001Ready? Ready. >> Hi. Welcome to the March 3rd, 2026 Board of Education business meeting. I'm calling the meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I >> aliance 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. >> President Clemens >> here, Vice President Valentine here, Trustee Clemenson >> here, >> Trusty Cooper here, >> Trusty McN, >> and student member Sanders >> here. >> Um, I don't believe we have any changes to the agenda. All right, cool. So please read the recommend recommended action to approve it. >> See it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools the board of education hereby approves the agenda as written. May we have a motion please? >>
002So moved second. >> All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> All right. So our next meeting will be um a workshop meeting on Tuesday March 17th. So, two weeks from tonight here in the middle school high school library um at 7 o'clock. Um and the workshop topic will be the middle school visit summary and detail report and that's uh Sean and I are going to be welcomed by Dr. Selpia and middle school tomorrow as the board's annual visit um to the middle school. So, we're looking forward to that. And with our meeting cancellation recently, we're going to now have the elementary >> April 7th. Great. So, hearing lots of opportunities to hear about great things happening in our schools. >> Um, a big thanks to the grounds. I'm sure Dr. will say something
003that just I mean, I cannot imagine what it's been like to keep this place running. So, thanks very much to everybody and their efforts to do that. Um this next piece is pretty important. So petitions um for um people who want to run for um the school board are available. Um so the availability of board of education trustee candidate positions. If you want to run for the school board, you get a petition. You have 25 people at least signed to endorse that you're running. Um those petitions and the first campaign expenditure statement are due they can be they can be collected from the district office and they are due to the district office on April 20th, 2026. The seat that's open this year is my seat. And so this is an important announcement about this
004because this will be my last term on the school board. And so we certainly need some folks to step up and run for the school board. Um, everybody here will be very happy to talk uh to anyone who's considering or has questions about running for the school board. Um, but yes, we definitely an open seat on the Halane School Board this year. Um, and then also along with that, um, I'm announcing on the same day that we vote for our school board trustee, um, that's also the day in March, the third Tuesday in May, sorry, in May, when every year um, school districts in New York State vote to approve their budgets. And so that's um, really why I think a lot of people are here. And we're going to get a a lot of
005really good information about that tonight. Um, so those are my comments. I'm going to hand it over to Dr. Peggy. >> Okay. So, I'll start just with I know Peggy, it's only been a couple months working with you, but the number of years and just the knowledge and wisdom that I know you've provided to the district is invaluable and it's been a pleasure to work with you and I'm glad we still have a couple months left together. All the good >> time. Yes. >> Okay. So, I have some like amazing exciting news to finally announce. Our capital project has been approved by the state. >> So, what that means, we'll go around to start. we can now do the bidding process. And so, um, our, uh, construction manager will work to identify who might be
006able to come and actually do the work at some point, hopefully sooner than later. We'll be bringing the final people for bid to the board to vote on, but now things will kind of happen rather quickly behind the scenes. So, I'm just thrilled to be able to announce that we now have state approval. We can move things forward on that. I know it's been a long time coming and just super excited to see us move on to the next phase. >> It has been a long time coming, but we are on schedule. on schedule. Yes. I guess in my head it feels very long because I was hoping it was much sooner than what we got. But anyway, it's official. It's approved and more to kind of follow on that as the rest of the
007year unfolds. >> Um, just wanted to give you an update on safety. So, as you recall, we had a safety incident in the fall. Um, and what we've done since then is working with Alteras, which is our safety company. that Alteras came and did a really comprehensive audit of our systems and of our campus to just identify what's really strong within our safety and where are some areas that maybe we can strengthen. And so we have been able to take a look at the recommendations from Alteras and there's some things we can take care of within our natural budget this year and there's other things that we have to plan for. So a couple of things that we're planning for before the end of this school school year. So, using our current 25 26 um
008budget funds, we are looking at the doors in the gym. Um I just noticed this um when the doors close, there's an interesting way they lock and it's not um the safe isn't up to fire code. So, we're going to be able to kind of fix those doors before the end of the school year. Um we also were looking at just safety and security. And this might make sense more to the students when I talk about this a little bit. um putting a fence up to secure. There's different places near the roof, near the kitchen. Roof access has been pro perhaps an area that if students wanted to get up onto the roof, it's been a little easier to navigate. And so we're looking to um have a gate kind of up there to kind
009of, for lack of a better word, um block access. I I know got some chuckles in the deck there. So probably some stories or experiences you might have with that. um snow guards at the high school along the student pathway. So maybe some of the students have experienced this icicles and snow coming down. So just trying to make things a little more safe and secure. There's other pieces to the Alteras audit that we will continue to look at, but those are just a couple pieces that I wanted to update the board and community on. Um we already heard this, but tomorrow we have the middle school visit. And this is just really a wonderful opportunity. I wish the entire board comes to all three of the buildings, but really nice to have at least a
010couple board members get into classrooms to look at instruction and also to see in real time programs and resources that you have approved as part of the budget process. And it's also a nice way to highlight student learning. So, middle school is happening tomorrow. Um, and then I'll just kind of end with two things related to snow and the calendar. So, yes, a big thank you to our buildings and grounds um group. they come, they work, you know, endless hours. They're here all hours of the night, especially when we know that we have a storm. And Dave and the crew just they do it without complaints. So, just kudos and shout out to them. And then just, you know, gratitude and thank you to our students, to our staff, and to our school community because
011I know that switching to remote is not easy. Um, and the way our calendar is set up, we uh I I'll say it this way, inherited a calendar where we have three snow days and then we are kind of bound by some pieces in our teachers contract and then other ways the state has us count um 180 student days. And so the calendar committee met, the board looked at a calendar last meeting. I am bringing that committee back together again just to rethink a couple of things. One of which is adding a fourth snow day. of course, now we'll add it and then there won't be any snow next year. Um, but just kind of trying to navigate the student learning experience and what makes the most sense and still following within the guidelines we
012have to. So, I hope to have um another draft of the uh the the uh calendar for 27 26 27 at the next uh board meeting which is March 17th. So, but I do, you know, I've heard from some some parents, some community members, some students, staff, like good things about the calendar and not so good things. And so, just know that I'm listening to that feedback and trying to make sure we have the the most responsive calendar that we possibly can have for next year. >> And I think that's all for now. >> Thanks. So yeah, >> today was the third virtual day and I feel like I can speak for like most of high school students that there's like we kind of know the expectations of it logging in at the beginning of
