Board of Education Meeting November 18, 2025

001This is a special presentation from the Brighton Central School District Board of Education. >> Good evening. Welcome to the Brighton Central School District Board of Education for Tuesday, November 18th. This meeting is called to order. We have a number of people would like to speak tonight for public participation. I know that members of the board have received some feedback from members of the community with regards to the phase 2 capital project. I'll quickly note and I'll go I'm just going to go in alphabetical order for the people who signed up to speak. There will be on agenda item nine which is approval of the construction bids uh a presentation to address some of the concerns we have seen. Having said that, I'd also note that we have a community forum at 7 o'clock where we'll

002also hear concerns, but we have the opportunity for public participation now and have people signed up. So, I'll do my best uh to say the name correctly, and if I don't, I apologize. So, I'll start with uh Mark Arpeg from Brighton, New York. And I'm sorry, I'll give the uh you can go right ahead to the podium, sir. Um the the way we set this up for public participation is that you have three minutes to speak. We'll hear any feedback from the community. And from a timing perspective, Karen to my left here with uh 30 seconds left will hold up a yellow sheet of paper and then when the three minute mark is hit, she'll hold up a red sheet of paper so you'll have a sense for your time. >> No whistle. >> I

003can't whistle and I'm just getting over a cold. So I apologize if I cough. >> Mr. Arg. >> Okay. Uh thank you for uh inviting us to speak tonight. I have a couple of concerns. The first one is with the um lack of communication. Uh I don't want to dwell on it, but uh I was surprised to hear about the plans of this and uh I would appreciate it in the future if neighbors uh that are being impacted so uh closely would be contacted directly. Um that's my first point. My second point is uh looking at the plans, it appears that they uh are almost encroaching on uh the yards that are nearby and uh that changes the whole dynamic of the neighborhood and uh I'm not crazy about that design at all. I think

004more uh time should be given to redesign and I'm happy to do that. I coached soccer for 20 years in Brighton and uh so I'd love to put my input into that. Um the third point is that I'm not crazy about the turf idea either. Uh many people uh these days are going with real turf like we have in Betavia a beautiful turf farm and uh my kids love to play out there on the Betavia turf fields. uh it's safer for them. Uh it's it's more um ecologically friendly, I guess you would say. And um it's it's a happening thing. I I was watching football uh as best I could on Sunday and uh um I noticed that the game out at Mile High Stadium has a brand new turf field that they're quite proud

005of. real turf, not artificial turf. So, I I understand that this is something happening. It's a lot of money that's being spent on this. Um I wouldn't mind seeing that money go towards upkeep of a real turf field. Um and I would consider that uh a a great upgrade uh to to consider that uh real turf. And that's pretty much all I had to say. >> Thank you. >> One more thing. >> I'm concerned about the material and you know we've been going through abatements like the town hall is closed because of asbestous removal and so on. How many years down the road is it going to be before we get notified that this is equivalent to a toxic waste dump and we've got to take it up and remove it and dispose of it

006somehow. And who's going to pay for that? We will. That's it. >> Thank you very much for your feedback. It's appreciated. >> Mark Digory. Good afternoon. My name is Mark Diggery. I live at 133 Brooklon Drive, directly east of the proposed athletic field expansion. We understand that the board has already issued a seeker determination. We are not challenging that decision this evening. We are asking for a clarification and for the record to be corrected where the information appears incomplete and inconsistent. During our review of the environmental assessment form, several questions emerged regarding the con construction impacts, the long-term maintenance, and the community safety. We plan to submit these concerns in writing so that each can receive proper due diligence. Ensuring an accurate record protects both the district and the community and strengthens the integrity of

007the seeker process itself. After reviewing the schemic schematic provided by uh when I reached out to Larry and Kevin in October of this year, um you can find that on page three of the handout that I provided. After reviewing the schematic provided, I determined that the artificial turf boundary appears to be within 30 feet of ours and our neighbors property lines. When we spoke with our neighbors, most were completely unaware of the project, its scale or timeline. On review, we found that most of the communications went through Parent Square, which you can find on uh page one and page two of the handout. many of our neighbors do not use. We also noticed the level of the project details shared for other capital items such as the Council Rock Capital project phase two were not

008mirrored in the high school athletic fields. We feel this direct difference directly contributed to the lack of awareness among our neighbors. Our concern is that this design puts hundreds of tons of petroleum based materials directly along our backyards. A single turf field can require more than 35 tons of loose infill per 1 inch layer. Infill typically derived from recycled tires or other plastics. Given this proximity and the fact that the infill breaks down, migrates and becomes airborne during both the installation and regular use. Community exposure to particullet and microplastics is not a hypothetical, especially considering prevailing winds towards our neighborhood. We also note that New York State's upcoming carpet law PAS restrictions, which come in effective December 2026, underscore that material safety concerns regarding plastic turf are rapidly coming into effect. Using today's minimum regulatory

009threshold does not guarantee safety tomorrow. For these reasons, we believe that it has not been demonstrated that the current placement is the safest or least imp uh impactful option. I would like to continue by our request tonight is straightforward. Re-evaluate the turf materials, including including independent third-party testing for contaminants relevant to New York State regulatory updates. Re-evaluate the field placement and identify opportunities to increase the setback from residents with a goal of achieving 100 to 120 ft where feasible. provide a sincere and public review process of the results that includes an additional well publicized forum where evaluations and findings can be presented and discussed with the community. >> We're over time a little bit, Mr. Digger. I do thank you for your time, but I need to be consistent with everybody. >> Thank you very

010much. >> Thank you. Victoria Love. Okay. Good evening everyone. My name is Dr. Victoria Love and I am here as a parent and neighbor who cares deeply about the well-being of our students and our community. I want to begin by stating that many of the families on Brooklon Drive and in the surrounding neighborhoods have invested large amounts of their life savings into our homes. We chose Brighton because it's green, peaceful, safe, and healthy. A place where children can play outside and where families can open their windows to fresh air without worry. Now, imagine learning that directly by behind your home and along your child's walking route, a large installation of synthetic chemicalbased turf is being installed. a surface known to shed microlastics, contain PAS forever chemicals, and reach dangerously high temperatures during the warmer months.

011Understandably, this raises deep concerns for neighbors who live just a few feet from where this material would be installed. But it's not only the neighbors adjacent to the field who would be impacted. The properties um the properties of the synthetic turf pose a problem for all who use the turf and for the environment. And I want to acknowledge something important. In 2023, the commu community likely voted on the capital improvement project without any clear understanding of the scope and scale of the changes to the athletic fields that would follow. Many residents were unaware that such a significant redesign involving synthetic turf and expanded field intensification was part of what they were approving. Beyond that, when the vote occurred, most of the residents were not aware of the emergence emerging science and new PAP's findings and

012legislation or the national movement back towards natural grass. What we know in 2025 is meaningfully different than what voters understood two years ago and it deserves renewed attention. I want to be clear, we are not anti-sport. We are pro health, pro environment, and pro safety for all students, staff, residents, and the ecosystem we all share. Across the country and around the world, municipalities and professional leagues are returning to natural grass turf because two decades of research, including major findings published in 2023, have raised serious concerns about the synthetic turf, microlastic drift, runoff, and extreme heat surfaces. Because our speaking time tonight is limited, I want to say respectfully that over the coming weeks, we will be sending several concise emails to both the BOE and the New York State Department of Education. These will outline

013specific technical issues that were identified in the district's environmental finding, including zoning mclassifications of the neighborhood and the issuance of a neg negative declaration without clear documentation for how impacts for how it impacts uh related to noise uh potential lighting, chemical exposure, microplastics, and neighborhood proximity have been addressed. My goal is to simply ensure that the record is complete, accurate, and aligned with New York State's environmental standards. And I'd like to thank you all for your time and your attention. >> Thank you, Dr. >> I hope to say this correctly. David Mass. Thank you very much. My name is David Maer. Uh I'm a Brighton resident. I have two kids in the Brighton schools. My daughter is at the middle school. My son is at the high school. I'm here today uh to ask the

014school board to table the decisions around the artificial turf fields and hopefully revisit that that decision over the long term. Um my uh day job is I'm an environmental advocate for the national nonprofit group Environment America. Uh and we've worked on the issue of artificial turf for many years. Uh my wife and I moved to uh Brighton about three years ago from Philadelphia. Lived in South Philadelphia, could walk uh to the vet and the stadiums where the sports teams played. Uh around the time we moved here, the Philadelphia Enquire came out with an investigative piece showing that six uh players on the Philadelphia Phillies had died from a very rare form of uh brain cancer. And Philadelphia Phillies players had uh brain cancer rates three times the national average. And this was correlated to the

015turf used at the vet, which had uh PAS in the artificial turf. Um, PAS forever chemicals is a class of chemicals about 12,000 chemicals known to cause cancer. Uh, immune problems, developmental problems, thyroid problems as mentioned by other speakers also uh release microlastics. Uh, injuries are higher for athletes playing on artificial turf uh versus natural surfaces. Uh, it also creates heat problems. uh there's a lot of data showing that as well. So um I would like the board to reconsider this decision. I work with a whole set of national experts who look at the effects of PAS in artificial turf. Uh I've been reaching out to some of them today and they offer to give their insights to the school board if that's helpful about some of the risks and alternatives. Um, I'd wrap up

