001high school. Of course, the quarter is ending in a couple weeks, so some exams, some stuff like that. Handball tournaments continue started. They started back in December. Few teams competing at the gym at lunch. Next Thursday is the concert at the is a concert at the high school. I think bass chorus and a couple other ensembles. Regent's exams for people who want to take it then are on the 20th. And we've just begun rehearsals for the musical which I am going to right after this or now. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you so much, Robbie. Go break a leg. >> Yeah. And uh good luck to all of our students at their winter concerts. And thank you to all of our music teachers uh for all the effort that you put in getting all
002those students ready. Uh we're now going to move on to item 1.08, 08 which is the minutes of the regular meeting of December 9th, 2025. Has everyone had an opportunity to review the minutes. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes? >> Mr. Shapiro second. >> Mr. Donnelly. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Anyone opposed? Any abstensions? >> Okay. Abstension from Mr. Frasier. And now superintendent's comments. Happy new year everyone. Nice to see everybody back here. January 6th of 2026. I'm still getting used to saying it's 26 and not 25. And I was happy to hear that there's some other people that experience the same challenges. Um but we're off to uh to the second half essentially a little bit more than the second half of the school year. And uh you
003know when we come back from the holiday break, it's always nice to see all the smiling faces come back into classrooms as opposed to the exhausted faces at the very end of December, right? who are just like getting towards the holiday break. So hopefully everybody had wonderful holidays, had a chance to rest up and be ready to hit the new year running. And that's exactly what we're doing here at our board meeting tonight. Um we have been talking about the facilities at Suffren Central for quite some time. Whether it's with Mounty Minds, whether it's in my administrative meetings, whether it's with me speaking with parents at some of our athletic facilities or at musical presentations, Suffer Central is looking and needs uh a bit of a of a refresh and an update. We have strong
004bones here, but we have a lot to look forward to to improving our instructional spaces. And that's really what our blueprint has dictated to us this year. For those of you that were involved in the development of the blueprint in the spring and the summer and what we approved early this fall, a big part of the blueprint was modernizing instructional facilities so that our students are better prepared to enter the world of work or enter their college futures. So this evening, after a lot of visits with administrators, they've walked miles in our school buildings over the last couple of months. uh they know these buildings better than I do right now. They know where every little closet is and and and you name it. We have our architects from Mamasi who are going to be
005here and I'm going to ask them to come up to the podium and and begin this overview of what their findings are here at Suffren Central and you're going to see that there is certainly an emphasis on instructional spaces, safety, student services, athletic and outdoor spaces, but they're going to be talking to you a little bit more about what they have found we need in order to make that next step. And then when they would come back next time, they will be coming and presenting to us a little bit more about the ideas that we could perhaps discuss and hopefully embrace as we look towards the future. So I'm going to stop talking before I give away too much information and I'm going to ask Tina and Pierre to come up to the podium, introduce
006yourselves, and those of us that are sitting right in the front, maybe we can just shift over so that we can see the screen a little bit better. Take it away. Okay. Well, thank you for having us. My name is Tina Midi Sas. I am an imagining managing partner at Mamasi. >> I am Piri Pankaldi. I'm a senior project architect with the with the mass. >> Um so before we actually get into um our uh the information that we want to share with you tonight um we want to talk a little bit about pre-referendum planning that um which is sort of a two-prong approach where we will look at facilities as actual structures. So um sorry um as buildings as and with an understanding of how the district approaches um maintenance and upgrading their facilities
007um and we also look at instruction as learning space um and the different um types of learning spaces that support students. So when we talk about facilities we also we try to leverage the two. So when we see that there's something that potentially um could use an upgrade in the facilities, we try to pair it with the instructional aspect also again leveraging efficiencies and um and resources. So when we look at facilities, we are looking at things like safety and security um health and wellness which means um the environment in general. So clean and filtered air, thermal comfort, um lighting quality, those types of things. We look at infrastructure and maintenance um modern uh easy systems to maintain but also efficient systems um that increase energy savings and also um look at the exterior envelope
008of the buildings um again for efficiencies and for energy savings. We also look at accessibility. So trying as much as possible to uh make all the buildings accessible to all people from toilet rooms to interior and exterior entrances um site circulation and even parking and then also site improvements which range from athletic fields um to support students in the community to stairs, ramps and storm water. We want to focus a little bit more on the instructional aspect of um of the needs and of our findings. Um and before we get into those, we want to kind of just talk through how we break up instructional spaces um into several different components. So firstly, classrooms um and which extends into additional learning spaces. So, classrooms that provide flexibility for individual study um for traditional lecture when