013class and then we go on and just do the assigned work. I don't know what it's like in the middle or elementary school, but so that's been more of a concrete schedule. And then the winter dance was on Friday and it was well in well well attended and how the blues devils performed three songs. And then even though our spirit week last week leading up to the dance was cut short because of two snow days and then a three-hour delay, there still was pajama day on Wednesday, dress like a teacher on Thursday, and ski day on Friday. And then spring sports are starting next week. And during the end of March, the week before spring break, the seniors are going to Boston, juniors are going to Washington DC, sophomores are going to the Bronx Zoo,
014and freshmen are going to Broadway. And the ski trip last week was well, or not, it wasn't last week, it was during the break, but was well attended. And lastly, um, sorry, I can't. Oh, there students I've heard feedback from high school students that the addition of new electives. I think like Miss Cordderero is teaching art history and Mr. McConville is teaching AI and sports. So, students are excited and signing up for those new courses. And that's all I have. >> Which teacher did you dress up as? >> What? >> Which teacher did you dress up as? Wasn't that one of >> that? I would love to see that. >> I kind of forgot to do that. >> I did the other two. >> What were the two classes you said? AI and sports >>
015and art history. I don't know if that's all of them. I've just like heard that those >> and that's that's for when students are >> school. Yeah. Yeah. I would love to take >> because I think Mrs. Cotchin and the guidance department has started meeting with co. >> Oh, that's great. Yes. Um so it's very exciting. So to hear from Yes. Miss Platt and Dr. Duffy about um budget planning 26 27 budget planning. So really this is where we're hearing really sort of what the superintendent and the her team with Miss Thad have been working on to bring to us. So we're really like looking forward. Okay. So, welcome again. And I really it warms my heart to have students in the audience and I mean that sincerely. This is such an important part of
016what our school district does. through a lot of other it's really um helpful to continue to receive feedback and have you here to listen as the plans unfold. So thank you all for being here tonight. So to start off if you've been following the journey this year some of these slides will look similar. These are our annual budget goals. Um to start we always want to stay within the allowable tax levy and we're going to talk a bit more about that tonight. Um, this second one means quite a bit to me personally in terms of having transparent, comprehensive communication to the community about budget decisions and their impact. Um, and I think that's important because the budget is a big piece of what we do. Always to be aligned with our core missions, belief, and
017the housing essentials. Um, maintaining a safe and efficient fleet of vehicles for student transportation and prioritizing operational efficiencies and long-term planning. You'll hear us talk a lot about long-term planning tonight and throughout the budget process. It's definitely an area of opportunity for Helane and also an area of growth. So, we want to continue to look at what we need to focus on each year at a time, but then also where are we thinking through three to five years out. And so, tonight you're going to see three main priorities. And it was important um when Katherine and I were working through what the needs are. And I'll just pause for a minute to thank our administrators. Um they really look at the budget year round. Like some people might think we just think about the budget
018from December on. We're constantly looking at what our budget is, what our needs are, um and trying to be creative within those those needs. And so you'll see tonight there's three priorities and that's kind of done purposely. We're mindful of the capital project impact on the budget. We're mindful of what exactly our needs are and what fits in 2627. And so really there's three main priorities. The first is transportation. Um we did have a transportation study done. There were some recommendations that we're working through to see what makes sense to do in 2627 and what makes sense to do and beyond. And so budget impact specific to transportation. There always is an annual vehicle proposition and that'll be tax neutral. So that is something that you'll see in the budget this year. And then we've
019talked a little bit about this already and the plans will unfold as more presentations evolve. restructuring our transportation department so that we have um a little more oversight. So we have a director of facilities and transportation and um if you know anything about having two titles in your title. >> Typically when something happens like snow days or facilities then most of your time is kind of focused on one area over the other. Not that transportation doesn't have oversight, but we're looking to see with retirement breakage, can we restructure within our staffing to kind of help transportation run a little bit smoother, really to have someone have their eyes on the store in a daily basis. So, we'll have more information about that at the next uh budget meeting, next board meeting. The second one is
020long-term planning. And this is really important and it's not to say that Heline has not been long-term planning, but I'm trying to make it as visible as we can because we have our typical budget every year. We have a capital project. Um, many of you in the audience and maybe community members, certainly our board and administrators, everyone was involved in the conversations for the campus mask that happened a couple years ago and there were so many needs that were discussed within arts, within athletics, within safety, within curriculum to name a few. And we have project one of the capital project. That was what was approved. But that's not everything. And so we have to plan for 2627. We have to plan for the capital project, but then again think through what those long-term plans would
021be for other areas. And so that's what you're going to see as part of the budget this year. And so we want to focus on multi-year planning for arts, athletics, transportation, and safety. And budget impact. There's a couple pieces here that we're recommending to continue to fund the existing reserve for capital projects or capital improvements to create a separate capital reserve for transportation. And that would also include the zero emission uh buses uh uh uh law and regulation that's coming into effect. And so while districts are not necessarily having um electric buses immediately, we have to plan for it. There's a lot of planning and preparation and it's very expensive. And so we want to create this separate capital reserve to start funding for the buses. And then the third, and this might be of
022interest to a couple people in the room, um we're looking to use a portion of our existing reserve funds to replace our tennis courts. And for those in the audience, you know this, but for the community perhaps listening or maybe um conversation that have taken place, the district has done a lot of work to resurface the courts year after year. We are at the point that the court the courts need to be replaced. So, we are looking to use a portion of our existing reserve funds to replace the two tennis courts. So, not to not to build on at the present moment, but to replace the courts that we have. It's an estimate of about $275,000 with also some possible grant funding. So, I do thank those in the audience who are helping us with
023that as well. So, this is our second uh long-term planning, our second priority. And the third is STEAM. And so, this is really really exciting for a lot of us. We are continuing to plan for the new instructional space within the Capitol project. So, just quickly as a reminder, we're going to have a steam space at the high school and then also at the main building. So, steam will really evolve over the next couple of years. And so, we're trying to be forward thinking in what that could look like. And so, we're looking at reallocating our science uh department faculty to help expand on the steam curriculum. And so, budget impact, we're looking to hire a steam teacher. And this really is budget neutral because we have a science teacher who's retiring and so we're
