001I would like to entertain a motion to return from executive session. >> Motion >> second. >> Question. All in favor? >> I. >> We are now back in public session and we will proceed with public comment. Please note, ladies and gentlemen, we are about to convene into public comment period of our meeting. Although state law does not require us to hold a public comment period, we have chosen to do so because we believe it is crucial for us to hear from our community. Please note that the board is here to listen. The public comment period is not designed to be a discussion. If we are not able to respond tonight, we will respond to your questions and concerns at a f future meeting or have the Dr. Strickland appoint the appropriate staff to get back
002to you at the appropriate time. This is because we take your concerns and questions seriously and want to have sufficient time to process and research issues if need be. on personnel matters. We ask you to go through the appropriate administrative channels. Under state and federal privacy laws, we are unable to entertain any comments or questions about school personnel. Please know, however, that we take personnel concerns very seriously. We are currently preparing a comprehensive organization chart which denotes who should be contacted for different issues. This document I believe is now available to you. Finally, we want our schoolboard meetings to serve as an example to our students and hope that members of our school board and members of our community can deal with controversial issues in a civil manner and demonstrate mutual respect for one another.
003We ask that speakers please address their comments to the board directly rather than the audience. We will insist that all speakers and members of the audience maintain civility and respect for any divergent views. In the unlikely event the meeting becomes unruly, the board will recess the meeting and return once order has been restored. Finally, I want to remind everyone that if you so choose in lie of speaking during the public comment period, you may submit written comments to the board at BOE trustees at mtverernoncsd.org or our district clerk Rita James R. James at mtverernoncsd.org or our superintendent Dr. Strickland at dstrickland mtvererncsd.org. Each individual speaker will be allotted three minutes. If you do not use your allotted time, it will be forfeited and it is not eligible to be yielded to another speaker. The individual
004time limits will be enforced so that as many members of the public who wish to speak may be allowed to do so. Normally, we give you one minute to wrap up. We will not be doing that this evening. You will be limited to three minutes. We want to thank you for your cooperation. The board will now entertain public will now entertain public comments. However, I would like to remind you if there are comments that we deem that are inappropriate and violates any federal or state privacy laws, we will um ask you to discontinue the comments. And if there are ti topics that are um more than three people are speaking on the same topic with the same information, we will not um entertain the other comments. So just to let you know that um in
005advance. So clerk James, please announce our first speaker. >> First speaker this evening is Mark Stucky. Good afternoon. Good evening everyone. My name is Mark Stucky. I am the whistleblower of the city of school district. This evening I come to you and I bring an issue that's dealing with the fire that took place here in the city of Mount Vernon. We have two firefighters who are in the hospital. We have god knows how many people have been displaced. I'm standing here because I'm working over there and I'm seeing what's taking place. Last night was my first tour over there. And there was this young lady who lost everything. She was about 20, no more than 25 years old. She sat on the bench and she weeped because she was hurt. Everything was cut up inside
006of her. Her heart is broken. We cannot even think about what these people are going through. Meaning why I'm saying that I'm uh a person who just talk to talk. But I care about my home and I love my home. If you like me, you like me. If you don't like me, I do not care. But to watch what's taking place right now at our school, at home school, is devastating. But I would like to thank every single resident who came out and supported these families. They say it takes a village. The village showed up and showed out. The village came out and they gave that support. So with the firefighters and the village fighting to keep the things going and the district opening up the doors to wind up saying, "Hey, we giving you
007something. We want you to be comfortable." Belief those who are working in from this district over there to help put that keep the place cleaned and whatnot under direction of the superintendent. We are busting our behinds because we want those people to be comfortable. With 30 seconds left, 29 seconds to I'm asking everybody don't touch your tablet, your laptop. Respect in a moment of silence. Respect. Thank you very much. And to the state auditor, thank you for your report. It was 100% past time and well due. I say thank you. >> Thank you, M. Thank you, Mr. Stucky. Um, just with that comment, I want to also say thank you to this entire board who some of our board members were affected directly through their family members. We've had board members that have been there
008from the from the moment that they heard about it 24/7. I want to thank especially um Trusty Brown and Trustee Peterson that I know that have been I mean on the front lines. Um, we also took a visit there today and I will just say that it really is very moving and I want to say thank you Dr. Strickland for moving so quickly and for making offering the services of the district um to a very devastating situation. Um, and also I'd like to acknowledge that we have two board members that have also joined us. Um, Trusty White and Trusty Kelly. And also acknowledge our trustee Aduro. Our next speaker tonight is Tasha Haywood. >> Good evening all. My name is Sasha Haywood Menson. I've been working here in the city of Mount Running for 23
009years, teaching 26. I am a product of Mount Running. This is my home. Born and raised here. I I have a vested interest in Mount Vernon. I have nieces and nephews in the schools in Mount Vernon. I'm here tonight because I was deeply concerned about the safety and the overall learning environment in BTA. Recently, I requested a meeting with a parent to discuss their ch their child's academic and ongoing behaviors in multiple areas in the building. Instead, I was approached by a parent inside the school who got directly in my face, used profanity towards me, and behaved in a threatening and intimidating manner. Feeling unsafe and unprotected, I reacted verbally in a way that does not reflect my normal professional conduct. And I want to acknowledge that openly. No teacher should ever be put in
010that position at work. What is also troubling is that at no point did the administrator afford me a conversation or even a meeting to discuss the facts about what happened. I wasn't given an opportunity to explain the circumstances or to be supported as a staff member who had been threatened. Instead, the administrator immediately forward the matter to human resources for an investigation. This approach not only left me feeling unheard and unprotected, but it also bypassed the basic expectations that administration or administrators support and communicate with their staff during incidents that involves safety. Following the incident, mediation was suggested. I want I want to be perfectly clear. I declined mediation. My reason for doing that is because I was still feeling threatened and the parents actions created a hostile and unsafe environment. Mediation is not appropriate
011when one party has been subjected to intimidation and has been verbally attacked. Staff should not be expected to participate in conflict resolution that minimize or overlook threats to their personal safety. A district investigation was concluded and conducted despite the findings and ongoing disruptions. this the decision was made to keep the student in my class. I am sad and hurt over that. As being a product of the city of Mount Vernon, I felt like it was unjust and unfair. Um, with that being said, this is for you, Dr. Strickland. When you came into the city of Mount Vernon, you had a vision. You spoke to us on convocation day and you assured us that you was here to change the climate and the culture of Mount Vernon. You also said that you also you also wanted
012to make sure that we were safe and you was there to support your teachers. I don't feel that love or that safety, Dr. Strickland. I don't feel that. I'm asking that the board members look at this again. I would send out a copy of everything that I have from the day that I found out, which was the following day. I had no idea that I was even coming here. No idea at all. No idea. I've been in this district. I've never had a disciplinary write up before. Never. >> Um, Miss Haywood, >> thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> And your patience. >> Our next speaker, Tiv Vasquez. What's up? >> How you doing? How you doing? >> Hello. >> Um, uh, good evening. My name is Toby Vasquez. Um, I have the
013honor of being one of Miss Haywood's students about 16 years ago, um, when she was my fifth grade teacher. Uh, to this day, I still keep in touch with her, and that's because she has always held a special place in my heart. Miss Haywood was like a second mother to me. She stood out from every other teacher I had. I'll be honest, I wasn't the the easiest kid. Um, at first I got in trouble here and there, but Miss Haywood was the one teacher I generally enjoyed being around and having as my teacher. She was firm when I needed it, just like my mom. But she was also incredibly loving, patient, and supportive. When I acted up, she didn't give up on me. She corrected me when necessary. But she also guided me, believed in
014me, and helped me grow. That's the trait I admire most about her, and it's why I've never forgotten about her. There's a phrase she used to always tell tell us in life. You may fall off the right fall off the right path, but it's always important to find your way back. I carry that with me daily. When I served in the military and now um at the veteran hospital where I work at, I share the same message with my past sailors and employees I mentor. The person I am today is in many ways is because of Miss Haywood. Having having a teacher who cares for me the way she truly made the way she did truly made a difference in my life and I know things could have been very different without her. without her
015support and guidance. Um that's all I want to say but say what do they want to say thank you for everything um you've given me in my life. So thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Vasquez Miss Meltier >> Miss Meltier Good evening everyone. >> My name is Mrs. Malier. I'm a homeowner for over 23 years in Mount Vernon. I've raised five daughters. Four attended schools in Mount Vernon. Two granddaughters went to Mount Vernon City School. Currently, I have a grandson who's in Mount Vernon City School. And I'm a homeowner and a business owner. I also worked in the Mana City School District. I started as a lunch monitor. Then I became a TA, a sub. And a lot of what I became, I give thanks to the wonderful lady, Mr. Sheena Haywood. She taught two
016of my daughters and she was like the mother. Sometimes I wish I was strict the way she taught my kids. Her discipline in a classroom is done with love, patience, and I don't know what else to say that puts it in the perspective of this is what a teacher should be. However, I came here prepared to ask two questions. What is the policy and the code of conduct for students? And how does this district support teachers with students who have challenging behaviors? Those are my two questions because as I said, I raised five girls. One is a retired vet. The other four went through ma schools. I worked in ma schools. I got support from that lady, Miss Sheena Haywood Mensah. I mean motherly support. And I'm older than she is. When I was attending
017college, she was there for me. We are from the same college, Mercy Mercy College, now Mercy University. And I want to tell this board, we have great teachers and we have excellent teachers. If I was to put teachers in a category, she goes in the top. Let me tell you something. There are teachers who are light. There they are a light to children. They're the light in some kids' lives. Miss Haywood is a light in all her students life. Every one of them. Even her colleagues that work with her. And I want to say don't dim that light. If you can't stand it, put some shades on. Let me say I have 25 more seconds. Let me put this here. Don't put a period where God has put a comma. That's the comma right there.
