001All right. Good evening. Today's Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025. This is the regular meeting of the board of education. I have a motion to open second. All in favor? All right. We're going to jump out into executive session for discussing no matter. All in favor? Okay. We'll come back out at 7:30. Thank you. All right. Good evening everybody. Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025. This is the regular meeting of the board of education. We actually already opened the meeting at 6:30 and went to executive session and now we're back. So, we don't have to open again. So, our first order of business is the pledge of allegiance. Next up, we have student representatives. So what I was saying is we have very special students here tonight and I would like to introduce them to the community and to
002the board. First we have a validator and auditorium to honor tonight. So first I would like to introduce talk about you get the applause applause. Um, first I'd like to introduce Saludatorium. Cameron Lee has earned the honor of Schoolum through his remarkable dedication, leadership, and a true passion for learning. He will be attending Bingmpington University this fall where he plans to pursue a degree in engineering with a strong interest in biomed engineering. He said he wanted to do this because his father is also an engineer and he really wants to make a difference in the lives of people who would benefit from this. Though he won't officially declare his major until year. His drive and curiosities have already set the foundation for a promising future in his field. Tam's interest in engineering was sparked at
003a very young age again with his father who's a mechanical engineer whose um example showed him the power of innovation and problem solving. That early curiosity has since grown into a fullfledged Cameron will being his senior internship with Mr. Cooper at TCO High School where he will assist in the classroom, gain valuable hands-on experience for further developing his skills in real world educational studies. Academically, Cameron has distinguished himself as a consistent high achieving um earning on the principal list throughout his entire high school career. He is a proud member of the National Honor Societ Society and the newly established Spanish honor society reflecting both his academic excellence and his dedication to service. He was also awarded the prestigious junior RIT computing and science award and competed in the science olympiad chemistry olympiad further showcasing his
004strong stand a beyond the classroom. Cameron is standout leader and a well-rounded individual. He is the varsity captain for the spring track and field team where he competes in the 100 millimeter the 200 mill meter 200 meter and 4 by 100. During the winter season he's a member of the bowling team and in the fall he bounces and sports with a part-time job at t. is also deeply involved in the school community participating in a wide range of clubs including the investment club tigers helping tigers science Olympia chess club and the engineering club as co-president of the solar center and again that's the habitat for humanities used to be called so you understand what it is Cameron exemplifies leadership and compassion working to serve others and make a positive impact lead balance of academic excellence
005leadership and service is a true reflection of his character and his potential. We are proud to recognize him as this year's auditorium and excited to see all that he will accomplish in the years to come. Let's cheer for him. Honored and recognized. We're very proud of you. Thank you so much. Congratulations. Now we have our validator Joselyn. Congratulations to our 2025 validatoran Joselyn. Joseline is a dynamic and driven student with a deep passion for computer science. Her commitment to the field is evident not only in her academic achievements but also in her extracurricular pursuits. She has taken part in summer tech programs and is a dedicated member of her school our school sporting club where she continues to refine the programming skills she has largely taught herself first as a hobby. Her love for technology
006is masked by her creativity and her curiosity which she also expresses through her involvement in theater and images high school literary magazine. Jaclyn is equally at home in the world of STEM and New York. She's a proud participant in science Olympiad and volunteers as a judge for our school debate team demonstrating her leadership and support for her peers. She's also a member of the National Honor Society and Italian Honor Society and participates in the robotics club, web design, engineering, debate, and coding clubs. Joselyn has played a crucial role in running the robotics club, a leadership skills initiative. have been instrumental in organizing events, guiding team members, and driving projects forward. She assesses a rare rare blend of creativity and technical proficiency, which has greatly enhanced the project. Joselyn is a consistent high achiever, having received
007numerous academic awards throughout her school years. In her free time, she's an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy and continues to explore new coding languages and tech projects just for fun. Her natural curiosity Strong work ethic and positive energy make her an outstanding student and member of our school community. Join plans on attending RIT where she plans to pursue a degree in computer I'm sorry RPI where she plans to pursue a degree in computer science. RP RPI is a reputation for academic rigor and innovation and is often a top choice for students interested in the STEM career. We excited for Joselyn to continue growing as a learner, creator, and a leader. We're expecting to do great things about you college and your career. Thank you and congratulations. Now for our two high achieving students,
008you go home and study. Thank you very much and great congratulations. Thank you. That was great. All right. So, next up is our um budget development presentation. Really exciting budget presentation. Okay, so it is exciting and I just it's a little long but it's not as long as the last time and I promise every time will get a little shorter but it is not the last time. This is the budget about first like with thanking everybody for coming today. Good evening, board trustees, faculty, families, and community members. Tonight, we present a refined view of the proposed 2025 2026 budget, building on the conversations we began at our previous meeting. We'll review key updates and spotlight the priorities that continue to guide our work. The budget reflects the alignment of our values, strategy, and collaboration. It
009remains grounded in our commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and responsible financial plan ensuring that every student is supported by their plan. I want to thank Dr. Tio for his instructional leadership and Miss Barks for her stewardship of financial framework that supports both long and shortterm goals. Thank you also to Miss Bower for her continued insight about education services our administrator Mr. Morano and Mr. have been essential and they provided great info for us particularly about ensuring that students needs are met and school safety remains front and center. We're also grateful for the continued support of our PTA and athletic council to help enrich the student experiences beyond the classroom. And of course, thank you to our board guide and our families for your ongoing guidance also encouragement and partnership. The budget res represents more
010than just numbers. It represents the collective vision of a community dedicated to ensuring that every student is prepared for the future. You just happen to be here tonight and what happens. This is the first time it happened because we have Chris here. We're very happy. Okay, thank you. I don't know what we would do without our district remains committed to the mission that guides everything we do. Empowering every student with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in a constantly evolving world. This mission comes to life through the following core goals. Academic excellence. We're focused on raising student achievement and building a strong foundation for future success in college careers and as an active informed citizen community engagement. We continue to strengthen the connections between our schools, families, and the wider community to
011better support our students learning and overall well-being and fiscal responsibility. We are committed to maintaining a sustainable financial plan that puts students needs first while securing the district's long-term stability. This proposed budget is direct reflection of these priorities. Every investment we're making is designed to move us closer to our vision for student success and the continued growth of our district. At the heart of our proposed budget are three pillars. Each group is in the framework outlined in our district plan. In our last strategic update, we discussed the evolution of professional learning not as a standalone priority but as an essential driver embedded across all areas, all focus areas. The concept is fully integrated into this budget. In summary, this update upstream structure reframes our priorities from how educators teach to how students learn and grow.