024going to kind of re-establish what that person will be teaching. We want to redesign core and elective offerings. And this is really exciting too. We heard from Max talking about a couple of electives for next year. And so within steam, we're talking through we already have an engineering ask, but we're looking at robotics, uh, construction, perhaps CAD. So, there's a lot of electives that can start to be built through this steam program. And so, uh, also including materials and supplies, that budget increase will be about $10,000. I'm also working with senators to see if there's different grants to also help us within the steam piece as well. So, more to follow on that as that evolves. And then we also have a couple of enhancements that are going to continue. So again, if you think
025through a budget a year at a time, but then that long-term planning, um we can we will continue to help support uh the performing arts, our field tips, field trips, our MTSS platform, that's our multi-tered system of supports, and then our UPK. So these are going to continue within the budget. And then budget enhancements for 2627 increasing the athletic budget to fund growing student participation and the rental of portable lights. And so just to pause there for a moment um within conversations again a couple years ago with the campus master plan, one of the items among many was talking through lights on the field. And so we are doing some work behind the scenes to determine how much would that cost? what's the feasible feasibility of being able to do this and all of that
026work is happening but we won't be able to have it up and running for for 2627. So to start thinking through long-term planning we are going to put into the budget the opportunity to fund or to purchase or sorry rent lights really we're not purchasing the lights yet but to rent lights to be able to offer a game under the lights for every varsity team in the fall and in the spring. So, it's a start. It's not the fall lights, but it's a start. And then also increasing special education budget for out of district placement. So, those are the three priorities and then a couple of enhancements that you're going to hear about as the budget. Okay. So, the next couple slides just talk about enrollment. And so, what you'll see here is a reduction
027in sections in grade two and in grade five. And um I appreciate coming into the district in terms of the thoughtful planning that has gone into we know that our enrollment has been declining and might decline depending upon grades. And so it's how can we reconfigure our staffing and resources to meet the needs of our students. And so this slide you'll see for 26 27 nos for fifth grade because fifth grade will be moving up to the middle school. So that'll be five six seven and eight. and then our high school. Okay, so switching gears now. When you build a budget, there's a lot of vocabulary that gets u built into the budget and it can be a little bit confusing at times. Katherine lives it. Um most of us go in and out of
028the vocabulary, but this is something that she lives. And so we've had some good conversations among ourselves, but then also with the board to make sure that we're sharing the appropriate amount of information with the community. And so this is a piece that we want to talk a little bit about. The allowable tax levy. You might have heard of it called that. It's also known as the tax cap or the tax levy limit. Uh this limits the total levy set by the school districts. It's the highest amount of property taxes that a local government or school district can propose without requiring a supermajority, which is 60% of voters to pass the budget. It's not always 2%. And I think that's a little bit confusing. Sometimes you think, oh, it's only it only can go up
029to 2%. It really is an eightstep calculation. So, I'm going to turn things over to Katherine and she's going to just really briefly go through what that eightstep calculation is. Okay. So, uh, like Dr. Huffy said, the calculating the allowable tax levy limit is an eight-step calculation and you and what we always do is we start where we ended last year. So, step one is just knowing what your prior year tax levy was and then we move on to the different steps that I'll go through very briefly for you. Step two is an allocation called the taxbased growth factor and that's an adjustment for taxbased growth that's given to us each year by the department of taxation and finance and it represents the percentage increase in the full value of taxable real property due to
030physical changes such as new constructions um additions or improvements. It does not include any increases due to market changes or to any reassessments that happen throughout the school year. Um it's the number that we were given by the department of taxation and finance for 2627 is 1.0063. So as you can see that is basically saying that there's very very little growth in the tax base in the heling central school district. Uh steps three and seven relate to something called pilots. And pilots are payments in lie of taxes. They're paid by large industrial development agencies and they can be very tricky for a school district. And I'm happy to say that Helane doesn't have any pilots in the district. So we don't have to do anything with steps three and seven. And step four and eight
031is really the lion share of why the tax levy increases. And that is the capital levy exclusion. The capital levy is the local share for capital payments for facilities, buses, and equipment. And by local share, what that means is it takes the amount of the debt service payment that the district has to pay offset by any state aid that they're receiving for that project. And that is called the local share. It includes debt service and like I just said, it includes the debt service payments for capital projects and buses less any building or transportation aid that the district receives related to those projects. And then step five is I think where everyone hears the 2% that the property tax cap can only increase by 2%. And that is because there is this factor called the
032allowable growth factor. And that's the amount by which the school district's property tax levy may increase from one year to the next. And this piece of the calculation is limited to the lesser of 2% or the change in the consumer price index which measures inflation experienced by consumers. Um this year for 2627 the property tax allowable growth factor does remain at 2%. Um because could the consumer price index was higher than that but again the one thing we need to remember is there are permitted exclusions which impact the actual allowable tax levy limit which makes it sometimes over the 2%. So for housing this year there's three key variables that are impacting our tax levy limit increase. The first is our taxbased growth factor which is the 1.0063 which increases our tax levy limit by
033$147,496. The allowable growth factor of 2% increases it by another $451,827 and our capital levy exclusions increase it by another $659,960 for an allowable increase to our tax levy limit of 1,295,282. And now I'm just going to show you quickly. You start with your prior year tax levy, multiply it out by your tax based growth factor, which gives you your new levy limit. You back out your previous year's capital levy exclusions to come up with what the your starting tax levy limit would be. Then you multiply that by your 2% for the allowable growth factor. And then you get to what your tax levy limit would be. And then you're able to add back in the current the upcoming year's capital levy exclusions. And that you will see if you look at step four and
034step 8, the difference between what we have to include next year in 2627 and what we removed from 2526 is a pretty significant increase which is primarily due to the debt service payments for the upcoming capital project. So that shows us that next year our maximum allowable levy limit will be $24,77,360. And just to summarize it, we take last year's levy, we calculate our new allowable levy, and that the maximum increase that we can go to to remain under the tax levy limit is the 1.2 million, which is a percent increase this year of 5.53%. And that is the maximum we can go to without voter approval in excess of 60%. And then just a note that we want to keep, you know, reminding or adding or thinking about is last year the district did
035pass a budget based on a 2.8% tax levy limit rather than going to the calculated allowable of 3.38%. Just really kind of as a thank you. It was a year we were able to do it. Everyone came out and voted for the project. We knew this tax um increase was coming and we thought that there would be a year where we were able to, you know, defer it just a tiny little bit. But now that we're have approval and we're starting to borrow, uh, we aren't don't really have the luxury of being able to do that anymore. And then you want to Yes. >> Okay. So, just a word about the capital project. Um, we wanted to remind the community this is really not new information. Um, this information on this slide is really what
