Berlin CSD Board of Education Meeting 12/16/25

001Sorry space. No, no, you're not. You're totally fine. [laughter] We have board members present. I will call you stand of the United States of America. to the stands nation for all. Okay, at this time we will turn it over to discussion with the PTA as part of our contract co-president of the [snorts] PTA this yearational initiatives Bob Gold building rep back there um and we just like to sit down with you all at least one point in the year to just have a conversation normally it's at a round table but those were booked so um if there's anything you'd like to ask us to discuss uh that we can bring back to the teachers. That's what this time is for. >> So is there anything that you wanted to the board? There any specific items?

002>> Yeah. Um you know we with the decrease in staffing as we know because of budgetary issues in the past few years um increased behaviors, bigger class sizes, um lower morale uh because of that. You know, our building principles are trying their best to do what they have um do with what they have. Uh but we're pretty we're pretty low at this building in terms of trying to cover all that we need to in terms of staffing. Um so we the board to think about that when the time comes for budgets. Um so I'm just going to check you. So is it just this building that PTA feels that or the mentor? >> I think both. Um this building in particular, you know, we we'd like to provide more programming uh different programming for the

003kids. Like if we had an additional type teacher, we could do small engines and things that are more in the the shop area. Um I know financial literacy is coming down the pipe for uh for a New York State requirement. So maybe business classes, um business teacher, um taking some high school fax classes. We used to have catering and culinary and um you know, home management, child development, things like that that that kids would really benefit from here. Um, so really thinking about what needs the kids have and interest they have and maybe trying to bring back some of the funar programs in house um with additional staffing because we have the facilities we just don't have the staff to do it. Um, so things like that and then I think at the elementary school

004it's just with the increased class sizes and behaviors that we're seeing for kids down there right now. Is there a specific grade that experience that I'm just trying to [clears throat] exactly increase you know like I know the kindergarten each class section has one has 12, one has 13. Those are very small, >> right? >> I think I think fifth grade and third grade are feeling at the most with the uh mid20s almost level in the classroom and some high needs. So I think third grade and fifth grade are two class. >> So the current third and third >> next year will be the fourth >> and then to be up here. So yeah, really one one bill for next year >> for next year. >> And I think the um the biggest thing with

005the staffing at this building is while on paper it might look to to split sections in two because of numbers it makes it so the schedule is very rigid. So, you know, if there's one section of um you know, global one that certain kids have to take and there's three electives that are also that period, they can't do it. And so, there's still a significant amount of kids in study halls, when they have classes that they want to take, they just can't take them because of the the complex schedule. Um, so opening up more staff in each content area, um, where where there's seats would help that to get kids into the classes that they they want. Well, I was just going to say like I mean because we keep talking about the portrait of

006the graduate all that kind of stuff and if we can diversify the what we're what we're offering our students, you know, with electives. I mean, I can speak directly about social studies, you know, we we used to have three or four electives moving through social studies. Right now, we have two, you know, we've shifted some of our honors courses uh and, you know, connected them to Sienna, our Hudson Valley. That's good. That's going to draw. But having some of that flexibility will help. And then of course with Questar, um our government economics courses, you know, we'll have one in the morning, one in the afternoon, but sometimes some flexibility with those and also flexibility with like US history. And that's just social studies, but you can you can just relate that also to English, you

007know, math, science, those those what is often called the core courses. some sort of, you know, more electives, more diversity, I think would help us reach some of the goals the board has been discussing as far as the portrait of the graduate. Um, you know, and with it social studies, just that civic seal of readiness and things like that. >> I think within the last few years, we've lost like 30 sections of classes having to consolidate and that's again just making the the master schedule even smaller. Um, >> in the last three years, you said I think in the last two years, two years, we've lost 30 sections of classes. Um, whether that has to be of, you know, they're just not running because the kids can't get into them because of the schedule or

008consolidation between staff. Um so it's you know we the teachers want to provide all these great things for the kids and they have the courses already um but it's just becoming difficult to get them into it and have fun. So I will say I do look at a lot of the data in the buildings and um [clears throat] I look specifically at the attendance in detail actually today preparing for this and I will say that at this building not not necessarily elementary but this building um there has been a sharp decrease in the number of kids that are attending private school. So according to this report, only eight kids in our district in this building are going to private school versus I think it was like 30 something last year. Sorry. Um I think there

009has been an influx there as well as the number of homeschooled kids in this building has actually decreased here over here. So I did look at that data. Um the elementary school is different. It's a different picture. But here is actually more kids are coming into this building, >> which is very nice to see that um parents are choosing this over homeschooling private. Yeah, we have a lot to offer and and even with the Questar programs, we know kids are interested in them, but sometimes they go and it's not what they expect, but we've already paid that bill. So even if we had a few small engine classes, a few packs classes at the high school that they can try things out and even see if they like it before we spend the money to

010send them because our burn partner is great, but it's almost like they're going in blind sometimes, even though they go there one day and they demo it and they talk to the teachers over there. Um, but if we had more diverse electives at the high school level, um, in multiple different areas, it might help that, you know, they're really going to demand what it is and they're dedicated to so that we don't lose that money that they won't pay. So that's I think the biggest things that that we wanted to bring to you just continue conversations and how to provide all that we want to for the kids and the portion of the graduate teachers. If there's anything else that you would like to see from the teachers or that you want us to communicate

011to them, feel free to contact us. [clears throat] >> Do you think I don't know if anybody knows the answer, but um how many kids are using that the program where we're getting teaching from the outside on a distance learning? >> Yeah, distance learning. That's what Yeah. Is anybody really doing that or using it or >> we are using it? >> Yes, we have a couple of courses with distance learning as we are providing distance learning as well. >> Just curious, are there a lot of students using it or enrolled in those though? >> I'm sorry. >> Are there a lot of students enrolled in those classes? >> No. Um, on top of my head, I think the most we have is five. I mean it offers good opportunities like sign language has good opportunity

012psychology um so there are positives to it but it's challenging in terms of schedules are different schools so like I I can't think of one class off the top of my head the kids period seven and eight are kind of taken out because the time for the uh distance learning class is at that time. >> So, it does limit to certain things. >> Thanks. >> When it comes to those classes and and just other electives that the kids would choose, um Dave's been doing a good job. We're having lots of conversations uh with guidance on how to get the word out to the kids about what these classes [clears throat] are because sometimes they just don't know. They don't know what they don't know. Um, so we're going to do more than just the the

013usual course selection fair that we that we have been doing in the past um with multiple modalities uh to talk to the parents as well as um the kids to get them to know what the courses are about and why they might be important to take them >> whether or not involved is >> and whether or not they want to go to college or not. you know, taking on such and such class might help you in your entrepreneurial, you know, endeavors after or after high school. So, um, so just getting them to understand maybe some things that they could take here that'll help them later. >> Thank you. Thank you. We'll move on to holiday music. You figure right here might be a good spot. So, while we're getting set up, I will just introduce

014them a little bit. I'm going to talk a little bit more about them after they play because I don't want to get make me nervous. Um, but I have some of my my star sixth graders here. So, honestly, I could have brought the whole band. The whole sixth grade is fabulous. I love all my band kids. Um, but this sixth grade group is just so joyous. They always come, they always want to play. They never compl I've not once had them come in, oh, we're playing today. Um, you know, that starts in seventh grade. Um, so they there's always super excited to come in. They're um their growth is unbelievable. I'll talk about that after you hear them play for a minute, but um where they came from at the beginning of the year, we're

