001[music] Good evening everyone. We are calling to order the business meeting for Mount Vernon City School District. Today is October the 28th. Please stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> District clerk James, may we have a roll call, please? Trusty Brown, >> present. >> Trusty Kelly. Trusty Mcdana, >> present. >> Trusty Middleton. >> Trusty Peterson, >> present. Trustee Scott >> present. >> Trusty White, >> VP Mitchell >> present. >> And President Marabel >> present. >> Okay, we have a quorum. >> May I I would like to entertain a motion to enter into executive session. Can I have a motion, please, to enter executive session for the
002purpose of discussing pending litigation, the financial history of a particular person or corporation or matters leading to the appointment, employment, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular personal corporation and to receive legal advice on pending matter. Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded that we will enter into executive session. >> All in favor? I >> Okay. Any oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. >> We are now in executive session. We will be returning at 6:30 p.m. Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. >> We Good evening everyone. I would like to entertain a motion to return from executive session. I'm sorry. >> I carries. >> Okay. I would also like to recognize that we have a trustee Kelly, trustee Middleton in person in attendance as long
003along with our ex official member Trusty Odoro. We also have uh Trusty White who's joining us virtually, so they will be counted tonight. Thank you. [snorts] Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We are about to convene into the 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 members about their concerns and issues. 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 future meeting or have the proper staff member get back to you at the appropriate time. This is because
004we take our con 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. We anticipate this document to be available by November the 15th. 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. We ask that
005speakers 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, I know it will not happen here. 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 do 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 to our district clerk Rita James at RJ RJames mtveroncsd.org or our superintendent Dr. Strickland at dstrickland mtveroncsd.org. Each individual speaker will be allotted 3 minutes. If you do not use your allotted time, it will be forfeited and is not eligible to be yielded
006to another speaker. The individual time limits will be enforced so that as many members of the public who wish to speak may be allowed to do so. We thank you for your cooperation. The board will now entertain public comments. Clerk James, please announce our first speaker, >> Mark Stucky. >> Good afternoon. Good evening. My name is Mark Stucky. I am the whistleblower. At the last meeting, um, I talked about the service that we had opening up the school district for the very first time. And there's two people that I forgot to leave out. One was Miss White, Dr. White Wallace, who put that program together, the convocation on the great job that she did. and you know, people like that need to be honored and recognized on what's going on here in the city of
007Mount Vernon and how things are put together. So to this evening, I'd like to recognize her on her service that she did. And also, I'd like to recognize also the clerk of the board because she winds up doing a lot for this district. Miss James, thank you very much. I know you wasn't expecting that. You know, I can pull a rabbit out of a hat. [snorts] Also, at the last meeting, superintendent, you was beat up. You was blindsided. I wind up talking about the left hand and the right hand no sooner than I wind up saying what I had to say. Your left hand wind up coming on top of you. One of stats. The same person who beat beat you up was one of those who wind up voting on closing up three schools.
008didn't ask no questions on stats on how our school our our graduation rate is going, but want to come after you after you just got into a seat and you pulling different things together trying to help this district. Don't lose focus. The enemy is there. We'll do anything and everything to try to destroy you, to hurt you. Do not lose focus. You could have 20 things on your list. Please do not le lose focus. Also, the last thing I'd like to talk about is one of our fallen, Don Marl. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Military man and a man who served this district. The remaining of my time, I want to give to him in silence. Thank you, Mrs. Stucky. Um I would also like to add that today the board goes pink because we
009are also um recognizing the tragedy that that comes along with uh breast cancer. This is breast cancer recognition month but not just breast cancer but all cancer cuz we know that it has ravaged many a family. So we just wanted to we're standing in and um we're standing with you tonight. So, we just wanted to say that. And yes, we would like to honor those fallen individuals throughout our district, not just um Security Guard Monroe, but our retired security guard Monroe, but all those members that we have lost and retired members that we have lost in the district over the past uh month. So, thank you. At this time, >> it for public comment. >> Okay. Thank you. I would like to entertain a motion to accept the minutes for September 30th, 2025 in work
010session October 14th, 2025. >> Have a motion. >> Second. >> It has been moved and seconded that we accept the minutes from September 30th to and October 14th. >> All in favor? >> Any oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. >> Okay. >> We come to a very very special part of our um school district where we recognize those individuals that have provided service to our children um service to our district, service to our community. And we are going to honor you tonight on with your tenure status. You have completed the journey, the initial journey. That's right. [applause] Deserve a round of applause. >> [applause] >> And though some of the stress can be relieved from you because you know you are no longer probationary, you are now tenured, that does not mean that the work stops, right?
011We know that this is really where the work truly truly truly begins. And we just thank you for sticking with us, staying with us in the district and getting to this milestone for you. And I'd like to turn it over to Dr. Strickland at this point. Yeah. >> Good evening everyone. Um, we didn't want to carve out this. Oh gosh. Sorry. >> Oh boy. Okay. >> Okay. [snorts] Thanks. >> Okay. As President Dr. Marbles said, we want to thank you for your commitment to our district, our students, our community. This is a special time for you. And if you can please come up as your name is called. We'll start with administrators first. >> Mary Beth Rhodess. [applause] [cheering] >> [applause] [applause] >> Principal Severe Cornelius. [cheering] [applause] >> [applause] >> Mr. >> He's a
012um he's a teacher. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Mr. Michael Allen. >> Not not here. [applause] >> Marshelle Blackman. >> [applause] [applause] >> Kesha Essen [applause] Ashley Jackson [applause] I actually don't Anthony Pulio >> [applause] >> Claudette senior. [applause] Now we're going to rec I'm sorry that was from uh Benjamin Turner Academy. Now we are going to recognize individuals from Grimes. Um Katherine Sbert [applause] If the principles of the school are here, come join your staff member, please. [applause] Melody Tilson. [applause] >> Now we will honor the individuals from Hamilton. [applause] Ebony Aang Pan Rogers. [cheering] [applause] Come up. [cheering] [applause] >> Congratulations. I have >> Monsia Allen. [applause] >> All right. >> And Tiarara Goodear, [applause] who's not here tonight. Welcome. >> We have two individuals from Lincoln School that could not make it.