009that's appropriate for team- based learning with multiple teaching walls, different media and write-on surfaces um that support um a student's um desire that particular day sometimes or a teacher's way of teaching that day. Um you can see from the images uh the top plan that a typical classroom really looks like um an open space that allows for a room to be rearranged for that day. So allowing for small groupoup learning areas um for a teacher station for uh different learning group sizes and for um even casual learning. When we get into extended learning, um we're focused on um not just [clears throat] breakout rooms and small group spaces or conference rooms that also have um are also supervised um with some uh transparency to allow for that. But we're also talking about different types of
010spaces that allow learning to occur outside the classroom. Um so in this case, an assembly space that acts as a gathering space. It acts as a space for students to just to work, to work casually, to study, and even to eat sometimes. That sort of leads into student commons and library spaces, library media centers, which have changed um pretty tremendously in the in the past several um years. So, looking at again flexible instructional spaces both for students and the community to act as an event space. A lot of districts often use their libraries for boardrooms. Um so being able to adapt very quickly to the setting for that for the purpose but also within that space creating zones for small and large groups um for various learning modes and for casual um formal individual reading
011and study and and even socializing um depending on the grade level. Then technology and innovation. So looking at space from robotics and STEM or steam to um fax and allied health services and art and music and really looking at the range of the types of spaces and designing them in a way that is more um reflective of the professional environment. And then lastly, student wellness. Um so really taking a cohesive approach of how to support a student emotionally, mentally, physically um colllocating these services to improve coordination, to improve collaboration and just overall efficiencies and most importantly where a student feels comfortable and safe to enter. So um gosh, I think we started [laughter] started the second week of September. Um we have um visited the buildings several times at this point. Um initially we met
012obviously with the administration but we met with all the building leaders for a first meeting where we sat down talked through um talk through their buildings, how they see them, how they're teaching, how students are currently learning, how they could be learning. Um you know what types of deficiencies that they see in their buildings that either inhibit a program or just don't allow it to really function as well as they could. Um and through that we went through um we sort of came back to our went back to our office um took all the information then were given some floor plans to sort of um spend a little bit more time understanding the buildings and then did a second round and then a third round. Um and so what we really want to focus on
013is um the findings um and some of the limitations that we see um and the opportunities I think that will grow out of this. Um and so we will look at doing it school by school um and in this case at the high school looking at it um in sections by floor and by the administrative administrative block and the specials block. So, um, what you're seeing is, um, is the administrative and special block of the of, uh, the high school. Um, in general, one of the big things we've noted is that the school doesn't really support a student focused experience. Um, which is prevalent in the strategic plan. Um, so that includes space and technology that supports collaborative and project-based learning. When we get more granular, we start to look at all spaces um including
014um initially the let me try to point here um the absence of secure vestibule and the entrance in general. So the entrance really lacks identity um in some fakes in some cases they're entrances that are competing. Let me see if I can get this to work. So there's a main entrance and then there's a second auditorium entry and sometimes it's quite confusing to know which um entrance is the actual main entrance. Um there is an absence of a lobby um and upon arrival and also some uh lack of visual clarity when you enter the space. Um there's no lobby uh and um the main entrance to the main office actually sits behind a trophy case. So sort of u with no real clear visual connection to the main office in either direction from a student
015or visitor perspective or from the main office. Um student support services are dispersed. Um so there's a little bit there's a little lack of cohesion. Um guidance and nurse which see which is called out in the note. Um you can see is sort of sits behind the main office with an entrance from the back corridor. Um, oh, there it is. >> Yeah. But >> um, so guidance and nurse are tucked away. The organization back is is quite maze-like if you've been there. Um, the there's really no sense of arrival and the nurse's office is um is sort of tucked away even more within that space. Um, and it lacks natural daylight. um as do the student CS and sick area um that are part of that suite. Uh music spaces require some renovations and modernization.