012And with professional learning now embedded at the level of personal areas, we are well positioned to deliver meaningful sustained impact. As you know, the point of pride is something that we take great pride in. And what makes Takoto unique is all of all that you see on the screen and more. It's more than a school district. community defined by excellence, innovation, and deep rooted connection. The strengths you see highlighted here reflect what makes our district truly a special place to learn and grow. At the center of our success are are our remarkable faculty and staff. Their dedication creates a culture where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their highest potential. Our thriving fine and performing arts programs speak to our belief in nurturing the whole child. These opportunities allow students to express themselves
013creatively and enrich the fabric of our school community. We are also proud to be a technology forward district offering onetoone ratios devices for students kindergarten through 12th grade combined with our innovation lab and robust team offerings. Our students gain hands-on experience in the skills that will drive tomorrow's workforce. TCO is also ahead of the curve when it comes to artification. Teachers are receiving targeted training and AI tools, helping them personalize instruction and lauring ethical work. It's one more way we're preparing students for a world that is rapidly changing. Our vibrant extracurricular program and community service opportunities empower students to lead, collaborate, and contribute. These experiences develop character as much as competence. We recognize and respect diversity of learners across all our schools. Our full continuum of special education programs ensure that every the support they
014need to provide. Literacy continues to be the main focus. Our research based programs like Wilson and Gillingham strategies guiding our approach. These strengthen the foundational skills essential for long-term success in reading and writing. Safety remains the top priority. With the support of our school resource officer and continuing districtwide enhancement, we continue to build a safe, secure learning environment for all. Our student athletes continue to make us proud excelling not only in competition but also in the classroom. Many are celebrated that our athletes prove that academic and athletic excellence go hand in hand. And we remain committed to early childhood education. Even with the limited grant support, we've expanded our universal preo because we understand how crucial these early years are for students and families alike. These initiatives reflect who we are a district driven by
015innovation, care and belief in the boundless potential of let pride shine on. This slide celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of our students across academics athletics and service. These achievements are a reflection of their determination, their support of our wonderful faculty and the nurturing environment of the district. Academically, our students continue to set the ball high, collectively earning nearly eight million in scholarships, a powerful indicator of their potential and the quality of instruction and guidance they receive. They this year students have been named national merit finalist placing them among scholars in the country. Our science olympia program is amazing and our middle and high school teams have made impressive showings across multiple categories while our debate program continues to gain momentum as students excelling in competition and we are hosting events that bring together top talent from
016across the region. Our integrated crosscurricular efforts have brought new life to the intersection of technology, science, music and art resulting in impressive projects that create that build creativity with academic rigor. Beyond the classroom are Students have been have distinguished themselves in athletics, the arts and extracurriculars, athletics. They have league conference and state national recognition. Their dedication and talent continue to inspire us. Our students also give back to a range of service to make meaningful contributions that build character. The arts students and our theater productions have been standing not only skill but passion commitment. Whether students are exploring design club lending a hand for humanity driving experiences experiences they are expanding the horizon. These milestones aren't just impressive. They tell the story of a district where students are encouraged to grow, explore and thrive. They reflect
017our belief of the whole child education and are missing to each student meaningful impact in the world. These are some of the highlights of our of the colleges our students have been accepted to for 2025 and they tell a powerful story. As I said last time, this year has been the most competitive college admission cycles that I remember and um everybody is talking about it across the region. acceptance rates have dropped across the board at many schools, not just the most selective institutions, but also at strong mid mid-range schools. Despite these challenges, our students have earned top spots at impressive range of colleges and universities, a testament to their persistence and passion. What's important to recognize is that the success didn't happen overnight. is the result of the K12 effort of all of our teachers
018and all of our staff. From the earliest grade to graduation, our teachers and staff have been helping students build the skills, confidence, and character they need to thrive. Our guidance council has worked closely with students throughout their career and with each student in high school through application process, offering strategic advice and continued support. And while we're proud to celebrate students attending highly selective schools, we're equally proud of those who have found the right fit college where they'll continue to grow and succeed. Every acceptance shown here represents a journey of effort, growth, and accomplishment. Whether it's the nationally ranked university, specialized program, or school that perfectly matches a student's goal and interest, we're proud of them all. This speaks volumes not just about individual achievement but also the strength of tough students, their parents and the
019community as well. Let's now review the highlights of the proposed budget which were also shared during previous budget presentations. And this is not the last one, but we're getting there. As we shape the 2526 budget, enhancing school safety remains the central focus. I want to extend my app to administrative team, board of education and members of safety, including representatives from Eastchester and police department and our security consultants, our parents, our board members that are on that committee and our teachers for their thoughtful input and collaboration. The key and of course I also want to thank God that helps me very much through that committee. A key investment we're continuing 50,000 annual transfers to the capital project which allows us to launch the first phase of a three-year plan to modernize the security camera system at
020high school. I also want to thank the board because they have also been asking about our security cameras for a long time and other board members who were on the safety committee too such as um this phase approach ensures we can emphatically improve camera coverage, replace outdated equipment, the overall effectiveness and reliability of our security infrastructure. Additionally, we're increasing our monitor staffing by4 enhancing on supervision without any additional impact on overall budget. These strategic investments reflect our continued commitment to students and staff safety and they demonstrate how thoughtful planning and collaboration can support a secure learning environment while remaining responsible. We are also so we also transfer $50,000 mandated special education up 5,000 over the current year 5000 to launch fund a reduction of 15,000 investing in what's next learning and innovation as we look