018Let's not put a period on it. Keep this lady where she needs to be. Our students need great teachers. This district had a history of having great teachers. Tibbe is a result of Miss Haywoods. Thank you, Miss Meltier. We um we will are directing our district clerk to um get in touch with you and forward you those policies that you requested. Thank you. Our next speaker is Dominique Patterson. Good evening. I'm here today to address the issues regarding bullying between the middle school students and the elementary school students at Benjamin Turner. My daughter, who stands here beside me, is a fifth grader and recently on two separate occasions was bullied by an eighth grade student. While attending a parent teacher conference last week, I asked to speak with the assistant principal to report the incident
019that just happened that earlier that day, but was told that she could not be contacted. And instead, I spoke with the guidance counselor. Although the guidance counselor did follow up with me the next day, informing me that she has spoken to the student and called the student's parent. To my knowledge, there was no other disciplinary action even though the eighth grade student admitted to her actions. I was also informed by the guidance counselor that because this happened after school, there wasn't much that could be done. I want to let you know this happened on school grounds regardless of it being 5 minutes after 3 p.m. I would also like to add that there was an incident with the student in my daughter's class at Benjamin Turner, Miss Hayward's class, where the student threw a glob
020of saturated paper onto my daughter's desk, ruining her work and soiling her hand. This was also not the first incident with the same student. These types of behaviors interfere with my child's ability to do her best and is disruptive to her learning environment as well as others in that classroom. I am bringing all this before you today because when the stu when the schools merge, parents will assure that the school has a secure plan to prevent things like this. As a parent, I would like to actually see disciplinary actions taken when you have disruptive students within the classroom. While bullying is unacceptable on all levels, a 10-year-old being bullied by an almost 14year-old is profoundly absurd and a simple talking to does not seem like much of a concerned approach. Additionally, my daughter has informed
021me that this disruptive behavior is unsettling and is and it is affecting her. She loves Miss Hayward and she loves the classroom. Not being able to pay attention and focus because of issues like this is very unacceptable. What I would like to see happen, I would like to know what is the school's plan when it comes to things like this regarding bullying of your of the older children towards the younger children and as well as when we have issues within a classroom that do not seem to be addressed. aside from the teacher. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Patterson. Um, I would like to direct you to the principal of the building to address your concerns. If you have, and if you have done that and you feel as though it needs to be escalated,
022then I ask you to reach out to our superintendent. Thank you. >> Our next speaker is Rashidita Mum. That is >> good evening everyone. Okay. I am also a parent of the BTA of a student of the BTA I'm sorry we're from Mrs. Haywood's class. Um I my main concern is my son being distracted by you know malbehaviors and also adopting those behaviors from the classroom. Excuse me. I'd like to go to the code of conduct at subsection M where it speaks on the minimum suspension period. It states that students who repeatedly are substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interfere with teachers authority over the classroom provided that suspending authority may reduce such period on a case-bycase basis to consist to be consistent I'm sorry with any other state and federal law. Now,
023I refer to the conduct because I would like to know what's the next step that would be taking place. I've also been told by my son that these behaviors are causing him to be distracted and while Miss Haywood was out, he was really out of it. He was not paying attention in class. He was just doing as he feel please. So, I'd like to know what's the next step in regards to this. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Mun. Um, we are not at liberty to discuss due to privacy laws any incences or that have to do with a student, but we thank you for your comments. >> Evelyn Torres is our next person. Hi. Good. Thank you. Hi everyone. Good evening. Um I'm here tonight with my kids Isis and Juan Carlos Torres. They're both
024um prior students of Benjamin Turner. Um Isis goes to you Albany and Juan Carlos to Iona Prep. I had to pull him out because Mount Vernon wasn't doing what I needed it to do. I'm here tonight to speak in support of a woman who has given 23 years of her life to the Mount Vernon School District. Many of you know Miss Haywood. She has educated generations of students, including both of my children. She taught my daughter Isis, she's who's now a proud sophomore at U Albany, and my son Juan Carlos, who is thriving at Iona Prep. Their success reflects the foundation she helped build that Miss Haywood helped build. What makes Miss Haywood exceptional is her consistency. She sets boundaries that young people need. She builds structure. She protects learning time. She brings out the
025best in students who come ready to focus and grow. She has always done her job with strength, clarity, and care. Right now, she is facing a classroom assignment that places an unreasonable strain on her as a professional and creates a tense setting that will not support the child's academic need. That is unfair and avoidable. Mount Vernon serves many children with complicated demands. Some struggle with behavior because they're carrying burdens far bigger than their age. These students require trained specialists and proper support. When students who need more focused help are placed in general classrooms without the right resources, everyone is impacted. It drains the teacher. It disrupts learning. It puts students who are ready to learn at a disadvantage. And it raises a simple important question. Why leave a child in an environment that does not
026suit them? That doesn't help anybody. It doesn't help anyone. No child should ever be left behind. But teachers should be allowed to teach. They cannot be expected to serve as psychologists, correction officers, and crisis managers all at once. When they are stretched that thin, no one wins. Not the teacher, not the student who needs specialized help, and not the rest of the class. This is why the district must do better. A child with significant behavioral needs should be placed in a setting where those needs can be addressed with intention and expertise. When that does not happen, it sends a message that teachers are not protected or valued. And that is unacceptable. Teachers are the front line. They are the face of the Mount Vernon School District. They deserve to feel safe. They deserve to feel
027supported. They deserve an environment where they can teach without being pushed past what any one person should be expected to manage. I stand here tonight because Miss Haywood has served this community with dedication for over two decades. She has shaped lives, including the lives of my own children. Supporting her is not only the right thing to do, it sends a message to every educator in this district, that their safety and humanity matter. And when I as I was writing this, I'm wondering if why would you place a kid in a classroom that's not safe? >> Thank you for your comments, Miss Torres. >> Melvin Campbell. uh Dr. Strickland, President Marble, President Mitchell, and members of the board, my colleagues, and to the community. Um I'm here with a dual purpose. first to support my sister
028that everybody seems to be supporting. Um, we work in the same building and she is one of the tough love and she's the person that cares about the kids 100%. So, can we give her a quick round of applause? Absolutely. Thank you. Um, another thing I'm struggling with this week was uh feeling appreciated or unappreciated. Uh, let me just tell you a quick story. Over the past four years, we've had three superintendents. We had three heads of HR. We had two or three business managers. um several changes at special ed and three buildings that closed. I think that would describe some type of confusion at the top. But over those same past four years, the ironclad loyalist were the teachers, the TAs, and the security officers. But but somehow there's still a feeling of being
029unappreciated. Now I know we can't get into finances cuz it's broad that we don't have any money and I want to acknowledge that the state monitor is here and I understand but you can't cut and gut the district and affect the people who've been the most loyal people in the district. So when you've been waiting for years to talk about money or contracts or any of those things and then it adds up to zero, even on a festive week like this week on to Thanksgiving when you're supposed to be uh enjoying and thankful and having a good taste in your mouth, that leaves a very bad taste in our members mouths when we've been waiting and been loyal and get those zeros. But I would like to challenge the board and Dr. Strickland because I
030know it's a lot of nuance here. But even when we going through reorganization, we we also need revitalization. We don't need to just cut. We need investment. We need a think tank that can come up with a way that you can get all of us some money. We know it's not a lot of money available, but something to make people feel appreciated, something that make makes people go through the struggles like Miss Haywood is going through. And it's nothing new because teachers have been doing their job over and over and over again without any real appreciation. So I would ask that the board challenge themselves, come up with a think tank, a way that we can move forward and bring some investment. We got closed buildings. Just a suggestion. I'm no financial analyst. Maybe we
031could refinance those buildings and lease them out to a non-competing competing entity and get some money back. I don't know. That's just my shot at it. There's a lot more PhDs up there. Thank you for the time. >> Thank you, Mr. Campbell. We are not at liberty to respond to those comments in particular, but we thank you for sharing. >> That ends our public comments for this evening. Thank you. >> At this time, we will hear the internal auditor's report. Nobody cares. Nobody cares. No one cares. >> No one cares about the water at all. >> People Wow. >> Do we have hard copies for the public? Are hard copies. >> Hello everyone. Good evening. Thanks for >> copies of the >> agenda >> having us. >> Uh if you could just give us one
032moment sir before you begin. We are trying to get some uh there are some handouts being given to the board so that we can intelligently hear what it is that you have to say. The last time I clear >> my friends are there. You may proceed. Okay, thank you. Um, nice to see the board. Thank you for having us this evening. Um, first, let me wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving coming up with the holidays and enjoy your time off with your families. My name is Darren Aabelli, one of the partners at our firm, Naki Smith. This is Michael Reinhardt, one of the supervisors. We're your district's internal auditors. Uh I understand several weeks ago or a month ago or so you finalized your external audit report and part of the compliance function for the district
033uh with your internal audit function is to complete um two audits per year at a minimum. Um and just so you know this presentation is closing out the 24 25 years successfully. Uh so we're going to present the risk assessment which sets us up uh for the next year's internal audit plan which will be uh discussed briefly. Um so within our risk assessment which required each year um we go through a low, moderate and high ranking system of our audit universe within a school district which encompasses 92 business processes. We look at how do we assess these processes? Well, we um conduct a lot of interviews. We request a lot of documentation. Uh do follow-up work based on prior audit reports, third-party audit reports. Um and we compile this information to put together our risk
034assessment which will also have recommendations for the district. Um so the results of those are on the back page uh if you uh the second page of the executive summary, excuse me. And it shows the 92 um risk rating processes. We broke down the results into a high, moderate, and low ranking where we had 12 high risk areas. Um 51 moderate and 29 low. Um those are summarized in a large chart in the middle of the page for you. Uh and I'll just bring you across uh one of the line items so you just get a feel for how it works. We'll just pick um line item number two, budget development. We had um one moderate and one high for a total of two processes in that area. Um overall to the right side of
035the table in the blue, we listed our number of recommendations within this year's report uh for which we had seven. Um I do want to just make one correction on this where I do see a typo. Uh that on my end uh on the payroll area where we say C report that actually refers to the cycle area that was done this year which was in PPS. So we have a report for that that has separate recommendations. Um the requirement at this point is for the district to put together a corrective action plan related to the seven recommendations that are in the risk assessment report and those corrective action plan and this report itself would be filed uh with SED. Um so that would be by April. So I just wanted to provide you with the
036the uh compliance component of that. So uh the positive news is that 2425 internal audit function is in compliance. Uh the work's been performed and completed and we're looking forward to uh the 25 26 year um in carrying out the internal audit plan on behalf of the board of education and um I think uh we would be the plan as I know it at the moment and we can obviously it's fluid and it could be changed at any point in time at the board's direction. One component without question would be updating this risk assessment report. That'll be done in this in the springtime. U but prior to that, we'll be working on one specific area um that the board would like us to concentrate on. Okay. Of course, we're always available uh for items outside
037of the air the internal audit plan once it's uh finalized uh to answer questions uh provide training and provide any type of guidance and consulting that uh the business office uh or anybody throughout the district from a risk management perspective might need. Okay, if there's any questions at this time uh feel free to ask. We just want to give you a high level summary of the work that was done last year. Do we have any questions from trustees at this moment? >> You have a question? >> Yes. >> Trusty Kelly, >> is it possible to discuss Can we get some volume on the microphones, please? >> Is it possible to discuss the Medicaid situation in our district or that is we cannot discuss. >> Um, do we have a specific question or we can certainly
038>> the billing process for Medicaid? This has been an issue in our district and I'm just wondering why it's still are we is the district billing for Medicaid reimbursement. Um, what is required for the district to get Medicaid reimbursement? Those type of questions. >> Sure. We let us open up uh the results of that report. We did look at Medicaid this year uh for you as part of that internal audit plan. And let me just open up that component of the report. I'm >> page 15. Just so page 15 is where I see. Okay. >> Uh well, I have it on page six. We did have several recommendations related to Medicaid reimbursement. Um >> so can you just do a small interpretation of this report where it says rating high 12, >> right? Moderate 51,
039low 29. So high means >> high means uh it's a high-risisk area, >> right? So there are 12 areas that are high risk. >> That is correct. >> So is it possible to go into some depth as to those areas? >> Sure. That's in the risk assessment report itself. >> Does that mean uh so since we just received this >> since we can >> What's going on with these microphones? Can he answer my question before we go there? >> He said that it's in a it's in >> I wanted him to explain. >> Okay. I'm sorry. So before we go to that, >> can you please um I guess we have not adequately addressed Trusty Kelly's question. >> Okay. So within the PPS report specifically to Medicaid on pages um four, five and six, we
040outline um the processes and what we tested and our observations and recommendations. So we did have three recommendations related to Medicaid and the billing function. um >> gave me this >> in matching up the students that we tested um the services that were received exceeded the frequency outlined in the IEP. Okay, so that was from a small sample. Um we realize IPS are complicated to manage. Um however, that was the results of our test. So there's a disconnect um in providing those services related to the uh IEP. Um in within our testing sample, we noted 11 instances where parent consent forms for Medicaid reimburseable services were signed after the student had already begun receiving services. Okay. Uh >> can you can you repeat that? So they were >> uh >> IP but that that was
041>> the Medicaid I'm I'm trying to understand what you said. Could you >> a parental consent form is required to be signed by the parent prior to services being provided. So any of those services that were prior so provided prior to the parent signing the parental consent form are no longer Medicaid eligible for reimbursement. parental consent form is required to be signed prior to services so that all Medicaid um you know type things that are provided are able to be built for. >> Thank you. >> So can you just elaborate on the recommendation that was made since we we just received the report on yesterday so we're a little kind of behind. We have not had an opportunity to truly vet the report. So we may ask you for a little more detail tonight. So
042please just um be patient with us. So if you can give us an idea as to what the recommendation was in order to address Trusty Kelly's concern. >> So So the recommendation would be that the PPS department ensure that parental consent forms are in place and follow up with parents is performed um to ensure that the district can uh bill for all Medicaid eligible services. >> And at what time do you recommend that these um parental request forms are completed and signed by the parent? So we would recommend if the district is aware of what students would be going on to the following school year that this is performed as early as possible. Sometimes performed at the end of the prior school year prior to even September start of school so that the district has
043the best chance of obtaining these parental consent forms and being able to bill. >> So you're saying that we can actually request parental consent June of 20. So I'll just June 2025 for ensuing September 2025 >> providing that there is an IEP in place at that point for the following district year services. >> Okay. All right. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Does that answer your question? Trusty Kelly. Thank you. Okay. Any other questions? >> Okay. >> Trusty Peterson. Um, so I noticed that a lot of the recommendations and the sightings that that you found were a lack of documentation. That is a repeated um wording in this doc in in your report. Um, what type of recommendations would you have for the district where it this I'm sure this is not the first
044year that that's been a recommendation because I'm seeing it's going back quite some few years that it keeps on coming up. What type of recommendations do you generally give school districts where this seems to be an issue repeatedly, a lack of documentation? I mean, I think the first big step is ensuring that there are checklists in place for each student's file and that there are dedicated, you know, secretarial staff um that are on top of this and monitoring students IEPs and their files to ensure that proper documentation is maintained >> as not just and not just the the Medicaid reimbursement, but also for like extra classroom fund that that's issue reimbursement staffing over I mean, there are plenty of students in the district that have IEPs, but they're not high-cost students. They're maybe may not
045be Medicaid eligible, but they still do fall under, you know, PPS and are required to have documentation maintained. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Are there any other questions? >> Okay. Um, so I I began by asking, so the high-risk areas, there were 12 of them. would you be able to spend at least just a just give us a brief overview as to what those 12 are? >> Sure. Um if you have the act the risk assessment report itself, I know you have a lot of documents tonight there. Um there's a table that starts on page five which will provide the ratings for the 92 areas. I'm just going to try to bring your attention to um one of the columns in the middle of the page. If you're on page five, uh you'll
046see a column that says risk and then control underneath. There's 23 24 which was the prior fiscal year ratings and then this 2425 which is what we're talking about tonight. Um if you go down that column, you're going to see the first HC is budget monitoring and reporting. We continue to go down the column. >> Yeah, >> sure. >> I just want to make sure that the trustees are following along. >> So, it's on board docs. If you can access board docs, >> you got um and Rita did send an email if you want to. I have I can f I can show you my copy. >> Okay. >> All right. Go ahead. I just want if you could just kind of walk us through. We do have um some new board trustees. So, I
047just want them to be able to know and understand how we actually can >> look at it. >> I got it. Yeah. >> How it's helpful. Thank you. >> Sure. So, I'll I'll continue and interrupt if uh we need to. Um so, we're going to go down the column that's control 2425. And the first one we come across as an H is um budget monitoring and reporting. That's in the budget development area. Then in accounting reporting area, we come across the fund balance management that had a H for high. Um >> um as you go through each one, can you just give us the reason why you g you labeled them H's? >> Sure. I mean, I'm sure there's no surprises, but I just want us to be able to be very transparent. >> Absolutely.
