of kids fall out. Lack [clears throat] of game time or perceived future in that sport. >> I I would say in football, again, I can't speak on behalf of the other sports because I'm sure that's an issue. Um, for football, it generally doesn't

050fall into that category. I think we see a lot of athletes who move up from the youth program who maybe see modified as like a step down um or who just want to take a year off or explore a different sport. Um, last year I think we ended up with 19 or 20 kids. They all play and we do a fifth quarter in modified football for the most part. We had lights so we're able to get most of those kids on the field. The biggest thing with modified and and I think our coaches did a wonderful job is is safety and like putting kid out there that because there are some well this year I'll give you an example not to take up everybody's time but um we played two different schools that brought freshman

051down to modify. So now you have a ninth grader playing against a seventh grader which I don't think is developmentally appropriate at all. Um and it's up to coach's discretion. the official can't do anything. Um, you know, for the freshman, you know, uh, so I don't I don't know if that's necessarily it for football. I certainly think there are other things that that can um contribute to that. Um, but I think playing time for for football has been based on safety, competitiveness, and the other team that we're playing too because there have been some really good teams and then some teams that we were able to get more of those kids out there. It's a good question. So some answer is no. >> Yeah. Okay. I would say buy. >> All right. Thank you. >>

052Yeah. >> So I have some logistical questions for you. >> Let's do it. >> Have we discussed you know how many home games are there in charge of transportation? Definitely. All of these things. >> Yes. 100%. All of um again I'll get I could I could go on a lot with this because I just love talking about this. So I'll give you the short version. Um, in class D football, which is where we are currently playing, there's a bit of a of a I I don't want to say crisis because I don't want it to sound like that, but there's it's an issue. We're losing teams. Teams are dropping to eightman or they're merging. We lost a team last year, Chadam. Um, they merged with a larger B school in my train. Um so so

053the D's themselves actually Hudson Falls for Edward is a large merge school opted to play down two classifications to class D because they're trying to rebuild their program and they folded their program last year. They they forfeited their game against Greenwich. The problem with the D's is we're looking at an incomplete schedule. Um last year we didn't get a game. We lost a game at the end of the year. Um we were scheduled last year. How they do it is you get seven games in the D's and it splits four and three and you do it every year at flips. So this year we were on the four end. So we had the four home games, the three aways. Our week zero, I I should call it week one is a non-league game uh because

054we're in the D's. So we have to find our own opponent. Uh so Mechanicville has been gracious enough that we have played them in week one. We had some really good games. Um and it had been our turn to host. So this year we ended up with five which was wonder. Can't beat that. Um, next year in our rotation, we would be scheduled for three home games and five away games because technically the week one game would transfer to Mechanicville if we were to play them um in in varsity. So if and to just kind of add more to that, more context, if the Mechanicville, Still Water, Saratoga, Catholic merger were to happen, our beds numbers would put us off into a class B classification. That may seem a little intimidating. There's no question. There

055are some really good teams. Um, but what that does is it gives you a guaranteed schedule. There will be 12 potentially 13 B's next year. Um, in section two, we actually just had a meeting about this. And you would have a full schedule. So, you would we would not have to worry like we've done in the past of is this team going to fold? are are we going to have enough to play, you know, this this team or that team? You get guaranteed games. So, how it would probably work, my guess would be you're guaranteed 10 games and last year we only got nine. The year before that or two years ago, I think eight or the year before they do. Um, so it it varies if that were to happen. So, we get 10

056guaranteed games. They do their best to split five and five. So, let's say you have five home games. You could have six because two teams and the bees don't have a home field. So they play well. So you could have six. You would try to split those evenly. Still Water would host game one. Mechanical would host game two. And it would kind of work like that. A 12 team playoff means you have playoffs. You have quarterfinals, semifinals, and Super Bowl. So you could actually in theory gain another game. So you could have anywhere from three home games to four home games this season, which is kind of on par with what you get in classic league. Not to keep going, but JB, if the if this merger were to occur, last year we played JB

057scrimmages. They weren't games. They were scrimmages. And we barely had enough kids. I had to have juniors stand on the sideline who couldn't get into the game because we you can't put them out there um just to just to fulfill the 16 requirement. Uh and this is with with our current merger. Um but if the other one were to occur where we were a three team merger, the JDS would have actual games. U it would be scoreboards, score would be kept, um announcers, we have we have the voice of Stillwater, Mechanicville, Stephano Gazelli. Um you have officials, special teams, sole kickoffs, kick returns. Um it's a game like you're not watching a scrimmage where the ball gets placed at the 35. You're watching an actual game. And there's playoffs beyond that. So if you were

058to have a successful season, you would play your own little JV Super Bowl, however you want. It's crazy. So you could potentially add even five more games. Um, which considering last year we canceled three home games. So kind of just, you know, wash. >> Coach, thanks for coming. Appreciate it. >> A couple questions. I just need some clarification. Earlier we were talking about Option three, you said the classification classification would not be impacted, but then you're saying you would go to >> Oh, I meant I apologies for that. That is Saratoga Cath. Okay. Because there's a little bit of a concern that if Saratoga Catholic were included, that would that would bump us up. That that's not the case. They take a percentage of us. They would take all of me at those beds because

059they're the larger school. A percentage of ours, I think 40% and then 40% of Sarasota Catholics. So it wouldn't impact, we wouldn't jump up out of these. I apologize. I should have clarified. >> So if we were to combine with Skyler score 329, 327. >> Yeah, it would. I don't know exactly Scottville's number, but I think we would still be over because I believe the class B cut off is 401. Total is 401. Couple quick things here. So, you talked a little bit about the uh you know, I think that somebody was alluding to how many games you would have at home and um you said the class D schedule uh may not allow us to have many games because of the numbers, but that doesn't really have much to do with our numbers. That's

060just kind of the class D schedule. >> Yeah, it's just kind of the way class D is looking. We actually just lost a class D team yesterday. Um, Helderber Valley, remember Helderber. Um, Helderberg Valley is joining Shammont. Shammont's a V. So, they're we lost another one. I mean, say those terms, but we're currently down to six class D schools, two of whom are gigantic question marks if they're going to field the team or what? because there's a conversation about um a triple merger up north that is looking at eight football here. So, um, you and I spoke about this before about like what are we doing internally and, uh, you know, recruiting obviously, you know, is an everyday thing. You know, I spoke to you a little bit about what we could potentially do to

