001I call this meeting to order. Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Well, I'd like to welcome everybody tonight. Um, I don't know if it's the fact that we have back-to-back meetings in 2 weeks or if everybody's got spring fever. Um, the crowd is a little light tonight, so hopefully everybody's online watching at home or will watch this video stream later. Um, but welcome. Um, we'll jump right into the meeting and item First item on our agenda tonight is a public hearing for school resource officer agreement. Uh, thank you everyone. So, this is an opportunity for those of you here and listening in. Uh, this is our public
002hearing, so this we can solicit feedback from the public. Um, our school district has had a long-standing relationship with the Watertown City Police Department and we are thankful for their service. Um, our school resource officer, Jeremy Foot, that we've had in our district has done a superb job and we're excited about his partnership and the partnership of our with our SSOs, school safety officers. So, um, this year, in order for the board to adapt budgetary reasons for costs, I asked for the city to consider entering a 2-year contract. And so, we are now that gives us not only the ability to budget for next year, but also predict our increases for the following year. Um, I do have those prices prices for the hearing today. The cost of the SRO for year one is $123,318.
003The second year is $130,200. Sorry. I'm going to retract that. Let me go back. What we are paying now, sorry, is $123,318. So, the cost would go up roughly about $7,000 to $130,200. That will be for the '26-'27 school year. And for the '28-'29 school year would be $133,920. So, we saw a little bit more of an increase for the first year. These rates that we pay, it's important for our community to understand. Obviously, safety and security is is number one. But, it also includes insurances and those kind of things as far as health insurance. So, that's the total cost and it is my recommendation that the board approve this tonight so that we can move forward on finalizing a budget for the board and for our public Are there any questions? There are no
004changes to the contract other than the two-year piece and the increase for health insurance and salary. We received support from our SRO from 7:00 a.m. in the morning till about 2:45 in the afternoon once the high school is ended. Jeremy does provide main support on this main campus, but he does go to the elementary schools as needed and does a great job working with our SSOs. He also serves on our school safety or district wide safety committee and we're excited for his experience and leadership on that as well. Are there any questions? This is for the public if they have any questions for the hearing part of it or the board it will be on the board's agenda to act on this evening. Yes, sir. So, it's just the one resource officer? Yes. We used
005to prior to last year, we used to have two SROs. We decided budgetarily to uh reduce that to one. Uh so that we can increase the number of SSOs that we have. Um so now we have not inside this contract, they're district employees. Um we have a school safety officer. Most of them are retired state troopers. And the ones that are not, one is a retired detective and city police officer here in Watertown. Uh and we have one of those stationed at uh Case. We have one stationed at the high school. We have one stationed at Wiley and then one at Ohio that services the elementary schools. This is all part of the same contract except that question with everybody This is not those are district employees. So this includes the school resource officer which
006is the licensed and not retired from the city police department. So the overhead for those is is it is it additional? Yeah, it's about 50,000 because they're retired and there are salary caps in place. Um you're able to get a retired police officer a little bit cheaper than obviously an active police officer. Okay. You're welcome. Um any other questions from anybody in the audience regarding the contract? Anything from the board? Um you know you talked about um an education piece of it. Yes. Can you speak to what kinds of things they do educationally in school? Yeah. So they can work with students. They can have them with students at the high school, the elementary school or the middle school. Um a lot of the training which does kind of expand on what you're saying. This
007includes one individual. Uh oh because of our partnership with the city, those of you in here probably know Shane Ryan. He is a uh common person in our community in our police department and a won- wonderful individual. Uh they come in and they collectively do training. So we have done training in all of our buildings um on safety protocols and what to do in an emergency situation. Um so all of that uh they've come in during superintendent conference days and provided professional development for our teachers. So it's expansive. So it could be for students, it could be for staff. Um the same thing is true for SSOs. They can also um we don't the city doesn't have the deal program anymore that I I know when I was in school we had the deal program.
