001[Music] Uh good evening board of education superintendent and assistant superintendent and everyone else in attendance. Uh it's we're come up to another year um for our safety hearing. Thank you, Darren. Um so in this presentation, we're just going to go over highlights from this current year as well as we're going to talk about the um emergency response plans for the upcoming school year. So, first things in here, the the safety plan needs to be reviewed annually. Uh, then it comes before you all. Um, it needs to be available for 30 days for public comment. It gets posted to our website. Um, because of our meeting schedule that we have, it's going to come before you tonight and then it'll come back up in August should you choose to adopt it. Um, so that's why it
002has that note there by September 1st because we have to have it in place prior to September 1st. Um if you look down um we just had our last safety committee meeting for the year. We reviewed um anything safety related. Uh the main thing was the new requirement from last year which was the workplace violence uh policy went back through that back through the assessments for anything that was changed. Um and I will briefly touch those at the end here. So in the committee uh we reviewed that. We also established goals um to continue working um we try to build off what we have from the previous year. At the bottom uh we have continued refinement of processes. Uh I wanted to touch that one because we've we've made some good strides in this current
003year um to include additional cameras for safety and public spaces. Um we've integrated a red green clipboard throughout the district which u helps us throughout our drills for um accountability of students where they are when we exit and evacuate buildings. Uh we've also through the outlay project we've made changes for access control. So, the double doors between the athletic and academic side here um as well as upgrades to the exterior doors there um that are also part of our lock and access system. Uh last point for that is um PPE um that was purchased through uh PPS uh for any sort of special needs. So, uh, Jeeoff, and correct me if I'm wrong, it was, uh, there's, uh, like bike guards, um, spit face shields, um, certain things that are very specific for specific needs
004that were provided, uh, in order to to make things a little bit easier for the staff. So, uh, Penny, any questions? Um, that is that is my pres presentation. Okay, thank you all. Appreciate it. All right. 6 o'clock. Call us meeting in order. Please stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty, justice for all. Are you going up there to do the presentation? login. Next, we will have the presentation and discussion of internet connective device policy by Mr. Certisio. Thank you, Mr. Carpenter. So, I'm taking the un unusual approach to tonight um for how we uh typically review policies to go over two policies that uh were um were required to uh to
005adopt in some sh way, shape or form based on recent legislation. And the first one we're going to talk uh about is the use of internet enabled devices during the school day. I'm going to read the policy uh and I and not necessarily in whole. I'll paraphrase uh some things. We'll also talk about the results from the survey that was recently done that was sent to uh via school messenger to uh parents and and staff. And there were also some students that responded to that survey. And then we're going to talk about um the difference between policy and practice. There is a little bit of a difference there. Policy just before we get started is really high level. And practice follows what a policy uh that's adopted including the code of conduct. I include the
006code when I talk about practice. Okay. So, uh, the district consulted with local stakeholders. We did that via the survey, including employee organizations representing each bargaining unit, parents, and students to develop this policy to prohibit the use of internet enabled devices by students during the school day on school grounds. This policy aims to ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities throughout the school day, which includes all instructional non-instructional periods such as home room, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time. So, I just want to point out to you that this policy does not permit use of internet uh connected devices in any way, shape, or form during the during the school day. Okay? During the academic school day. Um and again, this policy was part of the recent budget adoption um from uh
007New York State. I agree. Um for purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply. Internet enabled devices mean and include any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or other device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet including social media applications. Uh there are some exclusions here. Internet enabled devices does not include non- internet enabled devices such as cellular phones or other communication devices not capable of connecting to the internet or enabling the user to access content uh on the internet. So the the pre-smart smartphone type of cell phone uh internet enabled devices supplied by the district uh are that are used for educational purposes are permitted. School day is the school day. School grounds means anywhere on the school grounds. So if our fizzed uh um classes go out
008to the turf for class, that's still considered uh part of school grounds and part of the instructional day. Um, students may be authorized, and this is an important caveat here because there are there are some some issues that that really are pertinent for our student body. Students may be authorized to use an internet enabled device during the school day on school grounds if authorized by a teacher, principal or the district for a specific educational purpose or necessary for the mana management of a student's uh students health uh care. And for instance, there we have we have some students that monitor uh their their health issues such as such as diabetes with their cell phones, right? So, they'll be permitted to continue to be in their possession uh in the event of an emergency if they're
009being used for translation services. And this one's interesting. On a case-by case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, school counselor for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member. So, for instance, if we have a a young person who um maybe lives with a with a grandparent or or a parent that that has some some physical limitations and whatnot, and so their their constant communication or the ability to constantly communicate is a little different than the norm, then then there there would we'd be able to allow an exception there. Okay. Also, uh internet enabled devices uh that are included their use is included on a student's IEP or 504 plan. Okay. Uh the next section we we were permitted to modify
010a bit. Now everything that I've read to you previously is a policy that was provided to us again via legislation. So our modification is in terms of storage and the first sentence there says students must store their internet enabled devices in their assigned student locker. We're going to talk about that in a couple minutes. Additional secure storage areas will be located in the school's main office. We'll talk about that. Also, the designated on-site storage areas must be easily accessible, etc., etc. That's boil boilerplate language there. Moving on to methods for par uh for parents to contact students during the day. Again, some modifications here to accommodate necessary communication. Um, parents or persons in parental relation may use the following method uh to contact their students. uh the school phone. Parents or persons in parental relation
011may call the school's main office or attendance office. The office staff is staff can relay a message to the student or call the student to the office to speak with their parent uh or person in parallel relations. We'll talk about that in a second as well. Uh written notes, a parent can drop off a note and staff will will contact that student and and share that note with the student. Um, in terms of student discipline, students will not are we are prohibited for from suspending a student solely for accessing internet enabled devices in violation of the policy. Uh, and then we're required to post it as per other policies. And this one's a little different. A year from September and every year thereafter, we have to publish an annual report uh detailing enforcement of the
012policy within the prior year and the details that go along with that. We don't have to do that for any other policy to my knowledge. Um, so that one's a little bit interesting. So before I move on to discussing the survey, any questions about that policy as written? Okay. So one question, so travel to Boseis. Yes. So that we're going to we're going to talk about that for sure. Right. Um because that's an interesting caveat and it did come up in the comments from from parents. Right. Okay. No. Um, and I and I think that's a good and I want you to make sure I come back to that, uh, Mr. Suffin, because the the procedure, right, the procedure is important because we can get into procedures that are just untenable. Oh, I agree. Right.