061help you to kind of revive some of the spirit and obviously I think that what I've learned is that a lot of kids had that good experience in battle and then we kind of losing to the modified program and obviously numbers are down in the next couple years. They'll be bouncing back. So when you talk about sustainability, when I think about sustainability, I think about, you know, you talk about five to six years out and that's easy. the next three years. How do we get through those next three years? Right. So, um I think that's a good point. And I think the last thing I'd like you to try to think about or explain is um >> how would you describe the feeder program if you can like their third through sixth? Because >> I

062know that right now our third through fourth grade team was very strong. Rob can speak to that. I know our fifth to sixth grade has over 40 I think they have 42 kids that are trying to play battle. the biggest challenge is trying to decide whether to split into two teams or have one team where obviously they'll have plenty of time. So I think that that's what I think the concern is for a lot of the people is um you know what what are what are those people going to say and we say hey look at we got this program that we've worked very hard to establish how would you how would you describe your third through sixth grade computer program? I would say to them that they have every right to ask that question.

063I think it's a great question, >> right? >> Um I I actually helped out this year with with the young guys and it's it's really great to see all of those numbers. I cannot speak to mechanic bills. I I just can't I'm I'm totally invested in Stillwater football. Um you know, I assume that they are doing their darn best to recruit as well. You know, I would say to those people that look, I think it's wonderful. I think playing football is something that I'm passionate about. I've been doing it around my whole life. Um, you know, to I hope that they stay. Uh, when you get to 7th, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, you understand, you know, things change, sports change, you know, your your priorities change. Um, you know, not all of those kids

064continue to play. I mean, I've lost a good amount of kids that were battle lifers um to other sports to no fault of their own. They just enjoy playing those other sports. Um, you know, so I'd say to those parents that have a concern about that that look, that's you have every right to to feel that way. Um, you know, I'm certainly proud of how we we have established that youth program. It's been the reason, you know, we have some of these great kids come through is because they played. The issue that we're facing right now is they're not and and we're not getting those numbers that that have been traditionally. um the the days of getting 40 still our kids just don't seem feasible with the numbers in which we have and you know

065I'm trying to you know predict out especially because we have numbers coming up through but it's hard to gauge how many of those kids especially are going to play football um I mean I I I can't I don't know but um you know I would say again that's a you know talking circles here but they have every right to feel that way. I think that we are doing what's best for our student athletes in the in the 9th through 12 and seventh and eight. I I think that's important to mention too. I think modified is modified always gets tossed to the side. You strap helmets, all of those things. And they have 19 kids that are trotting out against uh you know Cambridge Salon Green which emerged last year at the modified program. So um

066you know for me I'd say I'm super proud of them. I hope they continue to play. I want to encourage them to play. Um, you know, and as for Mechanical Hill, again, they're they're going to do uh, you know, their best to get those kids playing because they have a strong, you know, pride and tradition on, you know, down there as well. So, you know, once kids are playing football, I'm I'm super thrilled about that. >> Thanks, coach. >> I got to ask you one more question. >> You're good. [laughter] >> So, uh, have we considered other options? So that that's a great point. Um Skyville Skyville has asked in the past um about a merger. How serious that merger is. I have to be 100% honest with you. I don't think it's very serious.

067I think it was a one-off comment from somebody not not somebody in the their football program. I'm really close with uh with John Bowen who's the the he's retiring again this year. Um they have a full staff. They have a staff that they're ready to hire. They have kids in their program. They seem to be able to operate within that 35 to 40 kid range. And that's credit to John. He's built a great program. Um, you know, he's the he's the he runs the strength and conditioning program up there. So, he sees all those kids in the high school. Um, so is it serious? Have they approached me about it? No. No. Um, the only time they did was three years ago and that was the year the next year we went to the state

068championship. So um since then no they haven't. Uh Valley it would be another option. They have decided to go on their own um which is 100% their decision. Um they are not interested in any merger at at the current moment. Um and they're trying to build up a program. They play eightman football which is not under our like jurisdiction technically. Um, so they had to make their own schedule, travel uh, I mean hours and hours to play football. Um, but at this point I I've not seen any interest from them now. So and those would be the two schools that I would consider, you know, outside of me close enough without Saratoga Cath and sorry the big schools like Boston and all those they have they because they have to take 100% of our numbers

069which could bump them up which they don't they don't want to do that. they want to stay as low as possible. >> I'd like to just make one comment >> and Billy, I'm gonna put you on the spot, but um last year when we had to vote on this, the merger of the spot passing, Billy had gave some numbers. It was just basically explaining to everybody that, you know, when the son started in battle, and I don't remember your numbers, Billy, maybe you do, but it was something like 20 kids played on the battle team with his son. And then he told us basically there was only like five kids left still playing on the varsity team. >> Yeah. >> So like you know I think you have to keep that in mind that even

070though the battle numbers are high that's what that's what's happened over the past few years is that not a lot of kids playing >> which is great. I mean, we I want kids participating. Um, you know, I have to look at all of the things over time, but it certainly seems like, and again, I I know of a good amount of the upper classmen especially who have just stopped playing football, especially, you know, again, and there's a variety of reasons. Um, but I think I go back to this. It's it's hard. We ask a lot of them and uh we coach them up and um you know sometimes they find a love of another sport and they they want to go get that and you know more power to them. If they're not playing a

071sport then I have a problem but if they're if they're going to play another school sport heck yeah you know go get them and I hate to lose you. I'm going to try to get you back but you know I don't want to step on the coach's post. >> Anyone else have any questions on the board? Thanks for your time everybody. I really appreciate >> Don't leave yet. You're not Don't leave yet. >> Okay. I'd like to thank everybody for joining us tonight. We're going to start at the public comments part of our meeting, but I just have a quick reminder that um from the board that we believe it's essential to hear your thoughts and concerns and to make sure we have time to discuss your feedback and get input from the administration. We

