001Call this meeting to order. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. Oh, there's two. Perfect. [laughter and clears throat] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to [clears throat] the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Welcome everybody tonight. Nice big crowd. Thank you for uh having us at Watertown High School tonight. We love our annual trip up to the to the high school. Uh welcome to anybody that might be watching at home or is going to watch the uh the video at a later date. Uh Michelle, do we have any agenda changes for this evening? >> I do. I had a couple um agenda changes. Um we added the approval to discontinue a probationary appointment and the approval
002of a comprehensive energy audit and energy performance contract. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> And with that, we'll do our welcome and student voice and we [clears throat] will turn the floor over to Mrs. Leslie Atinson. >> Good evening everybody. How are you? Thank you so much for being here. We're very happy to see you. Um I have the pleasure of seeing a lot of you individually in the community from time to time, but to have you together uh in a formal way like this is is very very lovely. We're proud that you're here and we thank you for being with us tonight. Um, very quickly on behalf of our assistant principles, Amber Merccola and Christian Sheepard, um, as well as the entire faculty and staff of Watertown High School, we'd like to quickly
003share with you just a small sampling of some of the things we're celebrating this year here at Watertown High School. Um to begin with, we have very much reduced our discipline referrals over the past two years, beginning really with the 23 24 school year to the president. Um there's been a reduction in disciplinary referrals by just about 25%. Um we're proud of that. Um, and I also think it's very important to point out that um, and and what a lot of people lose sight of from time to time with regard to discipline referrals, the vast vast majority of Watertown High School students have no discipline referrals. Um, and that is the vast majority. So, I I I like to mention that because sometimes we lose sight of that and and we we need to praise
004our students. Um, we've had a lot of academic success this year. We are in peak National Honor Society season right now. Our induction ceremony is coming up on March 31st in our auditorium. Um, this year we have a very large number of numeric qualifiers. I believe the number is 61 juniors have qualified to apply for the National Honor Society and 12 seniors have applied for a to or will apply for a total of 73 students. Um that's unusually large and we're very proud of that number. In addition, right now we are looking at seven potential early graduates in June. students who are on track to graduate at least a year ahead of time. So, that's also very exciting. Cyclone Academy, as always, continues to grow. We've added courses, we've added staff, and as a result,
005we've added students. Um, we're very, very proud of that product as you know, and we will keep you updated as we move through this our second year. Um, OpenGate, our open [clears throat] gate security system, uh, it's it's running flawlessly. Um, at the very beginning of the year, there were a few tense days. Um, big changes with OpenGate. Um, not in small part due to the generosity of the district office who let us adjust our entry times. Um, a year ago, we were bringing students through the front doors at 7:15 in the morning. And just by making the minor adjustment of allowing them to come into the building early for breakfast in the morning, it made all the difference in getting them through the security towers and now open gate runs beautifully. Um, we also
006have a very rich offering of student support services after school. We have math lab after school. We have tutoring. We have regions preparation classes. We have science lab makeup courses that are offered after school in addition of course to our credit recovery and credit acral. So those are just a small sample of the things that we are very proud of this year and we wanted to share them with you as well. Next, I um I I'd like to brag about a um very wonderful, unique, and um unusual group of people. Um I've been here in this building for a long time. I'm not new, and I can tell you our first year teachers this year are the most unusual group I've ever worked with. We love our very young, what I call baby teachers, okay?
007Early 20s, fresh out of school. A lot of them don't even have their master's degrees finished yet. Um, and we couldn't do it without them. They they make this building hum. Okay. But we um were blessed, I should say, with a freshman crop of teachers this year who collectively brought more than 140 years of service in public education to Watertown High School. These are not newbies, okay? These are seasoned professional veterans. And um when you consider in a in a minute I'm going to ask them to stand up so that you can see who they are. They are seated behind me. Um [clears throat] we have one gentleman. He has worked in the South Bronx. He has worked in Chicago. He has worked in Palm Springs. He has or excuse me Palm Beach. He has
008worked in Miami Beach. He has worked in Alexandria Bay and then he decided to come to Watertown and it's that kind of experience. I have another teacher who [clears throat] has 21 years experience in special education and made the decision that Watertown City School District was where he wanted to work. >> [snorts] >> I have a magnificent teacher who spent 33 years teaching foreign language for the Syracuse City School District and she now works for us. Um, I have a gentleman who is a graduate of Bard College. I bet you're glad you weren't at Bard College yesterday. I heard they had some weather down there in the Hudson [laughter] Valley. came up to the tropics up here. Um we the these professionals come from all over the place and um it shouldn't be lost that
009many of them gave up things like tenure and job security and the benefit packages that go along with that job security because they wanted to work here because of our staff. our staff's reputation, our resources, our geographic location right in the heart of Jefferson County. And um we're real proud of that. So without further ado, if I could please have my first year teacher stand. I should also mention because I forgot to among that crowd we have a teacher who is also a licensed certified administrator, business manager, health teacher, social studies teacher, and family and consumer science teacher. and she now teaches for Watertown. So, we we really have um a lot of diversity among our first year staff and we're very very proud. Um, at this time I would like to introduce one of
010those brand new firstear teachers, uh, Miss Lindseay Creel, and she will introduce to you her advanced manufacturing class here at Watertown High School, as well as members of Watertown High School's technology and engineering club. Good evening. Um, I'm Lindsay Creel. I came from Indian River Middle School. I was an industrial arts teacher for four years. I wanted to come to Watertown because the advanced manufacturing and the partnership with Micron. Um, it's an untapped potential here and I just want to share what we worked in our class. So um [clears throat] in front of you there are coasters and there are pamphlets. These are from our project that we completed in advanced manufacturing level two which was a true manufacturing project. These gentlemen who are with me today, [clears throat] Caleb Pale, Daniel Godic, Carter Ellsworth,
011and Sean Robinson, they are members of that advanced manufacturing class. [clears throat] So, um, they were tasked to design, create, and manufacture 99 products from start to finish. I told them 99 products, come up with some ideas and that is what we did. We uh we were limited with what we could do with our classroom. Uh we have a laser cutter and they [snorts] decided that they were going to generate ideas, come up with sketches and models, collaborate with each other and really um produce these coasters that are in front of you. The coasters they decided were a water town theme. There are two different styles that are out there. One is the mascot and one is a water town cyclone with the W cut out of it. Um, in the pamphlet there are a
012lot of different things for you to see and understand what we got going on. Um, LightBurn is a software we use. It's an industry standard. It's something that you go out into the workforce. This is just one of the many softwares that you would use. On the center, it explains the purpose of this. And there's a picture on the very bottom of my class. I have only seven students because this is a newer course. We just were approved for advanced manufacturing level three and I'm excited for it. [laughter] So um they were able to pick what every single step. So they had feeds and speeds on the software of what was to be the outcome, the results and so they collaborated. I was more of a facilitator at this time. There was no right or
013wrong answers. I was there to help with the software, the laser [clears throat] cutters, the classroom management portion, but they really took control of that. So, all of the materials for this were donated from Home Depot, $164 worth. And so, with that donation, um, our appreciation, the students made a plaque. So, in the picture on the very bottom, Daniel is holding the plaque that we created and gave to Home Depot as a thank you that we signed all our names to. Um we also during this created the tech and engineering club as a part of how to find the business side of management and manufacturing. So what we did is um after production we donated it to the Tekken engineering club and then we decided $10 donation you would get a coaster as a thank
