001Good evening and welcome to Co City School District Board of Education meeting tonight, uh, January 7th. I'd like to call the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. If you could please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I'd just like to note the emergency exits. There's two on this side here and the door that we uh entered through and we would meet out from. Can we please have a roll call? >> Mr. Jackson >> here. >> Mrs. Snider here. Mrs. Gendry here. >> Mrs. Heritis >> here. >> Mr. Dro >> here, >> Mrs. Burwell >> here, >> and Mrs. Geller. >> I'm here. >> I can our student. >> Yeah. Well, I'll turn it over to Britney, our student uh board member, so she can give us her update and then we'll go into our the
002rest of our meeting. >> Okay. So, something that we've been working on uh recently is the suggestion box. And some of the suggestions that we've been getting is there a couple that are like the main center that we been talking about. One of them is having a volleyball game kind of like a potter puff and a couple of people are really interested in that. Another one is longer times for passing periods and having more options and activities for people who are who go to the gold star lounge and just they don't really have other stuff to do. They want games and activities for them to distract themselves. And something that's really good about the suggestion box is that it gives voice to the students to have a little bit more of a say on what
003happens around the school. And some of the ways that we are trying to uh make the suggestions um work is we during the meetings we usually pick a couple and we talk about them for like five minutes and we already have a couple of things that we want to work on that students want to change or choose to add on to it. And we have I think Miss White has talked to Miss Starla about a couple of them. So, it's good that we are working on it really fast. So, yeah. >> When When did you guys decide to get started? Before the holiday break or >> uh Yes. >> Okay. You talked about a couple of different locations that you thought might be a good place. Where did you decide? >> The Gold Star Lounge.
004>> Okay. Very good. Well, that's exciting stuff. I love hearing other student voices and if it's something that we can help out with, we hope that you bring it to us and let us know. >> And a lot of the students have good ideas and they're possible so that's good. >> Great. Great. Thank you. >> That's okay. >> Okay. At this time, I'm going to turn this over to Christian to um tell you about an up junior drama club presentation. >> Thank you all for having us again today. I always love this part of the year. Um thankfully for all of you, I'm slightly under the weather. I'm going to be much quieter than I normally am. Um but we are very excited and I have uh you know it is the time of the
005year where it is not just my voice that is the fatality of the time of the year we have I'm sure you are all aware as community members but also as parents a significant number of students who are out the illness right now because the plague is taking it third around the city at this point. Um and so we between uh the plague and some uh some other commitments we are down quite a few today. We uh have 27 in our cast this year. Um despite having split from the elementary school in which is you know the kids are doing phenomenally this trickling in behind us. I think we have 12 or 13 today. But we are very uh excited to present for you today a piece of our upcoming production for next weekend uh
006into the woods cheer. And uh I'm very excited also because it just so happens serendipity serendipity this as it is we are presenting this on the and I apologize to both Rachel's who are currently present and also to Mrs. Tarlo sorry Dr. Tarlo who is not here currently but this is the 30th anniversary of Into the Woods's last presentation at this district. We last performed. You were trying not to age them but in turn >> the passage of time is uncomfortable. I apologize. Um >> we are we are um >> I was a year ahead of them. So I >> um but we are excited to for to bring this uh uh on its next trip around. Now obviously being the junior production it is slightly different. I'll tell you about that moment. But I
007wanted to introduce some of the cast behind me now. The Come on up. Take space right there. >> I don't I was so we are going to and on spin one we're going to present part of the finale for you actually. Here we are. And it came to pass, all that seemed wrong was now right. The kingdoms were filled with joy. And those who deserve to, we're certain to live a long and happy life. Ever after journey over, all is mended. And it's not just for today, but tomorrow and extended ever. Ever. >> All curses have been ended. The reverse is wiped away. All tenderness and laughter for forever after. DON'T BE CAREFUL. DON'T BE CLEVER. Go into the woods for nothing. into the woods AND THE journeys into the woods to get to the
008So, one of the reasons that we wanted to present that specific uh actually one of the ending songs of the show for you was because as I'm sure many of you have been in and may be familiar with the show, um many of you may be wondering how it is possible to put on a middle school version of Into the Woods. Um, and the simple answer is that the junior version of Into the Woods is actually just act one. They don't do act two because that's where all the >> scary. >> Yes. That's where all the scary happens. Exactly. Um, that's where all the the darker stuff happens. And so, in order to make that happen, they have like a nice little, you know, classic story book ending to it, which is kind of where
009this wraps up. Um, but I wanted to leave a surprise for many of you who have maybe not seen the junior version before, how some of the things might be a little bit different in this version um of the production. Now, with cutting the production in half, obviously the second half gets lost, the music itself gets lost. So, I was actually very happy because I'd seen the set list of songs. Um, and there was a song at the end called Curtain Music, which normally happens. Kids do their bows, they sing for you guys. It's great. They're happy. They're having a blast up there. Um, and when we opened up the book, I was happy to see that in curtain music, they had brought back one of the songs that is in act two that is
010not actually in the first act, which I think many of you will recognize. And I think that is one of the ones that we wanted to kind of show you today. You'll appreciate this before. What a day. She got beautiful. It's the down to Again, thank you for having us today. Our performances are uh next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at our normal time, 7 o'clock on Friday and Saturday. and uh clock on Sundays the 16th, 17th, and 18th. Um the kids are incredibly excited. This is definitely um and I say this not as much of the stress we've been under, but the most ambitious show we've done. Stephen Sim, who is the writer of this one, is not overwhelmingly to his musicians. And they have put in a whole lot of light work to learn
011this music. I'm I'm very excited for them to be able to prove um prove themselves to do, you know, junior musicals I think often get a bad rep of doing the cutesy little goofy stuff and they've really they put in some serious musicianship here to be able to pull off what they're doing today. It's been very very impressive and I I've been overwhelmingly exceeded in my uh expectations on what what I thought was going to be possible. I hope you are the same. were able to um all of your names will be at the door for if any of you would like to come in and get a complimentary ticket and come and see the show. We know how much time and effort you have put into our program and put up with listening to
