001Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to call this meeting to order and have Ensemble please lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Okay. Hi everyone. I can't hear you. I'm afraid the rest of our meeting is going to dramatic with the pale. You're have to start singing me about it. like to thank everybody who came here tonight, those tuning in remotely and participating remotely as our very own Lyn Gaffne is. Uh Michelle, do we have any agenda changes? I do have uh two things. Um we have a proposed executive session at the end of the meeting this evening and I did provide the board members with an updated personal. Is anyone here tonight uh wishing to address the board on agenda related public comment things that we are acting on this evening? Okay, Michelle, do we
002have any communications? I do not have any communications. Okay, it looks like if I'm going down the agenda that we're going to have WY Ensemble perform again. Wouldn't Wouldn't that be nice? Um, well, we certainly appreciate their being here tonight and it is with great pleasure that I get to introduce our very first student, board of education member, Caleb Ronal. Could you stand please? Good evening everyone of y'all. If you don't know me, I'm Katavo. I'm currently a freshman. I am excited and honored to have been chosen for this position as student for the board of education. This role is important to me and our fellow students as this is our way to voice our concerns to you. I am also grateful to represent my to my classmates. I'm excited to be here. I'm thankful
003for the for this opportunity that you guys have impeded on me. I'm excited to learn and you know be here to celebrate you guys through next year. Those of you that have been following us, um New York State um now requires um as a civic responsibility. Um they require school districts to have a student board member. Um prior to this new law that will be going into place this upcoming school year, school boards had to put it out to the voters for voter approval. Uh this state law circumvents that and it requires districts to have a student board member. They are an exeicio board member, which means during confidential conversations and meetings, they do not participate in those. But the purpose of that is not only to learn their civic responsibility but also to provide
004student voice. Um Mrs. Atkinson and myself we had the opportunity to put out as high school principal put out an application process at the high school. Um students were required to have an administrator provide a written recommendation on their behalf as well as a teacher recommendation on their behalf. Um following that, Miss Atinson and I reviewed the applications and we had the pleasure of interviewing Caleb um for this position. So we're excited. We are working with um New York State. As you may know, schoolboard members are required in their first year of schoolboard membership to complete a training course on board governance. Um we are working with NIS but Michelle and I have been working for almost a year now uh to try to get them to launch a program. So more information to come.
005The other thing, uh, for those of you that know our DS, Steve Todd, uh, we still have him through October and then he'll be retiring as our district superintendent. He's done a phenomenal job in our community and a great pleasure to Watertown as his own children, our child goes here. Um, I have requested through him that we have the opportunity for Caleb, but also other student board members across our other 17 districts in our region to have an opportunity to bring them together to talk about their experiences and to plan moving forward. So, more to come. This is the first year, but new things are great. Uh, and we're going to continue building the plane. You'll be glad to know, Caleb, one of the engines is up and running, and we will fix the second
006engine as we continue takeoff. Uh but congratulations to you and welcome. Yeah, we really uh not that it matters, but I just have to say that Caleb and Ann are north stars. Sorry, just had to throw that in there. I was going to say we're we're all really looking forward to working with you. We're all really nice people. Uh my person seems sort of scary is Tina Fluo. Um, but she'll definitely I only really look forward to to hearing your ideas. So, thank you again. Thank you. Um, at this time I'm going to turn it over to Mrs. Lori Converse for the policy committee meeting report. Everybody, this evening we talked about policy 10003 violations. We are going to make some changes and upload it to the board for review. We do need to approve
007this by July 1st for summer events that will be happening. So we do have questions or concerns regarding that. Otherwise, we have to have a special meeting for that. And then student number to board of education. We have a couple changes with that. There was nothing on there about if the student for some reason could not complete their year. So we added that the principal will appoint individuals to be interviewed by the superintendent and brought to the board for review. Can I interject there? Just thank you for bringing up that point. So when student board members serve, they are one-year terms. So each year they would apply to the office. God forbid anything happened that they could not fulfill, we had to have in place for them always by the state. Then we talked about
008the cell phone policy that we have to have by July 1st for the state. So right now we are waving legal feedback still. We were hoping that we would have it tonight at a policy meeting. We don't. So we're going to upload when we do have it for you because that does have to be by 71 or we have to have a special meeting. So we'll be emailing that as well for discussion concerns about myself. I reminded everyone, we've said it the last couple of board meetings, we've had the opportunity to meet with each of the stakeholder groups, students, parents, etc. Um staff, administrators regarding the cell phone policy. It's a Delville ban on cell phones for next school year. Um that is a state statute that must be in place as effective. July 1
009um is when it has to come to the board for board action, but it has to be in place August 1st. Our board meeting in August is August 5th. So it doesn't give us that opportunity to extend it without a special board meeting. Um so more information will come from that and also regulation to follow to give more clarification um on the actual policy. Good. Thank you so much. So we currently don't have a cell phone policy in place. We have a bring your own device policy, but it doesn't address the state requirement of the WA. So this is a new policy. And when you when you devise our policy, the only reason I'm asking this is because someone asked me and I didn't know the response. So in devising the policy, who was involved
010in I mean were teachers asked like how because everybody's doing it differently. Yep. So Yep. And you're right, everyone's doing it differently. So we had a variety of stakeholder groups. Tina and I led a facility group with the administrators, with teachers, the staff advisory, student advisory, parent group, um policy committee on the board. Um those were the different angles and we also did a parent survey um to solicit feedback. There are certain things in the law that are non-negotiable that have in place. Um and then there are other things that are um the state recording component of it that has to be published on district websites so that parents or anyone else in the community can seem obviously we'll take off any student identifying information. So you were able to find consensus among all those
011groups. There were a lot of commonalities. Good. You know, the students when we brought it up to the student advisory group, they they were somewhat concerned at the beginning. They they like the idea that kids are going to be talking more or engaging more in different ways. Um they did say that, you know, they think that referrals may go up slightly the first year because kids are now not walking like this. They're actually engaging and have to teach them how to re-engage in a way that doesn't result in the disciplinary fraction. But other than that, Boseies already already has a similar program. Our students that serve on the student advisory that attend to Boseis, they're already familiar with taking their devices, putting it in a lock box, getting it to the end of the period.