048>> Yeah. Okay. Budget monitoring. Um so as we know we've had a turnover in the business office seat and staffing area which uh makes it complex to manage the the budget um and monitor it. Of course you have um your uh state fiscal advisor here as well. Um so those are factors that we take into consideration for a high rating. Um fund balance management um you know we have fiscal stress within the district. Managing your fund balance successfully um will require continuity um of of the business office correct reporting to you accurate uh estimates to manage your fund balance. So that >> and actually having one right >> and actually having one that's a good start. Yes. Um so that's that would be why we had the high rating there. when we move over to
049the grants area because that was the next >> and if you can just expound a little bit on this because it appears that in every category there's an H. >> Okay. So that cate that column is the inherent risk column. So let me start by saying the inherent risk column is school district industry ratings our view if there were no controls in place. Trustes, if we can just if we have >> Oh, you're trying to No, if you're trying to assist >> Yeah, we just >> Okay. All right. Just if we could just keep it down just a little bit. >> The difference between the inherent risk column and the control risk column is inherent risk is our benchmark. It's not specific to Mount Vernon. It's our industry view. Absent of controls, this this certain
050business process would have what type of rating? We use that as a benchmark. And then we do our work to get a specific rating for your district and that would be under the um control risk column. Okay. So that's why you have H is an inherent risk unrelated to Mount Vernon but it's our benchmark. Okay. Um so in continuing through identifying the high-risisk areas um we go to grants where we have high risk in all areas. Uh based on our interviews and document review um in general processing we noted grants um were not aligned to meet district strategies. Um we weren't we didn't get feedback that the treasurer and there's been gaps of times for treasures um was reviewing all the grants and documentation for accuracy. Um I know you have a new grand person
051in place uh who's learning the position. Oh okay. So this is news to me because when we started the risk assessment there was a new person in place there. So this has been a revolving door of grant management. Uh so I was referring to somebody previously to clear that up. Um so at the time uh the new budget analyst was still learning the process and you know monitoring procedures for the grants were not in place. So that's a hence the the high ratings in that area at the time. Remember this is a June 2025 report and here we are you know several months later. Okay. So the next area that we identify a high rating >> oh was in fixed assets. Um fixed assets is a complicated area in a large district like this with
052a large footprint. Um at the time of this work and you can see that it increased from the prior year. Uh there was really no person taking ownership of fixed assets. Um there was no one available to answer questions for us about the procedures in fixed assets. Um no one was taking uh guiding us to who has control of what's going on within fixed assets and quite honestly there was not a lot we can do with that without information coming to us. Uh and we had tried for two years now. Well, the p first year we came in, it was the same concept, so we rated it a moderate, trying to get our arms around things. Year two, we escalated it. Okay, >> hold on one second. We have um we have a question. Trusty
053Scott this. >> Thank you. So, were you also responsible for 2324? >> That was our report in 2324. >> I'm new. So, that's why that question. >> Yeah. And that was our first year within in the district. >> And we have um M's in that category, right? >> In fixed assets. >> Fixed assets. So, then we had something in place that was good. We had a plan in place that I was speaking to with your former business official who identified who was going to take charge of what. We had some discussions about that and uh some documentation was provided to us. So I felt comfortable that we had a plan in place to assess and then when we came back for follow-up work uh it it was not identifiable. >> It all fell apart. Okay.
054>> By staffing or by a plan. >> Gotcha. Okay. Thank you. I just wanted to know. You're welcome. >> Do we have any other questions before we move? Okay, you can continue. >> Okay. Um then we will move down to um cyber security. Um yeah. So the last line item under cyber security was your incident response plan and recovery. Um there's no incident response plan and recovery uh plan in place. Um that needs to be you know developed, worked on, finalized and um approved. Um so that's a high rating from a cyber security process. We had our one of our partners in our firm is a cyber security auditor. Um and he had communicated with uh your director of IT on these areas. We send out pretty extensive questionnaires u the information we get from
055those questionnaires we assess and do follow-up interviews and conversations about those. So I have a question in cyber security you have um it's item 16 correct you have inherent is high 23 24 it's high but in 2425 it's moderate you have one high >> um but in information systems you have all highs and inherent can you give me the can you help me understand the difference >> yes so well so remember the inherent column is the industry bench benchmark. Okay. So um >> and so I guess my question is if that's the industry standard then why are we >> well your industry it's not the standard it's the it's our assessment of risk absent controls right so if there's no controls in place we're going to give it a high and when you have H
056on these reports that's what we're talking about that's what we identify as your high-risisk areas okay >> okay please continue Okay. >> So, I believe we captured all the H's. >> Do we have any questions on the moderates? >> I I have >> Do we have a follow-up question? Trusty, I mean, Vice President Mitchell, >> I guess I have a follow-up question. And And so, you guys did this report last year. All the faces have changed. Right. Your recommendations speak to every H that we see here. You have recommendations that speak to every H that we see in inherent and in the control. >> Um we have recommendations in the prior two years that speak to H's and moderates. >> So So is it safe to say that your recommendations based on where we stand
057with those H's and M's? We never paid attention to any of those recommendations in layman terms. >> Um >> obviously we never in implemented any of those recommendations >> for the last two years you've been here >> where there's an H. >> Yeah. Um >> um there are we did a deep payroll audit the prior year and there were a host of recommendations. Some were implemented, some were not. I don't know what the number was, maybe um 15 recommendations in payroll. With the type of turnover you've had, with the leadership turnover and staffing turnover and training issues, to address 15 recommendations is a large task, but those should be in the long run addressed. >> I have a question. I have a question. Trusty Kelly. >> So, you're talking about um the high-risk areas and
058you're saying controls are missing. So, in fact, if the heads changed or the seats changed, where are the procedures that were left behind for the people to fill those positions? >> Right. I'm I'm I'm asking did you see any evidence >> of procedures or protocols put in place after >> the recommendations from last year? That's my question. >> That's a great question. Um, and no, those procedure, those documented procedures are a task for your team to put together. And when people are rotating in and out of positions, it nearly impossible to happen, right? But if someone takes the time and energy because that's you come to work and you have to get your work done for the day. But to put together a procedure manual and processes is a task. One thing I will say
059is our reports um in the past two years since we've been here, the payroll report and this PPS report, the back end of those reports are extremely detailed starting point for those procedure manuals to be in place. So now you've got a building block for payroll and you have a building block for PPS. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Have we um are we satisfied with our questions? Okay. And I know that we agreed to not um vote on this report tonight. I have a question based on the discussion and the presentation. I wanted to know if you are comfortable on voting on it tonight or you still want to hold it. >> Okay. All right. All right. Thank you. Just asking. So, if we wanted to bring it back. Thank you. Okay, no more questions
060then. Thank you very much. >> Okay, thank you for having us and uh have a great Thanksgiving and feel free to reach out with any questions or funnel them to us uh any way you'd like. Okay, thank you. >> Okay, we will now hear the treasures report from Dr. Joseph. Good evening, President uh Dr. Marabel, Dr. Strickland, Vice President, um state monitor Dr. Wilkins and the board of members of the Mount Vernon City School District and the community. Tonight is an opportunity to present this the month of October, September and October's treasures report that um we don't have a treasure with us. So basically I'm taking the uh the role of the treasure for tonight. And this um treasure was made possible with the help of uh uh the acting quote unquote uh deputy treasurer
061uh Miss Kenlaw, the uh the consultant uh Miss uh Skiff um with management advisory group and also some of the uh stuff that I uh that I will um some oversight that I provided. Tonight reports um provides a clear accountable snapshot of the district's fiscal position reflecting our cash flow revenue receipts expenditure fund balances and reconciliation for the period ending September as well as October. The purpose of the purpose is simple but essential to ensure full transparency, discipline, stewardship of public funds and continuous alignment between our financial reality and our instructional mission. As we move towards building a more coherent datadriven financial culture, this report serve as an anchor that it shows where we stand, how resources are moving and whether our fiscal operations are matching the commitments and priorities of the the board as
062well as the uh administration. So what we're going to show here is the treasure treasures report for the September and October as well as a preliminary budget expend expense variance in in other words um basically how we're doing in so far as um rebuilding our fund balances. >> Can I I'm sorry Dr. um Kendall. I just have a question. Trusty Kelly. >> Thank you. Um, my concern is that we got into a lot of this. Is that your microphone or is it you? It's not working on we I know they're just not This is We can get some techn. My question is, and this is maybe just a pause in this presentation. The reason we've had um fiscal high fiscal risk is because we haven't had a treasurer, a separation of duties in the superintendent's
063office. We had a sup a business superintendent who also acted as a treasurer. Are we actively looking for somebody to be hired as a treasurer? >> 100% yes. >> Okay. Is there a timeline? >> The we have a 10-day posting requirement. We actually already put it out and then we were told by civil service that we have to follow a specific format. So we then uh revised it uh put it back out and soon as that's closed we'll begin with the interviews. >> Okay. That was my concern is that the separation of duties. I understand you're doing the presentation, but I've sat on the board for four years and every time a treasurer comes, it's a fruition or apparition, I don't know. Um, they disappear and that has been a lot of the problems in
064our business office. I just wanted to point it out so that you understand my hesitation about you doing the presentation for the treasurer. That's all. Thank you. >> Um, Trusty Kelly, um, you're you are most welcome and thank you for the question. We're just not looking for a treasurer. We look we're looking for somebody who's competent, somebody who has skills and expertise in the area of um governmental accounting, specifically um that of school district. We looking for somebody who is conscientious and aware of the district needs, budgetary needs and the fiscal needs of the district. more to that. We're looking for somebody who is confident in the in the operations of that office because that office is that of um um social significance such that um the different grants um that are out there, the
065federal grants and um um some lunch grants, you know, such that we can tap into those um resources in order to improve the the um fiscal state of the district. And the last C is coherence. And coherence, you know, try brings everything back together for for understanding for the mission for which we are here to educate the 7,000 um student that we have here. So we're just not looking for a body. We're looking for um basically competence, confidence, conscientiousness, as well as a coherence giving that purpose um for the district. So with that um next slide please. Um so the the mission for us in the business office is that of a fiscal focus for functional operating fund balance and so we are in the process of that and the vision is fiscal integrity operational
066excellence and generative prosperity and with that how does that happen? The focus happens so payroll accounts payable zerobased budgeting as well as leadership empowerment. Next slide please. actually go back and click on the on the highlighted um uh okay so we had a little challenges with the technology it should be in that it is in that thumb drive okay can we maximize that Please blow it up, please. Blow it up. Blow it up. Okay, so this is hard to see. Let's see a little bit more. Move it to the right. Actually, I reuse my laptop so you can have that. So, basically the for the month um beginning September that we started the month with um $45.8 $8 million in the general fund. We have approximately 17 about approximately 18 uh $18,000 in the school
