001Good evening everyone. Good evening. Happy April Fool's Day. Uh, welcome to the Mount Vernon City School District's regular school board meeting today, Tuesday, April 1st. 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. for all. Okay. Trusty Mcdana present. Trusty Marabel present. Trusty Mitchell present. Trusty Middleton present. Trusty Injinga here. Trusty White. Trustee Kerwin present. VP Kelly here. President Saunders here. Okay. Trustee de Grand Prix, student trustee not here. Please note Trusty Injinga is joining us their video conference for this evening's meeting. Okay. So, we'll have So, we're going to have the you want the drum line introduced. Good evening all. Tonight, we're in for a special treat.
002We have um one of two um winning drum lines present. The X Factor drum line will be with us today. Although we'll surely missed the ice cold drum line. We expected them as well. They recently competed uh and placed at the battle in the Apple band competition. They both um were successful in that competition. Mount Vernon truly is represented. Um, Trusty Mitchell, um, I'll turn it over to you. Thank you. Um, so this is an example of just one of the things that our school district and the the amount of efforts that go into giving something more to our our students. Um, and I want you to know that the most of the funding comes from either the people who run these drum lines or the personal employees of our school district, especially for Ice
003Cold. Uh, a big shout out to Mr. Gory and and Alvin and the rest of the team who um who lead and manage Ice Cold, as well as Mr. Shaw, who's here with uh with XFactor. Uh, this is my third battle in the Apple and my probably my fourth year. I have two children on this drum line for um X Factor. Um I've watched them grow in teammanship. I've watched them grow in skill and I've watched them grow in just having an entire new way of thinking. My son walks around now and he can't tell him anything cuz he thinks he's he knows he's the hottest thing on drums. So, but I also have watched our students in the district come to these events and really put on an incredible show. And you can see
004just how much efforts that our school district teachers and uh faculty are putting into them. And we can see just what the parents in the district are willing to let their children go out and be a part of. It's always it's always in the agenda to try to find funds for things like this so that we can expand the drum line. There's I can't count how many conversations I've had, the amount of students that are interested but have to be turned away because there just not enough funding to get them what they need. So the con conversation will continue uh here from my end with uh with Dr. Smith and the rest of the board as well to try to find anything we can do to find just anything that we can possibly give to
005expand our program. It's just one of the things Bandday is gone. If you old as I am or older you remember Bandday in Mount Vernon the twirlers and everything walked around and it was amazing. It went from one end of Mount Vernon to the other. We don't have that at all anymore. These drum lines are the beginning of trying to return to letting that energy and that happiness, that feeling, that great feeling come back and be shared with all of our age groups. It's a reminder and it's a forge ahead indicator. Thank you. Thank you for that, Trusty Mitchell. I just want you to know that I used to be a twirler for Mount Vernon High School a couple of years ago. Okay. So, at this point, we ask X Factor, please show us your
006[Music] stuff. Jesus. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Hey, [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, [Music] nice. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Yeah, we up in here. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Nice. Make [Music] noise. Heat. Heat. N. [Music] [Applause] That'd be good. No. [Music] Let's give them another round of applause. That was magnificent. We want to thank them. As I indicated recently, they competed. We had two groups and the they did amazing job. They represented Mount Vernon and they both both of them both teams is X Factor and it is ice cold. They both were in the top three. How about that? And and that was in New York City, right? About how many people competed? Uh we had six bands competing. Six bands. They represented Mount
007Vernon. Wasn't that nice? It got us going, right? Thank you so very much. And these, you know, we have people that volunteer their time. They give to our students and this helps our students develop skills. And you know what happens when you work with students after school? They go on to do wonderful things. So I want to begin by giving a certificate. The first one is for X Factor drum line. And I would like to give this to you. Did you want to read the certificate? [Applause] Mount Vernon City School District Certificate Recognition 2025. This certificate is proudly presented to X-Factor drum line for their remarkable musical talent and dedication achieving first place in the Battle in the Apple band competition on March 22nd, 2025 from Dr. Ke and Veronica Smith and the board of
008education. Congratulations. The Mount Vernon City School District Certificate of Recognition 2025. This certificate is proudly presented to Ice Cold Drum Line for their remarkable musical talent and dedication achieving third place in the Battle in the Apple band competition on March 22nd, 2025 from Dr. K. Smith and the Board of Education. So, I was there to see this event. When I tell you that there were there was uh drum lines from other states, the talent was through the roof. You wouldn't believe from anywhere from uh 15 drum line members to we had I think at least 30. It was some some of them had 30 people on these and they're all ages and they're doing throwing sticks across the whole gymnasium and catching them and running on drums and running on. It was insane. Like I