016by saying we certainly hear from many of the companies that PAS is safe uh or that uh they have tested for PAS and have not found levels of PAS in their products. Uh there is growing data that the testing done by those companies is erroneous. Um, I can share information about that as well, but strongly recommend as the previous speaker mentioned that you have independent experts uh test the specific artificial turf options being proposed um to make sure that we're protecting our kids and neighbors uh who are living near these uh potential fields. So, thank you for your time today and um again, if I can be of any assistance, we'd love to do that. Uh thank you. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate you taking time. Rachel O'Donnell. >> Hi everyone. My name

017is Rachel O'Donnell. I live at 145 Brooklon Drive um right behind the field. Um and you can see my house and yard very closely to the proposed project. Um I just want to reiterate what um all of the lovely speakers said before me that we have environmental concerns, that we're very concerned about the new field being so close to our homes. And I do have a set of questions around um why the community wasn't notified and I understand the vote in the process but I feel like the town is kind of missing from this conversation. I would really like to know um why there was no kind of community conversation around this what was really happening um at the time and why people really kind of in direct line of the field the new lights

018the new noise would not be contacted. Um as a parent I'm also concerned about the location of the field. Um, again, I'm I really support the um sports at Brighton and I love having the football field um a little ways down from us, but I'm really kind of concerned about is that still going to be accessible. As people may know, a lot of um children from Brooklyn Drive rock through the field um to attend school. So, I have a number of questions about green space, the use of the field, um the access that the children may or may not have, and uh also the lack of information that we were given um up until this point, which again came from neighbors. um and not through any kind of letter to our home or any kind

019of information um directly to property owners in that area. We are generally kind of concerned about our property values as well, what the kind of noise and lights from the field might mean um as they encroach onto our space, especially our yards. Again, um very close. Um so, thank you for listening and I just want to add to what everybody else has said. Thank you. >> Yeah, I'll note, um M. If you have some questions that you wanted to email us so we could respond directly. This isn't set up as a question and answer, but if you have some questions that you would like to get some documentation, we're happy to answer those. >> Chris White. >> Hi, I'm Chris White. Um, thank you for having this meeting and giving us the opportunity to talk.

020Um, I live at 68 Brooklon and I what everything that's been said here I I think you know they're very well researched and I I I I back it very strongly. I just want to offer my support to those statements. Um, and I will say you know the the change of that what is a green space which are very precious in communities and used by those neighbors in many ways. Um, especially my my eight-year-old son, he goes and plays soccer there with his friends, you know, and I think, you know, introducing plastic grass instead of real grass is is a is a big shift, you know, and I think that's something you should think about just like in a real terms. Um, and I know in the I remember I also want to share just

021as a citizen voting in that 2023 election. I um there was a lot of capital improvement projects on the ballot, but this was part of it. And I do remember saying, I don't like that idea, but all the other ones seemed really good. So, I would have had to vote no on everything, which I I didn't want to do. and you end up it seemed maybe wasn't the best uh I wonder if it was its own issue put out there how people would have voted [clears throat] um and I think uh I hope there's more transparency about the rationale the budgeting that can go out to citizens more actively rather than requiring you know I know outreach is important from citizens but I I think given the impact on people's properties and their their lives.

022I think it it's it would be um valuable and and I know that's what everyone wants to kind of do the right thing. Um so I appreciate your time and I hope um I I would love to get some, you know, questions answered as well. So love to email you. >> Yeah, as noted, if you have some specific questions, happy to answer them. Uh it's easier if you uh to write them down if you had the time so we could respond directly. documented answers to any of your questions as well. >> Great. Thank you very much for the opportunity. Thank you. >> Thank you very much for taking the time. We thank everybody who takes the time to come. Um it's it's great for us as elected representatives to hear from the community. So, thank

023you all for your time. Um anybody else here for public participation? Seeing none, I will go on. You all have uh received an advanced copy of tonight's agenda. Any questions with regards to the agenda? >> Motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Moved by Susan. >> Seconded by Carrie Lynn. All those in favor? >> Also here we have approval of the minutes. You had a chance to receive the minutes from our our last meeting on October 28th. Any questions or edits or uh changes to the uh October 28th minutes? Motion to approve? >> Moved by Clayton. >> Second. seconded by Karen. All those in favor? >> Um, we have some tenure recommendations to approve tonight, which is always fantastic. Um, I'm going to go in the order we have first. We're going to do two

024administrator tenure recommendations. I will note I have the letters here in both of these cases from Dr. McGowan. Um the formal tenure recognition we will do in June of each year as we always do where people sort of get to walk across the stage as we like to say but we do want to take the time to approve them tonight. Uh we always have a couple that are out of cycle based on when people started. So that's why you see a couple on the agenda like this. Let me first read for Dr. Mike Mallaloy and this is from Dr. McGowan who's unable to be with us tonight. Um, I'm sorry. Okay, I'm sorry my spot. It is with the highest regard that I recommend Dr. Mike Mallaloy for tenure as director of student operations. Dr.

025Mallaloy began his tenure in this role in in 2023 following his service as an assistant principal at 12 Corners Middle School from 2008. Moreover, Dr. Dr. Mallaloy has served the Brighton community in various capacities since 1995, including as a teacher, teacher center coordinator, club adviser, and coach, demonstrating 30 years of commitment and dedication to our school community. As Dr. As director of student operations, Dr. Molay manages student transportation and central registration, drawing on his building level experience to improve procedures and coordination with staff. His strategic leadership has resulted in the development of clear protocols, fostering efficiency and consistency across the district. Dr. Mallaloyy's proactive approach and collaborative spirit have strengthened relationships with students, families, and staff, while his commitment to equitable solutions ensures that every student's needs are met with professionalism and care. These qualities

026have greatly enhanced our school community and set a high standard for student operations throughout the district. While I am a champion for his work in this role, I offer testimony from our district leaders to solidify my recommendation for tenure. From Miss Colleen Coggins, principal at French Road Elementary School, wrote, "I had the pleasure of working with Mike Mallaloy for the past two years in my role as principal at French Road Elementary School. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by his flexibility, collaboration, and strong work ethic. Whether addressing matters of residency, custody, registration, logistics, or transportation challenges involving students and families, Mike approaches each situation with professionalism and care. He is proactive and processoriented, frequently developing clear protocols and procedures that support consistency and efficiency. Mike's communication skills and positive presence are among his

027greatest strengths. He maintains a strong relationship with students, families, and staff, and is always a welcoming and reassuring presence during morning arrivals. His calm demeanor and problem-solving mindset have been invaluable in fostering restorative solutions to student and bus driver conflicts. [snorts] Mike is a dedicated and trusted member of our team whose contributions greatly enhance our school community. From Dr. Daniel Edmunds, principal at 12 Corners Middle School. Mike has seamlessly transitioned from a principal from assistant principal to director of transportation and student operations, bringing [snorts] with him a deep understanding of TCS TCMS norms and systems. He has used this knowledge to develop streamlined, clearly articulated protocols protocols for registering new students and ensuring that all students are transported safely and efficiently to and from school on field trips and during overnight experiences. Mike's leadership is

028marked by his unwavering support for his drivers and his high expectations for student ridership, consistently addressing concerns promptly and in person. He's also known for his innovative thinking, finding creative solutions to ensure all students have equitable access to transportation, including those attending the tutoring center who previously lacked a way to get to the building. Beyond his official duties, Mike's willingness to step in and help wherever needed, sets him apart. Whether it's assisting with the TCMS master schedule or providing coverage when the administrative team is short staffed, Mike is always the first to volunteer his time and expertise. His collaborative spirit, dependability, and student centered approach make him an invaluable member of the team from Dr. Tom Hall, principal of Brighton High School. I've had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Michael Malloy for nearly 30 years.

029During that time, I've had the opportunity to work with him in several capacities. first as a teaching colleague, then as a collaborative partner when we both served as assistant principles supporting the transition of special education students from middle school to high school and most recently in his d his current role as director of transportation and student operations. Dr. Mallaloyy's extensive experience as a teacher and administrator makes him an invaluable asset in his current position. He possesses a deep understanding of the daily experiences and challenges faced by students, parents, and school leaders alike. This perspective enables him to navigate complex situations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment, providing tremendous support to our high school administrative team. From Mr. Jeff Green, who we'll hear about in a minute, but director of student and family engagement, Mike has

030been a great collaborator. We often partner on issues around McKenna Vento, residency, and the tutoring center transportation. Since he's been in his new position, he has been the director that I have worked the most closely with. His experience as a building administrator has helped in terms of assisting in building systems as directors. He has a significant history within the district and is able to support or give feedback on new initiatives or times when we've already tried something like it. Based on my observations, the reflections of our trusted and respected administrators and for many other reasons, it is without reservation that I recommend Dr. Mike Floyd for tenure as a director of student operations. And that was Lyman, our deputy uh superintendent who put that together. So, we'll do each of these. Um, >> can we

031get a round of applause for Mike? I think he deserves this. >> I'm sorry. [applause] >> I'm so process focused. Thank you for um Do I also read Jeff and then we would do those together? Is that how we do that? >> Thank you for that clarification. So, yeah, our thanks to Mike. You've all known Mike uh for a while and Mike uh my exp also does an exceptional job reaching out and talking to parents. >> Based on some of the texts we get at times about a bus breaking down or something happening, um we get those uh issu situations resolved quickly. So this is from Dr. McGowan. Dear members of the board of education, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I recommend Jeff Green, director of student and family engagement over tenure