021ahead our 2526 budget strategic investments that support both immediate instructional needs and long-term academic growth these initiatives reflect our commitment to a continuous improvement of preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Professional learning and instructional support. We continue to advance districtwide implementation of universal design for learning and multi-tered systems of support ensuring all students receive personalized effective instruction from kindergarten through 12th grade. We're also thoughtfully integrated AI tools such as magic school AI brisk attach to support educators with lesson planning differentiation and instructional design. Our investment in reading intervention remains strong with continued support for Wilson Academy wave RTC books star all focused on boosting literacy outcomes for all learners. This is part of a districtwide commitment to support multi-ter systems for support and tsf model. We are using a suite of high quality tools
022both academy books and a store to unify our approach to reading across all the grade level. Together, these tools give our teacher a unified teachers a unified access, instruct, and monitor students progress in reading throughout the years. As many staff are trained to buildings, we are creating a common language and consistent framework to support literacy growth at every grade level, ensuring no learner falls through the cracks. In terms of curriculum and course development, we're proud to launch a new research skill in civics course at the middle school, helping students work to civic field readiness. building research and critical thinking skills. Our advanced placement program continues to grow with the addition of AP cyber security and supporting support which supports digital literacy teacher ready skills and seminar now operated 10 to argument and research supporting for
023the art. Our partnership with music consultant continues to guide vertical alignment across grade level while tools like make music instruction performance and assessment. Together these forward facing initiatives educators opportunities to ensure our exceptional program continues to evolve with purpose and other budget priorities partnerships that we're doing. So we're investing in strategic partnerships and enrichment opportunities that enhance student engagement and deeper learning across content areas. Our strategic partnerships we have a collaboration with open civics which supports the implementation of civic skill readiness helping students build civic knowledge and leadership skills. We'll be participating with the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival to bring teaching artists into the language arts classroom enriching instruction with performance based learning. We continue to access to engaging practice tools like breakout, a game based platform promoting collaboration and critical thinking and kit a
024highly popular review game that boost engagement in our middle and high school classrooms. In terms of instructional materials and licenses, we are renewing our prelsuring continued coherence and math from kindergarten through eight for cyber security. We're allocating funds for simulation equipment and the latest technology to create a more hands-on career connected learning experience. Additionally, we are invested in Biozone for AP environmental science, a resource that provides students with global case studies, a real world data analysis and science project. These investments reflect our commitment to enriching the curriculum instruction, providing students with tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. Budget priority enriching students experiences through extracurric Continue support for exciting enrichment opportunities that creativity collaboration and student grow at web poetry pals give students a space to explore creative expression through poetry and language
025is a way to foster love for words and writing at age kids who code I'm sorry this club empowers our third graders foundational not just about technology confidence critical thinking problem solving. The title news students will step into the role of young journalists researching writing and publishing newspapers that build storytelling and communication skills in a fun way. Music club before school music club supports fan students with additional rehearsing time helping them strengthen their performing skills and prepare for upcoming conferences. model UN I'm so excited about high school offering high school students hands on experience global diplomacy public speaking international relations relations and the debate this club we're having an assistant advisor as you know we expanded debate club last year to the high school and support debate club and they're doing great our high school
026debate team by adding an assistant coach to enhance quality and student engagement and very excited about that. Okay. Enhancing um student experience through athletics. We This is a change. Again, it's not going to make a different budget impact than the last presentation, but we are looking I know the board was very interested in us putting a part-time strength and conditioning coach to our athletic program. And if you remember from the last board meeting, you were like, can you do that for the same amount of money that you of the of the other program that you were putting which was the track program and I was saying no no we can't be so expensive but has figured out a way to do that within our budget and I know that that's something that the board I'm
027sure want and this will be a sport athletes across sport and while this is position not very stended only a portion of the course will be additional to the budget as remainder will be covered through the reallocation. So the amount that we put in the last budget will be the same amount but we're able to do with that. Previously we had again indoor track edition but comments we changed it to the strength and condition the proposal directly reflects the strength that the board expressed and we have heard that from our community also following our athletic board. Adding this position will ensure that every team has access to a certified professional who will develop targeted specific training program enhancing performance and most importantly preventing. This is an investment health and development athletes and one that will
028bring meaningful value to the change is instead of having position the same. We just wanted to make sure we were Another key priority for the 2526 budget is on technology upgrades which total $425,000 spent over five years with a net budget impact of $77,000 425 thanks to offset savings from the retirement of our current IPA. This investment again is critical because we need to replace and delight computers. These devices are not compatible with Windows 11 for Windows 10 significant security risk for the district. We also need to replace aging network switches which are the backbone of our district connectivity. The switches are no longer supported by the manufacturer which increases the risk of network failures and security vulnerabilities. We simply can't afford and so much of our instruction operations depend on reliable access. In addition,
029we're purchasing 300 Chromebooks as part of the regular cycle. These devices are essential for supporting instruction and online learning tools, ensure the students have access to reliable technology in the classroom, ensuring our student have tools they need to thrive in modern learning. wise summarizes um the total cost of the budget priorities that we have already with the change except for the additioning codes that we've already discussed and projected cost of that's what I talked about so far we do have a budget update though so we're going to take a moment to review updates and changes since we last met as we move through the upcoming slides we'll walk you through the key adjustments that are These updates reflect our ongoing efforts to ensure the budget also responds to the evolving needs and remain fully responsible.
