001I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And thank you to those who are here and those who are tuning in remotely tonight. Michelle, do we have any agenda changes? Um, we do have an updated personnel report and I provided a copy for the board members with just a couple um highlights to that. Um, so that it's been updated since I posted the agenda. Thank you very much. Um, is anyone here tonight wishing to address the board on agenda related public comments? Shel, do we have any communications? I do. I received something from the New York State School Boards Association this week. Um the New York State School Boards Association Boards Excellence
002Recognition Program is uh designed um to acknowledge those school board members who strive to continually expand their governance knowledge and skills. Uh four Blur County City School District board members have earned the board excellence recognition award ranging from level one to level four. Um these achievement levels are reached uh when the board members accumulate points for participating in NISBA training workshops events and activities. These awards go to Lorie Converse, Randy Richardson, Jason Harrington and Colleen. Let's move right into Start with the policy committee meeting. I got Sean King. Okay. Um, so we spent a lot of our time talking about the uh new requirement to have a student board of education uh member. Uh, and we have to have a policy in place by August 1st and there were two applicants. One of them was
003promising, one was less so. Uh, and so we're moving forward with the more promising applicant. Um, and um, that policy will be up here in the next meeting or two. Um, like I said, um, the plan at this point is to have our successful applicant, uh, attend the reorganizational meeting, uh, do a little meet and greet so all of our board members get a chance to, uh, to meet, uh, this student who, um, had a wonderful interview process, uh, and had a wonderful application. So, we'll move forward with that. Um, the remainder of the bulk of our time was sent on uh, spent on the new cell phone policy that came out in the state budget. Um, Dr. Smeaggel and our assistant superintendents are working through all of our stakeholders. That's part of the requirements
004of the law is that all the stakeholders have to have a say uh in the cell new cell phone policy, the the bell-to-bell restriction on cell phones. Uh met with the student group um yesterday or today. Uh and we'll meet with the um the union presidents as well as the administrators and the educators before something comes forward on that. Um, so a lot of discussion on that, what that'll look like for us. Um, we have some leeway, uh, as a district on how we can implement that and trying to figure out how to do it and do it cost effectively. I miss anything on that. The only thing I'd add with the, um, student one is that Michelle and I have been working with this, but to ask them to create a similar courses that
005you guys have taken um, a student board member course. So, we're working with them on trying to get that that all students would benefit from that. And the cell phone policy ban is a law that must be in place in September. Um because of the the timeline's kind of tight only because it has to be implemented by August. We have one board meeting in July. Um and so that would be the last opportunity to have policy provided. Uh we did meet with the students yesterday. They gave amazing feedback. We had 19 students. Uh Cena and I spoke with them. Uh they gave great feedback. You know, part of the law you have to have the phone secure. Um, and it can either be in a locker room. Not all of our WY for example has
006lockers but no locks. Um, and some issues possibly at these secondary schools for the kids not using those lockers. So, we discussed some strategies for that. The, uh, right now we're utilizing a red light green light strategy for cell phones particularly at the high school. Uh, that would not necessarily be allowed under the new law. And so, we're looking at that. And the students also discussed um, some consequences. One of the things that the law is clear on regarding the cell phones is that an out of school suspension cannot happen as a result of a cell phone. So, we're looking at trying to work with the kid, work with the parent, and making sure that our our kids are um complying with that new requirement. Um the phones can be used based on the teachers
007uh permission regarding educational purposes. Um we have kids, and this was brought up when Tina and I read the cell phone conversation with the student advisory last year's group. uh we have kids that have medical needs. Um there is a provision in the law for students to use cell phones for that and any student that has an IEP or 504 plan as well as the ELLL students are and ELLL for transfer. So did we only have two applicants for the student or only many of the kids are struggling because of the two board meetings a month and athletics and extracurricular. So it wasn't So there weren't more than just two qualified simply two. Two. Wow. And when were those interviews held? Um two weeks ago. Two weeks ago. The applications were due the week we
008got back from spring break. So they had a few months to apply and it was on the morning announcements. I think it's something kids are going to have to see before they can kind of recognize what it looks like. Yeah. I I think it'll gain speed over the over the years. See more applications. I mean, there's just a lot of interest in the student advisory council and the student. I'm just really surprised that there's only two people. Young man, he'll be moved forward. Was an amazing he did amazing job. We asked him great questions about how he's going to advocate not just for the high school, but he already knows who he is. I have not said anything to him because I wanted to bring it to the board, you know. Sure. Sure. Anything else
