001Hello and welcome to the June 23rd, 2025 board of education business meeting. I call this meeting to order at 7:30 exactly. Would everybody please rise for the pledge of allegiance? 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, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Le, would you please go over the welcome to ground rules? Good evening and welcome to the June 23rd, 2025 meeting of the Patrick Medford Board of Education. In the un unlikely event of an emergency, please use the exits located at the front and rear of the auditorium to exit the building. Please be advised that smoking and the use of vape products are strictly prohibited on school grounds. There are two public comment portions of
002the board of education meeting. The first will be for comments relating to the consent agenda items and/or presentations. The second public comment section will open for any topic you would like to bring to the board. During each of the public comment times, each speaker will have three minutes with no sharing of minutes. Please state your name and address when you approach the podium. You'll be warned when you have 30 seconds remaining and asked to conclude after 3 minutes. Please refrain from use from discussing specific students or staff members. To protect their privacy, these matters should be discussed with the appropriate administrator. Please direct all questions or comments to the board of education president. Thank you, Mr. Leva. We're going to move on to number six, presentations and/or reports. First up, we'll have Miss Pam Peterson
003um for the PTA council to the podium. [Applause] This is Caitlyn Castelli, our vice president. Hi, Caitlyn. Okay, so thank you for uh adding us to the agenda. Um I didn't think we would be able to make um the July and I'm not sure if you're going to be here at the July. No. So then I'm at the right meeting. Okay. So um Okay. So there's two uh presentations that the uh PTA council would like to present. Um the first is to you Dr. Jones. Um, so you know, doing I did some research, too. Of course, I've known you all these years, but you know, you like to do a little research and, um, it said that you were the 13th uh, school board superintendent. And then I was like, wow, I've been a part
004with six of them. You're the sixth one. Um, Yep. In 150 years, you're the 13th superintendent. Yes. And um you started here in 2010. So you've been here for 15 years. First as our assistant superintendent for finance and then as the deputy and then as the superintendent where you then took over from um it'll be nice. Um I still probably I know I save everything. So I did have um a few of your business news fires that you used to do way back in like was it 15 16 um where you know you were you were sharing all the finances um and I have to say that we are very lucky to have had you and Frank we we're lucky to have you too but we're very lucky to um have had you deal with
005we are in such great financial state. um you know, working close with you over the past few years preparing for the bond and always working in the budget and how you know, you've been up forward um and full disclosure with all the finances and our numbers and our ratings. And um you know this year especially when districts had to close buildings, districts were they were looking to cut teachers and programs and um that wasn't a concern here. And as you know as an retired educator, but as a parent as well, that's a really nice feeling to know that my daughter is still going to get a great education with the phenomenal teachers that have been here. and those teachers, you know, will have a a job the next year. So, you have definitely set us
006up for success in such hard times. Um, you know, one thing that you have taught me that every time we met, you would say, you have to have strong shoulders for this job. And you know, I I I'm not as tough as I would like to think I am. And my shoulders cry sometimes. And you know, you you that always stood in my mind that you know, stand up for what you believe in, even if you're standing alone. And to make sure you have those tough shoulders. you know, you definitely um we both share passion and our you know, independence and our perseverance and you know uh our um our advocacy and our commitment. Um and I respect you and I am so excited that you are able to retire and I think this is
007just a wonderful, you know, new adventure for you and we're very lucky to have Mrs. Kennedy come in who has also been you know wellversed in the district. So welcome. But this is um so this is a gift from Y. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you so much together. Okay. So I'll come around. Yeah. And so thanks. [Applause] So, um, Mr. Dafhrio is not here, but we do have something for him as well. Um, I'm going to say what I prepared, but he's not here to hear it. Um, so I have known Tom for 20 years. uh when he started coming to the board meetings with um Harris and Tony and um you know ran for the school board and he's been on the board for 19 years now. Um we all worked together at the
