BOE Regular Meeting - December 9, 2025 - 5:30PM (Recording)

001and large city school district. Welcome to the people in the audience. Welcome to the people online. We will begin tonight with a roll call. >> Miss Christine Bellow >> here. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow >> here. >> Miss Bucher. >> Mr. Burgarelli. >> Miss Burks >> here. >> Mr. Duray >> present. >> Mr. Howard >> here. >> Mr. Levenstein >> here. >> Miss Pity. >> Thank you sir. We're going to move on to uh item 1.2 with the winter card contest winners. I'll turn it over to Dr. Manning. >> Good evening. I would like to invite Miss Kristen Johnson, who's ascending to the podium, our director of fine and performing arts, to the podium to present our winter contest winners. Thank you so much. Cool. Okay. Good evening. I am Kristen Johnson, the director of fine

002performing arts here for the New Brick and Large City School District. We're so excited to announce the five winners of our 12th annual Superintendent Winter Card Contest. This annual contest showcases the incredible artistic talent of our students. This year, we received over 70 entries from students in grades K through 12 for this contest. The pieces of art reflect not only our students artistic talents but also beautifully capture the spirit of this very cold season. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of the students for their hard work and dedication. I also want to acknowledge the support of the teachers, parents, administrators, and everyone who has encouraged these young artists. [snorts] Our first artist is a student at Gardner Town Leadership Academy and their art teacher is Miss Claudine Delegal. Their beautiful piece

003up here is entitled Christmas Tree. Please welcome and join me in congratulating Brianna Guavara. [applause] We know she's on route, so we'll hopefully we'll be able to give her certificate her certificate in person. We know she's on her way. This fun artwork here is called Penguin. Our second artist who designed Penguin is a student at Fostertown School and their art teacher is Miss Kayla Allen. Please welcome and join me in congratulating Isabella Jeffers. [applause] I know our third artist is here and they are a student at Heritage Middle School. This is their artwork here and their art teacher is Miss Miss Katherine McCarthy. Please welcome and join me in congratulating Jagi Gang. [applause] Congratulations. [clears throat] pictures or Okay, very good. Thank you. Aren't these beautiful? They're all just so beautiful. I just love seeing

004this was the hardest contest this year to judge. It really, really was. Our fourth artist is a student at NFA Main Campus and their art teacher is Miss Katherine Gabriel. Please help me congratulate Raquel Rios. [applause] Our fifth and final artist is a student at NFA Main Campus and their art teacher is also Miss Katherine Gabriel. Their piece up here is entitled Home for Christmas. Please welcome Alyssa Ramos. [applause] >> Beautiful. Congratulations. in just a moment because you can have a seat for now. In addition to our five winners, we also have 11 honorable mentions and their their names are on this slide here. I also want to express my appreciation for every participant for making this contest such a wonderful annual tradition. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and creativity of our

005students in the fine performing arts. Thank you and congratulations again to all of our students. [applause] We have our beautiful winners. Come on up. We're going to take a photo. Bring your certificates and your cards. >> And let's have their wonderful art teachers. Oh. >> Oh, yes. Then I have a ton. Yes, absolutely. >> I'm told she just came. So I wanted to introduce our first artist who is a student at Garnertown Leadership Academy and their art teacher is Miss Claudine Delegel. This beautiful piece Christmas tree was designed by Briana Gavara. [applause] Make sure I have the right one. One more thing [snorts] and then we're going to take a picture. All right, we're going to move into executive session. Be it resolved that the board of education hereby recesses into executive session for the

006following purpose. Matters made confidential under Furpa, matters leading to the employment of particular employees or corporations, employment history of employees or corporations, collective bargaining under the Taylor law, and to obtain advice from legal counsel. Can I get a motion and a second, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. Miss Thomas Enabelloo? >> Yes. >> Miss Buchet? >> Yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli? >> Yes. >> Miss Burks? >> Yes. >> Mr. Duray? >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard. >> Yes. >> Mr. Levvenstein. >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow. >> Yes. I want to know what's up. >> Thank you. We're back in public session and tonight the pledge of allegiance will be led by Miss Morales. They all at less one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> [snorts] >> Nicely done.

007>> All right. Before we move on to uh public comment on agenda items, just to regground us, I mentioned we're going to talk about or uh share the vision and the mission every meeting. So, our mission as the Goldback community, we will educate and empower our students to build their futures and support the community. Our district mission belongs to all of us. Every employee, whether they work in a classroom, on a bus, in a cafeteria, behind the scenes, helps educate and empower our students. And we need to remember some of our most missionritical work happens behind the scenes for people we may not think about. like London. >> Our vision is creating choice, voice, and opportunity for impacting the future of all gold backs. With that, we will go to public comment on agenda items.

008Item three. There's nobody signed up to sign up >> on agenda items. >> Oh, agenda. >> If [clears throat] anybody would like to address the board on agenda items, please come to the podium. >> Yes. Hi, Tracy Tracy Wallace. I'm just going to um briefly go over um just 5.4 resolution in salary adjustments. Um so, I've been following the federal cuts and I'm just, you know, worried about so many things, right? Housing, education, everything. There's federal cuts just coming from everywhere. So, I mean the everyone needs an increase in salary. of course state everyone's doing their job. Our district is, you know, um doing the best they can and in everything that they do. Um I'm just um wanted to add um to be mindful of you know any adjustments that we make salary or

009any really fiscal adjustments to ensure that with these cuts um you know that we're careful in making sure that the children have the resources and the right funding and the right places and our reserves and anywhere we get our general funds and anywhere we're we're doing um that we're being mindful of our resources during these times. That's it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else that would like to address the board on agenda items? If so, please come to the podium. >> Okay, we'll move on to non-aggenda items. First person signed up to speak on non-aggenda items is Carla Johnson. Good a good evening. So, I always so I really don't come to these meetings unless I got problems. And the problem I'm having is is this right? Rob Gawaki, if you listening,

010I don't care. Teachers there, everybody going to crack. So, let's start with this. When you go to Rob Gowaki's office, it shows in that big screen of his that my daughter levels is from the bottom and they rising to the top. She's progressing. But then when I go to the class to meet these two teachers that that that's on drugs cuz they got to be something wrong with them. Something really got to be wrong with them cuz they tell me that my daughter don't talk. My daughter's like a mute. My daughter bites her nails. My daughter don't like them because [snorts] she don't like them because I don't know if they high and they not paying attention but they not teaching her nothing. And then they send me stupid letters like, "Oh, you don't send

011your daughter to school. What's the purpose of sending my daughter to school if she not learning anything there? They're not teaching her anything. She has a IEP. What services is she getting with her IEP? Why is she in 21 century whatever it's called? She she come home. Mommy, we learned this. No, we need to be reading. We need to be learn how to read." So in her IEP, she got identifi. You could give her any word to ask her what it mean. She could tell you what it mean. She could give you a sentence on it, but she can't read the word or she can't identify the word. I'm asking for another evaluation for speech. I mean, for reading. And now this is what I'm asking for. I want an outside independent evaluation done on

012my daughter because y'all feeling her not all of y'all, but y'all don't even deal with her every day. It's them two teachers in that classroom. What are they teaching her? They tell me my daughter don't know nothing, but Mr. Gowaki says that she knows she's coming along. And then another thing, let me tell everybody here. When I meet anybody in this district, the next person tell me, "Oh, I'm not racist. I got black people in my family." It's a problem. It's a problem because if you got to tell me that that you're not racist, that you married into black people in your family, you clearly got a problem. And another thing I don't like, oh, I got a IEP, too, so that giving me the pass for me not to curse you out cuz something

013wrong with you. No. So, I need to know right now why nobody hasn't come to talk to me about this IEP. My daughter is going to the sixth grade next year. That's big. I don't even know what middle school she going to. But what I do know is is that she's reading on the first grade reading level. And can't nobody help me with nothing. She white. She get services. I'm black. I don't get no services. So, is it a race thing that my daughter Oh, or they put her in dance because she's she's she's a chubby girl. Maybe they think she needs to lose weight. They don't think that she needs to be in a reading program so that she could learn how to read. And you I I got something to say to you,