012Um, so that's not anything. So we're going to use a lock box, not lockers. It's going to be diff the secondary level is going to be lockers at least for year one. And the elementary level through sixth grade are going to be boxes because they have to be able to fit the phone, the earbuds, if it's a smartwatch, anything like that that's internet enabled has to be secured in a box. policy won't be as specific as the type of box only because if we can't find 280 boxes um to go in all the the classrooms so they'll just say secure box. So the middle school and the high school will use lockers lockers right those lockers are safe uh they are student issued they have a combination and there also is a piece that we
013added to the policy if parents choose to send their child to school with a cell phone that there is a risk just like any other personal device that people may bring to Anything else, guys? Okay. Well, thank you very much. And now it is superintendent of schools report, Dr. Larry Schmegel. Just a huge thank you. Um, just a huge thank you again to our retirees. Almost 500 years of service to our district and to our students and to our community. So, just a huge shout out to them. Um, we have 18 that are retiring. Um, 11 were able to be here tonight. Um, I want to thank team and her department for everything that they did. Uh, we try to get 100% of the retirees here, but other that some were not able to make
014it. So, our hopes are with them in their next endeavor. And, uh, I kind of was joking about handing out substitute packets, but, uh, I have a dry sense of humor, so we handing those out. Um the next thing just to to kind of move through this piece, WY and Case awards. Um the both of the awards to see the amount of students that we have throughout our district being recognized, the amazing things that they're doing, to see the creative ways, uh that teachers are recognizing students. Um we have some students that excel academically and other students that excel in different ways. And so our schools are really doing a great job outside of the box looking and recognizing those students. Um, you know, the WY one this year, I had the pleasure of attending
015that. Um, we had the high school grad walk. So, what a pleasure to see all of the u or most of the seniors walk through um the high school auditorium. That was great. It really um gave the students an opportunity in in fifth and sixth grade to look up to in a few years. That's going to be them. Not to stress the parents up, but the time goes by quickly. Um last night I had the opportunity to participate with the Shaw Harbor Foundation uh recognition dinner. Um we had one of our students that was recognized for the world changer scholarship, the highest most prestigious acknowledgement uh with the SH Harbor and it was Anastasia Smith. Um so just an amazing student who's done amazing things. Um she is wanting to go into medicine. So we
016just we wish her well in all of her endeavors and the Shaw Harbor Foundation for their support in recognizing these amazing students throughout our region. We had the pleasure of moving forward with our schematic design. Um so when you're looking at this larger picture in the center, we talked about moving forward with the $10 million capital project. Um today we talked about drainage. you know, our current driveways do not have drain drainage on this campus. And we're looking at adding a a parent pickup and drop off for WY to get them off the main road. We're looking at a a separate extension for Myrtle to separate it from the parking lot to reduce the potential liability. Just a lot of amazing things are happening. And so those conversations uh continue today. And uh we'll be
017meeting with North Ohio and Starbucks on Friday. um north we're meeting with to discuss the ADA uh ramp that we're looking at putting in or elevator actually. Um that's a part of the capital outlay project for this year. The board has still not decided where we're going to move for next year for that. We're still ahead on that one. Starbucks and um Ohio do not have the secure vestibules and so we'll be meeting with those principles and those people that are impacted by those office redesigns and we're excited about that. uh the district wy uh districtwe vestibule. So when you come in it will look a little bit different. We're hoping to break ground um with that at late August. So we're hoping by December that secure vestibule will be in place. Um we had
018the distinct pleasure along with two of our board members that are here tonight that participated in the um graduation last Friday um with Mrs. Babcock and Mrs. Marchman's class. What an amazing experience to watch our students graduate. Um, and to hear their peers say positive things about them. Those pictures went online today. And if you could see the smiles in those students faces, um, and the teachers and the families and the audiences, those kids were recognized, just an amazing opportunity. So, we're excited about that. Um, we had Tina and I had an amazing meeting with the North Country Family Healthcare Center, which has been partnering with our district for over three decades. And so we're working with them on the facility use side because we want to continue those services because we know our kids
019are getting medical care. They're less likely to be absent to have to receive it outside. And over students receive services from our North Country Family Health Center. So, we're looking at continuing that. We had a wonderful meeting with the Cornell Cooperative Extension to continue those partnerships uh at the state level. There's some concerns with funding. So today I had the opportunity to meet with Senator Chuck Schumer and his team to talk about what we can do to support that initiative to keep that funding and also the health insurance and the food insecurities for some of our families. Uh we also had our strategic planning subcommittee meeting. A lot has been going on. Um, what a wonderful opportunity. Tina and I led that meeting before awards ceremony last night and just an amazing opportunity to walk