009have no talent whatsoever. None. But these kids made me feel like I should pick up a drum set and just go bang on them and get right. So I was just glad to be a part of it. Thank you so much. Thank you so very much. We're going to move on to public comment. There is no legal requirement to recognize public comment at meetings of the board of education. However, the board recognizes the critical importance of community discourse and involvement in the education of Mount Vernon's children. And accordingly, members of the public are invited to speak at each regularly scheduled board meeting subject to the terms of the board policy. Please state your name and the organization, if any, you represent. A speaker must register in advance by no later than 400 p.m. the day
010of the meeting by contacting the district clerk in person at 165 North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York, by phone at 914665-5235 or by email. The board welcomes all respectful comments whether praise or criticism. However, identifying and criticizing a specific student, parent, teacher, administrator, other Mount Vernon education official, or employee is strictly prohibited. Any such complaint must be presented and addressed through the proper administrative channels. Each speaker is allowed three minutes to speak. Up to one additional minute may be used for the speaker to summarize and conclude their remarks. If appropriate, board trustees and or the superintendent or other staff members at the direction of the superintendent may immediately respond to a speaker's remarks. Our first speaker this evening is Linda Castro. Hello. Um I'm a retired educator. Miss Castro, can you speak into the
011mic, please? Oh, okay. Thank you. Um, I'm a retired educator. Uh, aside from being a classroom teacher, I've had I've held positions of curriculum coordinator and, uh, teacher director. I became a lunch monitor in 2019 at Honor Academy here in Mount Vernon, a job which I actually greatly enjoyed. Several weeks ago, I made the difficult decision to resign because I was very distressed and frequently unable to sleep as a result of what happens regularly in the cafeteria. Children are screamed at and yelled at and punished for such things as eating too slowly, talking too loudly, not lining up quickly enough, taking an extra piece of fruit, not standing still, talking while in line, and even for simply coming over and talking to me. I've heard some lunch monitors say things like, "Move your butt." Uh,
012I know you're lying. I've heard them threaten to tell the children's families. Last year, a visiting food service supervisor was so upset by what he observed uh and heard that he promptly went to the office to complain. When it comes to making requests of our children, please and thank you are foreign words to many of the lunch monitors. Punishments sometimes span several days and often come without any explanation of what exactly the child did wrong or what that child might do to avoid the problem in the future. When the weather uh prevents going outside, the go-to activity is bringing the children into the auditorium to watch cartoons or movies which have little or no learning value whatsoever. There are very few games are available as uh as an alternative. Um many lunch monitors frequently complain
013that the children are rude, difficult or defiant. If the children are rude, difficult or defiant, it just might be because the adults are not modeling positive behaviors that they expect from the children. Nor do these ex uh adults seem to understand that children need to be reminded of what is expected of them over and over again. Repetition is an intricral part of the learning process. It's not children being defiant. The effects of ongoing screaming, yelling, denigrating, and threatening remarks made to children, which add up to being uh verbal abuse, are all documented in studies conducted by organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American Pediatric Association, the National Institutes of Health, the American Psychological Association, and the World Health Organization. The effects include low self-esteem, depression, anger, aggression, bullying, and all the social difficulties
014that come with them. There is also in an increased likelihood of children directing those same abusive behaviors towards others, not just now, but also in the future, creating uh cycles of abuse. No reputable college or university in this country offers a degree in teaching that recognizes constant punishment or any form of verbal abuse as acceptable or effective methods of discipline. Nor is there any reputable training program for child care workers that advocate such. I have expressed my concerns to school and district administrators who have acknowledged to me that the problem I've described exists districtwide. Now I'm expressing my concerns to you members of the board of education because our children deserve better. Learning doesn't just occur in the classroom. It happens as part of every interaction we have. If we want to give our children
015an education that will enable them to reach their potential in life. We need to teach them how to have positive interactions with others, how to engage with stimulating activities and how to handle difficult situations calmly and productively. That all starts with the adults in their lives, modeling beh uh positive behavior behaviors, teaching them with kindness, and providing a welcoming and engaging environment. Our children here in Mount Vernon are stupendous. They we we they deserve a lot more than they're getting. Thank you, Miss Gio. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. Just to make it clear, she had an additional one minute because it is four minutes. Okay. So, just to clarify that, yeah, the clock is a little off. Thank you, Hope Marel. Okay, thank you. Good evening everyone. Um, President Sanders, Dr. Smith, distinguished