032of the Brighton Central School District. Excuse me. You okay? >> I'm good. [snorts] Uh, from the moment Jeff joined our team, he has made a nearly immeasurable impact. Jeff stepped into a completely new role as one that required both vision and determination to define. Through his leadership, the position has evolved from concept to cornerstone, becoming an essential part of how we connect with students, families, and staff. Jeff has not only grown the role itself, but also significantly expanded its impact on the success and well-being of our students and families. Jeff has quickly become the go-to person for families and colleagues alike and someone who brings deep empathy, strong communication, and creative problem solving to every interaction. His work is rooted in kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to each child's success. Whether leading large-scale initiatives such

033as the urban suburban family social, the HBCU trip, developing accessible family resource tools and coordinating efforts with the clothes cupboard, or working one-on-one with students and families in moments of challenge, Jeff embodies the brighten values of compassion, integrity, and excellence. Jeff's impact extends beyond his direct interactions with families. He has played a vital role in strengthening the connective tissue of our district by bringing together administrators, counselors, and teachers around shared solutions that honor the whole child. His work with the tutoring center, resource development to support students and families in need, and family engagement has built bridges between home and school that have improved both communication and trust. He is reflective in his approach, always asking how we can do more, reach further, and serve better. His ability to blend empathy with accountability has made him

034a model for student centered leadership. What sets Jeff apart is his ability to see and response respond to people's needs in authentic and proactive ways. He is a trusted advocate and caring partner to families, a dependable collaborator with colleagues and an innovative leader whose work continually elevates our collective efforts. His deep connection to families and his passion for ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and supported, have made a lasting difference in our district. Jeff's steadfast commitment to growth, both his own and that of others, reflects his professionalism and his drive to continuously improve. He is thoughtful, reflective, and incredibly hardworking. Above all, he is simply great to work with, positive, relatable, reliable, and genuinely devoted to making Brighton a place where every child thrives. In his time here, Jeff has become not only a

035leader in name, but in spirit, presence [snorts] that others turn to in moments of difficulty and in celebration. His grounded optimism and calm persistence set the tone for meaningful progress even in challenging circumstances. The programs and system he has helped build will continue to support our students and family for years to come, serving as a testament to his dedication and vision. It is without reservation that I recommend Jeff Green for tenure. His leadership, compassion, and tireless dedication have strengthened our community immeasurably, and I am confident that his continued contributions will only further our mission of of ensuring success for every student every day in every way. Sincerely, Dr. McGaw. So, taking care of [applause] >> I don't know that Dr. Mallaloy is here, but I do believe that Mr. Green is here. Would you be

036willing to stand up, please, sir? [laughter] [applause] >> So for those two administrator tenure recommendations, just outstanding. You read things like that and you realize how lucky we are to have these people in our presence working with our kids. But with that, are there any questions with regards to the tenure recommendations for these two excellent individuals? >> Motion to approve. >> So moved. >> Moved by Karen. >> Seconded by Christina. All those in favor? >> We are approved. Congratulations, Jeff. Uh thank you for all the work you do for our kids. >> Okay. We also have uh two teacher tenure recommendations that I will read >> after I take a sip of water. All right. This is this is a recommendation from Tom Hall whose birthday it is today. >> Happy birthday. [laughter] >> Okay.

037Uh I am pleased to recommend Mary Crowley for a 10-year appointment as a counselor in the Brighton Central School District. Mary recently completed her third year at Brighton High School. Prior to coming to Brighton, Mary was a long-term tenure school counselor in the Gananda Central School District. My personal observations of Mary have clearly demonstrated her incredibly caring, enthusiastic, talented, and extremely collaborative personality. Mary has a tremendous gift for successfully working with all kinds of learners and goes above and beyond to develop positive relationships with her students and their parents. Mary is professional, hardworking, compassionate, super organized, and extremely collaborative. She loves her profession, and excels in everything she does. Since coming to BHS, Mary has embraced all things brewing. She has served as the class of 2025 class adviser, participated as a chaperone for balls

038and proms, took students on educational field trips, participated in several faculty and staff events, and served as the counseling representative on mental health program evaluation this past year. Diana Spagnola, assistant superintendent, shared the following. Mary has established herself as an exceptional advocate for students. She has created safe, trusting, strong relationships with her students and families, assisting them in some cases to navigate challenging and unique situations. Mary honors the voices of her students, making sure that they are heard in any forum. She is sought out by students, families, and staff as a respected and valuable resource to all. She is an asset to our entire Brighton Central School District community. Mary is an asset to uh her students, to our parents, to the counseling department, and to Brighton High School. As a principal, I am proud

039and honored to recommend her for tenure. I am confident she will continue to make outstanding contributions to BHS and to Brighton for many years to come. Don't know that she's here, but another person to platform. [applause] Thank you, Dr. Hall. Happy birthday. [clears throat] And this is one for uh Katherine or Katie Huey. And it comes from Colleen Coggins and Diana Spagnola. We are pleased to recommend Mrs. Katherine Katie Hwey, school counselor at French Road Elementary School for a tenure appointment in the Brighton Central School District. Katie holds a master of science in school counseling from the University of Rochester Warner School of Education, Department of Counseling and Human Development. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in developmental disabilities from Cuba College. Katie is a student first educator in every sense

040of the word. Her approach is grounded in relationship building with students, families, faculty, staff, and administration. From the moment you meet Katie, it's clear she leads with compassion, humor, and care. She creates immediate trust through consistent communication, practical solutions, and deep empathy. She brings a lightness to challenging moments, a strength to tough conversation, and a heart as big as her ideas, solutions, and impact. In her work, Katie seamlessly blends skill, insight, and creativity. Whether she is conducting classroom circles, facilitating meaningful social, emotional learning activities, or supporting students through behavioral, emotional, or personal challenges, her presence is thoughtful and powerful. Katie uses the relationships she's built to engage students in lessons that are hands-on, collaborative, tech integrated, and meaningful. Her lessons promote critical SEAL strategies in ways that are both accessible and joyful. Katie is especially

041gifted in working with students who need additional support. She meets students where they are, recognizing that emotional safety and connection must come before academics. She also partners closely with families, not only to strengthen the homeschool connection, but to ensure that families feel seen, heard, and supported. She frequently connects students to internal resources and to community providers, including URMC, with care and precision. >> [clears throat] >> Along with day-to-day counseling and classroom support, Katie is also an instrumental support to our 12x1x4 program, providing vital care, structure, and guidance to some of our most valuable learners. She brings a calm, steady presence, and a deep well of patience to her work with students who require a high level of emotional support and regulation. Katie not only helps students develop critical social emotional learning skills, but she also

042models and reinforces strategies that support self-regulation and relational trust. Her ability to read a situation, deescalate with empath empathy, and respond with both warmth and structure makes her an invaluable resource in this setting. Her work ensures that every student, regardless of need, is met with dignity, understanding, and unwavering support. Katie brings an innovative mindset to her work. In one memorable example, when a family in our community experienced the loss of a parent, it was Katie who stepped in to create a path forward, offering closure, compassion, consistent, and community sort uh support for this family. Her leadership in moments like these has made a profound difference in the lives of our students and families. French Road Elementary School is undeniably better because of Mrs. Huey's presence, care, and unwavering dedication. It is with great confidence and

043pride that we recommend Mrs. Katherine Healey for a tenure appointment in the Brighton Central School District. And again, that's Colleen Coggins and Diana Spagnola. Round of applause. [applause] There is so much work uh that's done in our schools every day by people like the ones I've just described who are just there for kids uh and meet them as as was written where they are. and we are grateful for all of them and grateful that they've chosen Brighton and um feel very fortunate that they have chosen Brighton. So with that, any questions with regards to these two teacher recommendations? Motion to approve uh tenure from both Mary Krellley and Katherine Huey. >> Moved by Susan. >> Seconded by Christina. All those in favor? >> We are approved. And a round of applause for everybody. [applause] Um,

044next up we're going to get the blueprint overall blueprint action plan updates. And I don't know what order going in, but I know we're going to hear from Deputy Superintendent Lua Limo. We're going to hear from Dr. Allison Rio, from Diana and Caitlyn and Jeff. Kaitlyn, I will go ahead and get us started. So, we begin with the area of mental health, wellness, and student support. I'm not going to read this slide to you, but this is our overall goal for the year. Caitlyn and I are going to separate this out. I'm going to talk about student support first. So on the first slide here around student support, you're going to see a theme of very specific targeted uh professional learning that is happening across the district and has started since the summer before the

045school year began and continuing right up until yesterday. Um and I'm going to highlight some pieces um even some pieces that are coming up in the in the future very specific to either specific groups of staff and professionals or to specific programs. for example, the superintendent's conference day. All of our teach almost all of our teaching assistants participated actually right here in this room um in a variety of pieces that are listed there thanks to the efforts of um assistant principal Bessie Paddock. Uh Dr. Melissa Heatley came in and spoke to the group as well. And then there was a session on taking data and understanding what data is and how you take that for students led by Peter Pastili, our new uh psychologist over at French Road and supported by Kira Charlton as well.