012me talk year after year and ask for insane things year after year. Um and we truly truly do appreciate that because that's what helps make everything we do possible. So we hope you'll come and see the show on us and get to enjoy your your trip into Thank you. Thank you. today. Thank you very much. You know, this is one of our favorite days, getting the kids to come and perform for us. We're glad that those of you are here, are healthy, and ready to go for the week yet, and we hope that your your gap fills out with more healthy folks to to be able to pull this off. But I'm excited to see the junior version. Haven't ever seen it. Always appreciate when you guys come up here. It takes a lot of
013courage to be in front of people that you don't know. Um, and it's just a taste of what's to come. So, thank you guys. We really appreciate it. >> Thank you. So, this evening we're going to change things around a little. I have some updates, but no slides, so I'm going to turn business officials. >> Hi, and good evening. Um so we're going to talk about everybody's favorite the 2627 upcoming budget uh the planning and um the reporting and the deadlines that are associated with that process. So we start um in January and then we end the process in May. Uh so first I want to talk about some changes in the actual uh vote day changes we'll see in vote day. Um, so historically, Auburn County has uh permitted uh districts to use their
014voting machines. So that has changed. So um we're going to have to um have our own resources as far as voting machines. And there's also um new reporting that's required um after after the vote. So I'm going to pass that part along to Ashley and Ashley's going to talk about that and what our options are then. So, the changes um basically they are now going to require that um we provide them with detailed information regarding voter turnout at each polling location. They want um election results broken down by those locations. Um up until this point, there hasn't been any stamp mate statemandated reports required. Um nothing that's uploaded into a portal, none of that. Um and right now all of that information is prepared and tracked manually just by me. Um which is a lot
015of information um coming in especially if you want um a breakdown of every polling location. Um and they also are looking for um absentee ballot information. Uh how many people did we send them out to? How many did we get back? What ones were valid or invalid? Um because sometimes they come back and if they're not filled out correctly, we can't use them. um which are all things that we we do track, but just not in a in a way that they're going to want the reporting. They want graphs, they want um mapping locations, um all kinds of really fun things. Um so at the NISMBA conference this year, I was able to meet with two different um software companies who offer um this kind of reporting. They do it four districts. Um there's list
016a mile long of all of the districts um in our area and I work with my county um who already do use these systems. Um they're essentially they both do the same things. Um a handful of school districts around here go with one, a handful go with the other. Um so while I was at the conference, I had the opportunity to meet with both companies and then also ask a lot of the other district clerks in the area, you know, why did why did you choose them? What do you like about them? What don't you like about them? Um, and one company stood out in the fact that there was an outage last year during the election. Um, I'm sure some of you might have saw it. Albony was on the news, I think, for
017it. Um, the system went down. There was no backup in place. Um, so they had to go to manuals, which is how we've always done it. So, I mean, for us, it wouldn't be that big of a shock. Um, but they had to pull out their pen and paper, track everybody that way. Um the one system or the one software company that I met with they have backup um in built into the devices that they provide um they have like internet backup they have a software backup all built into it. So they essentially like the internet could be out the power could be out they'll still work. Um they also have people on site the day of the election to assist in with anything. They go around to all of our polling locations. um I'll
018have access to them by um phone. They can be anywhere um to us within 10 to 15 minutes if there's any kind of issues that we run into at the election. If somebody comes to the polling site, they're not on a list. Um all the instructions are built right into the tablet. They can register right then and there electronically goes to Alb County will come to us as well. They can vote. we don't have to do um what we've done in the past which they have to fill out like an affidavit of it's all going to be on right in that program. They'll sign their affidavit right then and there um and then all that information will go right to Alb County so they can verify if that person is eligible to vote and that
019will all be logged right in that system as well. Um they also they'll go back four years. Um, so all I have to do is send them all of our information, um, their spreadsheets and all that and they're going to put everything into the system for us. Um, so that way we can already start seeing our trends, see our tracking, see where we've had, you know, the most voters come out into what areas and then as a district too, we can look at that. And I feel like that's good information to see like maybe what we can do to try to get more people out if one area has a larger turnout of voters than the other. Um trying to think what else. Um but so they basically they do all of that behind the
020scenes stuff um for us. They'll do all of the reporting. They'll send it to us. I'll still upload everything to the state. Um but they are going to prepare everything for us. We'll have real time um election results throughout the entire day. We can run a report at any time we want to by the touch of a button. Um, and then on the next slide I did put to um what it looks like for because I know a lot of our voters voters are elderly um and we're changing possibly changing something on them. Um so this is what it would look like when they come in. Um they'll they'll basically like the pole work and they'll do all the training and everything too. Like they'll come and work with all of our pole workers, they'll
021work with me. Um we type their name in, everything's going to come up. if they're at the wrong location, it will tell them exactly where they need to go. No one has to flip through a binder of names and try to find somebody's name on a list and not know what building they might be in. Um, it will all be listed right there. Um, if they're not in there, it will then give the prompts to, okay, do you have, you know, um, enter your address and then go through the whole system of registering to vote. um well sign it's not really registering it's signing the affidavit of um contention that they're able to vote. Um and then it's just touchscreen. They basically hit it. They would select their name. They'll sign with their finger, take
022their ballot, and be on their way. Um and we'll have all of that logged of who came and who showed up to vote instantly on the day of the election. So any questions? ready. >> You know I have questions. Um okay. So what what's the name of the software for >> this is and then NTS is the other one um that I met with. >> Okay. And and what is their turnaround time as far as uh from purchase to implementation? >> Two to four weeks. >> Yeah. Once they um so they just sent me over like a conversion checklist. So basically it has everything that I would have to provide to them and then it's a two to four week turnaround then they'll come in and train me on how to do everything. >> Okay.