013First is Marilyn Arisari [applause] and we have Dwayne Miller. [applause] Next, the Mandela School. Carissa Burrell. [applause] KATHERINE MURTHA [applause] from Mount Vernon High School. Sam Shams. [applause] >> [applause] >> from the Mount Vernon Steam Academy. Folly Marie Caldwell [applause] >> Kristen Shyella. [applause] >> Oh, yeah. Oh, she got two areas, two tenure areas, I guess. [applause] >> Roger Dehi, [applause] sir. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much, >> Peter Pier. >> [applause] >> Anna Rodriguez, [applause] Christopher Walker. [applause] Okay, now we will get to the Pennington School. >> Bianca Gentile. [applause] [applause] Congratulations. >> I was taking a picture. Taking a picture. >> Oh, [laughter] she's not here. >> Sorry. >> Oh, okay. Sorry. Uh Tacia Hilton, who's not with us this evening, but [applause] Teresa Joseph [applause] Sarah >> Sarah Mcname. [applause] >>
014Okay. Just wait. Yeah. Okay. What is >> Okay. Rebecca Turner. >> Raphaela. Mafi. [applause] >> [applause] >> Andrea Morano. Andrea >> Traphagen. Miss Dixon, please. Claudia Carmona. [applause and cheering] [applause] >> Congratulations. You're welcome. >> I'll move out the way. Brena Laid. >> YES. [applause] [cheering] COACH, >> CONGRATULATIONS. You're welcome. Of course. >> Jennifer Spencer. [applause] >> Congratulations. Oh, you don't want You don't care about my Now we have Williams. >> Quamisha artist. [applause] >> Okay. >> ELIZABETH BERGOS [cheering] [cheering] [applause] TEACHER. >> You're welcome. Love it. >> Sorry. Sorry. [applause] >> Yep. We have Katherine Olsen who's not with us this evening. [applause] That's Are we sure? >> All right. Well, uh, thank you. That that concludes the tenure uh presentation. Congratulations to you all. [applause] Thank you. >> Now they gone. >> Again,
015congratulations to each and every one of you for your milestone accomplishment. and we wish you well. >> Be good. >> Um, last. >> Yeah. >> We will now prepare for a presentation from our external auditor. >> La the last meeting before last. >> I missed after the 30th. >> Yeah. >> One was a work session and the other one was meeting last came in here. When did Dr. >> Dr. [clears throat] Everybody's new to me. >> Now I'm just I read I read >> I'd like to ask Dr. Strickland if he would please um introduce the external auditor. >> Yes. Um so as part of our duties of a school district, >> we could just close those doors. Yeah. Yeah. >> May we have someone close the rear doors, please? Just so we can keep
016the noise down. Thank you. [clears throat] >> I am actually going to introduce our assistant superintendent of business uh who will introduce our external auditor. Do you have microphone? a little >> Strickland. Thank you for the opportunity here to um uh present to you the the external auditor for the district that every year that the district is required to have its um financials um audited. And as such in um to comply with this um with this mandate, we have the uh external auditor Douglas um Zimmerman who is a certified public accountant and an engagement partner with the EFPR group. CPA. So Dr. um Mr. Zimmerman, please present the uh the external auditor to the public to the board. >> Great. Thank you very much everyone. Uh it's a pleasure to be here this evening. Again,
017I'm Doug Zimmerman, partner with EFPR Group and and as Dr. Joseph has mentioned, uh I'm here to review the results of the audit for the year ended June 30th of 2025. I did have an opportunity to review some of the information in detail uh with the board. Uh but I'll go over some of the highlights. Um uh just so everyone's aware whenever we uh prepare an audit um we uh produce a uh an audit plan uh based on a risk assessment that we do uh based on the history with the district and the the known facts and circumstances and uh I am happy to report back that uh nothing that we uncovered during the course of our engagement caused us to deviate from that audit plan. Uh as part of the audit, we do perform
018a test of the internal controls of the district uh reviewing their effectiveness as a base to rely upon those for the conduct of the audit. Uh and again, based on those results, we uh prepare detailed audit plans and programs for the various functional areas of the district. And again, we are able to go through all of that information and uh be able to present the results to the district. This evening, uh we are issuing what's called an unmodified or a clean opinion. There are no exceptions noted in the preparation of the underlying accounting records after adjustments that deviated from general accounting principles. Uh we'll also be issuing the same type of unmodified or clean opinion on the district's ex extra classroom activity funds. Um all the information all the records that we requested were freely
019made available uh by the district's personnel. Uh there was one item of note uh in accordance with government auditing standards that we identified a uh control deficiency in internal controls over financial reporting as a material weakness had to do with audit readiness and financial records and that was a similar finding that we had noted in the 2024 audit. Uh we did not identify any uh instances of non-compliance or other matters in accordance with uh government auditing standards that we require to be reported. So again, there were no compliance uh issues. As part of the audit, we also perform an audit, [clears throat] excuse me, we also perform an audit of the district's compliance with federal guidelines. The district receives some $14 million of federally sourced dollars that are received indirectly through New York State. And
020again, there were no material weaknesses, no issues uh of compliance matters with regards to the expenditure of any of those dollars. Uh as part of that audit, we did uh performed an in-depth analysis of the uh two major programs, the child nutrition cluster and the uh title 4 uh student support and academic achievement program. Uh that audit although completed will not be able to be issued uh until the federal government uh ends its shutdown and releases uh the OM compliance supplement for 2025. So uh every school district single audit is currently on hold until that's released. So, we have completed all the test work. Uh, but again, in accordance with our uh rules and regulations, we have to wait for the uh the federal government to uh issue that release. That's everything I wanted to