016Um most of them are in a somewhat of a typical classroom with not u much consideration for acoustical properties. Um the fitness center is only accessible from the gym um and is overcrowded. Yes. Um when we look at the academic wing, uh you can see the the sort of the areas that we've called out include the technology labs, uh the area where in the center where the mini theaters are. Um a couple psychologist offices that are sort of outside of the main um support service area, um outside of guidance and outside of the nurses space. Um and then a typical hallway and locker. So a couple of the things include um the robotics and fabrications um labs that are sort of at the top of the plan called out um where they are they are
017spa they're programs that are just taking place in a typical classroom with very with minimal storage and the labs um are not really integrated into a technology hub. So they're sort of dispersed program across the the building. they lack visibility to attract students um and doesn't really project uh the notion of technology or in innovation. The two mini theaters which are kind of in the center of the plan um are used as general classrooms. So again, they're inboard and lack general natural daylight. There are several small classrooms that are kind of tucked away at the bottom um of those spaces sort of behind the lecture area. Um and then when we move on to the library, as we talk about libraries and um and the modern components that make them up, I think this is
018one of the spaces that also is a real opportunity to embrace. Uh science research or stir is located within the library. So again, only visible to students who are actually in the library. Um and then the flow of the academic block is very repetitive and monotonous. Um there's a real lack of understanding of where you are in any one of the corridors because they look exactly the same. Um there's a lack of identity or character. Um and there's really no place for students to either connect or gather um sort of in between classes or to to um to take an opportunity to have some small discussion. The lockers are not used. So again, maybe an opportunity for us to look at that. And then going to the second floor and part the partial third floor
019plan. Again, some of the areas you can see we've called out is the wrestling room, the fitness room, uh the boys locker room, similarly with the girls locker room on um below as well. uh the art classrooms that are on the third floor, the music classroom which is sort of uh next to the wood shop and then the art classrooms that are um sort of sandwiched with a early childhood space. So at the athletic portion of this, the showers and most of the lockers are not used. Um the existing locker room layout has a many blind spots and the supervision aspect of within the space is very difficult. Um the fitness room is underutilized. The wrestling room is used only for practice and there's one gymnasium for the entire high school. The wood shop and
020the metal shops are underutilized. Um equipment and storage are old. Um and again um they're they're sort of tucked away closer to the athletics and not to u much of the academic wing. The art spaces are dispersed and in some cases isolated because they're up at the third floor. So unless you are purposely going there, there is no way to know that the art classrooms are really up there or no place to even display work um again to share it with the other students. Culinary is a popular program but it lacks visibility. Um, early childhood splits two art rooms and then instrument music classes are in a standard classroom again absent acoustical considerations and isolated from other music spaces. So you can see some of the examples that we've tried to capture to kind of
021um uh connect those. And then looking at just the site, um an overview of the site, um we've identified traffic congestion back up along Viola Road, um along the intersection at the security shed in the main parking lot. Um the tennis courts are beyond their useful life. Um there are drainage concerns with them and um two of the courts were at some point converted to basketball courts. Um I think where they could use additional courts um potentially pickle ball courts as well. Um, and there's a lack of outdoor varsity and JV competition playing fields. As you all know, the main field is at the middle school and transportation to and from becomes problematic for practice. Um, and then lastly, the track requires a full replacement. Moving on to the middle school. Do you want to
022do the middle school? >> Yes, I can. I can do the the middle school. So uh I will [clears throat] start for uh the instructional spaces are are remote and they are it's one of the most complicated buildings that uh we we have seen and we have different types of yeah we have different types of of spaces all all over the building. So one of the things that we would like to do is just to consolidate for example classrooms and the kind of spaces that we have. Then we have for example the the on the on the left side it's uh it's a little bit part of it it's uh on the ground at least a little bit and that's that's an issue especially at the wrestling wrestling room and fiddle room. That is one
023of the concerns that then the locker rooms and team rooms are in poor condition and that's something that we can we can do and we should work on those because this is the main the main field is is on this uh on this school. So there are a lot of opportunities to work on the on the locker rooms on both sides to do for example for teams and visiting teams and uh we have a we have identified those spaces as uh spaces that we can work with. Uh the fitness room again is underutilized resting room as well and the ventilation is a problem. We saw also that there was water infiltration in the western western room. So that's something that we'll have to look at. And then the cafeteria, that's another space that it's a
024little bit difficult because you have all these walls. It seems that it was an addition at some point. So you have all these walls and doesn't uh you don't have a real good the visual supervision is not is a little bit challenging on on that space because it's subdivided in so many spaces and it could be could be a really great space. The technology labs lacks a little bit of of organization. We would like to to have a cons to consolidate more those spaces if we can. And then again the spaces are in in really good condition but they lack a little bit of u I would say inspirational spaces and you will see some images later of what we mean with with that. The music street isolated on the right. Uh again I think
025that can be improved. It's uh it's also on a different level. So it's uh we are we are also lacking uh instrument storage. So that's another space that we we think that we can uh we can work with and we we have some ideas. We will we'll have some ideas. Uh the locker rooms I I already uh spoke about those and uh the reorganization of those it's it's important for this school. So going forward and then yeah you can see some of the photos for example on the on the left where it says locker rooms there. >> Yeah. I think one of the things that that we've noted here is that um the special education classrooms are very remote in this building on the lower level. Um and they're also down below a level as