036was uh vis visibly printed when the community voted onto capital project. And you know, again, exciting, it passed by nearly 62%. So the first circle talks about the capital reserve, and this was the actual language that the community saw back in November of 24. Hell will allocate 1 million of voter approved capital reserve funds to reduce the taxpayer impact of the project. So for 2025, we've had some up uh upfront costs in preparation for the capital projects. And then the local share, and this was really based upon the information that we had at the time, the remaining 27.4 million will be paid over a 6.9% uh tax increase phased in over a three-year period beginning in 2026. And so from 2026 to 2028, that's when you're going to see the borrowing and taxpayer impact. And
037then the state aid piece which is also very important. Heldane will receive approximately 35% back on all uh project costs through state building aid reducing the financial impact. And this again will be phased in following the project completion. So just again a reminder it's not new information. This is information that was shared when we were uh when the district was highlighting the capital project when the community voted on and again was 62% of our community excited and saying yes to the work to move forward. Do you want to add anything to that? >> Um I think the only thing I just want to say we've said before in the meetings is we did plan on doing this over a three-year period when we were back in November of 2024, but the timing of the project
038and the timing of the borrowing shrunk a little bit. So it really the impact will be felt primarily over a two-year impact as opposed to three years. Um but after the first two years when the local share starts we begin to receive more of the local share it will flatten out the tax impact and um should bring some relief to the to the increase. Okay. So the other pieces that we have we always talk about is um our revenue that we also have besides our tax levy is obviously the most significant piece of our revenue but we also get state aid. Um foundation aid is a large piece of our state aid each year. Um but it is not increasing it at a rate that is sustainable for the school district. Um, districts throughout New
039York continue to lobby for changes to the foundation aid formula to better support annual cost increases and the continuing changes to education that are due to state requirements and community expectations. Um, but for right now, the governor's proposal includes no changes to the foundation aid formula, but it does preserve a minimum a guaranteed minimum 1% increase for all districts. And due to our calculations, we will be receiving the 1% increase. But for next year, that amounts to just under $30,000 of increased aid. The next biggest piece of our state aid is our expense-based aid. And this is actual calculations that are based on our school enrollment as well as our actual expenditures for different um services and programs. And we have, you know, our building aid is going up, our transportation aid is going down,
040Boseies is going down, and our excess cost aid is going up. Um, so we right now have a projected net increase of just over $5,000 in our expense base aid for next year. And then the executive budget does seek to change the funding of our universal uh 4-year-old prek program. We currently receive an allocation of $5,400 per student. Under the proposed budget, this amount would increase to $10,000 per student. So based on the enrollment that we have of 18 students, which is the maximum number of students that we can currently admit into Helen by having one section of universal prek, that will be a projected increase of um $82,800 for next year, which will really will help to offset the cost of UPK. So, our revenue summary for 2627, if the board approves everything that
041we're talking about tonight, would be going to the um allowable tax levy of $24.7 million. We do expect to receive $4.5 million of state aid. Um and then we do have an increase next year of our other revenue to $1.7 million. The primary increase to next year's revenue is tuition revenue. Um, I I review current tuition for this year. I move out all the graduating seniors. I see who's coming from different districts next year. As well as we do have some students tuitioning into our elementary school in our um what is it? >> Self-contained class, special class. So, we do anticipate an increase to our other revenue next year. And then we always appropriate $645,000 of fund balance and about in this year $250,000 of reserves. And what that does is it allows us to
042if anything unforeseen happens this by allocating it in the budget, it gives us permission to be able to use our reserves for a large expense throughout the year if if necessary. And so when that all comes together, the recommended budget for next year is a total of 31,892,876. And then just going through the rest of what is going to happen over the next on the budget date, we are looking right now if again the board approves to have five propositions on the ballot. Proposition one is always our school district budget and again um voters approve the budget not the tax levy limit. So they will be voting on the 31 million the $31.8 million. We do anticipate a vehicle purchase. Uh 2627 is the last year that we're able to buy unless we are able
043to receive a waiver from the state a diesel bus. Um there it is anticipated that we do need to buy one small bus to replace a bus that has to be taken out of service this year. Um so we do anticipate a tax neutral vehicle purchase. Again it's tax neutral because as the debt falls off from previous purchases we only increase the budget or the p the bond by that amount so that um vehicle purchase does stay tax neutral every year. We are recommending the use of capital reserves to replace the tennis courts that also is tax neutral. We don't anticipate borrowing anything for that project as we um have the money sitting in a capital reserve account that with voter approval we would be able to outright purchase or pay for that project. Proposition
044four would be a creation of a separate capital reserve again tax neutral. That would just be if there's any money left at the end of the year with our fund balance, we would want to put it in some into our existing capital reserve and we would like to start a new separate capital reserve for transportation expenses. As Dr. Duffy mentioned, the um prospect of going to electric vehicles um is daunting to say the least with the expense that it was going to uh cause the district. So the more we can save in advance is the less we would have to borrow for any of those which again will help um in the long run us not have to raise our limit for capital exclusions. And then we were notified by Butterfield Library that they are
045asking for a slight increase to their library budget again this year. Um this is not a component of the housing budget. There's nothing that we can do about it or and we obviously support our library but when the library does ask it's required by us by New York State to put it on our ballot. So, you will see a slight increase to the Butterfield Library um levy on the ballot in May. And then we just we'll continue to talk a lot about the budget over the next few months. March 17th, we'll have our first pre-budget hearing. We will um have numbers attached to all those propositions and resolutions that we would be having. And then as it continues on, April 7th, we'll have no more. Hopefully, we'll have the final state aid runs from the
046state. Last year, they didn't come in time, but we're hoping that maybe we'll have them. Um, and then we will adopt our budget on April 21st. That's the last day we're able to adopt the budget. And then May 5th, we'll have our public hearing and present the budget in the three-part component, which breaks it down to our administrative component, our program component, and our capital component. And then we will be voting on May 19th. So that was a lot I'm sure >> impressive >> very comprehensive just what is the what's the cap on the transportation capital >> here can you restate >> I think I was asking what the cap is on that the transportation >> we we can discuss what we want to set that at >> well uh we've we've certainly had we