016panelists. My name is Hope Marble and I'm speaking here today on behalf of the Mount Vernon Public Library. Um, I would like to start I would like to begin with an excerpt um of a book written by Elwin Brooks White and the title of the book is called The Letters of Eie White. If an unhappy childhood is indispensable for a writer, I am illquipped. I missed out on all of that and was neither deprived nor unloved. It would be inaccurate, however, to say my childhood was untroubled. The normal fears and worries of every child were in me. Every day was an awesome prospect. I was uneasy about practically everything. The uncertainty of the future, the monopoly and discipline of school, the transiatoriness of life, the mystery of the church and of God. I brooded over
017these things, lived with them day by day. I took to writing early to assuage my uneasiness, to sewage my uneasiness and collect my thoughts. Our big house on 101 Summit Avenue was my castle. From it I emerged to do battle, and into it I retreated. when I was frightened or in trouble. These are the words of Elwin Brooks White born in Mount Vernon, New York in the year of 1899. He was even a writer for the Oracle magazine, which still exists to this very day at Mount Vernon High School. And yet this is a history that our children are not beneficiaries of. Not just yet. Because we have not yet taken the responsibility to claim this rich legacy for them, to pass it on to them and to preserve it for generations to come. There's
018so much more that I could say today, but I know that my time is short. I would like to invite each and every one of you to further the convers to continue the conversation on May 7th at the Mount Vernon Public Library at which time we will do a full-blown presentation on why this is such on why the acquiring of 107 101 Summit Avenue is such a great thing um for for for our community. I don't think that you can put a and yes it does come at a cost but at the end of the day I don't think that you can put a price tag on a historical legacy that the children of this community should be benefiting from when they walk through the doors of that second library branch. Thank you so much
019for hearing me out and again I look forward to continuing the conversation with you all and I am humbly asking for your support. I would like to acknowledge that my colleague Trusty Krenshaw is here today to support me and I appreciate Thank you so much Miss Krenshaw. Thank you very much. And by the way, um I forgot your last name, but what you said was so eloquent, and I think it's so ironic that I spoke after you because these things speak to one another. They truly do. And thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Brenda Miles. Thank you. My name is Brenda Miles. Um, as I always tell you, I'm going by what I hear, not by what I know. And I stand to be corrected. Okay. I'm coming before you before the school
020board with a concern I have with the possible removal of the principal of the Denzel Washington School of Performing Arts. I'm speaking as a concerned citizen and taxpayer with a concern for the school community as a whole. In light of the situation going on with the federal government and the possibility of the closing down of the Department of Education, now is not the time to disrupt and disturb this school community who is on track for a blue ribbon recognition of distinction, provided there's still a department of education on the federal level. The school district is already suffering from low school enroll enrollment, loss of good teachers and faculty and possibly loss of funding. We realize that there are policies and procedures that need to be adhered to. But in light of the low staffing throughout
021the district, the school board has the power and the authority to delay such changes until further notice so that the district can become stabilized and the performance of the whole district can be increased. Use your authority and don't be bulldozed into making decisions that would further cause damage in the school community. Now is the time for the board, the unions, and the community community to come together to strategize what should be done if the department of education is dismantled. We need to work together to plan what we could do so that our district can function without disruption. No one wants no one waits until the storm comes and then plan. You must plan now before the storm comes. Making drastic changes like the removal of Miss Thomas would cause chaos instead of calm with the
022possibility of a decrease in student enrollment and discouragement. Please refra refrain from using names please. Excuse me. Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. My bad with the principal. Okay. My bad with the principal. Okay. instead of possibility of a decrease in student enrollment and discouragement with the students and faculty alike. In other words, if it's not broke, don't fix it. In light of the potential closing of the property that is the Cecil H Parker School, the board really needs to think this over. The fact that there the stock market drops daily. Are you sure you can sell this property? If you can, please get all the money up front. Otherwise, the district is at a loss. This is not the climate for rash decisionmaking. If anything, you should keep Parker open and offer up another property instead.