046Uh just Monday there was some assisted technology training that was given for some communication devices for our students and the staff in particular TAs who are supporting the students using those devices and how to use those systems. So again, I'm going to reiterate the fact that it's very targeted, very specific. Um, and you can see some other pieces listed there. Looking forward to in December, a team of us from the school district are going to be attending some training on specially designed instruction for students in the special area setting. So, our PE teachers, some of our music teachers, art teachers, um, and myself and building leadership will be attending for how we support [clears throat] students in those inclusive environments and how to develop strategies instruction in those settings. Continuing on with that theme, um,

047coming up, we also this week we'll have some teams going out to learning about functional behavioral assessments, behavior intervention planning. There also is a theme is how how we are supporting our students with social, emotional, behavioral needs in those um unique areas and how we can differentiate to meet those students needs. Very excited. A team from every single building, building administrators will be joining me and Caitlyn on Thursday. Looking forward to that opportunity. Our our mental health program continues this year. Um we're going to be leading some student focus groups and a survey was completed specific to our mental health team. And without further ado, I'll turn it over to Caitlyn to talk about mental health and wellness. >> Um so this year the blueprint for mental health and wellness is divided up by students

048and then staff. So this first slide is about the students. So the um ongoing review of the survey data um to guide the district and building goals and and committee work. Um so looking at a variety of surveys um related to students continuing to look at the lessons at each building and that's really K12 plus. So, some work with the Fiser program looking at the SEAL lessons for those students in that transition program and highlighting some of those that work related to those mental health transfer goals um across that whole journey from Council Rock all the way up to our students who are 22 years old. Um aligning that to, you know, culturally respon responsive practices as well as tying it back to that survey data. That's that first bullet point. um focusing again on

049that ongoing communication and education for students, families related to um mental health and wellness and how to access resources, services, and supports. This has been an ongoing piece and it will probably continue to be in our blueprint um looking at how do we put things in blueprint or in blueprint, sorry, in newsletter. So, we've added a blurb to our newsletter that kind of highlights a an area of mental health or wellness and gives families like a little piece to try. Um, you know, here's a little bit of information about it. Here's something you can try as a family to target that or to think about it differently with your with your child. Updating our website with different resources, making sure that it's up todate. One of the things we focused on right now is making

050sure that that's current with if you're in need of food or clothing or different resources in this current climate. Um how do we make sure that families and our own mental health providers are able to connect people with with resources that they need? our ongoing consultations um with the different providers that Diana highlighted and the parent university series kind of falls under this umbrella but also Jeff's um implementing new systems and structures to reduce chronic absenteeism across all four buildings. So this started in the summer and is continuing this year um working with staff, students and families to kind of increase um the im the understanding of the causes and the impact and then implementing um targeted interventions and strategies. So that's the student part um to support the mental health and wellness of staff

051that kind of same bullet of looking at the survey data to drive those building goals and objectives. Um the district and the building wellness committee are continuing to support the communication and education of staff around mental health and wellness and resources and how to access services and support all six buildings. So again thinking about the four buildings Fiser and then this building continue to provide opportunities for faculty and staff to collaborate and connect to um foster joy and opportunities to kind of support mental health. So different opportunities to um get together whether it's you know coming together for lunch or doing things together to you know silly opportunities like Halloween costumes or um you know things you know throughout the year and that will continue to be a line item to to foster joy. Um,

052and then buildings are continuing to revisit behavior and discipline practices and to make sure that there's that ongoing collaboration and communication and that goes between building leadership, faculty and staff and then families. >> Any questions for us before we shift to Alison? >> Thank you. >> Hello. Thank you, Diana and Caitlyn. and I'm just going to roll into academic excellence now. So, the year has started off and I'm going to highlight a few of the items from the blueprint that have kind of hit the ground running to start off in this fall. Other ones we'll touch upon as we continue through the year. But in the area of curriculum, we have continued our work that's gone on for several years now around our grade level transfer goal work and curriculum development. And just to kind

053of touch upon what that is for everyone, again, it is looking towards those common goals for our students in all of the content areas and looking at what that looks like across each grade level as students are progressing from kindergarten through 12th grade. So, we had the opportunity to spend some time in departments on superintendent conference day at the 612 level looking at student work and aligning what is coming out of like the student product and how that fits into the curriculum that we're doing in the classroom. and at the K5 level diving a little bit deeper into some different breakout sessions around social studies, around technology, around math, and to continue the work in that way. Also, at the K5 level, we've started our math textbook review process. So, that's going to go on

054from this school [snorts] year into next school year. This school year, we have surveyed teachers to gather some input around what they're looking for in a math textbook series. We've looked at what's out there nationally and within our state. Um, and we're going to bring together a group of teachers in January across to begin to look at that work and to determine some math textbooks that we can pilot beginning the following school year. We have ongoing program evaluations this year [clears throat] in library physical education and then a program evaluation for facts, business, and technology. And curriculum council has picked up the integration of the New York State computer science and digital fluency standards and looking at how they fit into all content areas across K12. So, we've had one meeting this year. We'll continue

055that work throughout the year. In the area of instruction, we have a a big deal that Dr. Hall has celebrated and will continue to celebrate. But our grading practices handbook was rolled out at the high school. Really big deal, a lot of many many years of work around grading for equity and the work that's been done at the high school has been phenomenal. And we're continuing our work around artificial intelligence as well. So this summer we um rolled out a new application, Magic School, to all of our teachers, K12. They all came to professional development and students also um the opportunity to begin using that this year. We'll continue that as we go throughout the school year with professional development for teachers in the spring and ongoing throughout. Our district technology team met um about

056a little over a week ago to look at the um usage data for Magic School across the district in all four of the buildings and have seen just phenomenal usage from our teachers. So, we're going to tap on some of our power users to offer some professional development to our teachers in the spring as well. You'll also see in the academic excellence section, the executive functioning skills are mentioned several times throughout and the framework for that is really in full swing across multiple school buildings with um you've heard it through principal reports happening at faculty meetings or smaller groups or teaching assistants just this past Friday at our halfday release session had an awesome session with Maria Merllo in the teaching center. So really good work is coming out of that and more you'll hear

057more about that as the year goes on. And then lastly, you know, just the continued focus on professional learning for teachers. I've already mentioned the artificial intelligence piece for all staff. We talked about teachers, but this week we will also bring to central office staff to continue to support office staff and others clerical in using artificial intelligence to help support the work that they're doing around the district. Um and lastly, our instructional leadership team at the K5 level uh worked with our teachers on power school curriculum and instruction and um they dove into that on our fall superintendent conference day. So, lots of great things happening and more to come. >> One quick comment, one quick question comment is I appreciate the diligence around math. Our scores have been good but not necessarily where we

058wanted them. So, I love that everybody's being open to what else can we do, what else can we try >> sort of across the K through 12. Thank you for that and all the people you're working with on that. Just a do you think AI is equal parts opportunity and and threat? I mean, is that how you're thinking about that? >> That's a big question to ask me here in the blueprint presentation because I could talk a long time about this, but um we're looking at as opportunity. We're looking at as a tool for our students and our faculty as one piece to help them kind of continue and grow. How do you take something that's another tool for us to use and put it in your toolbox? You know, if you can take time

059spend less time differentiating a lesson plan for different learners in your classroom and more time working directly with students in the classroom. That's an opportunity, right? So just thinking about it as a tool in our tool box, not a replacement for those things that we want to see for our faculty and our students like in the profile of graduates. So that's my quick answer. >> All right, Jeff. Great. Thank you. >> So this is the only time that I thought I was going to be standing up tonight. So thank you for >> congratulations. No problem. [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you. I rarely get embarrassed, but I was in that moment. So, um, but now we're going to talk about something I'm not embarrassed about at all, the family and student experience. So, one of

060the focus areas for student engagement. Um, we are continually trying to work on having students from different age groups and buildings have a chance to interact um, with each other. We have an amazing mentor program. Michella Peters, counselor at TCMS, does an awesome job of uh recruiting student athletes from the high school, bringing them over to TCMS, working with some of our young um young bucks that are trying to, you know, see see they're giving them the pathway to where they need to go. There's a lot of growth that's that's happening, but it's it's an awesome experience to see the students interact with each other, as well as bringing TCMS students to uh Council Rock with our little ones to to read classrooms, which is amazing. We are also trying to continue to work on

061student leadership. CCLT is in full uh form um at the high school and then the student ambassadors at TCMS working towards building culture and climate in the building providing student voice having students uh be a part of you know the decisions that are happening um within the building which is awesome opportunity we love to to do with our transfer students. It's one of our goals. Uh sometimes we find that uh students and families from um communities outside of Brighton. When they come here, it could be a big cultural shift, a lot of changes, a lot of different interventions are happening, one-on-one meetings with students, check-in meetings with uh students that are new to the district, lunch bunches, counseling groups. Really just want all of our new students to know that we see them, that we

062uh you know, want to get them connected to the district as quickly as possible. And uh those those are those are happening. And it's been overall a success and it takes a collective effort. Uh inclusive language protocol it's work that we're starting um with our partners at Boseies with Splana. Um all of the buildings are in different spots but the work um has already begun with faculty meetings with staff members or is planning to occur. So more to come um with that. And then especially at our secondary level, continuing to now that clubs and everybody, you know, sports are are definitely underway, but clubs, students have an opportunity to try different things and the the the uh leadership teams are going to continue to work on focusing on students that may not be involved um

063in different clubs and activities, encouraging them, trying to have kids once again be connected to school, and um also identifying students that may not be connected to school activities, but there are a lot of students that are involved in um activities outside school, which is okay as well. We just want kids to be connected um in different activities so they could be well-rounded individuals. For our focus area, family engagement, the fall had a ton of welcoming events. I'm not going to read all of those, but um a lot of events where students and families are able to come out, connect with each other, um to connect with the school community, connect with the larger Brighton community. Um and they, um are, you know, Brighton, we were very proud of being a uh a community where