008And I know Shane taught the deal program. RSSOs and provides a level of support and education in those areas despite not having the curriculum. Any questions for the board? Then I will go ahead and look at that on the agenda for tonight. Michelle, do we have any agenda changes this evening? Okay, so we're on to our student voice. We've got our Director of Physical Education helping out Athletics, Mr. Greg Russo here with a couple of our athletes and the floor is yours. >> [laughter] >> Good evening everyone. I'm Princess Bear. I'm a junior on the varsity volleyball team. I play libero. I just want to talk a little bit about my season. So this season pushed us in ways that we didn't always expect. From a lot of long tournaments, drills, and games, every challenge
009shaped us into a stronger team. We didn't just grow as athletes, but we grew as leaders, teammates, and individuals. This year we really did step it up. We learned how to communicate better and how to trust each other in the tough moments. As well as how to stay composed when games didn't go our way. There were a lot of highlights, some big wins, the comeback sets, intense rallies that had everybody on their feet. But honestly, what I'll remember the most are the little little things. The bus rides, the music and laughter, inside jokes, where we kicked each other after a missed serve, and the energy we brought to every single practice. This is This season taught us resilience. Not every match was easy, not every moment was perfect, but every challenge made us tougher. We
010learned that success isn't just about the scoreboard, but it's about effort, attitude, and heart. Our coaches saw the potential in us even when we doubted ourselves, and teammates trusted each other, and that's how we came to win the Frontier League Championship match. We did it to the We did make it to the first round of sectionals and played a tough team with each set sending with ending with a score of 25-27. We ended the season playing our best. And no matter what happens next season, I'll always be a proud of what we accomplished together. Not just in wins, but who we became. I'd also like to mention our volleyball all-stars, which were Julie Cobby, Reagan Mead, Alyssa Weaver, Layla Adams, and our MVP league and all-star Molly Gibson. Thank you. Does anyone want to put
011on the spot or anything? How long has it been since we've won the league? I heard it's been a while. It has been a long time. I'm not quite sure, but I'm pretty sure it was last with Mr. Taylor. But yeah. Congratulations. Thank you. I'm proud of you for representing your team. Of course. Thank you so much for having me here. I heard we had a basketball player that was funny in the league. Yeah, unfortunately, I just don't know where he is. Um Can you help us with this? No. With the training probably is hitting a collection of these. Yeah. No. Thank you so much. We really appreciate it. Thank you. Um we'll move on. Public comments. Our first public comment session of the evening. Caleb. Uh-huh. Can you put him on the spot? They
012I I asked him first. I didn't know. Um When did you go? Not sure. Okay. Whenever he went. And I was just going to ask him how that went. What did you guys do? You went for a shot, but right? The shot went in the people. Uh sectionals was different from every other one. We had some freshman. We had Yeah, we had some freshman go. They got to experience it. Last year I was able to experience what sectionals is. This is my fifth time going to sectionals here in Watervliet this winter season. Still learning trying to compete with the older guys that are there and our classes. So, it was different from when I went for outdoor last year. Just a different different level. They brought the intensity. You know, like the the intensity is
013pretty good. They did pretty good this season. They did a lot of this. I just I think we need to get five shoes here. Like I'm just so glad that the indoor the indoor track which this board initiated under the leadership of Dr. Schlegel is doing so well and we get to have our students have this opportunity throughout the winter and I know it's a lot of travel for you guys to be able to compete. But what an opportunity is it to be able to do that and see your thing and then roll right into the spring season. So, we just I'm glad that our students have participated and we're happy to take it again. And with our track our outdoor track we are there was some there was some significant cracking to the the
014chemical wood because of the age. So, we are prepared to have the section from our old inspector to see what we can get students to help put the boards in place. The track our current track in the capital is a project. And as I said before it's also in the FEMA project. So, if we're able to get it done in the FEMA project we'll be able to take that out. And consider some other things that the board can do. So, whatever Dr. Schlegel says we're going to get a brand new track right after you guys. Any other comments or questions from the board? All right, we are in the public comments then in accordance with board policy 2306 the public comment portion of the board of education meeting is designed to give members of the
015public the The to address the board related to school district operations, the board cannot permit in public session discussions involving individual district personnel or students. Persons wishing to discuss matters involving personnel or students should present their comments to superintendent of schools during normal business hours. All speakers are to conduct themselves in a civil manner. Obscene language, libelous statements, threats of violence will not be tolerated. It is not the practice of the board to respond during the meeting to questions posed or comments made by speakers. Therefore, the board will certainly take any questions or comments made under advisement will not necessarily be responded to any questions at this time. As always, the board welcomes written comments, and all board members and the superintendent can be reached via regular mail or email. Each speaker is allotted 3
016minutes. If you happen to reach the end of your time and you hear the buzzer, please do not be alarmed and take the time to conclude your thought. Is there anybody that is here for agenda-related items this evening? I didn't think so. Are you sure? All right, we're on to board and staff reports. And first up is the FAF Committee report, Mr. Polly Gojan. Thank you. So, um we just met and actually got through quite a bit. So, um starting with the $15 million project. Um and with this, there's still a bunch of list of items in play. Um some of these are in need of spring weather to complete. Yes, I think spring weather will eventually happen. Um I can talk about the capital outlay. Um construction begins on the on this or spring