014you and with that we raised $460 from coaster sales and then in addition the Northern New York Community Foundation generously donated $500 to us and with this what our intentions are and is to create scholarships Regardless of where a student is going, if they are going in industry into an apprenticeship, it would help offset costs, a pair of work boots, a hard hat. If there are tools or any certifications that they need to complete, this could help with that. So, it's not limited to just those going to college or going to a trade school. This could be someone who sees the need and applies for it. In the in addition, the the project represents far more than what we could do in a traditional classroom, especially when we're given the opportunity to collaborate and have
015that ability. So, um, each of them had their own special parts. On the side, I have their names. As much as each of them had their own specific part, they were all a part of the production portion. So, I wanted to let you know that I am incredibly proud of them. I have seven individuals that without a doubt, whatever they pick in life, they'll succeed. Um, thank you. Those are your gifts from us as a thank you as well. So you can keep a coaster and the pamphlet. Do you >> Thank you. >> have any questions for these lovely gentlemen? >> What's your favorite thing to to do? Like do you like to think about things? Do you like to work it out? Do you like to work together? Or >> who wants to say
016>> what is it that you guys like to do? >> Working together. >> Like to work together. >> Anyone else? Um, I like working together because um, especially with this project, it kind of like helped me realize how much um, like working together and like pulling different like ideas for different things can really help with like the ultimate outcome. Um, a lot of times when you just have your own idea, you kind of get like stuck in the mud with it, but having other perspectives really helps. How many iterations [clears throat] come up to the final coasters? >> Uh we have a picture the back side. Each of them came up with sketches. We ran it through the laser cutter. We tried to see what exactly we wanted. We must have gone through 35 different
017sketches. That's even like honing down like topics. We had thought about doing 3D prints. We talked about different types of laser cut items. So, this one I think hit home because it was Watertown Pride. [clears throat] >> What grade are all >> Is this something you guys plan on like taking forward into college or your career? Do you guys have plans for that? Seniors, you should be on your on your path and kind of knowing what you're [clears throat] going to do. I mean I definitely do enjoy it. So I could see myself doing it. Yeah. >> Yeah. I would say I would say I can see myself doing it. It's um in the classroom I also see myself maybe into a business aspect as well. And in the classroom you could see as a
018business as well because um each student is a different co-orker and you have to work with each co-orker and you have to learn each job and when somebody needs help, you help them and like we all just work together to make it the best. Intruers, any idea what you guys want to do when you graduate? >> We're not there yet. [laughter] >> It's okay if you're not there yet. >> Boseies. >> Carter goes to Boseis. >> Hey, what do you think of Boseies? >> I go for heavy equivalent. [clears throat] >> That's awesome. Any other questions? Board members, >> don't go anywhere, guys. Some of our board members have some certificates. We'd like to thank everybody that takes the time. We appreciate you guys coming and sharing this amazing class with us. Um, so just
019our little way of saying thank you for your time tonight. [clears throat] >> Sean. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. It's amazing. Whatever. Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Fran Seymour and the Watertown High School marching band. >> Oh, that just made me so happy. [laughter] >> Great job, you guys. >> Thank you. That was amazing. >> That was great. [laughter] >> Um, if there's any students or teachers that want to make a run for the door, now is your opportunity. [laughter] >> And thank you so much for your time tonight. >> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. I thought she >> Mrs. Atinson, I have a question for you. >> I should have asked sooner before everybody left. Um, I saw on um our web page the games and the the candy and the games
020that you guys did with the National Honor Society up at Summit. >> Can you tell us about that because I thought that was phenomenal. >> I I certainly can. Um, [clears throat] that was a seniors enjoying seniors event. [clears throat] Um, it was uh originally proposed as a an idea by assembly assemblyman Scott Bray called and said, "Hey, you know, I've got some friends up at Summit Village and um they'd be interested. Would you be interested?" So we spoke to our adviserss D Sheer and Samantha Freeman and they made the arrangements and the 12th grade members of the National Honor Society went to summit. Um they played all kinds of board games, they listened to music, they exercised together, they told jokes. Um and they had a wonderful, wonderful time. And not only was that
021event a raging success, but it helped springboard. We have a second event as a result, the week after prom, um, our couples uh, put their prom gowns back on and, uh, the young men dress and they go out and they do a runway fashion show at Summit. and um so that the residents of Summit Village can see all of the beautiful clothes and um the girls do their hair again and and it's very much looked forward to by the summer residents, >> I bet. >> So those are two major events that our National Honor Society are engaging in with with the summit residents. >> That was they all looked like they were having a great time. All of them. It was just it was just nice to see them, the younger ones, the seniors with
022the seniors and being able to talk to them and listen to their stories and you know >> I think our students get even more out of it. >> I do too. >> And the residents of summit. >> Yeah. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. We're at the first uh public comment section of our meeting tonight. Just a [clears throat] quick reminder, the public comment portion of the board of education meeting is designed to give members of the public the opportunity to address the board related to school district operations. The board will not permit in public session discussion involving individual district personnel or students. Persons wishing to discuss matters involving individual district personnel or students should present their comments and/or concerns to the superintendent of schools. During regular business hours, all speakers are to
023conduct themselves in a civil manner. Obscene language, lialist statements, and threats of violence will not be tolerated. It's 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 you might have under advisement, but we do not generally respond to those questions. We do have a threeminut timer. The timer is loud. We've tried to ear muff it. I see. I don't know how heard it yet. [snorts] >> Um, but if you do exceed the three minutes, please take your time, finish your thought, and uh we'll be good. Anybody here for agenda related items this evening? Okay, we'll move on. Board and staff reports. Our tax cap presentation by Mr. Ben Meslo. I was asked why I didn't
024bring my band with me tonight, but I don't have one. >> I was going to ask how you're going to compete with that. >> Yeah, it's terrible. So, [laughter] I really clear out a room, don't I? Um, but it's good to be here again. Um, for those of you who remember, I've been here multiple times, most recently for the capital project. So, yearly, we typically come and give a brief synopsis of the tax cap and what it is and where we are in relation to the city school district. So, here we go. So just a little bit of history, what is the tax cap? It was introduced in 2012. New York State's attempt to limit [clears throat] local tax increases. So the the tax levy increases a lesser 2% or inflation. So if inflation is
0255% it can go only go up 2%. that part of the calculation it became kind of um the tax cap became synonymous with 2% but it's not really that there are other aspects including exclusions which are taken into account and if you wanted to ever exceed the tax cap you would have to go for a supermajority one of the kind of messages hopefully resonates today is that with stability and predictability you should not have to ever go to that I've worked with many districts that have had to go to a supermajority and it's not necessarily pleasant uh a pleasant budget cycle. One of the important pieces of the puzzle is what's called a growth factor. So this is something that's published by New York State. Watertown's growth factor is 043%. So in an essence, if