026well. So you have to go downstairs to actually get to those spaces. Um you can see one example on the left hand bottom left hand side. And then there are a few others that are sort of scattered um across the main block. Um so that I think is one thing we would like to address as well. So moving forward, this is the next level. And in this case with the main entrance, it's uh is not easy identifiable because the first thing that you look at is the other uh entrance near to the auditorium. That's the one that you your uh your view looks goes your your you look at that as as the main entrance. So we are missing that one at the main entrance. Then we have two trees on both sides that they
027are really hiding the the entrance as well. So we think that that's it's a part that uh that we can uh we can reorganize the guidance. Uh and also the the nursery street it's uh it's a little bit and uh we could do something better. reorganize those spaces a little bit more because it's inefficiently utilized and the cost are in in a common room and one of them rene to to a storage space. The library again we think the spaces are good but they could be much much better and uh we will show some examples that we have done about libraries because we think those spaces should be inspirational spaces. The same thing for for example for the high school. You have a great view out of the of the of the library but you
028have all the books at that side instead of having the spaces for the students to be there. Uh so again library science art and music classrooms are dispersed and we would like to to consolidate those as well and there's also dig digital music room that it's isolated behind behind the stage. uh that might we we might be able to do something with the with that space again. Then the the bleach there there are no bleaches at the in the new gym and the heating system is very loud and that was one of the concerns that uh the the athletic director told us and then there's no difference between the new gym and the old gym but and we can do something also to distinguish those spaces. And next one. Then again the science labs. We
029have a science labs all over the place and we would like to to consolidate those ones. There are also the ones in uh on the on the top that are strange spaces. It seems that some some things happened in during the the last years and we have those strange spaces for for some of the labs and we would like to do something about that. The fax rooms is also it seems to be dated and and there's a lot lack of organization on that one. You can see it on the on the bottom on the bottom left. Uh that could be improved also the way it's organized. You're not able to see the teacher at the same time as you are doing things and uh that's something that we we can do. The art room uh
030on on the right there's also um some uh some things that we can we can do there. there and it should look like an art room, not just another another classroom. And so there are a lot of opportunities on that one. >> And then I think one of the last things with the middle school is uh is um we talked a lot about this with the principal is um the fact that sixth grade is not really clustered um and trying to to provide a cluster or grouping for them um because they don't switch classes as often as seventh and eighth grade. and um where a seventh and eighth grader are being more prepared for high school. So looking at ways to kind of um take a section and um create more of a sixth grade
031um wing or or cluster um and which would entail probably some reorganization of some of the space. Then at the middle the site overview um as you know the middle school and the high school use the outdoor facilities. Um the main field is approaching its end of life um and is very slippery. Um so we plan to address that. Uh the lights should be changed with to LED lights for efficiency. Uh the scoreboard is also at its end of useful life. The bleach or seat tops should be changed. Um there's some concerns with that. and the outdoor fitness space um which is a a course in some ways is rated for 13 year olds and older. So it's not really compatible with the group age here. Um so we've talked maybe about uh trying to
032figure out a way to reuse it or to move it or do something with it. And then lastly, the lacrosse um there's there's a there is no lacrosse practice wall. So that might be something to address. >> Yeah. And I would like to add something about this about the athletics because one of the concerns from the athletics director is that we don't have a we don't have a space for example in the high school to practice. So many times they have to come here. So that's something that we will be looking at because it might be an opportunity for the high school to do something for athletics also because it's our understanding is it's athletics is a very big uh part of of this district. So we will be thinking about something at the at
033the high school. >> Then when we move on to elementary um things are a little bit simpler. Um there are we sort of combined um grades three through five. So looking at Cherry Lane and then Montabelloo um together and as this there's a lot of similarities between uh between all the elementary schools. But to just sort of hit on some of the big topics, um some of the entrances have a minimal secure vestibules areas. So, um and would require updates. So, we'll be addressing those um the ones that should have them or don't have them. Um in general, student support services and the family resource center are not colllocated and services are sort of dispersed throughout the building. Um you can see at Montabelloo at the top right of the plan there's student support services.
034Uh there are several spaces and then at the on the lower ground floor plan you can see um that there are some psychologist offices and a few other things. Um I'm sorry at Cherry Lane. Um so again trying to colllocate some of those services uh that can benefit from each other. Um and then at the grades three through five orchestra is taking place in a typical classroom um which is just too small for the amount of kids that they're servicing um at at this level. And then moving on to prek and K through2 at Slosburg and RP Connor. Um and these most of these um findings also apply um to the 3 through five schools is that again the libraries lack features of a modern library um you know with with zones for different types
035of learning and for study um and reading and play and adaptability. um a maker space is in a typical classroom where it exists and not every elementary school has one. So that's something we think um we may address. Um and then lastly, the cafeteria serving lines and I this is the case in each school is within the kitchen. So it creates a very over very crowded situation when kids are coming in and out of the serving lines. I would just like to to add something else for the elementary schools. The high school and the and the middle school they are more complex and uh we will be we will be approaching in the way we were showing in the case of the elementary schools we identify some themes that are common for all the schools.