023And if we're purchasing through Boseies is there an assumption that there's some sort of support there that can help us with implementation because it's going to be a little you know a quicker turnaround than what we normally expect when we have a new process. Usually we have a new process, communication, implementation, like those things are longer than you know four months. >> Oh yeah. >> You know to implement. So >> we've already had conversations as far as like at the purchase stage where does this fall into the budget? Have we already budgeted? Um you know right I have a question answer. So, I came in at a really fun time last year um right before last year's budget season. Okay. Um I didn't learn about any of this until this summer. Um so long after
024budget season had passed about the new mandated reporting and al county and us allowing us to use the voting machines too. Um but even the mandated reporting there was real there was no talk about it until I went to um an ASPA conference. >> Okay. >> So that was in September of this year. >> Okay. It would be through both. >> Yeah, if you have everything is through Boseis, it would be eatable. >> But does that I I don't know what the purchase price like, you know, within our BOI Bosey's budget. Is this something that is going to fit within our budget? Um we moving >> we'll have to do a budget transfer. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Is there residual cost to this or is it a one-time purchase? No, it's not a one time.
025Um, so there is there is an annual license fee. >> Okay. >> Um, and then there's a maintenance fee, which so it would be about half of what the initial cost is. Um, going forward it would be half of what the initial cost is. So about 17,000 year one and then eight >> 17,000 year one eight >> going forward. Okay. Um >> that's not including of the machines. >> Okay. So that was my next question. So we we also now know that we have to provide tools of our own and and where are we with with that? >> That can be uh through both things also. Okay. Um, we don't have final solution for that yet. We're still weighing those options. >> And when you say that Boseies, that means we could purchase through Boseies.
026I would >> Yes, >> we would lease them through Boseies. >> Yeah. >> But they would be on site for us and it would be a period of time and we don't know what the cost of that is yet. >> Correct. We looked at the cost to purchase them. That was insane. >> Okay. >> They run anywhere between 12 to 15,000 >> each. >> Okay. >> And that doesn't include any I mean there's going to be software updates to them each year. Um issues with them. I'm sure we have to have a company that's going to come out and service them. Um and that that was just for the machine. >> Could I just add a couple things? We did we haven't have we received word about the district for more on how many districts
027or for grant um for this purpose for the machines we haven't we saved one and then just back to the software we do get aid the following year in terms of um >> we do the Boseies aid because we've been purchasing through Boseies so at in the 70 still in the 70%. >> Yes. >> Was this a new thing that Auburn County just decided that we can't use their voting >> and they sent it out in May of 2025? >> There was um there was a lot of work behind the scenes to see if it could get changed, but it didn't get changed. >> Are they the only county that are doing this or that don't >> no um at so when I was at um the ASBO conference recently um Saratoga County is still
028they're still leasing Renzo County is still leasing um I know South Colony has already purchased their own machines um so they weren't affected by any of it um but like Mansley it's we're all in the same >> well I guess the concern is that you know it we're a little late in the game to be just exploring options and you know we obviously are not going to be the only district in Albony County who's looking for this option and so you know I think that we need to secure um if this is a leasing option it's not like Boseies just has a a bunch of voting machines sitting in the back room I I mean right I I wouldn't imagine that they would have a surplus for districts to be able to lease and they
029would then have to go into agreements, right? Not crazy. >> No. >> Okay. So, what do we think is a is a reasonable timeline for us to hear about? I mean, the software piece is is one thing. Um, we do have a little bit um that we can transfer into the OC's budget to cover the software piece, but with the whole unknown of what this leasing option is even going to cost us, um, you know, I I would hope at least by the next meeting we would have some more clear and firm plan as far as where where we're going to get them from, where it's going from. So there has been like very minimal direction. Um and I've talked to Waterly. I've talked to Mans like what are you guys doing? So Waterly had
030a capital vote um in December and they borrowed them from South Colony, but it was December. They didn't have anything else going on at the time. Yeah. >> Um but everyone is wondering the same thing. Well, I hope for not waiting for everybody else to make it this time. Yeah. Um, which is why I'm saying, you know, there's definitely going to be there wasn't much put out about even like where to look to to purchase or lease or, you know, so >> we'll have it update at the next meeting. And I do want to thank Ashley for the research and you know with the company >> I have more questions. Okay. And related to the software program, what is our communication plan? We have electors, not only voters who who are retired and, you know,
031not really necessarily comfortable with computer systems. We know this ourselves from just the election machines and having difficulty with having someone be the point person to operate these electronic machines. So, have we reached out to our electors who are usually, you know, the people who come out for us and had a conversation about things are going to change and you are now going to have to use technology and not a piece of paper and a pen because this might be a complete decision maker for them to not want to be participating, you know, as as an elector. I I don't I think that we need to have the lead time at least for us to be able to get folks if we need to if we don't have you know our typical folks who want
032to come in and I think it's >> it will cut down um we won't need as many um because there won't be as much paper as much counting as much >> so we think we're not going to need as many we've never done this before so we don't like 100% know um you know what it's going to take really. I mean I think for the first year at least to have >> a little bit of a buffer you know for us to make sure that we can help each other through um working through the kinks. I mean obviously like you said if there's someone there from the company to support um does that mean they're in every single building to support um or are they going between buildings and supporting? you know, we have multiple