023Now is not the time to give up prime real estate and not get the prime price for it. It is too risky with the market losing so much money. Here's a suggestion. lease the property instead. That way, you'll have a continuous flow of money. You still own the property and you can control what type of company comes into residential area. And I must say that Denzel Washington School of Performing Arts, their gospel choir was invited this year to perform at the Radio City Music Hall during their Christmas spectacular. So they are doing a very good job over there. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you Cynthia Crrenshaw. Uh Cynthia Crunchaw, I don't have the supporting documents I need to speak on the topic tonight, so I will not be speaking. But um
024it's good to hear that I don't have to hear cut the mic off on her. So you don't have to do that. That's all. I'll catch you guys next time. I don't have the supporting evidence that I need to speak on the topic tonight. But my mic is not going to be cut off, right? Cuz I'm sitting down now. Okay. And that ends public comment. Superintendent report. On Friday, March 21st, 2025, I had the pleasure of witnessing and experiencing the Denel Washington School for the Arts Gospel Music Night. It was awesome. The talent demonstrated by our students is unparalleled and inspirational. On Saturday morning, March 22nd, I attended the presentation of the greenhouse at Mount Vernon High School. The initiative is Trusty Kelly's vision. Trusty Kelly, would you like to expand on that? I don't
025think I should take credit. I think um it was something that um thanks to our acting superintendent, Veronica K. Smith uh helped to uh foster we had a belief that we could uh reutil utilize the resources in our district. Um, so there's a greenhouse in Mount Vernon High School and there is a science teacher that I don't know how she did it, but she brought him out of retirement and he spent a whole year volunteering and helping to make that greenhouse uh have impact in the community by helping to raise uh vegetations um and plants and educating um young people about the environment. And so this year he's expanded that project to include an edible garden which we hope to support the CTE programs and we're hoping to get a grant to support the funding.
026So our students will have uh summer jobs and um our teachers will be able to teach about the environment and they will be um planting trees and growing vegetables and supporting our local community gardens. So, we're hoping that that's going to be a roll out. And of course, I could not have done it without the curriculum instruction uh Dr. Dogget and Mary Beth uh and Miss Corpus. And did I mention Mr. Caprio is the one who was uh Yes. And now we are working with an organization to see if we can uh get the funding to support this initiative. Thank you so very much, Trusty Kelly. again. It was a a beautiful afternoon and um wonderful things are happening. I learned a lot that day, particularly that Mount Vernon needs about six 60,000 trees and
027uh we have a large population of asthmatic children and the trees will help with that. So, it was incredible. I'm glad to see that um we're moving forward with that and hopefully we'll get the the grant in which is being applied for. I forgot to thank my fellow trustees because without their vote to expend the funds for this knowing how restricted they are in our district um they had the vision to support this pro um project and I appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you again. So, it's that time again for the EDF Kaplan scholarship dinner dance. This event is sponsored by the PTA Council. A portion of the funds that's raised goes towards scholarship for our students. Each year, staff members are honored. This event will take place on Friday, April 25th, 2025 from 7:00
028p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Green Tree Country Club. I just wanted to acknowledge the honores. The Ammani school, the Ammani public charter school has Colleen Frraasier, Benjamin Turner, has Shantel Hughes, Cecil H. Parker, has Shanta Smith, Denel Washington School for the Arts has Ivonne Eeveie Wright, Edward Williams School has Melanie Flowers McMullen. Graham school has Stephanie McMillan. Sorry, not McMillan. Milani. Graham school has Carmel Tereé. Hamilton School, Thalia Langley, Lincoln Elementary School, John Reynolds, and Mount Vernon Board of Education has Rita James. [Applause] Mount Vernon High School has Franklin Scallet, Mount Vernon Honor Academy, Lisa Acavdo, Mount Vernon Leadership Academy, Victor Flack, Mount Vernon PTA Council, Cassandra Laurent, Mount Vernon Steam Academy, Peter Paly, Mount Vernon SEPTA, Donald Emerson, Mandela Schools, Ske Brown, Pennington School, Dr. Melissa White, Rebecca Turner Academy, Mattea Conpion, and