036So we have for example the the library and the maker space that should be together. the main entrances for example at Stosburg the entrance is you have already a stair when you get in there's no lobby there's no security so that's another of the themes that we have identified then the the cafeteria and the and the library so for all the elementary schools we have all these common themes that we are uh trying to to identify in all of them >> so when we talk about common themes and this is really um districtwide um you to address the limitations and to look for the opportunities. We've sort of we've broken it down into four major components. Building entrances and hallways. So creating clear, safe and welcome entrances through improving building identity through secure entrance vestibules
037and direct line of sight to main offices where possible. Um and then improving overall circulation throughout the schools um through identity and wayfinding and which also can be used for um departmental um uh identity which I think would we can sort of leverage. Um then student support services. So strengthening student support for health and wellness services through colllocating and centralizing um counseling, nursing and family resource centers. Learning space um improving instructional space to support collaboration, project based learning and modern technology. Creating modern visible spaces to highlight programs and attract more students where possible. um reflect professional and collegiate feeling for technology, music and art spaces, colllocate subjects to increase collaboration and provide departmental identity and reintroduce the modern library as the hub or heart of each school. Create a maker space or a steam lab
038um sort of interchangeable at each of the elementary schools. And then athletics and outdoor facilities. Again, modernizing and improving athletic space to ensure that all the facilities are safe and functional. upgrading the facilities to support varsity and JV team sports at the middle school. Uh renovating locker rooms to improve visibility, reducing disciplinary issues and improved efficiencies and addressing shortage of athletic space at the high school. Um and lastly at the elementary schools providing age appropriate playgrounds and outdoor classroom space. So, we've as we've started to talk about some of our findings and um some of the areas that we're identifying, we wanted to kind of just uh just share some of the images or some of the spaces that we've been part of that we've designed that relate to all of these themes. Um so,
039the these are all renovations. Um there is no new construction here. Um this is a renovated entrance lobby uh which also has a secure entrance um to it. So the glass the new glass wall system is the second set of interior doors to the um entrance vestibule. The security office is actually within that space as well. Um, in this case, we changed um the wood is new, the ceiling is new, the lighting is new, and really it's to just give it an initial impression and again clear visibility to the main office which is directly across the hall here. This is another entrance. So again, you can see on the on the right hand side there's a secure entrance vestibule. Uh the security transaction uh window is is right uh there as well. Um if a
040visitor comes in um they come through and go into the main office which is visible uh through the through the lobby just finding opportunities for students um throughout the day. So in this case um we were able to identify a small area that we could introduce seating um and students actually use these spaces which is is quite nice. Then looking at student support service space. So this is actually a guidance um office um where you come in and um there is a lobby entrance space that is also used for presentations um and then uh sort of a reception or um someone who kind of organizes a space. I guess what you don't see here is once you get through this space, there's a collaboration area where um all the counseling offices are located. These are
041uh these are the libraries that we were speaking. This is a new renovation and again you can see that what we did here was having a main entrance, a central entrance and then having all the books on the sides. But we have at the end we have this curtain wall that it's open to they call it the little what was the name of it the little school or the schoolhouse something like that and uh that's one of the spaces where we put the the students and we're trying to have different kind of places because we we think that the students should find the place that they feel they feel themselves better to to do whatever they want to do to study to and uh creating these different niches of of spaces you're not able to
042see there on the two sides. Um on the two sides we have all different kind of spa spaces as well. And this is a high school library. The next one it's a middle school library. And again what we did here was uh instead of having all the books in the center of the space in the way they had it before. We said okay all the books has to go for example on the lower part and putting them to the side and having the space in the middle to be the the main uh the main space where you can reorganize things in in any way you want because we think that the the student is the center of the of the project that is the center of the of the library as well. So that that
043was approach on on this school on this middle school and then having different spaces small spaces on the yes on the on the left that you're able to see >> and that's I think one of the things here which you you would notice if you saw the existing um which maybe would be a good idea to share next time um is that u by moving all the students in the social spaces and learning spaces reading spaces to the center of the room um took advantage of all the natural daylighting and pushing the books to um the back area where actually the ceiling was lower. Um again just creating a more student centric type of space. This is an elementary level. So again we wanted to to show the high school versus a middle school versus