009for John? Oh, and and Lori wanted me to be clear. She apologizes she couldn't be here. It is her son's last varsity lacrosse game on turf. So, she want to go and support her son. So, forgot that part. She was very adamant about let everybody know that. Thank you. Great. Superintendent of Schools report. Um, I just want to I have some notes that I put down that I want to read to the community regarding last night's budget. Uh, thank every member of our community who participated in this year's school budget uh process. Uh, the approval of the 2526 school budget, the supporting propositions, the election of two board of education members uh mark more than just outcomes that reflect the enduring importance of public education um and the life of our community. Our schools are
010not just buildings. Uh they are the heartbeat of Watertown. They carry our traditions, our hopes, and the duty to prepare the next generation. Uh while we may walk different paths and hold different views, I believe we all share one truth that our ch children deserve every opportunity possible to thrive. As the superintendent, I remain steadfast that when we come together, even in disagreement, we can still build something greater because we are bound to have a common cause. goes back to our district's motto, our children, our future. Um, the next thing that I wanted to mention is the WY spring music concert. If you had the opportunity, um, the last two nights we've been there, um, we had the sixth grade performance, the first night, last night was the fifth grade performance. They did an outstanding
011job. Um, today I had the opportunity of chaperoning uh, NISMA Majors with Mrs. F and many other parents that were able to support that initiative. today and proud to mention that the students under the direction of Mrs. Fon um did uh bring home a gold award and similar to last year um our second board meeting in June Tina's office sent out invitations today the second board meeting in June our board meeting uh the the prior to the meeting at 5:30 our board members will have an opportunity to thank all of our teachers and staff who are retiring in the district and uh we've invited um Mrs. response back and her fine ensemble students to sing uh for our retirees. I don't know if you want to add anything to the retirees piece now that I
012put it out there. You have 18 this year and all of those folks have have done a great service to the district. So, we're looking forward to honoring them 17th of June right here in this room. This room 5:30. Yes. 5:30. We'll also use the H. Um the next thing I just want to mention is you've heard me say at every meeting so it's not going to be a loss but uh FEMA and Department of Homeland Security um we have applied for the HGMP grant the Homeland Security and the idea with that is that they will pay for the testing for the mitigation portion. Um anything that we can use as far as grant funds obviously reduces the the cost in our capital project of the 110 million. And so that application was submitted ahead
013of the deadline. We did get a positive email asking for additional information and um uh what we were led to believe yesterday Bri and I had that meeting was they don't typically reach out their application. Uh so we want to remain hopeful um anything that we can get out of the Department of Homeland Security as far as mitigation effort uh reduces the taxpayer uh burden to our taxpayers. So we're excited about that. Um, in addition to that, there are three grants that were through public assistance through FEMA and um, two of the applications are very near submittable. Um, so we're excited about that and our FEMA and Department of Homeland Security Emergency Services team have done a wonderful job. We have, Bri and I have been meeting with them every two weeks since August 9th
014when that storm happened. Um, and so we're hoping to bring that to a closure soon. Um it is critically important that that comes to a closure. Uh because as we begin the kickoff for our capital project of that 110 million, what we need is to know what dollar and cents are going to be paid for through FEMA Department of Homeland Security that we can remove those and look at alternative projects to those facilities that were impacted. Just as a reminder, that was the high school that was case and North Elementary School. Thank you. Items for consent agenda. Resolve that consent agenda items A, B, and C are hereby approved. Motion, please. John second. No. Millie. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? Any questions? Motion carries. Items for board action. whereas the inspectors of the
015election for the annual school district election and budget vote held on May 20, 2025 have delivered to the clerk of the board of education their signed statements and reports of votes cast and at said election budget vote and such statements and reports have now been examined and canvased as follows. Approval of the 2526 school budget proposition number one total number of votes 856. Gas votes 574. No votes 282. Approval of capital reserve fund proposition number two. Total number of votes 849. Guest votes 663. No votes 186. Approval of furniture reserve fund proposition number three. Total number of votes 846. Yes votes 632. No votes 214. Approval of security proposition number four. Total number of votes 851. Yes votes uh 689. No votes 162. For members of the board of education Michaelen 279 Kristen Learge 194,
016Melanie Stano 305, Anna Cheryl 162, Holly Goer 512, Ryden's 62. Therefore, be a result that the 202526 proposed budget and elected board of education members have been approved by the qualified voters of the school district. And it further resolved that colleague Goer and Melanie Stano are declared elected members of the board of education. They will each serve a three-year term commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028. The district clerk and the superintendent of schools have notified these successful candidates and will send a written confirmation. Can I have a motion? A second. Any discussion? Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. Whereas the Watertown City School District requires architectural services for 25 2025 capital improvement project. And whereas the district has determined that it will use King Architects