015always rusty from the summer. Um, you know, I even tell them to I don't I don't do as much music over the summer as I do during the year. You, you know, take a break and then you just love it that much more. So, um, I just want to let's have you guys introduce who you are. Um, and just in case we have some non-m music people in the room, just tell them what you play, what your instrument is. So, we'll start with you. >> So, my name is Kani. I'm in sixth grade and I play the trombone. >> My name is and I'm in sixth grade and I play percussion. >> Hi, my name is Taylor. topic. Okay. My name is Leila and I play this ball. >> My name's 16. >> Yep. And

016so, um, just to point out really quick, Julia is also a piano player. Is anybody else a piano player? Um, and also Hadley, um, Hadley, raise your hand again. Hadley decided two months ago that she also wanted to learn the trumpet. Um, she's playing the trumpet tomorrow night on her concert along with clarinet. She has gotten to the point where she is just as good a trumpet as she is a clarinet and she's been playing on clarinet for two years. Phenomenal. Unbelievable. So, I want to give you, you know, a really good shout out, Heather. That's been amazing. So, without me saying anything else, let's have our first group play. So, tomorrow this group will be a little bit bigger. Um, but not everybody could come tonight. So, for right now, Kelani and Maddie are

017going to play Deck the Halls. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [applause] >> So, tomorrow on the concert with Manny and Kehani will be um Elliot and Sarah Shapp. No, that's our other group. Sorry. Um Remy Jones, Caroline Webster, Lexi Hatch, >> and Lily Glee. Right. I got everybody. So tomorrow you'll hear some harmony in there too. You'll hear other people. So um but they worked really hard. They um super geek. So you guys stayed after school, right? When caroling around the school. Yeah. So they actually stayed after school and played for teachers after school just because they wanted to. So all right, our next group is going to play Silent Night. >> [music] >> Hey, [music] danger. >> [music] [music] [applause] >> So we we kind of see two different things because you are

018seeing some delightful children plays and Christmas carols. What I am seeing is bravery coming out being in front of an audience of people they don't know. They don't have a conductor. So, they are staying together by listening. Um, I actually offered to Keelani and Maddie to have somebody else play with them tonight for support and they wanted to do it themselves. They've been practicing the song as a group even though the rest of the group members are not here. They wanted to do it alone. Um, I saw musicality in adjusting where um, we had something happen and one of our players had to adjust and jump back in. That is a really hard skill. people do not realize to recover and to play to come back into the song is a really hard skill that

019they've been working on. Um I I hear harmony happening where um Hadley and and Julia are playing a different part [clears throat] than everybody else and making it work. I hear students that learned new notes for these songs. We're playing higher notes than we've ever played before. We are playing new notes. Um, I hear watch Maddie listening to Keelani and matching her speed as one, you know, little things happen. So, the the amount of musicality and learning that's happening is astounding and it has just been so joyous to watch these guys. And this this learning happens every year, but with this group, it's extra special. They really just um have adjusted. And um again, this kind of they're representing the whole sixth grade because all the sixth graders are doing small group songs tomorrow and

020we have jingle bells happening. We have um jolly old St. Nicholas and we have a duo playing We Wish You Merry Christmas. And I just think the bravery that they have, especially if you're coming out tonight, is just remarkable. And I just adore them so much. Yep. So now, just to show you their musicality, when they came in at 6:30, I said, "Hey, let's look it up on the housetop and see if we can do this. We haven't rehearsed this before." And we're going to do it now. Are you ready? [clears throat] Yes, you are. We did it fine in the room. >> Does anybody want to count off or do you want me to count? [cough] Maddie, you got Heat. Heat. [music] down. [music] We started that at 6:30. [applause] >> Do you guys

021have anything you want to say or are you good? [laughter] >> Yes. Thank you so much. [applause] I don't know at the Wednesday, >> Thursday. [clears throat] I really appreciate you. >> We have super awesome kids. We really do. For our tiny little area, our kids are amazing. >> I know. I know. [applause] I GOT you presentation tomorrow over >> [clears throat] [laughter] [clears throat] >> very tough. So, um tonight we just wanted to give the board view of what a capital project could look like in the coming years, the things to be thinking about as we approach critical decision time does decide to take on the capital. Okay, so um >> you're gonna for me okay >> I think there's seven slides so it'll be quick. Okay. So, um first up, the three topics

022we want to talk about in a capital project are going to be scope, [clears throat] budget and financing as well as the timing and schedule and of course with taking on a capital project is critical timing for some board action. So, we're just going to touch on these as well. So first up in terms of scope development um we responded through an RFP with the administration have presented several scope items to us critical repairs and other work that needs to be done um looking at those items including those potentially be a capital scope budget and there's potentially some other things that the board may consider as well timeline would be short But there's other things to consider. So of course the Koopa reconstruction learning a lot about the slate roof on the elementary school and

023it's current condition. And then we're also looking intensely the propane conversion. There's also a critical hide as we know here administration presented to us being domestic water treatment and also the northern septic channels here at the school high school. So one of the first things the board has to do when we look at a scope is evaluate the environmental impact. Be happy to know that although a lot of this work involves things like septic and water and other things that are potentially cultural resources like um both our environmental consultant and the district's environmental attorney have looked at it and determined it's type two. So if people are not familiar with the state environmental quality review, type two means that it's on a list um the DEC has created and that basically means you don't need

024to do any further environmental investigation under the state environmental quality review. So there would be a board resolution prior to capital project resolution. The board made a determination of type two. um not there would not be any environmental assessment or other studies required to take on the capital project and basically you need to go through seeker whenever you spend public money and typically you know that's even when you're buying pencils for instance using public money you have to assess the environmental impact but there's there's an umbrella within the type two actions that includes the normal activities of a school so we really don't have to only contemplate those things we just know doing the right things here. Okay. So, the board would have to pass a resolution declaring that type three determination. Then we get

025to the um perhaps the most important piece is um finance and budgeting. So, there's a lot here to take in, but um this is kind of everything we need to know about a capital project financing as much as we could in one slide. So you've got construction costs and incidental costs. Construction costs being obviously the bricks and mortar that go to classrooms and the sites. And then incidental costs are things like architectural fees, legal fees, um any other soft costs concerning the project or expending the project. And of those up to the state's maximum cost allowance, the state will pay building a district a ratio which is 75.4%. So, um, for every dollar in construction, the state is paying 75 cents in that. So, that's a good bang, good bang for the buck in terms

026of a capital project. Um, and different from the last capital project we were involved in. The maximum cost allowance resets. It's a it's a rolling reset. It's in the five-year window, and that's reset from the last project. So, there is no risk of hitting the maximum cost allowance with the work that's currently being complicated. of all of the work that the district will be taking on would receive building a 75%. Excellent. Thank you. Um so that understanding that 75% annual reconstruction projects are rated over 15 years and district can also use capital reserves to limit that local share by 25%. was anticipated C capital reserves just over a million and fiscal advisors who's the district's fiscal consultant has evaluated what that means in terms of capital project budget and what the debt service would be

027on >> so Jim this is saying we do about four million without any impact >> so that's the next slide [laughter] >> yes so um understanding that use of capital reserves. Um a $3.75 million project would have no impact. There would be no additional local share from from that project. And then you see the increasing scale here as you get up from that 3.75. The impact is based on 100 $100,000 full value. So obviously $200,000 double and so on. A $5 million contract would be about $4 per 100,000 >> Full market. Yes. So that's coming from fiscal advisors. I'm at the limit of my expertise. I'm assuming that they're doing equalization amongst the different towns for market value across the entire district where they're saying $4 per $4 a year. [cough and clears throat] >>