044elementary. Um, and actually this is an interesting project because there were three elementary schools. In each elementary school, we did a library um with some common themes through each of the schools as one district, but a little bit different in some way or another. But you can see there's a classroom space in the back. Um, all the stacks that are in the center of the space are mobile, so they can sort of be moved out of the way so that the space can be used for a gathering area. Um and again just different types of zones for working on a computer, working as a team or working alone for that matter. I will take this one because I really love this one. The the the the world that we have on that space was original
045to the space and that was one of the of the triggers for for imagining imagining this space. So we say we save that one and this is again an elementary school and and in this case we we we put for example the different spaces for the students in between the the the the books creating different kind of spaces and then having all the natural light coming from both sides of this uh of this library and then we have for example this collaborative space on on the on the left we are able to have 24 students in that one because there's also uh on the you you cannot see it, but there's a there's a smartboard on the other side and then all these uh different uh uh places where you where the kids can can
046see it and always having these low bookcases because in that way you were able always to see every part of the of the library. >> Yeah, this was this was a tricky one because there were entrances on actually both sides of the space and it was a long linear space. So um addressing it um in sections that sort of traverse through through the space was one of the approaches we took. And then this is a steam lab that is connected to the library. So again each of these libraries had a steam lab. Um same approach through all of them. a little bit of different difference just based on the spaces that we we were working with. But again, abundant storage, ability to change the tables, adaptable either by height or by or just in terms
047of moving them around, storage bins that fit into the storage units, and again um a Lego wall in this case, and um and again just an abundance of storage in these types of spaces. >> Yeah. And something else that we have been doing is for example having these laminates for the for the doors that you can write on or you can they are magnetic as well. So you can put things on those and they can uh serve as something else not just a door opening into a storage space. >> And then this is just this is a typical classroom in some way. um with in this particular case there was some interest in um creating a bit more transparency between the classroom the hallway and the classroom across the hall. Um but again you can
048see that one of the walls is a right-on wall. The wall to the left is the main instructional wall and again the um the furniture is flexible to adapt to group settings and to individual settings. And this is a a steam space. Um, again, a steam space, but adaptable for any uh type of classroom. Um, there are 3D printers in this space. Um, there are there's water, there's um services. You can see the electrical cords above. And this space actually looks out to um one of the assembly spaces. So, there was a connection um between all of them. >> Yes. As you saw for example at the beginning that we're showing that assembly space with those steps up at the at the upper part there was like a window. Those are the windows that are
049looking to that space. And the main reason to do that is because we wanted also to the the students to be interested on what's happening in that space. So to create that collab visual collaboration between the different spaces that's the main thing of this and it's and the yellow. Yeah. Because this was a uh this was a yellow thesp inspiration for that when it I think it was what was it? It's uh uh construction. >> Yeah, the construction traditional wood shop. Um so we sort of um introduced just a color that was reflective of of a work zone. Um but you can see this is uh going from a steam lab, which is a certain type of technology or innovation to a more traditional shop. Um but this shop actually is connected to two or
050three other labs. One is a computer lab, a PC lab, and um then then there's a metals lab as well in here. And and then looking to different types of innovative space. So this one in particular is more of a student um directed uh meeting space or instructional um presentation space. So students and and teachers can use the space for a project for a presentation. Um and it's become very adaptable in being able to do so. That's sort of the other direction of this um of the same type of space. And then looking at a traditional um typical art classroom. So these were to typical spaces uh typical classroom spaces that we opened up to create more of a art studio feel. Um again reflective of a more professional environment for those who are you
051know more serious about going into the arts and then looking at just a typical music space. Um, again, this actually was a typical classroom by but by addressing the ceiling and addressing storage particular to um the instruments, we were able to create what feels like a music space. That's it. Um, so we we have uh much still to do, but our more immediate next steps um will be focused on um developing preliminary design solutions that are responsive to the established um district-wide themes that we we just shared. Um we'll be meeting with school leaders, with staff, with students, and members of the community to review the design solutions that we develop and prioritize the needs as that will be important. Um and then the concepts as we start to develop them will be revised um
052and developed further to develop a project budget. >> Thank you. >> So Tina and Pierre, uh thank you so much for that for that presentation. It's greatly appreciated. you've spent a tremendous amount of time in the district really getting a sense of uh what the needs are and um as we can see from the presentation today there are a tremendous number of needs. Uh I've said time and time again and I know board members have reiterated this that we have a facilities team here uh led by Dr. Castlane and Mr. PAMA that really pay attention to the building envelope, the condition of the buildings. Uh, and with the exception of, I think, a boiler system at the high school for the most part, we're in good shape. And I know that some of the conversations
