001Good evening and welcome to Bo City School District Board of Education meeting tonight uh June 3rd. We call the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Could you please stand for the pledge of allegiance? I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all case activation procedures. You have two doors here on this side and one that you came in and you would meet out on um could you please have a roll call. >> Mr. Jackson >> here. >> Mrs. Snider >> here. Mrs. Gender >> here. Mrs. Parvis >> here. >> Mr. Gross here. >> Mrs. Furwell >> here. >> And Mrs. Gary >> I am here. Uh at this time I will turn it over to Superintendent OSHA
002for our district reports and updates. >> Thank you. So before we move ahead to the slides I have not on this slide. So I will let you wanted to give you a curriculum and instruction update. Um so one thing there's been a change in the I reading platform starting next school year. Um really what it will do is just reduce the number of questions that a student has to uh answer. um just reduce them by about six to eight in the early grades but uh by about 10 to 20 in the uh upper grades and um they have assured us that this will still be aligned. So we will be able to compare progress from one year to the next. they have done panel letters and shared um the attachment that they sent regarding that.
003So we are in the fifth year of ready math um training was very successful this year for teachers and we've already scheduled it for next year October 7th through 9th for the elementary uh um teachers and they have leadership training for our principles. So Rachel will receive leadership training uh in writing that which really helps administrators know what they're looking for. So uh tomorrow elementary principles will be meeting with our inter representative under this training needs for the 26 27 school year. And um this is now moving into the sixth grade. Um sixth grade teachers piloted it this last quarter and um we're very happy with that. So now we'll have a a nice transition from from 5 to six. So, um, fifth grade has been working with Chris Michael, middle school teacher leader, um,
004to look at social studies resources. Um, the resources that they used, uh, were no longer published some years ago. And um so they really want a new new tool and we'll really be looking in that area at the 5 through 8 and then the high school alignment to to really make sure that foundation is is laid and again there's the 56 transition. Um science kits earlier this year you heard a presentation on our our science kits and some of our new science kits. So before they started the new kit, uh fifth grade received training this spring. First grade has asked for some training at the end of June to help them as they do some curriculum work over the summer and second grade is exploring a new unit. And as they do that, they will
005receive curriculum uh work as well. So uh Dr. uh principal Brad and teacher leaders have been working to uh finalize summer curriculum writing by departments. some of the the key areas um would will be at the at the middle school um revamping their communications for the 21st century course also um the the STEM slashtechnology curriculum and then I know at the high school um materials were purchased for the new semiconductor course and training is going to happen this summer Karen Winters is going to be the teacher another science teacher teacher leaders getting training as well. Currently 10 students have signed up for the course. We hope to get somewhere between uh 12 and 15 in the future. And the last thing in terms of summer planning through a grant teachers can meet by grade level
006two days a week over the summer. Um March throughout the year and our instructional coach is going to work with one of those days. So, we have our our summer plan and we're paving the way for success in the 2627 school year. Any questions on this? Uh just a little brief staffing update as well. So, at um last week's civil service uh meeting, they approved the job descriptions for both the senior cleaner and the assistant director of facilities. We posted the senior cleaner. Uh in terms of the assistant director of facilities, uh civil services reaching out to see if there is a statewide list. Um and then if not to also determine if it is something uh that um they will allow us to factor in here at state health. So that that is not
007posted yet. Uh and you know civil service will be working through that and I'll keep you updated. Um we're moving through hiring for next school year. Uh and you see names here and there on our agenda and someone is here with us tonight. age as a a teacher at the high school and we'll we'll we'll introduce you a little more potentially later. Um I do want to tell you that some areas of of need uh continue to be special education. Um middle school um has appointed one teacher. There's one in process, but there's still another opening of school psychologists. We went through um and and had candidates. They declined. Uh so we need to u begin the process again both for study and for uh her health and then uh signs at the at the
008high school. So um there are some shipping around throughout the buildings and today you would see the posting for elementary at in Lancing. That's because the third grade teacher, uh, Frank Chesca Cathy Cilantro, I want to say your city is always good. It's the names change. Um, is, uh, going to be the AIS teacher there. So, that is an opening at Lancing. And then Megan Cher, who is going to be the AIS teacher at Harmony Hill. However, um there is not an opening because of the enrollment as we talked about during during the budget. So, the additional class at Harmony Hill will be in in fifth grade, but that's not that's not the section is is cut from fourth. Um we're preparing data for the teachers of tomorrow, right? We talked about it and the
009application appeared from the state. That was amazing. So, we're working Laura Dr. Chicago and I are working with Beth Elderman to to get the data for the for the plant and um come up with a plan and and uh so right now um HR is working through some statistics such as teacher turnover and teacher any staffing staff questions. So, I'm ready for the slides now. So, uh wanted to give you a bit of an update about transportation. And on the next slide, um I have been working with CDTA. you might recall earlier in the year um you know we had asked can you help us with your current run to make it more aligned with um you know our middle school and high school I guess some years ago it was aligned and then then