064people show up and show out. So, we look forward to all these events. Look forward to having more to come. Um, one of the events that I know that is going to be coming um in this upcoming spring at Council Rocka, a newer event, Steam Festival, we're going to be recruiting uh community members and family members that are involved in engineering science. Um, so looking forward to working with PTSA on on that event at at um at Council Rock. I know Caitlyn mentioned parent university. Parents as partners is a uh is a group that we worked with and we've had really good turnout so far with families that have uh decided to log on. These are virtual meetings on various topics. Families have the opportunity to register ahead of time and uh so far it's

065been uh positive feedback, but it's really cool that families kind of have choice in being able to decide what different topics uh they may be interested in um in learning more about or getting support with. Uh, so thank you to the building principles for sending those out in the weekly emails. Dan Goldman, you are the man. Thank you as well for helping to make sure that families are getting the information on a regular basis as well. Um, when it comes to the equity uh piece, oh, speaking of communication, sorry, before I get to that, um, also working in partnership with Council Rock with and and French Road with our half days, making sure that students are getting home safely. So my colleague that also was recognized this evening working with parents setting out communication to

066make sure that um no one is left home alone. Um so we want to avoid that no pun intended with the season coming. And then last but not least, registration. Um, registration. We want to make sure that the process, we're continually trying to work with the process between Mike's team as well as the building registars. Make sure that families are able to get communication that similar experiences that are similar, having kids start school around the same time. Uh, always trying to do that to make things easier for once again many of our new families that are new to the district. And last but not least, uh, student and family access to opportunities and resources. Um, so once again, this was an event, but it is also connected to the student support fund, the 5K run

067that happened this fall. We love our partnership with PTSA. Um, and they do an amazing job of once again uh collecting, uh, funds and giving each building funds for students and families that may not be able to, um, have access, the financial access to a lot of the paid opportunities that our district has. So, that's a wonderful event where they're able to fund raise and it goes straight to our students and families. um on a pretty frequent basis uh throughout the school year. So, shout out to them. The Brighton food cupboard. Um I know many of our uh community members saw the messaging a couple weeks ago with the challenges in the government and you know whether our some of our families had access to food. Um our community has really really really stepped up

068uh to to do that. I know that the Brighton [clears throat] Food Cover really appreciates our partnership with them, but we appreciate them and and what they're able to provide for um families. So, we've gotten a ton of donations in the buildings from families, not only at the building level, but also to give food to the Brighton food cupboard. And we are just once again really, really thankful for being able to provide that resource for our families. Also, when it comes to the weather getting warmer or excuse me, colder. I wish it was getting warmer. It's getting colder. Um, and the food the winter coat uh drives are happening in the building levels, but also with brighten your wardrobe. Um I was just with a family right before this meeting that came to get some

069clothing for um their family. So that's something that we're also very very proud of and uh we want to continue to do that. So shout out to the community. We are still taking in items. So uh please continue to bring uh some of the winter wear items and uh you know making sure that they're in good condition so that we can make sure that our families are getting really high quality products. We appreciate that. And then also plans for Bright Your Wardrobe to visit BHS to uh this started last year to have students have access to it. Um typically, you know, when when students and families are going to brighten your wardrobe, it's a pretty um you know, private thing, but we found that last year when we brought uh clothing to the schools, there

070are a lot of students that also like the opportunity to be able to go get items. Um and we, you know, we want to be able to continue that. So once again, it's all about access to uh to resources for our students and families. So that's all I have for now. >> Thank you very much. >> Good evening. In the area of operations, I created kind of a new logo here. These are our three big rocks that we'll be focusing on and evaluating and executing strategies. Uh safety and security obviously is our is paramount to our operations. facilities, facilities planning, addressing emerging needs within our buildings, and then human capital piece of it. And we'll go through some of what we've been working on right now. I've invited uh our director of safety and security,

071uh Terresa Moer, here to speak directly to her work in the uh safety and security area. So, I'm going to have her start uh and address the lefth hand column. Great. >> Thank you. >> Um so, we're pretty proud of uh several of the things that we're implementing this year. Uh the first of which was our new visitor management system visitor aware. Our goal being that we would make our school buildings more secure by having our vid visitors do self sign in within a secured area. So they sign in prior to entering our buildings. I'm proud to say that is up and running um with the help of the building principles in every single building within our district at this time. Um, another program that is brand new to us, but you've likely heard over

072the past year or so, um, is the TAP app. And I'm proud to say we have fully implemented that now. We finally completed testing across the district. It took took a little time to work out the kinks. Um, all staff are signed up or clo to 100% of our staff is signed up for the TAP app. Now, this app will allow us in any situation, emergency or minor situations in which we might need to just bring students inside and have a shelter in place. It allows us to communicate with all staff members um what you know whether it's maintenance, transportation, teaching assistance, um cafeteria staff, everybody involved so that we can update everyone in real time about what's going on in every situation. Uh but even more importantly, it improves our ability to take real-time

073attendance with students to have um account instant accountability and then to also carry that over with our staff um is our next goal is to have real time accountability in any situation so that everybody is safe and accounted for in any of the situations that we may need to uh deal with on any given day in any building. Our reunification is something that was brand new for us that we started over over the summer. Reunification planning. Um we trained roughly 140 staff members across the district through I love you guys training. Um this uh if you're not familiar with it, uh assists us with reuniting students and parents in the event that we might need to evacuate a building. Let's say there's a gas leak at the high school and students aren't able to return

074to the high school. We have uh the ability to plan and map out how we can safely reunite uh reunite students and their families in the event that we aren't transporting them home. Um in addition to that we were able to work with uh the temple birth codesh and our community partners uh BPD bright and fire and ambulance to map out utilizing that space as a community partner. Um if in fact we ever needed to utilize that to reunite um students and their families. Uh we just completed that this month and now um we are working with building principles to build our reunification teams which also is a part of that process. Um so that piece is in the works. our shell card, which encompasses all of our emergency um responses. Uh working with the

075building principles, just doing common planning across that to make sure that all of us are aligned in how we respond to any specific emergency across the district. And then new this year was DEAS laws which is um the regulation that stated that districts need to build cardiac response teams in every single building. Again partnering with building principles we were able to develop a cardiac response team for each building and embedded within that um we took it one step further to ensure that we have many staff members that are trained in AED and CPR. So right now all of our security staff are um our maintenance staff I believe they are all fully trained now. We will continue that training process year after year so that we have more people to draw upon um you know

076in response to the building those cardiac response teams. And then as always nurses and coaches um are all required to have those certifications as well. And then lastly, you know, as part of the blueprint, we always want to monitor how we're doing and collect that data so that we can always improve our safety and and security protocols across the district. Um uh one such program that we continue to utilize is linewise and that's monitoring um student activities online um to ensure they're engaging in um in safe activities while you utilizing um our devices within our building. And outside our building and that that allows us to have real-time response to any concerns or concerning behavior that students might be engaging in. Uh similar to that, another safety program that we utilize, uh safe schools, I'm

077sure you've heard of that as well. This is where individuals can call in anonymously or they can call in or um email in their concerns and then it allows us to have a real-time response to address any concerns across an array of um uh categories. And again, uh, the building principles do a great job of assisting us with monitoring that, but also being the frontline individuals that are addressing those concerns with students and families. Along with um our TAP app, uh, the partnership is as kind of a a co-program is clips. Within clips, um, that is where we monitor all of our um, threat assessments that we engage in. also anything to do um with workplace violence and then any suicidality. And so um we are collecting a lot of data in there so that

078we can um you know monitor our mental health, monitor what's going on within buildings um and ensure that we're doing the best we can do to meet all those needs and take proactive actions um to prevent some of these um situations from arising. And then lastly, um we are using Incident IQ for the first time this year um as as a uh safety and security platform where all of our uh security staff across the district um daily will enter any safety or security concerns that they see during their shift. You know, whether it's a window that's been propped open, um a broken door, um uh somebody was able to, you know, get into our building without a badge. A whole array of concerns so that we can monitor that, but also monitor it in real

079time and address it. Um, I receive an email for every incident that's put in there so that um they can be prioritized to what needs to be addressed, but also that we can pull out that data at the end of the year to see if we have any glaring concerns that we really need to focus on as a goal for improvement. um as well. Any cons any questions about safety? >> No, just very happy with the focus we have on it that you're leading that effort. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> And so, for our other two big rocks uh with facilities, uh one of the things we're going to talk about tonight is um the ongoing master planning and the continuation of the phase 2, the 22 23, excuse me, 23

08024 phase 2 project. um and transparency is that we're not able to achieve all the work that was presented to the voters um in February of 24. So, we need to rep prioritize some of that that work and seek reauthorization. And we'll talk about that in the next slide. Uh one of our our second area is improving our collaboration with our buildings and grounds, our maintenance mechanic services, and our building principles. And I appreciate uh director John Olly being here today. He's going to spearhead that strategy, making sure he's connecting with the principles on a regular basis. So we're optimizing re resources, we're addressing things before they turn into capital projects or emergency capital projects. So improvement in communication and collaboration in that regard. And then long-range master planning um with this uh with the