021cover, but I'd certainly be happy to answer qu any questions anyone has. >> Okay. Do we have any questions? >> I do. Uh, >> no. I'll wait. >> Any questions? Vice President Mitchell. >> So, uh, thank you, uh, Mrs. Zimman for this, uh, presentation and for what you shared with us in detail. Um, I have a question and it's it's a question of course related to the general fund and basically we've we've been talking to the public about how we got here. Can you as easily as possible, as simple as possible, just explain how do we get here from where we were last year in fund balance and where we stand as far as positive and or unfavorable? Just something simple. >> Um, sure. Uh, last year your general fund had a uh uh two
022components. There was a uh restricted fund balance that had $4.2 million. that uh restricted fund balance or your reserves has uh been depleted and it's only at 479,000 this year. So you utilized the majority of your uh reserves over the span of the last year. Uh additionally uh last year you had assigned 6.1 million of uh of general fund fund balance for the 2425 budget year which caused your unassigned fund balance to be in a negative position by almost $5 million. uh that was not repeated for the 2526 budget year. So you do actually have a positive uh unassigned fund balance right now of 2.7 million. Uh New York State has a law in place that doesn't allow districts to go over a 4% unassigned fund balance. Again, you're at 2.7 million. 4% would be
023almost $10.8 million. So you are well below the 4% year level. You're basically at 1% on a on a budget of $272 million. Um but certainly um of concern would be the the small amount of reserves that you have in place. Um at $479 uh,000, you really don't have any reserves in place to uh to fund future uh endeavors. And so that would be the the biggest concern at the present time. But um over between last year and this year, you did have a a deficit uh a structural deficit in your general fund. you had more expenditures than revenue coming in that reduced your fund balance by 3.6 million in the current year. >> So, can you just uh I think you just said 4% is the cap. What is a healthy fund balance for
024a district of our size? >> Well, I mean 4% is what New York State says that you should have as effectively a a rainy day fund outside of reserves that are are really spoken for for various matters. So, uh, the state has, uh, over the years decided that 4%'s a reasonable number. And again, based on your budget of $272 million for next year, that 4% would be 10.8 million. And that's there to effectively uh, cover unanticipated issues that come up over the next year. Uh, you are certainly a long ways from that at only $2.7 million. Uh, but you are in better shape than it was last year when that unassigned fund balance was a deficit of $5 million. >> Got it. So in essence we if you look at the fund balance as a
025savings account we use savings account money to pay operating costs for two years back toback. Correct. >> Yes that is correct. And that's uh why again the reserves are depleted to the extent they are and that the fund balance on the unassigned um is is such a small amount. Yes. >> Which is also why it's impacting our ability fiscally to do certain things that normal school districts would be able to do if they weren't facing our challenges. Correct. >> Absolutely. Typically districts are able to assign some fund balance to the subsequent uh tax year. You're not able to do that because you don't have the fund balance to assign. >> Thank you. >> Do we have any other questions? Do we have any other questions? >> I'll entertain a motion to accept the audit report
026presented tonight. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any oppose? >> Any questions? Trusty White. >> Trusty White, >> you're on. >> Trusty White, you're on mute. >> Okay. All in favor? You're good. All right. >> Okay. >> Any oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. Thank you. >> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. I believe we have something for the jewel box before our superintendent's report or do we have a presentation first? Um I would like number one to acknowledge that our superintendent celebrated a birthday last weekend. Um [applause] so we would like we missed that. So I wanted to make sure that we wished him a happy birthday. Too bad we don't have anyone here to sing. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Happy
027birthday to you. Happy birthday. Happy [singing] birthday. Happy birthday. [applause] >> And anybody else that celebrated birthdays in October. So, thank you. Uh, superintendence report. [laughter] It's so >> He's about to shine a light on it. [laughter] >> Said there's nothing more awkward than sitting there getting sung to, but it was beautiful. Thank you. Uh, great evening, President Marbo, Vice President Mitchell, fellow board trustees, students, staff, and the city of Mount Vernon. Here is my superintendence report for the month of October. Next slide. First, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome our new administration to the district as we've recently filled the positions for assistant superintendent for business and director of student support services and compliance. Our new assistant superintendent for business, Dr. at Joseph brings a plethora of experience in finance and
028psychology making him a very suitable fit for the district. Someone who has been with the district for many years now, Dana Marie Garner has served in many positions, first as a teacher and most recently as the supervisor of special education. These roles have prepared her to take on responsibility of supporting our students and special education department. I know these individuals will bring great things to our district. We are excited to have you here. I am excited to announce that our very own Yavon Wright, assistant principal at Denzel Washington School of the Arts, has earned two honors, top 10 rising assistant principles in the country and citizen of the year by Omega Sci-Fi Fraternity Incorporated. >> [applause] >> These prestigious awards demonstrate Miss Wright's dedication to our students success and her visionary leadership as an educator.