013Um, so let's go to let's go to that survey, if you will. And this is this is included in your board packet. uh we had 268 responses to the survey. You can see that uh just over 78% were parents. The next highest group were uh 12.3% uh teachers which is roughly I think 36 or 39 I think it's 36 teachers responded to the survey. Uh the vast majority were aware of the policy. Scroll keep scrolling for me there. 82% said they were aware. The next question about the potential benefits really weighs on being le, you know, less distraction at 154. The next highest category was no benefit. And that 68 number is pretty consistent through the survey for people who simply just don't agree with it. Okay. Um you'll see other things in there. increased
014social interactions, less bullying, um positive mental health, which is really what this uh what this legislation was geared toward toward is helping our young people u be better, we'll say consumers are are are spending less time consuming social media and and thus uh and the issues that go with it. Um when it came to storage, you can scroll there for me over you know there were there were only two options given were in school lock uh school locker or lockable pouches and then other and school locker was the overwhelming winner followed by the lockable pouches and then you know backpack which backpack in of itself is not permissible because they can't be in possession of them. um student vehicle, leave at home, disagree, uh disagree with the law, etc. Um, scrolling down to what's the
015best way to communicate, a little bit all over the board there. I imagine we will have a variety of of ways to communicate not only the policy, but the changes in the code of conduct and then the procedure, uh, which will be specific to each building. um how can we you know what's the best way to to to contact uh uh for you to contact your student call the main office call the attendance office again those were were given as as examples and then a smattering of other things the comments here and they again they were provided to the board this is not the totality of the comments in this section they were just the ones that seem to be the most re reoccurring um you know a sustainable option that allows parents access to
016their students when needed and not something that leaves phones uncovered for lunch breaks, etc., etc. So, there there was a lot of of comments both in this section and in the question seven responses about how's your staff really going to handle this, which I which I actually appreciated that. Um, you know, and then, you know, going three down. Many times I I update him on sports practices, etc. by text during the day. uh unless you can assure me the coaches will be providing us with schedules at least 24 hours prior than my child needs access to his phone. So again, there's a lot of angst about familiar, you know, family procedures, I should say. Uh, and how how are we going to do do this now and and you're taking away something from us that's
017been working. And I understand that is, you know, as a parent and and a superintendent, I understand that schedules change and and families need to communicate. Uh, email my son directly, which currently is not allowed, and that is correct. um back in I think 2018. Um we do not allow uh emails from outside the school district meaning you know locally here. I don't mean when I say school district I mean within our our Google uh family. Am I saying that right Brandon here? Yes. Okay. Thank you. Um so we do not we do not allow outside emails to students. um allowing individual parent emails into the system seems almost impossible and it would give that parent access to every student in in our in our district. So for instance, Mr. Stellapana, you you have children
018in the district. We couldn't limit you your ability to just communicate with with your students. You could communicate with everybody, right? And I wouldn't have any problem with you doing that, but I don't know everybody. I don't know everybody in the district. Um so that's an issue and I I don't know that's an issue we can overcome. um you know so so that's really it for for that section and then moving on to um the responses from question seven and I I have a print out here and there they're like probably 10 pages of comments. I'm not going to go through all of them. Um but I just want to highlight a couple of things because I think it really speaks to what the concerns are. um you know concern about a a reduced sense
019of security because there's not direct communication over and over again and I'm sure this didn't come from the teachers who were answered it came from the parents but does the same policy include teachers and employees um you know how come you know are they going to be able to check messages between classes what happens in what happens in an emergency um transportation home [Music] um you know the current the current procedures particularly at the middle of high school work well. Why do we have to change these? I happen to agree with that. But the law is the law. Um I want to be able to communicate with my kids and not have to worry about calling the office. Um you you really should bring the student body in as partners. Eden kids are great and