014too. I need you to help get reading programs. I need you to pay attention. I need you to understand that I need reading sources for my daughter. Is you going to tell me something about reading? Then don't interrupt me. So I need you to help get sources so that my daughter could get reading programs cuz if it's reading programs in the district, why my daughter's not in one, >> John? >> Why my daughter Why my daughter not in one reading program? >> No comments have to come this way. >> Okay. Not madam president cuz you're a man. Sir, why is my daughter not in no reading programs? Is there reading programs in this district? Does Guinea Avenue have reading programs? Because Rob Gawaki and I are not on the same ball any not on the

015same page no more. I'm going to go to Bla1 Gomez. I'mma do a news conference and I'mma tell them everybody in Gy Avenue is on crack cuz nobody's helping my daughter. My daughter be in her classroom. Anybody know London know she talks, she speaks. And then you know what they try to tell me? I'm enable her because I'm her person that fights for her. I fight for her. I want her to read. She's going to the sixth grade. You know, a lot of kids out here in the city of Newberg once they can't read past middle school, they don't they drop out. They don't go to high school. They don't go to college. My daughter has paid college. I bring you the paperwork. Her father passed away. He died. And I have to make sure

016she makes it to the finish line. I have to make sure she know how to read. Do you know how to read? >> Do your kids know how to read? >> Or do your kids got a IEP to help them read? Cuz I heard with the IEP, you get a little more time and help people to help her. Where's the services? >> Don't touch me. Where's the services? >> Your time is expired. >> Where are the services for my daughter's IEP? Now, since y'all won't have him here, superintendent, I love you. I do. But the last time I was here, you had this lady right here say that someone was going to talk to me about my IEP and nobody hasn't talked to me. This nice lady right here. She sees when I'm angry and

017upset and she tries to help me with my know I'm trying to be a year. I'll help vote you in and I want to know what's up with the IEPs. Why nobody's explaining the IEPs to me about my daughter? I want her to learn how to read. She going to sixth grade next year. Sixth grade. She reading first grade reading level, but Mr. Gowaki office said that it's going up, but the two teachers say she can't read. We're going to call. >> Yeah. Recess. [ __ ] it. >> Miss Burks. >> Sh. My daughter said no. >> Carla >> and Carla. >> Carla, we hear you. I know. >> I hear you, Carla. Y don't hear me. >> Carla, I hear you. >> I hear you, Carla. I hear you. >> We hear you, Carla. Everybody here.

018>> Carla, we hear you. Everybody here can't read. Everybody here got college. Everybody here smart. My daughter can't read. My daughter got school with them heads every day for them to babysit up. They not my babysitters. >> We hear you. >> No, nobody hears, man. I start going into recess for 5 minutes. >> Can I go, John? >> Can I go? Can I speak? session. >> Okay, you're good. >> All right, we're back in session. And any further comments on non-aggenda items? >> Good evening. My name is Anita Spencer Smith and I am a teacher at GAMS. Good evening. >> As you see, I do not look like I am on crack. I am a very good teacher at what I do. I have been teaching for this is my 27th year teaching and I

019am >> We'll give you your time back. >> Okay. No problem. I just do not want my name dragged through the mud >> from what? >> Stand by. We'll give you your time. Do a very good job. >> We will give you your time back. Let Let this person exit and we'll give you time back. My daughter, [ __ ] I'mma deal with you. >> That was a threat that all of these people in this classroom heard. >> All right, you can start the clock. >> [ __ ] He [ __ ] sent you here cuz I pre-warned y'all. I pre-warned I was coming here. THAT KNOW I WAS COMING TO TELL THE BOYS SOME [ __ ] THAT'S why you here because he [ __ ] sent you wait until I come to school tomorrow >> and I will call the police >> please

020continue >> okay >> you have the floor >> okay I really don't have much to say I just am going to defend myself and those teachers and administration that work at GAMS I do not take drugs of any kind not even a Tylenol teachers I work with also do the same. We do an awesome job with our students. I have been teaching, this is my 27th year and I get results. You ask teachers in the middle school who see my students come to them for sixth grade in an ICT setting dealing with both special and gened students and they know where they come from. They know that they are prepared for sixth grade. I might be strict, but strict is needed in order for students to understand what they're going to be looking for when

021it comes to sixth grade. I've taught kindergarten, I've taught fourth grade, I've taught sixth grade, and I've taught fifth grade. And I am going to pat myself on the back because I do the work. I put in the work and the job gets done. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Miss Burks. >> Thank you, John. Um, Mr. President, first of all, I would like to say thank you to all of the teachers within our district. Um, I'm a TA myself. I have students and when I see a need, I know how hard we try to fit that need. um especially if we know the child is not getting everything they should be getting at home and it's stressful. I'm dealing with it now with the student of myself and I really don't know how to

022help this child but I'll figure it out. So, I do understand as a parent I've been where Carla is and I understand her frustration and it may be coming at the wrong people. But what I do see is a parent that has came here multiple times and asked for help and now she is what some would say out of control, but she's frustrated that those are tears of frustration. She has a child who she sees there's a problem. the teachers are telling her a problem and then you have higherups that are telling her something different. It's confusing and it's frustrating. And then when she sat down, although she was out of mind, she was set down and then she was made to feel like she has to shut up. That doesn't feel good to a

023parent. That was me 3 years ago. And that is what made me start attending board meetings. It made me start advocating and fighting for my son. We got to do something different cuz for her to sit there and get like that, that means she's been crying out over and over again. And I know personally and I speak with personally and I see the trouble that she's going through. So it's not you can't just always shut the parents down. She's been crying for help. So y'all wait till she get like this. Y'all wait till she calling the teachers that are there to help and saying they got issues. That girl is upset and she's frustrated. So, I hope after tonight we can figure something out to help Carla and to help so she is prepared when

024she enters the sixth grade next year. And now I'm going to stop because I'm a little emotional. Thank you. >> Thank you, M. >> Moving on to superintendent update item five. Yeah, I was sorry, Tracy Wallace. Um, I'm speaking as a community member, not as a representative of my employer. Um, so I've I've uh had kids kids in the district for many years. Um and um we've we've had to fight for services as well through for different services and it's very difficult as a parent um in the district when you live in a community and you live sometimes live in a district where not all teachers are the same. I'm sure we've all grown up where we've had teachers that we couldn't deal with or teachers that we had to live through. there are teachers

025that really helped us and really molded us into the people that we are today. Um, so I can see Carla's frustration because if you're even if you're even if you're sitting at an IP meeting and even if your your child was moved from a regular class to then a 121:1 to then an ICT and your and your child's being moving over and over and over and over and the school's offering all these res resources and your child is still struggling as a parent is very hard because you want to do the best you can for your parent. So seeing seeing someone from the district, seeing seeing shade and all the things that as a parent is very difficult. I definitely I I definitely see this as a it takes a community. It takes a community.

026It really does. And when you see someone like Miss Carl, you you want to some people want to just judge. Let's not judge what what some of the things that she Let's let's think about what resources can we bring in our community to help families like this basic needs going to her. I said, "Hey, I'm going to be at home tomorrow. Come to me. I will help you." Right? I'm just a community member. I'm just a mom. I'm not I'm not from the district. I've had kids in the district, but I'm willing to go out there and help a parent such as cards get what resource what can we do if let's say you go into a meeting with a teacher. Let's say it was recently. I know this teacher, this teacher who just spoke

027I I had I had some some words with her with my son. And it wasn't because she was a bad teacher. She's a great teacher. She's a strict teacher. But at the time, I didn't feel that my son needed that strictness. At the time, I felt like he needed routine. and I had to sit down with her and say, "Hey," I didn't want to argue with her. I wanted to say, I look at the teacher's point of view. And the teacher said, "This is what we're doing. Th the the um the teacher who just spoke up here, she said, "This is what we're doing with your son." And then I put on the table what I would like to do with my son, and these are the goals, and these are the goals that we

028have to do together. So, we may not think that what the teacher is doing inside that classroom is going to meet those goals. We may not agree in the way that this this person is going to meet those goals, but we have to definitely meet the parent where they're at. And we have to do this on a district level or community level. And this is again why we bring up these community programs and any connections that you could have even outside. if you have outside. I know that you have um uh family um FAPE and other um other um things in your district where you can help families. I think that sometimes somebody may need somebody different to talk to that they can connect with and maybe they're just not connecting with that teacher or

029that principal, but maybe there is someone else that they can connect with or get these resources. But um I'm just saying that I support the district, I support the teachers, and I also support the parents. And I just want to say that, you know, if we could just work as a community to help each other with cases like the with with ch with not cases with with situations like these um to bring our district together. This is why we need like SEPTAS and PTAs and PTOs so that we can help each other advocate as peers, as family members, as community members. Um so that's all I got. Thanks, I I would just like to say something. I It is uh incredibly sad to see a parent come into a building and and be that distraught.