072normally don't respond to you. Um, but if you have questions that our superintendent can answer tonight, we're going to go ahead and let him do that. Um, [clears throat] please keep in mind that it is the board's policy that we do not discuss student or personnel issues during this time. We take those concerns very seriously and we ask that you follow the proper administrative channels to resolve them. Finally, please be respectful of everyone. Let's make sure everyone gets a chance to speak without interruption. When you speak, please state your name, address, and if you are still want a resident so we can have a record of that. Um, when you speak, please, you know, and you'll have three minutes to do so. And we have a our little time people here. So >> our most

073valuable >> and we're doing that because here and we don't know how many of you want to speak but we so that we can hear everybody and not be here all night. We would appreciate um to to be you know speak at a minimum. Okay. All right. At this point if you would like to speak to the board please raise your hand and I'll have you come down here to the podium. >> Anybody have any comments they want to make? >> I have a question. How do you express that I of the games that similar football played last year, how many were against the merged schools? >> All of them. >> All All of them. >> So, >> the trend is pretty obvious. >> Is merged programs. >> Yes. >> And you're down to six

074D schools for section two football. And that's even question. >> And there's a question with at this point. Again, I can't see on the schools, but there's a question with two schools. And I think we about half a mechanical schedule even though they're a I think C school football team about half basketball. >> So the trend it seems to me that a game of musical chairs and then turn on the lights. Last man standing is kind of on his own. >> But uh so the trend is pretty irreversible. It appears and football is a sport of declining interest. And even though Saratoga County is increased [clears throat] in population, the school uh enrollment at every school in the county is declining. And of course, I think the other thing you might notice is when wrestling

075merged, two rather small programs combined and they results have been uh they've got more people in wrestling than do football. It's amazing. Uh so I would say we have an opportunity to build on something and uh but it seems if this doesn't happen I I think both schools will be in some kind of jeopardy. That's the decision for other people to make. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else like to speak to the board? Any comments? has any questions? >> Nicole Oliver 22. [laughter] I guess my one comment was you mentioned a couple times that class doesn't really apply to you. >> We do have the option too, right? Just to move up the class. We did that in cross country. >> Yeah, you would the the issue uh you would see is so if

076you do move up like we said with cross country this year, you stay up for a minimum of two years. Yeah. >> So you have to stay up in classification both next year and the year after. And the problem is we would be choosing to play up with our numbers being as low as they are um playing against larger schools and combined programs. Um but yeah, you always have that option. I for football I certainly wouldn't recommend it. Um yes, you do have that option. >> You know, we lost a lot of players at the J level. We went out and talked to those players what made them leave. Believe it or not, um we we actually had in the beginning of the year and we would have had a JV team. We probably had

077at least 20 or 21. We had three to four kids move. Uh in the beginning of the year a couple went to Green Lynch, somebody I just went all over. Um and this was prior to the season even starting. So then it immediately put us on um you know put us on watch and and prior to that I mean we had been recruiting trust me I'm calling I'm calling a kid who is fixing a car at his uncle's house to get him to come here because we don't have 16 or uh you know we need it for practice. Um I I've tried I've definitely spoken with some of those kids that have left. Um some have family commitments. A couple of them have told me that they have to work. um whether they are or

078not. I mean that's of course their their business but um you know generally it we don't see them quit. We we kind of see them quit in the beginning and then that becomes the issue and then we become really really thin. Um and if you take those injuries like we took this year um I mean just we were shallow of oursel. I think we finished with probably 11 kids that that should have played JB. Uh it was it was it was difficult. Yeah. 170 4.3 my family's been in this town since long time ago right so there's been a huge rivalry between mechanical water I graduated from mechanical and uh as far Coach Godfrey put this up and presented it to us. It looks like we won't have a program where we'll be an eightman

079football team by the time my son and my second son can make it to be a JB modified JB or varsity player. And uh I mean I don't want to sit and watch JB scrimmages, you know? I want to see JB games. I want my kids to play. I want to play safe. And if it means bringing kids in from another community, I mean crap, half the kids that go to live in Still Water, you know, town lines, town lines go all the way to B Avenue. All those kids go to Still Water any live still water. So it's an inevitable thing. I think that's going to have to happen eventually. Might as well get your hands into a team that's worth getting your hands into it versus having to pick from the bottom. That's

080what I can do. >> Thank you. >> Hi, I'm Margaret Clark, 20 Dynch Road. Uh, I'm a parent of a child in Stillwater. Uh, couple of things. One thing that Mr. Haen said that I do definitely think should be evaluated and considered is having conversations looking at uh what playing time look like during modified to see if they go into JV. Um, I think the comment about bottom of the barrel, I think you're given kids and you can either grow them or you can't. And I I'm a firm believer that Still Water has a phenomenal community. And uh, nothing against mechanical at all, but I moved to Stillwater from Mechanical to be part of the Stillwater community. And again, my friends are mechanical. I love you. Love the process. Uh, but it comes down to

081the fact that, uh, I think that admitting failure that we can't recruit kids is a real problem. I think that it's a I also think that you should expand and possibly go farther out to find teams to play. Um especially if we're going to be sharing costs with mechanical. I just I think that um you know I think that our kids that I'm raising, my kid, my other friends are here. I think it's a lot to ask them to have to be in competition with these kids for the last however many years to then turn around and have them be a teammate of those and then possibly lose their spot on a team or playing time for them. And I think that should be really evaluated about community spirit and uh that's all I have

082to say. Thank you for really giving me the opportunity and thank you for everything you've done for the community. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Yes sir. >> I had to piggy back off that Dave Gutman in clubhouse court. First coach got tremendous job. That was was really well done. Put a lot of thought into it. He's done it very very well. I just want to mention one thing. It's kind of an intangible that I'm not hearing anyone talk about and just wanted to be considered by those involved in the decision making process. We have two kids who play football. So, we're invested in the program, but you might lose kids >> that are existing players on either team that may not be thrilled about the idea of emer to piggy back off that comment