026your tax levy went up 1.4% 43% of that would be for the new growth only. And really the one it would be a 1% tax increase on existing properties. Reiterate 2% is not really a cap. Again, this is just important to say again and again. And pilots are taken into account. So payment in lie of taxes. Um and although there's one budget of the district and the public votes on one budget, we tend to drill down on different aspects of it. capital piece of the budget and the capital part is very important and I'm gonna kind of focus in on that a little bit later. >> Would you mind just because we have a new board member this year with us and then a student board member. Would you just explain very briefly on a
027pilot and what that is? >> Sure. So the district doesn't really levy for these particular taxes. Um usually it's an IDA or the county has an agreement with a usually it's large industrial or or uh businesses. They pay a set dollar amount in taxes, but they're not necessarily on the tax role. So, it's kind of a separate agreement outside of what you or I or anybody else would actually pay on a yearly tax bill. Important points kind of to consider. This is typical pretty much every year, but increased expenses annually. Specifically, the best biggest example and driver is health care costs continue to go up. uh your capital project, the $110 million project which was approved that will help to stabilize the capital piece of the budget which I'll show a little bit later. New
028York State has the electric bus mandate which is supposed to begin in 2027. That will be [clears throat] increased pressure on school district budgets. The district does contract bus so that's a little bit uh to your advantage. um a lot of your neighbors that purchase their buses outright, it's going to be a real budget constraint on them. And the district has had some nice foundation aid increases. Foundation aid is one of the aids which uh the district gets on a yearly basis from New York State. About $1.7 million in 2526 and 2.2 million in 2627 budgeted, I should say budget. The budget from the governor is not final yet. So things will change. After all, we put everything into the tax cap formula for Watertown. What comes out is a 2.6% tax levy cap for
0292627. [snorts] Again, this could change if the governor changes things. Um hopefully not to your disadvantage, only to your advantage. We hope. I apologize for the font on this. Uh it's a little bit small, but this is kind of a top tobottom uh calculation of the cap. Really, what you do is you begin with the last year's levy. So the top number at the at the top of this page is last year's tax cap levy. And gosh, you can tell my eyes are getting bad because that's blurry. [laughter] I might I probably said this last year, but I had LASIC surgery, but obviously it's wearing off. And so you take last year's lab as your starting point. you include in uh pilots, you include uh the growth factor, you include the 2% for inflation, and
030you also include the capital piece of the budget. And again, I'm going to show us a little more detail in a minute, but the bottom line is when you shake everything out for the district, you're at about a two the percentage at the very bottom, a 2.6% 6% tax increase, meaning the levy would go from 17.9 million to 18.38 million in 2026 27. So again, it'd be 2.6%. But you're not exceeding the cap. That is the cap. You'd only need a simple majority to get to that number. What I like to do is I always like to show a couple of instances of potential whatifs. So this is a scenario. What if uh the district did not go to the cap? So on the lefth hand side, the same starting point, but you levied $250,000
031less than you could have. That does not mean $250,000 in one year. So what that does is that means it would lower your number this year lowers your starting number next year. It continually compounds on itself. The exercise here really is to show that by year five, the tax levy would be $1.3 million less than it could have been. And over five years, you would have collected about $3.8 million less in revenue. And if you've by year five decided, oh, oops, we should be back to where we if we had just levied where we could have been, we should get back there. You would have to go out with a super majority vote and have a 7% tax levy increase. So again, I resonate back to stability and predictability. U we don't want to be
032in a position where we have to catch up. That's with a $250,000 less. I also did a second example of what if $350,000 less. By year five, the tax levy is $1.8 million less. You've realized $5.4 million less in uncolcted revenue. And then by year five, in order to catch up again to get you back to that uh tax levy where you could have been, it would be a 10% and again supermajority. So examples of where we don't want to be. The district did go out for a 0% tax levy increase in the 202425 fiscal year. This first line is the 2425 no tax increase. The levy was 17,52,000. If the district had gone to the cap, it would have been 17.9 million which represented about a $480,000 loss or I say uncollected 2526 we
033could have been at an $18.4 million levy another $486,000 in 2627 we could have been at $18.9 million. So the bottom line here is if you had just gone to the tax cap in 2425, you would have collected the additional $1.5 million um which is in not insignificant but again just shows the power of the compounding nature of the tax cap. This is the capital project. I just wanted to show um actually do you mind if I walk over this because probably >> last year when [clears throat] I presented the current capital project the whole goal is this column represents >> Ben hold on one second does he need to hold the mic for the people online [clears throat] >> sorry thank you so goal of the capital part of the budget is to make
034sure that the debt service minus the building aid is stable. So basically what that means is the amount in the tax levy that goes to support capital improvement projects remains stable. That is represented in column six. It's all of your debt service minus all of your building aid. It's about $439,000. And it was $439,000 before voting in the $110 million project. Even with fluctuations in debt payments, meaning you're going to have significant payments come on board related to 110 million, you're also though going to have significant amount of building aid coming on board. So you're going to see budgetary increases related to the capital project in the next few years um starting probably in 2728 because that's going to be one of the first phase of the capital project the aid starts to come in.
035So you're going to have large increases there, but you are going to have a consistent capital exclusion for your capital project. So regardless of the budgetary increases, the amount of the levy that's going to go to support your infrastructure projects, so the revenue and the minus the expense is going to remain stable. One thing I think that we've been very cognizant of as well is I've highlighted in here stability for $439,000 uh up until the 2030 fiscal year and then you see a significant drop down to a negative number. That's good. That signifies opportunity. That's going to be the opportunity for the district to undertake additional capital work should you need it and also not raise taxes. So, I think we've by keeping the tax cap and going out of the the cap uh percentage
036and keeping an eye on this, I think you're setting yourself up for really good improvements um in the future and setting yourself up for, you know, success really. >> And the what I want to add to that just is because we talked about when we went out to the voters um the tax neutral piece of that that shows that um but the other piece is looking at projects beyond this one. you know, we're really looking at infrastructure, windows, roofs, doors, heating units. And so, as you can see in this library, this space would need to be done. There are other instructional spaces that need to be done. Our voters approved last year a project beyond this one, you know, when this one ends in eight years. Um, so that is one that we're considering and
037planning for. Y and I think if [clears throat] keeping this methodology, if I were to kind of layer in next project and next project, I with the way this is set up, I've done enough of these. The next two projects after this one, you could do also with no tax increase. I'm pretty confident in that. So, in conclusion, um you know, you've had some steady foundation aid increases. Uh they may or may not continue in the future. Hopefully, they will. Knock on wood. um some of your neighbors have not been as lucky as you have uh this this budget cycle. And then kind of as a recommendation, it would be recommended to go out at the tax cap of 2.6%. Again, two key words again, predictability and stability. >> Questions for them? >> Do you
038have any questions? >> No. You're getting the nuts and bolts. [laughter] >> Frito's want to find me if you have questions. >> I think I have you on speed dial. >> Our student advisory kids will get to see our budget presentation at the next meeting next month. So, >> excellent. >> All right. Thank you, ma'am. >> Thank you. >> Um policy committee meeting report, Miss Tina. >> Okay. So, we went over the vehicle transportation, the vehicle employer use of the district vehicle policy 6002 and policy 8400, field trips and excursions. um [clears throat] [cough] um the policy um the field trips and the excursion policies and the employee use of district vehicle policies were reviewed by our insurance companies, our school attorneys and the policy committee. So we didn't have anything to do with this.