030And and I believe she was that distraught. and she may have made a couple of comments that were not accurate at all, but through that um there was a person that's hurting very badly inside. This may not be the forum to express that where we can we can't offer help at a board meeting, but I can assure you and I can I'll tell you the person sitting next to me will assure you that we're going to work on this. We we don't want to see that and uh we're not going to hide behind it. she needs help, we'll get her help. And um it's unfortunate that occurred tonight, but it did and we'll address it. Thank you. >> Anyone Anyone else for non-aggenda items? All right, we're going to move on to superintendent update. >>

031Thank you. Good evening, everyone. We have received the first group of New York State testing results. Additional assessment data will be released by New York SED, State Education Department in the coming weeks. As these results become available, our instructional teams will continue to review and analyze the data to inform curriculum planning, instructional support, and school level decision-making. Separately, we have received our ESSA accountability determinations which are distinct from the annual testing results. These results are still embargoed. These determinations reflect the state's evaluation of school and district performance under the federal every student succeeds act. In January, when NYED releases this information statewide, we will provide a full board of education presentation. A comprehensive presentation of both the New York State testing data will be provided at the upcoming January curriculum committee meeting. Overall, we're looking

032forward to the day that the information is free to share with our community. Next, I want to share an update for our teachers. In early November, we began collaborating with the MTA leadership and building administration to address aspects of the teacher contract related to instructional materials. A standing committee of administration and faculty in each school has been established to review policies and address concerns regarding textbooks and classroom supplies. Building leadership is actively meeting with teams to ensure their input is considered to support classroom needs. All teachers, all teacher contract members will receive a $100 supply allocation. This allocation is intended to help you select materials that are most needed for your instruction and to address potential gaps that often occur late in the school year. This is a system that works well in other districts

033and is an approach we are trying in Yubberg to give our teachers more autonomy over their own classrooms. Further details, including how to access and utilize your supply allocation, will be shared shortly. We encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity to support your classroom. Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and for working collaboratively to meet the instructional needs of all learners. Mr. Howard, >> thank you, Mr. President. Uh, Dr. Campbell, can you give a more detailed explanation about the uh data that is revealed in those uh results and and explain what embargo means and what that is. I know individuals on the board we know those terms but people in the public that are listening I want them to get the information understand what actually are the is the data

034that is revealed and also what does it mean when you're saying something is embargoled >> so I thought about that um the word embargoed means that it is still held um by the state and we do not have the authority to release it as of yet and this is really speaking to the schoolwide district-wide data um which reviews our English language arts, our numerousy as well as our graduation and regions results. So although the state is in receipt, there are some districts who are file filing appeals and so that it is not yet available to us to share. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Okay. 5.2. Thank you. Mr. Tom Ritzenholler and Ben Ailing will present capital project updates from CSR and Jacobs. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh good evening. I'm Tom Ritzenthaler with

035CSR and with me Ben Allen from uh Jacobs, the construction managers uh for the various projects at Newberg schools. Uh I'm going to go a little off topic real quick just to highlight for those that uh weren't in attendance, but uh last month, November 20th, we there was a special workforce development panel discussion uh held at panels on the Hudson uh with a lot of uh industry leaders and as well as your superintendent who represented the district incredibly uh really highlighted all the great things that Newberg is doing uh to support uh workforce develop- velment, especially with the construction of the CTE building. Um, and it was very well received by uh really a packed house uh that we had that night moderated um by Connor Eert from the Orange County Partnership uh and had

036Steve New House as our keynote speaker. So, I just wanted to highlight uh and Greg congratulate her uh for that. It was it was a terrific evening. I appreciate that. So, with that being said, ah, okay. So, we're going to go through each of the projects as we normally do. Uh, starting with the locker rooms and then ending up just an overview of the 2019 uh, Proposition Bond budget. And of course, I always remember remind us why we're here. Uh, because we want to improve education for children. It's the focus of everything we do. So, let's start with the locker room renovations. Uh we're pretty much there. There's only a couple little things left to do. Um really floor and wall tile is complete. Painting's nearly nearly complete. All the lockers and benches are installed.

037Some touch-up work still remains. Um team rooms are finishes. Uh really construction is substantially complete. I'll show you a couple pictures. Uh we still have to work on a couple door alarms uh for some of the egress doorways and cameras in the stairwell. Uh and then we're now in the process of completing the clock at PA installation. So uh and that'll be uh ready for the space to be turned over to the district. Uh I'm sure the boys and the girls will be surprised when they see the difference in what the space looks like. So again, rem reminding you of the layout. To the left is the girls team room. To the far right is the boys team room. And in the midsection is uh the boys main locker room. The two blocks in orange

038are the uh men's and women's uh coaches offices and just want to show you what it looks like right now. So, complete transformation. I wish we had before and after effect pictures cuz that would really tell the story, but as you could see uh extremely uh well durable finishes uh everywhere. Um I think people are going to be really surprised when they uh get through the space and uh have good access to it. So, uh, as you can see, we're we're really there, uh, just about ready to turn over the space. So, uh, thank you, a big thank you to all the contractors who have really been working very hard to, uh, get this space ready to go. So, the new CTE building, um, you've seen the pictures before, so I won't be labor that

039[clears throat] we're about 70% complete. Doesn't mean we have a lot of work to do. We still have a lot of work to do, uh, especially at the interior and getting the building fit out. Uh all four stairs are complete. Uh last portion of the roofing is being installed. Uh you can see this the walk-in uh cooler and freezer are currently being installed. That's for the culinary lab. Uh sidewalks and concrete curbs. You're you're starting to see them around the site. Uh the first one was poured in the front of the building. Uh kind of where the dog runs are. Um uh electrical transformer was placed. Uh permanent power for the building is scheduled for this month. So that's that's great. Uh and we're going to get the elevator delivered in mid December. Uh so

040you can see that construction is really moving along. We don't have too much uh additional exterior as far as brick work to put in place. Uh so it's really starting to uh come into fruition. Uh and you can see the scaffolding around the main entry which is a different block material uh to highlight the entry point for the building. Uh that's West Street to the uh to the um right hand side. just some overhead shots. You can see looking back at the existing uh high school. Uh you know, so you're going to see starting in spring, you'll you'll see a lot more of the site work get developed as we uh reach the end. Uh now we're pretty much working full interior except for a little bit of the exterior uh uh brick work to

041do. Uh so you can see the back of the building. These are all the trades on the low lower level. the the bump out on the left, that's the auto body and auto uh tech shops along with the welding lab. Uh and then the second and third stories are computer labs, uh the photo and video production, art rooms, etc. Uh so it's it's coming it's coming along. Windows are being put in place. So you can see we've got sidewalks being installed in the front. Uh you can see at the interior now uh drywall finishes are going in. um the various components for each of the various areas of the building. [clears throat] Uh these are the toilet rooms. So you see the floors are down. We'll start to get into fixture install, tile installation, etc.