020working with them will go a long way. I agree. Um there this one's about my my child has medical needs. How do we handle that? We we know that there's a a nuance in in the law that allows us to work with that child directly. Um I worry about the management of uh of parents wanting to communicate with their children and the staff ha uh having to be the middleman. I I agree. Uh yonder pouches are a bad idea. They're expensive. Makes kids feel like they're in a prison. Um worried in case of emergency. I think this is wonderful. I hope it is I hope it is enforced. There's a lot of comments about consistency of enforcement. Um, also be important that students see teachers and staff adhering to this policy. Once a logical plan
021is designed, again, that's that's our procedure and needs to be enforced with no exceptions, etc., etc. Um, you know, there's talk about lockers in here and how lockers won't work if students are carrying their backpacks. Um, going to talk about that in a second. Uh as students are responsible for self storage and lockers, backpacks or other bags should not be permitted in the classroom. Again, that's procedural stuff. Um there needs to be a plan in place for what happens when a student uh has or uses a phone. Of course, needs to be consistent. Policy needs to be consistent or or it won't work. Um that's another medical one. Uh, and then it talks about coaches and the communication and and what to do there. So, you know, outside of the folks who said, I simply
022don't agree with the policy, I can sum up the that the other comments really are about procedure and what are we going to do to make sure that communication is as good as it can be, right? Um, we have some great uh options. Um, many many teachers particularly at the elementary uh level use the Remind app or or use Class Dojo. Um, I've already spoke with Mr. Iwanco about how coaches are going to need to adopt a means to communicate with students and and parents, not through their cell phone, not directly through their personal cell numbers, but through one of those apps particularly because we know we know schedules can change. Um, but let me take a break here and ask if there's any any questions from the board at this point. You brought up
023the Remind app. Can students access the Remind app through their Chromebooks? Brandon, did you did you Yes, they can. Thank you. because I know our like release a lot of the sports team has gone to the sports U or camera and um which is an app on a cell phone but yeah if they can the reminder app works on a Chromebook that's good and you know maybe the coaches can just call in the school and tell Jay like hey we changed things and an announcement can be made because yeah I as as a parent with kids in sports that happens all the time we're texting our kids oh this changed or this or you know you're baseball parents oh baseball got cancelceled they're going here now but my kid didn't know So, all right. As
024long as you're you bring up per great examples. Um we need to make sure that our coaches, our teachers, our administrators, our counselors, you know, the superintendent, me, um that we are all um improving and our communication skills and and and how we're how we're communicating because it's been easy, right? Cell phones are make things make communication very easy. Um, but there's a downside to that communication, too. Uh, I I read a lot about I think there's going to be families that are really going to struggle with the adjustment of not being able to communicate with their child whenever they want and that's that's an issue and we're going to have to help them adjust. I also think this is an opinion and I apologize if I offend anyone that we're going to be okay
025and it's okay to not be able to communicate with your child every minute of the day, right? Um there is and I know there are there are horrible things that happen in all walks of life but schools still remain very very very safe places. Um Jeeoff I would just add along those same lines. Yeah. I mean it doesn't really matter if we agree or disagree. This is the rule and we can say we mispractice because you know a coach can blame the texting or a kid can blame the texting. But the reality is these are the rules that we've been given and we will find a way to overcome them and that and it's critical that parents, students, coaches, teachers don't make an excuse for this. This is here's here's the card you're dealt. We'll
026figure out a way around it. And saying that you disagree with the policy is not a way around it. Well said. Another quick question. I saw a comment said somehow bringing back the pay phone. If a student needs to get a hold of a parent during the day, is there a phone they can use? Sure. And and there and you know, this has nothing to do with the policy. It's just been the practice in this building. There there's a phone in in the middle of high school main office that that students use. Absolutely. I mean, the opinion is there's 700 other districts in New York State are going through this. So, um it's not like we're the lone wolf that's gone out and done this. It's, you know, every parent in in New York State
027is going to have to deal with it. So, good point. Um, and I'm going to open up a flip phone stand right outside the uh office here. I think I think I'll do all right. Schools. Oh, yeah. Yep. Only public schools. Don't get me on that tangent right now. So, let let's talk about storage solutions, right? And I and I can tell you this was not a confidential survey. Um, and anyone who took the survey submitted their their email address. So, it was easy for me to try and sort out, you know, parent issues from from teacher issues or the few students that that that uh and community members that answered. Um, there's concern about lockers being the the sole source of storage. Okay. Um, and that really is connected to students carrying their backpacks.