017break. This is the um area up at North. The tennis courts um at North as well. A bid's open for that Thursday. Um we'll be approving that at the next board meeting. It is um not really tennis courts, but the director of people um said it's a reimagined sports space for that. It's exciting. A $120 million project, phase one is out to bid. Um pre-bid walk-throughs will be March 10th for potential contractors. Bid opens March 30th. We also talked a little bit about the Massey Street and the plan for Massey Street that is in need of some things, including a roof and some safety issues, rain staircase and rear entrance. We'll use some more numbers on that and make a decision. Then we talked about FEMA mitigation plans for February 22nd. Um EPC projects, energy
018audit is in process. We put that in the last board meeting, if you remember. And that will also require turnaround to meet the deadline. Um and it should appear to be chaos. Um and that's what I provided some feedback today with some numbers. We discussed that a little. And talked about limited liability insurance, which is most likely increasing, surprise, surprise. Transportation feasibility report, um we will have more on that. And finished up the majority of the meeting to the director of facilities giving an update. Um largely based on the cleaning custodians um status reports, which is the ISSA cleaning. We are trying to get at a level three. Staffing needed for that. Um as well as an air quality grant which we applied for. Um that was it. Questions, Kelly? Thank you, Kelly. Superintendent of
019Schools report, Dr. Leary. Just to add a couple of things that Kelly said. So, you know, we've really tried this year, my team and board, to be represented at different events, including national events. Um as I shared with the FAF committee that uh just concluded prior to the beginning of this meeting, and we do apologize for being a few minutes late. Um you know, one of the topics that was shared about air quality and the benefits of having clean air in our schools for our students and for our staff. And so, when I attended that national school board conference, um that was one of the topics that was shared was a grant opportunity. So, I immediately shared that with our director of facilities, and he applied for the grant. And so, hopefully we'll uh get
020some news within the next month to be able to share that with the board. Uh the other thing that I would like to say to just kind of add on to what Kelly mentioned was the capital project. Um our capital project was not supposed to begin until 2027. Um and so, it's a three it's an 8-year project, but it's broken down in three phases. Um and the benefit of beginning a year earlier on the project in the two schools that are being started earlier that you may have recalled me mentioning in our prior board meeting is Ohio and Starbuck. Um this this district, uh because of a variety of factors, uh receives 93 cents on a dollar for building aid. Um and so, when you look at building aid, you look at maximum cost allowance,
021which each building has an allocation. Um the benefit of us starting this 8-year project a year earlier is that for those two buildings, there is some potentiality of the the um MCAs resetting earlier. Um when you look at the buildings around our district, uh we were focusing on infrastructure, roofs, windows, doors, uh HVAC uh things. Uh not pretty things, but things that our buildings need uh to stay warm and to stay dry. Um and so, the next phase, which our voters approved of last year, was a $15 million um capital reserve to start putting money aside so that we could have a tax neutral project beyond this one so that we could actually get to instructional spaces uh that need some major enhancing uh to compete and to provide a current optimal learning environment for
022our students uh that's comparable to other districts around our region and throughout New York State and the country. So, we're excited about that. And um I just wanted to add that to Kelly's piece. Um what I will say next is um I had the opportunity um to attend a Nisky conference, which is the state superintendent council. So, there's over 760 um superintendents in New York State. Um I get the opportunity twice a year to go to the institute and learn from my colleagues and share ideas that we're doing here. Um it's critically important if you tie back to my first year in Watertown um and I went down to the high school um student advisory council. That advisory council, the honor society, and our students said we really want to we want that level of
023pride in our community. It's exciting to share what we're doing in Watertown with other districts, and it's also important to bring other ideas back. Um and so we did with the national um school board association, which I shared, but we also uh with the Nisky. Um this time around at the um superintendent council uh winter institute, I had the opportunity of leading a session uh for our superintendents around the country or the state with them. Um and Tina was in the audience with meeting alignment with me, and uh it was standing room only. So, the amount of people that found excitement in what we were able to share. I had the pleasure of uh co-facilitating um we facilitated the name of our session was leading above the noise and helping uh superintendents navigate the various
024challenges that they face in their communities in order to do what's best for students. Um we had this New York State School Board Association head legal uh Jeff Menzella attend um the panel on uh my request. Also, uh we had uh Greg Burke, which is the Nisky uh head council. And then we had four sitting superintendents and uh Dr. Diane Winn um from the New York State Education Department. So, it was just a wonderful opportunity to uh celebrate the wonderful things that are happening in Watertown to share with others, and to also take. And sometimes you're taking more than you're giving, but uh whatever we can we like to bring back to our district. So, I just I wanted to share that. Um and then the other thing is uh we had the opportunity Tina