042Uh some of the corridors, you can see some of the paintings is being uh completed. Um more durable finish on the bottom side of the wall. That's again for for durability. Uh you can see the ceilings are exposed and they will remain exposed. This is a learning building. So we want the students to learn especially the construction in HVAC and you know the MEP trades to understand how this building went together and to be able to look around the building and see how that looks. So it's it's a learning tool for them as well. And this thing doesn't like me. Ah I went too far. Did I go too far? All right. So, from a cost standpoint, um just going to point out a couple of the things. Uh this is the accounting that we've

043had every every month. So, really the the at the bottom we still have a remaining contingency of just under $5 million. Uh and we hope to try to keep it that way. Um we have had a couple uh um changers which the board has seen of late. We transitioned one storage area to food service office. So there was a change order associated with that. We had to install some additional ventilation and such for that purpose. Um but I think the board's seen all the others uh from from previous or this is from the last meeting. All these are from the last meeting. >> Uh that yeah [clears throat] >> okay I thought we had a meeting since then. Well, the 1028 is the last is the last >> and so we had an additional brick

044support, a minor cost associated with some uh missing brick support. Uh we had some fencing revisions that was actually a credit back to the district as you could see. Um some outlet locations for the mirrors had to be adjusted in the in the culinary uh knee wall supports for the culinary as well. Um and then uh some enlarged chaseways uh to coordinate with the actual duck work after the shop drawing process. So some of the chases had to get enlarged for that purpose. So um this will be the updates for New Windsor Elementary School. Um, as you'll see in the the the uh update here, uh, temporary power for construction trailers um has been installed. Um, as of this month, site contractors are wrapping up their fall work and and stabilizing the site. Um, as

045a general contractor starting to get underway with with the excavation um, work as it relates to the um, foundations. Um they also set up the temporary wall and the corridor um and the existing building to separate the construction side from the from the building occupant side. Um work will happen on day shift uh for the new addition. Um and second shift for renovation work in the existing spaces. Um and then again as mentioned general contractors started digging for the foundations. Um this is uh a picture as of November of kind of the site the site work that's that's happening. Um there's a little bit uh more that's starting to happen as it relates to the excavation of the building foundation and footings. >> Um next is the up is an update on Prop 5 phase

046one districtwide AC and electrical upgrades. Um this project is substantially complete and has reached um that substantial completion. This was this was um mainly completed over the summer. There's been some punch list and some um commissioning work um that needed to happen. Um, so there's not really physical pictures of new updates to show, but um, uh, there was upgrades to, uh, the majority of the mechanical, uh, equipment in the Gyney Avenue, um, Meadow Hill and Temple Hill, um, schools. Um, this is just a snapshot of the allowance updates. uh most of the uh additional costs have been applied against the allowance allowances and this is just a tracking of each of those allowances per contract per building. Proposition 5 phase 2 HVAC upgrades um is the next program. Um this currently uh bids were received

047on 1118 for HVAC upgrades for Bombville. Um scope review meetings were held with low biders uh from mechanical, electrical and general contractors on 11:25 and recommendation to award the general mechanical contractor is on tonight's um agenda. Um the electrical scope is being rebid uh with bid opening scheduled for of this month. um which and then anticipated recommendation letter will be submitted to the board for the next board meeting which is January 13th. Um and then this next slide is for the 2019 2019 proposition bond budget. This has been previously presented. Um this gives a rundown of accounting uh as it relates to current construction costs which is the the uh second column in um the first or second column in from the uh far left. You'll see that that's that's the original budgeted amount um

048proposed in 2019. Um this is a tracking construction hard cost um uh several years later um based on where we're at um with the construction to date. This is the delta between those two numbers. And the fourth column you'll see um and then the project status column tells you um whether or not it's under under construction or um project was closed out or substantially complete. And again, this continues on for um the remaining projects um associated with this capital bond. And this is just a um definitions page as it relates to incidentals and construction hard costs. Again, these are something that we've gone through at the other previous board meetings. >> Does anybody have any questions? Go ahead, Mr. T. Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So, I have a question in regards to HVAC.

049Would that Sure. >> be here? Yep. >> Okay. So, I was visiting a building recently and I was talking to some some teachers approached me. Some people in the building approached me in regards to the HVAC systems. >> Sure. >> Are they how are they regulated and I'm hearing concerns about it's not heating the buildings properly? And also, there was concern about proper placement of the the HVAC unit out front. In fact, at Temple Hill, it's in front of the signage on the building. Can we address that? >> So, that's on that's on a list of um of items that that are with the contractor. So, it was not something that was identified in the plans, but is something that is now being addressed because the realization that those units are a lot taller than

050than uh initially expected. So, it's now blocking that signage. So they're going to their their plan is to move those those lettering so that you can you can see it. >> Okay. And so how about the regula the regulations of the units? Are they working properly? >> They're still going through at Meadow Hill and Temple Hill commissioning those units. All of the units are on and running. Um but the building management system which operates those those units um is still being fine-tuned. So, as they're getting these units running, they're testing and seeing um how much air flow they come um how much air flow comes out of them and and balancing those units. And that's part of the that's part of the process of of um commissioning the the system. >> So, if I'm hearing

051you correctly, is that something that's ongoing now and will be fixed in the immediate future? >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. I just would like to add briefly if there's some area of specific concern in the building, it'd be very helpful if they notified their head custodian or principal who could communicate that information to myself and Mr. Veles so we can relay that to the contractors to make sure that's something that's reviewed. We did identify the location for the lettering to be removed. I've reached out to ask for an update on when we can expect that to be completed because we did identify that early on as a defect in the drawings. >> So, I apologize. So you've already been informed of these incidences, >> not of the concerns of the operation of the

052units, but if there are areas of specific concern in the building, specific classrooms, gymnasiums, whatever that may be, if they can notify their head custodian or their building principal, that information gets relayed to myself and Mr. Veles, and then we're able to share that specific issue with the contractors so that they can focus on that area. >> So if I'm hearing you correctly, the protocol will be for a teacher to inform the head custodian. head custodian would inform the building principal and that building principal would relay that information to you. >> Uh actually they could notify the head custodian or the building principal. That information will be relayed from either of them into Mr. Veles and myself. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Thanks Mr. Howard. Thanks Mr. Ring. >> Anything further? Thank you. >>

053Thank you guys. >> Thank you so much. I did have a great time as well. Tom, by the way, do great work together. We have anformational meeting on January 8th for high school students and families interested in the programs being offered at this new wonderful building and we hope for a large turnout for that event. We also welcome those interested in the program and curriculum aspect of planning to attend in the curriculum aspect. Please plan to attend our board of education curriculum committee scheduled for January 7th. Miss Kimberly Roaring, our assistant superintendent for finance will now I'm sorry with the questions. Dr. Can you repeat what you just said and and how are we making sure that that gets out to all of the parents who may be interested and are we going to push

054it down to the middle school level? we will 100% publicize, make sure that we get it out, we push it out, we get it onto our page, um, and send lots offormational emails out to the families. >> So, if if I'm hearing you correctly, >> and social media. >> Okay. So, if I'm hearing you correctly, this is not just for eighth graders who are coming. It'll be a good idea for sixth grade parents, seventh grade parents also, so they know what's coming down the pipe. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> So, as the first step in our budget development process, each year we provide the board with an update of how that process is anticipated to go and that's what we're presenting this evening so that you can plan for

055what's coming next. So, we have a number of steps in the budget budget development process. Our first step every year is starting with our staffing verification. That process is being led by Miss Peterson and it's underway now with review by the building principles and department directors to affirm uh the staffing that they have and the assignments of the individual staff in their building. Um we're also reviewing retirements and any vacancies that we have in our staffing to determine what may be necessary to remain as we plan for 2627 versus what may be an opportunity to recognize some savings. Are there going to be any curriculum changes? We look at the use of our instructional software and what aligns with New York State standards. We go through that list of software every year. We look at

056the usage of the software and the alignment and we make recommendations to continue or to discontinue those software items. Our program is going to be redesigned or expanded. We know for example that we're going to have to plan for some new programming at the CTE building and that will be part of the proposed budget for next year. We're also gathering information on any anticipated increases in our health insurance, property liability insurance, tuition rates for our students out of district and those contractual obligations so that we can plan for those accordingly in our budget development process. And we're going we are again this year I'll say providing opportunities to our buildings and departments to make additional funding requests and to make minor maintenance requests. Those requests are due into my office on December 17th. What has