047we've had a similar conversation and seen this slide in this presentation already and I think we all agree that the the easy big takeaway from this is you know some a tax increase between five and 6%. And I think even I think even Peggy had mentioned um oh I you know I thought when we passed the capital project in 24 that we were already in one way or another certifying that increase and it's important for us to think you know and I got to remind myself at the same time that programmatically we're talking about you know a number that is in the range of what we would typically be discussing which is somewhere between two and 3% you know based on inflation what we can increase it and really we're now codifying and certifying and
048saying We we 24 we paid we decided we were going to build and now we're finally in the position to finally start paying back that debt service. And it's useful for me I think and I think it'll be useful for all of us to discuss you know even though we can't and shouldn't be thinking about that increase as divided in a way it really is in two parts way and that capital versus programmatic distinction is going to be I think really key as we going to do our best to make sure everybody understands. So I appreciate and I feel like >> there's really no easy way to clarify that and but I appreciate that you included that. >> Absolutely >> because it can't be delineated on the proposition itself, right? It just has to say
049yeah. So it's all the communication in advance. It was good to see a reminder of the fact you know of exactly what we voted for last year kind of saying you know that we're giving the okay for the capital project but you're not going to feel it in your taxes until 2026 and that is fine. Yeah. Um, so I was curious about the tax based growth factor only being 1.00 whatever percent. Is that pretty steady through the years? Does it stay that low? >> It really does. Yes. >> Makes sense. And then I'm curious about the um prop three for the tennis courts. Um, do we put on the proposition that the I that we're budgeting $275,000 of the reserve funds for it? Do we put a number on it on the proposition? >> We
050do. We do have an actual number. >> Okay. And is that an an estimate based on what the full project would cost or is that what we're thinking we can allocate towards it >> regardless of what the total cost would be? >> That number um we will obviously look at it one more time as we get closer. We'll ask for another quote but that is a number that we were given by the construction company um who is on state contract. So and it comes highly recommended and that is the number um we are pursuing as we me as Dr. Ducky mentioned some grant funding that would be a reimbursement but the thing that we have it's not like they can give us the money in advance and pay it. So we would have to pay
051in full upfront for the project and then the grant would reimburse some of those funds. >> Reimburse the funds. Okay. >> Great. And one other thing that me uh was mentioned in the um um part of the uh one of the priorities was raise uh increasing funding for special ed placements out of district. Is the reason for that that there's more students going each year I sit with um Miss >> Erin Dr. K. Thank you. Um had a moment of like what's your last name? But I apologize to her for that. Um, and we look at where we think everyone is. We're right in the middle of um, annual reviews and so things are still subject to change. But that takes into account everywhere, everything we know and then some allocations for unexpected expenses because
052every year we end up with something that, you know, happens throughout the year back. So we always have to budget a little bit higher than what we what we know today in order to cover those expenses. There's another way for us to think about that though and I'd like us to consider the possibility of using this language which is that it's really meeting the needs of students. So think you know and I know that's I know that's what I know that's what it is but I I I think it really >> it's not particular to I I guess what I want to say is that that's the district's priority. That's what we're all committed to doing is meeting the needs of all of our students. And um uh the cost of those meeting those needs
053may change. The needs of students in a small district can wax and wayne and that's just what we do. >> And having them be in a setting that's right for them. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I had a question about the exclusions. Um I just get a little bit more information. I get, you know, we're gonna get asked about the 5.53%, you know, in the grocery store, the field. >> Um, and it's I just want to make sure I sort of understand. So, the exclusions is what what allows us to go above the 2%. Um, so is that mostly debt service payments? Is that related to exclusions? So, that's so that's what that is. And that's based on the borrowing that we're doing, >> right? As well as our current borrowing that we have. You know,
054we're still paying off the construction of the high school. We do a borrowing every year for the buses. And so even though it's tax neutral and we take on or we put on what we take off, we still have pay, you know, debt service payments that we pay off each year for that. Um and you know, we had the 2019 capital referendum. It's lots of different um debt service payments. It's not solely the capital project or this capital project, but this the increase this year is. Um, and it's primarily because uh in a few weeks we're going to be borrowing about $19 million for the construction of the um and that is working with our construction manager. He has done a projected cash flow for us of the way that the project will um take
055place in the order in which the project the project will unfold. we will need a significant upfront because the the largest piece of it is the addition to the high school and that is the first piece that's happening and so we will have our first debt service payment on $19 million come due in 2627. >> Um and the increase in um athletics fund for the athletics is that primarily the lights that we're going to rent or is that a whole bunch of things that you'll let us know about? >> It's it's a few different things. It's it there's a lot a lot of it is the lights. We also have been kind of like there's been a lot of different teams that have started. There's been like a modified team that we have now have
056been funding or a fielding or a JV team. So there's equipment that's associated with them. There's uniforms that's associated with them. Um most of our uniforms do uh get replaced on a 3 to four year cycle and one of the more expensive teams uniforms do come due in um 26 27. So we have to allocate a slight increase for that. It's numerous factors. We also now have a ambulance on standby for every football game as well as other games that we think is necessary and that is something that we hadn't been including in the budget >> in the past. Um, but we are now being charged for those ambulance services and we absolutely respect that. Um, and we appreciate that they're here helping us at those games. But it's just things like like the athletic
057budget has not been looked at um as closely o over the last few years as it as it probably needed to be. And so I worked very closely with Mr. Cunningham to make sure that we really took a look at it this year and and got um you know so we didn't have to make budget transfers or things like that to to cover expenses that are necessary. >> Thank you. >> Couple quick questions on the courts tennis courts. >> Um that 275 you said okay we're going to replace we're just going to kind of put back what exists there uh the drainage underneath. So, can you just explain two things? Were we talking about totally taking out the courts, fixing underneath it, putting down two new courts, resurfacing the courts? Uh, and was there a
058discussion about turning the courts to be able to fit a third court in? >> I think maybe that we should have Mr. Cunningham come >> fine. I think I think I'd be more comfortable having him. Maybe we can get him to the next meeting or something to really um >> Oh, that would be good. >> I don't have I don't have the details other than I mean I have the quote in my office. >> Right. Yeah, I got you. >> Right. Right. So, I'm invite Tom to the next meeting. >> Max, do you have any questions or thoughts? >> Not really. I'm just listening. >> A lot of vocabulary, right? Yeah. Well, so this is the 12th budget presentation that I've sat the 12th year of budgets that I've wor I've sat through. And I