067lunch fund. And payroll that this money comes in and out. Um so that money should just uh not just disappear, but um this is um when we process payroll, that money sits there until the um the different people um you know cash that check. the um so net account payroll approximately $5,000 special aid grants $598,000 and in the capital fund um which is a building fund you got approximately $3.1 million and um in the special revenue fund which is the federal fund we haveund uh approximately $117,000. So, if you go back to move it to the left, please. Move it to the left. To the left, to the left, to the left, all the way to the left. Okay. So, over here, what you have on the left here is um those are different receipts
068that we have um interest receipts um what comprise the um that um $45.9 million. That's the beginning of the the the the month. We took in a receipt of $120,000 in interest. Property taxes, $2 million, payment in New York of taxes, uh $800,000 or so, sales tax, 309 mill uh 309,000. And then state aid um because the month of September, so it's low about um 55,000. And you have miscellaneous revenue at uh 22,000 and state and federal aid. This is um um approximate um $11 million and uh retires health health insurance um $290,522 and then health services 26 um approximately um 27,000 and tuition charges 25,000. So, the total receipts um approximate $14.5 million. If you could move that up. Move, excuse me, move it down, please. So, warrants and wire payments. These are different
069payments that um we disperse. It's either out of the um it's either out of the uh the um payroll um funds or out of the uh or out of the um accounts payable. So, we have $1.1 million in debt services um for the buildings um money that we borrow to um to have um funded um to fix the buildings $2.5 million and the payroll expenses $9.7 million and other transfers um let me see other transfers approximate 11 um 10.9 or 11 million. So alto together that um for the month of September we had expenses um approximate 36 million or $35.9 million. Um bring it up. Bring it down. >> So here are the different accounts um that we have. We demonstrate um >> Dr. Joseph, if I may. Sure. >> Do we have um you're
070going just a little fast. I just want to make sure. Do we have any questions so far? Okay, I do have one question. The transfers to other funds and accounts. I know that we approve those transfers, right? Is it possible to attach a summary of what those transfers were for the month just as a reminder so that we are clear that what we know we approved that they are reflected in in that number because that is a very large number. The so exactly um there's a different what the board what the board of education um um approves is a transfer from one code to the next code. This right here this is a transfers of funds. Okay. This is the transfers of funds. So it's a little different but we definitely can provide. >> Can
071you help me understand? >> For sure. Sure. the so in the um later on I'm going to get to it. So we have uh your budget is comprises the it's called appropriation right this is what the the what the voter so once we put a budget together we put a budget together for the superintendent based on his vision and the present the superintendent in turn present that budget to the board the board will adapt a budget and based on the expenditures within the different lines within the different codes right so that's what the voters voted upon and approve so from that you have in appropriations. So from the appropriations you have different codes, right? So when we come to you to the board and ask for a transfer to be done, we asking for a
072transfer to be done between codes from one code to another code for bud budget modification. >> So So it's just one pie. >> I'm I'm clear on that. >> Sure. >> Okay. I'm an accounting major. I'm just saying. Okay. So, I'm clear on that. My question again >> is these transfers to other funds and accounts, if there can be a summary outlining what that $10.9 million is. >> Sure. >> Okay. And number two, since you did mention it, appropriations. Do we have an appropriations report? >> We do. >> Okay. And will we be receiving one of those? >> Yes, we're going to present on that tonight. >> Okay. because we're going to need to make a lot of budgetary transfers because your budget is um out of balance. So, um if you could move that
073up, please. >> Okay. >> So, basically, if you could bring it down, shrink it down. So, for the month for the month of September, so you can you can you shrink it down? Okay. So, so we had a little challenges with the uh with the technology here, but um it's hard to see. Hold on, please. Um so, just go back just to summarize it. So, for um we started 40, we started bring it back up. We started bring it back up 45 million basically 45 million. We we begin the month of September. Basically, we had expenditures between accounts payable and payroll totaling $35.9 million. Okay. For the month of September, if you would please go to go to the next one. Next slide. >> Yes. Or any questions on this? I know this is there's
074a lot of information here. There's a lot of information here. So, um, we can, um, >> Dr. Ken, do we have copies of this? >> Excuse me. >> Were we providing? >> Yes, we can get copy, of course. Yes. >> I can't get into board. >> Okay. >> So, let me see. >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. I know, right? >> Okay. No, I got it. I'm going to bring it up here. Thank you. Um, let's see. My PowerPoint. Okay. So, Okay. Okay. So, for the month of October that uh >> Okay. So, for the month of October, we begin the month with $35.9 million. That's what we ended up with with the um uh the month of September. So we took in interest $88,000 property taxes 1 point approximately 1.2 million sales tax
075231,000 state aid state aid due to other funds. So 244,000 to state aid due to other funds. So at times what happens the federal fund would lend money to the general fund. So in this case that gets recorded over here. Um you have miscellaneous revenue of um 1,000 state aid and federal aid 579,000 and you got uh you got retirees retirees health insurance that's the comput contribution 287,000 and then you got tuition charges um tuition charges and services for 400 uh approximately 400,000. So, total receipts uh uh $3 million and cash dispersement >> um which is payroll that you're looking at um $10 million and then transfer to other to fund other accounts uh $8.4 million. So, we certainly will get detail um as to those transfers. So we ended the month with um with
076a cash balance of 20 million um approximately 20,500,000. So um so basically the books what you saw up there that's the books of the districts basically it's in balance with that of the um bank statements what we have the money that we have um in the bank. So, any questions on this? Any questions? Okay. So, >> I just want to ask, >> do we have trusty >> outstanding checks? >> Trusty Kelly >> monthto-month outstanding checks. >> So, is that an addition or a separate? >> The um >> is that addition outstanding? So, there's like a million dollars in outstanding checks. They have >> October. >> Sure. So at times between when they disperse the checks for payment to a vendor. >> Okay. And by the time the vendor received the payment and cash the check
077and we get the bank statements, those checks are outstanding. So so those vendors have not cash the checks. So therefore it shows as outstanding checks. >> Vice President Mitchell. So, of those outstanding checks in in that 1.5 number, are you does this report demonstrate that those outstanding checks what what time frame are we talking those checks from? This is not just six months. How how far back do these outstanding checks? >> Not too far. Especially for the month of October. >> Okay. When you say not too far, >> okay, >> Christmas is not too far either. But >> but so especially for the month of October because when you go back and look at September, you will see that the outstanding let's go back. >> Yeah. >> 772 was the outstanding September. >> That's September.
078And >> so >> and the reason for the question is just that we've been hearing about we've heard about outstanding check balances for a long time both from the audit reports and things like that. So trying to get a gauge on how where how are we trending with that outstanding check balance going back how far because it demonstrates also how much we're may we're not reconciling >> actually we are reconciling. >> Okay. No no well up until now you're here now so now it's reconciling. Understood. So I just wanted to understand just just so that I can have a clear picture how much of that outstanding check balance is really like within say 90 days. Are we saying like 90 days? Would that be accurate? >> Um we'll look into that to be specific. >>
079Okay. >> Mhm. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I just want to make sure we're done. >> Okay. Trusty Scott. The question I had, I'm looking at um in the cash receipts area around the pilots. >> Okay. And I noticed in um I think it's September report >> we collected what 8 almost 800,000 that that's correct right >> let me see >> based on what this number is right >> 800,000 >> right >> close to 8001,000 >> right but then in October's report nothing >> do it twice a year >> it's twice a year okay so that's okay that answers my question >> and it's yeah it's going to fluctuate So >> payment in of taxes it is that instead of you have businesses right you have like 10 big businesses in the within the district within
080the cash of districts >> that um what they do instead of paying taxes. I mean they still pay taxes. Yeah. They make payment in lie of taxes as as they negotiated you know different programs so that they can take advantage of those um tax um uh um uh elements. >> Understood. Understood. Just wanted to >> so I I I do have a qu a question of going back to these outstanding checks. So was there a timing difference with this payroll? The reason why the outstanding checks number is so high. >> Uh it's it's probable. It's probable. What's that? >> Oh, yes. So, what we're looking to do right now, okay, so right now as it stands, payroll and accounts payable, they process payment at the same time, the same week or the same pay period.
081So what we the measures that we're putting in place what it does it creates a cash flow problem for the district. Okay. So in essence starting December 1st that we starting December 1st yes we are shifting it such that uh to to >> Right. Okay. >> Sure. >> Thank you very much. Do we have any other questions? I see Vice President Mitchell. >> So on both months we see property taxes collected. >> How much of So does that represent money that we were also still receiving from the city from what they owe us from the prior years? >> Yes. So, do we have can can't speak for the whole board, but I would like to see the split of how much of that is pre owed by the city >> versus what's we received payments
082that were live from >> from pri from current year. So, do you understand what I'm saying? I just want to see how much of that number was city paid us because they owed us from prior years because you know that we're dealing with years and years of back payments. I'd like a split, an individual split that kind of shows, I mean, me personally, >> a split that shows how much the city has paid >> monthly versus what the the the difference. You understand what I'm saying? Yes. >> Cuz this doesn't necessarily give us the picture that says, okay, so the city is still paying, the city's not still paying, >> cuz you know, you already know the history. >> Yes. As of October, they made the last payment from the contract as of October. >>
083Now, they have to make the year >> this is I I want to say >> 20 20 21 >> 1920. >> So now we're currently in negotiations with solidifying the next year for 2021. We've we've already had uh meetings. We have already had meetings um I cannot speak to the specific amount amount but I definitely will get that uh for you but we've had meetings uh with legal counsel and the controller to reestablish the next uh set of benchmarks the next cycle. Yes, >> thank you Dr. Strickland. >> Yeah, I believe we reported I think Dr. Strickland reported out on that in September. >> Okay. Do we have any other questions of Dr. Joseph? Dr. Joseph, have you completed the report or are you still >> No, I'm going to show you our appropriation the
084board's appropriation status report as it stands right now. >> Is it do we have a copy of it? >> Uh, you do not. You do not. I'm going to bring we'll make sure that we'll make sure that we um we send it to the board. So, I rent this today >> only because it's going to be hard for us to follow without a document. Um, Trusty Mcdana. Yeah, I I would ask that we postpone that portion of this to another time so we can have a chance to for sure. >> Um would we can I just get a consensus from the board? Would you agree? >> Yes. Okay. So, we will suspend we will table that until >> Yes. >> until you are ready to send it to us and we have an opportunity to
085review it. >> No, for sure. You'll get it um tomorrow um through that. Hopefully we'll be able to review it December 2nd. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. And I want to give a little good news. Okay. The uh Dr. Strickland and the monitor task me to look into where we are in so far as the expenditures. Um >> Mr. ask her can you bring up that um so >> what's the name of the document >> the estimated expense analysis so what we did we we did an analysis very briefly we did an analysis from July 1st through next one right What's the name of the document? >> Okay, this is it. >> Okay, so I think we're done. >> We have a >> This is solid. >> This it. >> Yep. Okay.