020through our strategic plan. When we put that together a couple years ago, we said we wanted a strategic plan that doesn't sit on the shelf. We want a strategic plan that comes to life. And so as you look, those chairs are unfortunately blocking a couple of them, but when you look at the strategic plan and those goals set, we wanted our staff and our community to understand that we are setting our priorities around those five focus areas, but we want to make sure those tasks within each of those focus areas that they enhance each year. And so as we went through, we meet as an executive team first to talk about some of those strategies and techniques to take things to the next level. And um we have some preliminary and and I Lynn is
021on mute, but we looked at some of the academic data, our academic data at the primary grade level with a lot of the instructional initiatives that she's put in place this year. We're moving the needle. Our kids are reading, writing, and learning math at higher levels. And we are also hoping that we surpass our strategic plan goal with our graduation rate for this year. So, we're excited about that. Please stay tuned. Um, if you're not familiar, I know Leslie is is the high school principal, and some of you may, there are three different times a year that the state takes into consideration for graduation rates. So, it's not just your graduating cohort in June. You have graduation uh in August, and then you have also October. So, they do an average of those. So, we're
022excited about that. Um, we're working on each of the board members. No, we did not get it. Yep. Um each of the board members uh received tonight um just a legal agreement uh with the 110 capital project 110 million capital project. Our law firm is offering a retainer opportunity to secure legal services for the capital project. So the board will have an opportunity to review that and we'll act on that at a later date. And just a reminder to um any of our students that are interested in our student advisory. Um last week we had the pleasure of presenting to our WY students that are heading into case next year. Um but we're looking forward to um those applications being next week and so we know this is a busy time of year for students
023and for staff but we appreciate those that have taken time. Um we've we've had a lot of amazing things. Tina's helped co- facilitate that committee. U we've had Lynn come in and present scheduling to solicit student input on scheduling. We've had Bri come in and present the district budget. just a variety of topics, the cell phone, uh, Belde Devel, there's been a lot of things that our students have had the pleasure of participating with student voice. Um, without students, um, our children, our future, we would not be here today. Um, lastly, I would like to recognize a board member. Uh, we had the opportunity, um, Tina Lane and I to attend the Jefferson Lewis School Boards Association dinner. And at that dinner, they recognize board members for their years of dedicated service. And uh this
024evening I would like to hand Millie Smith hers on behalf of the Jeff Lewis Schoolboard Association for her two years of dedicated service to the school board. Yeah. Okay. Thank you so much. Um, items for consent agenda. Resolve a consent agenda. Items A, B, and C are hereby approved. Motion, please. John, a second. Millie. Millie. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Items report action. resolved that the Watertown City School District Board of Education hereby authorizes the establishment of a reserve for tax certy as per chapter 5 588 of the laws of 1988 amended section 3651 of the education law. This reserve in the amount of $90,555.14 is for the refund of property taxes for the upcoming 2526 fiscal year in tax certiary proceedings as on file in the business office. Unexpended funds
025must be returned to the unreserved fund balance for the general fund by the first day of the fourth fiscal year following the year for which the reserve was created. July 1, 2020. Motion, please. Lauren. Lauren and Millie. Any discussion, guys? All those in favor? I think motion carries that the transfer of appropriations from the codes as presented to the board. It's not approved. Please. A second. Lori, any discussion? All those in favor? I motion carries by the board of education of the Watertown City School District pursuant to section 6-J of the general municipal law as follows. Number one, the board hereby establishes a reserve fund to be known as the workers compensation insurance reserve fund. Number two, the source of funds for such reserve funds shall be uh such amounts as may be provided therefore
026by budgetary appropriation for such reserves are um as are not required by law to be paid into any other fund or account. Number three, monies in such reserve fund may be appropriated only for a purpose identified in section 6-J of the municipal law. Article two of the workers compensation law and other lawful purposes. Number four, the treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to deposit and invest the monies of such um fund in accordance with section 10 and 11 of the general municipal law and other applicable law. And number five, the sum not to exceed $500,000 is thereby appropriated to the workers compensation reserve fund. The source of funds shall be $500,000. Uh number six, this resolution shall take effect immediately. I have a motion please Kelly and a second. Any discussion? In favor? Any opposed?