081awards of the 2324 project and the council rock phase 2 project, we've really completed all the ongoing work that was contemplated in the 2017 capital improvement project. So now we're in the process of building with our stakeholder groups the next five years, the next 10 years of what those master planning looks like. So we're having those meetings uh with our design partners and putting pen to paper on what our priorities are and how we'll be allocating future capital dollars. On the human capital piece of it, our strategy is is succinct in that we want to retain and recruit the best, right? So part of that is what do we have to offer and offering competitive benefit packages. We're this year we've um opted into a bunch of voluntary benefits to give people choices again to

082be an employer of choice and we're participating in a teacher recruitment day and we you know teacher shortages are really uh nationwide but in particular in New York State. So what our strategy is, we want to get in the ring, compete against other districts and have candidates choose us and we have to market ourselves and sell ourselves as as a top employer and invite people to, you know, help us continue to build something special here. So that's our that's our focus on human capital with the uh capital planning considerations. This is the remaining scope that's not included in the bids this evening uh that the board is considering. So you can see the scope um that needed to be deferred based on price es escalations and some design concerns. So what I highlighted there is

083the middle school reauthorization for the main office. Our objective at the time of referendum was to relocate the main office from the current second floor down to the first floor and build a secure entrance way to that. We're having design challenges with that and trying to preserve the environment of our beautiful atrium in that building. Our priority is still to create a safe and secure vestibial like we've been able to achieve at door 20 at the high school and at French Road and and Council Rock in their first phase. So, we need to continue to allocate dollars to meet that immediate um program objective, but we really want to look at how do we best utilize um that space and optimize the dollars. You could see down in proposed scope, do we want to consider

084leveraging that? the middle school of all the schools um is probably the most um constricted for space with program um program expansion needs. So there is an opportunity uh in the site plan to expand classrooms. You know that would come at a cost of about $2.5 million. So looking at um building more of a master plan for the middle school specifically as we continue to build the long-range master plannings for um the high school and French row that any questions related to operations? >> We'd have a longer discussion about reauthorization and that scope at a later date. Correct. >> Yes. just planning to see now that as of right now we're not able to afford all the work that was uh included in that initial referendum >> and that's due to just conditions in the

085market or the big process. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> A lot going on. >> Uh questions with regards to any you obviously had a chance to ask any questions for each of the presenters. Our thanks to all of you. Our blueprint, as we will always note, is available on the website with updates on there from time to time, and we appreciate everybody being able to check that and you all updating us on a regular basis, as the principles do each month as well. Uh, next up, we have approval of some second read policies. Um, each of these policies you, uh, received last meeting for a first read. Um, and I will say each of them out loud. Policy 5661, non-instructional/b businessiness operations wellness. [snorts] Policy 7224, students virtual instruction. And policy 5840, non-instructional business

086operations artificial intelligence. Questions or edits with regards to any of these policies? Motion to approve the second read policies as presented. >> So moved. >> Moved by Carolyn. >> Seconded by Sue. All those in favor. [clears throat] >> We now have approval of construction bids as Lou alluded to before for the 2023 2024 phase 2 uh project. But based on uh some feedback from the community, Lou has put together a slide deck to be able to possibly answer some questions or concerns that came forward. So Lou will start with that when you're ready. >> [snorts] >> Good evening. Thanks again. Uh we appreciate the opportunity to prevent present some additional information in support of uh the district's recommendation to award uh construction contracts this evening. >> Hey Lou, I'm going to note that this is

087this presentation is available online for people as well. >> Will be has this posted. >> Okay. >> We were working on it just as you know as we're monitoring kind of community concerns and things. We're trying to put together as much information, but this will be initially put out there and then certainly we'll be um open to to feedback and questions and provide any additional information. I want to disclose I'm certainly not a scientist. I'm not an attorney and I'm not a doctor. So, we're presenting the information that we considered as we made the recommendation to the board of education at this point. So um and again it's trying to be responsive to the community concerns as uh as we've been monitoring them. So our project timeline um we had been talking about development of

088the sports fields globally since the sale of the Brookside. We said we wanted to use that money from the sale and we really wanted to achieve two things. Um this is prior to December. We wanted to change the entrance way at the high school parking lot and we wanted to invest in the fields at at globally. We said that's what generally we want to do with the proceeds of the sale. In December of 23, um we formalized our capital project u priorities and plan for the board's consideration. As we were prioritizing the scope of that work, we are obligated to do the seeker. Um and we did a full uh environmental review, completing all three parts of the environmental assessment forms. Uh and that was approved by the board of education in December of 23.

089We had uh a couple of presentations in the month of January, including a community forum and a public hearing. Uh and we mailed to all u members of the community a flyer inviting them to participate in the community forum uh seven days prior to that. So that um 23rd of of January, all those those flyers were mailed and then the voters uh went to the polls on February 7th of 24. Uh we understand there was some questions about the capital project flyer and everything that was posted on the website at the time of referendum and what was actually submitted to the state education department as our permitting agency. So at this point in time prior to a capital project we cannot formally engage um the architect and engineers to design the project. They obviously have

090to do the environmental review and there's a there's uh you know that's that's understood pre-referendum service but we can't design it. So they generally throw out a conceptual and they identify the acreage that would be disturbed for the environmental review. So once we have architecture review we have a contract in place then we invite the program stakeholders to help build it and identify what all the program objectives are everything they want to achieve in in the space. So I understand, you know, the concern from the time of referendum. You can certainly see there was a lot more green space in this section and the way we reconfigured the field, which I'll address in the next slide. Uh I absolutely understand what the concern is. So um the reason we did that was the three primary

091design elements. One, we wanted to optimize the usage opportunity, right? We wanted to create as many opportunities for kids to play uh outdoors as as long as they possibly can. Uh so we reconfigured it to be able to achieve and I apologize if it's small for those in the audience. These are all the sports programs that we're able to achieve with that. We have a couple of pinch points with the location of this considering where the storm water management areas. We have a pinch point where the stadium is right here. We certainly have a pinch point with the property line right here and with the parking and the tennis courts area down there. So that was kind of that was all considered as the site engineer was was laying out these options. >> Just with

092your arrow, will you quickly point out the modified baseball field which isn't called out specifically here because it's >> Yes, sir. Yep. So, it's down in this corner right here. So, we did want to preserve that. That's is a grass field that we're trying to preserve as well um for our for our baseball program. >> Could you also tell me more about the storm water management area? What that looks like? >> Yes. So, this area up here is going to be designed to be the the storm water. And again, not an engineer, but this will be natural landscape area, naturally growing landscape. There'll be a wooden fence around it like you would see at a park, and it'll be natural growing grasses and really undisturbed um undisturbed area in this area. You know, one of

093the benefits of that is likely our science programs will be able to use it. It'll be a natural habitat in this area back here. >> So, that fence would have egress of some sort. Yeah, because there's going to it's going to be a swell, right? So, that's going to be that there's infrastructure in here um for you know that's required for the storm water mitigation. And as far as access to the um to the facility from the neighborhoods, we were certainly contemplating that too and we want to make sure there's safe there's a barrier in there, you know, to separate all this, but students coming from the neighborhoods here and uh where the easement is. Sorry if I'm not pointing to that right, but we want to make sure there's pathways for our walkers to

094get onto the campus too. So that was contemplated as well. But again, you can see all the program that we were trying to preserve and kind of not kind of but our actual design challenges in um in designing this this field. So that's the difference from pre-referendum schematic design, you know, taking all the way through through construction design and submitt to to SE >> and that is a function of regulation. If I'm hearkening back to my experience with the phase one in 2017, we were able to present conceptual design, but that we were voting on the idea of the project. The state does not allow the architect to to render actual designs until after the referendum passes. >> Correct. We could we could do things like master planning or specific pre-referendum contracts. Um but you

095can't start designing the project until you have voter authorization to do so. >> Thank you. So the reasons that we uh recommended turf and um synthetic turf was identified in the seeker um the seeker documentation. It was specifically cited in the seeker documentation and it was consistent in our in our practices. So we made a purposeful recommendation to choose synthetic turf over grass for these reasons that you would generally see any school district um or many of the the school districts around Western New York. the weather resistance, the playable in extreme conditions. You think about our sports starting in March and you know the limitations. So our athletes are in our gyms, they're in parking lots. This provides an opportunity. Um those are where we we do plow the stadium field and we would care

096for this field in the same way that we're taking care of our stadium field. Um the unlimited use again uh and max maximizing opportunities for kids and then the lower maintenance cost compared to natural turf. So, as we were contemplating investment, just rehabilitation of our fields versus synthetic turf, uh, campus construction, our construction managers um had prepared analysis for really all their clients of the pros and cons of turf and versus um natural turf versus synthetic turf. So, we were making um, you know, a business decision as well, thinking that we're going to be able to reduce our long-term maintenance costs. >> Okay. So we understand the concern and this is a slide that uh that acknowledges the concern. Um PFAS as I was told to say it but it may be PAS is there.