086Very briefly. Okay. So what you have here, we went back five years to look at the payroll expenditures variances. We did an analysis on that. Went back from the year 2021 through now this year 2025 26. We look at for example that uh between July 1st and November 15th. Okay. Between July 1st and November 15th. Why between July 1st and November 15? November 15th because there are a lot of events that occur social significant events that's occurred this year by the closing of the school. Okay. And then certain um um um Dr. Strickland stop um put a measures in place such that people has to get uh u people have to get um um approval prior to overtime. overtime was um out of control. So what we did, we look at payroll specifically for 2021
087that um between 2021 and 2022 there was an increase of $1.7 million. Okay. on column D which represent a 6% increase between 2021 and 2022 you had a decrease of $872,000 or so and between 2023 and 24 an increase of 105,000 and between um 202425 129,000 and from that same period for the past here from July 1st to um November 15th that you have a decrease of $3 million. Okay. So this represent a change of um 10% within within just um payroll expenditure. Okay. And it's a function of 1% of the overall budget. Right? So you take uh um you know column F F8 you divide that by um column B8 it gives you the uh that change. You have a question. I uh hold on one second. So I think we have several questions
088and since we I'm going to Trusty Brown did I see your hand raised? >> Okay. Trustee Vice President Mitchell. >> I have a question. I do have a question. So, you indicated that we're looking at payroll, right? But this isn't necessarily reflective of purely overtime because we had a reduction in force. So, wouldn't that also account for the decrease in payroll? >> Of course, 100%. Yes. >> Okay. So, >> so we're doing analysis on payroll for that period of time. >> Okay. So, I guess the the the question that I would I would ask would we be we able to disagregate general operating salary payroll versus overtime. I think that might give us a better picture maybe of what we're looking at. So, if I may, can we, if we don't have a copy of
089this, can we table this >> so that we can actually get wrap our heads around what this data is showing us and we can ask the questions that may make sense or relevant. >> Yes, I'm asking for a consensus to table. I thought I heard a resounding yes. >> Okay, thank you. So, anything else for us, Dr. Joseph? >> No. >> Okay, that concludes your report. >> Yes. >> We thank you so very very much. And Dr. Strickland, would you like to add anything to >> Thank you. >> Yes. You're welcome. >> No, we're we are we have uh 4.4 accept the treasures report. May um I have a motion to table >> table. Okay. Sorry. >> I'm afraid I might not be able to get back in here. >> No. Can I have a
090motion, please, to table their treasures reports for September and October 2025? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Abstain. >> Motion carries to table 4.3. >> I'm just trying to get back on board. I'm going to need some assistance again. >> Where is >> We're going to move to superintendence report. Dr. Strickland. >> Hold on. >> Every week we open Mount Vernon's jewel box to see the wonderful work happening across our district and community. Take a look at this past week's jewel box which you can also view on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. One of my big time visions is that we are always honoring our students, our staff members, and really focusing our energy on those folks that make a difference in our uh school district. I wanted
091to look at folks that are excellent with community service. They have great sportsmanship. They are just upstanding scholars in their school. So that is why you are all here today. pulling up the presentation. >> All right. Great evening, President Marvo, Vice President Mitchell, fellow board trustees, students, families, staff, and the greater Mount Vernon community. This is the superintendent's report for the month of November. Next slide. Last week, Dr. Kimberly Young Wilin, state monitor for the Mount Vernon City School District, gave a presentation about her initial academic and financial improvement plan. Her presentation highlighted inconsistencies in various areas as well as next steps to correct discrepancies. The presentation has been viewed over 5,200 times online and had over 2900 within a day of the hearing. Thank you for your participation and feedback. The monitor will update
092the drafted plan by December 1st for the New York State Commissioner of Education to review. Can you repeat those numbers again, please? Dr. Strickland. >> Yes. The presentation has been viewed over 5,200 times online and had over 2900 within a day of the hearing. Thank you for your participation and feedback. The monitor will update the or has updated the draft um by December 1st and it will be submitted by December 1st to the uh state commissioner. If you have any uh comments or concerns to the state monitor, please contact K. Young Wilkins mtoncsd.org. Next slide. As the fall sports season comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to highlight all the wonderful accomplishments our scholars achieve this season. On November 13th, the district held a ceremony honoring 28 student athletes for
093their outstanding sportsmanship and academic success during the season. Our Pioneer League also kicked off on November 13th where our Knights played against the Mamarin Tigers in a thrilling soccer match. A job well done, athletes. Congratulations to the Mount Vernon varsity girls soccer team on a historic 2025 season. For the first time in 19 years, Mount Vernon qualified for the AAA sectionals tournament, showcasing the incredible growth and dedication of the team. Mount Vernon Knights boys basketball will host their 30th annual basketball brunch at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 30th at the Bayou in Mount Vernon. Tickets are $55 per person and will be available at the door. But can we give our girls soccer team a round of applause? Another round of applause to our Denzel Washington School of the Arts students for their outstanding performance
094of Buenav Vista Social Club earlier this month. Visit our YouTube channel to check out the full performance. Give them a round of applause. >> Junior Achievement of New York partners with all three Mount Vernon high schools to promote financial literacy in the district. In turn, the high school students gained valuable leadership and public speaking skills. Most recently, students at Nelson Mandela received valuable lessons taught by their older peers from Steam Academy. I look forward to seeing what other lessons our scholars will teach our little ones. On my 125th day in the office, I gave a state of the district address to faculty and staff providing information such as new administrative personnel, department updates, encouragement to meet the district's student achievement goals, and legislative priorities. I also explained how this district will implement standard operating procedures
095to work in an effective and efficient manner. Thank you to all those who attended. Teachers across the Mount Vernon City School District participated in a professional development session on November 4th, 2025. During this, they learned new instructional leadership instructional techniques through interactive sessions. Thank you to all those who participated and especially to those who helped coordinate this professional development day. The second superintendence advisory council meeting was focused on students providing feedback to me about their schools and how they can be improved. I plan to use this information from the students in my strategic plan and our strategic plan. Students also completed a survey about food services in the district. I appreciate each students inputs and concerns. And just an FYI, our students, they did a SWAT analysis of the entire district and uh their schools
096and they came up with some fantastic uh thoughts about where we need to go as we continue to move forward and I thought it was really really good. both groups. Next. Next. Report cards can now be accessed uh accessed through Infinite Campus as well as progress reports, student schedules, attendance records, and much more. Infinite Campus can be accessed through the district website under quick links. All 8th grade students will take the Mount Vernon Steam Academy PreAct entrance exam from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025. For resources and more information, please visit the district's website and this will be made available to every student at their school. So there's they do not go to the building, they stay in their school and that's where they will take the examination. Earlier this month,
097our par parent liaison put together our annual fall festival. This event provides families with resources throughout our city such as our parent resource center. This year, the parent resource center moved to moved from the steam academy to Graham school. The parent resource center works handinhand with parents, schools, and community partners to build strong relationships that support the academic and personal success of every child. I hope our families take advantage of the parent resource center and the numerous workshops they host. I will say the parent liaison orchestrated a fantastic event. Um there was trains, bounce houses, um cotton candy, popcorn, my favorite, and it they just did a fantastic job. So I just want to take the time to acknowledge uh their hard work and dedication to our district. Schools throughout the district hosted family math
098and literacy nights, sparking creativity through hands-on learning and family engagement. Most recently, Lincoln School hosted a family math night and Pennington hosted a family literacy night. Upcoming events uh will be family math night at Edward Williams on January 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and at Grime School on Wednesday, January 28th from 5:30 to 7:30. And I did have the opportunity to go to the Nelson Mandela Jose um Zolakoffer um math night uh where families were participating in activities and it was another great turnout and that was in conjunction with report card night. Now before we continue I want to take a moment to address the devastating fire that occurred earlier Sunday morning early Sunday morning in our community. In the next slide, you will see how our Mount Vernon family has rallied together to
099support the survivors of this tragedy. Our response reflects who we are as a district, a community that shines brightest when our neighbors need us the most. What you are about to see demonstrates the heart and compassion that defines Mount Vernon. Many of you are aware of the tragic fire that occurred over the weekend, displacing several of our students and their families. The district is supporting affected those affected by the fire in several ways. We have opened up Mount Vernon Honor Academy as a shelter for those displaced and we're working hard to make our families as comfortable as possible. We are preparing to house people at the building through the next couple of weeks if necessary. Yesterday, the city held a press conference discussing fire disaster relief and how the community can help. If you are
100interested in donated to those affected, please send all clothing donations to the Dole Center and all perishables and non-p perishables and toiletries to the Mount Vernon Honor Academy. There is an urgent need for men's clothing, new undergarments, diapers, pull-ups, feminine hygiene products, baby food, formula, general toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower items, bath towels, and pet items. Thank you to everyone who has supported our community during this difficult time. Your dedication and unwavering commitment does not go unnoticed. We are definitely Mount Vernon strong. And this concludes my November 2025 report. >> Thank you, Dr. Strickland. >> President Marble, question about >> Dr. Strickland. Uh, Trusty Kelly, >> um, was there a vote by the board to use the building? >> No, there was not. There was a plea. Um, that was >> No, no, no. That's
101not my question. Okay. Did the board >> I said no, I answered your question. Board of >> trustees. um what is the city um donating to the cost of this? >> Um so because there was an important crisis um I >> I understand that. >> No, just hold on. >> I made an important decision to open up the building to families that were displaced >> and and again >> Oh, hold on. Let Let him finish. Let him finish. >> But my question Let's Wait. No, no, no, no, no. We are we're going to we're going to be respectful though. Trusty Kelly, Trusty Kelly, wait a minute, please. >> Point of order. Trusty Kelly, I have not acknowledged you as the chair. And I'm going to allow Dr. Strickland to complete his statement before I recognize
102you again to to follow up. If he has not answered your question completely, then we will revisit it. But let him please finish before we speak, please. Because the need was an urgent matter, I made the superintendent's decision to open our facility to house those families expedit expeditiously. I was then going to um first I cleaned up I made sure the building got cleaned up. I did not have time to ask those questions. It was not our place. It was not the right time. Um, it's about humanity and about the fact that that th that those folks were unhoused and going over to the doze center, I wouldn't even dare bring up what are you paying us and things of that nature. However, in the next few weeks, depending on how long they're going to
103be housed, those conversations may need to be opened up. As I spoke to board leadership about that yesterday, as they told me, we need to possibly talk about what the next steps are. So until um I meet with the mayor, which I will do on a and I have done on a monthly basis, um that has not been broached as of yet. I'm just my main concern was making sure our families and our children had a a warm place to rest their heads. So, I find it commendable, >> Trusty Kelly. >> I find it commendable that you stepped into the void, but I'm saying as a decision-making body, why weren't the trustees included in this decision? And why wasn't it kind of I understand the need, but we also have a city government that has
104resources and those people live in Mount Vernon. So, I'm not saying that you shouldn't or couldn't have done it. What I'm saying is where is our local government stepping up to do the same thing, the same initiative that you did. They have the armory, they have the dole center. Where is the shearing of the cost? And I know you say don't ask it, but when we're under a fiscal um distress, I'm concerned because we're barely providing the services in the classroom. Again, commendable effort, but you're saying that we didn't even have any discussions. That's my concern. Trusty Kelly, may may I um respond to you? Number one, it is the arm of the district superintendent's office to make those decisions. If it is a community um based um event, right, which this obviously was for
105our community, it was not it's nonprofit, then he makes he has the right and the authority to make those decisions without consulting the board. So we have to number one remember what our role and our responsibility is. That's number one. Number two, we did talk to Dr. Strickland on yesterday to ask Dr. Strickland and we have not sent this communication to the board yet because Dr. Strickland is still navigating this process in terms of asking the municipality what it is that we can do and what it is how are we going to share some of this responsibility since we did have to open up one of our buildings. However, Red Cross is in the building. We also have um emergency management services. All of the staff that everyone that's in the building is pretty much
106from mis municipality or county or state or emergency services aid. So there's the money that we may be spending would be for custodial services for security services. So we are ascertaining what those amounts are and we will and Dr. Strickland will be talking to city government to determine what portion they will contribute. We have to also recognize and understand that we had some of our students who were impacted by this devastating fire. We had about 20, I believe it was 20 to 25 families that were directly impacted that went to Lincoln school. Some went to Trapagan, some went to Mandela. And because those students and those families were impacted, Dr. Strickland felt and I and I I wholeheartedly agree with him and I know that we all do in terms of our humanitarian efforts and
107I also understand your question being a a a fiscally distressed district. Those answers and those questions are being asked and we will bring that information to the board as soon as it is available >> so we can have a report. It's not about housing them. It's about shared responsibility. >> Understood. the city being the lead agency when certain things are done, especially since these families live in Mount Vernon. They pay rent. Okay, >> understood and agreed. >> Okay, it's not coming against. It's just Why wasn't the board of trustees keyed in in the initial decision? Yes, he has a right. It would have been nice to know like we are advised. >> Well, he did notify We did notify the board that we opened it. We sent >> I'm glad you were. I was not.