027Motion carries. Resolve that the adjustments as presented to the board uh to our reserve accounts are hereby approved. Motion please. Millie Millie and John. Any discussion? All those in favor. Any opposes the participation in the St. Nordics Lewis Bus cooperative purchasing programs in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the purchasing cooperative purchasing agreement 526 school year. Motion please in second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. Where as after public advertising for bids for land surveying of Ohio Elementary, copies of specifications were furnished to vendors and three bids were received. Whereas the firm submitting the lowest responsible bid meeting the specifications for the land surveying of Ohio Elementary is Jacob's land surveying. Therefore, be it resolved that the land surveying of Ohio Elementary in the amount of $9,600 as noted in
028bid in the bid is hereby approved. Please in a second. Any discussion? Those in favor I motion carries resulted an agreement by and between the superintendent of schools and the water town instructional teacher association teacher assistant association for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30 uh 2030 is hereby approved. Motion please. Any discussion? Yes. Thanks for all the work that this cry approve. Thank you. Oh, thank you to the board for um accepting this. Uh you know, talking to membership, uh the conversation is is under the tone of this will be life-changing for about 200 people in our district. Uh reaching goals that they have been trying to set for themselves financially that they haven't been able to for years. Uh this will put people uh in a situation where they're going to
029live a little bit more comfortably than they currently are. So, we look forward to continuing to work with the district and thank you for your this this gift to people and I know that you know things you guys talked about this before our agreement. So, I appreciate that acknowledgement prior to uh free up the funding be able to do this. So, we appreciate you. Thank you very much for this contract. We appreciate you every single one of That was beautifully said and I just wanted to add um negotiations are not always a smooth conversation. Um but I think I can speak for Tina myself and and both legal services. It was a pleasure working with this group. Uh we were able to both identify priorities that were in alignment and we were able to work
030swiftly through negotiations. Uh Brian, congratulations to you because your leadership in the bargaining unit has definitely um shown throughout those meetings and that brought us to a resolution and a ratification and um a board approval tonight. So excellent. Well, thank you very much. Appreciate you. Thank you to Tina and Brian and I'm kind of used to at this point was in the room where it happened. and Brian's little team and stuff for for asking for kind of a little bit of what we deserve. So, thank you all for what you do. Thank you for meeting in the middle and for recognizing our people. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Recommendation of the superintendent of schools board of education resolves as follows. Number one, the purpose to establish minimum annual hiring salaries for
031the administrative titles represented by the Watertown Administrative and Supervisory Association for the four fiscal years beginning um July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2029. Number four, minimum hiring rates effective July one of each year uh listed the minimum 12 month salary for the appointment to the titles uh enumerated uh shall be made at a salary below the corresponding amount. Number three, the superintendent of schools is authorized to incorporate this schedule into all relevant hiring documents, employment agreements, and budget projections and to make any additional action necessary to carry out the second. So, please second any discussion in favor. any votes at a regular meeting of the board of education of the Watertown City School District held on October 17th, 2023. Whereas the Watertown City School District wishes to enter into an agreement employment agreement
032with Matthew Flynn, Paul Mendes, Erica Derwin, and Jason Balado for the provision of school security services as uh SKU school safety officers. And whereas the board of education has reviewed proposed employment agreements with Matthew Glenn, Paul Mendes, Erica Derwin, and Jason Balato for the provision of school security services school safety officers and has held a public hearing for the purpose of soliciting in input from various stakeholders earning this agreement as required by law. And whereas individuals are generally prohibited from uh possessing and carrying firearms on school district property absent absent written written um authorization from the school district to your penal law section 651A and whereas uh work duties and work activities and duties uh as school safety officers necessary the possession and or carrying of a firearm on school property. Now, now therefore, be
033it resolved as follows. Number one, the board of education hereby approves the proposed school safety officer employment agreements and authorizes the superintendent of schools to take all necessary actions and to execute any necessary documents on behalf of the board of education. Number two, the board of education hereby authorizes Matthew Glenn, Paul Mendes, Erica Derwin, and Jason Balado to possess and carry a firearm on school district property while working in their capacity as a school safety officer. Number three, this authorization effect for the duration of their employment by the school district as a school safety officer. Number four, the board of education reserves the right to revoke this authorization at any time without cause. Number five, this resolution shall take effect immediately. I'd like to just add a couple of comments before the board acts on
034this. So we have, you know, two years ago we started by piloting a an SSO school safety officer here at WY. Um it was a huge success and so we added one at the high school, we added one at the middle school. Um for next year, this um resolution that the board's acting on this evening, it adds an additional SSO. So where two years ago we had two SRO, next year we will have four SSOs and one SRO. And so we're increasing the level of support with also addition to the weapon detection devices and handheld ready radio infrastructure. Um with this contract um we our initial thoughts when Tina and I looked at this was to have uh 12 months with the idea of them covering summer school. Um, we have some flexibility because these
035uh members are retired and so we're not covering their retirement uh uh in either health insurance or retirement benefits and so there's a reduction in overall cost. Um what we are asking the board to approve tonight is for two of them to remain 12-month employees and then the others will remain 11 month or move to 11 months. This is something that the board would be acting on annually. Um, we are not required to have a public hearing for the fact that they do carry a firearm because as you heard on October 17, 2023, uh, the board already had a public hearing on that matter and so you hear just the resolution. So that is what we are asking for tonight. Okay. Motion please and a second or any discussion. All those in favor? Any opposed?