025will share a little bit in her own report the session she attended. I also had the opportunity to attend round table discussions. And these are powerful discussions. Um they are hot topics. Um I think they call it uh hot drinks with hot topics. And um we'll just leave the description as it is. Um >> [laughter] >> but yeah, talking about electric buses, talking about foundation aid, talking about teacher certification pathways. Um there were just so many opportunities. And so, um when I go to those sessions, I have a tendency to keep talking and asking questions because we have key people from state ed in these rooms that I sometimes just struggle to get answers. And so, um I had the wonderful opportunity yesterday and this morning um to ask some really good questions. We've got
026uh you've listened to the governor's proposed budget. Um we do not have an adopted budget yet. Um and so, I was able to pick the brains about a lot of UPK things that are coming down the pike with the mandatory four-year-old uh pre-K option. So, there's some things that will be able to put out. Um I do want to reserve uh putting that information out there now in order to prevent some confusion uh until we receive the uh governor's budget. Once that's voted on and we know where we're going, I will definitely update the board. So, it's not a lack of transparency. It's just we're waiting to get clarification on that. Um the other thing is we had the opportunity to talk about the budget. And so, we had the governor's office uh represented um
027in the capital room. And we had some amazing conversations about UPK funding, transportation, foundation aid, voucher programs in New York State, and just where we as superintendents would like to see the state go. Often times, laws are passed and regulations are the second thought. And so, we really uh did a great job collectively talking about what regulations we think should be considered before laws are put in place uh so that we can determine the feasibility of doing some of those things. Um the next thing uh that I do want to mention, Brandy had asked me to mention this tonight, so I want to make sure it's a great idea. Um last board meeting that the uh board voted on an EPC study. And uh the timeline is going to be pretty quick as uh Kelly
028said. And um at tonight's meeting, we need the board to vote on it. Um and because uh we are a small city school district, so there are time constraints and when we have to have things out uh to the public as far as public notice before the uh the budget. And so that proposed uh proposition is on tonight's budget. Or uh not on today's budget, I'm sorry, on today's agenda for the board to act on. What I do want to say, so there's two avenues that we could go with an environmental uh contract. We could go the district route where I can sign it and and the board president can sign it, and we could move forward with that EPC contract. If we move with that those two signatures and without the support of our
029community, we only get 83% aid on the project. The project, as you may have seen on the on the uh agenda for tonight, is roughly about 5.3 million. Um last week we said about 5.2. We're building a little cushion because, as you know, you put something out there and the next thing you know, the prices unfortunately going up and not down at this time. And so we put a little bit of cushion, so around the ballot will be 5.3. So without voter approval in May, it would be 83% reimbursed. Um with voter approval, it is 93%. So it's not something that the voters are paying out, it's something that we're receiving those grant funds, but we need voter authorization to get that 93%. Um so obviously it's advantageous um to put that out there for
030the board. The board has to authorize me to put it out as a proposition, which they'll be acting on tonight, and then I'll be working with the board clerk to get that out there. Um the next thing I I to mention is our transportation feasibility study. Um the board did uh a prior board last year we didn't move forward with a transportation uh feasibility study. Um but I want to say for full transparency as we concluded that study uh we did work with BOCES on completing that. Um the cost to the district and the taxpayers would be the tune of over $40 million. It It is not feasible. Um and so sometimes when you do a feasibility study um you hope for the best and uh sometimes the data that you get is not the
031direction But given the outlook in the state and given the financial outlook in the district, it would not be financially prudent for the district to move forward and to purchase their own buses. Um as you most likely know um there is a law that any buses that are are purchased beyond 2027 that are new have to be electric and everything in the district has to be electric by 2035. Um we had an initial study in the district. Uh we do not have the capacity right now to do that. Um and then the financial burden that that would put on our taxpayers. And so right now as we finish this year we'll have about what three four more years on our contract with First Student. Uh my recommendation and Bree's recommendation to the Board of Education
032would be to continue with our First Student contract at this time. Um the next thing I would like to mention is the Dinner on the Show. Uh that's coming up on March 15th. And so we have already had and again we got the age a little mixed up with the last one we did say Michelle's not eligible yet. Um but anyone age 62 and older is eligible to attend for free. Um it is SpongeBob. It is on the 15th at 1:30. Um it's going to be a wonderful show and um our food service department is doing a wonderful job preparing meals for that. We'll have our student advisory kids there supporting that, our Honor Society kids supporting that, and then of course our students in the show will also be um supporting that. And uh
033I just want to thank um the SpongeBob cast, the leadership under the direction of Rebecca Rose, and all of our administrators and staff that put in volunteer in that day to make this flawless. But, I'm excited about the 50 uh community members that signed up so far. And those deadlines are this week. So, if you have not RSVP'd um to um CuraPlace, please make sure that you do that. Then, last thing I want to end with, um over the last couple of years, the board uh asked me to please um get out in our community and present our budget presentation. And so, Brian and I presented eight budgets uh presentations last year. And this year, we plan on doing the same. And so, our first one, not necessarily in the community, we'll be going to