029Congratulations, Miss Wright. The Mount Vernon City School District is immensely proud of your accomplishments. Next slide. Schools throughout the district celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in a variety of ways. To wrap up the month, we hosted a celebration highlighting student excellence on October 15th. Here, award winners were recognized for their efforts in and out of the classroom. Teachers nominated students based off of how they treat others, their attitude in school, and other credentials. Felicia. Next slide. This month I hosted the first superintendent advisory council. The advisory panel consists of students from every school in the district who meet regularly to discuss what they would like to see in their schools. At the first session, students introduced themselves and presented their thoughts to the superintendent and the rest of the administration. The session set an optimistic tone
030for the year. I look forward to collaborating with this group of students this year, aka my bosses. And we have a little um video snippet of uh highlighting that first event. >> It's not the right one. at the time. >> No, >> it's on the PowerPoint. >> It's on the It's actually on the PowerPoint. >> No, it's on the PowerPoint. Yeah. I mean, I'm right here. >> Okay. >> I don't know. >> You need to enable the content and that's why it's not showing up. Now at the top. >> At the top. Enable content. >> Just leave it like that. You are all a part of the superintendent advisory council. We are going to make a lot of positive decisions and change for our school communities. You all are representing your schools and I really
031really value your actual thoughts on what we can do to make this our school district better. I actually want you all to know that we all of us, we work for all of you. >> And I want to make sure we do things that you can appreciate that you feel will change our district. And uh we are going to do that starting in this room. for me is that there's a lot of math and I like math and you can do it and then when you do it it's like easy when you start to know it's better and that makes it even more fun when you get to do it with projects and other friends. >> What do we want to improve in our schools? What do we want to learn or experience this year?
032What do you want us to accomplish in this room? and how can we help others feel safe, included, and supported? >> I was selected for both my seventh and eighth grade year. So, I've I've been here before, but I'm honored to be a part of this. I'm honored to be chosen as the student council in my school as 11th grade president. Yes, sir. Thank you. This is the group that I will be pulling you in into all these different committees and things that we do around the district that is going to help the district be better. This group, I'm big on student voice. We're ready. [snorts] >> There you go. [laughter] >> As you see, I like my little claps. And the babies love it, too. So, exciting news for career and technical education. Our
033culinary pathway has been renewed through New York State for another five years. [applause] This pathway renewal shows the program success and sustainability as it continues to expand and offer more robust opportunities for students during their high school career. One opportunity being that students can use their culinary credits towards completing ELA graduation requirements due to the literacy embedded in the program. Next slide. The Mount Vernon City School District has started a new partnership with Sedexo, a global K through2 food services management company, ensuring that every scholar has access to nutritious and balanced meals. Together, the district and Sedexo plans meals to that meet state and federal nutrition guidelines while incorporating fresh ingredients, providing the best for our students. I'm excited to see what will come with this partnership as the year progresses. About two weeks ago,
034I had the pro privilege of hosting New York State Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa here in the district. During her visit, she got a glimpse into some of the educational offerings at Mount Renan High School and Mount Renan Steam Academy. I am look I look forward to having her come again to visit more schools and learn more about the dynamics of the district. I invite you all to the district's fall festival on November 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 300 p.m. at Graham School. attend for fun, games, pumpkin activities, and community resources. Families can register until October 30th. Please visit our website for more information. And that concludes my October 2025 report to you all and the community. Thank you, Dr. Strickland. At this time, we will entertain a committee report from Trustee Sakai Brown on
035facilities, health, and safety. Good evening, Mount Vernon. Um, Sakai Brown here and I will be giving a health a facilities health and safeties committee report. Um, during our board retreat, we were >> Can we get more volume, please? >> Me not talking loud enough. [laughter] All right. During our board retreat, we were instructed to reduce the number of committees the district held and therefore with consideration we have formed the facilities health and safety committee um known as FHS. The board decided to retire the buildings and grounds committee since facilities encompasses the building and grounds for the district. I am the chair of the facilities uh health and safety committee and I have submitted a charter that is under final review. We have established this this committee will meet the second Wednesday of the month at
036noon. The mission is the board of education of Mount Vernon City School District has established a facilities health and safety committee committee to advise and report to the board matters pertaining to the district-wide school safety plan and subsequent plans as it pertains to our school buildings. In this capacity, the committee shall monitor conditions of the complete inspections, walk through safety ratings of all occupied school buildings, report complaints about health and safety, monitor and report on safety during construction projects, and conduct a post construction inspection when applicable. To fully establish this committee, we are looking for no less than two staff members and two community members to serve. Please email the district district clerk rames mternoncsd.org to submit your name. In addition to the FHS committee, a subcommittee that falls under the purview is the wellness
037committee. We have not established a meeting time yet, but are looking for community members and staff that are interested in becoming members. The goal of the wellness committee is to keep our finger on the pulse with our Mount Vernon City School District food service director, Miss Donna Jackson, Sedexo, our food service provider, and the board. To fully establish the committee, we are looking for no less than two staff members and two community members to help serve on this subcommittee. Um, we did meet last week to discuss a US mayor's grant proposal, health community, healthy communities. Then I'm happy to report that our mayor Sean Patterson Howard has signed a letter of support for the district to apply for this amazing healthy communities grant, the Mount Vernon moves initiative and its potential to promote healthier lifestyles,
038increase community engagement, and enhance the well-being of our residents. If you're interested in joining this subcommittee, please email the district clerk rtoncsd.org to submit your names. This concludes my committee report. >> Thank you. Do we have any questions? Vice President Mitchell. >> Uh, thank you, Trusty Brown. Thank you for that report. Um, the piece about working with Sedexo and moving forward with the um what was the name of the grant again? >> It's the healthy let me get the wording right. It is the um the Mount Vernon moves initiative, but it's a US mayor grant proposal for health healthy communities. >> Cool. I I was so I was on the call, but I I was hoping that you were taking better notes than me, copious notes, and you were. Um so, what's cool about this
039is this gives the ability to the district if we were if we're granted these funds, whatever the amount is, gives us the ability to to further enhance and in introduce healthy eating to the students, things that they don't see. So if the last time you came to school and your child came home and said, "Hey, we had a parsnips for lunch and you just sat there and would have it looked like excuse [clears throat] you." So we're going to have the ability hopefully to introduce things like that to the children. Um can you now I've been in been on the board for some time and I've been on the committee. Can you explain the charter submission part of or can we have an explanation of the charter submission part because that was never a part
040of it and this is what we call structure that's being implemented that's been long needed. So can can we just have an explanation what that what the charter submission means? >> Sure. So as I like to say I'm the baby board member. So there are a lot of things that I'm learning at our um board trainings mandatory board trainings. And one of the things was that when we have these committees, we are supposed to submit a an official charter that outlines what this committee is going to do, who's going to be incorporated in the committee. We need to have a mission statement. We need to have an outline of the times that we're going to meet, how many um people are going to be on said committee, um how long the committee terms will be.