057been done in the past and will be done again this year is that those are reviewed by myself and Mr. Vez and then they're reviewed with the executive team and recommendations are made for any that may be appropriately put within an operating budget. We have had requests come through that are construction related and we cannot accommodate them in the annual operating budget. So I talked a little bit about the staffing review. We do engage our principles and our directors in reviewing the staffing, both confirming what staffing levels are in each building and what staffing is necessary next year to maintain programs and operations for our students. Our division and department leaders complete their budget requests. We are doing again a modified zerobased budget which means there is not an expectation of an increase. We are

058looking at those expenditures each year to make sure that those remain necessary and critical to the success of our students and meeting the district strategic plan. We will be reviewing overtime and substitute budgets as we do every year. We have identified in previous years some situations where we reduced the overtime line and created a part-time line because that was a more appropriate use of the resources to meet the need that was identified. Um and again we'll have be looking at specific CTE needs as we have done every year. We review in great detail um where we are with our exceptional learner students, those that are will be entering our districts that are known to us and what those needs may be. As you may recall from last year, we had a fairly significant increase in

059out of district tuition due to a number of new students presenting themselves and needing those services. This talks a little bit more about those opportunities that we give our building principles to make additional funding requests and the minor maintenance requests. This is really them saying, "Hey, I have this wonderful thing I want to keep in my building or I want to bring to my building and this is how it aligns with the district's mission and vision." And that is considered by the executive team and ultimately the superintendent will make a recommendation of funding around those requests. This year, we'd like to look at the budget development process a little bit differently. We're proposing a budget deeper dive and that would look like budget workshops with the board where we'll get into a little bit different

060level of detail and specificity around some of the things that affect the budget, how we drive our different revenue sources and how we are determining what we expect those costs to be next year. The proposal for that is to do budget workshops with the board prior to the uh regular business meeting and that is asked to start on January 27th which is when we would have our next budget development discussion with the board. It would be a public meeting. Everybody's welcome to attend but it would give us an opportunity and a dedicated time to have some deeper conversations with the board in response to some questions and requests that have come forward around the process. We will compile those requests. We'll continue to review any vacancies that become known to us, retirements and resignations as

061well. We will be prioritizing all of the requests and we as usual will be presenting our initial modified rollover budget uh at the end of January. >> That's it. >> Mash. So for those meetings that will be from 4:30 to 5:30 um some of us work until 5. So can they be done via Zoom teams so that we can be a participant in them if we cannot physically be here. >> It would be a board decision. I defer to Mr. Dur. >> That that's going to be something we'll look at. I understand what your what your question is Mr. Howard. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So Mr. drawing. Can you talk about the uh staffing review with building principles, what that looks like and what will come out of those conversations? >> So, that's a

062two-step process. Uh the first step in the process is underway. Now, they were given a spreadsheet of staff that HR believes are currently assigned to their building and what is thought to be happening with those staff based on the information we have in our HRMS system. uh they are reviewing that and confirming or modifying that information so that we can update our HRMS system and make sure it's accurate which is our human resources and financial management software. Um it's important that we make sure that that information is accurate before we do the rollover of positions which is part of the budget development process and how we do our staffing projections. So this really is the first step. Once that's done when we come back in January as we have done the last few years we

063will do individual meetings with each building principal. They meet with the executive team. Uh we are reviewing staffing separately and then we review staff together. They make their asks for any additional staffing and they tell us what positions they may have identified that aren't necessary at that time in their building. That becomes part of the next step of the staffing conversation and ultimately that's been brought forward. At least last year, we did a deeper dive into staffing as part of our budget development presentation by department and identified the positions that were in each department and the asks for any changes in personnel. >> Will there be any? Well, no, that's not a good question. >> Mr. Levenstein, go ahead. So just a question with um in reference from the student side of rolling over and

064where they're going and how many kids may want Italian next year or things like that. How does that coincide with what you see on the teacher end of it? Is is that taken into consideration? Who wants band? Who wants this that through or the other thing? >> That would be part of the master schedule work that is led by Dr. Go ahead. >> So will this budgetary process include any conversations around buildings and programs that may be leaving one building going to another building and the what's the word I'm looking for? uh the new use of other buildings, older buildings. >> So, I'll start and if someone feels the desire to add on to, they may. Um yes, there will be conversations about that as we look to occupy our CTE building in the fall.

065We will be looking at the staffing that's necessary for that building. That may mean that there's some realignment of existing staff. It may not all be brand new staff. So, we are looking at that as well. Keep in mind that we'll be vacating some spaces in existing buildings. We will be having a program conversation about what programs will be offered and where those will be housed. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you, Mr. Ryan. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> Mr. B. Sorry. I didn't want you to go away yet. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Wrong. So, with the conversation of the CTE building, uh, it's a whole new building. It's going to cost money to run it, power it, all the good stuff. what kind of impact are we

066going to see this coming up budget just, you know, even a year before the building's actually officially open. >> So, that's conversations that we have with our utility providers. We actually have a partner that helps us estimate those expenses and we'll be looking at the equipment that's there, the anticipated need or load, and they will be helping project that based on the cost that we are in our bid price for. [snorts] >> Thank you. All right, we're moving to 54 resolution to approve represented confidential managerial employees salary increase. Got a motion and a second on this. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion on this item. >> Miss Bucher. >> Yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli. >> Yes. Miss Burks. >> Yes. Mr. Duray, >> yes. >> Mr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Levenstein, >>

067yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow, >> yes. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow, >> yes. >> Thank you. We're at item 5.5, resolution to authorize the superintendent to execute MOA with Orange County Department of Health. Got a motion and a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Let me see. Um, I'd like to make a motion to amend resolution 5.5. >> Okay. >> Um, after Orange County Department of Health, the words and also with the Cornell Cooperative Extension added. >> Thank you. Get a motion and a second to amend. >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call to amend. Mr. Burgarelli. >> Yes. >> Miss Burks. >> Yes. >> Mr. Duray. >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard. Yes. >> Mr. Levenstein. >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow. >> Yes. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow. >> Yes. >> Miss Boucher. >> Yes.

068>> Thank you. We get a motion on the and a second on the amended. >> Point of order. >> You just need a roll call on the amended motion, sir. >> Okay. >> We're done. >> Roll call on the amended motion. Miss Burks. >> Yes. >> Mr. Duray. >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard? >> Yes. >> Mr. Levenstein? >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow? >> Yes. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow? >> Yes. >> Miss Buchet? >> Yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli. >> Yes. >> Thank you. We're at 5.6. Resolution to authorize the superintendent of schools to execute a contract with Olster Boseies. Get a motion in a second, please. >> So move. >> Second. >> Discussion on this item. Good sir. >> Miss Burks. >> Yes. >> Mr. Duray. >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard. >> Yes. >> Mr.

069Levenstein. >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow. >> Yes. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow. >> Yes. Miss Bush. >> Yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli. >> Yes. >> Thank you. We're at item 6.1, student board member update tonight. Miss Morales will be presenting. >> Thank you. Um hello everyone. So I got a couple things to say cuz this is the only meeting in December. So some things that are going or has happened um was last Friday the NFA dance department presented Polar Express winter show. Um that was the 5th of December at NFA Maine. Um the kids from GAMS were able to come as well as the kindergarters from Foster Towns were able to come and see the show before they presented it again at 6 p.m. Um I attended the one in 6 p.m. It was amazing. It

070made me so excited for Christmas and the holidays and I just loved it so much and I knew some of the people that participated in it. So it's really nice to see. Um, NFA is now going to be presenting a Christmas Carol um that will be in the NFA black box and tickets will be sold at the door. So, it's $10 per person, $8 for those 85 plus and under five years old. Um, the shows will be December 12th at 7:00 p.m. and then they have another one December 13 at 2 and at 7:00 p.m. Then the music department is Oh, the music department is currently selling Christmas carols. Um, this is more like a student event where um the students are able to buy Christmas carols for five bucks. It was Yes, five bucks.