059have to say I really appreciate how Katherine laid this out because even though conceptually I've known both as a professional and a board member for a really long time that costs are exceeding sort of what we can what we can raise our budget, right? So we know about big drivers like health care, retirement, um uh there many many years that salaries have gone up greater than what we're with than what our um than the percentage of of tax increases that we've implemented. But when you look at it this way and you realize that by law, we are limited to not the consumer price index but the lesser of 2% of the consumer price index. And we know that inflation has been a very big deal for many years and continues to be. And we know
060that the state is the is we fall into the category of districts that are getting the minimum increase in in foundation aid, which is 1%. It really shows the constraints that the district, you know, that the district is really under. And so, you know, one of the things you hear I've heard people say in the community is like, well, why are taxes, you know, being raised so much when the number of students is is decreasing? Well, it's it's decreasing. It's not decreasing dramatically. I mean, it may, but it hasn't so far. But in a sense, it's almost I mean, thank goodness, honestly, because the extent to which we would have to compromise on student programs would be painful for so many of us. And one of the things that's been so great about that's great
061about this district and that's been really great about this this board for you know many different groups of us is our commitment to really wanting to provide the best opportunities that we can for students recognizing that we're you know in a in a in a in a small district you know and and I and I think we do a you know a good job on that. So, I mean, there's no doubt about it that, you know, the 5.5 whatever percent feels a little bit shocking, but I I you know, it's so important to put it in those, you know, in those contexts. What we're planning to do with the capital project, you know, we've said it a million times, but it is really needed space like just absolutely space has just been such an issue.
062So, um I don't know. I app I think this presentation is really helpful because it helps me think about how I can talk about it. You know, be really, you know, um try to come up with some pathy mind about why it's why everyone should vote. Yes. Even though we can't advocate for it. So anyway, >> just communicate very clearly. >> I'll just communicate very clearly. We can't say ask to we can't tell you how to vote. We can just ask you to vote. So yeah, I really I think that's a really a really helpful presentation. Um, so now we're at the point of our agenda, um, where it's time for the first opportunity for communication from the public. The Halane Board of Education desires and values input from the entire school community. This first
063public comment session is reserved for comment on any special presentations or active agenda items. Anyone who would wish to address the board, we'd ask you to state your name for the record and then after you speak to just sign in so that we have your contact information in case um we would like to follow up with you after the fact. We ask people to keep their remarks to three minutes and we um uh discourage people from using uh from making disparaging remarks or discussing district personnel. Um, also the board doesn't engage in dialogue during the public comment session. Um, but please know that we'll we're listening and we typically follow up afterwards. Um, so with that, if anybody has uh a desire to speak, please come to the podium. >> After that's great afterward. Right
064here. It's great. Let's see. Um, I'm Marena Hardman. Um, and I have a tennis player who's not here actually. she's at rehearsal. Um, but I just wanted to say thank you for your consideration in um, including the birds that we have, you know, brought to you in the capital reserve and just thank you for listening to all of our uh, our players, our our, you know, team parents and the community that has uh, you know, giving us some input about what they So, thanks. >> Thank you. Brock >> and I'm Ellismore and we also want to thank you for all the consideration you've or have you thought about the tennis team. >> Yeah. When making your budgeting because I know there's a lot to think about. So we're glad that we were heard and >>
065Yeah. >> We're very grateful for it especially coming from a tennis player and I can speak for the whole team that if they could be here they would and we just appreciate it very much. >> Yeah. Thank you guys. It's been great having students. Um, you all can be actively involved in the get out the vote effort. I just want to point out that, you know, the board's making these recommendations, but this is voted on by the public. You know, it will be voted on, so it's our collective responsibility to get out the vote. Yeah. Hi, >> I'm Katie McInness. Um, and again reiterating, thank you for listening, for considerating, and putting it as um a proposition on the ballot. Um and to that point, um as we do have many members here who do
066want to be involved in helping with the grant options that are outside, um we're willing, we're eager, and we want to make it as beneficial for all to offset costs where we can and really just um spearhead um you know, just making that point. We look forward working together hopefully to come up with the best scenario. Um and also for that idea of um education which I've gotten from this presentation I do feel like there is a big disconnect of trying to get that message out. So again, if there is anything that we can work, collaborate to get the students out there and there are 18 year olds who can vote um that we would also really like to help with that effort to educate and um because at the end of the day, if
067they don't vote yes, then it's a moot point. So, um, just again really want to express that we are very happy to help in whatever conversations that need to be had to help get the word out and, you know, support what's on the ballot. Um, and I had one other thing I wanted to say and I can't remember what it is. >> There's a second comment period, but >> you might want not want to stay that long. We're excited and very happy to help and and move forward. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> You want to sign it? >> Yeah. >> Um All right. So, next on the agenda um are the admin administrator reports that we get. um always appreciative of those. Um just a few things um I wanted to note in
068them um you know reading is a real passion of mine and teaching reading is a real passion of mine. So seeing in Miss Jamman's report about the ongoing efforts to roll out the implementation of benchmark advance including at the upper grades um was really great. Um, I know the middle school had its is it called community read. >> I've always intended to join those. Maybe when I'm not on the board, I'll join. >> Um, and then um also really exciting to see Miss Sniffen so actively involved in developing and leading professional development for her teachers. That's a really that's a a great gift to the district. So >> Josh mentioned that as well. I just wanted to um in his about the upcoming superintendent conference day is going to be focused on how professional development
069can align better to is it the housing essentials trying to squint here and read. Um so and I appreciate that too. It's always interesting. It's more of a collaborative process. So that's interesting. >> I just want to flag something in Miss Sniffen's report about uh it's interesting how the waiting of classes will no longer be occurring going forward. Right. I think that's um so you no student will be able to get anything higher than 100% right. I think that's smart because uh that way students aren't discouraged from taking classes >> in which they >> yes >> might not be able to get 105 or 110 you know I think that might have something to do with why certain students pick that. So I think that's really >> smart choice. >> Oh students for to take
070maybe to take like an artist. >> That's so great. >> Thanks for >> you know the students that get 150 out of they'll get a little angry though. >> What's that? >> The students that have a tendency to get 150 on stuff. >> Well it says that in the report that the students are sort of pushing back against it. >> Yeah. But I think it's actually >> um I think inflation >> there is. Yeah, >> right. >> I know your interim director of facilities and transportation and I think his first sentence was this is a winter that reminds me of the winters of my youth. >> Yes, a funny >> ended on like come spring has rings >> which I appreciate. >> Yes, that's Dave. Um so next on the agenda are the information reports.