041Um the committee terms are typically one year um and not to go past three consecutive years. Um and so that was the charter that I sent for review for everyone to take a look at. Um the committee is under the purview of the board. So I sent it out to everyone so that they can just see what is entailed in it. And because of our board retreat, we also learned that um our district had way too many committees. And since in my professional hat, um, facilities, health and safety falls under my umbrella, this is why I discussed that we should get rid of buildings and grounds because it was kind of redundant to have a buildings and grounds and a facilities committee. And then health and safety should fall under the facilities wing because health
042and safety typically happens at each of our buildings. And so we didn't need to have a separate committee for that. But we we were instructed that we could have subcommittees and we felt appropriate that wellness would fall under that purview and so that's why um I discussed the wellness component um and this wellness component is going to align with the district and Sedexo and also with the city and our community partners. So, I want everyone to be aware and look out for these things because it's going to be a really good um partnership between everyone in Mount Vernon and even outlying communities to help with this partnership um that um we are trying to get this grant. And so once we get this big grant money um we will start um having meetings and outlining
043some things. and Donna Jackson and us are really excited about this and the opportunities that it's going to bring to our students and the community. And it's not just um wellness is just not encapsulated with food. It's also with staying active, healthy lifestyles. And so I think it's going to be really great um for us to to bring it to the district. The only question I have is um where should uh folks submit their name and to be part of the committees and what is the timeline that they should do it by? >> Sure. So we would like you to submit your names to the clerk rs at mternoncsd.org. Um if we would love to have the names in probably about two weeks. I I don't have an exact date, but I'm thinking November 15th
044would be a nice date to get these names in. Um because we want to start having regular meetings. We not we have not set a time yet for the meetings for the wellness, but we have set times for the health and safety and facilities portion of the committees. Um so if November 15th could be an amazing date to get these names in so that we can start um our communication. >> And may I just say that we um will have a rolling application date just in case you don't get enough names. So that'll work. Uh Trusty Middleton Um, I just want to ask because I did have some concerns that came to me this this I say last week. Uh we following suit with Sedexo like we did with Aramark re children not being able
045to get a second lunch because there were concerns about parents having um been annoyed at the fact that their kids would go to school and they wanted a second breakfast and was and not in a very nice way but you know no you can't have it cuz they said you can't have another you know so it wasn't just the fact that they couldn't have it but it was just the attitude behind what they could not have. So to send away a kid without explaining or you know if that was basically cuz I'm not really sure off the cuff of my head air or New York State or was you know no right so basically are we going to follow suit with Sedexo like we did with air or what when kids might really you know
046cuz some kids come to school very hungry. So you know that's just a question I wanted to ask because those concerns did come Dr. Strickland. >> Dr. Strickland. >> Um, so generally, uh, they are only allowed one breakfast, one lunch. If they want an an additional breakfast or lunch, they are supposed to technically pay for it. However, there was some schools, you know, me, a former principal, if students didn't want the items that they took, I put it to the side, and if kids wanted it, I let them to come get it. But unfortunately, that's just the lay of the land. Now, if you're talking about the customer service aspect, I would like to know more information on that because I don't tolerate people um just being nasty for no reason. Just say no. And
047uh that should be, you know, enough. Uh but you know, feel free to let me know where I need to whose lunch I need to visit uh or breakfast and um I'll take care of it. >> That's just as continuing. I can't get breakfast or I can't get the lunch. No, they every student in our district >> I remember all of that and then the bad piece about that. Well, I think it's pretty bad that you know you walk past the garbage can and where do you see all the leftover stuff? >> Yep. Absolutely. And again, it's it's just the rules and >> No, it is. >> Yeah. Right now we're we're also level setting. You know, this year I'm hearing, you know, they I rather them throw away food than not have enough food.
048Um, and you know, as you know, we get uh, you know, regular counts, as we start to understand who's actually taking the lunch, then hopefully that'll settle and we won't have so much food waste. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. Anyone else before I recognize Vice President Mitchell? >> Okay. Vice President Mitchell, >> only because we're on the topic of food services and changing up. I was in two different buildings over the past week worth of days and I took quick question of to students what they felt about the food and I'm hearing good things. So I actually I was in the third building. No I wasn't. I talked to somebody from another building and they told me that lunch was lunch consisted of like a cheese a cheese a baked cheese pastry that had
049dipping sauce and fresh sliced carrots. This is something I I haven't seen that served in the district ever. But it was a welcome change to what they've been being served by uh in the in prior year. So, but it was good to hear even even today I heard from students say that the lunch and the breakfast is better than what it was last year. So, that is always a step in the right direction. Um, Trusty Odoro, you have a comment. >> I mean, um, I like to say, uh, Trusty Mitchell, um, that has been true. Um, and has been proven by most other students account that the lunches has indeed improved. Um, and there's different variations of lunch. Now, uh, for people who want um, vegan lunch, there's a section for them. and um whoever
050wants some size stuff and wouldn't want to eat something, there's yogurts there and other stuff. So, yeah, that definitely has improved. >> Thank you, Trusty Mcdana. >> Just uh clarification about committees in in general. Um I guess I'm a little bit confused. I I I am supposed to chair the budget committee. Um, but listening to what Trusty Brown set up, um, I didn't do that for the budget committee, ch setting up a charter, setting up a mission, all all that's that's a different task than chairing the committee. Um, so I just need clarification where where you read that. I can I can read into what it means to charter a committee and understand what that is, but I didn't get that from what I was tasked to do. But I'm looking on the website and
051I don't see any charter for the budget committee. I don't see any information about the bud budget committee at all. Um, so if it needs to be done, I just want I just want clarification on that because I set up goals, but I didn't write a charter. I didn't write a mission. I didn't I didn't write any of I didn't take full ownership of that. And I think I would want guidance on that. >> Right. So when we had our training um presented by NISBBA in August I believe um Mark brought what he called the board charter document we decided as for our board as the way we would govern ourselves is that we could either do a charter or we could do goals. So it was an if or one or the other. Okay.