033different sites within the city, >> right? >> Yeah. And and then the other piece is, you know, communication to our greater community, not just, you know, through parent square, but you know, through the city, um, you know, potentially it like this needs to be a broader communication to say, you know, these are changes that are going to be expected. We want people to come out and participate in in our school budget build, but we need to also make sure that they know what they're coming to do. Um, a lot of people, especially, you know, like for me, when my kids were younger and they came out for the first time, it's like, I don't know what to do. Okay. Well, you know, before they got there, I said, this is what's going to happen. You're
034going to go, you're going to sign a book. You're going to get a piece of paper. You're right. So I walked my kids through that so that they would feel comfortable and confident to walk in that door themselves. And I think many adults will have, you know, need to know this information ahead of time so that they understand there is a change and this is what it looks like. Now it doesn't necessarily affect the voter as much as it does our electors or our you know what do we call our >> pole workers. Pole workers. Exactly. Um but still I think it's something that we need to communicate and if there's any changes in our timeline for you know absentee votes or or you know ballots how how that's all going to work like we
035have to work on a a full communication plan. Mhm. >> Um, so I just think that beyond purchasing the tools that's going to make our lives easier and more con convenient, we we need to think about who else it's affecting and make sure that we have a communication plan in place and that it's going out early enough so that we can coordinate with the city so that it's not just the school district reaching the school community. It's the school district reaching the entire broader community. the taxpayers >> because there's going to be criticism enough for them to come to vote for their school budget and we don't want to hamper it anymore by doing this throwing this new technology at them as they're walking in the door. And it's hard enough to get people to
036come out to vote at a school election as we have come to find out. and throwing anything to hamper them in any way. It's just not it's not good will. >> So, tonight we wanted to start by making sure you all knew first. Absolutely. We give you an update on on the equipment at the next meeting and also communication plan. We've had some internal discussions of the very very same same thing. I mean, I think that it needs to be announced that Albony County has decided not to let the school districts use their voting machines. That needs to be clearly told to all taxpayers >> in Quality County, not just >> and I'm sure because um you know, we work with C region bosses communication too that we'll we'll look and see what other messages
037are as well. But >> I don't want to wait for other messages. I don't wait for other messages either. I found it out tomorrow that county has taken away the voting machines for the school district >> regardless of whose fault it is for that means I we just need to move forward and say this is a plan this is our plan >> right exactly but it's not something that we're doing to it's hard enough to get people to come out to a school election as it is >> I know >> and to have the support of, you know, the the county to help you in that way, I think it's just ridiculous. And if they're the only county in New York State that is doing this, it needs to be talked about. >> Listen, I
038look, John McDonald's going to be at the next meeting, isn't he? >> Yes. >> Perfect topic of conversation. >> Yeah. I have no problem representatives problem pointing out the fact that >> BL County made a decision. So we but also there's other things involved, right? Like the reporting piece has nothing to do with Al B County, does it? I mean is in B County that's state, right? >> Well, that is very >> I mean there's other conditions in like the inconvenience if it was just that we had to rent machines from somewhere else that doesn't really change the voter experience. the change in the voter experience is the requirements for the electronical the electronic reports and the digital you know graphs and information that we need. So I guess I you know twofold it's definitely
039a twofold. We're put in a hard place. We're scrambling at the last minute. I think the sooner we get the communication out to the public, like you said, the better because nobody comes to vote at school votes and they sure as heck do not like voting out of school budget. >> Well, Stacy will have some other information too that question. >> Is there a requirement on how many locations we have? We're required to have the three. >> We're required to have three. >> Unfortunately, >> I mean, I don't see that as an unfortunate situation. I mean, we we have many of our residents who don't have transportation and don't have vehicles. >> No, I was curious how many >> I think it's good for us to >> So, if we could go down too, that
040would be great, but we can't find this question. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Any other questions? >> Yes, definitely more to come, but we thought it was very important to let you know right away what we were dealing with. So, >> thank you. >> Sharing is caring. >> We're so glad you're here. >> So, the 26 uh 27 budget planning. So, this is this is standard. Um, we're not changing our budget development process. Uh, we're still starting with zero. So, we're building the budget from the ground up. We're not taking any assumptions as we build the budget. Uh, the worksheets have all been uh distributed to the principles andor directors um to start and there's a twoe deadline on those. Um, there's still the requirement for return on investment for any new staffing. Um, so we're
041seeking feedback from the budget committee members on um if anything should be changed on those documents and then we'll distribute them out to the the principles and the directors here by the end of the week. >> So budget goals and we talked about this a bit uh during the financial the long range financial plan when we went over the draft. Uh so we will be proposing a zero for the tax levy which is exciting news. Um we will also be um seeking a proposition for establishment of a capital reserve um with the with the focus being on health and safety. We're undergoing the HBAC audit. Um Mr. Darcy and myself will be meeting with CSR next week uh and we'll be asking them to come and present uh during the budget presentation cycle ideally February