008time. There was 29% budgets and we had no art, music or fizzed. Um no athletics at all. And there were many many many of us who worked together to uh fund raise to provide those those services back for our students. Um Tom was was big with the arts and music and he did a lot to um to spearhead that. Um he also joined our legislative team when we went to Albany and we would bring back money. Um I wish we could still bring back some money but um you know he did he did join that team later on and he did um take the lead at times. So um we did want to thank uh Mr. Denaprio also for his 19 years of service on the school board. And we do have a gift for
009him. Maybe I can leave it with you. Yeah. And then um but [Applause] thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Peterson. Okay, next up um number seven on our agenda would be report by our ex official student member and that's Ella McCann. Good evening everyone and welcome to our last board meeting of the 2024 2025 school year. Before we begin, I just wanted to extend my utmost gratitude to the board as this has been an unforgettable opportunity that I will always cherish. to be involved in our community has been nothing short of inspiring as I will walk away always from these meetings feeling empowered by the incredible things that our district is doing. And with that, here's a very quick summary of some of our final events going on in the buildings as we reach
010the end of the school year. Back in May, the Oregon Middle School musical cast got together to give back and make sandwiches. This was organized by Mrs. McGordy and they gave them out at a local soup kitchen. Great job. Also, Barton Elementary School held a color run that raised $14,000 for future student activities, a successful steam night, and continued to spread kindness with their peace pole. Great activities for all of these students. Tmont Elementary School farm update. They were delighted to be expanding their courtyard farm, and for the past two days, Mr. Golden and a and a crew of high school CTE students have been busy building a chicken coupe in the courtyard. Over the coming weeks, Tmont's Garden Club students will work alongside these high school students to complete the chicken coupe. And my
011personal AP literature class also had the opportunity to get involved with Tmont Elementary School students. We had year-long pen pals with the students and met with them in May to plant flowers together in their courtyard. It was a great way of connecting high school to elementary school while talking about literature and Shakespeare's gardens. Also, as you can see, Bob White quail project update. Their quailes have hatched. They have successfully hatched nine bob white chicks. And over the coming weeks, the students have had the opportunity to visit a STEM lab and also learn about these adorable and helpful little creatures. Also not pictured, on June 16th, the class of 2025 celebrated their senior day with festivities such as a bagel breakfast, visiting and walking through elementary schools, and a fun-filled barbecue. It was an amazing day,
012and everyone had a great time. Saxon Middle School has been participating in a peace project where they display more meaningful messages and encouragement throughout their halls. Thank you to all of the staff involved because it looks incredible. And with that, it was very short, but it has been an absolute honor to be a part of these meetings and I can't wait to see what's next for Patchog Medford. Thank you. [Applause] Ella, the board of education would like to take the moment right now to uh commend you on what such a wonderful job that you have done all year long to bring together the community and giving us all this information on what the schools are doing and sharing in such a professional way with enthusiasm with a big smile and it's it's really really appreciated.
013So, we'd like to present you with this certificate that says the board of education of the Patchog Medford School District hereby recognizes Ella McCann for her service and participation as exeicio student member of the board of education for the year 2425. Thank you so much for what you have done today. Let's take a picture. Listen to your hand. Okay, we're going to move on to number eight. It's public comments and reports agenda items. Um, you have anybody that would like to come up to comment on the any presentation that's been made to this point? They can. Okay, we're good. Okay, so now let's move on to number nine, consent agenda. I need a motion to approve the agenda and a second. Second. Second. Second. Okay. Ellie and Francis. Multiple sides. Second. All in favor? I.