071These are the financial reports that we'll act on at our next business meeting. Um next on after that are the committee minutes from the technology committee. I should this has you had a chance to go? >> I I it's hard to make those. >> Yeah, that was a harder one but I I did sort of attend virtually. So, and it was it was a great meeting and >> you know I think not surprisingly and it was that was indicated here there was conversation about AI and cyber security and I'm curious when I heard that there was an elective about AI in sports that you know we as we continue to try to integrate we are nonetheless sort of >> we're going to continue to combat to the best of our ability the use of AI
072and >> disinform and you know >> cheating and I'm very I'm always impressed by Leah. So >> Oh, great. Good. Good. >> Um, next on the agenda, we begin our consent agendas. And the first is consent agenda for the minutes for our last meeting. May we have a motion, please? >> Moved. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> Next is the consent agenda for personnel. May we have a motion, please? >> Thanks. >> Um, I think we wanted to acknowledge a couple of things here before we voted. >> First, you need to >> pardon. Oh, >> was I supposed to do something? Am I forgetting? >> No, I can do the >> Yes. Yes. Okay. So, no, that's okay. So, um, very excited. We have Ashley Cortez here with us tonight.
073And so Ashley is one of our really hardworking teachers at the middle school level special education and she is up for tenure and so we are acknowledging that tonight and then we'll be inviting her back in June to um celebrate with the rest of the crew. Um so make you blush a little bit Ashley. It's my job. Um so my goal as new superintendent is to get to know all of the teachers and our students and I really started with our teachers up for tenure. So Ashley was one of the very first lessons that I had the chance to go in and visit. Um, and having been a special education teacher myself, I think my heart is always still just looking at how can we meet the needs of all kids, which is every education
074ed every educator's goal. But what Ashley does in such a beautiful way is the way in which she interacts with students. So you went over the core lesson was it was an ELA lesson and uh they were working on different centers with writer's craft and the way you spoke to each student. You made them feel seen, valued and heard and writing can be tricky for a lot of us especially for some students who might be struggling. I just thought to myself if I was in middle school I would want to be in your class. So, I just really appreciated your approach and then your commitment to the growth mindset and that's one of our health essentials and that's tough as an adult to model for kids. It's okay to make mistakes. You were naturally talking
075about I think a story of your own that you wrote and how you weren't really crazy about a part of the story and you just modeled so beautifully. It's okay to revise and to take a minute and regroup. So, I just so appreciated that. And then on top of all the great things you do in the classroom, you're such an active part of our Helding community, whether you are serving as a coach, going on the ski trip, attending Frost Valley. So, you really represent all things Helane, and it's my just my absolute honor to know you and so excited to have you continue on um in your career here in Hane. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And thanks so much to >> Yeah. how it's so fortunate and that we've been able to attract such phenomenal
076educators in the in you know for for a number of years now. Um I've said this before but I'll say it again. You know, in my professional life, I've traveled to school districts and spent a lot of time in school districts all over the country um and have seen how the teacher shortage is really so detrimental to um to student learning and the fact that that is not something that we ever remotely and it's a big it's a big deal in the state, right? But we are really very fortunate um that we um uh and work hard to do this. just fortune to attract such great educators. So it's it's always exciting when someone is um uh recommended for tenure. >> Oh, so all those in favor? >> I any opposed? All right. Next is
077consent agenda financial. May we have a motion, please? >> So move. >> Second. >> Um and I think just before we vote on everything here, um we want to take uh the opportunity to thank the Helian Arts Alliance. So the housing arts alliance the way they do their grants is they really do it on a rolling basis and so we see them um a few times over the course of the year. There are several things on it from the housing and arts um alliance and we thank them for their work and supportive students. Um yeah >> and the Highland current. >> Yeah. >> And the Highland current. >> Oh and the Highland current. Yeah. I think it's really exciting number 11 and number 12 talking about the outlook and opportunity that these kids are going
078to get to go to Colombia to to learn some journals and really cool >> skills. It's amazing. Um I did have some questions about um about some of the uh how advisors get um approved. So hopefully there's time before this trip that we can come back and talk about that. >> Absolutely. >> No, it's really it's great. And so yes, thanks very much to the current and the row family for their for their um chipping in um on this. Maggie, as journalist knows much better than me, the the value I mean of getting to go to Columbia, it is pretty exciting. Yeah. Good. Okay. Um all those in favor? >> I I Any opposed? >> Um next we have the um Oh, and actually the change order thing is >> talk about that one quickly.