052So the choice with um especially when we have parents and community members on the committee, we decided we would do charters. If it was just board members um on the committees, then it would just be goals. >> Do you think we should do a charter for the budget committee? I mean, >> as a chair person, we'll leave it up to your discretion. >> There's no parents or community members. >> Are we going to recruit community members to budget? >> Not for budget. Okay. Okay. All right. Okay, any other questions? Uh, Trusty Brown, what I will add is the reason why I felt the charter was necessary for this particular committee was because it had a lot in it and there was a lot of like safety stuff that I felt like it was necessary to
053call it out so that if we were to go into a building into a school, um, that this charter is available so they understand what what our charge is, what we're going in, what we're looking at. so that it wasn't like we were going in and we were blindsiding anyone or like hiding our hands behind our back. I always like to be very transparent and so I felt the charter was necessary for this particular committee um because it did have a lot of like bullet points that I wanted to encapsulate in it and it's a very comprehensive committee too I think. Any other questions, comments? Okay, we will move on to our approved consent agenda. Are there any questions on 8.1 through 12.2? If there are no questions on 8.1 through 12.2, then I will
054entertain a motion to accept to move all of these items through the consent agenda. Have a motion, please. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded that we will >> in favor >> authorize 8.1 >> through 12.2. Do we have any comments? Any discussion? >> I have a couple of questions, but I will take >> You got No, no, no. You got to um >> We got to do it now. >> Um >> Yeah, we had it. Yeah, we Yeah, >> we went through Yeah. >> All right. I was trying to executive session, but it's okay. Listen, I can ask. >> We would have to we would have to pull the resolution on the one that you >> All right. It's fine. Really, it is. So, um I just had concern with the fact
055that um like tonight, um Dr. Strickland and his jewel box mentioned I get his name right, Dr. >> Joseph. And um I was just like, "No, I really sat here and I said to Dr. uh Wilkins," I said, "Who is that?" You know, and I don't want to know that I have to ask that question as a board member and I wasn't here at the working session, but my understanding I saw a little bit of it, but my understanding is that like maybe one other working session when people come in and then it's like, "Well, it's an emergency. we got to put them in and we vote them in without having already known what we read at a session and a good we're good with it because we've already read it and been introduced, >>
056right? >> And so I think that we could be better in terms of that because sometimes like I've had a couple of people ask me who's a new guy on the board. I said what new guy? So, I think that as a board we should know before the fact and be able to just already sit here and know this is what it is. Yep. >> So, you know, that's that's just just my take on that kind of thing. So, >> I wanted to mention it. >> So, just for clarification, uh Dr. Joseph was um we've been we've been receiving rolling agenda items, emails, communications indicating that there have been individuals being um interviewed for the position. We knew that we had a resignation in August and we knew that the position was a critical position
057in the cabinet that needed to be filled and Dr. Strickland as well as um the HR department and a state monitor. They were vigorously trying to secure a capable individual that would be able to help us move along because we are in fiscal distress and that is a key pivotal position in this cabinet. And so the um based on the availability >> based on the availability of uh Dr. Joseph um the the uh resolution was presented to us at the October 14th meeting because so we would be able to secure his start date of October the 15th. We did introduce him at the board meeting on the 14th. Um and so I don't know what else to So, I hope that helps you. >> No, I already I got it. But I hope you got
058my point and that I still stick by what I asked about because I think prior to coming to a work session or a board meeting, we should already know as a board. That's my whole point. And >> it was on the agenda prior to >> Yeah. But I'm just saying to be introduced personally and to know, you know, just to know what we we've learned tonight, what Dr. Strickland has mentioned in his jewel box or whatever. I'm just saying I'm I'm let me leave it alone. But I think you heard me. I heard you. So for >> and I'm just, you know, asking that question cuz this is the second time. >> Okay. >> And I just don't want it to be the same situation with different players. So let me just say that we
059as board members would not be introduced to cabinet members until they are voted in because we don't have any relationship with them. Their information is provided to us through the agenda and we read that and we look at that information. If we have questions, we're given an opportunity to ask those questions in advance and that it go they go through an an interview process, an HR process. um that's been approved and it is the up to the superintendent to recommend those individuals. Um so just want to be clear in terms of what the process is. >> Okay. [snorts] All right. So >> are we ready to any other questions? >> Okay. >> So all in favor? >> Trusty White. >> I Any oppose? Abstain. I >> motion carries. >> Thank you. We are moving to
060resolutions submitted after the work session. These are standard type of resolutions. However, because we had not had an opportunity to review them at the work session, if there are any of these resolutions that you would like to have reviewed further, um would you please identify? Does anyone have one that they'd like to identify that they would like for us to pull and consider individually? Does anyone I'll give you a minute. Does anyone have any that they have questions on that they would like to consider individually? Dr. Dr. Strickland, would you like to comment on any of the resolutions? >> Yes, trustees. I just wanted to let you know that um for all of the resolutions that are not for human resources, you will now see that in the executive content, there is a resolution exception
061form that must be turned in. That is because we are trying to create systems and protocols as to get your resolutions in by the work session so that we don't have to continuously vote on these outside of the consent agenda. And even though like sometimes things happen, uh I just wanted you to know that that's uh something new and it's um it's going to yield, you know, more accountability on the staff. Uh so if you have any questions on that uh just let me know >> and I will pause now and ask again are there any individual items from 13.1 to 13.19 that you would like to consider individually? Trusty Scott, >> I do I do have a question. So I can just pull or can I ask the question? >> We'll pull it and