083there about being bitter rivals and competitors for so long. So, not offering an opinion either way, just consider that as part of this whole thing. You may have kids that are that are uh enthusiastic about football now and are in the program that you know they're growing up. They have minds of their own, right? They have opinions strong either way. May not be too thrilled about the merger and um might lose some kids in the in the fall. So just think about that in the grand scheme of things. >> Thank you. Anyone else? This is your chance. Go ahead. >> Hi, Ashley. Seven house court. Um, coach told me to try to be quiet today. [laughter] But I just want to attest to the recruitment that's gone on for the past 10 plus years. He's

084been a coach at this school. Um, he loves Still Water. He loves these kids. He's a seventh grade social service teacher. He's talking to the kids every single day. He's doing everything he can, taking him out of my home to try to get these kids to play because of the love of the sport. So, if you don't think he's recruiting and trying everything in his power to get Still Water kids playing, he he truly is. Um, so I just appreciate all of you for hearing this out and trying to give all these kids from Modified Up a chance to play this awesome sport. Okay. Anybody else? Going once, twice. Okay, we're done. Thank you all for coming out tonight. [laughter] people for a couple weeks and it really is great to see them. So that's

085uh you know we're [clears throat] off with high energy, lot of smiles. Hopefully we can write it till June. I'm not sure. Um but I'm hoping so. um next week uh to the board for next board meeting um [clears throat] finalizing working with Natalie Ran, our communication specialist. I know I keep bringing up the change the date of the of the calendar you approved. Um so we're changing the date of the PD in March. Um and from the 20th to the 16th, we're going to do some messaging early. We'll set up some messaging later and you'll get a copy of the the new uh calendar, the district calendar that will reflect uh the change in that. Just a heads up. Um and next week, uh we will start the the the mirroring or the um

086our new SRO will be on board and he will shadow with um our current SRO Sean who's leaving. Uh but I guess the new the new gentleman is um fourth through Monday, but it'll be here Tuesday through Friday. And uh good that's a significant amount of time. I thank the sheriff's for allowing that and uh for Sean to pass the torch and that'll be happy along with some other things for Sean to be recognized. >> Is it possible to have him our new SR come to a board meeting so that the board can meet? >> Yeah, for sure. >> Thank you. >> For sure. >> And that's really it. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Just curious. Sorry. the um the date changing in uh March, that would mean that a um day off for the

087kids would be changing. >> Yeah. So, originally it was a Friday PD day for the teacher, so they'd have been off on the 20 the kids. Now, it's they'll be off on their Monday earlier that school. >> Okay. We'll just need to make sure obviously I'm sure this is going to happen, but it goes out to enough people that it's changing. Yeah, we're gonna I'm gonna we'll blast out communications parents square is on the website and then we'll do it again. >> Yeah, thank you. Next is our business administrator section, Mike. >> Oh, thank you. Um I only have two items. I just wanted to thank the food service department um specifically for today. You know, today was a two-hour delay, but it was not for that. Um they're not required to serve breakfast, but

088Joan and her team were concerned that students may have come to school without having breakfast, so they had breakfast available for the students. Um and worked tirelessly today on a reduced schedule to have the uh lunch, the main, you know, meal of the day prepared and ready for the students when [clears throat] they came through. So, we're very fortunate to have Joan and her staff and the food service department for the hard work they do every day. And then the only other thing I have is um just a quick update on the project. King and King submitted phase one of the project to SED um the week before Christmas. So, we're hopeful that we could have that approved by the end of the month and continue working through that process. >> Great. Thank you. Okay.

089And we have also the warrants on here information. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Next is our student board member. >> Um much of what he just said or what uh Mr. Mariana has said a lot of just getting back into it. Uh, one thing I am working on based off of the last meeting with Miss Benedi's uh report for the was it her special ed? >> Yeah, her special ed report. Uh, we're working with the uh therapist or the social Yeah, social workers in the school and we're going to get a bigger push for that based off of her numbers and what we think the kids need. >> Okay, great. Look forward to hearing that. Okay, moving on to personnel. I need a motion to approve the resignation of Matt Sager as a teacher

090assistant retro effective December 19th, 2025. >> Questions, comments? All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carries. I need a motion to approve the retirement of Don Brownell Toma as an AIS reading teacher effective April 30th, 2026. Miss Brownell Toma has worked for Stiller over 16 years and we thank her and wish her well in her retirement. >> So move second >> questions, comments, >> congratulations. She here >> I do think so. >> She's done. She's done. [laughter] She >> tired early. Motion weren't. >> All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion carried. >> I need a motion to approve the maternity leave of Allison Quackenbush effective on or around April 9th, 2026 through August 10th, 2026 for the terms of her letter as attached. >> Second. >> Questions, comments? All those in favor? >>

091I opposed. Motion [clears throat] carried. Um, I need a motion to approve the resignation of Jana Patrick as district substitute for the pupil personnel department effective 1226 to accept another position within the district pending board approval. >> Second. >> Questions, comments? All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. I need a motion to appoint Jana Patrick as a long-term substitute at the rate of $150 per day effective January 5th through approximately April 6, 2026. Janna has full fingerprint clearance. So move >> second. >> Questions, comments? All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carry. Uh I need a motion to appoint Jolene Darmmo Vana as a 10-month teaching assistant in the tenure area of teaching assistant effective January 8th, 2026 at a starting salary of 255 per the SDA agreement. Jolene has full fingerprint clearance. So

092move second. Questions, comments? All those in favor? I >> opposed. Motion carry. Motion to appoint Grace Whan Smith as a district substitute for the pupil personnel department effective January 20th, 2026 at a rate of $175 a day as she is a New York State certified teacher. Grace has full fingerprint clearance. Second, >> questions, comments? >> All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. I need a motion to appoint Andrea >> Leola as a 10 month school aid effective January 8th, 2026 at a salary of 1988. Andrea has full fingerprint clearance. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Questions, comments? All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. Uh, I need a motion to appoint Michael Dozeberg as a full-time bus driver effective January 8th, 2026 at a salary of 21507 50 prated as per the CSA

093agreement. This appointment is contingent upon fingerprint clearance. >> So move >> questions, comments. All those in favor? Opposed? Motion carried. Um, I need a motion to approve the reassignment of Brady Patnau from a school bus driver to a cleaner effective January 8th, 2026 for the terms and conditions of the CSA contract. Brady has full fingerprint clearance. So, >> questions, comments? >> I have a question. >> Yes. >> So, he's moving. Is he going to be in a school or he's going to become like a custodian cleaner or bus cleaner? So, he's switching gears. Yes. >> All right. Good. >> Thank [clears throat] you. Is playing great. All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. >> Okay. We have no action items and we have no uh committee reports um this meeting. Uh next thing is