034the Elks Lodge and so forth, um will be the community budget presentation that we'll be putting out. That is not the the hearing of the budget that uh is a requirement of the board. Um this one will be taking place at our Watertown High School Auditorium on April 27th at 5:30 p.m. Uh we will also be doing one like we've done in the past with our staff, and we find that extremely informative uh to educate our staff on the budget and where we're going and why we're going there. Um and so, we invite anyone from the community that would like to participate on that uh 4/27 5:30 p.m. That will be the Bree and Larry show for that event. And that concludes all of my comments for this evening. Or at least I hope Michelle
035is just going to snap and nobody's going to wonder why I did. Uh we are on to our Assistant Superintendent for Instruction report, Winona Campbell. Uh the district's commitment to literacy continues to remain strong. Over the past several weeks, the Reading League has partnered with us to provide professional learning focused on strengthening writing instruction. Teachers in grades 1 through 6 have participated in this training, and we will have our kindergarten teachers trained on Thursday, and our middle school teachers, I'm sorry, ELA teachers at the end of this month. So, we're progressing really nicely with our literacy outcome. Um also, as you know, if you look at our um district strategic plan, student engagement is a priority for us. Uh last week, I was able to meet with a combined staff and student advisory, which I
036enjoyed very much. Um I got to share that students often feel most engaged, which is number two up there, when the task matches where they are in the instructional hierarchy. So, it's really helpful to be able to meet with the students and staff as we work together and programming. Thank you. Please, ma'am. Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Student Services reports, Ms. Melendez. Good evening, everyone. As Dr. Schmigel mentioned, I had the privilege to attend the Niskayuna Institute Lobby Day in Albany on this past Sunday through today. Uh it focused on superintendent leadership in the areas of student safety, mental health, legal compliance, fiscal advocacy, and emerging technologies. Uh key sessions that I attended highlighted strategies for turning crisis response into statewide policy, advocacy and as Dr. Schmigel said, a standing-room-only panel discussion facilitated by our
037very own Dr. Larry Schmigel. I went to nine sessions and that one by far, people were spilling in the hallways. So, it was very engaging. We had a nice variety of uh folks who were on the panel. Uh lots of good discussion there. So, it was very, very educational. I was excited after that program that in other sessions, they may have had one or two people sitting in. Yes, absolutely right. So, yes, you're absolutely right. I also attended a presentation relating to 3028 discipline processes, progressive discipline, and preparing districts for AI integration. Um I also uh attended uh presentations that addressed the growing intersection of student mental health, social media, and AI, emphasizing the need for flexible support systems and community partnerships. Uh today, it was great uh the conference speaking of the fiscal and
038political outlook, including analysis of Governor Hochul's proposed budget and state advocacy priorities, as well as discussion with uh the education commissioner and nice of leadership on current statewide educational issues. In recognition of school social work week, we extend our sincere appreciation to our school social workers for their unwavering commitment to our students, families, and school community. Their work is essential to supporting student mental health, emotional well-being, and school safety. By serving as a vital link between home, school, community resources, our social workers play a critical role in helping students succeed academically and personally, and we thank them for the compassion, expertise, and dedication they bring to our schools every day. Thank you to them. Yeah. Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Finance, Kim Field. Thank you, um Dr. Schiegel stole my line. My dad called me
039from Idaho and I was moving down. Um, as you may recall from the last board meeting, it was mentioned that our SNT has had a dramatic drop of about 29.4% reduction overall. Um, what makes this especially noteworthy is that um, this occurred during the height of our respiratory season, which is typically when we see the biggest spikes in illness-related absences. We have, you know, numerous instructional programs that contribute to this improvement. However, as our director of facilities mentioned in the FAF tonight, um, the maintenance department and custodial department deserve a great deal of credit as well. This year, they have made a deliberate effort to strengthen sanitation practices across the entire district, working closely with their cleaning contractors to increase training expectations, standardize procedures across all buildings, and reinforce proper disinfecting techniques. More specifically, they
040have increased hands-on training for custodial staff, reinforced dwell time and disinfectant standards. Standardized high-touch cleaning protocols across every building and improved oversight and accountability measures. Say that real fast five times. Uh and a brief budget update, um discussions are still underway. Uh we have still set have several unknowns at this time. On the income side, we're still awaiting uh figures from the special education pre-K rooms, and we are still waiting on impact aid. Thank you. Today, Bri, that was one of the people I said didn't stop talking. I One of the ladies was at that table and I said I want an email on when the number you didn't post my son. So, um I do have a name that we need to email to her back. Okay, thank you. Um on the expense side,
041we're waiting on final numbers from BOCES and um from our liability insurance provider. We have rough estimates that I don't have final numbers right ready to share yet. Um as Dr. Schwegler had shared previously as well, many advocacy discussions are still currently taking place. Um the final budget from New York State is due April 1st. However, there is some uncertain uncertainty as to whether it will arrive on time because of the upcoming holiday break with Easter. In the meantime, Dr. Schwegler and I are actively preparing for our budget presentations, the first of which will be with the student advisor committee on March 17th. Um also at the March 17th board meeting, I will provide the the full board with everything that we know at that point in time for the budget um revenue side, fund