030So let's dive into the details. These are the two significant updates to the proposed budget last changes. We are now proposing the addition of an additional reading intervention at elementary school to support our students development. And we are doing that because we have number one from the board. Number two, heard from the community. Number three, heard from our elementary principal and our and our director of instruction. And we know that the board that you know this is a district that's so focused on reading that we are going to make that addition. And I think it will give kids more individualization and also give them um more the groups will be matched to their skills and students will also have more access to going from two to three and changes to debt. These have been adjusting
031to debt service related expenses and revenues which will be reflected in explain again. So in addition to the reading intervention at school, we are proposing to addition as I said most programs of the university and it will support also level one students in the classroom. Now expected impact again as I said to attention to struggling readers data driven intervention and early Now, number two, I will have the bond. So, the other substantial change since we last met was the recent sale of our bond anticipation notes. On April 9th, we planned to sell short-term and long-term bonds, which happened to be one of the most volatile days on the market. I'm sure you can hear this on the news. Um after our initial results, which were way worse than we could have ever anticipated, um we
032quickly pivoted and strategized with our fiscal advisors and um the board and Dr. Goodman um to sell all of our debt as short-term. So we were originally selling some long-term and some short term. While we did not even with that yield the results that we initially budgeted and hoped for, we were able to leverage our very strong credit rating in our favor. The change in the municipal bond markets and rates um were not good. So we did take on more interest than we had antic originally budgeted for. But on the other end, we did get a substantial premium for our bonds, which means a revenue coming in next year to offset some of that money. So again, our strong credit rating um resulted us in receiving this additional revenue. So all of these factors, the
033increase in debt service and the revenue um all had an impact on the budget for next year and the tax cap. So we'll walk you through that. Here you will see the proposed revenue changes. Um this slide shows a change in our tax cap which I will review. Um we are proposing now a tax levy of 32,6 950 which is up $32,000 from the last time we met. Um however you will see um on the A5031 line that we will be and we are receiving next year $159,961 in revenue premiums on the debt we sold. That's really thanks to our strong credit rating. So it's um even on the worst day we did pretty good. Um and we are able with this new revenue and um we are able to lower appropriate fund balance by
034$50,000. This chart you could see the changes from when we last presented on the expenditure side. So you will see in the second line which is instruction the A2000 categories we do increase it $100,000 for the additional position. Um and you will see an increase in the debt service line the 99700 um where we increased it for the additional debt service we will have to pay next year. So overall um from when we last met it's up 12,685 on both sides. This chart shows um where we were at our last meeting on the left hand side and then where we are today. Um our proposed tax levy is a 57% increase um or 818,818 those numbers and a budget to budget increase of 5.33%. Um our proposed budget is 44 million22,385 and again this is
035all tax levy. The tax levy is tax cut compliant. So our now we will walk you through um the line by line of the 2526 proposed updated expenditures not in as much detail as we had in the last meetings. Um the only changes here is instruction and debt service. But this is a summary of all our functions um which when our budget book comes out there will be a lot of detail. I think you guys will really find a lot of information in there that goes through each function and what they mean. So this is a summary of the proposed expenditures for next year. And this is the same proposed expenditures just in a different format. So the last chart was by function. And this breaks down even further by object. So it's what are
036in each function are we spending on? Are we spending on salaries, equipment? So it goes into more detail. It's the same pie just broken up differently. And when we look at this at the pie chart, you can Majority of our expenditures are salaries and benefits. Um debt service makes up um another piece contractual services and then we have our transportation and so now when we go through the details of our proposed revenues um this is our updated line by line revenue budget. Um this includes the changes that we referenced before the um new tax levy, the reduced appropriated fund balance and the increase in revenue for d service which is in the inund transfers line. So all all in all um this is our new tax cap calculation and you'll see I circled in red
037on the chart the number that changed from our previous That's our capital exclusion. We are allowed to exclude um debt for capital purposes, net of building aid. So when we went out and we sold those bonds and everything changed, um we had to go back and revise this number. It does it did have an impact on it. Um so our maximum allowable is lower. Before it was a maximum allowable of 2.94. We were only going to 2.4. But given the changes, we are now going up to the cap on the at 2.57%. This chart shows a history of the tax levy since the inception of the tax. You can see in years where actual inflation is much higher than 2% the formula limits us to a 2% factor in the calculation and our levy tends
038to run below inflation. On average, Since the inception of the cap, our average is 2.04%. This is just the pie chart of our proposed revenues. The majority 74% of our revenues come from real property taxes. And then the rest is next is state aid. And then we have um non-resident tuition is a big part of our revenues. We have pilots and sales tax. Um some miscellaneous revenues and then to bridge the gap. Now, I'd like to talk a little bit about um the proposition that will be on the ballot. It's the repair reserve fund proposition and um it has no budget or tax impact. Um so, we're continuing the discussion of a proposition that was on the ballot 20th. This vote does not ask taxpayers for any new money. Instead, we are seeking voter approval
039to transfer funds from our unreserved unappropriate fund balance into the repair reserve fund which was established last year. This is about forward thinking financial planning, ensuring we are prepared for future repairs and unexpected needs following maintaining stability and avoiding additional costs to our taxpayers. As part of our commitment to financial responsible financial planning, we are asking voters to cast their vote on the transfer of $650,000 from our unreserved unappropriated fund balance into the repair reserve. So, we're asking them to approve just the transfer of funds from one reserve to another. The reserve was established last year to set aside funds specifically for future maintenance and repairs of our school facilities. It allows us to proactively plan for necessary repairs rather to unexpected issues which can often and usually are more costly. This proposal has been
040reviewed with the finance committee ensuring it align to our long-term financial strategy and best practices for maintaining our school buildings. By making this transfer, we reinforcing our commitment to keeping our facilities in good condition while preserving financial stability. And again, there is no tax impact to this proposition. So, we're not asking for any additional money and it doesn't have any budget impact. I know this sounds repetitive, but um this is really good planning. We're not asking for any new money from taxpayers. It's just really um a transfer from one fund to another to allow us to use this for repairs that do not occur on an annual basis. we have aging building um especially this middle school high school which is a beautiful building on the national historic registry um and we don't want to
041address situations as an emergency and having this will allow us to plan for this our proposed budget for the upcoming year strikes a careful balance between providing a high quality education and maintaining responsibility we work of revenue limitations and rising costs focusing on how to make most of every dollar to support our students, staff and community. Even with ongoing uncertainties, the budget reflects a strategic approach that keeps our commitment to educational excellence at the forefront. As we close tonight's presentation, I want to emphasize that this proposed budget is more than just numbers. These are plans to uphold our commitment to excellence for adapting to evolving. Since our last meeting, key updates have been made including the addition of the reading intervention to support foundational literacy and the adjustment to death service following staff. The budget
042invest in remote manage academic enhancements through the introduction of new high school courses, expansion of additional programs like our school offerings and arts. We are strengthening professional development to ensure our educators have the tools they need to foster innovative and engaging questions. In addition, we are prioritizing critical upgrades to technology infrastructure replacing devices and network components that post security risk so that every student has access to reliable modern learning. Safety and security remain essential with continued investment in surveillance systems and monitoring. This budget reflects the value values of our district and the voice of our community designed equity and position journal sustainable future. I would also like to thank again the administration Mr. also for instructional budget and all our principles. And I'd also like to thank our guidance department who helped us with planning