097So excuse me if I interchanged those but this is uh validates the community concern about um previous tests um and different case studies across across um New York. There is to be fully transparent pending legislation. Uh we researched the the bills both in the Senate and the Assembly that are proposing a ban on turf fields um pending you know more comprehensive testing. Both of those u bills are in committee right now. They currently do not have any uh co-sponsors. So they're they're kind of halted in uh in committee right now. Um certainly we would work closely with Assembly Member Clark and Senator Cooney's office as if there was any development in that um you know as we as we work towards um actual construction from the seeker the state environmental quality review. Again, the district

098did u was obligated to complete all three parts based on the disturbances of uh acreage not only at Brighton High School but also at French Road because you remember the site work is inclusive of the parking lot um kind of the redesign of of the parking lot, the entrance way, French road site work. So the contract that's being considered tonight is has site work related to all of those all of those components. So the seeker is is obviously prepared by our architects, our site engineers. It's thoroughly reviewed by an environmental attorney. Um when it's presented to the board for the board to make a determination, the results were a negative decoration was issued, meaning an environmental statement uh is required and the district will obviously coordinate with all agencies. We're obligated, we have no exemption

099to to not comply with with any regulations from that. So obviously we will monitor everything closely to ensure compliance with all regulations. So tonight's action um is to approve the bids for the 2324 phase 2 project. So that includes scope of work at French Road, at the middle school and Brighton High School. So some of the contracts that are being um presented tonight are comingled in scope. For instance, the site contract has the parking lot, the entrance way, has French road, bus loop, as well as the site improvements and rehabilitation um of the high school, and there's an alternate that's being considered tonight, which is the selection of the artificial turf provider, and there was a couple choices that the district had in doing that. So, that's the action of the board tonight is to

100consider those those bids, whether to accept those bids or reject those bids. Um what's next then once the board approves the bids then we enter into contracts with each of the respective prime contractors and the site contractor is a prime contractor and they will begin um responding to the design. They will submit um all of their material requests. They everything has to be submitted and reviewed. So we will continue to monitor all the material submittals um which again reviewed by the architect, engineers and construction manager and and again the based on the timeline that I talk about there we have to enter into a contract first before we can determine schedule but site work and [snorts] the improvements and all the foundational work um can begin as soon as practical. Um but the the turf

101installation is likely the earliest that could probably happen is the summer or the um or the fall of of 26. So there is you know as things evolve or there something [snorts] was to happen um you know we would be able to respond to that to again ensure compliance. >> Do you mean changes in in regulation or state law? >> Correct. >> Okay. So, the uh turf company that we're recommending is the same turf company that um maintains and that installed our um stadium field. It's a turf. I provided the link um so people can view, you know, the product specifications and then their provider or supplier, excuse me, Ecore Athletic. uh I put their information there and certainly we reached out to them um to be able to prepare you know additional information that

102was requested by the board um about you know the concerns with with PAS and on the right hand side is an example of their you know data specification she sees that sheets excuse me that are included in their uh on their website and again we can be fully transparent with any material that's going to be installed um all the data sheets will be publicly available and able to be reviewed one of the as we talked with them and as we expressed you know the community shared the community concern excuse me um a turf response and I as you would expect you know they have been committed to testing and they had a letter dated back to 21 so the POS issue is not a new issue and it was contemplated at the time of the

103seeker I understand you know there's always emerging sciences and things like that but we you know we stand by the the recommendation at this point. Um, and we'll continue to address community concern um, you know, as as any information becomes available. And again, these were these letters were provided by a turf and provided by their suppliers. So these this not district testing. We just asked for is there any materials or information that you have that would offer reassurance that there is testing going on and you know what the results have been as we're considering you as our potential um turf manufacturer provider and this is what they were able to provide. So, I'm simply just sharing um the information that they had, understanding that there may be questions about the testing and things like I

104respect and appreciate that. Just sharing what was provided in support of recommending them as our um as the alternate provider, alternate bid to provide turf fields. >> And that's alternate because they'll be a subcontractor of the contractor we approved for the site. >> Correct. Our contract will be with uh Diori is the recommended site. contract with the ter that's the material that they will procure and that will be their subcontractor installing >> just a funny way to express it al alternate bid it makes it sounds like it's a an option does that make sense >> correct correct it was that we we structured it as alternates so we could evaluate the cost and the product uh product design for the two uh most common uh turfield providers in in the state and a turf and

105field turf Sheneno are the two most popular prevalent in both college stadiums, professional stadiums, and and high school, um, public school, private school, K12 fields. >> Do these companies only install a synthetic turf or are there other options from these companies? >> I only understand that they install these are our synthetic turf providers. Uh we did not have a bid that contemplated grass because we had made the programmatic decision to uh for a turf synthetic turf field >> and that's what our constituents voted on right was for synthetic turf when we put it to a vote. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Again people may not have necessarily but that was in our materials and that was definitely identified in our in our seeker right >> uh seeker review. >> Can I go back? Is this

106a good time for questions? Can we the question slide yet. >> You're my boss's boss. So, [laughter] >> um I want to talk about expansion of a program, if you will. I'm going to reference some another another thing that's come before the board about the possibility of changing start times and being able to run multiple practices for athletic teams at one time. um would better make that possible in on the future if that's still on the table. That's a piece we need to move forward, the ability to run practices so we're not having kids practice until 10 p.m. Right. >> That absolutely wasn't our response to the the school study is to provide those opportunities to not push activities later. >> So in the fall and in the spring, we have only there are times

107when we only have one field available for practice for multiple teams. So I would reference boys and girls soccer, field hockey. Um That's our current football field, right? What we refer to stadium field what we stadium field. That's what we call our stadium field. I won't call it football field >> because it's used by the lacrosse soccer field, not the football >> homecoming >> and and for both the men's team and the women's teams. >> Correct. So that's I mean that's an excellent point because that was part of the committee's recommendation uh for site improvement. So that that was >> so like as a long-term plan. >> Yeah, that was part of our long range plan. Brookside and help find the resources to to at least check that box as a >> so instead of

108four practices back to back to back I can run two at a time let's say >> now I want to be clear this this project does not in include the installation of lights however it does include the infrastructure should the community want lights in the future so that's part of the electrical bid >> but even during the day when we have natural light we can run two practices where in the past we could only run one >> correct >> which gives us potential to make other programmatic changes not just to extracurricular athletics. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> I think your point is well taken because we have to you know think back to where this discussion came from. You know this came from feedback from the community a lot about access and opportunity for you

109know more children to get involved in physical activities. Um because even the girls um you know JV and modified you know softball teams were being busted to like the swampy area behind French road elementary school and so it became an equity issue um you know that was brought up in some of the community feedback. So >> agreed. I will add that we also had a shortage of gym space because in rainy situations where you could be outside if the fields weren't muddy and because if they got muddy and sort of destroyed in the pre-season, it was hard to get them to come back. They'd become unplayable surfaces. And there was equity with regards to gym space as well because we were constrained on which school had a gym space for a hockey, field hockey or

110field hockey, soccer, softball, baseball team to practice. Can you I'm sorry, Lou. Can you just make that point again about the lights? We're putting in the infrastructure. That's the plan. Yeah. >> So that if the community said in the future we do want lights, we haven't got to dig things, the the conduit and those things will be in place. >> Similar to what we did at um Council Rock Primary School. We put in the infrastructure if we ever needed to build up, >> you know, so we we just made it a possibility in the future should that be um >> considered. as a [clears throat] community. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> We just want to this is our only opportunity to do that without, you know, disturbing, you know, this particular investment. >> I have

111a couple more questions about process if that's okay. >> Sure. >> My my recollection, correct me if I'm wrong, is that once the community has voted for the referendum, we're obligated to follow through in some way. Correct. >> My understanding, again, not being an attorney, but if you present a scope of work and you do not complete that scope of work or you know in in in a material way then that is a basis for a challenge of the bond and could jeopardize the tax exempt status of the bonds that are issued to pay for this >> because I would say is you you you I would not have voted for it had you said I was not going to include the turf and then my my next question is about >> you have to

112do what you say you're going to right is about timing. >> Um we have the bids for this project as it was proposed and voted on in 20 in early 2024 almost two years ago. If we were to delay, can you give an idea as our business official what that might do to our cost? If we just if we decide to delay now, but then we decide but then we we we have to do some work because that's what the referendum proposes. If we delay, what what potentially does that do to the costs we're asking the community to take on? So, if the bids were rejected, I mean, those are that's kind of your option right now. Accept the bids, reject the bids. Um, they're only good for 45 days. So, um, if the board

113was to reject the bids, we would have to take time to understand, you know, the basis of rejection, how you would like it redesigned. So, there's going to be some res redesign time and cost associated with that. The the greater risk is the escalation of prices and the timing. likely we would miss our window of construction if we went out at a nonoptimal bid time. You know, so if we bid again in um June, let's say, you miss all that summer work for the site contractor and now you have another year escalation of prices. >> And you think that that's a definite possibility that prices escalate, things being what they are. >> I think it's if our construction manager here, they probably would go on record and say they absolutely would escalate. I can't, you

114know, assure that, but I mean, I think that's a that's a fair assumption is that they're going to escalate giving the increases in uh, you know, prevailing wages, material escalation. I and mostly the wage escalation and the wage shortage and the competition again, site contractors, there's a lot of work out there for for site contractors and there's a lot of work out there for electricians. So, you know, to be able to have a top quality um site contractor that can meet the scope, this is a pretty expansive, this is a pretty extensive scope of what we're asking a site contractor. There's only really a few players in the public sector that can do this work. Um, you know, we may miss the opportunity of working with them. They may not be able to bid, you

115know, at a later date. >> I also put out there that I'm more concerned about the availability of contractors a little bit more than I am about materials. We know Webster, Canada, Digwood, Pittsford have turf projects that are going. So, I'd be concerned about passing on something for a period of time and losing a window that might be 26 and having that turn into 27 or 28 based on the availability of people to actually do the work. Trades have a pretty tremendous shortage. Electric's the worst, >> but uh others are out there. Other questions for uh Lou? >> Thank you. >> We now are um up for uh approval of the construction bids for the 2023 2024 project. Um any other questions for Lou before we put that out for vote? >> I don't. I