029Trapagen School, Rebecca Char. Let's give them Let's give them all a round of applause. Please come out and support this event. It is a wonderful, wonderful gala. It is a formal event. Um, and you could use the scan. It I believe is on the district website in order to purchase your ticket. And so that ends the superintendent report. Thank you, Dr. Smith. We'll go right into uh committee reports. We'll start with the audit committee. Uh we have nothing to report um yet about the audit um for the committee. Okay. Budget finance please. Budget and finance. Uh yes, the budget and finance committee met um on March 27th at 7 p.m. via Zoom. I I want to start off by saying well before I I say that all the members of the budget committee was in
030attendance. Um I want to start off by saying that the school district is working to balance financial stability while maintaining essential services for students. Um we discuss the deficit that the school district um is facing. Um the school district have a budget gap of $7.7 million for the school year 2024 2025. There is a projected um expenditures of $280 million and revenue for um that school year is $273 million which that's why the gap of 7.7 million. So to address the shortfall, the district is exploring various funding options. Uh Dr. Smith and and Jose who is the business um sup assistant superintendent mentioned to the committee that they sent a memo of conference to the big five to advocate for the school district. Um the advocacy is with um the state education department and the
031state legislators. Um also the district has requested additional state aid which is subject to um approval by the legislators. The New York State budget deadline of April 1st was was extended until Thursday, April 3rd. We will keep the community informed of any state aid changes. We also discussed the 202526 budget. The proposed 2526 school year budget will be presented on April 9th. I know Jose had asked the board for um an extension, but he came back and he said that he will have um the budget completed by that time. So, the budget is expected to include a mix of additional state aid. We're praying for that. a modest tax increase, um new payment agreement with the city, and also internal costsaving measures. As you're aware, um the city of Mount Vernon is paying the school
032district right now $450,000 for taxes owed prior to 2020. This um agreement will end in September of 2025. Um however, Dr. U. Morton was at our present at our last meeting and he indicated that the city will owe the school district 7.7 million by the end of June 2025 for school year 2020 2021 and also 2122. We will be meeting with Dr. Morton um either this week or next week to um discuss a payment agreement cuz we were told that um the city would not have um the funding to make the school district whole. Um we're aware that Dr. Martin would have to speak to the mayor and of course um the city council to get a new agreement. Um the budget timeline and key dates um as I said April 9th uh will be
033a special board meeting. So um Jose will present the budget. Uh April 22nd, the board would adopt the 202526 budget. On April 23, uh the business office will submit the um property tax report card to the state education department. Also on April 23rd, there would be a development of um budget newsletter going out. May 6 is um public budget hearing to the community and on April uh May 20th sorry annual budget vote and school board election is um slated for May 20th. We'll be taking um the budget presentation on the road. We will be meeting with um community leaders, the community and various stakeholders to present the budget. And in conclusion, I want to say that um Dr. Smith, our acting um superintendent, and Jose, the business assistant um superintendent, the budget committee, and the
034board of trustees know how critical it is to finalize and balance the budget and ensure fiscal responsibility while supporting the education priorities in the school district. And that concludes my um report. Thank you. Question. Yeah. If any of you have any questions, I I just wanted to um make sure I have this clear. So, there's a budget gap of about $7.6 million. Correct. And um the city will owe us about $7.7 million. Is that correct? In June. In June. So, if the city made us whole as they're required to do by law, our budget gap would go away. There would be no budget gap. Is that fair to say? Uh, I would say that. Yes. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Question. I'm sorry. Question. Uh, you indicated that there's a 76 7.67 million budget gap for