017as its architect for its 2025 capital improvement project. And whereas the board of education seeks to authorize the superintendent to execute any necessary documents on its behalf to approve the final contract between the district and King Architects for the district's 2025 capital improvement project. Now therefore, the board of education of the district hereby authorizes the superintendent to execute any necessary documents on behalf of the board of education to approve the final contract between the district and King and King Architects for the 2025 capital improvement project and a form approved by legal counsel. This resolution shall take effect immediately. Motion, please. Millie Millie in a second. Chad, any discussion? Yeah, I have a I have one question, I think. So, on the cover of this, um, it says the construction manager is to be determined. And
018I believe, I don't know if you did, but I know that the board members got a letter from a Mr. Fentino um, Anthony. He he uh he uh requested to meet with the board and do a proposal. I guess the question is are we going to have an RFP proposal for construction management and that it is it was noted on there that it's to be determined and is there going to be an RFP? I guess that's my question. So the district position would be no unless the board wants to go in a different direction. Um our concern is with having a new director of facilities. I mean I've been here two years. I don't have 20 years history of the district is the facilities. Um our current construction manager has been with the district over
01920 years. Um the historical knowledge that he's been able to provide to our new director of facilities, our interim director of facilities, Bri and myself through the FEMA process, Department of Homeland Security. We do believe that if we reset and go out for a new RFP that it would be a disadvantage and push the staging as far as the project down possibly a year or so further than when we would originally start. So we're not recommending it unless the board wants to go in that direction. Um so according to the contract here there would not be any groundbreaking until 2028, right? Yes. Okay. The the planning already starts now. Remember it takes Yeah, I read the contract. So my only comment is that you know we are obliged to like see every three years we
020have to have a new um we have to put out RFPs for auditors. That's part of the things that we have to do. My and I understand your position. My only comment would be if you put out an RFP and you give other people an opportunity to present, we might see something there that is beneficial, but at the same time, if our current and construction managers, we felt like they were still qualified, we could still pick. But Furantino is local and I think that you know as a district we really need to start trying to keep our dollars local and giving people opportunities for an RFP process would be an equal opportunity for everybody. But if I'm not going to be here anymore. So if the whole board wanted to decide that you want to
021keep the same person that would be your choice. That's just my input and I saw that it was to be determined. So I thought I'd bring that up. I mean, I know that there are a couple of people who like to see an RFP proposed. That's you guys can decide. That's just my input on that. What's the latest that we need to know? Could we wait until the full board is present and just have a discussion about it? But and there's going to be another opportunity because right now our current construction manager is putting a contract together. The Jeff Lewis, the board's returning. So I mean there'll be an opportunity to see that presentation and to approve it or not. The bigger concern I had was the historical knowledge piece that right now our architects
022been with us a few years now. But when you look at the historical knowledge of our buildings, you know, all of these additional minor capital projects, our current construction manager has the most knowledge that brings to the table. That would be a disadvantage if you lost that person. I'd just like every I'd like to just hear everybody um if we could. The other thing too is with this community like all all the local people know what's gone on within these school districts. They all talk to each other. We have King and King who have been with us forever. Um and I think that's important too. But I just think it's important to give just see what else can be offered. you guys may decide you still want to say what we have. You know, Kyle's
023a good guy. No one has anything to say about him. And he has been very instrument, super helpful. Um, he's here all the time. I have nothing bad, but I just feel like when local people ask if they present the proposal, I think we should be fair about it. That's just my position. So, do we still approve this one? I can put it this one. I would say yes because it has nothing to do with manager. Okay. I don't want to do the wrong thing. This one to approve like as this what happens after this is signed is we're going to prepare a letter of intent to the state and before that letter of intent is completed we can't move forward. Did you get you did you get an email from Anthony? That name sounds
024funny, but there was another name that also emailed. Okay. I don't I know that we got I know all of us got an email from the team, but that's the only one we got. That there was another one another guy. Um I don't know. Yeah, people. Okay. So, people have reached out to you. Okay. Okay. So, all those in favor? Any oppose? Motion carries. Whereas after public advertising for items uh for the uh school nutrition department, bids have been received and are hereby awarded for the furnishing of the following products for the 2526 school year. Milk and Juice Frenzy uh food service, Watertown, New York. Um paper and supplies, Helen Marks, Amsterdam, New York. resolved that the assistant superintendent for operations and finance is authorized to issue the orders accordingly. John second. Yeah. Yes. I
025don't know that you know this, but um Renzy Food Service is no longer in existence. So that needs to be corrected legally because it's now US Foods. Um so that needs to be they're they're no longer in existence. Yeah. So all I I'm not sure. Did we get a contract from them that says Renzy Food Service? It's quite possible Mary just didn't change the name on it on the It's been two years. The same company that just got bought out by us. I mean, I don't know if you could we still approve that with the wrong name on it. I think you just need to it and it is Millie US Food. US Foods. Okay. And Nikki Roy is still the contact person there. So, her name is on here and she's still employed by