039Um but the policies also include input from different departments such as finance, maintenance, and human resources. This review helped to make sure the policies are clear, follow the law, and work for day-to-day operations. Um, also as a reminder, board policies are approved by the board of education and the related regulations are set by the superintendent. Um and the board members if they have any questions they can email the superintendent um by the end of the day on Wednesday and then it will be on the agenda next next week for a vote >> is on the discussion portion of >> okay too. So that was what we did. >> Okay. Thank you very much. question. [clears throat] >> Are all of the policies related to the vehicles? Are those new policies? >> No, some of them
040are revised policies. We looked at what we had in the [clears throat] past. We had district vehicles in the past. Looking at the way the vehicles are being used now is very different than in the past when you start incorporating student use. So, we had our policy company look at the policies and say, "Okay, you have these ones. They really should be migrated to these ones. We need to incorporate these ones." So, some are new, some are revised, and then new associating regulations. And so the policies that we have that you've shared with us already changes since they were given to us or is it the same? >> It's the same that was submitted. I'm sorry. No changes today. >> Oh, I don't know about the one thing we discussed was um >> the re
041recommendations. There's supposed to be three recommendations and Tina's going to work on a form to just kind of streamline that process. So, we tried reducing the number of recommendations and our insurance company and legal wanted it for uh their personal, you know, character references. So, it's as long as it's not a relative. It could be the school principal Leslie could write one for a coach. It could be our athletic director that writes one and then another teacher colleague um that could write one. three we lowered it to two um on initial this has been we've been working on these since what months you know that was the part that as Tina said was so long and arduous was what policies do we currently have what policies do we need what regulations do we need and
042then you've got our policy service which is an attorney you know through most then you've got the board's attorney looking at it with their lens then you've got the insurance company saying add this delete this or we're not covering your insurance you know so there's those cycles. And then the other piece that I thought that was important that Tina mentioned was the fact that when it got we got that feedback back, which took months obviously, um it was okay, let's meet with Tina's team. Tina's going to be looking at when the licenses come in, she's going to be looking at verifying that they have a license, that they don't have, you know, points on their license or DWI or maybe a suspended license. So, there was that component. There was the gas card when they
043have to get gas and they're on a field trip. How does that work? How does the safety component work? um the maintenance as far as you you know m maintaining the vehicles. So each time that feedback came back it meant we met with Tina's team separately then Bree's team separately then maintenance in order to revise the policies again and then send them back. So there was a lot of back and forth [clears throat] uh with these and these were modeled policies that were provided um by the policy service. I don't know was it August, September? It was early. >> Um and any revised to meet the legal requirements and insurance coverage. >> Yeah, Tina's going to um make a reference form so instead of having to get all the other things. So that'll be easier
044instead of having to get three. our coaches. I think we had this conversation in the agenda city meeting is that you know at the beginning of the year when they have that meeting with the athletic director that could be one point that a principal or assistant principal or a teacher. So there are there are several ways to get it where it's going to be tight is those people that wait till the last minute to do a field trip request would like to use the van and haven't filled out the references. Our push from the district side of the house is going to be if you know our specialed teachers that are maybe taking the kids to job sites or you know that life skill learning kind of we want them to do it early on.
045Our music department has used them a lot so far do it in the beginning of the year. So you've got our teacher leads that are going to push that also. Um because a part of that is going through the DMV lens program to make sure that they have a license that it is, you know, not suspended. And those are things that we have vehicles in the past, but we didn't have that policy or regulation in the past. We didn't have that lens platform in the past. So that's all new as a result of these policies that were implemented. [snorts] >> And I was the first test. So I do have a valid license. [laughter] Any other questions at this point in time? Okay. FAFSA committee meeting reform. [clears throat] Kelly Doer. >> Sure. So, the
046majority of our hour was spent um with a tech cap presentation. Um Ben, maybe a little bit more in depth, but pretty much the same presentation that everyone here just got um on the tax cap. I will say it, you know, how it's calculated, potential loss of revenue and over as well, you know, focus on stability, predictability. Um, and I guess overall, just to put in perspective, uh, you know, with a 2.6% as proposed, it's an approximate $30 increase on a $100,000 property. We then talked about the fund balance status um, and the change in that or the possible projected changes, I should say. Um and we're still waiting on some financial numbers to come in to balance the budget completely to give those numbers. Um this crossed over a little into balancing the budget
047and that [snorts] concluded our hour. Ran out of time. >> Never enough time. >> Thank you, Colle. >> I can make it longer if you want. [laughter] >> Did you talk to the boss? Good. >> Uh superintendent of schools report, Dr. Larry Smeaggel. >> Uh the first thing I would like to do is welcome everyone back. And I don't know what I met with our student advisory kids today and they they seemed very tired. So I reminded them it was only Tuesday. Um and thankfully whatever our food service director put in the desserts, they had a lot of energy after eating. Uh maybe they ate too many. I don't know. But that's for their parents to to handle. Um so just welcome back everyone. We're excited. We are more than halfway through the school year.