042because March is a bit crazy. Um so again I'll have an update for you on that next time we meet. Um appropriated use of fund balance. So we haven't done that in quite a bit. Um what we'll need to discuss during the de uh the budget process is if there's a budget gap if the needs far exceed the revenues if we would uh want to use appropriated fund balance and we are in the position where we could do that. So that'll be a discussion point uh during the process. So budget planning uh is happening all through January. So, we are meeting with our elementary BLTs. Uh, we walk through their needs assessments. We're meeting with Vance Spike first on the 13th, followed by Harmony Hill on the 21st and Lancing on the 28th. Our secondary
043um our second secondary um schools were meeting with the teacher leaders. Uh that's two full days January 22nd and 23rd. And then the budget committee meetings are scheduled for February 3rd and 4th knowing that we need to be done by two o'clock on the 4th. So that's budget planning. Are there any questions on any of that? >> I I do have a question. Um at what point do we have to have a hard answer on what that increase could be to the taxpayers? Like is that something we have to develop now or and I've been here for a while. I should know this but I can't remember. >> You mean for the tax levy? March 1st is the deadline. It's the deadline to report it to the office of the state controller. >> All right.
044So we do have some leeway there if in fact. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Um >> I think we typically have that discussion if there were pieces on that last meeting. Right. >> Yeah. I'll I'll start talking about the actual calculation that's right here. January 28th. >> Yeah. Like it's hard to say without seeing the calculations because >> Right. >> I also like after looking at it, >> it's complicated. >> It is. Yeah. It's a tough timeline. >> Right. So, um this is the presentation schedule for the budget. So, January 28th, we'll be talking about it'll all be the revenue side of the house. So, we'll talk about the preliminary state aid, what that looks like, uh, the tax cut preliminary calculation, and then we also have our guest speaker, Assembly Member John McDonald on
045the 28th. So, it's perfect that he's coming to that meeting because it's all really relevant information for nerds like myself that love to talk about that stuff. Um on March 4th, we'll be uh having our presentations from our secondary, so the high school and the middle school as well as our athletic programs. Uh March 18th will likely be a long meeting. I'll apologize in advance. Um we'll have our elementary uh school presentations and then we'll have our districtwide services. of uh special programs uh information technology facilities and central office and then we will be anticipating as long as the budget is timely for the state um their numbers would be finalized on April 1st that didn't happen last year we had to make our decision without a state budget um so we'll get a feel
046for what the state of the state as uh Governor Hokll is giving us state of the state next week and then again we'll have assembly member McDonald here on the 28th. So have hopefully hopefully we'll be in a better spot. Um, April 15th would be when the board would actually adopt the budget and then May 6 is the annual public hearing and then um the actual vote is on the 19th and then we meet on the 20th and you accept the results of the budget vote. >> Stacy, the elementary schools and the districtwide uh service presentations and the state budget are all on the 18th. Yeah, I don't know that we'll have the state budget. >> Okay. >> It's the the deadline is April 1st. If we do, great. I'll talk about it then. But
047if if we don't, then I'll just let you know that we don't have the final numbers. >> Um, separate from the budget, I do other things. Um, the business office updates. Uh we had the transparency reporting that was due December 31st. So that's been submitted. Um I'll be uh anxiously waiting for the state of the state address which is Tuesday, January 13th at 1:00. We did have our Medicaid cost recording that's due at the end of January. And then we have our normal quarterly and calendar year end uh processes. So 1099s and the 941s as payroll tax information and then W2s are in January as well. And then um just letting you know that we've we've been working with um one of our banks JP Morgan Chase to enhance some of our controls. Um, so
048we've recently implemented a remote deposit, um, which is nice. And then we've also modified our positive pay because, um, check, uh, fraud is on the rise. And so we've modified some of our procedures uh, in order to hopefully uh, avoid uh, any any fraud. We've had several attempts. Um, so we've made some changes in our our check template and the layout was sent some uh checks to JP Morgan. They're going to test them and then we'll finalize the template and we're uh changing some of our procedures as far as distribution as well. I don't really want to talk about publicly what we're doing. Just know that we're tweaking our our processes as it relates to checks. Any questions? Thank you. >> So, some updates on my end. Uh, I wanted to let you know um
049that phone screening interviews were conducted uh on our assistant uh superintendent candidates. Um, our committee round interview is our first round is January 27th. um adjusted by a few days to allow everyone to be able to make it and be able to continue with the schedule with the same same ending time frame. Um later on uh you know this evening you'll be there's a recommendation for the acceptance of the retirement of principal uh bird from Abram Lancing Elementary. So, I wanted to let you know that um we will be uh doing that posting by the end of next week. Gives us a little time to review and revisit the um the the the job description. Um and then I will share the hiring timeline with that, you know, to uh be be out front early
050in that too. And then uh Joe Huno uh our athletic director has decided to uh step down from the AD dean position and go back to uh the the classroom. We won't see his resignation on any agenda because it's not a resignation. and it's a teacher on special assignment agreement, which is why I wanted to to mention that um because we'll also be um you know working through the timeline hiring process very shortly as well um early for our our next athletic director. So um the uh athletic director um has been in the past in the post principal association unit. There was an agreement each year between CPA and the district um to you know have Jeff was not certified administrator but to have Jeff continue. Uh so with that the first um as we