108>> No, yes, you were. I sent a communication to your cell phone. I can show you where I sit and I don't have it. So I'm telling you it wouldn't take you telling me I'm telling you I was not included. >> I appreciate the fact that you were not and I apologize if you >> people on this board >> and it's fine that everybody shakes their head but I was not informed and I'm telling you that I would have liked to know that there was a consensus on the board that this was done. President Marville, you did contact both of us. >> Well, what I what I'm going to say is we cannot vote via text. We would have to wait until this very meeting number one in order to address it. And as you
109know, there is an item on this agenda 7.1 for new business. Right? So, we don't have a list of what those things are for new business. So, someone may bring a resolution to ask that we support and ratify the decision of the superintendent. there is a Robert's rule of process robbers rules of order process for it. I do apologize. So after this meeting, I will um just ask that we can update your number because I did I did send a text to all the trustees um and including the board clerk. So if you did not receive it, I do apologize and I will just make sure that I have the appropriate number for you in terms of um communication. Any other questions or comments? Vice President Mitchell? So, um, yeah, I don't know what happened
110just now. Okay. So, thank you, Dr. Strickland because not it wasn't even long after we learned of the devastation of this fire and the babies his kids that wouldn't didn't go to school the next day. Right. So my superintendent made a decision open up one of the buildings that shouldn't have been Never mind. He opened up the one of the only buildings to accommodate families and he spoke directly to board leadership and we communicated. I have my text. So, I know I got my text, but I know I walked over to that building today with several of my trustees, including my president and my superintendent, and I saw what the impact was of my super, our superintendent making a decision alongside the city. And let's make sure I say that again. Alongside the city, the
111Dole Center's open. You got the communications. We all know that this is not this is the first time we haven't seen joint work with the school district and the city in the better part of a decade and it's been intentional and I am for one thankful that we can have just one more notch that says we're moving in a different direction that does not accept chaos and misinformation as facts and we're actually looking to work together as a district and city for the bettering of these babies and the families. I did not get burned out of my home, but I'll be damned if I sit here and and thrash my superintendent for making a decision to give these babies a warm place to sleep these last three nights, a place to wash up, and a
112place that they could be safe. So, while I have no disrespect for anyone who feels that there should have been a decision made, I've sat on this board for six years. I sat outside of this board for one and I've seen decisions made year after year after year that did not involve trustees, did not involve babies, did not involve staff. So, if we want to wait till now, I don't know what to say about that. But thank you, Dr. Strickland, for making the decision to open this building for these babies and these parents who just lost everything. And we're talking about people who were in that building for over 30 years and were on fixed income. Some of the same people who are paying their property taxes come out of that rent. There's a line
113item in the rent that pays property taxes and school taxes. They don't they may not realize it, but they could the least we were able to do. Thank you, Dr. Strickland. And to every cleaner, custodian, staff member, and every member of the public who pitched in the village came together and they did something so good for these children. So, I'm going to be a voice of saying thank you. I'll bring positive energy. >> Thank you. >> Any other trusty white >> trusty white staff members? >> We need you to talk to the >> just talking some of our own staff members that we have to remember are also um a part of that fire that has been there for a while. And we also have to think about the um firefighters that were injured. I
114I know one personally, she just came off a ventilator and they're still holding them in ICU because of the lung situation. So, and there are children in there also. So, we have to think of all this stuff that is going on that we have to be thankful that my house didn't burn down, but we have to help everyone. >> But I have to leave. >> Trustee Peterson and then Trustee Middleton. Um I just wanted to as a not even as a trustee but as a resident of this city I want to thank you Dr. Strickland as someone who was has been outside Sunday morning in their pajamas helping these families to make sure that they have some type of normal normaly during the worst probably the worst time of their life. I am grateful and
115I'm thankful that you did open up that school because until you see stand there and you have stood there with those families and to see the devastation the last thing on my mind that even there as a trustee was thinking about did we vote on it? the fact that you took the init in initiative that you're not even from this city. You're not even from here, but you stepped up and you made an independent executive decision as you should as trust as s the school superintendent, this district superintendent to make sure we open that building to those families. And I've been in that building 6:00 am this morning driving kids to school, feeding families, helping out. So I appreciate it and I appreciate every single the workers, the cleaners, the I mean it is this
116the way the city has come together since Sunday morning has been insane. It's amazing. It's amazing. And the families are so grateful and so thankful. And this morning seeing those kids in in a temporary shelter and at 8:00 they were dressed ready to go to school this morning. I mean, they were ready. High schoolers ready. That speaks to to the integrity to your integrity as a superintendent. That speaks to what you're here for. And I commend you and I thank you. I just I just want to say that um I've been going through a lot this past week and that was one of the last things that was added to our list because I had family on both sides Park Avenue and Cottage Avenue where it did happen without they weren't even able to go
117to a funeral that we had for my aunt yesterday because they didn't have clothes. They didn't have anything and they came to my mom's at 4:00 in the morning. We didn't know what was going on and basically you know they had ended up in the hotel after everything was said and done. But I do want to say um to Dr. Strickland sometimes as a leader you have to make a decision and the board of trustees trustee that word is critical. So there are times in life with this kind of situation where Mount Vernie came together and even in our churches they talked about the schools being open or homeschool. And you know what I just want to say thank you too because there are times as a leader you have to make a decision even
118if you have to in the meantime get to the board if you can get to them but you got to make sure these kids are okay. And that was a devastating fire where that building is being condemned and my family was very affected by it. So I want to say thank you. And look, they came to me and said, "Lyn, I think that was good that the superintendent opened up homeschooled. That was great." And I said, "It was." And I just want to say I was going to thank you anyway tonight because, you know, even in our churches, they were thankful that that was something that you chimed in and did. And Mount Vernon did come together and we really did. And so there are times when you're right, you know, you got to say,
119"Hey, trustees, we're doing XYZ." But there's those those critical moments where as a leader, a leader's leader, you have to make a decision and then everybody comes together and say thank you because it's a critical decision. So I just want to say thank you too and my family definitely did thank you >> opening up homeschool as well as do center and all the places that were opened and they couldn't get to the funeral but we had our funeral and you know we just did what we had to do too. I was just going through it and I wanted to be at homes myself but you know I'm still wrestling with stuff that I have to do in terms of the things that I've already gone through beside initially being sick you know but I do
120I want to I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking that leadership role and you can't stand there sometimes say should I or shouldn't I listen in that kind of situation you got to bring everybody together you know and little old Mount Vernon listen came together. So, school district, the city, and we can worry about the other stuff a little later like you said when you collaborate with the city and the mayor, you know, how can we bring this together even financially. So, listen, thank you and thank you to our community and for our children because our children matter. So, and I'm sure they was grateful to be in the school. >> Yes. >> To leave from a school >> to go to school >> and that matters to
121them. So, you know, it's a good thing. And I hear you too, Sabrina. Don't think I Sabrina don't think I don't. But that was a critical I got to make this decision. Okay, board members, I made this decision and I'm good with it. Um, in-house counsel Russell. >> Well, I'll just say that um I just want to make sure the community understand that um the decision wasn't haphazard, right? There was protocol. He went to the executive cabinet first. He and I had our little what about the liabilities went to leadership. Everybody did their mutually exclusive thing to make it happen. And as we talked on Monday and we continue to talk, the issues that Trustee Kelly brought up are very much in the forefront. And issues of making sure that we don't incur more than
122we can handle by having bodies there, right? the simple act of playing a game could lead somewhere. So, you know, we did the matrix of everything and at the end of the day, you fall on the right side of the ledger and we just keep on going across the fingers and keep on moving. And so, at, you know, when it comes down to new business, you can ratify what happened. There's an opportunity for that and so hopefully we'll do that as a board. >> Thank you. Any other comments or questions? >> Okay. Um, I would like to hear from our student trustee Adoro if he'd like to make a comment. >> Um, uh, I would like honestly I had a comment before, but um, with the atmosphere I honestly felt like I should just leave
123it to the end, but being that the time is 9:17, I guess I should just bring it up. Um wow is first of all what I would say after witnessing the aftermath of the incident which uh unfortunately happened on Sunday. I came to America three to four years ago uh and I have seriously never seen the togetherness that I have seen in my Vernon community. I was speechless not only for the incident but the community as a whole trying to come together and help each other that there that was truly moving and inspiring and honestly I'm truly grateful as a student and I know for a certain the students that were um thatffect sorry the student that um the incident affected um are truly grateful. So thank you Dr. Strickland for that. Well, um my
124side of this as also as a student trustee, uh with that being said, my duty are to ensure that all fellow students voices are heard and are dealt with and the issue and when issues arises, I'm just supposed to say that and it's my job when that happens to be on the ground helping and gathering information. Um students who are affected by the fire should be our main priority. I tried to look at this from a psychological standpoint, but I could never imagine a trauma that students must feel. So, I feel like there should be more counseling there, which I'll leave it up to the board. Um some students actually well actually more like some people after having a traumatic event especially after losing so much and uh pretending nothing happened is extremely wrong and
125act literally unhealthy and academically I I will keep this short and put uh any comments and to a next board meeting but this was my question for the board basically. what is the students uh what is the school district doing to ensure that this incident will not affect the students educational load and that's where I'll leave it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Very very thoughtful comments. >> Dr. Stricklin, would you like to >> uh Great question. Student trustee Aduro. Um, we've had to do quite a few things. We've had to uh ensure that all of the students got a new laptop. Some students lost their devices in the homes. Um, so the older students were issued new uh Chromebooks. The younger students were issued new iPads. Uh, we provided additional uh sort of
126trauma illness and grief individuals at our main site which was Lincoln. Uh, a lot of the students, the majority of the students that were affected were at Lincoln School. Uh, the principal, I also want to give her a shout out, Mrs. Jones, uh, just came down and has, you know, she was in communication with me every step of the way on Saturday or Sunday, just telling me the things that she would need. She was talking to members of the the executive cabinet and uh we were just like literally bopping heads as things popped up uh to make sure that the students got what they need. Um I started uh you know the city and myself we were appealing for student clothes so that they could go to school. Um I encouraged I actually talked to
127all of the families about three times. one at the Dole Center. Um that was the the heat of the devastation and um and twice at uh homes. I told them all to make sure they send their children to school because that's where the continuity would be if they are dealing if they are going to school. That's where our resources are. We have school counselors there. We have social workers. We have psychologists. Um, and you know, so that's what's happening. We have individual trustees and members of uh my staff that are uh transporting students to school, you know, uh just to make sure they make it. Um, as you heard many of the students, uh, I made some slick comments yesterday saying, "Yeah, you should go to school tomorrow." And um it was it was great
128to hear uh Trusty Peterson state that those those babies are ready to go and they were excited to be there. Um and the high schoolers too. Um but we are also setting up specific rooms. So there's there's homework rooms. There's rooms for kids the the kids to watch TV. um to do art, to play games, to be normal as possible. Um I walked in yesterday, kid was shooting hoops in in front of the the the little cops and I couldn't even get mad because I'm like, at least they they're they're not, you know, in a bad situation. So other than that, um we're doing a lot our part for our students. Um, and you know, that's obviously my number one most important piece. But, uh, they are hopefully getting their needs met and and that's
129all. >> Thank you. There's nothing else. We can move on to item 7.1, new business. >> No, I'm sorry. >> 6.1. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I talked so much. I almost forgot you, Dr. Wilkins. Uh, 6.1. Accept the state monitors report. Um, >> may we entertain a motion? >> Second. >> Any questions? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Abstain. >> Motion carries. >> Accepted. Thank you. And we will now move on to new business. I know we have one item at least on the table. We will address that one first. >> U. Do you want to do the the motion to ratify the actions of uh Dr. Strickland? Um before that shouldn't take long after. >> Uh we're gonna we can do it. >> You want to do it after? >> We
130can do it after because I know we have this one pending. So that was >> Let's do yours first. >> Thank you, Madame President. Uh I move that the board of education adopt the resolution titled Protection of School Tax Revenues from abatement as previously distributed to the members of this board. And with your permission, I'd like to read the resolution into the public record. Please do >> resolution protection of school tax revenues from abatement. Whereas the Mount Vernon City School District depends heavily on local property tax revenues to fund its educational programs, facilities, and staff. And whereas the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency has periodically granted long-term tax abatements, particularly to housing developments under payment in lie of taxes, pilot agreements, which divert or reduce school tax revenues that would otherwise support the Mount Vernon
131City School District. And whereas these tax abatements can significantly affect the district's financial stability, its ability to maintain programs, and the educational opportunities afforded to Mount Vernon students. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the Mount Vernon City School District affirms that only a dulyeleed school board should have the authority to abate school tax revenues. that the Mount Vernon City School District must retain full and exclusive control over its own tax base and that the district share of local property taxes must be protected from abatement by the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency or any other entity. Be it further resolved that the board directs the superintendent or his designate to transmit this resolution to the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency, the Mount Vernon City Council, and the New York State Legislature