042balance, so forth. And that is what I have because, like I said, you still must follow me. Bri, were you able to write that the budget piece and again, this is important for the public to obviously know that that's something that's on their mind is that, you know, everything is predictable. You know, we're trying to predict a budget with uncertainty and looseness. So, until the governor's budget is enacted, everything is a projection of what the proposed budget may have included and what we're projected to get. Um but as Bri pointed out at the last board meeting, those numbers have in the past last year being one came in less than what the proposed budget was. I think there's still potential that might happen again because the foundation aid formula that was created for the original
043proposed budget used a it is inflation rate of like 2.8% but now it's at 2.7. So, there is a chance the foundation numbers could go down. But again, everything is still unknown. It's up to the best of your knowledge. That's all we can do. It's a fun game they play in Albany. I love I love Albany. You are welcome. Uh Michelle Adams for the consent agenda. Resolved that consent agenda items A through F are hereby approved. Any motion, please? Yes, and second. No need discussion. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Items for board action A, approval of energy improvement capital project proposition. Resolved that the following proposition be placed on the ballot for approval by voters of the Watertown City School District on May 19th, 2026. Shall the bond resolution adopted by
044the Board of Education authorizing an energy efficiency project for the supply and installation of energy improvements to all district buildings and facilities including the installation of LED lighting throughout the district and updates to the HVAC systems, building controls of uh all of the foregoing to include construction, reconstruction, renovations, alterations, site work, original furnishings, fixtures, equipment, machinery, and apparatus required for such purposes, architectural fees, and all other necessary costs incidental to such work, purposes, architectural fees, architectural fees, and all other necessary costs incidental to such work at a total estimated cost not to exceed 5.3 million and to pay such costs by the levy of a of a tax in in- uh installments upon all the taxable real property of the district and in anticipation of such tax the issuance of bonds and bond anticipation notes
045in the principal of amount not to exceed 5.3 million and the levy of a tax to pay the interest on said obligations be approved. Be it further resolved that the school district clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish the notice on the proposition in accordance with the applicable provisions of education law. Motion carried. No. All those in favor say "Aye." See you discussion. What is the timeline for the implementation? I hope I hope that you should know that because I'm not sure that we said that, but the hope is is that the work is done by November of 2027. So, we're looking at uh what we're trying to do is look at the control pieces that were already built into the 110. And we're looking at like LED lighting. So, replacing all of the
046lighting in our in our classrooms and replacing the traditional lighting uh with like uh dimmer switches uh which will be helpful for any of our students that have light sensitivity. Um So, we're looking forward to that. We want to take out whatever we can and then look at what we had on the alternative projects for the capital projects and put those in. Questions? Discussion? All those in favor, say "Aye." Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Uh item B, approval of SRO contracts. >> Resolved that an interlocal binding and between the city of Watertown and the Watertown City School District for a school resource officer for the period of July 1, 2026 for a two-year and June 30, 2028 is hereby approved. Motion, please. Bellinger seconds. So, I got it. Any discussion? All those in favor? Any
047opposed? Motion carries. Item C, approval of MOA. Resolved that the approval of the memorandum of agreement by and between the superintendent of schools of the Watertown City School District Board of Education and the Jefferson County Board of Elections for the budget vote school board elections on May 19, 2026 is hereby approved. Motion, please. Thank you. Thank you. Second. Tina, discussion. All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. Uh D, approval of tree removal consent agreement. Whereas the tree is partially located on 221 Thompson Boulevard, Watertown and partially on property owned by the Watertown City School District and whereas the school district seeks to remove the tree to protect the health and safety of students and staff and requires the property owner's consent to access the premises, access the premises for that purpose. And whereas the
048Board of Education has reviewed the tree removal consent agreement setting forth the terms of such consent. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Education approves the tree removal consent agreement with the property owner for the removal of the tree as identified in uh it exhibit A of the agreement authorizes the superintendent or designee to execute the agreement and take all necessary actions to implement its terms and directs that the resolution take effect immediately. Motion. I'll second Discussion. It was an unusual conversation. >> but what what is that property? Councilor Miller, you're over the moon about You're going to sign it or not? I I didn't sign it. I was considering this for a bit. Yes, it's adjacent to me. The owner was in agreement to have it removed, but we're going to actually