053we've had is when you go into a district, >> they have all these ideas of things that they want to do for students instructionally only to find out that you need a new roof here, you need new windows, you need new, you know, boilers in all your buildings. we're in good shape because Suffer Central has placed a you know a real priority on making sure that the building envelope is taken care of. Where we are lacking is particularly at the secondary level and this is reiterated by our Mounty Minds community forum groups that have toured especially the middle school and the high school is that I think somebody said earlier I graduated from you know suffering high school back in the 70s or the '9s and it hasn't changed all that much. Um, and we
054need some significant updates and and you've really, I think, shown us that there are significant needs here in our district, whether it's with instructional spaces so our students can learn better and more efficiently, whether it's safety issues when students first walk through that building and how they move throughout the facility. The the student services, we all know that we've increased the number of student services for kids in our buildings. And we know that we have clinicians that have little offices in closets. Used to be janitorial closets that have been converted to offices in corners of the buildings. Those need to be colllocated and in a place that makes sense so that we can provide better and more efficient services. And then you mentioned also music, art and athletics are core to what suffern is all
055about. And there are significant updates that are needed on that front. So, I want to thank you so much for for giving us a very comprehensive and broad overview. I want to turn it over to any board members that may happen to have a question or two about what you've seen and certainly there's a lot more to come. [snorts] >> Yes, Mr. Shapiro. That's your guess. >> First of all, I like the idea that you um mentioned how students going through the building can see other students and what they're doing. It's almost like kind of recruiting students to come into some of the programs. And I think that's really important rather than, you know, you walk into a classroom, the door is closed or even if the door is open, but you really can't see
056from the outside if you happen to be walking through the halls or just as classes are ch changing for you to see what's going going on. So I I really like that idea. I really like your use of color. I happen to be color blind, but I happen to really like your use of color. Um a and there's really just so much that I hope and wish that uh the district could do with um with the buildings that we have because as Dr. on this and said the buildings them themselves are in great great shape or solid shape and if we can just now really kind of enhance all of the class classrooms whether it's in art and music or athletics you know really whatever it is um and I'm glad you got the impression
057or you got the news that the lockers in the high school are rarely used so that's a lot of space so Maybe some seating areas for students like we happen to see that one student sitting in that little al cove. Yeah. So, I was I was very impressed. So, no questions, just comments. >> Yes, Mr. Brian. >> Just one comment. Um, our upper elementary school, our middle school, I'm not sure of the high school, uh, we have teachers who are focused on gardening. It would be great if we can also consider a dedicated gardening space for them um as part of the overall plan. >> Thank you. Over here, Mr. Frasier. >> Yes, I have one question. Um the pictures we saw, is that one district or just all of the schools you've done in
058different areas? >> That was several districts. Um there were um some of the images were from one district um particularly the one with the libraries where we showed um a high school or middle school and um three elementary schools. That was one district. >> One one more question. It wasn't uh highlighted. The high school pool is any consideration happening? We we know um we talked about it um but it it seems like the pool was not a priority. >> Yeah, the pool space is is being maintained well and and the last um renovation to that pool space was done not all that long ago. So, in our conversations with the athletic director, uh the pool was not high on the list of priorities, but but that's a great segue for, you know, reiterating what comes
059next, right? And so we are certainly this as you mentioned this is these are the beginning stages even though we've been talking about the need to update facilities for quite some time now we have an architectural team that's really you know they're the experts that are coming in and taking a look at things but now there's going to be a lot of additional dialogue and feedback sought from community members students staff of course the board as well and now we need to start to figure out what are the priorities And of course, what is in the back or maybe the forefront of everybody's mind? What is the cost? And what is the community willing to to do to support 100% of everything has to be done or 25% of what needs to be done or
060perhaps nothing. And so that's what we have to figure out moving forward. Uh, and so I know that our architects from AMASI are going to be coming back to our board meetings from time to time throughout the winter and the spring because I think our general tenative time frame is to develop this list of priorities, develop what the costs would be, share that information with the board and the community, refine it, figure out what our community wants to support with an ultimate vote in the early fall of uh of 2026. Um and hopefully we have success and then there's the next phase of couple of years if not more depending upon the scope of the work of the work to be done. Uh Emma will lead us through all of that. So there's a lot
061more work to be done. It's the beginning stages here, but um you know, it's a little bit daunting to take a look at everything that needs to take place, but it's it's certainly necessary for the future of our district, and we just need to figure out what those priorities and what our community is going to be able to support. >> Uh thank you so much for this presentation. when you describe the the maze-like experience of the middle school and parts of the high school, that's certainly very familiar to those of us who've visited the school with our children or without our children trying to figure out where we're supposed to go. Um, regarding the images of the revisions that you showed us, revised spaces, not new construction, were those done during the instructional during the