071And the funny part is that students are able to buy for each class. So it could be a surprise or you could tell the teacher in bands, but what's the fun in that? So it's a s it's a surprise. So it's a surprise and you you know like the dance uh the band kids come in and they play these music carols and it's so amazing to see that the students do this and it's a fun time. Um we also have our spree week this week uh our winter holiday spree week uh from the 15th to the 23rd which is the half day before Christmas break. Uh, Monday will be holiday character. Tuesday will be anything but a water bottle day. Wednesday will be ugly sweater day. Thursday will be pajama day holiday edition. Friday would

072be class wars. The themes will be seniors will be Santa. Juniors will be snowmen. Sophomores will be reindeers and freshman will be elves. Yeah. And then Monday [laughter] [gasps] on Monday we will be having winter accessories. So, let that be gloves, um, hats, scarves. It's cold, so just, um, you know, it's a good little holiday. And then Tuesday, we will be having PJ day again because it is a half a day and who just doesn't want to be comfy on a half a day? So, yes. And then we have some community services. Um, NFA student council will be going to GAMS to read to the younger members of our district on December 17th. Um, the NFA student council will also be allowed to be elves to deliver stockings to elderly at the Cesar Nursing Home

073December 22nd. That's also loan that's also known as the Louiswis and Loretta stockings. Um, if you are interested in donating stockings, which anybody can, please contact Miss O'Neal. And if you are a student in high school that are interested, also contact her. Um, some middle and high school students will be working with the district librarians and the fifth graders for an amazing activity surrounding the 20 the 250th birthday of Jane Austin. And they will be also having a tea party and that would be taking place December 21st. So, if you're interested or have any fifth graders out there that are interested, please invite them to the event and to have fun. And yeah, that's all I have for tonight. >> Thank you very much. >> [applause] >> All right. Item seven, clerk of the board.

074>> Thank you, Mr. President. I have the approval of the minutes from November 25th. >> Thank you. Get a motion to second on approval of the minutes. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. Mr. Duray. >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard? >> Yes. >> Mr. Levenstein? >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow? >> Yes. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow? >> Yes. >> Miss Buchet? >> Yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli? >> Yes. >> Miss Burks? >> Yes. That concludes my items, Mr. President. >> Thank you, sir. Item [snorts] eight, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Good evening, Miss Holder. >> Good evening, sir. I have item 8.1 to 8.20 for consent and consideration. >> Thank you. Would anybody like to separate out any of these items, Miss Bell? >> 8:16, 817, and 8/19. Anyone else like to separate out any

075items? I'm going to take 820. >> Okay. Could I get a motion on 81 to 820 minus 8:16 19 and 20? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Any discussion on these items? Mr. Levenstein. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Miss Holder, is the following an accurate description of the human resources agenda being presented tonight? [clears throat] HR agenda items A through N, including appointment, change of statuses, leave of absences, resignations, retirements, and end of ex assignments. Extend appointment of Miss Cheser as an interim principal. Abolish a vacant math AIS teacher and create an elementary teacher for South Middle School. Abolish a vacant typus position and create a senior clerk position. Approve an independent medical exam. Rescend and approve a business administrator position to fix a clerical error. Designate administrator bargaining unit leadership mentoring positions.

076Create two teacher aid positions. Create a teacher on special assignment as an instructional co coach and approve the following appointments. Empire Afterchool appointments supported by the $ 1.4 million grant. 21st century afterchool program appointments funded by the 21st century grant. Gney Avenue instructional practices team appointments. Gney Avenue SEP afterchool program appointments. Homeschool teacher appointments, rescend and approve winter coaches, CTE planning and transition stipened appointment. NFA main campus design stipened appointment accountability and school improvement stipened appointment. Extend probationary period for three employees and tenure recommendations. Miss Holder, is that correct? >> Yes, it is. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Any further discussion? >> So, we're voting on 81 to 820 - 161 17 and 20. >> Roll call. Mr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Levenstein, >> yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow, yes. >> Miss

077Thomasina Bellow, yes. >> Miss Bush, yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli, >> yes. >> Miss Burks, yes. >> Mr. Duray, >> yes. >> Thank you. We're moving to item 8.16. Got to get a motion in a second. Second. Thank you. Discussion on 8.16. >> Yeah, I'm just remaining consistent with my belief that this was unnecessary. I don't I'm not convinced that they are outside the scope of what a principal normally does. So, I can't can't support it. >> Thank you, Mr. Howard. >> Thank you, Mr. President. So I'm going to ask uh Dr. Campbell, can you give us the in the content of the work expected and the scope of the work for 816, please? Sure. Um so 8.16 [snorts] is essentially the planning that must occur um for the CTE building. We are opening a brand

078new building. it is outside of the scope of the work of the um executive principal. This is not his role. This is an additional role. We are governed by collective bargaining agreements and administrators have a role that they must fulfill. And if we go outside of the role, they have to be compensated. Let's not forget that we did hire someone at approximately $200,000 to do the very same role um that we're doing now for a prrated 15%. $15,000, which is, you know, it's prorated, so it doesn't even get to I don't believe it's probably hovering around $11,000. So, it's the same work that we hired someone for not too long ago at $200,000 for approximately $11,000. >> Not not um doubting your word, but >> no, >> Mr. Shaw, is this outside of the work

079scope of an executive principal? The the issue here is preparing to open a new building and there are provisions in the education regulations at 100.2A that address this. One approach is you hire the principal ahead of the building opening. The other approach is that you assign certain functions to others about the opening of the building. This is that alternative approach. So there's nothing that is beyond the pale here um to speak of. And in my opinion, this wouldn't constitute work already subsumed within the [clears throat] regular duties of the executive principle. um lawful to do this. >> Thank you, Mr. Shaw. Any further questions on 8.16? >> We're good. >> Roll call. Mr. Levenstein? >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow? >> No. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow? >> No. >> Miss Bush? >> No. >> Mr.

080Burgarelli? >> Yes. >> Miss Burks? >> Yes. >> Mr. Duray? >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard? >> Yes. >> The motion passes. >> Thank you. Moving on to 8.17. I get a motion and a second, please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion on 8.17. Okay. Roll call. Miss Christine Bellow. >> No. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow. >> No. >> Miss Buchet? >> No. >> Mr. Burgarelli? >> Yes. >> Miss Burks? Yes, >> Mr. Duray. >> Yes, Mr. Howard. >> Yes, >> Mr. Levenstein. >> Yes, >> that motion passes. >> Thank you. Moving to 8.19. Please get a motion and a second. >> Second >> discussion on 8.19. That's >> roll call. Miss Thomas Bellow, >> no. Miss Miss Bucher, >> no. >> Mr. Burgarelli, >> yes. >> Miss Burks, >> yes. >> Mr. Duray,

081>> yes. >> Mr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Levenstein, >> yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow, >> no. >> That motion passes. >> Thank you. We're moving to 8.2 resolution to approve tenure recommend recommendations. Tonight we have Wendy Blanchard, reading in Gney Avenue. Congratulations on achieving tenure. It's a wonderful thing and we appreciate it. [applause] Now we get a motion and a second on 8.20. So moved. >> Thank you. Any further discussion on 8.20? >> Good, sir. >> Miss Busher? >> Yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli? >> Yes. >> Miss Burks? >> Yes. >> Mr. Duray? >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard? >> Yes. >> Mr. Levenstein? >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow? >> Yes. Miss Thomas Enabelloo. >> Yes. >> Thank you. That's all my items. >> Item nine, assistant superintendent of finance. Moring. Good evening. >> Thank

082you, Mr. President. The finance division presents items 9.1 to 9.12 for your consideration of routine consent this evening. >> Thank you. Anybody like to separate out any items? Miss Bellow >> 9.1 and 9.12. >> Okay. Anyone else? All right. Can I get a motion and a second on 92 to 911? >> So moved. >> Got a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion on 92 to 9.11. >> Mr. Levenstein. >> I I [clears throat] just wanted to point out um 9.9 is a donation to the district uh from from Hannerford Help Schools. There's um they had parents sign up to donate by school and and they picked our schools and um it's a $2,400 donation that we will be able to use for our students. Thank you, Hannerford. >> Thank you for recognizing that. >>