014Any opposed? Consent agenda passes 7 to zero. Oh yeah. Okay. So then, so there was nothing removed. We just going to end, right? All right. Number 10. Uh there were no items removed from the consent agenda for a separate vote this evening. Uh but we did have one action arising out of um the executive uh session and Teresa will read that. Resolved. The board of education hereby denies the appeal of the individual identified on confidential schedule A which was received on June 4th, 2025. Thank you. Uh number 12,formational items. Um Oh, I'm sorry. I'll make motion. I'll second. All in favor? I 70. Okay. Number 12. There are four policies on the agenda for first reading. These are policy 3529 extreme heat condition days, 5110, comprehensive attendance policy, 5171, education of homeless children, and 6156
015parent involvement policy. We have the policies for second reading which is 5132 the grading policy. Okay. Okay. Next up would be number 13 the superintendent's report. Yes. Yes. Good evening to all. This is indeed my last uh report to provide to this community. I'd like to start by thanking the PTA council uh for that amazing presentation. I am truly humbled and and gratified and uh just appreciate so much all of the work that PTA does and has done. I've specifically known Pam and certainly Rich for all my time here and it has indeed been half of my career that I have worked here. And um through the years uh we've had many es and flows and highs and lows and ups and downs and so many wonderful memories, so many challenging times that we went
016through. But at the end of the day, the heart of all that I did um and the heart of all that we do collectively has always been about children and what the best thing is for the community. So I walk away and pass the torch to uh Mrs. Kennedy who's more than capable and prepared uh to steer the ship until such time that a permanent replacement is secured and I just wish nothing for but the best to this community to this cabinet to this board of education. I know that Tom is not with us tonight but I certainly wish him the best of everything as well. It has been an honor and privilege to serve this great district and I'll reserve the balance of my comments for graduation. Uh so I have to keep the
017gas tank full. Um and I look forward to hopefully sunshine on Thursday so we can finish up the last major event of the year. Best of luck to you, Ella, on doing a wonderful job uh and majoring in neuroscience at that. I know you will be a credit to this district, to your family, and to yourself. I wish the board all of the best. Um, keep working collaboratively for the greater good. It is what has enabled us to lead in the field in so many ways, shape, and form. So with that, I will conclude my swan song. Thank you so much. Thank you, Dr. Jones. All right. Next, we're going to move on to committee reports. We only have uh two for this month, and we're going to start with extracurricular, and that will be
018Trusty Jennings and Trustee Andra, Vice President Andradi. Sure. So, we had sent out um a mascot survey. um we decided that we're going to put it on pause for now so we could have more of um a student voice because we didn't have a lot of students respond um and so we just went into discussion about that. So that's what we're doing for now. So it'll resume again when school starts for the for the new high school kids that come in. Thank you. Trustees Alazar for instruction. Okay. Uh we had our instructional or uh instructional meeting on June 12th via Zoom. Uh we discussed first off the grading policy which will be up for the second reading in June before the final approval. Uh we discussed our goals. Um you know we discussed the uh
019having forming a committee on or that a committee was formed on the uh to discuss the elementary report card which will be discussed over the 2627 school year and we have a report in place for that. Um we discussed the cell phone free school policies. Um, Miss Kenna reviewed a new educational law that will ban cell phones from bell to bell in the 2526 school year. Um, we reviewed a survey that went out to the the committee and shared results based on uh responses received to date. Um, Miss Pearson shared that Mr. tooling came to speak at the PTA council and that the district uh has a support from the PTA and Miss Kennedy will be facilitating committee presentations in August on the implementation before the start of the school year. Uh this currently is
020scheduled for August 6th. And then lastly, uh we discussed next year briefly and uh reminded members of the application process to sit on the committee. Uh, and then Miss Marone will be replacing Miss Kennedy next year on on the committee, which you know, we're going to be miss we're going to miss Miss Kennedy on the instructional committee. So, uh, that's all I have uh for our committee meetings and that's it. Thank you. Thank you, Trustee Salazar. Next, we'd like to He's not here, but we'd like to make a presentation of a certificate. I'm sorry, a citation and a plaque for um um trustee Denafhrio. Um the first is a plaque and it says in grateful recognition for his service on the Patrick Medford Board of Education from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2025, serving