028Um, I've already had conversations with uh with with uh Mr. Cervone and Mr. Mcdana about you're going to need to address this. Um, and students storing their their cellular devices, their internet connected devices in their backpack and being possession their their their backpack is a violation of this law and and this policy. So, there's going to be some adjustments there. Um, and I will let them at a future date talk about procedure and changes to the code of conduct because remember this is the first read and the policy won't will not be up for adoption until uh the reorganization meeting in July. Okay? And by the way, I'm going to say this um this is a shorter window for for policy than usual and that is because uh the state thrust upon us very strict
029guidelines and when the policy needs to be in place and that's by August 1st and they did this even though they adopted the bud the the budget at the latest date in the past 15 years and and this legislation came came along with uh um with with the budget adoption. So, we adjust and and we do what we need to do. Um, after uh the reorg adoption, should this board choose to adopt this policy and my advice to you is you don't have a choice. Um, then um Mr. Cervone, Mr. Mcdana and Mr. Iwankco and I will have a discussion about and along with Mrs. Lar Roa and other administrators, but this is really a secondary issue for us because K through five students have not been able to be in possession of these types
030of devices for quite a long time and it hasn't been an issue. Um we'll talk about um what kind of addendum we'll need for the code of conduct which by the way you're adopting the code of conduct tonight because we have to. But then there's going to be an addendum because we have to um and and what that what that may look like. So give them a little bit more time to sort out those procedures. But I want to talk about the yonder pouches a little bit because that uh that seems to be something people are interested in. And I I had I've talked with a number of superintendents and and a number of teachers who have experienced yonder pouches and I can tell you unequivocally they're a waste of money and they don't work
031and I apologize to the yonder people but we're not buying them. Um they start out uh working really well but you have to think about uh what this procedure would look like. It's great. We have home rooms. Okay. So students would go to their first period home room, they would take out their their devices, their watch, their phone, whatever it is, they put it in the pouch, they lock it up, but at some point that pouch needs to be unlocked at the end of the day. And so if the pouch stays in home room, what if that teacher doesn't have a ninth period class or if someone else is there? Where's the key? What if the key gets lost? What if they go on Amazon and buy the key themselves, which they can do? So
032the experience that's been shared with me is for the first few days the pouches are filled with phones. After that the claim is we didn't bring a phone in. I didn't bring a phone in. There's even one creative student who actually um this is pretty funny actually. I love the creativity of youth when they don't like the rules. Um made a bar of soap look like a phone and that's what he was putting in in the pouch and the pouch is great. So I I don't see how logistically we could maintain the school day that we have, not lose instructional time, get out get on the buses at the end of this day so that we can pick up on time at at the elementary and and the GLP by going back to home room
033or wherever it is to unlock these pouches. Um I I just think it would be it would be a very shortlived success that would lead to other problems. The other thing I want to say is the procedures that we've already had in this building, I believe, and you guys can tell me if I'm wrong, have worked really well. We have great kids. I I I'm in this building probably more than others other than the E because that's where my my office is. And I see them in the hallways and our our students there are students who are looking at their phones in between class, but it's not the majority. They're actually communicating with each other. they're all hunched over because they have 450 pounds of I don't know what in their backpacks. Um, so I
034don't think it's going to be the same difficulty with our students as maybe what some other districts might be facing. Okay, other questions? But if a student didn't put their phone in their um locker and they carried it in a backpack or in a a hoodie or whatever, but they didn't pull it out, we're not searching backpacks and we're not searching pockets and we're not So I'm not certain that we should spend a whole lot of time and and and even if you get caught with it, there's no real ramification to it anyway. Well, that yes and no. So you you cannot suspend a student simply because they used a device. Okay. Um and and you the the other component that I did put in the policy is there will be lockable storage available in
035in the main office. That's for two reasons. So a student doesn't trust their locker, but they know it needs to be locked up. We have a spot where it can be locked up and it's not sitting in, you know, one of one of our principal's desks or on, you know, on a secretar's desk. It's it's locked up. The other reason for that is we have a student who's simply not complying with with what the rules and regulations are. Okay. Well, then you need to come into the office first thing every morning and we're going to lock your phone up. And and you know, and if you violate that, that can be considered insubordination. Insubordination is a suspendable offense. But we don't want to go down that road. We don't suspend a lot of students. We
036don't want to start suspending a lot of students. We want our students to be our partners with this. And it's really designed to help them, you know, focus on their studies, have those peer relationships and and you know, the positive things that that are are the background of the policy. Craig, I think the biggest problem are going to come from the parents when it's all said and done. Yeah, I think it's going to be a tough adjustment. Yeah, I do. I do. I'm going to say I totally think you're right because I've asked my kids about it and they're like, honestly, we don't even use our phones and that's why my middle schooler, Mr. So funny when they do really stupid games at lunchtime. I'm like, I wish you guys were playing on your phones
037because they think it's fun as 13-year-olds to let's punch each other's hands. Yeah. So, so they're not using their phones. They're doing dumb things instead. But still, they're not using their phones. So, I agree with you. I don't think it'll be a huge adjustment for these kids. And I've been in the halls, too. Like, I've been in the school during the day and kids are not down on their phones. They're I don't see kids on their phones. They're up. They're chitchatting with each other. They're talking with teachers. So I think yeah, our district will be fine. Well, and I know just from the student representatives that have come during this current school year, there seems to be like with student council and stuff a lot more activities bringing the kids together. So they're actually face