048We're excited with all the progress the district has made over the last three years and the progress that we're continuing to make. Um and so we want to continue pushing and ending on a strong note. Uh we are not done yet and learning continues to happen every single day. Um the one thing I do want to mention and I would like to hand these over this way and these over this way. Um you may have heard me mention it at the last board meeting. Um I had the opportunity I took with me. We went to see our our federal legislators in DC. Um so I had the opportunity to work with three of our other superintendents. uh Indian River, Sackets Harbor, and South Lewis. We went there with the purpose uh to advocate for these
049federal things, funding that we need that maybe come in at the federal level and some other idea, which has never been fully funded. Uh that's our special education funding. So, it was an opportunity to, you know, to represent not only the Watertown City School District, but also to represent our region. Um and then we went to we left DC and flew to Albany and had the opportunity to meet with our elected officials in Albany. Uh what a wonderful opportunity to meet and conversations that we had across the aisle um on both sides of the aisle. Um when you look at uh New York State and the proposed um foundation aid for this year, 68% of districts in New York State are looking at a 1% increase. Um, when you look at uh health insurance for
050our district and across the region, we're looking at a 20% increase. When you look at a 1% increase at the state level, that doesn't cover that 20%. It doesn't cover, you know, contractual obligations from year to year. Um, our residents and board members are aware of this and our own personal lives. We're seeing increases um with insuranceances and things like that in our home and utility costs. So, all of those expenses from year to year go up. So although um Watertown was not one of the districts that was proposed to get that 1% uh we found it extremely important to advocate on behalf of the region um you know we speak louder in numbers so we we joined other superintendents for that advocacy. We also spoke about the electric buses um the Watertown City School
051District does not purchase electric buses because we subcontract through first student. However, all of those costs get relayed back over to the district. So, we may not be purchasing a $500,000 electric bus, but it will increase our overall cost for transportation services. Um, and so we wanted to look at that. Um, I got the opportunity to speak at the state level regarding our teacher certification pathways. Um, asking the state to increase our pathways for teachers, particularly in the area of special education. I also advocated [clears throat] for reform to the retirement system. Um, you know, right now if teachers start teaching after retirement before age 65, they get penalized uh through their New York State pension with the teacher shortage. In this decade alone, they are projecting 180,000 teacher shortages across New York City. And
052so it was critically important. So we proposed to lower that age to 63. And then we also, you know, as Leslie, you mentioned a handful of [clears throat] them today. Um, we have a lot of teachers that are joining us from out of state and some of them are military spouses. I know Miss Atinson, Mrs. Atinson didn't mention that part, but some of them are military spouses. Um, and maybe not this year's hires, but previous hires. Um, and so what I advocated for on behalf of our region was to um ask New York State to consider a neutral option to allow teachers to buy back 10-year service credit for out of New York State teaching. uh that would be on the teachers expense to buy those years back, but would it give teachers that maybe
053are coming to New York State with seven years experience or up to 10 years the opportunity to buy those years back so that they decide to retire in New York State. Um that angle that I spoke on uh was really to really think outside of the box when you look at the number of teacher shortages that we're going to have over the next uh several years. Um then we had the opportunity Melanie Stano as a board member attended uh the JB um the um legislative opportunity at BOSIES that was hosted by them with our local or state officials. So that was a wonderful opportunity to reiterate some of our key points that were discussed. Um so we're excited about that. Um and I gave each of the board members a sheet of the advocacy. You
054should have two. one should be our federal advocacy points and then our state advocacy points. The next thing that I wanted to mention, um, we do have a federal government shutdown right now. Um, and so we did have a meeting scheduled for 1:00 today that our FEMA reps were not able to be at because they are furoughed at the moment. Um, but we did submit um, a proposal. Um, as you know, we were looking at this building being one of them, case being minimal, but some and North Elementary School. Um, we were applying for three buckets of money. One was to clean the building and get it open. One was to restore it to pre disaster conditions. That was sitting at about 7.1 million uh dollars that we were asking FEMA for. Um that has
055been submitted. Um what we were waiting on is the mitigation effort. You may have um heard me say in previous board meetings that we are looking at up to four underwater tanks um to hold storm water on this property in particular um until the city storm water drain can take that water. So there will be pumpout stations that would pump that to the city storm water. And so right now we are waiting and that and then this entire uh property this main lot here where Case Wy the district office and the high school sit will be doing some configurations in this property believe it or not other than the driveway being old there's no underground drainage under our driveways here which is why they're kind of sinking in um and they turn into pools. That
056is all going to be addressed in this project. Um, in addition to that, we have our notably athletically, um, we have our high school gymnasium floor that was added and we had our track, uh, which the high school floor is about a $1 million project and the high school track is about $2.9 million just for that track to be replaced um, and the amount of drainage work that needs to be put underneath it because it's cracking. Um, and we are hoping to get it repaired so we can at least use it for this upcoming track season. Uh but in the interim that totals we submitted that to the state pending their uh their closure when they opened the federal government back up. Uh FEMA we submitted a seven almost a $7.1 million plan for that.
057Um we had a wonderful meeting uh a couple weeks back prior to break and some of these things were built into the high the um capital project and so the 110 not everything but many things um and so if we do receive these this 14.1 million from FEMA what we will do is look at alternative projects that we wanted to add this high school library was one and tech wing would be another one we've got some other instructional spaces um we still are up with the MCA a the maximum cost allowances with each of the buildings. Um, and so we would have to make sure that we're not exceeding that this time around. Otherwise, it would have to rate until that MCA uh reestablishes itself. Um, but in the interimm that gives us some flexibility.
058So, the direction I gave our architects is we're going to move forward with the capital project, get some of this stuff done. And the way FEMA works once it's it's with the Department of Homeland Security, once it gets to that point, it's a reimbursement program. So, [snorts] they don't write the district a check for 14.1 million. You get the work done. You show proof through pays that it was done and then you get reimbursed for that money. Once that happens, we can start looking at some of the instructional spaces that we wanted to hit up and add those to the capital project. Um, so that's the FEMA piece. Um, on a positive note, uh, I think it was a year ago or just over a year ago now, we applied for the, uh, New York
059State DHEs, they call it dishes. We applied for a grant to get a lot of the testing done. uh we received word that that grant was approved and so that will relieve some of the cost of getting that done out of the the needed 14.1 million. So we'll be able to put more work to actual [clears throat] uh progress and it's been a delicate balance because we're balancing the 110 the 13 that we're finishing. We're balancing the um the FEMA project and then I'm presenting to the board tonight um a um EPC uh contract. So, um, we're going to move to the next thing, which is US Environmental Protection. So, you may have seen in the news, in our local news, uh, almost a month ago that the district was going to be receiving 1.5
060million in aid to purchase electric buses. Um, that was not 100% true. Our, um, vendor, student, uh, first student applied last year when Jason was the board president. He signed, I signed it. We submitted that application. the grant would reduce the overall cost, which is why we applied for that money last year to reduce the overall cost of the transportation contract. Um, we did get news this week that the district was not approved for that grant. Um, so we did get the the other grant. We did not get that grant. Uh, we can apply for the 2026 grant, which we will. Um, but this grant that we were denied was 2024 um for the clean school bus act. So, we'll we'll keep applying for that with first students help on that. The next thing I
061wanted to mention was the EPC. Uh we had EPC interviews with uh an organization yesterday, day automation. Um we are recommending to the board tonight to approve that. Uh that's to the tune of about 5.2 5.3 million. Um we're looking at that environmental um observation being done. So what the board is acting on tonight is not a contract for them to do the work but the contract for them to move forward with the study. Um we are advising that that is you know a positive way uh to move forward financially for the district and there are some some MCA concerns with that and [clears throat] so we'll have to look at the total amount that we can pull away. When you look at buildings like the high school here uh there's more work that needs
062to be done than the MCA will allow. The MCA is important. It's it stands for maximum cost allowance. That is critically important. If we go over that MCA, then the taxpayers pay the difference. And so if we keep it at the MCA, we're looking at a 93% building aid to get the work done that needs to be done. So it's important that we're looking at them the MCA correctly and moving forward with that. So we're excited about um that and the ETC. Hopefully that's approved tonight. [laughter] Uh that will move that study forward. The board will have to move fairly quickly with that request. Um, aside from tonight the initial for the the test to be done because what we are proposing is to put it on the ballot for the voters to approve. Um,
063it is not required to have voters approve it. But if the voters don't approve it, then the district loses 10% aid on the project. And so 10% of that 5.3 million. And so it's advantageous for us to go out ask the voters. We're not asking the voters to pay it. We're asking for it to be reimbursed through um state debt. We do you want to add anything to that? >> No, I think you covered it all. >> The next thing I wanted to mention was the senior citizen uh dinner in a show. We added that this year. We're going back to that. I want to thank Leslie Atinson and her team and our food service director and maintenance team. Um we are going to be adding that back this year. So you may have seen
064some advertisement that's going to happen on March 15th. It is a Sunday. Um it's before the show, so it's going to be a pre-show. We're inviting um our families that live in different residences within the community, similar to years past. Um and that will be March 15th at 1:30. So they'll be seeing the show and then after the show, our food service director will be putting on a phenomenal Thanksgiving uh style dinner and that is at zero cost to our senior citizens. And let's see, I'm going to put you on the H. Is it 65? >> I know Michelle's not eligible. I it's changed a couple of times. Um so I'm not sure what the >> I think it's 65 but those [clears throat] >> and then I had heard maybe 60 at one point
065but I'm not sure that's still >> if you're interested. Uh Karen is the one to contact for that. And we've got what I would like to thank some of those people you have here today. Our honor society students will be there working. Um our students that will be in Spongebob, they'll be serving dinner afterwards. And then uh today we asked our student advisory kids to uh sign up to support that event as well. And then again it's on a Sunday, March 15th at 1:30 p.m. The next thing I want to mention, and I'm going to mention it very quickly because I'm sure Kayla probably has it on his agenda. Um we had our student advisory club today. Um so again, once we got the kids their desserts, they they loed a little bit more lively.