049save them the cost of having it removed anyway. Further discussion? All those in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Uh item E, approval of cooperative purchasing program. What is it? Cooperative purchasing services is a plan of a number of public school districts in the Oswego County Board of Cooperative Educational Services area in New York, uh known as the Center for Instruction, Technology, and Innovation, uh City, to bid jointly for water testing and sampling services, and whereas the Watertown City School District is desirous of uh participating with the Oswego County Board of Cooperative Educational Services and other boards of Cooperative Cooperative Educational Services and public school districts in the joint bidding of services mentioned above as authorized by General Municipal Law Section 1 1 9, and whereas the participant wishes to appoint the Oswego County Board
050of Cooperative Educational Services, uh City, to advertise for bids, accept bids, tabulate bids, and award bids on their on their behalf. Therefore, be it resolved that participants hereby appoints Oswego County Board of Cooperative Educational Services to represent it in all matters leading up the designees the designees the Oswego County Board of Cooperative Educational Services designated uh newspapers as legal publication for all cooperative purchasing bid notifications, and be it further resolved that the participant uh authorizes the Oswego County Board of Cooperative Educational Services to represent it in any matters leading up to the entering into a contract for the purpose of the above-mentioned services, and be it further resolved that the participant agrees to assume its equitable share of the cost of the cooperative bidding abide by abide by uh majority decisions of the participating districts,
051abide by the award of the Oswego County Board of Cooperative Educational Services C, and that after the award of the bid, it will conduct all negotiations directly through the successful bidders. Uh motion, please. And second. All discussion. Why Oswego? This is that this is the best relationship we're able to get as far as drinking personal hygiene. We're kind of we're in our taking a lot of things that we're currently like we legally have to get water tested. We're looking at those who offer these services. We're looking at it on the IT side. We're looking at every other light service. Is it we can go with the post 19 bid on the And that water testing has to be done annually. Yes, and we're hoping for better results. We are looking at just so the public
052understands, we are looking at in the capital project, but we are also looking at replacing water fountains with a filtered water systems. And that's the conversation last week's meeting about that as well, so that's Any questions? Discussion? All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. Uh F, approval of personnel report. We approve the results and upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Spielberg, the Board of Education hereby approves the following. Resignations, leave of absence, appointment term notification of instructional, Cycle Academy, tutor after school, tutors after school, um permanent, STEM programs, substitute instructional, substitutes non-instructional, spring coaching boys, spring coaching girls. Move to approve this resolution. Gallagher seconds. Any other discussion? All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. Uh item G, approval of revised board policies. Resolved that the following Board of
053Education policies are hereby approved and adopted. 6002.0, uh employee use of district vehicles. 6002.1, vehicle use request for district employees. 6002.2, employee request to drive a district vehicle. 6002.3, trainings program authorization. 6002.4, teacher driver application. 6002.5, overnight uh use of a vehicle request form. 6002.6, uh superintendent for assignment of district vehicle, 6002.7, uh failure of vehicle procedures, 8400, uh field trips and excursions. Motion, please. Yeah, I'll second. No discussion. I have a clarification on the bus program authorization regulation. We just talked a lot about references, and in here it says one, and we talked about three versus this one, so are we good at the one? No, it has to be three, so that was which I'm looking at right now, so and then if you before the board acts on it, if you can
054say three, and then authorize that approval. It is three, and we did send the information that Tina made at the last board meeting for the references. We did send that, so they're looking at making that a regulation. Board doesn't vote on regulations, so sorry, I apologize for that, but I just said that, but yes, we will make that. Any other discussion? All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. Uh H, approval of educational trips. Resolved that the educational network of two trips as presented to the board are hereby approved. Take a motion, please. Yeah, I'll second. No discussion. All those favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. And item I, approval of an extracurricular advisor. There is a resolution that's passed by the Board of Education on September 16th, 2025 moving the extracurricular and club advisors for
055the 2025-2026 school year. And be it further resolved that this resolution reflects the resignation of Step Stephanie Elbridge, the co-advisor of the Wiley National Elementary Honor Society, resulting in a change in co-advisor to Carol O'Brien, and is hereby approved. Motion, please. So moved. I'd like to second. See no discussion. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. See no opposition. Okay, Michelle. We've come to the second public comment section. If there's anybody that's here for non-agenda-related public comments, you are welcome. Seeing nobody rise, we will move to items for discussion and information. Um we have nothing listed formally, but I know Michelle has a couple of items for us. Um I have a couple things that are coming up that I just wanted to bring to the board's attention. Um if you are interested, there are
056some deadlines here. Um it's Jeff Lewis coming to our Board of Education um will have on Tuesday, March 19th, Artificial Intelligence 101, a beginner's guide to understanding AI. Um the deadline for this is um March 16th. Um and if you're interested, that is going to be at our Watertown campus March 19th at 6:30 p.m. or so. Um Wednesday, April 1st is the annual dinner meeting for the um uh courses Um and they are having this at the uh Glenfield uh Technical Center on Wednesday, March And that's uh the cafe the cafe and tour statistics beyond The deadline for that is to let me know whether you're Wednesday, March 18th. What's that one? I think all those came out in the newsletter if you didn't get it. Yes, it did. Anything else, any other items for