038to face, you know, making bracelets, making cards for the nursing homes and things like that. And um you know, I agree. I think it'll be a harder adjustment for parents. No offense, but you know they're than it would be for kids because I think for the most part kids once they are in school, they're not, you know, on their cell phone all the time. And the office, you know, I I'm old, but in third grade, we had a a death in the family. And parents called the office, said I'd get Cheryl out of class, and they came and picked me up and on my way. So, it's not like you can't be connected to your kid. It's just not can't be connected to your kid the way you'd like to be. But that's also not
039a bad thing. That's all. I agree. Do you have any comments? [Laughter] Honestly, I think the second group's going to have the toughest time is a is the teachers. Yeah, probably. Right. Well, you got to you got to lead what you want to see, right? Um, but that, you know, teachers are not included in the policy. Let's be clear about that. Uh, they're also not included in the legislation, but there's best practice, too. So, um, we will leave that discussion for another time as well. Anything else before we move on to the next policy? that we'll have to impose next week, right? Well, it's funny that you should say that, Mr. Suffin. So, as we move on to the maximum temperature for school buildings, indoor facilities, this does not go into effect until September 1st
040of 2025. So, the 390 degrees next week aren't going to count. No, they are not. Okay. Um, this is um this is also a first read for this policy. I want to I'm going to read through this again similar fashion to the last one, and then we're going to talk about what it is and what it isn't. Okay. So the district is responsible for addressing health, safety, and comfort of students and staff on extreme heat conditions days. For purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply. Extreme heat condition days mean when occupiable educational and support services spaces are 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Room te temperature means the temperature measured at a shaded location 3T above the the floor near the center of the room. Support services spaces do not include kitchen areas in the
041preparation for food and consumption by students. So that does not mean kitchens or cafeterias. Implementation plan when the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The district is required and I'm really shocked that I'm reading this to you that this is actually policy is required to take action to relieve heat related discomfort when the occupiable educational support services spaces temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit. These actions may include, but are not limited to, turning off the overhead lights, pulling down shades or blinds, turning on fans, opening classroom doors and windows to increase the circulation if permitted, turning off unusual unused electronics that produce heat, and providing water breaks. Of course, uh, air conditioners where available may also be used to keep room temperature from reaching 82 degrees. the district will take the actions above earlier in the day
042or before school starts in an effort to keep the room temperature below 82 degrees. So, Mr. Sitsman and I have already had conversations that we we know it's when it's a it's going to be a cool morning, but it's going to heat up through the day. Let's get those second floor windows open before the staff gets here. Um, and some of our staff arrive pretty early, so they're going to be encouraged to open them on their own um just to get some air circulation. And I and Mike has already talked about making some changes with our air handling systems as well. Um, this does not prohibit using air conditioning response to students uh individual education plan. We do have some students that that do require air conditioning based on their IEP or their section 504
043plan or or documented medical needs. So that's not really, you know, that's if it's going to be 82 or less than 88, then open the windows, turn a fan on. This is where it gets interesting. Implementation plan. When temperature reaches 88 degrees, the district will will remove students and staff from educational and support services spaces when the room temperature reaches 88 degrees Fahrenheit where practicable. The superintendent or designate may direct building principles to evacuate the space by moving students and staff to cooler spaces within the school building or closing school early and sending students and staff home according the district's emergency school closing policy and our procedure which include communicating with parents and persons in parental relation and we just talked about communication a minute ago. The board will consider the anticipated number of extreme
044heat condition days when adopting or adjusting the district's school calendar. The district will also be mindful of collective bargaining agreements. So this is all boilerplate language. There's nothing that that we're able to adjust on this. But where practicable quite frankly came for from significant advocacy from the New York State School Superintendent Association, the New York State School Board Association, probably from ASBO, your organization, I'm sure from the facilities organization as well, because where practical means if you can move them to a cooler place, you should. If you don't have a cooler place to move move classes to, then you don't need you don't have to, right? Um, we don't have a lot of cooler cooler spaces in our buildings. We have this library. Uh, we have the cafeteria. Um, and really not too many other
045spaces. Couple here or there. Auditorium. Um, the auditorium. So, in the in Eden Elementary, we have the auditorium. We have the auditorium. Um, at GLP, we don't have any place. Um the board will pardon the computer lab. The computer lab. Yeah. Okay. So we have a computer lab. So where practical is a pretty important word. Um because it's it's just not practical in in many instances. Okay. Um closing school early and sending students and staff home. What are we sending them home to? you know, if it's 88 degrees here, are we sending them to air conditioned homes? Are we sending them to to homes that maybe, you know, their their parent or guardians now have to leave work? Um, and and for what? Okay. Um, the last piece about adjusting our district calendar to essentially
046uh account for heat days, for extreme heat days. Well, in our part of the state, we already have to account for extreme cold days and snow days and to add heat days with, you know, with with contra and and being mindful of collective baring agreements. We have limits on how many days we can schedule. Um, I have no I have no concept how I could build you a calendar that included the number of snow days that we've used the last couple of days and included a few days in there in case it gets really hot. Um, we used five snow days this year and I will tell you it was by a stroke of dumb luck that I I had scheduled five snow days. I think I'm I'm poor at counting because I I meant
047to have four. So, we had five. We got a little lucky there. So, I say this to you because we've had long conversations um at our facilities committee meeting uh about what can we do to start to incorporate uh pockets of air conditioning in our buildings. And I and listen, I have said to the staff, I know I work in a climate control environment. I want to provide air conditioning for all our instructional spaces. I simply don't have the $53 million to do that. So, you know, in terms of our, you know, our propositions as we as we look forward, I think we should continue to consider how we can we can, you know, take some some uh facilities action to mitigate some of the hotter spots in in our buildings, right? Have a comment.