010changed so they are able they are able to do that for the for the high school um I gave you a rude example they'll include clude the high school as a stop in looking at the times and and talking with Laura it works both for mornings and for for afternoon um we're going to uh be meeting with them um Dr. Carlo and I um next week to explore even even further um and uh you know to to see how does the man Skype fit into this to talk about possibilities of you know are there are there other possibilities to extend this is this is at no additional cost um they were flexible but we're also going we have we'll have the data from Katrina you know, come home out areas. So, we're we're going to
011ask them to map that and just see if there's any possibilities for your future. Um, so what I wanted to talk to you about and get some feedback from tonight was on the walking school bus. So um you might recall pre-COVID there was some discussion on on a walking school bus for the elementary um and some preliminary steps were taken uh and then it didn't get off the ground. Um but uh this would um allow us to establish some roots with trained volunteers under the lead of walking school bus coordinators. Um it's something that could be funded through title four um the portion that looks at health and safety. Um and uh so I did a little bit of outline about what a school bus is. Uh but if you go to the next slide,
012uh this was the previous job description for um the grant coordinator. that still seems uh pertinent today. Um there are some steps outlined in the in the next slide about if we did go forward with this um you know what would be uh you know our our stepby-step process to ensure we're ready. And I just wanted to start by having a discussion with the board and and and talk about you know timing and and it's time to revisit this Well, I'm going to say yes, but it is time to revisit it. Obviously, we've had many parents attend the meetings with concerns about transportation to and from school and all that good stuff. So, um I think it's a great idea actually and I know there's a couple of other school districts. I think it's connect.
013They actually have it set up already that they're doing it for some of their elementary schools. I love the idea. I love the coordinator. I love all of it. Coming from an organization that relies heavily on volunteers that there is going to be um a significant ask out there. Do we have we thought of a feasibility study to look at who would be willing to volunteer? Where would we tap into? Because it's it's a full-time job to recruit volunteers. Um, and that's my only concern. I love the idea, you know, fantastic. So, they do worry about volunteer resources. >> As accepted that I also worry about the reliability of the volunteers to make sure that they're consistently can be where, you know, do the part that they're supposed to be doing. >> Concerns. Um so
014few meetings ago and twice now actually I did hear a parent speak and um working in parallel uh on something very similar through trying to establish a 501c3 um and you know have um uh parents um work together. So, you know, that is something we could work um you know, with parents, go to PTA meetings, you know, have a communication plan to really to really get the word out. And I think one of the steps um yeah is before we um promote and recruit uh this uh recruitment screen volunteers first. Um what we would do in the beginning though too is working with the principles and I've already asked them to really look at who are their um primary walkers and and give us numbers but also knowing that on any given day it you
015know it it might be you know someone else. So um to really look at some of those areas most in need to to start smaller and then and then and grow and just so there are logistics and things to consider wanted to you know get your feedback. >> So um you know I I'm glad that we're having this conversation and thank that you put it on the agenda. You know it it definitely has been a conversation at meetings for years. This is this is not a new problem. We know that this is not a new problem. We have found temporary solutions in the past. Some of those solutions were precoid and it ended up not being able to be extended just because we weren't using it. Kids were at home weren't traveling and and you
016know CTA in turn had to change their routes. I am concerned that you know some of these pickup spots don't include some of our kids uh that are for this region but also we don't actually know that because we don't have a map of where the kids are. I think, you know, knowing exactly what our priority areas are and we said the most need um you know is really going to allow us to consider what makes sense and what doesn't make sense because even thinking about having a walking school bus if in fact we don't have kids close enough to you know be able to participate in in like group I I would imagine it'd be group areas or enough kids partic participate and you know I think that we have to be strategic about
017this and you know I would understanding that there are community members out there who are already having these conversations and unfortunately um you know I don't know what the outcome of any of those meetings have been but uh I think it's a conversation that you know we we need to definitely pull in all of the resources I would suggest you know a committee a board level committee that that would have conversations about transportation and that way it would be something that is purposefully revisited throughout the year next year where you actually have a schedule of meetings and you have different stakeholder groups that can bring in feedback. So, you know, it's great that we have folks out there trying to solve a problem, but you know, when it's not in line with what we're doing,
018then then does it make sense? You know, I think that we need to make sure that we just scoop all these people in to say yes, we understand this is a problem. You know, for us, it's not a a matter of like neglect or or just say that we are not concerned about some of the issues that these parents and community members are concerned about. It's to say we need to find a solution to the problem and one that has worked or will work. um because we have tried to tackle this year after year trying to get some of these these parts together. Um I agree that the walking school bus coordinator is going to be a challenge especially if it's not a district employee. Um you know we had talked about a prior district,