036We resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of school, Dr. Larry Schmingle. The board of education hereby approves the following resignations appointments. Probationary instructional terms probationary instructional permanent provisional summer school summer programs substitute instruction substitutes noninstruction. Motion please. In a second. Any discussion? Thank you. the teen and routine for six pages of summer program. Okay. All those in favor? Motion carries. Whereas the board of education previously adopted a resolution on May 21st, 2025 approving the appointments summer school um listed as item K on the personnel report. And whereas it has been determined that the hourly rate of pay for lines 3, 14, 20, 26, and 32 requires correction to reflect the appropriate rate for the 2526 school year. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approve the amended hourly rates
037of pay as corrected. Motion, please. In a second, John, any discussion? All those in favor? I I motion carries. You're resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools and in order to promote efficiency in economy in the district's administration, the board of education hereby creates the following administrative instructional position in the district effective July 31st, 2025. Um, Gen General general administration uh, special education compliance coordinator uh, FPE1. Be it further resolved that upon recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board hereby trans transfers uh Shannon Whitney from her current position of special education coordinator to the newly created position of special education compliance coordinator effective July 31, 2025. Whereas economy and efficiency in the management of the district necessitate the elimination of an administrative position. And whereas superintendent schools has recommended that the
038board eliminate the position referenced herein. And whereas the board has determined that the polish polish uh authorized here will not result in the exessing of any uh instructional personnel. Now therefore be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby abolishes the f following instructional position by tenure area effective August 1, 2025. General admission uh coordinator of special education one FTE motor. Any discussion? favor. Any opposed? Um, the next resolution is our resolution this evening for tenure. Um, as I read your name, if you're here, go ahead and stand for us, please. Uh, be resolved and upon the recommendation of Dr. Larry Schmegle, superintendent of schools. Following tenure appointments are hereby approved effective August 31, 2025. Maya Brams Elementary Cornell Elementary Science Madison Expert Elementary. Uh Jennifer Haynes,
039music. Antonio Marcella, elementary. Andy Richie, elementary. Anthony Velasquez, elementary. Dustin White, music. Congratulations. Yeah, glad you're with us. All those in favor? Any opposed? Resolve that the following increased salaries for the management confidential central office administrative staff and stipens for the 2526 school year is presented to the board are hereby approved. Motion please. Millie. Millie in a second. Any discussion? David I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Resolve that the summer hours for 12 months as presented to the board, including two additional days um July 3rd and August 22nd, 2025 are hereby approved. Motion, please. Tina second. Any discussion? I have a question. So they can pick any of those schedules? Yes. Oh, that's nice. Okay. Anything else? Pretty good. All right. All those in favor. Any opposed? Motion carries. Resolve that the student uh student field
040trip has presented to the board is hereby approved. Motion, please. Can I have a second? Gotcha. Any discussion, guys? I Any oppos? Motion carries. Resolve that the disposal, recycle or donation of damaged, outdated, and unused books from the libraries at Watertown High, Pace Middle School, and Sherman Elementary as per the lists reviewed by the board are hereby approved. Motion By Millie and a second. All those in favor? Any oppos? Motion carries. Resolve that the sale, disposal, auction, or recycle of outdated, unused, generally in poor condition furniture and equipment in storage areas at each school with the exception of Starbucks Elementary is hereby approved. Motion. Oh, wait. Call a second. All right. Any discussion? All in favor. Any oppos? Resolved that the disposal, recycle, or donation of damage, updated, and unused science supplies and American reading
041company toolkits and manuals from the HD WY basement storage room is hereby approved. Motion, please. Do a second. Tina. Now as discussion I want to remind the public and all of you are probably thinking the same thing. Can I get my hands on this? I have asked the question so many times. The answer is yes. Just email either Larry or Dr. Schmeaggel or Michelle and they will tell you how to get all of those lovely items that we're giving away tonight. Thanks for laughing. All those in favor? Any oppose? Motion carries. That a recent $100 donation was made by Mist Wer to the class of 2027. This donation is gratefully accepted and approved and will be acknowledged in writing. Motion, please. John second. No. Any discussion? Thank you. All those in favor? Any oppose? Motion
042carries. We saw that a donation from the Watertown Savings Bank for $500 is designated as support uh to the uh end of the year raffle for the Sherman Elementary PBIS. This donation is gratefully accepted and approved and will be acknowledged in writing. Go a second. Any discussion? Thank you. Thank you savings. All those in favor? Motion carries. End of the resolution. Okay. Anyone here tonight wishing to address the board for non-aggenda related public comment? Yes, I just made um I just briefly wanted to come and recognize the successful launch and completion of the first year of esports at Case. Um, I know that they also did um heavy sports at the high school, but I was uh had the opportunity to be involved at Case and sort of see everything from start to end. Um,