043a lot of changes um in their schedule for middle and high school students as we were juggling other additions that could have had an impact on the budget, but through collaboration and camp planning, we were able to do that within our proposed budget. So, we thought it was over, but it's um we have all these important dates. Look how many we've gotten through. Our next one is April 29th, 2025, which is the budget review. And then May 5th will be our budget hearing. And the most important date to mark your calendar is May 20, 2025, the annual budget vote and trustee election. Again, May 20th, 2025, annual vote. Thank you for being with us this evening. Again, I really want to thank our board of education, too. I want to everybody else, but they really
044do guide us in our project development as soon as we welcome your questions and comments. Thank you. All right, thank you for that. Um, great job. Really informative. Um, and That's long, right? Longer before. Um, but first off, as always, I always start just thanking you and everyone. So, this is our comments by the board period. Um I say we just limit it to um comments on whatever we just presentation on the budget speed up a little bit. The staffing is budget neutral. the um remember students participation classes goes and we and we are working at that again when you have new classes sometimes they do start off small like our environmental science but then they grow as students know about it. We believe these are important courses. We are registering students right now and
045hopefully that will show up and we have counselors that are administers. I'll give you I'll give you some credit. We have a very active state. No, but we still have, you know, we have students graduating where another student will be able to go in. So, we still have access to it. We're hoping that with the new graduation requirement that there will that way that's going to happen. It's been budget. I was also asking there's no interest in um the music is great as pointed out to bring everybody together. I'm just wondering if there's any way in the schedule that we can do something similar in there's a time when I know music department. sports practices don't have chance to regular schedule. Um the strength and conditioning coach is interesting. Um I'm just wondering did we
046did we have an interest meeting for the indoor track where we were interested in it. I feel like we just took it away without really discussing. I think it was because our track enrollment is so big. I mean, we just started a few years ago if you recall and um from the start we just found a whole bunch of kids that are really interested in it and looking at it even for college and and it's really like sport if you think about it. So, we just thought that you know, Mr. Kospano thought that that would make the for them because usually a lot of the track kids so we could really keep them involved. That's where that came from. So it's not like we're out of it and we saw how important the conditioning piece
047was of it. So together come up with a way that we do that seem to be and I hear that from parents heard that I just felt like everybody different and we did already have already it wasn't I feel like it wasn't kids really really do appreciate that out just because you heard it from our community of the board if there was a way we could do it. I was saying as I said here no I don't it's just so expensive and you know and then you know we just thought we could give it that same limited amount of money come up with a plan where we could um and just I just want to point out to the community import of the repair. I know that they really um spoke a lot about it,
048but it is really really important. We even have repairs on tonight's agenda that had we had this in place, we could have used um that money towards. It's really important. It's at no cost to the taxpayers. It's simply just moving money from one savings account to another. And it's just so important that everybody pays attention to that and really understands what Great presentation once again. Thank you. So just think back to AP security sounds great. I do hope that it's a full class and thank you for bringing more APs. Really that was something when we first joined the board was one of the goals to add more APs. Thank you for that. Uh I have a question about the UPK that cost is that a reoccurring is that just this year? Yeah, just so point
049we deal it wasn't in the budget last year. So some of the things you know that we found money for last year they are new for this. They weren't on the budget. So when we brought the program to Codle, what we realized is the incredible amount of support that we needed from our principal and assistant principal to really love that children in an effective way. So we were able to find some money in the budget, but we wanted to, you know, go above and beyond what they do as a principal for a building. And I really believe that our this year wasn't budgeted, but we pay for it. But I feel that, you know, needs to recurring cost in the budget. This will build it in and really that both of our school administrators in
050that building administrators have really from not just the logistics the scheduling which is hard enough like when kids are leaving you most parents at a higher rate but also preschool don't all of that to every day when teachers are absent and to also making them part of the best part of it the staff development principles right there making it part of the staff development that we do in codle and making the kids part of the community. So when we're doing a special event at codle that's appropriate for them they go and brings in events to codle our preschoolers can go. So this has been it just we really I feel like this has been the best year for because we have it's been exceptional and believe me there's been rocky times that they just I
051didn't handle it was great. So I really think yeah I surprised to me so we're not doing indoor track we're doing instead of like it's different to the Tucker in that there's a person there you want to talk about how we did it. Yes. So um It's different than the tough bit. So, we won't continue tuck fit and that will provide savings to close some of the gap from the funding. So, um you know, we really looked at the budget and so it was really just it's no budget increase. It's just a swap from the indoor track to this strength and conditioning. No extra budget. Yeah. Yeah. But it would be like seasonal for all the season. So every team and is this person certified? Well, it would be that would be the search, you
052know, there would be criteria for it. So yeah, it would be certified. The staff we have now in tech don't have the certification that this position would have. I think that's even thank you for the additional support. I just want to cover it last. I'm usually a big fan of that. I know the same philosophies on that. I always like to push back on going right to the cap. There's not a need to go right to the cap. like you should leave that money on the table but I I didn't push back on that philosophy but this year what we're getting out is a critical important thing so I'm going to get something like that and then also I do think um given the current economic situation not knowing where things volatility doesn't matter which
053side how you feel about all that whether you like it or not it's possible so you don't know situations so it's good very much and I also want to highlight how much of a brainer it is the transfer it's very important for realize say over and over it's not just moving money. It's really important because it will be on the budget when you vote and when people see that they don't always read the print. So we keep on I sent a letter to all the parents to explain that. a separate letter. Keep on reminding people. It's worded um shall the voters approve a transfer from the unappropriated fund institute. It's longer, but it it's worded like that, but you kind of have to read it. It doesn't say that there's no tax impact, but you
054know, we are working on a frequently asked questions that we'll put on our website along with some other budget documents that are very comprehensive that will really explain it. um and we have to use the language that the state makes us use. We're trying to use the language everybody understands in letters. But on that presentation on that very Yes. So if to use the funds, there has to be a public hearing. I think it's within 15 days of the use of the funds. So there would be a public hearing and then we can use the funds. In the event of an emergency, we can use the funds, but we don't hold the public hearing. We have to pay the funds back and there's a certain amount of time that you can pay the funds back
055to the reserve. Um but just in going through, we're going to be doing our building condition survey. So, just in going through our last one, you know, we've identified some needs that we know could probably need to be addressed fairly soon that um you know, can't wait for a capital project and, you know, can't really shouldn't be in the operating budget. All right. So, next up on our agenda is comments by the PTA. Oh, there we go. Okay. Can you hear me now? Okay. So, I hope everybody had a great spring break. Uh, lots going on towards the end of the year um from the PTA. Um, one thing I wanted to mention last month, our Earth Day event took place. It was very successful. We were really excited about it. Took place down at
056Codle. Um we collected uh lots of pounds of of you know used textiles and a company called Pepski took it away and based on the pounds we earned $60. Not doesn't sound like a lot of money but still you know as as this event grows and people start bringing their um their used textiles maybe we can um make a little bit more but uh there was um a swap you know clothing swap. There were activities for the kids. um a lot of learning about how to be sustainable. So, really successful event um that was put on by our brand new environment and sustainability committee. So, really proud of that. Um next Friday night is our spring social. Um I hope that um everybody will come. It's at Wiggill this year. Uh tickets are at tucoa.com.