116feel pretty satisfied. So motion to approve the construction bids as listed in your materials for the 2023 2024 phase 2 project. >> So moved. >> Moved by Karen. >> Seconded by Clayton. All those in favor. >> Do we have to call separate? No, >> you don't. All in favor? >> All opposed. >> Thank you. Next up, and I'll note for the record that we're running a little bit late. I apologize. I got us started at 5:20, so that's my fault. And so I apologize for that. We'll go through the rest of the agenda. What I will say to the board quickly is we'll hold our reports until the next meeting. I want to make sure we hear on the other reports. Um, and then we'll just sort of work through this. First of all, uh,

117approval of the financial report dated September 30th, 2025, and the treasures report delay dated July and August 2025. Have you had a chance to reveal received those in advance? Any questions with regards to those financial reports? Those are approved separately. Motion to approve the financial reports. >> Moved by Christina. >> Seconded by Carrie Lynn. All those in favor. >> Samantha, you've been very patient. Thank you very much. You probably got a lot of homework tonight, but we do want to hear from you. >> Thank you. >> First quarter has officially ended and we are now in the second quarter of the school year. math team had their second math meeting today, November 18th, after school. Crossroads yearbook won three awards from Syracuse University, including silver in best overall yearbook, bronze in best overall layout, and

118bronze in best overall cover. There was a natural helpers retreat for students to gain more problem solving skills on November 13th through the 15th. The BHS had their play for the Crucible November 14th and the 15th, including a performance during the school day for the junior class on Friday the 14th. Diver Alyssa Helman won Monroe County Diver of the Year and is going to states this week. Our football team won sectionals for the second year in the in a row. Boys cross country team won section 5 championship. Girls swimming got se second in sectional finals. Five athletes signed to commit to college athletics next year on November 13th, including K2 Badesha, Sarah Bogamel, Carly Geel, Charlotte Goldfeder, and Delaney Wilson. And JV and varsity winter sports started on Monday, November 17th. >> Wow, >> a

119lot going on. A lot of success. Thank you very much for for being patient tonight, Samantha. We appreciate it. >> I know that time is of an essence, but can I reference our former student representative, Dagy Johnson, >> okay? >> Who just uh won seventh place, which is actually a big deal. You place one through eight in fencing at um the November National American Conference. Um, she's doing an amazing job collegiate fencing. I just saw that yesterday and I thought we should have a Dagy moment. >> Dagy. All right. Dag. >> We get We'll be able to say we knew her well. >> Yes, that's right. >> 100%. >> That's worth it. So, thank you for that. Uh, BTA Christine Hallan, please. >> All right. Um, it's been a busy October, early November. Um, Mrs.

120Allen's first grade class. Students learned a new math strategies including the turnaround rule for addition. And they practiced their number facts to 10, creating Halloween spider web art to apply that learning. And in their arts and letters time, they explored why books mattered, studied libraries, story structure, and created narrative projects featuring characters visiting library settings. Um, at French Road, fifth grade teachers Lizzie Eden and Corey Gotfrieded continued their seventh year of writing letters to honor flight veterans on their 93rd mission to Washington DC. Students researched veterans from the Cold War or the Vietnam War and wrote personalized letters that will be delivered to the veterans during mail call on their flight to DC. Um, in visual arts, third graders have been exploring color theory, creating simple landscape collages. Um, in fourth grade they used their

121creativity to do robot drawings that would be able to help themselves, their families, their communities, or the world. They explored imaginative design and purpose- driven thinking while envisioning how technology could help make life better for others. And then fifth graders continued with the project I reported on last month, their name logo design. This time they carved into clay tiles. slabs were used to carve into and then they added features um using the coil rolling method. They worked on increasing accuracy and precision as they glazed their work carefully. At 12 Corners Middle School, they had a fun event outside for French 8 students. They competed in a ko de cafe um recreation which is an an annual event in Paris where the waiters race. they can only walk um with a tray with all the essentials

122on the tray. So, the students took part um in the side field on a beautiful sunny day. Um in English 8, the students finished reading Okay, for now um prepared for a visit to the Memorial Art Gallery where they were to analyze artwork and explore resilience through art. PE finished up their CrossFit unit and students trained using velocity based programs practicing muscle-ups, bench press, and zombie squats with new measurement technology. Seventh grade band hosted a guest clinician, Michael Strus, who helped with students on concert repertoire and music fundamentals such as articulation and tempo. Um, social studies across the building was busy with Miss Voss's class learning about water access and Israel's drip irrigation system during a visit from this year's Shinshenim Italian Yael and then created homemade irrigation systems. Andrea Burgio and Beth Sawyer took

123their 1214 class to Senica Park Zoo for habitat learning and zoology presentations. In eighth grade social studies, students compared media manipulation techniques from yellow journalism to today and rewrote headlines in a culminating activity. Uh, Fulbright scholar [snorts] from the Philippines, Jeffrey Enado, taught a lesson on the PhilippineAmerican War and Mrs. Forkin's class. And Fulbright scholar Miss T from Indonesia taught the seventh graders about Indonesian language, culture, government, and traditions. and all the kids had a chance to do a little aura farming dance at the end of the presentation. Um, at Brighton High School, Jake Provenzano, English teacher, um, received the Golden Apple Award. He was nominated by senior PJ Finn and received a pri surprise celebration which his family was also able to attend. Um, Suzanne Crowley and Rachel Rivera coordinated the visit of 14

124students and two teachers from Atorius, Spain. Uh the students got to take some local excursions, visit classes and other cultural events and Brighton students will visit Spain in February. Um in the field of athletics, Christopher Stuff was recognized for strong organization and supervision of athletics while also coaching soccer. And Jason Wasserman was acknowledged for district-wide scheduling of gym, turf, and pool facilities. The fashion club led by Louisa Brooks and Honesty Tate is busy preparing for their spring fashion show and December popup. And they've been holding many lessons on hand stitching and sewing machine skills. And districtwide, the ENL department held their international potluck picnic at Buckland Park. Again, we were blessed with beautiful weather. more than a hundred people attended um ga grades K through 12 and sharing cultural dishes and able to connect across

125languages. >> A great report from Esther. to stop by there. Esther stopped by this totally out of line, but I thought it was really important to share that we just found out today that Miss Hall was named the New York State of [applause] >> Veryive. [cheering] That's [laughter] about a perfect interruption. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Um doc PTSA update Dr. Castillo Dan. >> Uh good evening. I'm uh at Councilwalk Primary School. Families enjoyed a movie night on October 17th featuring Lilo and the event had excellent turnout and was a fun opportunity for families to gather at Frenchwood Elementary School. Our courtyard coordinator Melissa Stale is partnering with the local Girl Scouts to involve them in maintaining the Fresyards. The troop held their first cleanup day in October. Fres also hosted several popular community events including

126movie night on October 9th where families watched Wall-E and a full series of bingo nights. Uh I won't go over each date. A big thank you goes to our event chairs Jade Woodson and Lindsay Dava for organizing these funny things. Uh the PTSA also launched a winter wear and book drive that ran from October 20th through October 31st with collection bins placed in the school foyer. Um, in addition, the PTSA provided treats for the October 27th staff meeting and a makeup picture day is scheduled for November 12th. Was scheduled for November 12th. Uh, looking ahead, families are invited to a family night at Balance Hopper on [clears throat] November 21st. Admission will be free with pizza, snacks, and drinks available for purchase. Parents must accompany their children for the event. Uh, the PTSA is also

127seeking volunteers to fill two open roles, hospitality chair and art chair. We encourage anyone interested to please reach out. at 12 Corners Middle School. Um October featured several events including the sixth grade activity night on October 17th and staff hospitality for the October 27th staff meeting. The seventh grade activity night will be held on November 7th with a pajama party theme at Brighton High School. There will be a game night tomorrow evening with a swap table for students interested in exchanging games. Districtwide uh fundraising events are off to an excellent start. A calendar and spiritware sales are performing well and remain on track to meet our annual goals. Our community fundraisers have already surpassed the pace in reaching our goal of $10,000. >> An amazing partner for our students and our families. So, our thanks

128to you on behalf of the entire PTSA. So, thank you very much. Uh next up, we have the consent agenda. Um there's personnel changes, uh recommendations from the committee both on special education and preschool special ed, some field trip approvals, and some approvals for uh fundraising activities. Any questions with regard to the consent agenda? >> Motion to approve. >> So move. >> Moved by Carrie Lynn. >> Seconded by Karen. All those in favor? >> Um, prior to adjourning, a couple things really quick. First, our thanks to Loose, Mike, and Bill for making this uh meeting accessible via video. Thank you for our tech support crew. Again, happy birthday to Tom Hall. Um, our next meeting, which is December 2nd, is at the Brighton High School. So, I just note that's one of those ones we

129do on the road. We go to our schools each year. Finally, I'm making a game time call here because we started late. I'm showing 7:10 right now. The commu I'm going to uh adjourn in just a minute, but we're going to start uh the community form at 7:30. So, I'm going to start 30 minutes past its scheduled time. Is that okay? Okay. With that, I would uh put forward a motion to approve to exec session to discuss some personnel matters. >> So, moved. Moved by Karen, seconded by Clayton. All those in favor? >> We are adjourned. >> This has been a special presentation from the Brighton Central School District Board of Education.