043last week they ended with an end of the year tournament and had a showcase where teachers were invited in to sort of play games against the kids. Um, parents were welcome in. Um, there were food and snacks. Actually, it was really neat because there is um recently been an installation in the gym that I wasn't aware of. I don't know how many people are aware of it, but it's this big uh electronic device that gets you really moving, but it's also considered gaming. So, we got to see that with um the end of the year event. Um Kevin Dur is the adviser for this club. And then Betsy Hennessy, who is involved through CCE and My Brother's Keeper, did a really great job. We had um I think there was on average over 20 kids
044coming in, just a really great group, amazing kids, super diverse. Um you could tell that they just felt welcome. I was surprised because it is gaming and people have this kind of preconceived notion about gaming. All of the kids were super respectful and encouraging. Um, so it's just really great to see this star. I look forward to it growing. Um, and just thankful for everybody who was involved. I know that the kids were encouraged um, for the tournament to, you know, talk to teachers or invite people in. So, my son was very excited. He immediately said, "Can I invite the famous Mr. Todd?" So he was very excited because Mr. Todd did come and they got to play I can't recall the the video games intro and um so it was really great. I'm glad
045that the students had the opportunity and I just wanted to recognize that. Thank you so much. Anybody else? And how were your Mario skills in Chicago? I won. [Laughter] All right, we have some upcoming dates. Uh Thursday, June 19th is Junth and the district is closed. The June 24th, 25th, and 26, there is early dismissal for grades K through eight for professional development. Uh, Thursday the 26th is the last day of school, grades K through eight. Friday the 27th is the Watertown High School graduation at 700 p.m. And Tuesday, July 1 is the reorganizational board of education meeting here at 4M. Uh, go around the room. I always start with Millie. So, you're gonna end with me today. You want me to end with you? Yeah, I do. Okay, John. Um, I was able to
046to attend the case awards last night. We have so many talented young uh men and women. Uh, Mrs. Barry uh led the awards ceremony. The teachers at Case are absolutely phenomenal. They obviously care very much about their students. Uh, so just a great program. Uh, the drama club presentation lasts last week. Mrs. Taylor and her drama club did a phenomenal job. Dr. Schmegel is there. Um, for those of you that couldn't attend, they they were they were spoofing teachers. It was it was everything you wanted to know about teachers, but were afraid to ask. Some of it hit a little close to home. I'm not going to lie. Uh but the kids did a phenomenal job and and it was fun to see that club take off this year uh and do so well in
047its first year. Congratulations to our girls lacrosse team. Uh phenomenal season on their part, sectional champions and into the states. Um I know it's not school related, uh but we have a lot of Watertown students that are involved with stage notes. Um, their show is coming up July 24th to the 26th, the state office building. If you get a chance to stop by and see that, they've been working hard on that. I want to congratulate all of our retirees. That is a lot of years of service to Watertown. Um, you know, this board has been committed to trying to make sure we keep staff members here. Uh, by doing as much as we can and see that many people that have that many years of service, uh, we're doing something right. um maybe not perfect,
048but we're definitely on the right track. And then the ensemble was amazing. Absolutely amazing. So, um kudos to them. Our music program is absolutely phenomenal and it seems like it gets better every year. And finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't say miss you. Going to absolutely miss sitting next to you. It's not goodbye because I know we'll see you. Yeah. Uh but it'll be difficult. I'm going to miss you, too. questions. That's all I got. Um, I don't have a lot to say. I do, again, I already said it, but I wanted to thank you all for negotiating with with a team and getting them a little bit of what they deserve. Um, and just letting them know that they're appreciated. That's that's huge. Um, I want to thank Matt and Dr. and Tina
049and Lynn for bringing Jordan Lean. I have heard nothing but amazing things about his speech. I am hoping to meet with the speech teachers and Matt or something and figure out how that all went because I'm dying to know. But I do know that because of his speech and because he came and talked about childhood aroxia that some um some teachers are changing their thoughts on on Aroxia and I know that one student has gotten uh talking with me to help them verbalize because of Dr. of George Main. So thank you so much. Hopefully we can bring him again because I really want to go watch him. So, if we can set up a time to recap on that and thank you for bringing him. Um, the awards ceremonies were phenomenal. They were to listen
050to the kids congratulate their friends was was spectacular. The kids that got up there and had the, you know, most improved was awesome. the the EPAX kids who graduated made me cry, you know, it's not a shock, but it was they they did a great job and it's nice that they have the chance to be recognized, all of them, in their own little way. So, thank you for establishing those. Yes, was a student last night that presented at the U awards ceremony last night that identified as a student with neuro diverency. It was just amazing to watch him get up and play the piano and then in front of a large group of people about who he is and wanting to identify with the world. I forget which award he received. It was the diversity
051one. Just an amazing job. But I thought of all the work that's going on here. I see that they're speaking last night. A lot actually. I'll say it quickly. All right. So, congrats to Caleb. I'm excited to work with you. So, you're going to be the first person. So, you're going to make your mark here. So excited for you. Um, congratulations to all the retirees. I did want to note that we didn't have time for this, but I had invited um Mrs. Parsons um to come speak on behalf of Julie Mister because she um had received an I was at an event um about a month ago and she received a very dignified award um based on her service with children in our school district and um this Parsons did a speech on her and