132for their consideration. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, I would like to entertain a motion to consider uh >> like entertain a motion. >> A second. A second. >> I need a motion. Motion. >> Okay. Second Trusty Mcdana discussion. >> Um, may I begin as the one who introduced the resolution? >> Yes, please. >> Thank you. Um, in October of 2025, the good government advocacy group reinvent Albany in collaboration with students in the state policy advocacy clinic at the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University issued a new report titled Policy Crossroads Reconsidering IDA Housing Tax Breaks in New York. I'd like to just read a couple of brief quotes that were made in response to that report. The first quote, "It is of grave concern to us that school districts are forced to give
133away tax dollars intended for them to subsidize economically ineffective and ethically challenged industrial development agencies. In the meantime, school district school districts have to tax home and business property owners at higher rates to make up for the shortfalls because of IDAS. In a state which has the highest property taxes in the country, we need to be reversing this regressive tax system which particularly impacts small businesses and low and moderate income homeowners. That quote was from Reverend Peter Cook, the executive director of the New York State Council of Churches. And a second quote, "Every community deserves both affordable housing and well-funded public schools, not one at the expense of the other. It's long past time to reign in IDAs, ensure transparency, and protect the school funding that belongs to our classrooms, not in corporate subsidies. That
134quote is from Melinda Pson, the president of the New York State United Teachers, the union that represents our teachers. Madame President, adoption of this resolution will signal the board's unified stance to sta safe safeguard school tax revenues. It will strengthen our position in discussions with the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency and other governmental agencies that would contemplate abating school taxes. And it will provide a formal basis for communicating our position to the Mount Vernon City Council, the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency, and the New York State Legislature. Madame President, this resolution doesn't attack any specific development project. It simply establishes a principle that no outside agency should have the authority to give away school tax dollars without the formal consent of this elected schoolboard body. Thank you. >> Thank you. Do we have anyone that
135would like to speak in opposition of the motion? >> Trusty Peterson. >> Thank you, President Marble. Um, and I am all for this. However, like I mentioned previously to Trusty Mcdana, we have to propose legislation. We have to almost do like a like a us two type of thing where like in the state of New Jersey, that's what they did. Districts got together and they were able to change some their pilot laws. So, we have to propose legislation. Us having this resolution that's saying Westchester County can say the same thing. Oh, we don't want our taxes debated either without our say. So we have to propose legislation, solid legislation to go to the state, go up there, present this so we can make it solid. Anyone for Vice President Mitchell? >> So Trusted McDunnana, thank
136you for bringing this uh this new business. We've listened to countless presentations on the um how pilots have been destroying our school district for several years before you came on and you took the helm of the IDA committee our committee. So you provided more light, but it's very simple. You can go on Google and just look up the negative impact of New York IDAs on schools. And to recap, reduce funding, higher taxes for residents, flawed tax cap formula, and perverse incentives. Um, you look at the fact that this has played a part in why we had gentlemen speak to why teachers feel unappreciated. IDA's and these pilots impact on school district dollars has played a role in how why we're where we are now where we can't just tell our bread and butter which is
137our teachers show them here's appreciation. It's part of the formula. It's not just all the other things that we have been shown over the past year and change about fiscal disarray. It also has a great deal to do with this. So, but I will not deny that we should definitely do it right. So, I hear what Trusty Peterson is saying and I think that legal I believe legal should be the the main uh conjuncture here that tells us how do we move? How can we move right now? What goes next? I think it would be best to hear to our president Mar your ideas. >> Okay. Um do we have anyone that opposes? Anyone else on on the opposing side? Okay. Um I do want to clarify a couple of things and then I'll um
138recognize Trusty Mcdana. This is a proposal to support um how the impact that IDAs the negative impact that IDAs have on public schools. There is a vehicle through NISBA where we actually have an advocacy group where we can present this particular this particular motion if we support it as a board. Once we support it or vote or decide to support it or not as a board if we decide to support it, we present it to the NISSBA advocacy group. They would we would also we could also ask other school districts to join us in that process. It doesn't have to go through legislation. What it does is it provides us an opportunity to have others advocate and have the arm um membership arm who actually has um um legislative tentacles so to speak that will
139actually help to they lobby for us. So that would be the vehicle or the way that they would actually assist us in trying to get this through legislation because what happens with legislation is it gets backlogged and it gets sitting on someone's desk. it become and and it never goes anywhere. So this is actually I believe um a vehicle that would actually help to move the agenda along in a a process that would minimize the impact if we can get other people to join us. But we as a board have to agree that it's something that's necessary. Um Trusty McDonald, >> yeah, that that was very well put and I Trusty Peterson, I I do agree. I think there is a a long-term a legislative solution. I think this is one uh initial step in
140that direction. This is this binds us together to a principle uh that we should be uh in control of our own tax base and trusty Mr. Just to put a little context on this. I know I presented a lot of numbers to you guys in the past, but I did a little bit of work just to get something real tight for tonight. So from 2020 to 2024, okay, I used the IDA's audited financial statements to pull this data. Okay, I tracked 20 projects that received these payment in le of taxes agreements. Had those 20 projects paid their full school taxes over that period of time, they would have paid us $19.67 million. Okay? Instead, they made pilot payments to us in the amount of $5.8 million. That means we for we had to go forego
141$13.85 million in taxes just from 2020 to 2024. that is very very significant to to our tax coffers. We should be in control of deciding that no other body should. So that's this is a this is a first step. I think that that's all. So thank you. >> Any other trusty Peterson >> to uh to to um piggyback off of what Trusty McDonald said. I also was doing research and I was astounded that Mount Vernon has so many pilots with with with residential developing built like I've they have a and abnormally um you know it it's it is usually pilots should be with big businesses that come in that you that we will have business from and that can create income and things like that and jobs to the community and Mount Vernon has it
142with all these housing and it is it's so that has set us back so much and I don't I I don't think really and it wasn't until I really sat down went through the numbers and I was digging and I was like this is insane and how it has contributed to the decline of our school district. So let's go first step. >> Okay, >> let's go. >> Any any other questions? Are we ready to call for the vote? All those in favor? >> I >> oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. Uh second item of new business. I'd like to entertain a motion to number one to ratify the decision of the superintendent to offer Leadership Academy, not Leadership, I'm sorry, Honor Academy aka Home School um in support of the devastating fire that occurred on
143Sunday with the understanding that we will meet with Mount Vernon City Municipality to determine what um sharing of finances may need to occur so that the district is not saddled or burdened um with um inordinately. So, I'd like to ask for a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Uh discussion. >> Call for the vote. Those in favor? >> I >> oppose. Abstain. >> Motion carries. Thank you. Do we have any committee reports? Trusty Brown. Okay. Uh so let's let's move forward with the agenda. We have um a consent trustee Peterson. Um, as far as for the um, parent engagement, we on two December 3rd, the PTA council will be having a conversation with the state monitor at Graham School. >> Isn't it Wednesday, December 3rd? >> Check that date. >> I'm checking right now. >>
144It's the third. It's the third. Yes. Okay. Okay. All right. So on Wednesday, December 3rd, um the PTA Council will be hosting a parent conversation with our state monitor, Dr. Kimberly Young Wilkins, at Graham School. Um the time will be 6:00 p.m. to 700 p.m. at Graham School. So that's Wednesday, December 3rd. Parents, come on out if you weren't able to. We definitely by those numbers that Dr. Strickland mentioned the 5200 views and the 2900 shows us that the parents may not have been right in this room with us that night that you gave that presentation, but they definitely were watching. So, um, parents, come on out Wednesday, December 3rd at Graham School from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. so you can have a a good conversation and chat with our state monitor, Dr. Wilkins. Thank
145you. All right, Vice President Mitchell, you have something to share. >> I'm going to be fast if I can without the feedback. All right, so um >> my dinner is waiting. >> Mine too. So So um calling shouting out the parent resource center at Graham. Visit it. Go check it out. It's amazing what they did in that small space. Thanks to everybody involved from the cabinet level on down and of course I'm always a huge advocate of our parent leaison who are very much very appreciated and very valuable. Um I was at the fall festival at Graham school. Amazing. They had this bubble machine that was I thought it was smoke. The bubbles were nonstop. I never seen a bubble machine that put out that much bubbles in my life. I thought I was going
146to see the make. I was going I thought I was going out of here. But it was really a great event and a huge turnout. Um, I went to the uh sound and music of uh of Buenav Vista production at Denzel Washington and I literally thought I was I was on Broadway. This was an incredible incredible uhh production. The students, the costumes, the sets, the singing, the dancing was absolutely just high level. There wasn't enough money to pay for a ticket to see these students perform. Um, and thanks of course to uh Miss Thomas at that at the Denzel Washington and everybody that was involved, Mr. Gory uh who's steadily always involved from the music aspect and everything else. Um, and I want to say remind everyone you can the public as well as every
147school building can invite trustees to their events. There's a link on the page underneath board trustees dropdown, one of 3,000 dropdowns. You can go and you can invite trustees to attend any event. And when you click that, it sends an email to all of us so that we can come to the events because we don't always know what's going on and we'd like to show up. This is a present board. This is a show up, come to you, come see you, come see we come. This is that board that's present. So, let's make sure we'd like to show up. Um, and I did go over to the high school uh last Friday just to take a peek at the lunch because you y'all heard me arguing about food, you know, and it's not just because
148I like to eat, but because I want to make sure the babies is eating. Things are looking better. Uh, I'm going to let my fellow trustee uh when she gets to her report eventually for food services, I'll leave it for Trusty Brown when she talk when she presents her report about food services as well. But um it was nice to see that there's an uptick on what the kids are being served. I I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you to uh Miss Jackson and uh to uh to our Sedexo team who are working to try to bring things to a better place. >> Okay. Um two I have um Trusty Brown, you have a comment and then Trustee Scott. >> Um good evening everyone. So I'm going to hold my committee report in essence of time,
149but I just wanted to piggy back on Trusty Mitchell. Um the last board meeting we really didn't get to go over and so there was that fall festival but prior to that um I was at um Graham for their fall family day and I just wanted to shout out Dr. McGregor and I was able to work with um a young man Isaiah Joseph and he was an eighth grader and he was tasked with taking a tally of the sports that the kids liked. And at the end he had to figure out how many each um grouping there was. And as we worked together, he was like, "I can't do this in my head." And I was like, "We're going to do it together." And that young man was able to tally all of those things
150in his head. and he was so proud and I was so proud of him and it moved me and to see that spirit in that building was amazing. But I just wanted to definitely give again a big shout out to Dr. McGregor and that young man Isaiah Joseph. I said to him, I'm going to shout you out. So Isaiah, this is your shout out, my man. You did really good. And I was super proud of you and I promise that I'm going to continue to work with him whenever he wants me to. So Isaiah, you have me. Trusty Brown, I got you. Um, and so I just wanted that to be I promised him and I didn't get to do it the last time. So I just want to say that again. And I also
151went to um, uh, Denzel Washington for their Battle of the Bands and it was amazing. And if you didn't go, you missed a show. And so again, it's I wanted to piggyback on Trusty Mitchell that yes, invite us. We will show up. I brought my daughter and it was a school night and she didn't want to leave and I didn't want her to leave either. and it was amazing. So just invite us. We come. We are present and we are enjoying the things. And so I just want to say thank you. And again Isaiah, this is for you. >> Okay. Trustee Scott. >> Thank you very much. I will also go ahead. >> Just before you go, um I just want to acknowledge um our student trustee. I know it's getting late. If you feel
152as though you need to leave, I just want to make sure that you know that it's okay. All right. Trustee Scott. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um I too will hold my committee report um until next time. I chair the technology committee and I wanted to um share that we did meet we have a huge feat against in front of us but I think that we are prepared to make sure that we accomplish all the um goals and objectives that are set forth. um the very the first meeting was very spirited and well discussed and we know what what we have to do. So I just wanted to share that and thank the members that um attended that meeting and I will report out at the next meeting. >> Thank you. Okay. So we're we're
153going to move on. Right. Uh we have discussed all of these items in our no is it November 14th uh work session. So I'm going to ask for of motion to ex to authorize to accept uh agenda items 9.1 through 13.7. >> Any discussion? All >> in favor? Any oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you. We have some items that were presented after the work session in items 14 through 14.24. I'd like um to know if there are any resolutions. These are standard resolutions for uh HR uh for the most part. If there are any items on here that you'd like to have pulled, please identify it now. 14.19. >> Okay, let's pull 14.19. >> Any other item? >> Well, we're going to pull and then discuss if there's >> So, if you want
154to discuss any item, you'd have to pull it so we can discuss it or if not, we're going to do a general vote. >> 14.11 >> pull it please. Any other item? Okay. Okay. I'd like to entertain a motion to accept items 14.1 through 14.24 with the exception of 14.11 and 14.19. I have a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. We have a discussion. Okay. Let's call let's call for the vote. All in favor? >> Any oppose? >> Abstain. Motion carries. Okay. Wonder why it is not here. Right. >> Right. Okay. So, let's take a look at 14.11, please. >> 14.11. >> Okay. Approval of >> I'd like to entertain a motion for 14.11. Human resources resolution number 134B, classified approval of a provisional appointment. Have a motion, please, to Okay. >> I need a motion
155before we can discuss. >> Okay. >> Do I have a motion? Second. Okay. Discussion. >> Who would like to be recognized? Who >> can remember who? I can't remember. >> Discussions. I think >> Trusty Middleton, you had a you had something you needed to >> kind of quick and I wanted to do 14.11 and 14.17. Okay. We can we can >> we back up a little bit. >> Oh, we'd have to rescend. We'd have to resend that >> the vote and go back. >> Yeah. I just want to make sure I had the right number. >> Okay. So, >> is it 14.11? >> No, it is 14.11 and 14.17. >> Okay. We would have to resent. So, I would need a motion to resend the vote to authorize 14.1 through 14.24 with the exception of
1561411 and 14.19. >> Second. >> Okay. discussion. Okay. Um, call for the vote. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Abstain. >> Motion carries. Okay. >> To resend. >> Okay. So, let's go back. I'd like to entertain a motion to accept resolutions 14.19. I'm sorry, 14.1 through 14.24 24 with the exceptions of 14.11, 14.17, and 14.19. >> Second >> discussion. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Who was first on that one? >> Okay, Chris. >> Morning, Chris. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. >> Okay. So 14.11 is a resolution for human resources resolution not number 134B classified approval of a provisional appointment your question you have a question >> my concern with that or my question is >> oh no you have to I'm sorry I'm sorry we