026US Foods, but the company is US Foods. Okay. So, with the amendment, all those in favor? I motion carries. On the presentation and recommendation of Dr. Larry Shinkle, superintendent of schools. Be it resolved that Mark Biz is appointed as hearing officer to conduct an employee disciplinary hearing pursuant to uh service law section 75 to make a record of the hearing and to submit a written report to the board of education findings andations related to said disciplinary proceeding. Please Gina a second. John any discussion? All those in favor? Any oppos? Motion carries. It resolved and upon the recommendation of superintendent of schools, Dr. Larry Schmegle. The board of education hereby approves the following. Designations retirement leaves of absence probationary appointments. Probationary instructional appointments term non-probationary instructional probationary non-instructional permanent permanent part-time extended school year special ed
027um summer service. Summer school food service uh summer school and substitutes non-instruction motion please milling in a second any discussion all those in favor motion carries resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools Dr. Larry C. Schmeibble. The agreement dated May 6, 2025 to extend the probationary period of an instructional employee. Probationary period is hereby extended to and including August 31, 2026 in accordance with the terms of and conditions set forth in the agreement signed by the superintendent. The instructional employee and the Watertown Education Association president is hereby approved. Okay. Motion please. A second. Any discussion? All those in favor? Any oppos? Motion carries. Resolve that the students trips as presented to the board. Hereby approved. Motion, please. Millie, any discussion? Black River Outdoor Education Program is a phenomenal program that kids are
028going to have so much fun there. All right. All those in favor. Any opposition. Anyone here tonight wishing to address the board on that related public? I just have a quick question in the news recently and want to know if um we'll still be working with high school on training. Absolutely. We're actually moving to um we have 10th grade and 11th grade extra that are going to be picked up with Micron. So, we're excited and we're expanding our course offerings with Micron. Very excited about that. That's it. Thank you, Dr. It's nice to see you back. Okay. Um it's um upcoming dates. Uh, Thursday, May 22nd is the Case Spring concert number two. Friday, May 23rd, the district is closed. Monday, May 26th, is Memorial Day and the district is closed as a result. May
02927th, which is a Tuesday, is early dismissal for staff development. And Tuesday, June 3rd, the regular board of education meeting right here in our district office. All right. No. Short meeting. No controversies today. John, what you got? Yeah, sure. I don't think we've ever had one this short at least while I've been on the park. Um, I was able to attend the case a spring concert number one. The kids did phenomenal. We have such such talented young artists, musical artists. It was amazing. I did get to catch the art show after the last um board meeting. And uh once again, we just have some kids that are excelling in so many different ways and it's just so nice to see. So very very proud of of what our district is doing and um some good
030things going on in Watertown and this budget is going to help to do even more good things for our students. Um I have a couple things. Um, I also saw the case and the WY concerts and I'll tell you I'll tell you what, some of those kids are definitely prone to be on stage because they are just exceptional. And one I have to one story of one little boy that's in the in the choir in the ensemble and in um choir of course and I had him he was at North when I was there and he was a little rough around the edges and he had a hard time and you know whatever heed with the teacher and moved up and he is now playing an instrument singing in the chorus and I was so
031proud of him. It was it was awesome just to see how music can just totally make somebody bloom. It was phenomenal. Um I also had the honors of doing the um senior portfolios. I love every minute of that. Those kids I could sit and talk to for hours. I only get 15 minutes and I have to learn to keep my mouth shut because I just want to ask questions and then I get in trouble because we're over time. Um, Dshar deserves a huge huge shout out for all that she does for the students and organizing these and all the time she gives up to get them ready and I I think she does a great job and thank you for people who voted for the budget. I think that our kids are really going to
032benefit and that makes me happy. We forgot to mention one of the students. So yesterday we were at the concert yesterday and this one girl center stage looked like she was about to take off and I was like I just envisioned Lori like running after her and um came she walked by us when she left and uh Miss Fluno actually stopped her and said someday you should be on a stage acting and you would have thought somebody turned on multiple light switches. She started it was she was so excited. Um she goes I want to be on a stage. I want to act. It was just it was nice to see the kids and how exciting and how phenomenal they were and amazing teachers that donated their time to be there at both of those
033concerts because they did a great job. We've got a lot of talent heading up to case next year. Yes, Mrs. Spons and and Mrs. Hurst did a job. That's it. Okay. Um I just think we all pass our thanks on Mr. response. I know everybody feels that way and from uh Russ and Lori have always been very special not only to me but to everybody and I was once one of those rough around the edges kids. Um and that's putting it very nicely. Um in fact my grandmother once said to the fans I I really don't know where Jason would be without the two of you. So they continue to affect all these lives and and I think that it's great. That's it. That's it. And everybody Nice to see. Go have a nice evening.
034So 33 minutes. 33 minutes. I'll take a motion to to end a second. John. All right, John. All those in favor. See you next time.