028Yes, that's a very good question. You know, I I was recently asked that at another board meeting. I'd never been asked that before. And uh somebody's like, "That's like a cup of coffee a week." And I'm like, "No, that's a year." That's a year. Yes, that's a year. $4 a year >> for 15 years. Is that >> That's correct. So, and typically, you know, districts um look to manage their debt so you can continue to do improvements. So, in that 15ear cycle, you ultimately look to replace that debt. But, this this is 15 years. Next one, please. So, if we were looking to be in construction this year, we're looking at a fairly aggressive schedule here, looking at um resolutions January 20th to allow the required time ahead of capital project. Okay. So looking at

029March 17th as a capital project date. I'm sorry that's budget not budget note date I'm sorry capital project bill date proposed and um so that needs to be advertised 45 to 49 days prior which working backwards brings us back to January 20th the board meeting have to pass resolutions in order to hold March okay so that's just the kind of things that the board would need to be thinking about in terms of scope, budget and timing. Are there any questions? It's very very kind of high level. The facilities committee is actually to go over some of the items we've continuously over the period of the last year or so come up with ideas. Anyone comment any comments? >> The information is going to come back. We're going to provide a survey to the community choices,

030some options and cost impact um trying to be basically management, you know, whole project. We're going to look to have more controls in place um to control the escalation. Some of it's going to be out of our hands, but down. >> Part of the thing is here with this capital project coming out is thrust to reduce the annual operating cost of the facilities in this district. You heard tonight we've lost a lot of positions. If you can reduce the cost of running these facilities, we can reinstate some of these positions without any impact of taxes. That's why this progress has been very critical. So, it's a futuristic thing. How to get staff back in here, long-term management. We have an excellent superintendent and business manager. So, things are going to be a lot different here.

031I just haven't had a robust conversation with schoolhouse uh construction who would likely oversee construction management side of the project. [clears throat] Um there's really good dialogue over parts of the project like the elementary school roof and as Frank mentioned just options that would put out to the community for feedback um to get the building in a state that it should be in for students to be able to learn and teachers to be able to teach in the building. Um there's some serious infrastructure uh challenges right now that really need to be addressed. It's really not a question of, you know, should it be and really that are critical have to be and a lot of it are things that unfortunately aren't things that are pretty that we really see um you know from water

032systems to sewer systems to to roofs and clock towers but um again they're critical for students to be able to learn and teach be able to teach and we're looking to address those in a timely fashion working with Jim. So, um I'm energized by the conversation we had today with facilities and further down with the board that the community is going to be a huge part of this moving forward in terms of decisions we need to make. >> Any questions for Jim? >> Thank you. Appreciate your time. The next is the report of the student representative Bella is at basketball game report. [clears throat] >> I will do I won't do as well as Bella. So please pardon me. [clears throat] She wrote this in first person. So when I read in first person [laughter]

033Hi everyone. I'm sorry I had to miss the board meeting tonight. I have basketball game in Germantown and unable to make this month. We had some special visitors and I was able to listen to their presentations. Hang up and drive by Jason Good and Steve Johnson taught us about the consequences of texting and driving and how heavily it can impact a family in an instant. Steven Hill also came to visit our school. He struggled with addiction when he was younger, but he got the help he needed and has been sober for 13 years now. He shared his struggles and how he overcame them with us. And later on in the day, each grade level from 10 through 12 had some time to talk to him in breakout rooms and write down any questions we had

034so we could answer them anonymously. I learned a lot from these presentations and hope that other students did as well. This week we're having spirit week to celebrate the upcoming winter break. Today's theme was to dress as your favorite holiday. We actually had one student dressed as a tree uh which is very original. We all also uh we are also hosting a kindness tradition where students can nominate each other for being kind. The winner will receive a prize. Um the prize being that they is that the one? >> Ice cream coupons for students. Yes. Thank you. The high school band concert was last Wednesday and I was able to watch it, listen to the music. Other students work hard to prepare for everyone. Students from the jazz band and chamber choir have been going to

035senior homes to perform their music and share the joy that comes with it. The drama also had their one act plays over the weekend and I heard that went well. Sorry again for not being able to make it to the meeting. I hope it goes well. >> Thank you. We [clears throat] move on to the minutes of the regular board meeting held on November 18th. >> A motion by Frank. A second by Rebecca. >> Kim, how do you vote? >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Uh Elaine, >> yes. >> Penny, >> Frank, >> yes. >> Rebecca, >> yes. >> And Amma, yes. Carries. Okay. Moving on to policy in the AI information share act. So, we've had robust conversations regarding the update of this policy. Um, this is the third and final reading of the policy,

036but at the last board meeting, we requested um teacher input on um AI in the policy. So, I just I don't know. >> Yeah. So, I've asked um Ariel, Gilbert, Artosa, Mr. that may be joining a month as well. Just to provide an update on all the things that have been happening the last 30 days since the board last met in order to get to where we are now with the policy is it's hope it's final for >> um so after the last board meeting we emailed teachers at the elementary high school um to get some feedback and so you'll see some of the language that's been changed updated and that's all based on the teacher feedback from both buildings. Um, we also brought it to the BLT to kind of do it one more

037look through to see if there's anything that we were missing. Um, also again just to get more eyes on it to make sure it was really where we wanted it to be. Some things were very minimal changes, some grammatical changes. I did send it to a couple English teachers in the high school. Um so you know there's some things in there but there's also I feel like a really good uh clarification between um the point that you know we're going to use that the students that are using AI is they're only going to be able to use from certain pro programs that we've approved for them and that'll go through a whole committee. uh the teachers, you know, they have the ability, the professionals to be able to use materials for, you know, what they

038need for themselves. But as far as what students are using in the classroom, we do have an approved list that we'll um regularly meet on as an AI committee. Um I know uh there's also some things that was brought up from the student representative. Um some concerns about cheating. We talked about that they would follow the the cheating guidelines the same way we would follow um you know if they cheated on a paper with the AI and that we do we are going to have a committee um and we're going to use programs like Brisk and Schooly to really open conversations with students um we found that some districts are trying to adopt different programs but because AI is changing so much and you can have it sound so much like a human you really

039can't find a program that's gonna um meet the needs. So what we discussed was um programs like brisk teaching we're looking into and having students using schooly when they upload documents in there you can see if a student has written a five paragraph essay in two minutes as opposed to um an hour and it's just really a good conversation starters instead of an activation just to say hey you know I see you wrote this essay in two minutes can you tell me how you got there um so we're hoping that those will really build um the students and their understanding of AI and we talked about uh building our um citizenship and what that'll look like in the the younger grades coming up and the responsibility of them using AI when they do go into

040the workforce and what that looks like. >> Also said that we will consistently look at the AI as AI grows different concerns and different things are going to come about. So, you know, we have to kind of adjust to the times where they are. Other thing teachers are saying to me, they're going to give a lot more in class assignments with pen and paper to avoid the issues with AI in terms of students using AI instead of uh just doing it the way they should do. So I think you're going to start seeing that become a trend again in schools where though we use the technology the computers and going to be a lot more pen paper >> just a paper when I was a student. [clears throat] >> So the Chromebooks that they're issued