057discussion mentioned this evening? Okay, upcoming dates. The winter sports banquet is March 4th at Watertown High School at 6:00 p.m. We'll honor those athletes and those teams. Uh the Case and Watertown High School art show starts March 5th at Flower Memorial Library at 5:30. It'll run for I think it's a 4-week after that. If you don't get a chance to go to the opening, at least go and see the art. HC Wiley Intermediate Steam Fair, March 12th at 6:00 p.m. K-6 will have early dismissal for parent-teacher conferences on March 13th. And then the Watertown High School music department, as Dr. Schmeeckle mentioned, will have their senior citizen spring musical performance on March 15th at 1:30 with dinner to follow. Must be a ticket older, so if you plan on attending, please do call the district
058and get signed up, and we are providing transportation for that thanks to our first student partnership. Uh and then the regular show will be March 20th and 21st. Stay tuned for more information on that. Policy Committee, you guys finally get the spotlight on March 17th at 5:00. We'll give FAF a break. Uh and then the regular the regular Board of Education meeting to follow at 6:00 p.m. here in the district office conference room. Um I'll look around the district. Caleb, I'll start with you tonight? Yes. I like the excitement. Hello and good evening everyone. Today we highlighted the athletes who are dedicated to their time for their sports during this winter season. These Today we saw the great athletes behind our programs here in the district. On another note, yet last meeting last week we
059discussed about the student board member position. I have decided with my father's consent that I won't run again for the position. That's all I have to say. Yeah? Um First I have a I know this is from the rat. Email from the bookmobile. Um she says, "Good morning John. At our February director meeting our directors shared strong positive feedback regarding our shared expectations and commitment to evidence-based practices that support young learners. They highlighted that Second Step is effectively strengthening students' social emotional skills with children modeling positive teacher-child interactions and child-to-child interactions by applying strategies taught during these lessons. Directors also noted impressive growth in early literacy and language development including children independently writing their names, actively listening to stories, speaking in complete sentences, and 3-year-olds sustaining conversations for over 3 minutes. I didn't know that
060was possible with 3-year-olds. Classrooms are demonstrating increased ABC knowledge, strong collaboration among teachers across 3- and 4-year-old programs, and intentional alignment with top 10 daily doses of letters. Thank you. And if you all go and see the Santa. Um, I don't have much to share. I think probably because they were just here last week. Um, I do want to thank um, Granny for coming in and discussing their little season. And just to give a shout out to all the athletes that, you know, we had we had some bowling kids and we had some other, you know, kids that had their sports that ended with that. Just to give them a little shout out for their their season and that we're proud of them. And that's it. Thank you. Ellen? Um, I also um, appreciate Granny
061coming in and speaking today. I spent the weekend with the basketball players in the tournament, so it's just nice to see um, the positives that come out of athletics. Um, and I know we've seen a lot of art and music too, which is fun. Ruby? Uh, right into music season here soon. So, um, but it's just nice to see all the sides of the coin. Um, but I am looking forward to some of the events this month. There's a lot going on. It's a lot of art. March is a big month and there's no breaks, so we just have to get into this. Holly? Um, no, I also congratulate all of our athletes. Hopefully we have a really great spring season. Let's hope Mother Nature throws us a little bit to get them outside sooner
062than later. Um, and then I I know it's been mentioned a couple times, but the case and and the middle school art show. Um, I go over there, it's great. It's it's really is remarkable to see what our art students do and what they get created. Um, so if you can, definitely go. It's worth it. Ann? >> [laughter] >> Yeah. We have something, but I'm not >> [laughter] >> Well, you know what's the silver lining of the morning meeting when Dr. Amy Gearhart doesn't show up, but she did leave a little information pass along. She says in celebration of the first 100 days of school, a total of 875 letters have been mailed home to students in grades 5 through 12 in an effort to recognize students for working hard in their classes, attend school
063regularly, and have received no to minimal discipline referrals. These students are to be honored and celebrated for putting their best foot forward every day as they strive to success. Much appreciation goes out to Dr. Alexine Thomas-Brown for putting in the effort of sifting through data, which proved to be a bigger job than expected. I love that those numbers are trending in the right direction. So, I I know none of those students in grades 5 through 12 are watching this stream, but if there are any parents out there who are the parents or relatives or neighbors of any of those students, please give them a pat on the back and congratulate them. We We appreciate uh their hard work and their commitment to school. Um the Flower Memorial Library is a perfect place for that art
064show and it's such an a great venue, so I won't say anything more um than what everybody else has said, but get out and see it. We have some art We have some amazing artists who could almost be professionals uh by the time that they finish their art curriculum here in Watertown High School. Uh take advantage of it because it's a beautiful things there. Just Russell, thanks for trying to collect us a few athletes tonight. We appreciate it and all your hard work. Uh it's nice to see uh our gym being streamed as other local teams are playing. It's a uh a recognition of the commitment that all of the schools in the North Country have to each other to providing each other venues when they need. Um and that doesn't go unnoticed either that
065we're willing to help out fellow schools in the North Country and they're often times willing to help us as well. And with that, I will entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting. 15 Tina, I second. Melanie, and we about I'm sorry. All those in favor? Any opposed? I didn't think so. You're all in favor.