048Is is there a policy or anything on whether a teacher could bring in an AC type thing for their room individually? Yeah, they can't. They can't. No. Okay. Um they're not they're not permitted. Well, it's not they should not be bringing in personal uh um uh appliances. Okay. Other comments about heat mitigation. So, what time do we have to have the students and staff here until it's considered a full school day or counts towards the I mean because most of the time if it's going to get warm it's going to be at noon or so. So, I mean what whatever whatever so like 10 10:30 I think so. Okay. I think so. I mean, worst case scenario, how often is it going to be 88 degrees at 10:30 in the morning? Yeah, true. Um, we'll
049we'll find out next week. Sure. Yeah, we will. We will. Other comments or questions? I was just going to say I remember when my oldest was in kindergarten, he came home sick. We realized he was just dehydrated because he didn't have a water bottle. But I think if it's hot, the best thing like just let's provide the classrooms with some ice water. You know what I mean? Like that's uh you know you're or be hydrated. You know you're not going to feel those effects either as much. So it's important for me for the board to understand that this policy does not mean if it gets 88 or above that we're evacuating buildings, that we're closing school, that we're sending everyone home. Okay? because that's not practicable, right? Any other comments or questions? How about you,
050young man? Anything on this one? I I wish I could have you say that again and a lot louder, but I heard you, so thank you. So, and listen, I I have to say this. This is a mandate from the state with no money behind it. So, if it was that important, fund it. And don't fund us $53 million. I know that's an obnoxious number, but that's what it would take to to to pro provide air conditioning across the district. Fund something, you know, tell tell us, you know, pick out your 10 hottest spaces and and help and help us, you know, mitigate the heat in those spaces. There's a little bit of funding, $13.5 million across the state for the internet device uh uh uh policy, but $13.5 million across the state is really
051is really not a lot. And as a district that's average needs, we probably wouldn't get a dime of that anyway. Okay, so that's our first reads for those two policies, which was a lot of fun for me. So, thank you. Thank you. Are there any requests to remove any items from the consent agenda? Then upon the recommendation of the superintendent, consensus items be approved. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. At this point in time, it's the approximate position in time that the board is designated to receive statements from individuals and groups. The board will review all statements, then respond appropriately at a future meeting. All persons in attendance are required to sign the attendance sheet and designate the representation status. For example, a parent, teacher, bus driver, chamber of
052commerce, etc. There is a twominut time limit. Okay. All right. That upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the resignation for the purpose of retirement of teacher aid Kathy Franklin be accepted effective June 25th, 2025, the board and administration wish to thank Mrs. Franklin for her 26 years of service to the district. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the resignation of cafeteria monitor Deborah Holshire be accepted effective June 17, 2025. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. That upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the resignation of cafeteria monitor Diane Strong be accepted effective June 20th, 2025. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. That upon the recommendation of the
053superintendent, the resignation of certified occupation therapy assistant Jessica Perkins be accepted effective June 25th, 2025, the board and administration wish to thank Mrs. Perkins for her four years of service to the district. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the resignation of special education teacher Sarah Meyers be accepted effective June 30th, 2025. The board and administration wish to thank Mrs. Meyer for two Meyers for her two years of service to the district. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. Do I read both of these paragraphs? Oh, I guess that upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the following part-time teachers be reappointed for the 202526 school year. Karen Basaki, part-time.74 FTE music teacher effective September 1st, 2025 and
054ending June 30th, 2026. Salary is based upon masters plus 30 step 10. Jeffrey Parisanti part-time 68 FTE business teacher effective September 1st 2025 and ending June 30th 2026 salary is based upon ETA contract masters step 9 second any discussion all in favor I any opposed any abstained motion carried that upon the recommendation of the superintendent the following people be appointed as summer employees effective July 7th 2025 through August 15, 2025. I apologize if I mispronounced the name. Michelle Falit's teacher. Thomas Wall, teacher. Madison Woodard, teacher. Phoebe Kisto, teacher. Matthew Hire, teacher. Grace Cippos, teacher. Jessica Walshagger, occupational therapist. Jennifer Thomas, physical therapist. Jenny Roco, registered nurse. Judith Rizone, teacher aid. Ela Funk, teacher aid. Rachel Kerr, teacher aid. Melinda Mossup, teacher aid. Rebecca Lee, teacher aid. Hannah Thomasulo, teacher aid. Cheryl Duner, teacher aid. Nicole
055Baldelli, teacher aid. Tina Wrigley, teacher aid. Alexa couple, teacher aid. Alicia Plamer, teacher aid. Lori Couple, teacher aid. Mora Wellington, teacher aid. Kelly No, teacher aid. Kayn Janowski, teacher aid. Jennifer Carrier, psychologist. and Twinette Backert, psychologist. Darlene Smith, registered nurse for bus. Sarah Smith, registered nurse for bus. Mary Maxon, summer school principal. Second. Very well done, Cheryl. I hope I did them all right. So, uh, any comments? All in favor? I I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the following people be appointed as summer substitutes effective July 7th, 2025 through August 15, 2025. Darlene Necker, teacher. William O'Hare, teacher. Hayden Carter, teacher and teacher aid. Lisa Ai, teacher and teacher aid. Christina Biliter, teacher. Amber Clawson, teacher and teacher aid. Kristen Jenko, teacher and teacher aid. Michelle Ross,