079Yeah, I think I mean No, I think so. I mean, you brought it up. We'll say it. I mean, the board knows. So, one of the things we just approved in the um in our uh financial consent agenda was the board giving um I guess really uh Miss Platt, our business official, and the superintendent permission to approve small change orders up to $25,000 in the case of Katherine's approval and up to $50,000 um for Dr. uh Duffy's approval. and uh anything over that. And actually, of course, the board will stay informed and we've been informed and involved and um but it actually just helps things move a lot more quickly so you're not waiting two weeks >> to get something approved. Right. >> Thank you. >> Um next on the agenda, we're moving into new
080business is the committee for special education and the committee for preschool special education recommendations. May we have the recommended action, please? Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the recommendations of the committees on special education and preschool special education as presented. May we have a motion, please? >> So moved. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> And next is the approval to transition our legal council to Keen and Bean. Whereas the board of education board has received notice that several attorneys who have served as council to the district through Shaw Parlson May and Lambert LLP will be departing departing that firm during the period December 31st, 2025 through March 31st, 2026. And whereas the board recognizes that under the New
081York rules of professional conduct, the district has the exclusive right to select its legal council and to determine whether to continue representation with Shaw Parelson May and Lambert LLP or transition representation to another council. And whereas the board has reviewed its options and determined that it is in the best interest of the district to appoint Keenan Bean PC to serve as legal counsel for the districts. And now therefore be it resolved that effective April 1st, 2026, the rights and obligations of Saw Shaw Perilson May Lambert pursuant to the retainer agreement presently in effect be terminated. And be it further resolved that the board of education of the Haldane Central School District hereby appoints Keenan Bean PC as legal counsel for the district effective April 1st, 2026 subject to the execution of an engagement letter or
082retainer agreement in a form acceptable to the superintendent and board president. And be it further resolved that the board authorizes and directs the superintendent and district administration to take all necessary steps to ensure an orderly transition of all relevant legal matters including the transfer of files, records and work product from Shaw Perilson May and Lambert LLP to Keenan Bean PC consistent with applicable laws, regulations and professional obligations. And be it further resolved that Shaw Parelson May and Lambert LLP is thanked for its prior service to the district. And be it further resolved that this resolution shall take effect immediately. >> May we have a motion, please? >> So move second. >> Um I guess I would just say that um Maggie, Dr. Duffy, and I had a chance, you were there, right? Yeah. had a
083chance to meet with with uh some representatives and can't even remember sorry for and have and um I had a chance to meet with them and talk with them um and it was a it was a it was a good conversation um I think you've had some experience working with them in the past >> uh the person who's been our lead council from um Utah is one of the people making this transition so Um uh you know this this provides us with an opportunity to you know spend a few months working with a new firm. Sound like good. >> All right. All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? >> Right. Um and may we have the next recommended action. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of
084education hereby appoints Keenan BNPC as special counsel to represent the district in the matter of IHRS case number 665326 during the period through and including March 31st, 2020. >> May we have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. Any opposed? And next um on the agenda, the approval of a non-resident student tuition. Whereas the board of education of the Haldane Central School District provides the opportunity for non-resident students to attend Haldane. And whereas certain non-resident children has successfully applied for non-resident student status, it is hereby resolved that the board of education affirms and approves the following child as a student of the Haldane Central School District beginning with the 2026 2027 school year subject to all the rights, rules, and responsibilities as more fully set forth in
085the non-resident protocols number 2026-01. Okay, we have a motion, please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Um we're now at the second opportunity for communication from the public. This is uh can be addressed all school matters, all school district matters. Um and sometimes I go too fast. We'll take more gratitude just a board reply. Oh, did you >> I just had a question on the the consent agenda. You mentioned the appointment of additional spring coaches and I was just wondering who they were because I was >> that's on I don't have my open but it's it's available on board doc. So if you go to the board um >> you can access that there. Yeah, you can go to the board site. It'll be there. Um and oh,
086board reflections. Well, I want to say so one of the things I think you know the um uh just to build on some of the things that were said through the in the during the first communication from the public, right? I mean, one of the things that makes Haldane as great as it is is oftentimes the partnership between the district and people in in the community, right? with, you know, with fundraising and whether it's volunteering in with, you know, the play or volunteering to run the concession stand or, you know, but also, you know, in in major partnerships to, uh, you know, last year with, um, uh, our interim superintendent getting some input from the community about like, you know, applying and thinking, you know, about electric bus funding possibilities, right? So those kinds of,
087you know, and to hear the the enthusiasm to both sort of pursue the grant um but also to help educate uh the community about um the the the budget is is is great and and something we'll certainly, you know, we appreciate and we'll take under adisement, figure out together. So that's all. One simple thing, just want to thank um Katherine for all the work with the budget. >> Oh yeah, >> thank you very much. Uh for that presentation um and to piggyback on your point, it really is all these are kind of community efforts, right? So uh and one of the interesting things about the way that New York State school budgets work is um a school can't spend money unless it's approved by its community. can't raise money, it can't spend money. And so
088that's that really important interaction between the community and uh and the education of its children uh which is absolutely crucial. So thank you for preparing it and thank you all for your continued support. >> Well, uh this is the time of year when graduating seniors start to think about their internships, if they're going to be doing them or not. the Aspire the organization that I I work with as sort of virtually every year had an intern and if there's anybody who's here tonight since we have such an audience who's in a position and their organization to provide that opportunity it it really is gratifying and um it's a wonderful experience both for the students and for those that get to mentor them and support them. So if you if you can't perhaps you know someone
089who who can but um I'm I'm really looking forward to it. Great. Good. Thanks. >> All right, Dr. Duffy, any final thoughts? >> Two thoughts. No more snow, please. Whatever you have to help me have no more snow. And then I just wanted to give a shout out to the students that helped plan the Wild Robot Experience. Definitely supported by the PTA and our teachers. We had two young ladies actually dress as robots and hand out snacks and kind of at least when I was there at the beginning, really get the crowd excited. Um, so it was really great to see the spirit and then I just kind of walked into a couple different classrooms and you know there was a a prepared set of questions that everyone had ahead of time but it was
090really an authentic discussion on when you think about being in middle school how you're grappling with well who you are what do you stand for what's the role of technology how do you fit in the book really was well timed and just it opened up avenues for kids to really deeply talk and consider different topics so I just really appreciated that and my understanding is this has been part of how Dane for quite some times a community read. So it's just a wonderful part of our community. I was very happy to to be part of it and then again to have the kids dressed up as robots singing and handing out snacks. It just made it for a special afternoon. >> I think Dr. Silky bought it. I don't know. >> I think she inherited
091it. She said >> she did inherited it was here when >> it was here for >> Yeah. >> All right. Cool. Great. Thanks. >> All right. So with that, I move to adjourn the meeting. May we have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I Anyote? >> Thanks. >> Thank you.