041um will have programs installed in them so that they all have access to the same AI programs. So we haven't put any programs in there. just haven't asked for any and if they do, we do have a whole sheet they need to fill out and it would be if the programs in there would be everybody. That's why we'd want to go through a committee to make sure it be something that um you know is useful for for all of our students. So if they if they did a a report or paper in schooly in two minutes, they would have had to copy and pasted it from their device at home or something and put it in schooly somehow like they would have been able to do it through their Chromebook. >> Yes. They have to

042do their own email themselves. >> Okay. So there's like yeah a few steps to get it. >> Yes. >> They wouldn't be getting it from their >> correct. Right. And there's also I talked about brisk teaching. So brisk teaching is an extension that goes on the computers. It has a lot of like great tools for teacher like differentiation. Um it changes the the you know the tiers of the reading levels but it also has you can put any students writing in there and you can see um if they're not using a schooly you can also see how much time they had spent on the essay. So it's just like another layer of checking and again it really is more you just have to open the conversations with the students instead of just being more the

043accusatory for them is what we're really when talking to districts that seems to be the best that's the way to go because I know like you clone yourself like we have it at work and we clone ourselves and you can't tell the difference if it's an email from chat GBT or an email from >> it's very like very sophisticated. Yes, it used to be even like a year ago you could do AI detection and it would tell you but it's migrated so much. >> You did I want to say PD but I was involved something and they had comparison between AI generated person speaking and actual person speaking. You could >> you can't tell the difference. >> It's it's scary in some ways. Um but That's why I say we're going to have to look

044at the, you know, grouper saying we're going to have to look at this policy because things are going to just change and we don't know how because as AI grows going to get more sophisticated and we got to keep up with times >> and it's not just middle school high school I can tell you the elementary my kindergartner knows how to use chat. [laughter] has an iPad. He knows I can go over there and he can say [clears throat] talk to me about rocks and it pulls up the whole thing and reads it to him. So it's it's there. Yeah, I think it's one one of the things that the schools are talking about is that you know the digital citizenship classes starting them young and just talk talking about responsibilities and what you do

045when you're on the computer and how to use it and hopefully a responsible way so that they understand what they're using and what that means. >> Just the language in the policy where you say um district teacher is somebody responsible for communicating to students geni usage expectations. So using the word expectations like so the teachers communicate what their expectations are to their students. They're not saying these are the rules >> right and if you break these rules you'll be punished. They're saying >> think of this as when we give them their book. >> Yeah. have expectations how to treat the program what you can do on it. It's going to be the same thing with a uh where the expectations that you need to follow the district policy >> like you've got guard rails like

046the guardrails are state education rules and your handbook rules. So, you've got these things in place, but you're still giving teachers some autonomy to say, "This is what I expect from my classroom." And we're still got these guard rails, but it gives the teachers a little more flexibility in how they want to manage teaching. >> What we're doing is supporting teachers in the classroom with the guard rails and then they bring it to their students. We work with the students how they want to use it. >> So, you guys are comfortable with this? Yeah, I like I said, I felt very comfortable after, you know, sending it out to, you know, a variety of people at the elementary and high school just to get different teachers, different feedback. Um, and I felt the language changes

047that we made in there. I was like, "Yeah, I like that. That makes it clear." >> Um, and some people brought up some really great ideas. So, I feel good about where we are with this. >> Any other board comments? >> I think it's a very good start. I'll make a motion. >> Hang on one second. How often are you policy review? Will it be as often as regular policies or because it's evolving so much? >> No different than conduct each year policy. Sometimes just need one year. Sometimes you need three. It really depends what federal and state government are issuing in terms of new regulations and adjustments we have to make or we discover things during the year unfortunately but it's no different than think of it like code of conduct I mean maxun

048but this is all in place and what we're doing is fine tuning it so once this goes into place included from this point forward. >> I I think I wasn't mistaken. We talked about maybe looking at it in June again just you know we've had a few months with it. We, you know, got some things there and kind of see what things go with that. Maybe we discuss having July. They should do a review. [clears throat] Okay. Any other comment? Motion. Um Frank made a motion to approve the final reading of policy 8636. Can I get a second? >> Second. A second. Can you vote? >> Elaine? >> Yes. >> Heavy? >> Yes. >> Rebecca? Yes. >> Yes. >> And yes, it passes. We will move on to public comment on the consent agenda items.

049None. Any public comment? Okay, we'll move on to consent agenda items. Um, we have 7 A through H with I being approval of the consent agenda items. Are there any items to be hold? >> I'll just have a question in personal action or executive session. It's not going to affect my vote. >> Okay. I had a question about the CSE recommendations. Um just are they new students or these are just kids who maybe are already on in the system and um are just being you know reapproved. >> It's every time there's a cse meeting the board has to approve the recommendations. So these are just meetings that have occurred since the last meeting. >> Okay. >> This would be you or >> correct? They could be transferring students. It could be program reviews. We're going

050to have to meet some things changes a variety of reasons. We never stop [laughter] that one once a year, right? >> Yeah. >> Minimum of times 139 I think was on the enrollment reports. Um, so can I get a motion for 7 I which is approval of the consent agenda items? >> Motion by Frank. A second. >> I'll second. Second by Kim. Kim, how do you vote? >> Yes. >> Elaine, >> yes. >> Penny, >> yes. >> Frank, >> yes. >> Rebecca, >> yes. And I'm a yes as well. >> Okay, moving on to the president's report. [clears throat] Um my first item was just to recognize um the students that were on the academic list, but I in particular wanted to acknowledge our student board member Fella for achievement principles list. So on top

051of serving as a district representative and a leader on our board, she also is on the principal's list. So congratulations to Bella. and you could >> have [clears throat and laughter] >> um there are many events taking place across our district that showcase the diverse talents of our students. I encourage everyone to attend a few of these events and support our students uh whenever possible. Um as presented tonight, the district is in the process of developing a capital project to address critical infrastructure needs. Um, I encourage all stakeholders to learn more about the project, ask questions, and participate in the process. We have our first um, special meeting on the capital project on uh, Tuesday, January 13th at this building at 6:30. I encourage everyone to attend to learn about the project and um, what

052it is actually addressing for our students. Um, it's it's critical infrastructure. Um, and lastly, just I want to wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season. That's all I have. On to the superintendent's monthly report. >> Good evening everyone. Uh, it's been a month I guess one quite a while. So, lots been happening. Um, want to first start by thanking Stephen Hill uh and speak soiety for remarkable story that he shared with our students. Um, I appreciate thank Mr. Mr. Burns for the cooperation in making that possible for our students. Uh also to Mary Pat Donnelly, friends, county district attorney. That was paid for through a grant um that brought Stephen to us from Jersey. He has a very powerful message uh which I've seen a few times now and he did not let

053down in terms of you know sharing that story and doing the breakout session with students as well. It seemed very impactful feedback for our students and we're looking forward to continue partnership with Stephen. Um looking forward to an exciting new partnership with Capital Roots for Healthy Schools. Thank you to the board for approving that. Um typically healthy schools works uh through urban schools and they've been reach reached out now to some rural schools including Berlin for a partnership through a wellness committee. Uh we're optimistic that they're some of the things they've done other schools uh such as working with schools to put in place new water stations for bottle touchless bottle filling uh grow towers for outdoor gardens. Certainly that's an area that I look at for our gardens for students to get hands- on