056teacher. Kelsey Hunter, teacher aid. Amanda Shamira, teacher aid. Melissa Baru, teacher aid. Isabelle Hubert, teacher aid. Britney Dykeman, teacher aid. Kristen Archangel def Daffold Decker, teacher aid. And Shannon Locking, teacher. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent after successfully completing his probationary period, Michael Gerwitz be permanently appointed as a mechan a maintenance mechanic effective July 6th, 2025. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I I Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent after successfully completing his probationary period, Jay. Epilo be permanently appointed as a bus mechanic effective July 27th, 2025. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstain? Motion carried. Pachinsky that upon the recommendation of the superintendent after successfully completing her probationary
057period, Amanda Pachinski be permanently appointed as a secretary to the superintendent and district clerk effective July 30th, 2025. Second. Any discussion on this? I think we should. How long was probationary period? It doesn't seem like it was long enough. Um, any anything else lost during this probation period? We could table this if you want. Oh jeez. So, I do want to just say real quickly, you know, um, we're joking, of course, because it seems like Amanda's been in this position for an incredibly long long period of time. And part of that is because she's had a great mentor and continues to support her and her own professionalism. Um, she's been a real joy to work with. she's somehow figured out a way to keep me in line, although she asked me questions at the wrong
058time on occasion. So, we're going to work through that. Um, but it's been um a much better transition than I can ever have hoped for for for my work and for your work as board members as well. So, thank you. It's been pretty seamless. Yeah, good job. I just have to learn how to say your name the right way, that's all. She does this then I'm like, "Oh, chin chin. Chin." Okay. All right. All right. Any other discussion? All in favor? I I. Any opposed? Any abstain? Motion carried. That upon the recommendation of the superintendent Miles Coleman be appointed for summer technology cleaner effective July 7th, 2025 and ending August 29th, 2025. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent, Ashley Mertz, who
059is initially certified in math education, is hereby appointed to a probationary position in the math tenure area for a probationary period commencing on September 1st, 2025 and ending on August 31st, 2028, unless extended in ordinance with the law. This expiration date is tenative and conditional only except to be ex to the extent required by the applicable provisions of section 312 of education law. In order to be granted tenure, the teacher must receive composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to the section 312D of the education law of either effective or highly effective in at least three of the four preceding years. And if the teacher receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period, the teacher shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. Salary is
060based upon ETA contract master step 10. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. Congratulations. Welcome back to Eden. Next. Okay. That upon the recommendation of the superintendent, Rebecca Morish, who is initially certified in math education, is hereby appointed to a probationary position in the math tenure area for a probationary period commencing on September 1st, 2025 and ending on August 31st, 2029, unless extended in ordinance with the law. This expiration date is tenative and conditional only except to the extent required by the applicable provisions of section 312 of education law. In order to be granted tenure, the teacher must receive composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to section 312D of the education law of either effective or highly effective in at least three of the four preceding
061years. And if the teacher receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period, the teacher shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. Salary is based upon ETA contract masters step 10. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Someone to give us a clap? Motion carried. So cute. Welcome back to Eden. That upon the recommendation of the superintendent, Rachel Braraw, who is initially certified in art education, is hereby appointed to a probationary position in the art tenure area for a probationary period commencing on September 1st, 2025 and ending on August 31st, 2029, unless extended in ordinance with the law. This expiration date is tenative and conditional only except to the extent required by the applicable provisions of section 312 of education law. In
062order to be granted tenure, the teacher must receive composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to section 312D of the education law of either effective or highly effective in at least three of the four preceding years. And if the teacher receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period, the teacher shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. Salary is based upon ETA contract master step 14. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. Welcome. [Music] Welcome back. All right. That upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the revised district code of contact be approved effective June 19th, 2025. Second. Any discussion? [Laughter] All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. We'll be back at this sometime in the near
063future. Yeah. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the board of ed hereby approves the geotech bid awarded to Costich in the amount of $52,100. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the board of ed education hereby approves the geotech bid awarded to ECS New York Engineering in the amount of $17,752. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstained? Motion carried. that upon the recommendation of the superintendent, the board of education hereby approves the proposal for architectural services bus garage emergency lift project in the amount of $9,700. Second discussion. All in favor? Yay. Can we bring him to every meeting? Any opposed? Any abstain? Oh, did you abstain? Oh, we're good. Motion carried. Next we have the business report.