062then we'll consider it. >> So I would like to have pulled >> just to get clarification 13.14. >> Okay. Can we pull 13.14 please? Any other? >> Go ahead. >> All right. So, we I will entertain a motion to >> poll 13.14. >> Can I have a motion, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded that we will pull 1314 for further consideration. All in favor? >> Any oppose? >> You pulling that one? >> Yes. >> It's just a vote to pull. >> Okay. 13.4. >> 13.14. >> Can you >> I don't Let me see. >> Okay. >> Is that a >> That's it. 13.14. That's the one that we're pulling. >> Okay. Um, all in favor? Did everybody say yes? >> Okay. Any opposed? >> Any opposed? >> Abstain. >>
063Okay. Motion carries to pull 13.4. >> 13.14. >> Okay. Are there any others? So we will now vote to accept 13.1 through 13.13 and 13.15 through 13.19. May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Okay. It's been moved and properly seconded that we will accept items 13.1 through 13.13 and 13.15 through 13.19. Are there any questions or comments? >> Motion carries. >> Uh we have to take a vote. >> Oh, that was the motion. >> Sorry. Go ahead. Sorry. >> Those in favor? >> Any oppose? Abstensions. >> Motion carries for 13. >> So, let's go back to 13.14. >> 13.14. Authorization to pay Edgemont UFSD for services provided to the Mount Vernon City School District. May I have a motion? >> Motion. Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded that we authorize
064to pay in Edgemont UFSD for services provided to the Mount Vernon City School District. Comments, discussion, trustee Scott. >> Thank you very much. The question that I had was looking at the invoice. Um based on the fact that we're paying the Edgemont Union Free School District, why do we have um the name on it as bill? >> Are we not paying the school and then they paying um that person? >> The person's already been compensated. >> Interesting. Okay. Okay. Because I thought that when we had the last conversation, we would we discussed removing And we did. So the the the resolution says to pay Edgemont, not to pay that person for services provided by that person. >> Payment instruction, >> right? Instructions under payment terms, you'll see it, >> right? >> Okay. Understood. You see
065it, Trusty Scott. See it? >> Got it. >> Thank you very much. >> No problem. Any other questions, comments? Hearing none. We'll call for the vote. >> All in favor? >> Any oppose? Abstain. I Motion carries. Okay, we'll move to 14.1. Authorization to wave the second and third readings for policy 0100, policy 011 and nepotism and immediately adopt. May I have a motion? >> Second. has been moved and properly seconded that we authorize to wave the second and third readings for policy number 01 100 policy 011 and nepotism and immediately adopt. Do I have any discussion? Question >> question trust any other questions from Vice President Mitchell >> just for the for the public if they wanted to hear the readings the best way is to go back to the the meeting our work session
066meeting I'm sorry was it the last meeting >> October 14th meeting so if you go to the district site to the uh meetings tab you can hear these readings they are extensively long that's the only reason why I believe we're waving a second and third. Please confirm. >> Uh Dr. Strickland would like to make a comment as well. >> We're also going to come up with a system in the district in which after it is um adopted by the board. um we are going to organize it on the website so that everyone has access to the policy and and we don't have to uh go looking in board docs and things of that nature. >> Right. The policies they are listed here. Um they also listed in our agenda for October 14th. Um but we
067are in the process of revising our policies and numbering them correctly and accurately. We have also secured NISBA to assist us with that process. Um, so we are making sure that we make things user friendly for you to be able to access and to view and to be able to ensure that you know and understand what the policies are in our district. So um, any other comments or just any other questions? Call for the vote. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. Okay. May I have um um at this time I'd like to have any board comments um if any board member would like to share what they did this week or over the past couple of weeks. Um so I will start from I'm going to start with our
068student trustee um if he would like to share if he would like me to start on the other side. Okay, no worries. Okay, trustee Scott. >> I have nothing to report. Thank you. >> Okay, Trusty Middleton, >> I don't have anything in particular to report. I just wanted to kind of follow up and ask um our cabinet member, Dr. >> Lean. Lean, >> I'll be Dr. White. Dr. White, I just said I'll be going like Lean. >> You're not. Well, listen, that's prophetical. It's coming. [laughter] Okay. >> All right. Well, it's coming. But um earlier when you did your presentation in one of our meetings, you did the increase of the students that came. I think it was 600 and some students. But then I asked about the discharges as you were going to get
069back to us. I just wanted to know what the number of discharges of kids who were discharged from our district beside those even if you have a current number um beside those who um were admitted. >> No, the fresh number. I'm mad about these micro. >> Thank you for Oh, >> technology. >> Thank you for that question. Um, that actually was a request that Dr. Strickland had made to uh report to you all every week around the discharges, but currently from the last report and we're pulling that together. Um, we had approximately 147 since I've started. Uh but that reporting is going to be coming to you every single week from not only the discharges but those students who are coming in where they're coming from. He detailed probably a lot more that you may
070want to know but you'll be getting that weekly moving forward. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. Trusty Brown. [snorts] >> Trusty Peterson. Um, I just wanted to uh extend my thoughts and prayers and support to our school community who have family in the great island of Jamaica who is getting beaten hard by Hurricane Melissa right now and um who our student community who have family in the Caribbean um overall, but especially our student community who has family in Jamaica right now. Um I just my thoughts and my prayers and I am with all of you. Thank you, Trusty Aduro. >> Okay, Trustee Mcdana. >> Yeah, I went to the uh New York State School Board Association conference in in Manhattan Thursday, Friday, and Saturday um with Trusty Marabo was there as well.