157have to I need a motion did we do >> okay but anyway my question >> hold on a second do we got to do a motion before we can discuss sorry about that >> I'm sorry it's getting late >> I know >> motion >> okay second >> motion Motion >> motion second. >> Who second it? >> Zakai. Okay. So, >> so it was >> discussion. >> Okay. So my question is um in terms of that provisional payroll position, was it did it go through civil service and is there a list that may be in the making and we didn't go through civil service to see if there was real qualifications there for that particular individual. >> So I believe Dr. Strickland has background on that. So I'll let him answer. >> Yep. So, um, and
158also my state monitor, our state monitor could, uh, attest to a meeting that was had. Um, we, uh, did in fact, there is no list. There's no people on the payroll clerk list. Therefore, we are allowed to hire someone provisionally. As a result, what's going to happen is soon as that test comes up, this individual has to take the test and has to pass >> in order to maintain that job >> or, you know, we would have to then start canvasing the list of the people that are there. So, we actually do have it in writing. We have uh the list of resumes that was sent to civil service. Um I made sure that um uh our associate superintendent verified and uh that's why it remained on the um on the tab. >> Okay. So
159I just wanted to know if all of that did take place. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Okay. >> Always do things the right way. I promise. >> Civil service cuz we them past practices. >> No, trust trust me. and and that's why I was very I'm actually even more happy that our state monitor was there >> and could verify. >> Any other questions, discussion? >> Okay. >> Uh call for the vote. >> Those in favor? >> All in favor? Okay. Any oppose? >> Abstain. Okay. Motion carries. Okay. Wanda White. So let's >> Okay. So let's move to 14.19. No, 41. 14.17. I'm looking at 14.17. Calling 14.19. Authorize an employment agreement with Laura McCoy as an executive director of strategic development. Motion. >> Motion. >> Okay. Question. So my question is who is she? Did
160I miss something or was there a vote? Was there an introduction? Was there a Cuz I just don't know who she is as a board member. Um was she introduced to us? Um or was she already here and I just don't know who she is or what did I miss? Cuz I could have missed some things. >> So, you know, I'll let Dr. Strickland respond. >> Yeah. Just um I've been given uh updates uh all along about the fact that we um have issues with grants and guess what? This report tells us that this individual uh is someone uh that is extremely qualified to move the district forward with uh getting grants for the district, organizing our portfolios by school, and it's uh paid for by title funds. Um I will say that uh the
161individual has come down for the paperwork. They went through a three-prongong interview process as um I've that's how I've designed it and uh the individual will be um able to meet um in you know future board meetings. >> Okay. So we just got a name as per what you just said and basically we're just going to vote on it. >> Well and you also have the resume and and the board docs as well. Executive but I I just >> I don't know. I think um I'm just that person or board member that when there's no introduction or when I when we don't know who is coming and what the contract is or who they are and you know and then kind of surprise and say hey this is who they are now so you vote
162on it >> you know I just I don't know I just sometimes have a problem with that that's all I do >> um so um The superintendent hires the staff. The board hires the superintendent and the clerk. And let me dare say that I don't think that we want to be part of the hiring process, >> right? I'm just saying I'm just this is just my my comment >> umcess of courtesy >> because what it Maybe Sunday or Monday. >> Talk to the mic. >> Talking to the mic. >> Okay. >> Did you hear me? Oh, you didn't in the community. >> We matter of record. >> Okay. So, I'm just saying I think it's a matter of courtesy, you know, to know before now who it is that is coming in. um recognize the
163name cuz when I look at names and there's no, you know, real recognition because we haven't been um introduced or even had a conversation or not unless y'all had a conversation and we didn't know. I didn't know as a board member and then just to be able to get it Friday, Saturday or Sunday, Monday and on Tuesday say, "Hey, this is the backup. This is who it is for whatever it And I'm not against that, but I'm just saying that, you know, I just don't know who people are until they get here and then we got to vote on it. >> Okay. So, I guess um I'm going to I'm going to ask our in-house council to address it, but I I just want clarity because I I guess I want to be able to
164understand what the question that you're asking. So, the question that you're asking is that when the superintendent presents someone to be hired, you're asking to meet that person before the resolution. Is that what you're asking? because I I just need to be clear. >> No. >> Okay. So, >> just back up. Okay. Okay. >> Trying to be good about >> what I really don't want to say. >> Okay. >> And that is that from the inception of coming in here in July, I think it was July maybe. And it was it's an emergency and we need this person. Let's do it tonight. Not even knowing who they are, not even seeing a resume. And still I haven't seen one to date and I'm just being good right now. Okay. So my point is is if
165we continue to walk that road, then we continue to vote on who we don't know and we will get to know. So I just I me I have a problem with that. I do. >> Okay. So I guess I'm not aware. I don't remember. Um >> you want me to remind you right now? >> Well, I don't know. Can >> No, I'm not going to do that. >> Okay. All right. >> But I'm just I don't want it to be an emergency or we got to have this. So it's not an emergency. >> No, hold on. I'm just giving you an example. And then we do it not and then to say, "Hey, we don't want to do what happened in past practices." So we're not going to make that, right? And I think I
166told you that when we did that the first time and you said, "Well, it's only going to be this time and we don't going to do it this time, right?" And then we come back and we did it again and then we do it again. >> So it has it's not personal, Dr. Strickland, and ain't nothing against what you want. And I'm not saying that we don't need a strategic development person and none of that. But I think that as a board, I don't need to sit here on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, whatever day I read these docs and say, "Wow, who is that?" That's my point. >> And so I just think cuz I know I don't think it's been it wasn't like that before if I can remember correctly. Yes and no. >> But
167I'm just saying if I can remember sometimes familiar with that. >> Yes and no. And then with times it was like that. And I think I mentioned to you, we don't want to walk backwards. >> That's true. >> First time that it came across this floor. >> So, I'm just being good about not really trying to be uh detailed. >> Well, we can talk offline because it is a personnel matter. We could talk offline. Remind me. >> So, board me. >> Remind me, please. Uh board. >> Um, no. I I I completely understand where Trusty Middleton is coming from. And this that salary is a it's a very large salary. And usually with a salary of that size, you usually have a depth of experience in that field. And I personally don't I don't you
168know I I don't agree with this either. So that's >> okay. So, um, in-house council, would you like to address some of these concerns? Because >> Well, in reference to voting on the matter, each trustee can vote the way they deem necessary. So, that's not taken from them. But it's from a procedural perspective. Unless a step was skipped. Um, usually what happens is people are interviewed. You have the finalist. The finalist is presented to the board. The board at that time has all the time to ask any questions. Why does this person the finalist looking at the person resume or they can just adopt what the superintendent has said as the finalist and then what happens? A vote occurs on that. Now, unless a step was skipped, you're only going to get a piece of
169paper and the recommendation of the superintendent based upon the compact committee. There's not going to be a time where someone comes in and sits down and meets the board when the board hasn't voted whether this person has a job or not. then the person is not going to come here and sit here and then the board decides all right uh it's a five4 vote you don't get the job that's never going to happen so you're never really going to be introduced to that person at this level when we use a when we use a a search firm something of that nature like we did with the superintendent then you have that board involvement so it should not be rushed I understand what Trusty Middleton is saying. I've been here where it has been rushed. So,
170I do understand that, but I don't see that in this case. So, it will be a time. It will always wind up like this. You'll get the resume. You'll have it for a period of time. You'll go through the working session and then it'll be time to vote at some point or another. >> Okay. Okay. I do see because we did not discuss it in the work session. We're bringing it now. I I got it. Thank you. It's just a long it it it wasn't part of the work session is what you're saying. I guess that's what you're saying. >> But okay, I I got >> I'mma leave it alone. >> I got I mean I maybe I don't have it. >> We all grown in adults. So if you don't get it, you ain't
171got it. >> So we can call for the vote. >> I have one more question. Oh, I'm sorry. >> Just one question. This title um did we know that this was this title was going to be introduced? Is this a new title in our district? >> So, this person is is going to be responsible for the grants and the managing of grants in the district. It's through title funds. Um, and it's it's absent of the union. Um the name had to be chosen carefully because of the fact that um we need to make sure we don't um interfere with MVAG. >> Okay. >> Can I So, okay. I'm I'm sorry. So, Trusty Peterson, Trusty Middlesson, you have another um comment. Let Trusty Peterson. >> I was Oh, I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. I was just
172be I'm because that like I it goes back to the pay scale. The pay scale to me is for someone who has extensive experience in grant writing and from what I'm seeing I don't feel comfortable with a salary that large for this position with that amount of experience. Okay, >> Trusty Middleton, >> don't get me wrong because we have needs >> and I'm just saying I think there's proper protocol and a process that we need to take that at times we didn't take and that we need to not be surprised. You know what I'm saying? And so for me, I'd like to know it before I'm reading it tonight or yesterday or the day before. So, >> Dr. Strickland, would you like to address >> I just um I I just I do want to
173share like every week I provide you all a letter and I've been given updates on this position in particular um a position which our auditors have now deemed a area of high need um and we need a great deal of management. I am extremely familiar of what this individual is capable of and has done remarkable work um in the past. And not only that, um, because of their work, that's why I was able to leave a district with a fund balance of $285 million because of the amount of work that was done in acquiring and managing grants by the state, by the federal government. And you know, I I can't go deeper cuz it becomes personnel, but uh again, you guys got to trust me. You got to trust me. And I I this I'm
174just I'm just again again um it is a high need >> that that's how I have to leave it. And I don't know if the state monitor wants to chime in. I mean I don't or okay >> but doc just know that what you just said none of that is the problem. Okay but the point that I'm trying to make is what I already said. I can't say it enough. It's just knowing who you know I don't want to read about somebody not know who they are. They can be the best person on the planet earth but I'm just saying and really good for our district. It's just that I don't know. It's like somebody coming to your house and you you let them in and you like, "Who is this? Why are you in
175my house? Who are you?" Same thing. Yeah, >> Dr. Wilkins, you >> be really brief. It sounds like it's about communication more so than anything else. >> Maybe >> even I I understand, but it sounds like it's communication. And also, this position is really needed. You had to change the name for obvious reasons, but y'all need the grant writer and the grant controller or director, whatever you want to call her because you're missing money at this point. Her salary will be probably paid over five times over within the first year just with the grant. So, she's going to be able to come in. So, it becomes really important. The same thing with the Medicaid. Once you get a Medicaid person coming in, because y'all need a Medicaid director, whatever you want to call him or
176her, they will make the money handsfold within the first year. So certain things you're going to have to bring in. They're they're going to be money makers. I hate to say it like that. They really will be money makers, but it's really about the communication and how y'all get the information and the time frame that you have the information. I'm just listening. That's what it seems to be. >> Okay. >> And I'm I thank you, President. I completely understand what you're saying, Dr. Wilkins. But when we have teachers who don't have a contract and don't have, you know, that's this this even Yes, it's coming from title one funds. It is that is the salary is it's too it's too high for me. >> I hear what you're saying >> that they can make bring
177in millions. But >> but the issue also comes down to we have to get a balanced budget. We got to go back to our fiscal CFO and get to the bottom line when it comes to negotiations. And again, I don't think there's one person in this room that that doesn't agree with you about the teaching staff. Your teaching staff is outstanding. And I said to you before, your glasses half full because of your teaching staff, not your fiscal decisions. Your teaching staff has held the standard. They have held the standard. And you um most districts that have a monitor have receivership schools. Y'all don't have any of that. Your graduation rate is good considering where your fiscal situation is. So no one I think in this room is going to ever argue about the quality
178of the teaching that's going on. So you guys have it going on at this point. Now we have to figure out the fiscal part of it so that you can honor what you're doing with your teachers and your support staff. >> Your fiscal is messy. Let's just call it what it is. I inter I took your internal audit and put it inside my report. I want to now take the new one and put it inside there as well. And your external audit and everything else I included embedded it in there so there's no new surprises. But you've got to clean up the fiscal piece so we can get to the teachers. >> They they they need this. Your support staff needs this, but you got to clean this mess up. >> You got to do
179it quickly, too. You have like six months. So, >> okay. All right. Call for the vote. All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Abstain. >> Abain. >> Um, abstain. Motion carries. >> Thank you. Thank you. 14.19. Authorization for the rejection of bid for snow removal from bid number 2020 snow 2025/26-04 snow removal services. >> Motion. Calling for a motion. >> Motion, please. >> Motion. >> Okay. >> May I have a second? >> Moved and properly seconded. Any questions? >> Question. Um I my question on this particular one is I thought when we handled I mean hired the landscaping was that part of the snow removal and if not is it somebody answer can anybody answer that? >> So >> because this was res and then why was this rescended? Okay, that's it. >> So,
180it was actually uh rescended because uh I'm sorry. >> No, go ahead. Cuz I don't >> Oh, it it was rescended because we don't need we did not need the level of service that we were asking for. Um, and we are then now going back to the table to determine what actually we can't do and what we can do to make sure when we put it before you, we have the right bid um, you know, for whatever we may need or may not need. You know, >> was this part of a landscape or no? >> That I can't answer. But what I will do is I will look it up and get that information. >> Okay. Thank you. It is my understanding that it was that it was always separate. It wasn't part, but I
181can go back to that. And once again, once the bid was out of whack in reference to what we need, then we, you know, it's rejected. >> Thank you, >> Trustee Brown. >> In regards to this bid, is it going to be a competitively bid? >> Yes. Um, that's why we went for RFP. So the thing is like unfortunately I think we had one come in >> and again we uh there's certain things that our custodial staff can do and there's certain things that they cannot. Um so they would handle the things that they cannot. uh but we have to redo the RFP and uh then we bring to you you know whatever the best offer is uh or the most polite I mean excuse me who can provide the best service for the district
182at the best cost the most efficient cost >> okay call for the vote >> all in favor >> any oppose abstain Motion carries. >> Okay. Um on your agenda it says 15 executive session. We are not going to vote on an executive session. So uh Rita will change it. Um our district clerk James will change the 15 section to adjournment. So we're going to vote on 15.1 which is reumbering to um a motion to adjourn the meeting. May I have a motion? >> Second. >> Question, discussion. >> Okay. >> Objection. >> All in favor? >> Any oppose? Any abstain? We are now adjourned. Have a great holiday everyone.