021as president for the years of two uh 2010 through 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016 school years. So take that, make sure you guess that. Next we have a citation that is uh detailed um where uh Thomasio has served as a member of the Patchog Medford Board of Education during the period of 2007 to uh July 1st 2007 through June 30th 2025. He served as a board member Mr. Denafhrio accepted the uh duties as president of the board of education as the dates that I had already said 20101 201213 and 2015 16. Um whereas Mr. Dario devoted countless hours as a volunteer to help to improve all facets of education offered to the children of the Patrick Medford community while balancing the needs of the district's taxpayers. Now therefore proclaim that the citation is presented
022to Mr. Denafhrio in recognition of his time and efforts on behalf of the district, the children and community with the best wishes um for continued health and success in his future. So, I've known Tom um for at least 15 years. He was always a gentleman who was always willing to help. He's all about making sure the community gets what it needs. Um he was always, like Pam had said earlier, he went up with the legislative committee and he lobbied up in Albany. And he's just a man that gave everything he had for our community. and um he's going to be sorely missed because he was somebody that brought something to the table at every single meeting. So with that, does anybody else want to add any comments on Mr. Don? Oh, we'll save it for
023the end. Okay. So, thank you. [Applause] All right. So next we're going to move on to of course we can't have this type of ceremony without of course acknowledging Dr. Jones. Okay. So we have um the same type of thing for her as well. But first I'd like to read something that I wrote in honor of her. Uh Dr. Jones, as you embark on this remarkable new chapter of your life, we extend our most sincere heartfelt appreciation, your extraordinary 15 years of unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and unwavering service. Your journey with us has been nothing short of inspiring, characterized by your steadfast integrity, visionary foresight, and tireless commitment to excellence. Throughout your distinguished career serving as a business official, assistant superintendent for business, interim superintendent, and ultimately superintendent for schools, you have exemplified unwavering professionalism,
024compassionate guidance and steadfast resilience. Your dynamic leadership has been a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for positive change, undeniably shaping the vibrant, innovative, and inclusive community that our district proudly embodies today. Your profound influence and enduring legacy has etched deeply into the fabric of the Patrick Metro School District. You have been dedicated advocate for children's futures, an empathetic supporter of families in need, and an inspiring leader for our talented staff. Your unwavering dedication has fostered a nurturing, collaborative, and forwardthinking environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. As you retire from this illustrious career, know that your impactful work has left indelible mark on countless lives. Your unwavering passion, visionary sight, and compassionate spirit will continue to inspire us for all generations to come. You have exemplified what it means to
025serve with integrity, humility, unwavering resolve, and qualities that will forever be admired and celebrated. May this next chapter of your life be filled with joyful adventures as you travel the world, restful moments, and new horizons. You have earned every ounce of the happiness, relaxation, and fulfillment that lies ahead. We are eternally grateful for your remarkable service, inspiring leadership, and enduring legacy. With deepest appreciation and warmest wishes for vibrant, joyful, inspiring retirement, we all thank you. Thank you so much. Oh, thank you. Oh my goodness. Thank you. That's beautiful. Okay. And we're going to take a picture. Dr. Jones's plaque says, "In deep appreciation for 15 years of dedicated service and leadership, the board of education of the Patrick Memphis Union Free School District salutes Dr. Donna Jones. She served with integrity, vision, and tireless commitment
026in the role of business official, assistant superintendent of business, interim superintendent, and superintendent of schools. in grateful recognition of her leadership and enduring legacy to the children, families, and community of the Patrick Medford School District, she so faithfully served, dated June 30th, 2025. Thank you so much. He also received a similar resolution. Would you like me to read this? No. Good. Would everybody in the crowd like me to read this? No. Okay. All right. Let's go take a picture. We got it. We can hold it for her. I got my as an AP [Applause] It's just sensible. Dr. Jones, thank you for everything that you have done and um it's greatly appreciated and you made a difference in the world. So, thank you again. Okay, number 16, community comments. At this time, the floor is
027open for public comments. Please state your name, street address while speaking before speaking, and you will be limited to three minutes, which Mr. Lee will keep track of the time. Okay. Good evening, Pam Keeps. I'm now speaking as as me, parent, community member. Um, okay. Start my time. Here we go. Um, I just want to discuss, not discuss, but I just want to share my comments regarding the mascot and things that are um, tied to it. Um, I've been on these committees for many, many years. I have been part of these conversations for many, many years. Um, and I did mention this at so what I'm saying is not something that wasn't said at the committee. Um, as I have concerns about a lot of different things. One of my concerns is right now mascots,