064All right, I will just keep this pretty brief. Um, just want to let everyone know that we are coming up on the end of the fiscal year. So the 2425 year ends on June 30th. So the business office is pretty busy right now trying to get ready for our annual external audit which will begin this summer and then getting ready for the next fiscal year which starts on July 1st. When's our first audit meeting? Sometime July or August. Yeah, it'll it'll happen so probably in July. Um they're going to come on site the first week of August. Okay. So, next we have the superintendence report. Just a couple of quick notes. This is the time of year where we have, you know, celebration after celebration after celebration and it's it's so fun from from my
065perspective. Um you know, seeing the students at field day today and the foam party that they tried to get me to join, but I I was, you know, in my suit, so I chose not to. Uh, and the dunk tank is available for the board after the meeting. Um, Jack, I think you're first up. Um, but I I say this just because it's, you know, the the thought that the school year winds down is a complete misnomer. The school year winds up and then it stops. And we're still in that windup stage right through uh next Thursday, which is uh is graduation. And I just want to share just uh um how how much I appreciate the efforts of our staff to make sure that these days are memorable for our students. Um beyond just
066what what we're teaching them, but the experiences that they're having as well. Um one other thing I want to point out is um you know, congratulations to to Amanda. Um, you certainly have um a difficult path to to follow since uh um Barb was just honored last week at the Erie County Association of School Boards uh for her work as district clerk and how influential she is is not only locally in Eden but across uh the the network of district clerks and it was fun celebrating her once again. Right. But you have 24 years to get there. So don't don't worry if you're not nominated in the next five or 10 years, okay? 24 years. Um, other than that, um, I do want to mention that the work on the Eden Elementary roof has begun
067in earnest. So, they've been working on tear off. They were off today to to accommodate field day and weather permitting, uh, they'll be added all day tomorrow since tomorrow is not uh, tomorrow's actually a school holiday. Any questions for me? Thank you. Next student report, Daniel Shunk. are you are in fact Daniel, right? Because sometimes somebody else shows up and I don't want to. Yeah. No, I'm Daniel. All right. So, for May, we had a teacher staff appreciation week May 5th through May 9th. And then just say hello was on Tuesday, May 13th. We painted clay pots that we will plant flowers in and donate to both nursing homes in Eden and East Eden. And a thank you to Ziddle's farms for donating the plants. And on May 15, we had our unified basketball game
068against Orchard Park on Thursday. And Powderpuff game was Friday, May 23rd. And the middle school band and orchestra went to Darian Lake on Friday, May 23rd. And the kids day bison game on Thursday, May 29th. And then moving to June, we had a just say hello again where we planted the flowers and donated them to the residents of the Eden Rehab and Eden Heights. The residents were very thankful for the lovely gifts. And on Friday, June 6th, the sixth graders took a boat ride in the canal and Buffalo. And Friday, June 13th, 8th grade moving up day breakfast and a trip to Darien Lake. And Friday, June 20th, senior trip to Darien Lake again. And that's all for June. I'm really glad that you had to talk about all of those activities. I just had
069to say a couple nice things. So, so thank you. And graduation is next Thursday at 7 7 p.m. Well, it is now. Um, next we have the board report round table. I just the the activities you were talking about at the end of the school year. I just live like one block over, one street over. And of course, the weather has been fairly decent, but to hear the GLP field day and the kids laughing and yelling and hooting and hollering and having a great time was wonderful. Um, I actually sat outside just like cuz I had my nephew for the day. So, we, you know, and he kept going, "Where are all the kids? Where are all the kids?" Uh, but yeah, it was it's a great kind of one of those sounds of summer,
070but sounds of the end of the school year that you puts a smile on your face. So, that was great. And the thing that was on Facebook about the the kindergarteners going into the door and then the seniors coming out, I don't know, whoever came up with that idea was absolutely wonderful. Yeah. So, that was uh Carrie Reinhardt. She's our uh PR specialist from Boseis and her and Michaela Eddie who's uh um one of the clerical staff in district office are now our tandem PR team. Um so you're seeing a lot um a lot more frequent posts um because of that situation and Carrie and I actually met yesterday to to plan for our our communication strategy next year um to make sure that we're reaching the the entire community, not just the folks who
071have kids in school. Um, so we're going to work on that over the summer. Uh, and she was incredibly excited because that video went viral and apparently that means something. Yeah, I think it means a lot of people saw it and she said she said what number it was, but I don't remember. But she was really excited that we went. It was a great The only I know is creative thing. It was wonderful. Yeah. So, kudos. Mr. McDonald, I'm sorry to put you on the spot here, but I'm going to go off of Cheryl's uh Facebook post, but um I saw the seniors walking through the elementary school. I was amazed that there were very few girls. Is there a disproportionate number of boys to girls in the senior classes or just weren't most of
072the girls there that day? Okay. I know. I just It looked very Yeah, I know. We've gone to the the maroon the maroon uh gowns only now, but it was it was just interesting. I was kind of like, "Okay, where's the batch of ladies coming through?" And Yeah, I know. But I I don't know. I was just It was really interesting and something I noticed. I know it's a small class. I know it's a small, you know, smallest class. We're going to graduate. So, okay, that's all I got. All right. The reorganization and regular board meeting board of education meeting Wednesday July 2nd 2025 6 pm um [Music] that upon the recommendation of the superintendent at 6:59 p.m. the board of education enter executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular person or
073persons. Second. All in favor? Hi. Hi. Hi. Thanks for coming.