094public depend input on non-aggenda items. Is there anybody that wishes to address the board? Yes. >> U my name is Peter Delay. I'm for Bura Court. And what happened tonight? Uh we had a timeline from Ian of February 1st and February 13th. Our next board meeting is in two weeks, the 21st. How are we going to do this? Uh, as far as do you vote in front of everybody? Do you take anything with Mr. Kenny's recommendation? I just want to know where this is going. >> We will probably make a decision at the next meeting, I assume. >> I'll make decision to see there'll be a vote for next board meeting. >> It will be at the next board meeting or following board meeting. >> There'll be a discussion. No, no. If if there's a

095vote that will happen it will happen uh next >> January 22nd. >> Okay. >> Yeah. 21st >> 21st for the if it's so it's approved so we get the paperwork in by February. >> This is going to be open to the public, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And uh do you vote in front of everybody or is it uh >> Yes, you do. >> Yes. >> So you just go around the table and say yes and no, right? >> Well, we know what >> if we have a vote. >> If you have a vote. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Anybody else? >> Well, yes. >> I was just wondering I asked people why >> I can't hear. >> We We actually are doing that now. >> We are. >> Yes. Um >>

096if you go to the website and you go to the board of education there's if you follow it down it'll last meeting was recorded and this meeting also >> I think it was on the parent square too I think I I saw that >> it's on YouTube it's on our link I actually watched it today I was number 14 so >> huge numbers [clears throat] >> I have a few minutes left or a couple We have two minutes left, >> right? At the next board meeting, I heard and you know, usually it's never right, but are the girls going to be uh the soccer girls and the football thing is going to be on the same night? >> Yeah, we're supposed to be recognizing. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. Little soccer team, >> right?

097>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> One minute left. No, >> I'm good. >> Okay, back up. that time minute 36 that time. >> Okay, moving on. Board items of interest. Anyone have anything? >> I have one quick one. Sorry, it's going to be quick. I had a kid uh two things. One, uh I had a a guy approached me about uh if we can do a wrestling club in the off season. Can they go into the gym? There's kids that want to continue to wrestle, I guess. And I said, I don't it's all about availability of gym space and that sort of thing. So I just said I'd bring it up. >> Yeah. Is it son is in the program. I don't even know the guy's name. He hit me up stupid.

098So >> I don't know what his deal is. >> That would have to be division too. >> Well, I would to me that's Yes. I think that's like our coaches do out of season. >> Yeah. Maybe Oi maybe O's going to come do with that. That's as far as I'm taking. >> That's what I was saying. get a lot of conversation, but yeah, they have the coach. >> Thank you. >> Okay, anybody else? >> Resident wanted me to ask um two quick questions. I don't know if this is through financial or whatever, but um can the school provide the school board provide evidence to each property owner if their house was tra? And then um will there be a ledger or expense listing for the 26 million the $31 million capital so the residents can

099know exactly where the spend do that I think we show where every example goes in our school. Yeah, the warrants are attached to every >> It's kind of scary today looking at the warrants for the uh for the survey. Usually a survey is you know thousand bucks 252 for us. So $25,200 for survey seems excessive but looking at the numbers that you know some people look at kind of with a red flag 2521 survey. I will uh I'll pull that invoice and I will report back to you because it may it may have been more than you know because they were back there taking four samples and all that stuff too. >> I just saw it's a lot more >> oh I just had one. So I think most people when you get your the

100school tax thing I know we get a copy of it and it says your your value on it. >> Yeah. >> Um so I don't know if you can relay that back to whoever but it should be right on it. I think what the value is. staff or they could call the town. >> Yeah, I thought I thought it was more of a town question, but this is what >> they want to know what their assessment is. >> Yeah, they said they want to know. >> I was going to say I think it's right on there. So, all the numbers like >> call the town assessor's office and ask them to go out and reassess their house. >> [laughter] >> The question was, can the school board provide evidence to each property owner of the

101amount their house was appra If the homeowner has >> I don't it would be under tax. It's on the tax bill and the school does not assess. >> You don't go out there and rock [laughter] to my house tomorrow. Sarah, >> so I have a um a message from a community member and they want to remain anonymous which is why I not read it or any public member of interest so I don't have to give names matters and stuff but this is in regard to the football merger. So I do want it out there. I deeply appreciate the time and effort that board members, administrators, coaches and volunteers put into supporting our students. My comments come from a place of concern for what is truly best for our kids, our schools, and our community. We

102do not believe that merging football programs again is the right decision at this time. Many small schools experience natural fluctuations in participation. Programs go through lulls and then they rebound. Instead of responding to lower numbers by merging programs, I believe it is more important to focus on strengthening and building our own program, creating an environment that encourages students to come out, stay involved, and feel proud to represent their school. It's also important to acknowledge that we have already gone through a merger that was kept from the community and passed without most the knowledge of most and the way this was handled with meal feels very similar. Spa Catholic sees comments about how both schools have been working together on this merger and are left to believe they are going to be discarded. It felt disrespectful

103to the school to the parents who dedicated their time and effort and most importantly to the players who committed their time and talent. That alone should give us reason to pause before entering into another merger without careful consideration and transparency. At this point, we have a strong group of students coming up through Stillwater's youth football pipeline. While it's normal for some students to drop off over time, many of these kids are likely to play through. Adding an entire additional group of students from another school feels unnecessary, especially when registrations are not open and any number is an estimate estimate at best right now. I'm also concerned about how shared resources would realistically work. If there are only four home games in a season, splitting those two between two home fields seem excessive and diminishes the

104sense of community and school pride for both schools. I don't believe either program will feel satisfied with divided practice time, facilities, or game locations. A large concern is financial responsibility. We must have spent a significant amount of funds replacing equipment, uniforms, logos, and apparel to formalize the current merger and create consistency. Now, we are discussing changing everything again with a new logo and new branding. Beyond that, we would be adding transportation expenses, additional bus routes, and drivers to move students between schools for practices. This comes at a time when we already face a bus driver shortage and regularly struggle to staff routes just to get students to school safely. Adding more strain to that system does not seem cost-effective or practical. Before making another major decision, I believe we should slow down. Our focus should