051post and um interview it will be in the uh uh administrative unit looking for administrative certification um and knowing that you know I know it's a difficult role to fill you know so our first step is to to to see if we can fill that that way and then you know if we can't we then we'll work through processes um you know regarding talk with with CTA and CPA. Um, and so the recommendation is to have a 6 A with a system currently is 6 uh AD and with a point 4D on the tossa. So this would still this would be a 1.0 position. So that's the the the recommendation I can send you in the um updates what some similar size schools do um and while I have that information too I'll share that
052and then we can still have have that discussion at the the next meeting if need be you know we'll have posted the um principal position by then can the posting app >> and we we already know that with with this position it it will start in the end like you've had those conversations with the administrative unit as far as them taking that position >> kind of back I know that we've been into agreement with them every year I know that I just was wondering if that conversation >> that conversation happened with them also >> okay >> um but also knowing that you know regardless we need an athletic director I know that there's some districts right now going through through the process too. So there could be further discussions based off school candidates. >> Well,
053I think those are tough shoes to fill. First of all, uh Mr. Huno um he has done a phenomenal job for us and he certainly has put his time in um you know sometimes 12-hour days, you know, even more than that I think working uh behind the scenes and at games and stuff. So we'll be interested to see how that pool turns out. And I hope they have half the enthusiasm, even like a quarter of the enthusiasm that Mr. Hino has. He brought to us the branding idea. He brought to us um the Tiger Way. Like he he just has done so much to um kind of uniformly um support our community, our whole school community, not just our sports community. um through the things um that he's been able to do with the athletic
054budget and with the sports teams and so um yeah I just want to say actually um Mr. Huno did share an very interesting article with me about the difficulties of being an Aggie and I will share it with the rest of the board because it is enlightening to see what he goes through on a daily >> calls every day weekend. >> You don't have any time off. >> He doesn't have any time off. He gets calls while he's on a cruise. But not just that, I think a lot of us don't realize is that you know 80s have private lives too and that was a big intrusion and um also the state of not having boundaries is a huge issue and I think we need to start respecting the fact that people are people and
055it's not they're not here for you. Um, but I will share the article because I did have a long discussion with because he has done a lot for this district. >> It's a huge one. >> Like Sue said though, it's not problem. It's an overall problem and I think, you know, we we our kids and our community deserve us to do our due diligence. >> Absolutely. >> Figure this out. >> Yeah. because it is it's a nation problem. I mean, >> he sent me the article and it's just enlightening to see. >> Yeah. I mean, being someone who has worked in the athletic department before, >> do understand a little bit of what goes behind the scenes, but I was always able to say, "Not me, that guy." But, uh, you know, I just, you
056know, think it's important for us to recognize a lot of the things that Mr. you know, has brought may not necessarily belong to the sports world or or sports community, but you know, we recognize as as a school community now and it's and you know, building our brands and and you know, our slogans and things that, you know, our kids recognize on the on a daily basis and and so um yeah, I like Renee said, interested to see the next step in this process and um discussions about, you know, the position itself if if that's uh you know, something that we're looking to continue the 6.4 understanding there might be shifts in the school day as far as like if somebody needs to be here later. We do need to respect our employees time and
057and you know just because they're in a position that does take some after school hours commitments shouldn't mean that they're working 16our days. So uh yeah, >> so more to more discussion to follow two weeks from now and they'll share that. I wanted to give you a staffing update on our alternative learning program. Um as I was discussed previously, there was a there was an opening um that opening uh the part of the opening that is difficult to fill is a point4 math teacher. So uh the person in the role is point for math teacher point for a special ed teacher in one section of phys outside teachers can teach one outside of of of their you know s as per contract. So um we weren't able to find a certified math teacher. Um so
058Laura as I discussed the plan I wanted to share it with you. So, a current high school math teacher will be going to the alternative program to teach algebra 1 and consumer math. Those are the two math courses. Um, in order to free his schedule to be able to do this, Laura we needed to post for two math which we did and um she collapsed an AIS math class so an academic intervention class. So that that's that's an additional that's additional support outside of math. Um so that uh another teacher could uh pick up geometry. There are still other AIS math classes she's going to be um working through that and I will I will share this all with you in writing. Uh we posted from the point to fizz. Um so uh and um
059we we have physical education teachers at the middle school that it could fit in in their schedule. Um and uh we are there are um uh just the numbers of students with disabilities in the program have decreased significantly. Um and so we are we are working with our uh man director of special programs on you know how to best meet their needs. So we have a plan and but I did want to let you know. >> So when you say a section of AIS map is being collapsed that doesn't necessarily mean that the students aren't being served. Um, but can you is there an idea of how many kids will still be able to transition potentially into another support uh, you know, so that we're not just cutting those interventions. There's a reason those kids