019you know, somebody who exists in a district and in fact I do believe the last time it was a district employee and it was just kind of an extension of their hours. Um, but again, not having enough people participate or willing to volunteer, you know, that that really kind of defeats the purpose of all of the um time and energy that's put into organizing something like this if it's not going to work. So, you know, I think without us having those conversations and reaching out to all of those groups to say what what are your needs? I know that there were a lot of suggestions brought forward. Most of them were adjust the school day so that older kids could walk younger kids. But I mean, what does that mean? A 5 hour school day
020for the high school kids that they can walk to and from. Like that doesn't make sense. Also, we have to coordinate with our hosties programs and we have to coordinate with, you know, our out of district programming. So, some of those start at a time that we are not flexible about. I know high school has talked about, you know, adjusting some schedules, but all of these things need to be part of the conversation if we're going to have a successful program. So I mean I just think that it makes sense for us to have a conversation about establishing and the board has the ability to do that a committee um with expectation of you know a number of meetings throughout the year and then you know we can dictate as far as stakeholder groups who
021should be involved in those meetings. having decisions, making decisions right now on things that that we really don't know if it's going to work or not work. Um, doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I do appreciate that CTTA is is willing to work with us, but are those kids going to still be able to make that bus? Are they, you know, do they know how to get a bus card? You know, there's just a lot of questions to say, you know, we have a solution short term that they can meet a need. Um, but do we have the resources to back it up? That's really kind of my order where I think >> um and uh if I could just address some of those and then open up discussion. Uh so that is part
022of the discussion that we'll be having with CDTA. Um you know then it's up to us to promote to work with you know high school staff and to and students and and say here's the here's what you do um you know work work through that process. And I know that that is something we we can do. Um Katrina Hung, our district data coordinator and I think I shared it with you last year had done the map of where everyone is in the the district. She is now in the process of of revising it for this school year. That is something we had given uh shared with not but shared with CBTA you know earlier earlier in the year. So that is that is data that can be you know provided at uh in the next
023meeting already. We do have that um she's finalizing that data. Uh in terms of the walking school bus this is um to just you know have this discussion now so that we can um start to work towards these towards these different areas. the um the plan if if it moved forward would be that the the coordinator would be um you know the last time proposed one at Mansing one at um Harmony we would look and talk about manic as well again finding the numbers you know based on the data and based on um need so that person would be uh an internal person and this would be before and after their school day was it was posted as a stipen last time. Um the I agree that um finding the consistent volunteers who will go
024you know through the training fee board improve this as as volunteers um you know that that is the area that we would need to you know see what would we have enough um I have had a couple meetings with um the parents that have presented here and um you know and uh um as they further refine their ideas and their plans And so I have, you know, I have been in touch and I I do want the idea of, you know, collectively talking about it and having a a committee and, you know, what can we do now and then what can we work towards in a consistent fashion and uh and and not you know not promise and then not be able to but just work through the process. >> I think the point is
025to make sure that we have all the people in the room that are by this especially those who feel like maybe we're not listening to their suggestions but you know sometimes there are reasons that we are not able to you know take their suggestions you know example the high school schedule that I just used so um is is that something that you think that we establish for this next year and then talk about you know um because if it were to be committee then we would want to make sure that as part of our discussions um on reorg who would be participating in that meeting. So I can't make that decision for everyone. Um I don't know how feels. If we don't feel like it's it's a word level item and we just want to
026revisit, we can do that. Um but it needs to come from sorry I believe it is >> it's worth it to evaluate figure out what solutions possibly can use this I mean obviously where the stops are right now is right now is a little >> difficult I think it's going to population most of the board um to put together a case to the CDA in their test as well. Are you saying this is like a a transportation board or >> so? Similar similar to our wellness committee, similar to, you know, our our technology committee. Um, you know, the board is allowed to establish a committee if they're by majority of the board. And it only has to be one year. Doesn't have to be something that it's not a mandatory committee. You know, you can
027revisit it, see if it's something that's functioning well or not. Um it could be shortterm just to solve a problem. Um I would definitely be interested in it being a board level. Um I also would love to get the input from other school districts that have transportation problems. >> Anybody else? Okay. >> But but in the meantime, this this CDTA is, you know, no cost. It's just altering the times to make sure that it does. Um right now the times to align the school allows us to have them align with the the school timing and begin serving a portion of our students as part of the regular. >> Is this the room you're talking about? This is the current. This is the current route. It doesn't show with propos as a stop and all that.