057So, you can go there and that's it's the top story on our um website. So, you can buy tickets. We have a lot of great prizes. Um this year we're also an online auction uh going on at the same time for a certain number of the prizes because we found in the past if you're not at the event you don't get to um to you know take advantage of these right so there are certain ones that there will be some competition from people at the event as well as people who are not so in case you can't make it but you still want to support um we'll be sending out that um online auction uh link uh I also want to say the PTA scholarships this year we received a record 32 applications which So
058exciting. Um it's going to be really hard. Uh you know, I I feel for the the committee that is going to have to make really tough decisions. We have 10 $1,000 scholarships. Um so they are working hard on that now. And I just do want to give a shout out to Mrs. Nicolos because she um makes all the applications blind so that the process can be really fair. Um and that's a lot of applications. I think in the past we've gotten more like 15 or 16. So um we got more than than double uh this year. Um, this date is not confirmed yet, but I do want to put it out to the communities that the um the c the board of education candidate forum that the PCA um facilitates. We get a moderator from
059the League of Women Voters. Um, I'm I'm talking with them now. Hopefully, they will be available on Monday, May 12th. There are so many events on the calendar between the Tahoe Theater Works Cabaret and Cuddle Band concerts and everything. It looks like Monday the 12th might be the only day. Um so again, not confirmed, could change, but I just kind of wanted to put it out there to the community um because that is going to be a very important um forum. Um our boutique is next week, the 28th through uh through um May 2nd. Teacher appreciation week is coming up the following week from May 5th to the 9th. Um we also have on May 7th a special um event here in the library, a woman Dr. Joanna Robin. She is um a psychologist who's
060going to be talking uh about the idea of letting kids fail. We all have a hard time letting them do that, but it's very important. And she's going to be talking about um how parents can can achieve that um to our kids benefit. Let them fail. Let them make mistakes. It'll make them more resilient. Um PTA dance recital is on the 18th. We also have a healthy eating for teens webinar coming up on um May 19th. And my final thing um we um we will be voting on our next slate at the next PTA meeting, our our slate of co-chairs for next year. We are still looking for people for our communications committee. It's a it's a tricky committee because it's so important. We have three people now who are cycling off. Um we have
061a couple people interested, but we are still looking for more people. So, if you have um expertise in social media or if you do corporate communications, internal communications, um you know, throw your head in, let us know. We're uh we're really interested in in having a support. So, um anyway, that's it. Thanks. I just um want to say thank you so much for all that you've given back to the school district. The PTA has given a lot of parents this year and in the last three years. You guys have really really district in a whole different way other than your programs. And I really encourage everyone in the community to please go to the spring. It is their biggest fundraiser where all of this money that that supports the district in a really significant way
062um is earned. So look at it. I will be there and that's a good idea. All right. So, move along. Next up, we've got first recognition of the audience. This is for agenda items only. Anyone has anything to say about an agenda item? You just keep your comments to three minutes if you don't mind. Hi. Uh, good evening everyone. My name is Mike McGlin. I'm the proud father of a college third grader and incoming kindergartener. U first and foremost want to thank the board and the district staff for all you do for our district for our kids and for our community. And I see that we're on the verge of potentially having a new superintendent. So many thanks to the board members for all the effort you put into the search. I know it's not
063easy, but behalf of all parents, we all appreciate that. um wanted to uh keep my comments related to the district calendar which is on the agenda tonight. Um I I I've spoken to other parents um community district community and it seems like there's often delays in the uh release of that calendar every year. Um it certainly seems like other district calendars are out there in the local area before hours are. And for those of us that are planning for child care and vacations and things like that and at this point four and a half months before the start of the year. It makes it a bit challenging. So just it wouldn't normally be as much of an issue, but we do notice that from year to year the calendar is far off from stable depending
064on where holidays fall and every and so it's really hard for us to even predict uh where the calendar might might end up. Uh so just making a pledge or a request that um we we try to find ways to get that calendar out sooner on an annual basis and looking at the the draft calendar uh that that's that's on the agenda tonight. You know, there are even some examples of of of ways to continue that stability. I noticed for what seems to be the first time the day after Easter and the Friday of Memorial Day weekend are no longer holidays. Days school days and at the same time is not starting until that Thursday or Friday after Labor Day. So again, maybe there are ways we can try to continue stability by keeping these
065days calendar. Most of all, just get, you know, getting this calendar out earlier and again trying to to to have as much stability year to year would be something I know I'd appreciate as well as many. That's it. Thanks for anyone else. um also um I'll give a brief on the agenda. Lots of excitement ahead. Um just first wanted to echo thanks for presentation. I thought it was really clear, insightful and more I appreciate your question about elevating the question about Dr. Another thing remember I came early last year and said that I just talked to the provider last year there were a lot of opportunities for improvement in the UPK program and what I have heard with this year's UPK program is that really with that shift in provider and model has really improved
066including folks who had UPK students last year and then this year they're sort of the best to those improvements and so I just smart in a way that is financially sustainable, financially responsible, we get a really great return on investment. So, appreciate that. Oh, and the last thing I say is just we are one of the only districts around here that offers it and I think it's a real value ad to the community and to families and something that the community should really recognize the district and board for investing. So just Sylvester 11 G Street. Um on behalf of the council, I would like to thank uh Dr. Goodman for your support and to welcome Mr. Roberts. Um we look forward to your partnership. Um I do have questions about the budget. Um, thank you
067so much um for the reading interventionist at Codle. Um, it truly just is a full circle moment and really um is really necessary. Um, my hope is that this person is certified on various reading strategies. Um, if I can plant one seed for the future, it's that all kindergarten and first graders are screened at Codle by a reading certified person. Okay, that would be the ultimate goal here. Um, making, you know, value not an option here. Um, and this might be a really long question and you you can just tell me if you take it offline, but busting, you know, I look at that pie chart every single year and it, you know, a big chunk of the budget is busing. Why are we busting kids from time circle, you know, rigs? Why, you know,