060are in those classes. >> Yeah, that's the information that I that I need to share with question. >> Yes. >> Can you elaborate on the decrease in students with disabilities. >> Um there were I don't know the original number but originally there were there was a certain number there that had decreased just slightly and Lissa has been having CSA meetings to meet students needs. Some of some of uh their needs weren't being met in this in this program before this staffing change too >> in the alternative program. >> Okay. So, um, working on a case by case basis. >> Does that answer your question? >> And I can Yeah, but it makes me want to ask more questions. >> Well, that's what you're here for. So what I can do the exact numbers too with
061the update with just like with the map and I can I just want to make sure to um you know not identify those. >> Okay. Um, a a few other things. Um, it was brought to my attention and I think this is a a fantastic idea that you know we have many students that do many um positive things outside of the district and we currently don't have a vehicle for communicating um those students accomplishments. Um, I talked to um, Mary Beth Bardo, our communication specialist about this, about a way for parents to let us know um, if there's, you know, a significant accomplishment that their their their child has made and she's going to share a draft with me of a form that can go out on parent square that parents can complete and then,
062you know, uh, we'll be able to to look through and um you know deterministics you should be Facebook Instagram maybe a website story you know parent square um but that that was brought to my attention totally agree and it doesn't mean that the time frame even has to be from uh you know next week forward it can be going back to so um just wanted to make sure >> so like our friend uh Miss Stell Burwell right 12 under 12 was it at our last meeting was it the day our last meeting the day before our last meeting. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Wonderful accomplishment for her. Congratulations, mom. But the this would help like things that are happening outside of school to, you know, get recognized because I think whatever positives we can give kids
063and build kids up. I mean, it's only going to encourage them to keep going. So, >> and show the opportunities that are there. >> Good idea. Yeah. >> We have so many well-rounded students that do so many, you know, amazing things and uh Yeah. So I just I wanted to to let you know that. Um and then uh finally um wanted to give you an update on metal detectors. So we did uh we had spoken about it at the last meeting. The um quote came in over uh was 51,000 from the exact company. So that would have necessitated and Stacy does help me if I need it, but we'll see. um that would have ne necessitated us putting out a request for a proposal. So, uh because it's not on state contract pricing, um we
064reached out to uh PJ reached out to vendors um and um is awaiting a quote from our one of the vendors that we we work with for other technology that is on state contract pricing. um because of the holidays he didn't receive it yet. I know he reached out um earlier this week and he's going to reach out tomorrow as soon as we receive that quote. >> So is this the same unit that we were presented? It's just through a vendor who is on state contract. >> Same same exact unit. Same right PJ. >> Yeah, same unit. And uh um the vendor said that um you know other districts have gone that route too and they still will you know support and they're they're fine. They're fine with that with the training and all that.
065>> Are we still on track for a second semester? Because that would be the end of this month. I mean that's what our conversation we're like second semester semester >> which should be the end of the month. >> Yeah. I I really don't know. It depends on this quote on tomorrow. We can turn it over. The one thing that even when we talked with that vendor pre uh prior the the initial vendor was that no one will um activate these until staff have had training and that's usually the even even then there wasn't a guarantee. We're aiming for the you know beginning of the second semester but the training has to happen first and there has to be training time slots. So, can we set up the training ahead of time before they're purchased to
066say, "Okay, we're in the middle of doing this. We've requested a quote. We know what company we're using. We know what training and support we're going to need. Can't we just set the training up to say, you know, we are, this is a big ticket item. We're purchasing this and have the training already scheduled." I mean, we have to wait for a quote now for We haven't had a meeting now for several weeks. And at that point we had put in the quote. So I mean having a month go by expectations you know initially were to do second semester which would be the end of this month. But if we can you know kind of jump on it and ask and request if training can be scheduled. We we we will PJ uh PJ contacting
067them again tomorrow morning and the the original quote that we had uh worked with was asking from another company. So um right when we found that it was going to be um over what we needed for the RFP. >> So it has to be under 50. What's what's under what's the RFP? What's the requirement? >> It's general It's general municipal law. It's so it's 20,000 if it's a thing and it's 35 for services. So, >> we just need I didn't realize I didn't realize that as we did this. >> Okay. Because we didn't know it was going to cost $50,000. >> I didn't I didn't I didn't think about the RFP aspect. >> That's okay. I didn't think I you know, >> right? >> I I think we did know. We I think we all
068>> we knew the price. I didn't know it was RFP. >> Okay, let's keep going. >> Okay, so we'll forgive you this time. >> All right, that's why I left it for the end. >> I do have to add though, I had the opportunity to go to Waterl for a game. >> I would love if you Oh, you want to see me? >> No, I can't hear you. I had the opportunity to go to Water um for a basketball game and I installed the detectors and they're actually very nice looking and modern and I think they'll fit well. >> How was traffic flow >> like getting in and out? Like were they using it? >> Okay. Wow. >> I assume it was difficult. Okay. But they were there >> and they're very pretty. Okay. >>
069Well, pretty for $50,000. >> Those are are, you know, another plug for branding, right? >> I appreciate that. Yeah. >> Um so the upcoming there's a a communication update that um um Mary Beth had added and just some of the upcoming communications CTE tour with sophomores. Um WNYT science uh came and interviewed students about the new science classrooms that's supposed to air sometime this week. We're trying to get um some further information. Uh and then the the curriculum fair and Laura um uh they're going to try a different model this year in terms of a virtual virtual model and and uh I can share more information uh with that to so that um the message is widespread to to everyone. Um and then on the other side are some of the the the past uh