028This is the current. I just asked him to please when he was talking about route 182 to please share what the current route 182 is. Um, as you can see, these are the times that currently exist. On that slide were the um the proposed times. I talked to Laura and uh the time the times the times work and it would allow our students and and this was something that did happen in in the past and it was time of our school and then we can change some of the times and see change some of the the roots. Okay. >> It's a start. >> I just want to clarify. You're saying it's at no cost, but it's at no cost to the school district. >> It's at no cost to the school district or taxpayer. It's
029still at cost to the to the student. But this does just reestablish. I just >> very good. So let's revisit early on the year and maybe have some more details at least mapped out of where our needs are and once our principles get back to us on what they feel would be some you know hotspots or or places that we should consider then I think at least coming to an informed committee meeting that might be able to get us. Anything else on the transportation discussions? >> And I'm going to turn this over information just clarifying some items from our last discussion. Uh on tonight's agenda, we have the three contracts for the low biders for general construction, electrical, and theatrical. That's where the $2 million um capital reserve works be performed this summer and into
030the fall. Um just a reminder that also on tonight's agenda is the tax reconciliation. Um so that's for the 2526 school year. The reconciliation's complete. the files been sent to the city um and it's just an approval and then everybody will sign that reconciliation. Our auditors will be here uh mid June. So it's a two-phase audit uh with June being internal controls and then they'll return in early September for the financial statement part of the audit. And then we do have also some bond paperwork that needs to be signed by uh the president today as well. Um as you as you recall from working with Dazzy on the long moving our short-term bond borrowing uh into long-term um so Dazzy is likely the lowest. We'll re-evaluate that before we finalize but that's it looks like
031the be taking. Also, I talked about bidding for the gymnasium 4 for the high school for alumni and that bid is due 610. So, I do expect to have the um the big results on the next agenda when we meet on the 17th and the next meeting. I have asked Stacy a little bit of different side of the transportation discussion but to share information regarding your homeless transportation district. >> Thank you questions. >> And then upcoming events. So a senior athlete science on Monday with the awards on Tuesday and science research symposium. Um you know all of the events including the end of the year events are on your calendar just to allow us to streamline. Uh, and if it's not there already, um, we will, um, we're still waiting for a few more key
032details from principles, um, as to where board members would sit, etc., but those will be on the calendar. I think most of them are. >> So, I did talk to absolutely we we have one document like we have in the past just for some easier to look at to know who's going to be there. Um, if you do respond on that, Ashley will then respond for you on the the calendar invite just in case we forget to do both or, you know, we're going to try and manage the best we can. We're trying to move to the calendar invites, but understand, you know, it's easier sometimes just take a quick glance at making sure we have participation at each each function. So, lots of things coming up for sure. Awesome. Okay. Any questions for superintendent
033official? >> Great. Does the board have any discussion of agenda items? >> So, in a few minutes, uh, the board will be accepting the recommendation of PHY as our English teacher school. Make sure I said your last name correctly. >> Yes. Great. Does the community have any discussion of agenda items? Uh, with that, can I get a motion that the board of education adopt the following resolutions of the June 3rd, 2026 agenda and agenda 7 A through K, 8 A through J, and 10 A. >> I'll make a motion. >> Awesome. >> Mr. Jackson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Slater, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jen, >> yes. >> Mrs. Paris, >> yes. >> Mr. Rose, >> yes. >> Mrs. Fwell, >> yes. >> And Mrs. G, >> yes. officially welcome to City School District. Okay. Are
034there any comments from the board on anything else not related to the agenda? I just have two brief things. Um I know that this is the time of year where we have a lot of folks in our buildings and on our grounds and um you know just always like to mention at this meeting uh if there's any struggles or anything uh with getting our grounds prepared for our guests to be in attendance uh we would appreciate if you would reach out to the board for whatever support you need. Um but we are hopeful that everything's gonna look great and um be ready to welcome in our our end of the year folks for their celebrations. Um the other thing that I just really quickly wanted to mention and I don't know I didn't mention this