062school year or during vacations? the majority of the work um was through the summer um and then where they could isolate areas um they would and do it during the year. Um but in general um we try to avoid you know construction in the school through the school year. They will take advantage of breaks. So you know the holiday breaks are big where they'll address something that they they can manage. Um, and when I say they, I guess we would be working with a construction manager who would help um, you know, guide the sequencing of the construction um, to to work through that. >> Thank you. >> Are there any other questions from the board? >> No. Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Tina and Pierre. Thank you. >>
063So, certainly more to come. And thus concludes my superintendent report. Okay, thank you. Well, those images were just beautiful. I would love to go to that school. So, I hope we can make that happen. Um, our next item is public participation. This is on action items only. Action items are on our agenda at 2.01 through 2.11. Is there anyone who's here to speak on an action item? Okay, looks like not. We're going to close that part of the meeting and move on to our action items. Uh before I request a motion for a consent agenda, is there any item that any board member would like to pull? Okay. Do I have a motion for a consent agenda to approve action items 2.01 through 2.11? Mrs. Hodgej. Second. >> Mr. Frasier. All in favor signify by
064saying I. >> I. Anyone opposed? Any abstensions? Okay, very well. We're going to move on now to our regular public participation section. This is on any district related business. If there's anyone here to speak on any district related business, please approach the lectern and please give us your name. Uh please do not mention anyone in the district uh whether staff, student or teacher by name and please keep your remarks to three minutes. Is there anyone who is here to speak on any district related business? Yes sir. Hi, my name is Sean. I live on one crime place. Um, first, thank you guys for everything you guys do. I just have an issue with busing. Is this the right place to talk? >> So, please go ahead. Two things. Um, one thing is the stop that
065my daughter has. I live on Crane. I don't know if you guys are familiar with it. It's right off the 202 and the stop is um it's basically she has to walk out 2022. In my personal opinion, it's a dangerous road. If there's any way they can either move it in or put it to the other corner which is on Crane and I think I forgot the other street, but basically it should not be on the 22. Um my other question is there's two dismissal times and we only get busing for one dismissal for one dismissal time. if there's any way not not if if not for this year for next year if you guys can do anything to have busing for both times. >> Okay, thank you very much. Uh uh yeah, that's um
066Dr. Dr. Gunnerson is going to have somebody follow up with you regarding your two requests um and to see what if anything can be done as from a transportation standpoint. Is there anyone else from the public who would like to speak tonight? Okay, very well. We're going to close that portion of the meeting then and move on to board member comments. Are there any board members with any comments tonight or any more comments? Mr. Shapiro. >> Yes. Um I I think all of us have received um an email from Sandy Janette about uh next Monday there's a legislative webinar that um it it would be great if the entire board could um get on board with that. It's uh I think through Zoom. I'm pretty sure it's through Zoom because what else is new? Um
067but um if we could just all be be there and uh and just listen to what's being said and uh just be keeping a breast of things. Um um they do it every year and just making sure that we are all aware. That's it. >> Thank you very much. Great idea. Any other board member comments tonight? No. Okay. Going once, going twice. All right. Okay. We're going to close that portion of the meeting [laughter] and move on to superintendent's closing comments. >> Thank you very much. Mr. Shapiro uh increased my agenda items for this next section uh by 100%. Um so, first of all, um I appreciate you bringing up that that forum. Um Marlo Dickman and I uh were able to be engaged with uh state legislators before the holiday break through a superintendence
068forum and we spoke at length about one particular issue that is facing Suffren Central and all districts throughout New York State. But as we know we have an immense transporta transportation system here in Suffren Central and the electric bus mandate is is looming. the the deadline, the date for when we can only purchase uh electrified vehicles. And there is a movement in the legislature to push some of those deadlines back further um that so that they're more reasonable financially um for school districts. So I I would ask board members to pay particular attention to that information because that has significant consequences for Suffren Central. Uh and number two, uh in the professional personnel report, um it was listed that Dr. Paul Adler, our principal at at Suffron High School, um is resigning. And fortunately for
069him, it is a wonderful professional opportunity that he has that will be starting in July, July 1. Uh and unfortunately for us, we are going to to miss Dr. Adler and the work that he has done at Suffren High School. But I want to reiterate something that he has mentioned to me time and time again. And that is that he wants to convey to the board that he is 100% fully committed to the work at Suffren High School from now just as much as he has been for the last couple of years all the way through June 30th, his his last uh contractual day here. um he has given a lot to Suffren High School, continues to contribute and um wanted me to express his gratitude to the board, but also his ongoing commitment to
070make sure that he sees that his work is done and complete. And thus concludes my second superintendent report. >> Okay, thank you very much. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, January 20th at 7:30 p.m. right back here in Hillburn. Um at this time, do I have a motion to adjurnn? No, everybody wants to stay. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, Mr. Shapiro second. Mrs. Hajj. All in favor signify by saying I. I. All right, everyone. We'll see you back here on January 20th. Thank you very much.