105be on operating our program efficiently, safely, and responsibly for the children already in our district. SER community Well, just to just to let most of the board know, um I was contacted by the board president for mechanical six o'clock uh Sunday morning. I got a long text from him. Um and so he has been communicating with me um about this merger and you know he sent me a post of it that they put on Facebook and I guess uh his wife has a a post that this is back the merger or something you know and it's got a still book helmet and all this other stuff you know with the new logo. So I just told I said to him, you know, that we as this is a board decision, you know, we did not

106hear about this, at least I didn't hear about it or know about it until the last meeting. Um, so, you know, we would be listening to the community and we would be making a discussion and, you know, the decision would be ours as to what we're going how we're going to move forward. And that was basically it. Um, but he continues to, you know, send me text messages and and try to, you know, >> persuade me, >> persuade us. >> Maybe you'd be more open to it if he sent him later. [laughter] >> Was like texting me at six o'clock in the morning. He did say to me he was he was an early riser. But anyway, so I just wanted everyone to know that that, you know, um I I guess there's been a

107lot of trying to push >> social media driven. >> Yes. And that's >> that's what we're doing. >> That's what's going on. And that >> that the comment I had to the guy in the express, which I probably shouldn't have said, but I said, "It's interesting that our girls won their third state championship in the back the express." And his response was, "Well, where should they have been?" I said, "What'd you think about it?" So, he didn't like that. But once again, [clears throat] um that Express article was purchased by somebody. Mhm. >> And it's interesting to see the similar comments on Facebook if you kind of compare that to >> um and I'll have some more information to share at some point in time for the board. >> Well, I just want to let

108the last message I got from him was, you know, I had told him that we were having a meeting tonight and we were going to have, you know, let the public comment. Um, but evidently somebody there was a rumor that there was a 44 split vote [laughter] and you know I don't know where all of it came from and I said well I'm sorry but this that's not true and you know we haven't even had a meeting >> it's on Facebook it's true right [laughter] >> so anyway so I just want to let everybody know >> sorry >> I have had you know conversations with him and but I just basically said to him you know this will be something that we will discuss and you know we will make the decision. >> It's my

109observation that this kind of went a little bit backwards. It seems like >> we should have gotten board temperature on this before >> we developed plans and launched a social media campaign. I just to me it seems like it went >> absolutely in reverse. >> Yep. You're absolutely right. >> And to me I think that's indicative of what we're being pushed toward and that's a problem. >> Yeah. So the way this was handled is very indicative of the community we would be merging with and I just have a problem with that. So >> yeah, and my concern, you know, I've been in the district for a long time and I >> know my beginnings [laughter] my kids, you know, they were here, you know, playing sports and, you know, had the rivals and all that

110other good stuff, but we need to do what's in the best interest of our students. Yeah. you know, and and make to make sure that our kids, you know, feel comfortable with what we're doing and how we're doing it. And for me, I would like to get feedback from our students, our football kids. >> Do you have any on this? >> Not to put you on the spot. >> So, personally, I I think I would rather be combined with Mechanicville than not have football at all. But I asked that specific question about the timeline because I personally >> and I've talked to a lot of the football kids who said if we combine mechanic though I'm not playing like we would lose kids >> by and large. >> Yeah. >> See I I take the

111the premise that we wouldn't have a program as as a false premise right I mean we have schools our size that are doing a great job you know with with high numbers. So the recruiting is possible. I you I told the story to a couple people. I personally senior year my math teacher was a football coach. He recruited me. I I played five minutes of two games. I actually went down played some JV games just to get some game time. But I was appreciated. I felt it was the best thing I ever did. It was it gave me incredible personal tenacity and I would hate for anybody to miss out on that. I think both schools ultimately in an ideal situation would want their own teams and to drive that. So let's look at fixing

112the problem. >> Yes. versus an alternative solution that doesn't get to the root cause. You know, that's that's my personal opinion on it. >> Oh, no. I was I was just going to comment on um going back to how it seems a little backwards. I feel like I mean I don't know but um if we had known about it sooner because the deadline is encroaching obviously so it does feel very rushed and especially for community members it feels very rushed >> and there was a comment somewhere that there have been conversations for four months. Well >> first I'm hearing [laughter] and that's my problem. Yeah, >> I saw not I'm not on the board or anything, but I saw eight months. >> You got no >> And as a as a football athlete, I only

113recently heard about this maybe a month ago. There have been talks like this wasn't even a thought in my mind of like merging. >> You heard it a month before us? >> Yes, [laughter] I' I've heard about it. Of >> course you did, D. That's also with a with a mother who's friends with all the board members on Mechanicville's football team and who's a board member for our football team. So >> well that goes back to the process Mr. Hazel was pointing out >> they did it backwards like if there's meetings and conversations and great could be the greatest idea. You don't think there's people out there having meetings about >> wisdom curriculum and every other thing right? So, but the conversation should be started. If it was an idea amongst the coaches through the

114ads, probably should be superintendent and then to the board, >> right? >> So, can [clears throat] I ask a question just about how we're going to approach a potential vote for next time because obviously we have three different options in front of us. So, how are we going to put that forth for the vote? Well, to merger we're in, we don't need any required. >> I just want to know, do they still want to be merged with us after what happened [laughter] like that? I mean, I can tell you that all but two were showing up for the football Sunday. So, I think that that's a good a good thing. >> But do we know that they that they want to reup with us considering >> they were taken back a little initially? So, >>

115yeah, of course they were. >> So, my understand my understanding was we needed to annually approve this. Yes, >> that's why I asked that question because I I been at this a little longer >> a merger. >> We don't have to go through a whole vote again. It's just a renewal. >> We initially like last year we did it. We had that approval. This year we have the high sign off on it unless we don't want to do it. We don't have to go through the whole >> Well, how would you know that we didn't want to do it unless we had a vote on >> we would said something >> we set it up so >> yeah [laughter] will be strictly >> do we want to merge with >> do we want to do