083Okay, let's go. Got a vote. >> Roll call. Mr. Burgarelli, >> yes. >> Miss Burks, >> yes. >> Mr. Duray, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Levenstein, >> yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow, >> yes. >> Miss Thomasina Bellow, >> yes. >> Miss Bucher, >> yes. >> Thank you. We're back to item 91. Resolution to accept claims order to reports. Going to get a motion in a second. >> So moved. >> Thank you. Discussion on 91. Miss Bellow. >> Oh, yeah. I I did send an email asking for clarification. I didn't get a response. So, um there were there's two warrants in here, three invoices for um for food. So, why is it charged and coded to the to BOE supplies? That's the first question. And the second question is why are

084we providing food for committee meetings or whatever meeting it is. Okay. I think it was coded incorrectly but um we are operating within the policy just the same way you have the snacks in the back. It's the same food that we provide. So when we are having meetings during the meal hour, we have an obligation to provide it. No different than any other meal that you've had. >> Potato chips cost 9250. >> We've had more than that. And all the soda, everything else that you've had. >> Okay. Well, thank you for the clarification on the miscoding and but it the policy does say that we should know how many people were there and that's I mean that's not included in the information just a point that's all >> any more discussion on 91 go ahead

085>> I saw the list of where that came from and and it seemed like to me it was it was parents or teachers were invited to these meetings. I don't think it was a regular uh committee meetings and well there's nothing served at committee meetings but but I I got the impression that it was inviting the public for to have discussions and participate and and that's why they bought a couple of pizzas. That's that's the impression I got. It's a it's a standard district practice and we're operating in policy. It's something we do every single day. So I am not sure why these items were flagged. We do it every day. We're all recipients of that. If we look across the table, we all partake. Same policy. >> Absolutely. >> Mr. Howard, did you have

086something? >> I still >> Go ahead, Miss Bellow. >> I don't see why. I mean these are um >> these are employees. >> No, this does not say parents. >> So I think >> it's employees. >> I think the root of your question is why are we >> providing food? >> So I just explained that. But maybe you'll um hear it from the attorney. Maybe he's better to maybe you'll hear it differently if he tells you. So I'll have him respond to you. Okay, >> there a consensus for my response. [clears throat] >> So if there is business that's occurring during the lunch period and deemed to be necessary to have food at the meeting so as to avoid an interruption in a meeting. Uh that's been held to be appropriate by the controller. Um

087there should be a list of the people who are being served the food. Um that's pretty much what external auditors are requiring. Um but it's not an illegal event. I didn't think it was illegal. I just what I'm what I'm surprised at is that what what the policy dictates that we are supposed to be provided with the information is the time, the meeting date, how many people were there and none of this is is supplied to us. that that's what I'm I'm just trying to discern whether this was really during a a a lunch hour or something like that or is this are we just you know buying lunch for people? I that that's what I'm trying to figure out. So I mean and then of course it was miscoded but I I don't understand

088that. I mean, we pay substantial salaries. I don't see why we have to buy lunch, too. >> That's all. >> If I if I could add to that, there's something called reasonable and customary. And if you have 12 people, for instance, around a table at lunchtime, instead of 12 people going out to 12 different places and interrupting the entire event, it's actually much more economical to bring in $50 worth of pizza and keep working. It's not free food for people because they're working through their lunch hour. It's just keeping the meeting going. It's called a working meeting. It's accepted in virtually every industry and business. Anything further on 91? >> Roll call. Miss Burks. >> Yes. >> Mr. Duray. >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard? >> Yes. >> Mr. Levenstein? >> Yes. >> Miss Pityi? >>

089Oh, sorry. Miss Christine Bellow. >> Yes. >> Miss Thomas Bellow. >> Yes. >> Miss Buchet? >> Yes. >> Mr. Berelli? >> Yes. Thank [clears throat] you. We're at 9.12 resolution to approve a budget transfer. Can I get a motion in a second, please? >> So moved. >> Get a second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion on 9.12. Miss Bella. >> Yeah, this was another email I sent um asking for clarification to which I I got no response. Um, but I was just this is a transfer and the majority of this transfer in my opinion is to pay for proper district charges. Then there's some of it that is for what is in my mind a questionable district charge. So, I asked in my email if it could be separated into two resolutions so that I

090could do my due diligence and support a proper district charge. But the one that is questionable to me would be I don't believe it's we should be paying it but um you know so it has to all seem legal to me every expense or none of it is legal to me. So, I I don't know. I mean, that's why I wanted wanted the resolution to be separated into two parts so that I could still vote for what was actually proper district charges. >> Thank you. Could you provide some detail as to what charge you don't think is authorized? Exc may I may I provide a little bit of information based on the transfer request that was submitted to my office and the things that that drove that dollar amount that might be helpful to the

091conversation. >> Sure, Mr. R. >> So, um, I received a budget transfer request from the district clerk because this is an area of the budget that he manages. The items that were identified were retainer expenses for our district council, a mediator expense, investigation, and commissioner appeals estimate. Those were the four items that were identified that derived drove this budget transfer that's before the board this evening as it exceeds the $50,000. >> Thank you, Mr. Ring. >> Mr. Levenstein, go ahead, please. >> So, Mr. growing. I have a question for you. On resolution 9.12, there is a transfer of monies to the legal fees ledger account. is approximately $30,000 of this transfer of taxpayer funds being set aside for the district to cover costs of the current litigation brought against the district by and its employees

092by a current board member and two community members. >> I'm one of them. >> Yes, that is correct. Mr. Howard. >> No, I was just going to suggest amend the motion. [snorts] I said I would suggest amend the motion. Then I'd like to make a motion to remove approximately $11,000 from this transfer. Mr. Shaw, could you speak to the $11,000, please? What? 11,000? >> What? $11,000? >> Yes, >> it is. It was board approved. It's >> What is it? >> I'm sorry. I don't believe we should be responsible for um paying the legal fees when legal fees are stem from disciplinary charges. I don't believe the taxpayers should have to pay for that. >> May I respond? >> Consens consensus to respond. >> Yes. >> Okay. So the $11,000 that you're referring to, I believe

093was part of the settlement of litigation and charges with respect to the current superintendent of schools. Um you may recall that there was a litigation against the district. I believe it was under title six and title nine um brought by an attorney representing the superintendent and there was consideration for the withdrawal of those litigations and uh with general releases exchanged between the parties and for the district's part there was a withdrawal of charges and you know all of the circumstances about the charges and the leadup to the withdrawal. That of course was executive session content, but everyone on this board knew exactly about that. And the approximately $11,000 uh were the legal fees which the superintendent was charged in the preparation of the defense. You may also recall that there was a pause in the

094proceedings um based upon the financial auditing that was going on and after that was known to the board the settlement was reached. So there is due consideration. It's a legal expense. It was voted by a majority of the board at least a majority. Uh so that would be the justification for the payment and the district's claims auditor would be responsible for verifying the justness and the necessity of the payment. And if that's in the claims auditor's report as such, it's lawful for the board to accept the report of the claims auditor. Thank you, Mr. Shaw. Anything further on 9.12? Good, sir. >> Roll call. Mr. Duray. >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard, >> this hasn't been amended. >> Yes. >> Mr. Levenstein? >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow? >> No. >> Miss Thomasina? >> No. >>

095Miss Buchet? >> Yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli? >> Yes. >> Miss Burks? >> Yes. >> Thank you. That concludes my items. >> Thank you, Mr. Rory. Item 10, Assistant Superintendent CIO, DPO. Mr. McGrath, good evening. >> Thank you, Mr. President. The Division of Technology and Data presents for the board's consideration items 10.1 and 10.2. >> Thank you. Would anybody like to separate out 10.1 or 10.2? All right. Could we get a motion and a second? >> So move. >> Second. >> Thank you. Discussion on 101 or 102? Mr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Levenstein, yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow, >> yes. >> Miss Thomas Bellow, >> yes. >> Miss Boucher, >> yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli, >> yes. >> Miss Bergs, >> yes. >> Mr. Duray, >> yes. [clears throat] >> Thank you. This concludes my items.