028team names, and all of that are very controversial in the news. And for us to be looking into doing something like this, um I am concerned about us being negatively in the news for whatever reason, whatever is chosen, whatever is decided. Um it doesn't matter what we do, sometimes there just seems to be a negative. Um so putting it on pause for September is good. Um another thing is is that you know some of the things that are said at the meetings, oh well it's about the kids and the kids need to vote. Well, we were those kids, alumni, we were those kids at one time. Once a Raider, always a Raider. And that stands true forever. So when Ella graduate, she's always a Raider. She'll always have a say in this community. She'll always
029have a decision to be made because it matters. And those of us who are still here, it matters. People think I'm stupid because it matters so much, but it matters. So it does matter to me. Um, you know, we want to talk about school spirit and this is going to upset me, but I'm going to just share this. We talk about school spirit, but our girls lacrosse team made history this year. They won their first ever championship game and we had coach Pick there to support us. Nothing was said, nothing on the on social media, nothing to congratulate these girls. They've worked very hard. We don't really have the support in sports like we do at our concerts and our plays and things like that. And I'm not comparing and judging because my daughter has
030done those as well. But it was very disheartening. And now as a parent, my daughter was in news day as a freshman. She was third out of five being recognized for her skills at that playoff game. She had five points, three goals, two assists at that game. We beat Sich in the playoffs playoffs. It was in the news and there was nothing nothing. So when we talk about that it's all about our kids, we have to really look at all of it because when nothing was said and LJ was the only forum that shared that. The last thing that I can think about right now is that we have to have somebody in a cartoon character running around when we're not supporting our kids as parents and as humans on the field. Thank you. Thank
031you from Mrs. Peterson. No other comments. Okay, board comments. We'll start with Trusty Salazar. Well, um I guess there's a lot to say and trying to keep it as little words as possible, but uh Ella, congratulations. It was wonderful working with you this year and I hope you have a wonderful year next year. Uh I'd like to thank uh the staff u central administration uh for making this year what it was. Uh it was a fantastic year. You know I think every year we move forward and I think it's with your efforts. Um and I think uh you know I'd like to thank Tom for all his work and dedication he put on the board. I think uh I think the guy has said a lot out there and you know I appreciate everything he
032said all the years and years and years he's you know put into this. Um he he's done a lot and done a lot of sacrifice. And lastly I'd like to thank Donna. Thank you for all the work that you've done here for all the kids that you've helped. Uh you know I've only been on the board for four years but in these uh four years three years I've learned a ton from you and your administration but a lot from you. um and also learned I I gained a perspective on things that are important. So I thank you for that as well. Um and also a fellow traveler, I wish you the best and I'm so excited and envious of you of the things that you're going to see and do. So I wish you the
033best on your new adventures. So thank you, Trusty Krueger. I wrote it out. So, I just wanted to thank Ella for all of your hard work and congratulations on all of your accomplishments and we look forward to being there to see you at your graduation along with the rest of your classmates of 2025. I would like to thank Tom and Donna for all of your institutional knowledge that have helped me transition from being just a parent to a board trustee. Congratulations to Donna on this next chapter of your life. Your imprint is one that's going to be felt for many years to come here at Pratt Med to the cabinet. We have had lots of movement and change and it just shows the commitment that our employees have to our district and I think we
034will have a great year next year. And to the community members, thanks for your support throughout the year. Consider joining our committees. Look at the website that's going to be up over the summertime. Don't let it pass you by. And to have a great summer. Trusty Smith. Uh I will I will keep this brief. Uh Ella, thank you for your service. Um uh your work was was really very helpful and very impressive and your your disposition is just wonderful. Thank you for your and have a wonderful year next year. Um uh I'd like to thank uh Trustee Denafhrio as well for his years and years of service and his mentorship and his um uh the institutional knowledge that he was able to pass on to help so many of us uh mature as board members.