054with agriculture. Uh purchasing fizz equipment for activities and other opportunities for other opportunities which support physical activity at outdoor spaces which could tie in very well to our new um new learning space up the road that we're looking to partner with as well um in the Berlin learning landscape. So there's a lot of opportunity there with with healthy schools uh moving forward. We're excited about that. I also want to congratulate the very talented Maineers and Jess Gold for um a great program that I got to see up at the community center in Grafton Wagner Senior Center. Um we're seeing a lot of students getting out in the community through our civic seal program working with um with senior citizens and community members. It was great to see them perform. Also great to see the students

055here tonight as well perform uh for the board as well. So congratulations to them and looking forward to a great concert tomorrow night for the middle school. Um I mentioned to the board and or mention to the community that we are exploring to the district safety committee a crossing beacon um outside of the middle school high school currently at the 45 mile mph speed zone uh has been slowed down but we believe that uh putting a beacon there can also aid with um actually having people obey the speed law there. Um route 22 is a straightaway and people do often do speed through school zone. Um, if you've been over to Eagle Park, there's one in front of Algango Middle School, flashing yellow lights. So, we're exploring with DOT the possibility of putting one in

056front of our school building. Uh, that would uh further enhance safety for our students. I plan tomorrow bring to our district safety team. There is a cost to the district. It was about $1,200 per year to maintain the beacon, but we do feel that be something I feel it's something very beneficial to our um safety for our district that we're considering uh moving forward. So, I'm excited to bring more information to the community and the board uh regarding that project. Um, Civic Seal, I want to thank SED U State Education Department, Mr. Kevin uh David Frank um and Kevin I apologize for Kevin Hzel uh visited us uh this month uh to work with our students, Mr. Bob Gouls and Mr. Eric Ryder's classrooms. Um students are working on projects which they're going to go

057out in the community and build these projects which they hope to sustain through other students in the future. uh great partnerships like seniors for seniors, working with senior citizens. Um students really are thinking of ways they can impact um their community and make a difference not only now but also in the future as well with a lasting uh project that other students will hopefully pick up and continue on. So it was great to partner with SED and have um come in and share ideas and and and see what we're doing with our with our students here in a rural school district. Um I also want to thank our transportation department to Rick and Janette. We had our first snow day. Uh I felt my personal opinion it was successful in the prediction. We did a

058lot of collaboration, a lot of communication that go into that beforehand. Uh we also had early dismissal which was a tough call. Um I'll speak personally to the weather and how difficult it is at my house on Sunday. I had seven inches of snow in Eagle Park and I found out that here in Berlin did not snow at all. I'm about 20 minutes away. Um I plowed twice on Sunday. So it's crazy how the weather can be different only a few miles. nose here much. [laughter] >> It's not not an easy prediction sometimes in terms of getting things getting right. So just uh winter it's can't come early. It's cold and you got snow early, too. So we'll continue to to work on that moving forward in January with the weather. So thank you to

059Janette and Rick. >> Yeah, have to interrupt you, but just to piggyback as a parent, it's nice to have that memo the night before. [laughter] as a superintendent it's a high risk from a parent [laughter] recognize that and if it's possible to do and it makes sense something that certainly I'm willing to consider doing um yet you know what other superintendents are doing and whatnot there's a lot of considerations go into it so one possible J and I certainly have that in the back of our minds but Lemon who was was praising our school for making that choice and being on the ball. >> I got some crazy steer from people out there, but I I I know that in the future if I miss someone, I'm going to get some. So, [laughter] um the

060last thing I want to just mention is the capital project echo keys as well. Um truly, these are absolutely pressing needs that we're looking to address. I'm going to give one example um for the community. We have a 90-year-old roof at Berlin Elementary School. The slate tile on that roof is 100 years life expectancy. the tiles are thinning and they were falling off the roof. There's probably 50 to 60 tiles right now currently missing which allows moisture to come in the building. That that roof could be patched, but if it was patched, you're talking about a life expectancy of probably a couple more years, five years on that roof. It really needs to be replaced and it's one of the um several items that really is not something that's optional, something that really has to

061be done in order to keep our schools open for our students and safe for them to learn. So, I'm excited to partner with the community and and discuss this more uh moving forward and to get these critical needs addressed um as soon as possible in the proper fashion as it should be. >> You got [cough] tiles missing. [clears throat] You've got 60 chances of stone hitting a child falling off the roof and blowing off the roof. It's very dangerous. And that's just an estimate based on what we know right now from the ground without you know drones and whatnot. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to administrative snapshots. We'll start with the business office. [clears throat] >> Frank mentioned efficiencies. In addition to doing our regular processing of bills, um we've been

062digging a lot into electric. We're now on a state or a Bose seeds cooperative bid which we had not been in the past. Our electricity spike in the last year and we see a continuation of that. So, Tara, our treasurer, has done a great job um digging into the you looking at the usage to see if it's usage, see if it's just the cost escalation and even, you know, asking our grounds people to look around and see if something's plugged in that could be drawing this energy out and anyone else who wants to contribute to the effort as well because it was a serious spike this past year about 20%. Um so, looking at that, hopefully this cooperative will help us. Um, we're working on switching the garbage over. Daryl was very good at doing

063some research. Got three different quotes from companies. We'll be [clears throat] changing that probably in the next week or so. So, really looking. There are efficiencies to be had here. And we're trying to find them as best we can every day. And does anyone else see something plugged in that shouldn't be unplugged? >> Thank you. DPS and MTSS. So, I'm going to go first tonight. Um, so things have been going really well um for our MTSS meetings in both buildings. Um, and since the last time that we had an update, I was able to dismiss two more students um at the middle school level. Um, and the letters were mailed home. So, the kids were very excited. One actually came to my office the other day and they were very, very excited. Told them, you

064know, keep doing what you're doing. Um, and then we are preparing right now for the January assessments when we come back from the holiday break. And then the plan is once all those are done in both buildings to have um data meetings with each team um and grade level just to go over the data and then how to help the students support. >> Thank you. >> So this holiday season, I just wanted to take a moment to call attention to the strengths and and just the caring of the Berlin community. So this time of joy can be one of stress and disappointment for those in need. However, the Berlin community continues to impress me in the way that they all come together to ensure that nobody knows what happened. From fundraisers and food drives to

065getting presents for students and winter clothes. It's just the level of caring from the students, the staff and community organizations and the way that they all come together just to make sure that no one goes without it just [clears throat] continues to impress me. um growth and academic progress are essential, but I think it's also important to recognize our strengths so that we don't lose sight of them as we grow. So the strengths and the caring of this community has never stopped impressing me and I just wanted to ensure that we don't lose sight of that in all of our our goals and our academic progress that we stay true to who we are and what we are as as I just felt it was important to call that out especially at this time. Thank

066you. >> Transportation. >> Evening everybody. Um, no real updates from transportation. Everything is pretty quiet except for snow days and early dismissals. I commend you on early dismissal. I was driving back from Gilderland. I'm like, uh, but as I got to the top of the mountain, I was like, yeah, that's a good [laughter] call. And we would just like to wish all of transportation would like to wish everybody a joyous happy holiday season and be safe out there. >> Thank you [clears throat] technology. >> Okay. Uh just a couple updates. Audio visual. Um I think I mentioned last month that we had damage done on the projection unit down in the gymnasium recently. They just came back on site yesterday and repaired that for good. So, it's up and running again. It was the juncture

067box where the HDMI cable goes in to the unit. I think it got hit by a ball or something and snapped it. So, I've asked for everybody to disconnect that cable whenever they use that projection system just to protect it for now. Eventually, I think we'll have to look into seeing if there's a plate or something that can go over the top of that box or a cage or something, but it's in such a tight spot that it's it's going to be hard to find something appropriate. So, we're working on that. Um, I've had a recent meeting with um some people including principles in that regarding sixth through 8th grade Chromebooks and the damage. I did bring the damage to your attention last month. Told you how I salvaged whatever parts I can. The following