070communications. And then in terms of upcoming events, the next slide, we already uh heard about the Don McDonald and uh the the drama musical. So, uh Harmony Hills having a college and trades day and so is Van Skype. Lancing has one, too. It's just not in the upcoming two weeks. And then uh special programs has done a number of uh virtual uh presentations and one uh coming up this week is um next week is how to read your child's eye. >> Very good. Any questions? >> I mean I just can we com it commenting on the because I don't think we addressed the resignation. Great. Thank you. Just want to >> agenda item. Yes. Yes. >> All right. So, if there's no questions on the district report or business, I wanted to take a second
071and move into we have two retirements on the agenda tonight. Um, Mr. Rich Morris, who has been such a huge asset at the high school. Um, if you don't know Rich, you probably do know Rich. Uh he's he's one of those people that are at every event. Um I think our shaper uh pool is going to be a lot less without him there. He's at pretty much every sports event. Um great asset at the high school uh with his position with the special ed department. Um and just overall great guy. So, we wish wish we well um and a retirement that I don't think any of us really were expecting or thought we'd ever see. And that is um Mr. Cliff Bird. And I think that Cliff told me earlier this year when we accepted
072a retirement for one of our food service workers that he was just ahead of him. So, I think Cliff was like maybe one or two up there in in seniority. I'm not not really sure, but um you know certainly a lifetime commitment that he has given to our community. I think that there's a lot of kids out there who have benefited from all of the efforts that he has put behind um arts and education. I think um his support of the music program and the theater programs. I think that there is no one in this district um that would argue that Clifford was not instrumental in, no pun intended, but making that those things happen. Um he was the guiding force for sure. Um and we're all thankful for it. As a a former music
073geek, I'm certainly thankful for it. Um also former Abram Lancing student, you know, so a little near and dear to my heart that building. Um, you know, he's put in a lot of time. I think he's probably wiped a lot of noses, put on a lot of band-aids, and, you know, called a lot of parents over the course of of his time here and probably talked to most of the community o at some point in time. So, um, just want to wish Mr. Bird well and thank him for his I mean, I can't even say many years, but a lifetime of commitment to our school district. And Sue, absolutely. feel free to do that. >> No, I just I recently had been in a line with Mr. Bird and I said, "Do you have any
074plans for retirement anytime soon?" He said, "I'll retire when I die." And I was like, "Okay." Like, "Thank you from the board, but like do you want to like enjoy them some time away from that, you know, he said that this school was his baby." >> Yes. >> Pretty much is how he put it. So um definitely want to thank him for the years of service that he gave to the school district. >> Was he your principal? >> He was not my principal. >> Not my principal was fine. Uh I want to thank Cliff too. He has done a tremendous job over these last 33 years. 33 years. And uh my grandfather was on the board when he was hired and we did field trips at our house on the farm and history goes way
075back. And I hope he uh enjoys retirement and he still sticks around and does some um drama. >> Yeah, I I don't think it's the last we're going to see him. I It's going to be tough for him to stay away. maybe maybe he gets some time to himself to actually relax and enjoy uh you know a little bit of time but I don't think that's the last we're gonna see him for Jess >> I I too I want to thank him for his many years of service I don't know if you all know this but I was an elementary principal along with Mr. bird not that many years ago but but a while ago and I had the privilege of playing an Annie with him and we had all the staff do a a
076play for our students. So do >> you hear that student suggestion box >> and Mr. Morris and you are right I see Mr. Morris >> everywhere everywhere. Like I said if you don't think you don't I'm telling you, you probably do. >> Well, very good. Is there any other discussion of agenda items from the board? >> On behalf of Mr. Berg, go bills. >> I will second that. Thank you. >> Any community discussion of agenda items? >> Okay. Hey, can I get a motion that the board of education adopt the following resolutions of the January 7th, 2026 agenda and agenda 7 A through D and 8 A through Q. >> I will make a motion. >> I'll second it. >> Mr. Jackson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Snider, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gendron, >> yes. >>
077Mrs. Paradis, >> yes. >> Mr. Duros, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burwell, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Giller, >> yes. With that further congratulations for our retirees and some very familiar faces on appointments for some part-time positions. So happy to have that. Um >> bringing in the young >> exactly information and consideration. We don't have any tonight. Any comments from board of education members on anything uh not related to the agenda? >> No, but I thought we had a tenure. >> Oh, Kristen could thank you for that. Yes. Go ahead. >> I would like to congratulate her. She's phenomenal teacher. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate that. >> Um I just wanted to welcome welcome everyone back from the from the new year. I know we've had a couple of breaks and we have we'll have
078a very quick flurry up until uh you know budget season because we have some February is very short um and we'll be jumping right into it. So, uh, just welcome back. I hope you all had a restful holiday. Um, any comments from the audience on anything? >> Fine tonight. >> Okay, great. Okay, so we just had our second reading of the student wellness policy. Uh, dates for future meetings, January 28th and February 11th, right here in Post Middle School Library at 6:00 pm. Can I get a motion to enter into executive session at 7:17 p.m. to discuss matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion to motion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation, and to discuss the superintendent's evaluation? >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second it. >> Mr. Jackson,
079>> yes. >> Mrs. Snder, >> yes. >> Mrs. Gender, >> yes. >> Mrs. Paradise, >> yes. >> Mr. Gerros, >> yes. >> Mrs. Burwell, yes. And Mrs. Yes. Thank you very much for coming tonight. We do now plan on returning to open session.