052it was just it was amazing. Um actually was teared up. That's not a surprise either. Um, but I we were hoping that they could do that here today at the board meeting, but I just wanted to recognize that we ran out of time, but that's okay. That brings me into the next because the children were wonderful. Their singing was fantastic. I can't believe they're just in sixth graders. It's crazy. Um, congratulations to everyone with their tenure. That's wonderful. Nice to see a couple friends that tonight. So, congratulations. Congratulations to the girls varsity of lacrosse and um I did go to the graduation um on Friday at 12:30 and I was there as I was there I'm a board member but I was there personally because I had a friend's um son who graduated and it
053was it was touching I don't want to cry again but yeah it just was because they don't I mean I don't know those parents don't get as many wins as a lot of other parents do so right So, that's it. I can't say anything more about that. Anyway, um and then Millie, um you're going to be missed. Um I know that the public view only gets to see the view from here and that's just very small. So, we'll miss you. Thank you. That's it. Thank you so much, Mr. Goer. I always follow the tough lines of the joker prepared anything. No to follow up on on the team that advancing sectionals. Um I I do have a couple comments on ticketing for sectional a little strange and awkward has nothing to do with us. Um
054and I don't know what kind of influence we have over changing that but um something to look at in the future. Um, congratulations obviously to the retirees. Um, the ensemble I've seen at a variety of events and awards and every time um I see them they impress great um the sports banquet that was also well um well put on well attended full house as was the wy work show that is um put on during the middle of the day during the workday. Um and it's good to see the attendance there. Um, every parking lot was packed. Walked quite a way to get to the uh to the auditorium. Um, shows kind of miss the kids, students, um, the excitement. Um, and the senior walkthrough as well. Just wish everyone since this is the last meeting.
055Wish everyone a a dry and warm summer. Mr. Richardson. First of all, thank you to all of you for being here and staying with us tonight. Appreciate it. And everybody that made tonight possible. Um especially great night to be a Cyclone for sure. See all that leads to where we are at the end of the year just happened. Um wanted to thank superintendent and staff for um making these events not only this but we had the heroes of democracy last week with our Dr. Kimble his award we gave to two students this year and so that and then last night at Shaw Harbor thank you for being there and also for making them special especially for the parents and the students means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to them.
056Um and Caleb yes welcome to see you at the next meeting. Melanie look forward to welcoming you too. Congratulations. And to Millie, Millie, we were friends before we were here and we're still friends, right? Yes. And one thing that no one can deny, you're ever looking for somebody to put in the effort, put in the time, put in the research. It's really nice. Thank you for making us a better Thank you. That's right. I did not want to exclude any better than I was hoping you thought of a joke. Give me a second. Uh so, you know, a very full cycle or full circle evening as we say goodbye to the retirees and hello to those who are tenure. Uh we're honored in both regards. Um nostalgic night because I was a member of ensemble
057and our music department all the way through and I listened to Hamilton as I walked every city street um and passed out flyers when I was rer runninging for the board in 2021. Um so I I'm not one that fights back tears, some of my board members do, but I was right there. And uh it's it's really great for our district that Lori F does that and and she's extremely special and everybody in this room knows that. Um and finally, I had to write what I wanted to say because I wanted to make sure I got everything in. Um I would say goodbye to you, but I have a sneaking suspicion that you may be back on a pretty regular basis. Um, I'll also say that over the past few years, the question that I
058have received the most while on this board is, "What's it like to work with Millie Smith?" I I don't answer that question. Um, the grocery store. Yeah. Um, I'll I'll answer that question now publicly. Um, and I guess I would say it's not always easy, but it's always worth it. Um, you know, you and I have had both good times and bad. Okay. Uh, but because hindsight is 2020, I can now look back and know in my heart that you've always put the best interest of the children of our district first. Mhm. Uh on a personal level, you've helped me grow both personally and professionally. Uh on occasion, your advice was awful tasting medicine, but it was what the patient needed to. That's your business. Uh in closing, three years ago at that now infamous
059meeting, I never expected to say that you would be missed. Uh, so as I say this tonight, I am aware of the irony, but you will. And please know I will also miss your loyalty, your honesty, and your unique perspective. Thank you for your friendship and service. Thank you. Thank you. And now you have asked to go last. So, um, I wanted to go last because it's been two years that I sat on the board and the reasons why I came onto this board came to fruition for me. I think one of the biggest impacts that I had and Larry and I started together, it was his first year and my first year and we grew together. Um, it's not a secret that I'm very outspoken and there were times when we didn't see eye
060to eye, but at the end of the day, you know, you came here and when in medicine there's risks and benefits. So, we always want to make sure that the benefits outweigh the risks and that's who you are. There are so many great things that you have done for the district. um the strategic plan, the organizational chart, the SRO's, the student advisory council, creating positions that weren't there. um you've done so many great things and along the way I provided a lot of challenges and what that did was open up conversation and I think that that's the legacy that I'm going to leave behind and I hope that you are going to be sitting here and conversation is going to be open. That's all I ever wanted to do was just open up conversation. you