068day, I had six broken screens. So, I don't know what these kids are doing, but in the group that we just that just met, we've decided to um we're going to try bringing the Chromebooks at that level back into the district that they don't go home unless absolutely necessary. And we're going to put carts in classrooms and each student will be assigned one Chromebook each classroom and they're going to use it. If you assign it to just one student, it kind of gives you a better feel of who's damaging the Chromebooks. and my I've gotten several again this week that are quite damaged and I can't repair them. So, um I put in a request to order some additional charging carts and as soon as they get approved and we can get them ordered and

069in place, we're going to bring the Chromebooks at that level back. >> So, when you say that level, it's just the middle school. >> Middle school damage is Yeah. out of control. It's it's bad. I mean, there's there's damage, very minimal damage at the elementary school only because they keep them in-house. The most we have down there are the broken headphone jacks in the iPads. We're working on that. I've only had two so far this this month. Not bad. It happens for kindergarten and first grade kids. You know, if you expect that. I've ordered an an extraction tool to try and see if I can extract the piece rather than making a trip out to the Apple store. So, just waiting for that to come in and then I'll work on that. I've tried the

070hot glue gun trick. I can't get the the jack to come out. So, we'll we'll use the tool and see if that works. And then I just want to thank uh buildings and grounds department, Daryl and Gerald and Jared in particular. They took all of our recycling out of the building. So now the tech hallway, vestibule, bus garage has all been emptied and we're starting fresh with putting equipment back in. So they found a company over in Ael Park that was willing to come out and take it last week. So we're starting fresh. >> I mentioned too piggy back off that conversation probably and I had with with Darl recycling something we can get something going recycling wise in this district. It would really be great benefit to our our refuge program. It would require

071some initiative and leadership and someone investment in getting the kids um and the staff. Um, I know at one point that was here in place, but something that certainly I put out there just, you know, for people consumption in case anyone knows anyone interested really needs needs a leadership to really to to spearhead that and be able to separate things out and get them where they need to go. And >> there's no recycling right now. >> No, it was too costly. >> No, the paper isn't being >> um I have a contact at 1.0 now some extensions that [clears throat] actually did a composting recycling mentorship program. Um I'm Desan the physical therapist and I'm a prepaid student. Um they're really eager to spread information and kind of get some of these pilot they're based

072connected county but I'm sure they would be willing to help us get this up and running. Um, so I'll send you an email. I'll send an email [laughter] to them to speak to the staff wise having somebody on staff. A lot of times you have a teacher or someone that someone who really helps with leadership, but there's organization that come in and has ideas for us how we can get that manower. >> They started in city schools and insuna. They have a composting and a recycling program on site um that has taken off over the past five years. >> Great. >> So >> yeah, thank you for that. Wonderful. Nice meeting. >> We used to have student council when we did the boxes. >> I mean wonder with like you know national honor society students

073community hours also with the civic seal program now recycling and you know things like that there's a lot of opportunity for students too to get involved with those things as well. >> The quotes that we receive with recycling that will happen. We'll start with things like boxes that our staff can do, but certainly soon we can do other things. We're paying for it now. [clears throat] >> A little harder though. >> You can't sell Yeah, you can't sell the electronics because they're either outdated, broken, or whatever. But I think that it may be in the best interest to look at having this stuff recycled at least twice a year. Generally, it's only done during the summer months, and this past summer, we missed it. So, >> thank you, T. [clears throat] Good evening. Um, it's

074a very exciting time at Berlin Elementary School. Um, as December always is, lots of fun, exciting events going on. Um, we were really excited to, um, welcome lots of parent volunteers for a holiday shop going on today and tomorrow. So, it was great to see so many parents um in the library helping with that. So, that was really exciting. Also, [clears throat] um adding some community events. We had our our character ed assembly. Our treat is generosity and we welcomed in Stewarts and we made a card and all the kids in the school signed a card and we just celebrated them and and thank them for the generosity to Berlin Elementary School. So, it was really great that they sent over a few people to come to the school and our assembly and we're able

075to give that to them and honor them at the assembly. Um, also doing some donations for the humane society and our food drive. So, feedback on Tom's um, you know, helping out our communities. Our ambassadors are visiting the Berlin food pantry this week and um, giving those donations to them. We also are in the midst of planning another family event on January 22nd. We're having our first math night and this was really spearheaded by some of the teachers and staff in the building. So, I'm excited to do that. We got our first committee meeting. Lots of games and activities and resources that we're let parents and kids do during that night, but also send home with them so that they can continue to do those things at home. So, we're excited for that. Um, we're

076also really enjoying our time. I know last meeting I mentioned we were working with Janette and Karen Gay to um organize the National Junior Honor Society students. So, we've really worked out a good system to where those kids are coming after their school day. They're coming to our building on Wednesdays and then going home on the bus from our building. So every Wednesday we're going to have about 10 students um coming and visiting classrooms and teachers signed up and the kids are really able to have like a buddy readers. So we're really excited about that. And on top of that we also have a fewers that are continually coming to do some reading or full class reading but they've been they're coming in throughout this week to do that too and hopefully continue through after

077the um the new year. So that's been a great experience. Um thank you to Ariel. I know last year we had some innovation Thursdays. We worked through model schools. We don't really have that person to come and do those things this year, but we still have access to the resources for model schools. So, she's reached out. She got um she's coming in tomorrow and teacher signed up and she's coming in and doing indie cars with with classes. So, she's got a act full day of going to each class and doing like a 30 minute presentation and letting kids use those resources. So, that's a great opportunity that she's continuing for us, which we really truly appreciate. Um, and just lastly, I know we talked about the snow day. I just want to thank buildings and

078grounds as well. I mean, our custodial staff was out there and it's not just come in in the morning and get the building ready for all of the staff and students, but you know, the way Berlin is, it's constantly snowing and constantly adding up. And, you know, our custodians are just wonderful. They're out there all day continuing to to snowb blow so that when it's got warm today, the kids can go outside and so it's very much appreciated appreciated and um they're doing a great job keeping the building safe for our students and our staff coming in and out of the building. And just lastly, just want to wish you a happy holiday middle school and athletics. Um, I'll go with athletics first. Um, I just want to I'm honored to say that um our

079four varsity sports, boys soccer, girls soccer, cross country, and volleyball were all scholar team um scholar athlete teams um for the vault. So, congratulations to our athletes on that. >> What does that what does that entail? That means um 75% of the team have a 90 GPA or higher. So that's >> and then we could be a school of distinction if we can get 75% of all of our teams for the year to be scholar athletic teams. So that's my goal. I would like to see that happen this year. >> That's 11 and two, right? >> Correct. That's our roster. Yeah. >> So, we do. So, um but I get a card. [laughter] Um I also want to say our winter sports are um kicked off. Um our swimming team just beat um Hudson and

080they're in the Patrate that our girls basketball team tonight just a nailbiter is 33 to 25 against Germantown. That was a good fight. Um, we are looking forward to our mountain madness. That's January 17th. That's when we have all of our um, basketball teams playing in our gym on that Saturday. So, if you want them to do that, support us. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Um, for I just want to add to what Cammy was saying. We we've had two committee meetings about the Chromebooks being damaged. as a group we came up with this plan. I just want to say the reason and Tammy said it but the reason we want the computers for 6 through8 uh be in the carts and not go out the damage is really happening outside the class. You