066Um we had them today go through an exercise. I said we Tina Lane helped me facilitate it. We asked them to talk about each kid had to share something positive that's going on in the district and the amount of now again the representation is middle school the representation is high school the positives that uh Mrs. Atinson shared today were echoed and Caleb may share some specifics. They were echoed by our students today. They're seeing they're feeling the discipline moving in a positive direction. They have positive comments about the food service program. I said, "Are you willing to stand on a line to get different options?" And they said, "Yes, we don't mind waiting as long as the food's better." So, they're they just a lot of positive things and I don't want to steal your
067thunder, Caleb. And then the other thing we mentioned to them because it's that time of year um is it is that time of year now where we we will be taking applications for student board members for next year. And so that went out today. Leslie will be working with her team to put it on the announcements and so students will have the opportunity to fill out that and those applications are due April 24th at the end of the day. I think that's everything. >> Okay. Thank you very much Michelle. Items for consent agenda. Resolve the consent agenda items A through E are hereby approved. >> Take a motion, please. >> Melanie in a second. >> Tina discussion. All those in favor? >> Any oppose? Motion carries. Items for board action. Item A, approval of tax
068cap calculation for 202627 school year. Whereas school districts are required to report their tax cap calculation to the office of the state controllers, the state education department and the office of taxation and finance by March 1. Whereas the tax limit calculation for the 2627 school year is 2.60%. Therefore, be it resolved that the 26 27 calculation tax levy limit calcula calculation as per the spreadsheet presented to the board is hereby approved. >> Motion please call and a second. >> Tina discussion. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Item B, approval of health and welfare services. resolved that the approval of the contract for health and welfare services for the Watertown City School District students attending a non-public school [clears throat] and the Carthage Central School District for the school year of as
069presented to the board is hereby approved. >> Okay, we'd like to make that motion. >> Melanie and a second. >> Tina discussion. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Item C, approval to auction items. >> Whereas the Watertown City School District [clears throat] has identified unused custodial supplies, a maintenance vehicle, and several 3D 3D printers that are no longer needed. Resolved, the board authorizes the sale of these items via public auction or other reasonable means. Uh further resolved, any items not sold may be discarded or recycled at management's discretion in compliance with the applicable uh regulations. Further resolved, the director of facilities is authorized to oversee the sale and disposal of processes and is hereby approved. >> Motion, please. >> Tina and Melanie. Discussion. >> All those in favor? I. >> Any opposed?
070Motion carries. D. Approval of the nomination. >> Resolved that the Watertown City School District Board of Education hereby nominates and supports the nomination of Peter E. Monaco as candidate for election for the Jefferson Lewis Hamilton Herkimer Onida Board of Cooperative Educational Services. >> Motion Randy and Collection. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. E. Approval of a personnel report. >> Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent approves. Dr. Larry Schneel. The board of education hereby approves the following resignations. Leave of absence appointments probationary [clears throat] instructional instructional term non-probationary instructional tutors after school provisional permanent part-time permanent substitutes instructional and substitutes non-instructional >> motion please >> Tina and a second Jason all uh discussion [clears throat] all those in favor >> any opposed Motion carries. Uh F, approval of tenure appointments. >>
071Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of Dr. Larry Smeaggel, uh superintendent of schools, the following tenure appointments, Melissa Watt, Special Education, effective date, April 7th, 2026. And Tessa Gay Elementary, effective date August 31, 2026 are hereby approved. >> Take a motion, please. Coen Co. and a second. Melanie discussion those teachers are not >> they were not able >> well congratulations to them tenure is a momentous occasion in a teacher's career so we're glad to have them >> you didn't have a vote yet no all those in favor >> all right any opposed motion carries now it's official >> now it's [laughter] official >> let that slip by >> No no no no don't don't want to do that to a poor teacher though uh Item G, approval of a jewel agreement. [clears throat] >>
072I resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, Dr. Larry. The agreement dated February 11, 2026 to extend the probationary period of an instructional employee. The probationary period is hereby extended to and including March 15, 2027 in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in agreement signed by the superintendent, the instructional employee, and the Watertown Education. Association President is hereby approved >> motion please. >> Tina and a second. >> Melon discussion. All those in favor. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Item H, approval of revised board policies. >> Resolve that the following revised board of education policies are hereby approved and adopted. Uh 5402 purpose, use and administration of district digital information systems. Um 8201 homebound instruction 8201.1 homebound instruction uh request form. >> Motion please. >> Tina and a second. >> Jason
073[clears throat] discussion >> any major changes in items are >> uh not major changes there. We really tried to clean up the um home instruction piece which Tina presented at the last meeting and then we wanted to make sure that we were compliant with the technology piece. So I think the biggest thing with the homeschool piece was the um the 60-day reertification piece so that we can check in on those kids that are at home instruction. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Any oppose? Motion carries. Item I, approval of educational andor sports trips. uh resolve that the educational and athletic sports trips as presented to the board hereby approved. >> Motion please. >> Melanie and a second. >> Tina discussion. >> All those in favor. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Item J, approval of
074a donation. resolve that a donation on behalf of the Northern New York Community Foundation for $250 designated as support for the Environmental Club and annual Cyclone Science Fair at Watertown High School. This generous contribution is gratefully accepted and approved and will be acknowledged in writing. >> Motion, please. >> Jason. >> Got Tina and Jason. Discussion. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? Item K, approval of a donation. >> Resolve that the board hereby accepts the donation of several safe drivers kits from Youth Alliance in partnership with the Pivot uh prevention and health services for use by driver's education students at Watertown High School. The board gratefully acknowledges this thoughtful contribution and will be acknowledged in writing. >> Motion, please. Go. >> I got Colle and Tina. Discussion. Does anybody know what a safe
075driver kit is? >> We have one. [laughter] [clears throat] >> Sorry. I I will share it. I will pass [laughter] it around. >> Uh any discussion? Further discussion? >> Oh, yes. >> Okay. All those in favor? [laughter] Any opposed? Motion carries. I was I had no idea. Um L approval of the donation. resolved that the board of education hereby accepts the generous donation of transportation services from first student incorporated to provide senior citizens from the resident homes community um with transportation to attend the high school musical performance and dinner uh to follow on March 15th. The board expresses its sincere appreciation for this thoughtful contribution and will be acknowledged in writing. >> I'll take a motion, please. [clears throat] Melanie and a second tooth on this. The safety kit. Sorry. [laughter] >> Need a second.