068so close to and and we can totally take it offline if you would rather because I know it's probably part of a huge discussion. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No. So a number of years ago when the A+es to the fives and we did the new system it was a significant significant saving and now you know really have to look at because some of these buses while they're picking up school are also doing runs that we would still have to do. So it's really that would have to be looked at. Got it. I just think the times have changed, right? A lot of people are working from home now. I would love to see an evaluation of how useful the buses are in the future. All right, we can move on to our consent agenda. The
069board of education approved consent agenda items 2 through 9. motion. All in favor? All right. First uh item is our most exciting item tonight, which is uh to appoint our new superintendent. So, just want to pause here for a minute. This is actually really really important and very exciting. First off, I want to thank my fellow board members for the immense amount of work that went into this church process, especially scripts. A lot of work went into it, but we all put a lot of time and effort into it. So, I want to thank everyone um for that. And um you know, this is really important. We're really excited about it. So, I wanted to introduce Benjamin Roberts. Um so, on behalf of the board of education, it's my honor to introduce the next superintendent
070of the whole district, Mr. Benjamin Roberts. After an extensive and highly competitive search process, we were able to identify some really high caliber candidates. Among them, Mr. Roberts stood out for his exceptional experience, thoughtful vision, and inspiring leadership presence. He he brings more than two decades of experience in public education, including six years as a central office leader in Freeport, where he currently serves as assistant superintendent for personnel and special projects. He worked closely with the superintendent and the board there to oversee the initiatives impacting more than 6,800 students and,200 staff members, earning tenure in his role and the scope award for outstanding administrative services in 2023. Mr. Roberts is not only a proven leader but also a collaborative communicator with deep experience in personal personnel management, labor negotiations, school safety planning, curriculum and creating
071supportive school environments for students and staff alike. We're excited to welcome Ben and his family uh to are confident in his ability to help our district continue on a strong upward trajectory. We believe in his leadership. his leadership will further strengthen our commitment to excellence and innovation for all students. So, please join me in welcoming Mr. Benj as a new superintendent school. Well, thank you to uh President Cass and to the board and Dr. Goodman, obviously your leadership as well. It's a tremendous honor to be here. for the board tonight and awaiting your your approval momentarily hopefully. Um to be here at Tucko uh to walk around the campus today to to be as the next superintendent to see the wide reaching community support is truly an honor and a blessing something that I hold
072true to my heart uh to provide the guidance and leadership to the district into the future. In addition to today's meeting with not only a very comprehensive board budget meeting which I greatly appreciated um and the plan that I did. Yes. Um, but I had the privilege of watching from afar, watching the development and the boards. So, thank you to Dr. Goodman's team and the board's vision this upcoming year in addition to the tremendous students you had and their accomplishments. That's what the budget's all about is giving them outstanding opportunities and uh programs that support all their needs. So today's meeting really means a lot to me to be here not only to be on the agenda with the board's consideration to be your next leader. Uh but just really humbling to be a part
073of the school community which I look forward to being a part of all of the activities with PTA as well all the school activities with the students really excited about July 1 and the upcoming opportunities it provides. Thank you. We're excited to have you and just to your family I mean very proud of them because this was a tough process. It really was grueling and more good than we expected quite frankly. So the fact that you really say a lot don't go anywhere yet. I just want to say I also want to thank the administrative team process. Yes. Let's make it official. All right. Resolve the board of education hereby appoints employees Mr. Benjamin Roberts as superintendent of schools for the period of July 1, 2025 to July 30, 2028 to further approve the employment
074agreement dated April 22nd, 2025 for the terms and conditions special. All right, congratulations. We got a little more business. Um, next up we have a couple of policies that we have to read and actually two that we're adopting and one right so first up we're adopting policy 1240 visitors to school. This is again I'm not going to read the whole policy. You can go on board and read it. You've already read it twice but essentially this was a policy change that we made the policy committee made in the interest of security as staff for food delivery service uh employees and drivers including not limited to dash food delivery services inside the district buildings during instructional hours without prior approval school administrator restrictions to limit security without proper procedures that So we've uh go ahead and
075vote on it. Do we have a motion? Second. All in favor? Great. Next up was about policy 011 sexual harassment grievance on the title N. Um again this was changes that were made that we had to make um via some changes to law. So this is driven by by law. So nothing Policy 011 sexual harassment title as minutes in favor. Next up we have first reading of policy 5605 voter registration for students. This again was also being driven by some legislation that's requiring us which I think is a great idea anyway to update um to create a policy where um we offer students the ability to uh register to vote at the end of turning 18. So this is something this is not a policy we had. Yeah. Okay. What's the change? What does that
076mean? There's there's specific wording about um not being it's not required. It's not part of um a grade, you know, it can't be held against the students and it talks more about availability. So, we had most of it, but just some minor changes we had to make. Okay. All right. So, that was the first reading of that um and also first reading polic 5420 and 54 20R student health services. This amendment amends and revises for policy 5420 student health services updated with language and health services. read both of those policies or talk about them two more times. Okay, next up is another very important um item on the agenda today which is to adopt board adoption of the 2025 2026 budget. So resolve the board school district I'm sorry resolve the board of education okay
077resolve the community school district's 2025 2026 proposed budget be set at 44 million $22,385 and that proposed budget be voted on by the community at the annual meeting on May 20th 2025 between hours 6 a.m. have a motion discussion on this. We discussed this already. So there is any discussion on that? All in favor? Approve a property tax report card resolve the board of education school district. The property tax report card for 2025 2026 school year and authorize the business manager to submit to the state education department. on this. in favor and adopt 2026 district of education school district 2025 2026 school So we're not getting it back if we don't use snow day and since the snow days are um are um can be remote um it counts as a day. We do have
078a agreement with the teachers union that the first one home that might be something that we might want to use to get that day back agreement to you and maybe it won't um exactly that's changed this year because it all depends on so in the teachers contract we have Labor Day and we do sometimes sometimes they'll agree with us that we can but we have to have an agreement and it all depends on Labor Day falls and all that it would be it would be something to work on. Again every year is different. It all depends on again where Labor Day falls where holidays fall and because of the teachers contract we do have to work around A lot of districts have that, but it would be something you might want to negotiate for whatever