081know it's not happening when students are doing work on it. It's like they walk in and you know and uh drop it. I know my own kids do that. um the board, they pick at it and then so we figured put it in the classroom and use it when they need it and then put it back. I think we're going to see the numbers go down. >> Um they're not allowed to have backpacks in class, right? So they're not put in a safe place either when they're walking from class to class either. So maybe that's part of the problem is just like they're hand they've got to be handled constantly. >> Yes. And if everybody knows about this one is they're very handsome. So they have their stuff. They're trying to you know uh you

082know uh touch the locker fool around with each other. So we feel that that's going to help [clears throat] very much. All right. Tammy has spearhead with us. So we appreciate it very much. Uh my board report will focus on as always my three goals uh for the building. and what we're doing with it. But goal number one, improve student attendance. I'm pleased to report we continue to make significant progress in this area. As of today, I always look the day of the 14th. We are at 17% of our students are identified as chronically absent compared to approximately 32% from last year. This improvement is a result of a systemic teambased approach including ongoing attendance meetings and attendance chats with students, increased consistent uh communication with families, greater state staff awareness of the importance of

083accurate recordkeeping and tiered interventions aligned to student needs. We currently have students who have progressed from and it's not a good progression necessarily from prep interventions to family court where they are participating in diversion program. Diversion program is trying to provide services from the county uh to help students kind of turn it around. >> diversion. >> Divers. >> Yeah. Diversion. Down state we call diversion. While these are difficult steps, they reflect our commitment to early intervention and long-term student success. I recently shared our attendance practices with uh Mr. Rizzo spoke about the night uh the representatives from state ed. We were just sitting talking and they asked me how's your attendance. Um I told them what we were doing and they were very complimentary said that we could be a model for other school districts

084because wherever they go in the state attendance is an issue and some of the things that we're doing they have not heard about. So uh they asked if they could uh contact me about that in the future. ahead >> the the attendance chats the um what our committee meetings what we're doing committees how we're keeping the record keeping like we color coordinate and we have uh I wouldn't say case managers but people assigned so it's involved on the parents the families the staff um and when needed outside resources so they they think we're being very comprehensive how we're So I was very proud of that. Our second goal is narrowing the achievement gap across subgroups. Please whenever I speak about goal number two, think big of Ariel. She's a major component, a major part of

085this. Uh academically, our focus continues to be on high quality instruction and data informed decision- making. We had uh from Questar science, math and um L instructional coaches, you know, excuse me, instructional coaches have worked closely with teachers to develop differentiate instruction, analyze student data effectively, translate data into targeted lessons and assessment that improve student understanding. It's very important that they're taking what they're you learning and not just saying okay, but they're utilizing in the classroom to improve their instruction and student understanding. We're starting to see that through data analysis, professional development, and department discussions, a recurring instructional need has emerged. Students are struggling with close reading skills. Close reading skills refer to a student's ability to carefully read, analyze, and interpret a text by focusing on what the text says, how it says it,

086and why it matters. Rather than skimming for general understanding, close reading requires students to engage deeply with the text using evidence. In short, close reading teaches students how to slow down, think, think critically, and use evidence, which is why it's a foundational literacy skill added across the curriculum. in all states uh state assessments regions exams they're highly focused on that and why you saw Ariel get up got up uh the meeting before is because David forgot to bring this with me Ariel created this and it's in the teachers rooms one we want to be consistent with what we're you know preaching we're preaching literacy across all curriculum areas and this is just a um example of just reminders and it may seem well Dave it's kind of simple but we're building here we have scaffolded

087what student needs are >> so they would do that in their books >> sorry >> they would they would do that in their books they would be able to >> well this is like a reminder when they're doing their work and their assignments and when they're writing things um so this is just like a reminder uh of what to do I mean >> for some kids like depending on the class. Like some people have like the Cornell note methods where they have the kids notes and then they're marking them on the right hand side. Um some are using post-it notes. So instead of writing in the books, they're using some of those. So we uh the literacy team, we've had those before and we just updated them. Um teachers were asking for something that was

088more uniform so that even though we each kind of have our own strategies, the kids are understanding the same language from classroom to classroom. Uh so we created those literacy team and then Rachel was able to use our really cool poster and um teachers are putting them up in the walls and again it's just a another tool for them to use to really encourage them to do post reading. Um, >> All grade levels. Yes. >> So, Katie, I said you look at that that was done in house [laughter] actually. [clears throat] >> Yeah, it she created that and it's a sticker so it goes on, >> right? And then we can take Yeah, I told her keep the back because I remember you told me that so that we when state test time they can

089take it off, put the back on and then be able to put it back on the wall when we're done. Rachel has this uh machine really master she does an amazing job. [laughter] >> But yeah like music art everybody was you know excited to have I mean we have similar writing strategies that we use. So this is just another again writing or reading strategy that teachers are able to utilize in the classrooms. um the [clears throat] science regions exams. I know I'm sorry I'm jumping into today's time, but like the science exams we're going into, they're very very heavy on the reading and that's been a huge concern this year on um you know how kids are going to do with that. So we're just trying to give them you know tools to use with

090the kids so that they're really understanding what they're reading and taking it to be able to answer the questions at the next level. The new science exams are heavy, heavy. Read, analyze, extract, put your own work. It used to be a little bit. Now that's the majority of the exam. >> Is that just in this building or are you that fifth grade? So yeah, we've um so we've talked about each month we're going to do some different strategies and I think in March when we're talking about writing strategies, but we're going to talk about what teachers are doing already and to incorporate what we're doing up here so we see that gradual transition of what's working and then moving it on. >> Yeah, >> the elementary school has been ahead of those things um certainly

091since I've been here. So, we're playing catchup uh to them in terms that they have a lot of great ideas and great things that they're doing. The third goal, strengthen student parent engagement ownership. I'm really excited about this. Um to be better involved 9 through 12 families in the scheduling process. We are increasing transparency around graduation programs, course offerings, post high school planning pathways. It goes right in line with the portrait of graduate, but I have my parent hat on that. I like to um with my my my own kids when they're creating their schedules uh in school. So, uh Miss Caldwell, our new uh student council uh excuse me, school counselor has done an exceptional job update our course catalog which will soon be posted on district uh website. To further support parent engagement,

092we will host twoformational presentations that include an overview of the course catalog, graduation requirements, post-secary planning, and the departments themselves who present uh and highlight their course offering and pathways to align with the portrait graduate. We're starting to come up with pathways say that art is your thing that you really enjoy. how you can use a pathway of the different courses to get art uh credit. So that was one example. The presentations u the PTO is generous enough to let us on January 14th at 6:30 present and then before the board of education meeting of January 20th uh at 6 pm we will present. people will come in hopefully and department uh members and us will get updated presentation. Both sessions will include time for questions and discussions. And finally, and this one has to

093go to Miss Hayes who's done a phenomenal job with student council and also Ariel. Uh this week is a fun week, spirit week. Uh every day is a different theme. Um this Friday staff have have organized a fun and engagement day for students including a best store decoration competition recognition of acts of kindness which we heard before a food drive with wind grade level receiving a prize and at the end of the day on Friday staff perform skit the 12 days of winter which Ariel and Amanda came up with. So, I'll let you know later if I regret saying yes to this. Uh, but we as staff members will be getting up uh and performing it. >> So, tomorrow is our first practice session. [laughter] >> Yes. [laughter] >> It does say here. Rumor has