076[snorts] >> Randy. Thank you, Randy. >> Uh, discussion. >> Tina, you pulled the age for the We were between 60 and 65. So, the age is 62. >> Close. [laughter] We should be the other way around. I don't like the way this is working. [laughter] >> Uh it's inevitable. >> Okay. >> Um I I just I think it's great. I mean, we've got, you know, uh companies that we work with for the safe transportation of our students, working with our senior citizens, working with our clubs at school. Just an all-around great community event. What a what a great interaction between all those moving parts. So, thank you to First Student for doing that. All right. Uh, all those in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Item M, approval of a donation. >> A resolved that
077a donation from Stuart's shop for uh 76 gallons of vanilla ice creams, toppings, and supplies to the Watertown High School PBIS ice cream social. This donation is gratefully accepted and approved and will be acknowledged in writing. >> A motion, please. Co. Kelly in a second. >> Tina. Discussion. But I would like to give a huge shout out to Stewarts for their donations. They they donate ice cream for this the high school and every other school that ever asks. And the kids love the little ice cream socials that they have that I usually get invited to. Don't forget. Um so it's [snorts] just I just wanted to give them a shout because they they really go above and beyond. >> Yeah, they do. They do a lot for their community partners. Yes, they do. >> All
078right. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? All right. Motion carries. Item N, approval of a donation. >> Resolve that the board of education hereby accepts the donation of various materials valued at approximately $164 from Home Depot Watertown to support the advanced manufacturing level two class at Watertown High School. The donated supplies were used by students to complete a class project and be it further resolved that the board gratefully approves this contribution will be acknowledged in writing. >> Motion please. >> Melanie and a second. >> Jason discussion. It's amazing. It's an amazing allaround program. They kids did great work. It's [clears throat] >> phenomenal. All those in favor? >> All right. Any opposed? Motion carries. Item O, approval to discontinue probationary appointment. >> Please all that upon the recommendation of Dr. Larry Peele, superintendent of
079schools, the probationary appointment of a non-instructional employee is hereby discontinued effective February 24, 2026. >> Motion, please. >> Tina and a second. >> Melanie discussion. All those in favor? >> All right. Any opposed? Motion carries. >> And item B, approval of comprehensive energy audit. >> Whereas the board of education of the Watertown City School District issued a request for proposals for energy services companies uh to assist in evaluating a potential energy performance contract. And whereas the after review of proposals received, the board has determined that day automation systems incorporated is qualified to perform a comprehensive energy audit pursuant to energy law 9-103. Uh now therefore be it resolved. Number one, the board uh selects day as the district's ESCO solely for the purpose of developing a comprehensive energy audit in accordance with en energy law
080section 9-103. Uh number two, the superintendent is authorized to execute a letter of intent or similar uh preliminary agreement with day in a form uh approved by the district council uh to perform the comprehensive energy audit at no cost to the district. Um number three, this resolution does not approve an energy performance contract, project scope, guaranteed savings, financing, or any uh financial agreement. Any such approval shall require separate board action following review of the completed energy audit and number four this resolution shall take effect immediately. >> Take a motion please. >> Tina and a second >> Jason discussion all those in favor. Any opposed? And the motion carries. [clears throat] >> The end of the resolution. >> Thank you, Michelle. >> Uh, we're at the second opportunity for public comment tonight. Is there anybody here
081for public comment for non-aggenda related items this evening? Okay. On to items for discussion. Board policy discussion and the first review of the new school vehicle policy. We kind of put this at the report section. Um, so is there any comments that anybody wants to ask the committee for us to look at? Our our hope was to bring it back to the board. I know we have a board meeting today, but we have one next Tuesday. The hope was to put it on this. These have been policies and regulations that we have been working with, as Tina said, our legal team, our policy company, and also our insurance carrier. Um, and our internal committees to try to get to this point. Um, so we would like to move it forward. Um, but I know the
082uh board members that serve on the policy committee are extremely open to any feedback or questions. So, if you have any um or you think of them after you leave this meeting, if you can please email them to the committee um and myself so that we can try to get you answers um and we'll have answers on the some of the things that Tina's going to be working on as far as the the references piece. >> You don't have enough to do Tina. This is these have probably been the longest policies we've worked on as of September since we've >> go ahead. Um not really a question about curiosity though the is it a wex card for fueling? >> Yes. >> Is that a card dedicated to each vehicle or how does that work? >>
083Yes. >> Each WEX card is designated for a specific vehicle and that vehicle only. >> Okay. and the trial. We've been piloting this. So, it's it's been an awesome experience because they were assigned to the the individual vehicle, then they were assigned to the individual, and now they're assigned to the vehicles, but each employee that's using that vehicle would put in, you know, the last four of their social if that's it. And then they would use the um they would use the gas card and submit those receipts. >> Yeah. The way we set it up, we designed with Caris Health and Transportation. We designed uh pre-insspection forms, post inspection forms. Um, a lot of trial and error, but I think we're finally on the right path. >> I'm glad we started small, particularly with the
084vans. Um, and I one of the things that we've said before, but is worth reiterating on the district vans in particular, those district vans do get transportation aid because they are transporting students. So, if there aren't any questions or if you have them after you leave, >> that policy has been posted for the public to see. >> Uh, we will after this meeting. >> Just want to make sure the public can see. It'll be on for the public to see before we go to the next meeting on the third. Any other comments, questions? Okay. That on the agenda for the third. Excellent. Uh, any other items for discussion this evening? Okay. Uh that puts us on to upcoming dates. So finance audit and facility committee meeting going back to back on March 3rd. Actually it'll
085be three three in a row. [snorts] >> Exciting next week. >> Uh so that'll be March 3rd at the district office at 5:00 p.m. followed by our regular board of education meeting at 6 pm in the conference room. Um, couple of things I did want to point out that we did not have on the agenda, but we have these beautiful flyers for the art show for our grades 7 through 12 artists [clears throat] on March 5th. Um, from 5:30 to 6:30 hosted at the Flower Memorial Library. Um, that is the opening for the show, but the artwork will be on display until March 13th if you don't get a chance to go on the 5th. So, make sure you go and see that. It's always phenomenal wonder. We have such wonderful artists here. [clears throat]
086So definitely worth worth the time and the effort. Um board members, I'll remind you we were invited uh to the WY Steam Fair on the 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Uh and then I know we'll talk about this at the next couple of meetings, but the musical is coming up on March 20th and March 21st. So uh plan accordingly, clear your calendar. I'm sure it's going to be an amazing show. Our students always do so well. Um a look around the district. Mr. Harrington, can I start with you? Perfect. Yeah. Um, I'm sure everybody's [clears throat] going to say this, but I get to go first. Leslie, you always do a wonderful job. And every year the production only gets larger, and next year when I'm off the board, this will be the one
087meeting I tune in to to see how you possibly top this act. But it's evident that great things are happening here, and that starts with you three. Um, it's nice to hear that discipline referrals are down again. And I like that there's enough clubs and organizations in this building that everybody who's interested in something can be involved. Um, manufacturing project is is evident of that things. You know, I went here uh 24 years ago and it wasn't like that. So, I just keep expanding, keep doing a great job. Um, I would have liked to see my friends from the coffee club tonight, but I'm sure that they had another project or something bigger where they're making a lot of money, but they were missed. Um, >> they are >> good. I like to hear that,