096>> Thank you. >> Item 11, assistant superintendent CNI Elementary. >> Thank you. We present item 11.1 for your consideration on consent. >> Thank you. Get a motion and a second on 111. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion on 111? >> Roll call. Mr. Levenstein? >> Yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow? >> Yes. >> Miss Thomas Bellow? >> Yes. >> Miss Buchet? >> Yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli? >> Yes. >> Miss Burks? >> Yes. >> Mr. Duray? >> Yes. >> Mr. Howard? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Nothing further. Thank you. >> Thank you. Item 12, assistant superintendent CNI, Dr. Sto. Good evening. >> Good evening, President Dur. Uh, our division presents agenda items 12.1 to 12.3 for the board's consideration on consent. >> Thank you. Would anybody like to separate out 121 to 123? Do

097we get a motion and a second on 121 to 123? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Any discussion? Miss Christine Bellow, >> yes. >> Miss Thomasabello, >> yes. >> Miss Busher, >> yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli, >> yes. >> Miss Burks, >> yes. >> Mr. Duray, >> yes. >> Mr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Levenstein, >> yes. >> Thank you. That concludes our items for this evening. >> Thank you, Dr. Sto. Item 13, Assistant Superintendent, Exceptional Learners. Mr. McGrath. >> Thank you. So, as you know, for the last 6 months, I have been supporting the uh division for exceptional learners. Uh, Miss McKitty Brmley will be joining us at the next meeting. So, for the very last time, I present. We were very happy to have her. Nice job. So, for the very last

098time, I present item 13.1 for the board's consideration. >> Thank you. Any discussion? Can I get a motion in a second on 131, please? [laughter] >> For this year anyway. So, moved. [laughter] >> Do we get a motion? There's a motion. You need a second now. >> Second. Thank you. Any discussion on 131? That's roll call. Miss Thomasina Bellow, >> yes. >> Miss Busher, >> yes. >> Mr. Burgarelli, >> yes. >> Miss Burks, >> yes. >> Mr. Duray, >> yes. >> Mr. Howard, >> yes. >> Mr. Levenstein, >> yes. >> Miss Christine Bellow, >> yes. >> Thank you. This concludes my items. >> Thank you. >> We are at item 14, public comment on agenda items. uh two minutes on any agenda item discussed this evening. Also the same instructions for the board if any

099of the board members want to speak. Would anybody like to speak on agenda items? Miss McKenzie. >> So this is not an agenda item, but I do think it's Andy's last meeting, isn't it, before he retires? So I would just like to recognize that Andy and say thank you. [applause] Thank you. I since we're there, I'll I I'll add a bit to it. Uh Andy has been with us for 24 years, and I I've known him before I came to the board. We worked together a little bit, and uh >> he's he's one one of those people with incredible what's called institutional knowledge. If you called him and said, "I need the light fixture changed in a bathroom in VeilsGate," he would probably tell you the make model of the light fixture. Um, and those

100people are incredibly valuable to an organization. So, we're going to miss you. Uh, I very much appreciate working with you. I know I speak for the board how much they appreciate working with you and, uh, you've done just a terrific job and we wish you well in your retirement. >> [applause] >> Mr. >> I'd like to add to that. I'd like to say congratulations on your years of service, Mr. Vez. You've always been someone that's always been available, always been someone that was adequately prepared to do what was necessary to keep this district rolling and flowing. And I just want to tell you to keep the bat phone on. [laughter] >> [clears throat and snorts] >> Go ahead, doctor. >> Don't worry. At every night before the snowstorm, we talk. He drives. He goes out

101every morning at about 2 3 4:00. Then we touch base. So Andy, don't worry. I'm still going to call you to make sure that you're working with Miss Coin to get out there. Um, this is a tremendous loss. Um, I've been trying to convince you, um, because you know that we lost some time and I tried to use that to hook you back in. But um we're happy that you're able to retire. You've done a great service to our district. You've worn many hats. You've stepped in um at all all times. Um I can't even imagine what it's going to be like without you being here. We talk all the time. Um you know where the oil tanks are buried. Um so we are still going to call you. So not to worry. um we

102know that you'll be leaving the state um [snorts] not too far away by flight. So, we expect that we'll see you soon and thank you for everything that you've done. You're a big part of our district, our community, and we know that you're not going too far and we will miss you and please make sure that you're still able to control the temperature in here. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> I can say he's been training somebody very well on that. We'll be okay. [laughter] >> Can I Can I hear something? We're good. Go ahead, Mr. Veles. >> Well, I want to thank you all for for working with me and working for the district. Uh when I leave, I'm going to be one month shy of 25 years. When I came here, I thought I

103was going to work here for five years and leave. And it's been an easy 25 years. Um it's good to work with all of you. I mean, I work with many, many board members in 25 years. Uh working with Dr. Campbell, like I said, she said, we talked all the time. I think I talked to Kimberly 10 times a day. My last call every day is to call me or she'll call me or we'll text something. Uh it's a good district. I know people said things about our district, but this is a district that is very good. I'm proud to work here with all of you. Um some of you have my personal cell number. You can call me. I'm going to give you a year's grace. I said that I'll turn it off. No,

104[laughter] >> but again, thank you. Thank you for the 25 years of the privilege to work here with all of you. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. [applause] Uh, Miss Bush took us uh to a happy place there. Thank you. Uh, but we're back to item 14, public comment on agenda items two minutes. Mr. Ryan, good evening. [clears throat] >> Speak with him or to him. >> No, you can you can do that after the meeting. years ago. >> M Mr. Ryan. Mr. Ryan. I >> Fair enough. That's on you, Mr. >> That's fine. I'll take it. >> Good evening. My name is David Ryan. Right. Hope they can hear me on YouTube. Item The Torah teaches, "Open your mouth for the voiceless." I'm here to open my mouth for the voiceless. Miss Johnson,

105if you're still listening, and for all the similar similarly situated children. If this board can approve a director of finance, a director of communications, a PR company, a lawyer, a superintendent, a superintendent's contract, extra money for Onyx Peterson, then you can prioritize THE PEOPLE WHO TEACH TO READ. Please stop gaslighting us, saying you care while refusing to effectuate teachers, contracts, and a coherent evidence-based reading program. Maybe she'll get her maybe to get her due. But what about all the little out there, >> sir? >> Mr. D through the chair to to trustee Phil Howard. Over a decade on this board. Where's the reading program? Mr. Duray threw the chair to trustee Polity. You said these lawsuits are expensive. They are because misconduct is expensive. >> Cutting microphones, midcontent, intimidation outside the chamber. Mr. Howard, >>

106Mr. Ryan, >> and conflicted choices that blow legal consulting lines. Mr. Duray through the chair to the trustee. Mr. Burgarelli, Mr. Miss Pity, and Mr. Howard are all up for reelection next year and in my view wholly responsible for failing to deliver THE TEACHERS CONTRACT. >> YOU BEAR that weight. >> I SAID THE NAME. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? SUE ME. >> Give him a contract. >> Massie. >> Mr. D. >> May May I ask Mr. Ryan a question? >> Miss Mr. Yes, you may. >> Um Mr. Ryan, you mentioned a student's name. Did the mother give you permission? >> I heard it tonight publicly. >> Well, a mother talking about a student by name is different >> than someone else. >> Talk to Miss Johnson about that. And I'll tell you what, I'll

107publicly apologize if I broke the rules if I was so impassioned. But maybe if you took care of the of the world, I wouldn't have to step to the microphone and answer you and your cohort who hide behind bloated salaries. >> Thank you very much, M. >> Mr. Ryan, the reason I'm asking this of you is what would end up being posted on YouTube. Without a prior written consent from the parent, the district may take out that part of your speech where the name is. >> I if you drop just the name because you're very good. I mean, look, I've seen you do countless, you know, you you asked me a question. I'm going to answer you now. >> Don, >> excuse me. No, I was engaged by your attorney. I am pro. not understanding

108because we sat Carla Johnson down when she got up. >> No, you didn't. She talked for an extra 3 minutes. >> NO, WE SAT her down and we we >> SHE FOR HAD HER LEAVE THE MEETING. >> SHE CALLED FOR AN EXTRA. >> SO, WE ARE NOT BEING FEARED. >> This is discrimination. You lied >> and it's not fair. >> The rules need to be set for every resident that comes up here to speak. Thank you. >> To adjourn. >> Motion to adjurnn. You don't care about teachers. You >> motion. All those in favor, please say I. >> Meeting adjourned.