094it that Mr. May >> What? What time is it rehearsal? [laughter] >> I It's not that exciting. What? What time is it? Seriously, I didn't know. >> Um, we're going to do it right after school on Wednesday. >> Okay. >> Tomorrow. But if you can't make it, it's not that Friday. >> Yes. >> I'm sure we can take some videos. >> Real quickly, I was ordered by uh Ariel to say student council for Make a Wish. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. So, we've we've raised about $200 so far for our local Make a Wish um that is right for our area. So, that's really exciting and we'll continue that through the end of the week. And then uh second >> Oh, and we went down the capsule and kicked off our week by going down to

095the elementary and reading books. >> So [clears throat] that was really fun. >> For the record, I signed up for the snow day skip. >> Yes. >> You were the Grinch. I saw the snow day. [laughter] I thought it kind of ironic jumped in the snow day once. So that's where Snow Day celebration is only. It's only natural. The Grinch. I don't know [laughter] how to take that direct. >> Anyway, thank you. Is there a pep rally on Friday? >> No, we're doing this instead. We honestly it's going to be a little chaotic as it is. Pep rally um may take it to another level. So, we're doing something like this. But anyway, we wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing everybody. Thank you. >> Opportunity for public comment.

096want to sign [clears throat] up. Okay, we'll move on to new business. The Tcon land trust support letter. So, um and I'm not the person. Elaine and Rebecca attended a um presentation of the land trust. It's about straight over here. >> Yep. >> By the complex. >> Yeah. Um, so I will turn it over and you guys can present and talk about >> I think they just asked us they wanted the board to have a support letter. They're doing a grant to get some in infrastructure money. Um, so they had asked the board to do a support letter and then they asked parents or and I think Kenna as well to do a support letter. So I think we were I did a um a letter as a parent and Rebecca did a letter for

097the um on behalf of the board. So I believe that we have to vote on that. >> Yeah. So basically the umic [clears throat] land trust sort of they call themselves now the Hudson Land Trust um they purchased 385 acres um in Burland between the two schools and they want um basically create outdoor classroom space and get kids to this to this property for educational purposes. There's fields, there's forests, there's creeks. It's a lot of ecosystem, a lot of opportunity for exercise and educational opportunities. So um the right now um it was it's been um James Taylor Shaw has been involved as well as um Del Mel in terms of working with the land trust and um I know a lot of the art students have been involved with some of the land trust activities

098too doing artwork for their newsletters and stuff. Um, so this has been kind of like a collaboration with some members of our staff and land trust already and um, we just as a board I think should also be supportive of this. And so the letter that I wrote is basically just saying as such that we're in support of outdoor education >> and specifically for the grant for this. Yes, they're trying to get a grant to help to fund the parking, bathroom facility, um, and whatever they have envisioned for an outdoor classroom. >> I just want to add to that, um, they've also come in the school and presented to our leadership team as well. Um, two presentations we've had uh, just just to kind of see what the vision is for it. And we're talking

099about next steps with uh, staff for next year. We plan to um actually have a PDA costly staff to actually visit the site as well. Looks like they're trying to develop first and once it's opened up to be able to get teachers up there to to look at the space and work on transportation eventually as well and talk about ideas. It's very close to both buildings and be able to collaborate how we can actually start to utilize it as well. So I also wrote a letter as well as superintendent. Um so I think there's been some different letters that are written in support of certainly very supportive. >> And this isn't to purchase the lens. It's just to make it into an outdoor space essentially for our It's for the public. It's not It can

100be for any school district right now. They because it's location is just perfectly located for our students and our district. Um they they're working with us specifically, but their their ultimate goal is to branch out and have other schools also visiting the site and using the space as well. So it's not and it's also any member of the public can use this. This is a public space that um is going to have hiking trails and stuff. I think they're looking to develop other spaces too. I think they said this was the first one. I can't think of the name of they call it something >> learning landscape. >> Yes. Learning landscape. Yeah. >> The first the first registered county. >> Yeah. >> So, it's pretty exciting. Yeah. And I don't I mean they're not going

101to I think that in terms of you know education and learning I think it's going to be up to us to actually create curriculum for this learning opportunity. I'm not sure how much they're going to be like environmental educators meeting us there. They might some extent, but it's also just there for us to use. It's not it's public property. So >> So how is this different than educational facility? >> Um it's different in that Dyen Pond has a a facility. So they have they have infrastructure classes go there. They have um certified educators who teach um and and create curriculum programs that um they've worked with all different school districts park and at Berlin as well um um to to have programs that overlap with what they're already learning in the classroom. Deck plan also

102goes to schools and teaches after school programs and at schools themselves. So they're they're actually really um the pilot program and rent or and land trust is sort of taking um their idea and trying to expand it basically to open it up for you know there's a lot of demand I think for outdoor education because kids just aren't spending a lot of time on their own outside so it has to be more adult directed and school directed and so um I think land trust is just trying to to jump on that too. >> I think it's similar to what we set up in crafting nature preserve. It's all confused with public school just get more people out here to outside people don't even know about that. I mean that's something too that we can we

103can do more too to just remind our district that we have this land that you know part of track elementary property that is still still owned by the district that is you know can be used for too >> there's an ecosystem there >> sounds good >> yeah I mean pond has great programs and they they they offer programs that um you would you couldn't get at this place because they have a lake, you know, and they have they have a bog and they have a lot of different really unique ecosystems being on the plateau and so it's still worth it to for the school to collaborate with like pond as well because they have excellent educators and excellent programs too. So this is this is actually just an addition to um a resource that we

104already have access to. Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm I'm supportive of >> Yeah, it was a good one thing to change the verbage in the first coordinator. >> We hired >> Yep. moved a teacher to the floor. >> Yeah. I just didn't know if it made the school look that thing had to hire one in the first place. [laughter] So, >> no, not at all. >> Many many districts have curriculum directors. >> Yeah. I'll stay up first. Perfect. >> Okay. So, do you need to do a motion? >> Yes. >> A motion um to send a letter in support to the land trust. Frank has a um motion or a motion. A second. >> Second by Elaine. Uh Ken, how do you vote? Yes. Elaine? >> Yes. >> Penny? >> Yes. >> Greg, >> yes. >>

105Rebecca, >> yes. Yes. I'll just fix that one word and send it to you. Okay. Thank you. Moving forward to date and location of the next board meetings. We have a special meeting on January 13th at 6:30 um regarding the capital project workshop. I encourage everyone that has any questions or wants to learn more to attend. Um, our regular board meeting will be held on January 20th. Um, here at 7:15 and moving on to next is we need a short executive session related to the employment history of a particular person. >> Thank you. Sorry, can I just say one more thing? You >> absolutely. Um, I just want to acknowledge, um, it was on the web page. Thank you, Rachel. Um, Daryl Maxon and Karen Day um, continued the tradition of Reeds Across America over

106at the Berlin Cemetery. Um, when the I think it was a mobile education trailer came through a few years ago, kind of got I think Daryl and, you know, a few people interested and they this was the third year doing it. Um, you know, a lot I think probably students showed up. The community bought hundred wreaths to place for every veteran over at the Berlin Cemetery. I think Mr. Cornell played taps. Um, so just another nice community event and I wanted to thank them for doing that. >> Thank you. [snorts] Can I get a motion for the executive session? Motion by Frank. A second. Any all in favor? [laughter] >> I do not anticipate taking any action after our executive session.