088you know, and finally, hats off to that marching band. Um, >> phenomenal musicians. I think that they were great. I think that the person who came up with the idea to resurrect that is also probably a genius. [laughter] I agree. But it was uh a great meeting as always. So, thank thank you. >> I wanted to just add to that, Jason, because the idea and the board voting yes on it to support the budget and then our taxpayers voting and that was something that our students said today about the music program in the Watertown City School District. >> He just keeps taking everything. [laughter] >> You should see his reaction. What he meant to say was it started with you, Jason. [laughter] >> Randy, >> thank you, Mr. >> It's always nice to be back
089in the hollow halls of Watertown High School, isn't it? Lots of great history here. And I'm going to pick up on what Jason said. You know, this is the one building that interfaces the most with our community. and in every interaction I have and what I hear about lots of great work doing in that regard as far as being a great ambassador for our community and our school and so thank you there I've seen it many many times and it's you can't underestimate the importance and power of that so keep up the good work there making this a district of choice as you pointed out one way and to the band they're coming to every meeting right >> at least I would We should pass a resolution for that. [laughter] >> Jason's going to be
090performing good. [laughter] >> But great point of pride tonight. >> Thank you, Randy Caleb. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. [laughter] >> Do you have anything left? Oh, I had an opportunity to have a meeting with the superintendent student advisory council. We discussed about our glows as a district and the grows that we need to make. Our glows are that our student attendance rate has gone up. Students have said that they've seen many students, their fellow peers attending class a little bit more, and I'm thankful for that. I would also like to thank Leslie for having her students reach out, [snorts] especially mentally, making sure that our students are checked on well. I'm thankful for three. You guys lead this school well, especially with our discipline rate. [snorts] Um, I would also like to thank
091the PBIS award systems. Our students commented a lot about that. got confused midway through because case is on a different system than us. [laughter] Um what some of our students did recommend for our grows is our student privileges. Uh Dr. Smeaggel did follow up that he did allow when he was a principal that he did allow students to go out out of campus to go eat and buy some other things. I think that would be great for our seniors next year, especially with senior parking. um grows. Um Molly Dickinson did recommend weighted classes that all classes shouldn't be weighed the same. And um grace for all students, especially if they were acting up at the beginning of our school year, we should treat them the exact same as we do for any of our students.
092Uh that's everything I have to say. The student parking one keeps coming up. The seniors are really, really wanting a reserved parking space and the opportunity to decorate their space. They should get places that do that. >> Yeah, it is really cool. I've seen too. >> Yeah, it's it's a big deal schools where they have the space to do it. >> Thank you, Kale. Appreciate it. >> Sorry, [laughter] Tina. >> Um, again, I just want to thank Lesie. Um, I've I've noticed a huge difference. I think I've said this before, just in the atmosphere of this building um since, you know, just within the last few years. So, it's it's nice to see the the high schoolers um laughing and skipping in the halls. Makes me happy. Um I wasn't like that before. So, thank
093you. You guys, the three of you do an amazing job and thank you very much. Um I did hear that our pet band went and performed with the University of Albany. That was something that we didn't even have a pet band until when? September >> this year. >> That was awesome. And the little video of it was pretty good, too. So, that makes me happy. And the band, >> like I said, that just made me happy. They came in and I was like, "Okay, we're good." So, thank you. Thank you for >> What's the band teacher's name? >> France Seymour. >> Francis Seymour. >> For Mrs. Seymour and all their hard work and the kids and it was awesome. >> Thanks Millie. [clears throat] >> I will just [laughter] um appreciate having you here and
094having the manufacturing class. Did we ask for that at one point? I feel like I don't know. This was really cool to see some of the other classes that the students have access to. Um, that's not your typical math and ELA and that sort of thing. Um, and that teacher was talking about working as a facilitator. So, I love the students [clears throat] being able to take charge of their learning and kind of leading wherever they felt they needed to go. So, that's incredible. Um, and it speaks to some of your your grows that the students are buying in to the environment. So, we appreciate your leadership that with that so that discipline can come down and they're buying in academically as well. >> Thanks, Co. >> Um, just because everyone else did, I will
095also [laughter] get to know you and your team, everything you do. um the advanced um manufacturing class. They're very tall, but that was really good. And um and Fran in a marching band does a great job. So, nothing new, but I had to say something. [laughter] >> They're very tall. >> They were there. They were telling you that. [laughter] Uh Dr. Amy Ghart shared a little bit of information with me, and I think this ties right into some of the things we've been talking about. Um, so she says, "Typically trends have shown that the month of January is one of the months when the highest with the highest absentee rate. This year, despite the numerous two hours delays that we had, nearly all buildings absentee rate has decreased when compared to January of last year."
096And she provided a beautiful graph and if we're talking like the high school uh between last year and this year, the high school was down over a thousand recorded absences between January of last year and January of this year. Um almost uh every building with the exception of one was down for absentee rates. Um so that's that's amazing. It means kids want to be in the building. Kids are showing off. The kids are engaged with all of these great things that we've been talking about. Um thank you so much your hospitality. You always find new and unique ways to keep these meetings interesting and we love it. Um thanks to Miss Creel for sharing um the the manufacturing class with us and and Miss Seymour for sharing the band with us. They were phenomenal. [snorts]
097Um, the one thing I heard those four young men comment on, and they didn't put it like this, but this is what they were talking about was when we talked to employers, we know employers are like, well, kids come out, they know the math and they know the science, but it's the soft skills. It's the ability to communicate with with each other. It's the ability to work with each other. It's the ability to interact with customers. And that's what businesses complain time after time after time in the modern day that we're lacking. those young men being here, talking with us, talking about interacting with each other in class, working with each other, coming up with ideas. They're talking about those soft skills, and that's going to take those young men uh extremely far. For those
098that want to go to college or those that want to jump right into the workforce and do what they're going to do for their for their life, you know, they're well on their way to mastering those soft skills. So, um that class is amazing. I I love that. I'm glad that we're able to add on to that and give those students even more opportunities. Um, so it just wonderful and it's always wonderful to be at Watertown High. Um, and and I know from experience that some of the wonderful clubs that we have like the AV club, um, my son, who is the typical 16-year-old boy and doesn't like to get up in the morning, gets himself up early on AV club mornings so that he can be here so he can participate. Kids are engaged.
099They're here if they want to be here. So, um, that's that's the hardest thing is to get them to want to come into the building. And I think we're doing a wonderful job of that. You are all doing a wonderful job of that. Your leadership shows. Um, so thank you so much for hosting us tonight. We appreciate it. >> And with that, we have a proposed executive session for the purpose of the board to discuss proposed current or ongoing litigation and the proposed acquisition, sale, or lease of real property. Can I have a motion to go into executive session? Jason, and a second. >> Melanie. All those in favor? Any opposed? We are in executive session.