071Um I went to eight different sessions. um a heavy focus on school finance, um foundation aid, budgeting, um and career and technical education. Um I won't go into depth. I could but I but I but I won't. Um some of it was very technical. This the school foundation aid stuff was very very technical. It was very helpful. I learned a lot. One highlight was a session um on career and technical education was presented by um Newberg. Um they are in 2026 they're about to open 132,000 square foot CTE center capacity uh for a thousand students self-contained so it has a gymnasium a cafeteria classrooms for instruction as well as workshops for a wide variety of of career and technical uh education um vocations. Um I thought this is really amazing. Uh they the building was
072was built so they there were no drop ceilings in it. So the building was a lab for the students. They've been on the construction site. They've been out to the engineer and architect firm. So they've been partnered all the way through this. Um and I thought what a what a great model that is. Um concerns are financial. It was very very costly. $75 million price tag. The project was proposed in 2018, got started in 2019, and won't open till 2026. So, you can see it requires a a a lot of consistency across administrations, across schoolboard trustees. Um, clearly it's doable. Um, and I think that's certainly a goal for for us to find that kind of consistency, that kind of culture where we can take on a project. Um, and know that when we're not
073here, it'll still it'll still be finished. So, anyway, thanks. >> Thank you for that. I'm sure we'll get there, Trusty Kelly. Vice President Mitchell. >> Um, okay. So, uh, Trusty Brown mentioned earlier we were on the call for the, uh, wealth and wellness committee. That's one thing. to him. So last week, um, I was at Grimes school. I read to third grade class there, uh, thanks to, uh, Mr. Cornelius and approval from all of the chains of command. Uh, I read Horton Hatches the Egg. Now, this is a book that I read for the first time in Leadership Academy about a year and a half ago. I I know about Horton, Here's a Who, but the egg one I didn't know about. But I'm going tell you right now, this book is hilarious. And I
074was when I read it for the first time, I don't know if anybody's familiar with it, but at a point the egg hatches and I said before I before I turned the page, I said, "Listen y'all, if this egg hatches and this bird looks like an elephant, I'm going to walk out of here." I turned the page and the bird the egg the bird look like an elephant. So, I thought the book was just really cool cuz you could actually there were inferences that could have been made. You could looked at what the author was talking about. So, when I read it to the kids at Grimes, it got to be an immersive reading of a Dr. suss book because you I was able to make connections with the students and ask them so what
075do you think about this and I mean like I sat in in in in on a rug and the kids were around me like I was important and they were listening and we were asking questions it was just really cool. Um and then uh Pennington they had a full harvest festival last Friday that I went to. What they made happen with with finite funds was amazing. The turnout was insane. They made a a haunted house out of uh like some cardboard structures with garbage bags. There was a a corn maze made out of it was really looked like a corn maze, but it was just a caution tape and it was the kids were there. It was it was just amazing. And then I actually did return to uh Pennington today uh for a sit
076down with seventh and eighth graders who reached out and wanted to talk to me about uh matters related to Mount Vernon as a city, the school district and how it tied back to what they were studying and learning in social studies about taxes and how uh tax money is impacts the school districts as well as the city and fixing the roads and stuff. But what was really cool was you had young people in a room. I had fact checkers in the room that had their laptops. These are seventh and eighth graders. I had students who were already talking about they wanted to be lawyers. I had debaters in the room. I literally had like 40 kids in the room and they were all we and we just chopped it up and talked. So had a
077really good time and it just was a good feeling to know that our students even that young are already interested in uh the process and how things work. And of course tying it back to being heard, you know, being part of the voting process, the democratic process and how decisions are made. It was a very good experience, very good week or two. >> Thank you. Um, I would just like to say thank you to each and every board trustee member for number one volunteering and donating your time. This is not an easy task and I know it is a lot of work and each and every one of you have committed your time and your talent and I just appreciate you because it's it's a lot. There's a lot of lot of items on this
078agenda that you have to read and go through and and and dissect and analyze and try to come together and and and make sure that we do the best that we can by our children and by our families and our community and our staff. So, I just want to say thank you for that. And this ends board recognition month. Um so again, thank you again for your commitment and to service, volunteer service really. >> Um recognition. >> Thank you. >> Trusty White. Is she I can't see her. >> Oh yes. Do you have any comments? >> No. I just wish I was there. >> We wish you were here, too. We miss you. Okay, we have our trusty adoro would like to >> um just for reinsurance well basically for the families of umu I
079mean parents of students and um Mount Vernon district there have been in general I'm here representing the students and I do sit in the background noticing the back what is going on in general and I'm just here to just reassure you there have been improvements in general so and that has been worked on. For example, the computer issues which I addressed last time there he actually um >> Dr. Dogget Dr. or Dr. Joseph [laughter] >> I don't know >> Dr. he um for we had a SAT today and I realized >> yeah you definitely they have improvements and small improvements like for lunches like last presentation that um we had and they have been in general improvements that is what I in general want to uh reassure any parents are watching or for their uh
080students I mean sons or daughters anyways uh yeah that's what I'll say >> okay um just Um, at the risk of being redundant, I did attend the NISBA convention October 23rd to 25th with um, Trusty Mcdana. We had a a great time. There was a lot of information, valuable information that was shared. I also attended the NISBA uh, annual meeting. Um, and we voted on several items that we that are that are being promoted throughout the state for each and every school district in order to submit to our legislators in order for them to fight for us. So, um, and I'll again Dr. Strickland. Uh, do you have any comments before we >> No. Um, just uh 32 minutes until bedtime. I'm excited. Um, so I'm ready to go into exec. >> Okay. With nothing
081else, I would like to entertain a motion to enter into executive session. >> Motion. >> One second. A motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation, the financial history of a particular person or corporation or matters leading to the appointment, employment, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation and to receive legal advice on a pending matter. Motion, please. >> Motion second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Abstain. Okay, motion carries. >> We will now be entering into executive session and we will not be returning back to this room. Have a great evening.