035because I actually um was on the way here and it really kind of changed my mind. So in the past we have had conversations with our uh our police department um regarding bike safety. Um, I have noticed over the last couple of weeks, especially where I'm living, that there are a lot of kids out on bicycles, ebikes, e- scooters, and they are flying through our streets. I mean, I saw a kid literally from the police street go on to Berkeley was across the street. That's a blind turn. I mean, there's this shockingly, you know, >> with no helmet on too. >> Exactly. So just wondering if there's any plan for us to have a conversation. I know that the police department does a bike rally, but I think particularly at our middle and high schools,
036I think it's important for us to just reiterate, you know, expectations with bike safety and, you know, maybe not do wheeling all the way up when you have a bunch of cars behind you beeping, you know, like share the road, share the space, be safe. Um, you know, I know that this is happening off off grounds, but you know, we have the opportunity to communicate this through parent square on our websites with our kids directly. We've got a couple weeks left and I and I think it would be a shame for us not to at least have the conversation that there are expectations um and we are very concerned for their safety. >> Absolutely. So, that was it for me. I don't I don't know anything else. >> Well, just to go out on that,
037I mean, I know that there are some districts and not districts, but cities and different things that are looking into regulating and enacting some laws about age, speed, elements, all that good stuff, like all of those. So, be a good thing to actually reach out to John McDonald about it because I know it's been put in his Okay. any comments from the audience on anything not related to the agenda? >> Mrs. Marshall, he would love to speak with you to someone at these meetings. So, I couldn't help it. I just had an email from Mr. Steven Hill. I was sitting here in the audience. He was at the middle school um today and yesterday through the grant we got from Albony County, the anti- tobacco grant. This is the third time we've had Stephen um
038in our district and I have to say we're becoming great friends and he's such just a wonderful human. Um so first and foremost he presented Tuesday morning to all students in grade 6 through 8. You could hear a pin drop. He told the students after that it was one of the most respectful middle schools he has ever visited. I have been with him. I have seen him stop his presentation and correct students. There was no sound. They were amazing. This is the email I just received while I was sitting here. Hi Rachel. I just wanted to touch base and thank you for inviting me back to Kohus to share my message with your middle school students. I really appreciate your support and how well the programs were run. Please tell Heather the same and I
039have to give credit to the PE teachers. They were phenomenal. Sometimes teachers think my breakout sessions are just a day or two off for them, but they were so engaged they even asked questions for their own knowledge. Great stuff. I will follow up with you soon. Have a great summer. Um, so even in the breakout sessions that you're in today all day in PE classes as well as yesterday afternoon, he does a sheet. students are able to ask questions anonymously, are able to put some information down anonymously, share their story anonymously if they so choose. He did leave all of those for us. We will be going through those um to look for patterns, to look for areas we can support our students. Um but I just felt I needed to share that because we
040don't often get such great um reports on how things go. And Heather and her team were amazing. They had the gym all set up. Um, pun was amazing with the technology pieces we needed and everything just went so smoothly. So, I just wanted to share because that was a wonderful grant. We were awarded again through county as well and hopefully we'll get that next year and bring back. >> Thank you for your efforts. Any other comments from the audience on anything? We have no board policy review tonight. However, please keep your eyes peeled because we did a lot of work the other day. Um, more we are working through the next series uh again consolidating policies um things that are repetitive, making sure that we are including all the important parts uh but but again
041making it a little bit easier for us to get get through our policy books. So, be on the lookout for those. Uh dates for future meetings, June 17th and July 8th, which will be our board meeting right here Middle School Library at 6:00 p.m. Um can I get a motion to enter into executive session at 6:40 p.m. to discuss matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of particular person or corporation, and to discuss the superintendent's evaluation. >> Make a motion. >> I'll second it. >> Mr. Jackson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yes. >> Mrs. J, >> yes. Mrs. Harris, >> yes. >> Mr. Dro, yes. >> Mrs. And Mrs. >> Yes. I am very happy to get you out here early tonight. Uh, happy birthday, Mrs. bring yourself out and
042enjoy the rest of the evening. We do not plan on returning from exactly