079everything that comes. I'm just going to say, you know, you have a newend usually usually our does March. Um, but a lot of districts do so. Yeah, I think so. I agree with you. that it wasn't something. Yeah, but we can negotiate it sooner and all of that. It's not some things you negotiate on just because of when who can teachers. They're going to come in in August. That is the negotiation that you have with them. Sometimes they don't want to come in before Labor Day. So, that's the only piece of it. But I do think that the calendar I take early for that. earlier and it's my responsibility. No, but the process there is a teacher union process because of their contact that makes it a little hard. We have more days if we
080let if teachers come in for staff development before Labor Day. Now, there are some parents who start school earlier, but we also have parents in the community that say, "Wait, I want my Labor Day vacation." So, we sometimes can't use everybody, but we we do our best to to do that because we have school before Labor Day and we've had a few parents that were like, "Wait, my kids and you must come." So, you know, it's always tricky. We'll do our best and it definitely should be out earlier next year. It will be Okay, the next budget budget transfers resolve the board of education approves the budget As per the attach of our new budget transfer policy this is our first budget transfer that the board had to approve and um there the public attachment
081that you could have looked at to see where the funds are being transferred. Thank you for agreeing to it. Amen. Resolution results the board of education amends resolution from the October 2024 meeting for the contract royal coach increased not to exceed amount from 17,000 to 30,000 a motion. Second Did you want to give an explain to her? Sure. This is um a contract we have with Royal Coach through our school district. Um and it is consortium busing. So the pricing is based on other districts and how many kids we all have on the bus. So at the start of the year the wrership was at one point where it would cost us 17,000. Um it's now going to be a cost of 30,000. However, when we compare this to what we would pay for our
082best consortium with the 90,000. So even though it's going up, it's still significant savings um for this. All right. Next up is the capital project bid resolved that upon the recommendation of the district construction manager hereby awards contract for plumbing construction work for the district's capital improvement project related to the middle school middle high school and tunnel renovations to mechanical incorporated in the amount of 1,800,000 subject to execution of a contract by mechanical incorporated for a form approved by Superintendent and legal council mechanical required documents. Second discussion on this. All in favor of transportation services agreement resolve the board of education approves LST for transportation services for the NISP. boys basketball state championship in the event, motion discussion on that. All in favor next transportation service agreement resolve board education approve tours transportation services varsity
083girls basketball championship event professional development service agreement resolved the board of education approves a yoga studio for professional development services. Laura discussion there in favor of business meeting. All in favor? Southwest 26 administrative budget result 2025 2026 administrative administration budget Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services in the amount of 672,215. Do I have a motion? Any discussion on that? favor trustees resolve the board of education school district one vote each and Robert Johnson to serve as trustees on the southern west board of educational services for the time period of July 1 through June 30th 2014 discussion on this. Point an election chairperson. Resolve the board of education appoints Peter Casten as election chairperson for the May 20, 2025 annual budget vote and election. Thank you always. Second, all in favor election resolve the board
084of education appoints Robin Dunn as election election inspector for the May 20, 2025 election. No additional compensation motion on that in favor appointed acting district clerk resolve board appointing district clerk for May May 2025 election no additional compensation discussion on that in favor election inspectors resolve the board of education approves There's two head inspectors at $15 per hour and eight inspectors at $14 per hour from the Westchester County from the West County maintain list of election inspectors for the May 20, 2025 annual budget election favoring contract. Whereas Ed data is a shared services organization located in the state of New Jersey. Whereas Ed Data offers cooperative procurement solutions through public sector organizations throughout New York State. And whereas school district desires to use time purchasing contracts to contract following vendors through Texas. Okay. NB resist
085approved use for services for the term of April 20256. Any discussion on that? Okay. donations. Whereas school district has been informed of a donation to be made to the district from the July family. And whereas district would like to accept such a donation is hereby resolved to accept a donation from the July family for the March Madness districtwide fundraiser donated to the Kio in the amount of $300 on this. Thank you to the July family. This was this came out of a great event too, the the March Madness. It was a really fun event. Have to watch some of it. I almost participated myself, but I didn't want to go and do that. It was a great event and and the July family did do a lot to get that going along with the favor
086to the district from an anonymous donor. Whereas the district would like to accept such a donation hereby resolve acceptation anonymous donor for the varsity baseball team in the amount of $2,500. Thank you very much for this donor. Very generous and I'm sure good use by the baseball team. Thank you very much for dinner. Whereas Tahoe Free School District has been informed of a donation to made to the district from the Tuck PTA. Whereas the district would like to accept donation is hereby resolved the donation PTA fourth grade class manner in the spring 2025 in the amount of $728. motion. Thank you very much to the PTA. All in favor? And lastly, another donation. Whereas Tuck School has been informed of a donation to be made to the district from Tuck Tucka Athletic Council. Whereas would
087like to accept such a donation is hereby resolved to accept a donation to the Athletic Council for the Consist organization to assist in organizing the Wizards game by recruiting players and volunteers in the amount of $1,000 discussion on this. Thanks again and all those participated in Wizards again. And lastly, recommendations recommendations through Lot. Okay, that brings us to our second recognition from the audience for any item at all. Everyone's son of Chester Heights. I'm up here just simply to thank you guys because I think you guys really deserve a shout out for in particular the superintendent search. Welcome. Congratulations. Um I think it's not common knowledge that it takes a lot of time on behalf of the board to find a superintendent and some of you have done this twice. And you also feel free
088to pat yourself on the back. And some of you have also been through two bond proposals and many other things and let it be known that you're all volunteers. So, I just felt the need to get up here and say like, hey, thank you for your service and the fact that you guys do all this means that we don't have to. So, we should all be very, very grateful and everyone should extend things to you. We appreciate you're taking this so seriously and putting so much All right. All right. Great. Thank you very much. Thank you.