035Um uh Dr. Jones, like they said, your impact will be permanent. Um thank you. Um and for the rest of the cabinet, uh we got some work to do and thank you for everything that you have done in in supporting us as board members in supporting the school district and the students and the staff and the faculty. Um uh just thank you. Uh it's it's been it's been a lot the last couple of years and uh um and and just you you keep flowing and nobody knows. It's wonderful. Thank you very much for your very very hard work. Um and um uh congratulations to all the retirees. Um um thank you for your hard work um and and much uh deserved time off. Um thank you. Trustee Jennings. Yes. Congratulations, Ella. Thank you for bringing
036the great presentations and helping us see what's going on in all the schools. um for Mr. Denafio. I've known him since I was little. Used to babysit his kids and lived across the street from me. Um so we have great stories. Um so you know it's great memories with him. And then Donna, I don't know what to say early morning talks to uh help me to become um a strong person and just the talks that we had in the morning to either calm my anxiety or my paranoia down sometimes was good. And I know you definitely have last lasting impression and you know we'll definitely feel it throughout the district and I'm sure we'll be calling you many times even though I'm sure you'll ignore us while you're traveling but we know we'll be there
037to you know help us out. So we will dearly miss you but thank you Vice President Andrad Ella. Congratulations. It's been a pleasure meeting you, knowing you, working with you. So, I'm excited to see what your future will bring. Um Tom, he's not here. Mr. Denafhrio, I'm not sure what the boardroom will be without him, but it will be different. Um he when Kelly and I first came on took a lot of time and took us under his wing and showed us a lot and taught us a lot. So, I will always be grateful for him for all of that. Donna, I wrote it down on my little cards. Okay. So, it's hard to put into words what your leadership has meant, not just to the district, but to me personally over these 12 years.
038I've seen your heart, your strength, and your unwavering belief in what's best for kids. You've led with integrity, compassion, and grace. You listened to what's important to each of us and made it your business at some point to have it come to fruition. You quickly learned how to talk me off the ledge by having the challenging conversations. We didn't always agree on everything, but I believe we respect each other for taking the time to talk things out. I'm so grateful for the example you've set and the impact you've had, not only on our district, but on me. Wishing you all the joy, relaxation, and happiness you deserve in retirement. That's beautiful. You earned it with the card. You could have my sloppy card. Thank you. And thank you everyone, cabinet, for everything you do, community,
039teachers, everyone. Have a great summer. We'll still be back in July, so you can come and visit us. We we the more the marrier. Thank you, Ella. I just want to take a moment just to say again what a great job you did uh every month coming prepared with a smile on your face, sharing our community um sharing with the community what was going on in our schools and it was greatly appreciated and you did a really really good job. Uh as far as Mr. Denafhrio is concerned, he um again he took me under his wing initially when I first came on. Um he's a man of honor. He uh is all about the community and um he will be missed as well like uh the boardroom will be a little less energetic and as
040far as Dr. Jones is concerned. The first person I met when I came on to the board, um I was on finance and I met with her and she shared all the important things that needed to be known and how it you know the district runs and she made sure that I understood that. But going back to what um trustee vice president Andrad said, she teaches so we learn and uh she works really really hard. She's a visionary. She understands that the moves that are made now will impact us later on down the road and they're made with purpose and um that will be missed. I know Miss Kennedy is going to do a great job, but you know, you're Dr. Jones. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. All right. Comment. Uhhuh. All
041right. So, any other comments? Okay. Okay. So, we can make a motion to adjurnn. I'll make the motion. I'll second. All in favor? I Okay.