116option three >> option continue moving forward since there's no opposition to remain that play Okay. >> So, >> I would assume that this would probably be, you know, normally we go with a recommendation that's brought to us as to what we should do unless and then, you know, we either voted yes or no. >> A recommendation from who? >> From the athletic director. >> So, he's going to give us a recommendation as to what he wants to do and we're voting and I'm just >> Well, that's not how we normally go. Do you have a recommendation tonight so we can think about it for our two weeks or do you have to think about it? >> I mean [laughter] the stories almost happen. >> No, that if you would prefer to have the discussions with

117the superintendent and let him >> he can relay the messages. So I mean we don't want to put you on the spot. So >> yeah, don't take the grenade. Great. >> [laughter] >> So >> although your reaction was great. >> Yeah. Just that's that's his that's his >> So can we can we do that do it that way? You and >> I got talked in 10 minutes. [laughter] >> 10 minutes. >> Yeah. Um >> and then the recommendation would be brought you know to us. you [snorts] know, you can, you know, let everybody know >> because if they if we vote the recommendation down, >> then we have to have >> I'm not trying to be negative and say we are, but if we do, then don't we have to have time for a >>

118part two by February 1st. So that's why I'm saying that we're going to have to >> Well, if we right now our program is going to go forward this catholic, correct? >> Right. Yes. >> Okay. So the recommendation would be either to go with mechanical or not go with mechanical. Whichever we vote it is is the way it will be added on to the existing. >> So will be added Mechanical on to the existing merger that's Catholic and still >> and is at all levels. >> Um I don't know that that recommendation again would have to come from >> because they're want all or nothing. Well, again, um >> that my understanding with the proposal was all levels. >> Is it going to be >> proposals? >> All levels. >> Yeah, it would be all

119>> the next we got to say we have to say >> sports that they're not good at. have to say [laughter] >> join their soccer team >> just hypothetical if if the recommendation is not we're going to >> call to vote on a nonrecommendation school >> we wouldn't need to vote it's just going forward with what we >> recommendation to merge then we will have to vote >> he told me he does not answer >> yep >> so at this point >> if a recommendation comes to us to merge then we will vote on it. If the recommendation not to merge then there's there needs to >> yeah there's nothing to vote on. >> So in answer to Pete's question the if there is an action to be taken it'll be after the the initial

120uh recognition of the girls or whatever >> it'll be at the next board meeting >> and so they would likely leave and it wouldn't like cause >> even more usually do the nice things first. Well, you're going to be up to state in the end though. >> Yeah. >> I I always [clears throat] can't [laughter] leave. You got to stay. >> Okay. >> I notic I move to the front so I can hear. >> Is Is everybody set with >> motion? He's going to make a recommendation. >> Don't do it. [laughter] >> Take that grenade. >> Go ahead. >> You want me to just give without giving recommendation just some of my thoughts? >> Yes, please. You have like to do that. [laughter] >> Don't stand too close to the next one. There you go.

121>> Just uh, you know, I think some things need to be clarified. The purpose of a merger is to help each school involved to develop their program and then split off on to the road. um the wrestling and lacrosse mergers that that's been put out there on social media and the way they've been beneficial and all that and how they came about. Wrestling mechanical had a program um a wrestling program the program was downwater did not have a program since the 1980s. Um, we had a coach and some kids, Frankie Darwok to be specific, um, that wanted to wrestle. So, we merged with Mechanicville to help them build their program and to give our kids the opportunity to wrestle. Again, the goal here is to develop our program as well as as well as theirs

122and then to split off on our own. Um, we're close to that point. We're very close to that point. Um, and I constantly ask my wrestling coach and my lacrosse coach as well, are we to the point where we could go on our own? And that's the purpose of a merger. Um, with lacrosse, neither school had a boys lacrosse team. Still Water started a program at the JB level. Um, 14 players, I believe. Broen, you could I think you were there first. >> I wasn't a player on that, but it was Yes, it was just Still Water and it was smaller. We had 14 players which made it difficult for us to compete against the other teams that we're competing against because they had 20 plus players. In lacrosse, you have 10 players out on

123the field. Um there's a lot of running so you need a lot of subs in and out. And so by the time we would get to the second half of the game, our kids would be spent and we would just get, you know, we wouldn't be competitive on the field. Um, so to give our program a chance to grow and develop, we brought Mechanicville in, um, to give the program a chance. And with that program as well, you know, the goal is to break off on our own at some point. We're not there. Um, you know, we we would love to have all three levels. We haven't put the three levels out there consistently yet. Um, projected for this year, we're probably only putting out a varsity modified. we probably won't have enough again for

124for a JB. Um with the alpine skiing, that's an individual sport. We're merged with mechanical for them. Um they didn't have a coach. They had some kids that were interested in skiing. We brought them on and they split we split some of the costs with them and we gave those their kids the opportunity to participate. So, you know, the way the mergers were put out there, there's a misconception, you know, that you're out there to build a superpower. That's not what a merger is about. A merger is about to develop programs so they can go off on their own and split. Um so I just want to get that one misconception out there about the mergers. Um and again the purpose of the merger is a healthy school to develop their own program then split

125off on their own and consistently. I again I asked the coaches um one of the big red flags that I have um is with Mechanicville they have a beds number of 332 and put in by the express you know they're saying the last 10 years populations have gone down their population has gone down by 59 kids if you read the article the numbers that he gave if we had a bed number of 332 kids >> we wouldn't even be thinking about wouldn't even come across their minds. Um, and they they're published rosters that I saw beginning of the year. I understand numbers in the beginning to the end they change, but at the varsity level they had 26 kids. JB level 22 different kids, modified 27 kids. So, they're fielding free teams on their own.