061know, to make progress, you have to acknowledge the bad with the good, and you have to be able to have those hard conversations. At the end of the day, we've come to a common ground. I think that for the most part, I think we only I was a lone voter on very handful of things. We supported each other. We tried to support you. But what I can tell you, it's a very difficult balance to try to do your civic duty and represent this community. but at the same time support the who's at the helm and support your board. And that's a very and it was very difficult for me because I am just someone who says what I want to say when I want to say it. Um I think people who really know me
062and I appreciate the acknowledgement is that my heart is in the right place. My delivery is not always chocolate coated but I do care about this community. I don't have kids in the district for a very long time. All my kids went to supporting school, but I said this at the beginning. I want all the children to have the opportunities that my kids had. Now, I was fortunate enough to send them away, but we have the resources here to give our children what what I had to pay for. We have that here. We have an incredible through the the commitment of the teachers. how many teachers reached out, the the administration, you know, Tina, I have to say that I grew to really appreciate how hard you work. It when when I first got here
063two years ago, I literally had zero appreciation for what you did. And I have grown in the two years to respect the work that you put in. I've seen the dedication, the hours, the commitment, the ability to communicate with parents and and board members. And it's just a diverse talent and it's not an easy one. You have to really be very well balanced to be able to do that. Um, I've learned to appreciate what the process is in being on this board. This is not easy. It really is not easy. Like there's a whole balance here. Um, and for me it was a very it was a struggle because like I said I like to be candid and sometimes you really can't do that. You have to kind of work a little bit behind the
064scenes. But I think together we accomplished a lot of things and I hope that as I depart from the board the conversations keep going. You know in terms of you colleague like you've been here the longest. you're like the biggest veteran and you're silent. The term silence speaks volumes because when you actually open up your mouth, there's valid things coming out. And I think that's the worth of what you need in a group. Like I was a big mouth. I was the one who said whatever. But there's people like you guys who are so much who are um serene and you don't say anything, but when you do, it really holds a lot of water. And Lori, what I learned from you is to be nicer. You're a very, very, very kind person. You really
065are. You're just a very, very kind person. I know that I can be super abrasive and aggressive, but that's what I learned from you that it's very, it's better to be kind to get further with sugar than Well, I learned from you in Boulder. Oh, well, there we go. There we go. There we go. And Randy, you and I go back many, many years. And me, Randy, and Jason headbutt, things were said, apologies were made, but at the end of the day, I feel very strongly that you guys did the board leadership is where it needs to be. And John is I love sitting next to you. I really do. So, you're gonna love sitting next to him, too. You're just a great person. You really are from the heart. Have a lot of respect
066for you, Tina. We only got to work a little bit together. But what I learned about you is that you truly truly truly have taken the love of what you've done for so many years and always bring it back to the center with the kids. You always have stories that are relevant. You always personalize everything that's going on and that's a value as well. So, I'm feel honored to be part of the board. I'm honored that I got to work with you. I will definitely come back. I will continue to be an advocate. But, but now I I'm at a different place because I feel like I have friends here. So, if I have something that's bothering me or if I feel like I need to bring an issue, I know that I can come
067first and, you know, present it in that way. Um, but I I I am going to be your biggest advocate. I really am. Like I I will say what's going on and I will say the truth, but I see where everything lies in this board and it's in a good place. I think you'll be a great addition. I didn't realize she was my she was my daughter's basketball coach. Jenny, I had I just put those two together. She's known me for a little while. Um, and Bri, I'm glad that you're here. You really, you closed the loop in terms of the finances and filling the void. We I never felt like we had that grip. Sally was great, but she wasn't here forever. So, you've brought that to the board. You've strengthened us. We're only
068as strong as our weakest link, and I don't really think we have any links. Michelle, you're you're just I don't I don't know. You're a different species. I don't know how you pulled everything together. You do an incredible amount of work behind the scenes. This woman is a superwoman and I'm not going to forget you, Lynn. Lynn and I have been friends for many, many, many years and she knows me very well and I think you're doing a spectacular job with our curriculum. It's hard, but again, I don't want anybody to ever take my comments as negative. I think challenges and questioning is very important. as long as we do the right thing all the time, we're just going to grow that much stronger. So, thank you for being good to me and thank you
069for giving me the opportunity to serve and I appreciate everything that has happened and I'm very happy that I'm walking away with a smile on my face. It's under there. Um, at this time we are in need of an executive session for the medical financial credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation matters leading to the appointment employment promotion de motion discipline suspension dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation. Can I have a motion please? Millie. All those in favor. Next.