126Why are they asking to merge? To me, that's a red flag. You can figure out what that red flag is, but um to me it's a red flag. Why do they need another school? You know, our situation, you know, our numbers are going down. Um we brought Spock Catholic in two years ago to um keep our identity because that's what we wanted to do and that's the way we sold it as when we were here before, you know, and I think that's important for us to keep our identity. Um, once you make that move, that identity is gone. And will you ever get it back? I'm not sure. You know, I'm not a resident of Still Water. Um, I don't live in Still Water, but I've been here for 30 plus years. And, you know,

127with the Warriors going away, you know, I constantly get people, you know, not happy with that. You know now if we football is you know a big program in the school pride and all that you know if if you take that away so soon I think you're another taking another part of the community's pride and the school away um you know some of the other things that come to mind you know they they talk about in their article that was out there how great the mergers are going and you know everything works out well. That's not always true. Um you know there are transportation issues. I'm not sure if all of you know this but with the wrestling usually four days out of the week we drop our bowlers off if they're if they're practicing

128down the mechanical at the the lanes or if they have a match and then we pick up the wrestlers so they get back here because they don't have a ride to get the wrestlers up here in practice. the um program started out, they were the lead school. We started out down there. Now everything is held here because they don't have a space down there and but yet they're still the lead school. We're doing everything. So I mean there's transportation problems. Then you would have the games which was mentioned practices, where are you going to have the practices? You know, we have issues with, you know, coach wanted to start at 3:30 his wrestling practices, but we don't get the kids up here sometimes till 4:00. um especially on the days that we can't do and

129they get to transfer so that you have that kids back and forth. You're going to have uniforms. We just spent $16,000 on new uniforms. >> You know, that's a concern. You know, equipment, we have our equipment, they have equipment. How is the mixing of that equipment going to go? Um the costs, cheerleading squats, are we going to combine cheerleading squats? Um so you have those issues. Um, you know, I already mentioned, you know, the identity. We merge the spa to keep the identity. Um, what happens to the spa kids? I I see that they adjusted their their thing that includes the spa kids, I think, which which would be a good thing because we don't want to, you know, we use them for two years and just throw them to the side. um you know

130the the culture you know there is a difference in our culture between Stillwater and mechanical I think that's already been mentioned and and there is a difference about the way >> [cough and clears throat] >> um kids conduct themselves the way discipline is handled um between the schools uh communication there was a I won't use that one else. I'll stay away from that. Um, coaches with proper certifications, do they have the proper certifications? Um, I know I'm held to the standard to make sure that we have that. Thank you, Val, for keeping me to make sure we do that. You know, I I can tell you right now, not all their coaches have the certifications that are required by New York State. You know, that that's a concern. Um, you know, and again, I mentioned

131their beds number and why why are they looking to merge, >> you know, when they can put a team out there? >> Three questions. One, um, coach did a good job, but he really didn't elaborate too much on, you talked about the risk with low numbers. Can you compare that risk with the risk of going and playing Bart Hills, Amsterdam, Glenn's Falls? What's the risk? Is there a bigger risk than going up there and getting shellacked by 50 and having that experience? >> Yeah, if we go up to the bees, the teams that we'd be competing against would be April Park, Gloversville, Green Tech, Lancingberg, Cajo, Shalomat, Rava, Glenn Falls, um, Kabot Green, Cadam, they're up there now because they merged. Scotia Glennville. So, I mean, it's it's going to be different competition, tougher competition.

132Do you think that that could that could dissuade kids from wanting to play football after that year of experience of going 0 and8 getting bound at every game? >> That probably could. Yes. And you know, and I think this concern has already been mentioned, I believe, in the the uh a couple community members have said it in the email that was read. Um you know, we do merge. We're going to have some kids that, you know, we're on our own. We're getting some playing time. merge with another a bigger school, more kids. You know, now those kids may not be getting that playing time, they may walk away and you know the number of saying, "Hey, we have 40 to 50 kids." that number may dwindle because now kids aren't playing because you know >>

133are you in charge of who we merge with or is our is our do our high school coaches is it up is it their responsibility to go on their own and say hey I'm going to merge with that I know that guy and I want to go you know our women's basketball maybe she wants to go merge with Is that their responsibility or is that the responsibility of you the superintendent of the school board just I need some clarity on that >> I mean it It would be our, you know, as the athletic director, my responsibility, the the administration, the principal should be involved in that as the head of the school. >> So, when I mentioned Skyler though, that's not really his role essentially at the end of the day. He doesn't make that

134decision, does he? >> No. >> Right. Okay. I just wanted some clarity. That's it. >> No. >> But, um, you know, those are some concerns that I would have and I think a lot of that has already been mentioned. Um, and I can leave it at that or if you >> I have a question for you. >> Okay. >> So, disciplinary matters. I remember that there was an unfortunate incident with a wrestler from Mechanical who punched a window at our school and I know it was handled, but you know who handles the communication to that student that maybe they're suspended from practices and needs? Is it our responsibility or is it their administration's responsibility? And was it handled appropriately? >> We talked about it and um we talked to Mechanicville and we let them know

135what we'd like to see and then they did follow through on that. >> They did >> based on our Yes. The the athlete actually returned this week. He was out until after the new year. >> Well, I heard that he came back the next practice. early. >> He came back because >> he really wasn't notified that he was >> by his school. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, that goes to a lack of communication and just disciplinary actions by their school. >> Yes. >> Sorry to put you on the spot. >> Well, I'll I'll give you another one if you want another one. >> Yeah. >> Um, might as well just throw it all. >> They all left too early. [laughter] >> Well, I don't want you on a flight. >> [laughter] >> back. >> No,

136we wrestling again. One of their students was suspended from school. Told you he was suspended. Kid came. We had a wrestling match that night. No one notified the coaches. Not the mechanical coach who's, you know, their coach as well. No one's notified. The kid wrestles and then our coach finds out that he was suspended and shouldn't have been there. >> So, no ineligible player shows up. a player that shouldn't have been. Yes. >> So, I mean there, you know, our kids are not angels here. No, >> but but there is there is a difference in the way our kids conduct themselves and >> Yeah. Well, we thank you for being honest and >> and then ultimately, you know, you could probably get a feel which way I'm going and but ultimately you guys can make

137the decision and I would support whatever that would be. >> Thank you. >> All right. Appreciate it. >> Yep. >> Okay. Is there anything else? Anybody has anything else? Nope. Okay. Um, I need to have a motion to adjurnn to executive session for STA contract and uh coaching personnel. [clears throat] So >> second question. All those in favor? Oppos? >> Motion carries. >> Okay.