0352024 2025. Correct. So, by June 30, we're going to have a budget gap of $7.7 million. So, how are we filling it? Well, because that's the current school year that right 2024 2025 is the current school year. So, I would turn that I refer that to um Jose so he will be able to answer. That's good. Thank you. So, um, every pretty much every month we do cash flow and fund balance projections. uh we did uh put a budget freeze early on in the year, but the projections have been showing that we will end up with that budget gap. So, what we did was we wrote a memo to the state um to notify them to see if we can get any additional state aid. Then, we also spoke to our bond council. If we
036need to, we could do a budget note for this year, which would be paid back in roughly two years. Um, and then if it cartels and we are able to get state aid, uh, we will be fine. Um, and we obviously don't know exactly what the city is going to do yet, but the worst case scenario would be that we would just go out for a budget note, which we are prepared for, um, in case the other things do not work out. Thank you. You're welcome. So, um, so there they are making, um, payments to us every month and that ends in September. That ends September. Okay. Okay. But that last payment should be a bigger a balloon payment, right? They're making us 200. They're making 250 $250,000. No, they're making a payment of 450.
037Okay. And then isn't the last payment supposed to be a larger amount? Is that right? Is it the same amount? I I would say, Jose, Jose, the the last payment that the city owes in September, is that going to be a larger amount or the same 450,000? So the question is, so they're going to end that payment in September, but they're going to owe us another 7.7 in July. July 1st, right? No, just just to clarify. So, um, on the first question, the payment that is ending in September will be a little less than 450 cuz that's the remaining balance. I think it's about 350 to 375. that would make everything whole from everything that was past 2020. So that would solidify that first agreement. What we're looking for is another agreement with the city
038because of the 202021 taxes and 2122 taxes which the date um the end date is actually May of 2025. The city has made us aware that they don't feel they'll be able to fulfill that full obligation. So, we're looking to make an agreement to see what is possible because obviously that is a large amount of revenue and does put us in a bad situation not only to end this year but also it would factor into next year as well because if I if I remember um when um Dr. Morton was here, he was discussing about um doing a a fast cash sale on some of the homes. Correct. Well, that's some of the ways that he proposed that the city will be um you know going out to to Does anyone know if he's done
039that? We have not met with him yet. Um as you aware um we have not met with him yet. We should be meeting with him um this week or next week. Okay. All right. So we I guess we would discuss that that we could table that and and discuss that with um Dr. Martin. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Uh claims committee. The uh insurance claims committee will be meeting on um April 7th. Okay. Uh next is education committee. Uh yes, we met on March 25th uh with Dr. Doran and and uh Mary Beth and Dr. Chhatis uh Jack Danny and we discussed um the pre pre kindergarten uh beginning of year versus middle of year data for 2024 and 25 um and there seems to be some good news. So they're uh after
040review of the beginning of year they said there was an increased implementation of tier three foundations and increased focus in math additional week of instruction per theme to increase time for spiraling of content. Uh schedules were changed and revamped included less direct instruction and additional small groupoup instruction. centers were changed, addition of alphabet center and an addition of fine motor um centers and this has been having uh a powerful or positive impact on um students results. They did a diagnostic K through 8 uh middle of year for the different schools that we had requested and we're showing some improvements. Um, I want to also um say that there was uh Mount Vernon City School Districts was highlighted for its outstanding achievement uh for Benjamin Turner Academy and Pennington Schools. Um they showed demonstrated and significant
041progress through their meticulous I Ready implementation plan um which had been effectively ex executed. Uh uh we talked about the humanity humanities um department um they said ELA writing um that was some of the focus uh the reading program considerations alignment with the science of reading which I was very happy to hear about structured ELA um instructional blocks consistencies across classrooms datadriven instruction professional development support and re resource efficiencies [Music] Um, I'm just trying to see what else we got here. Program consideration. Get my reading. And they had program considerations. Hm, intro, reading for K5 and intro literature for 6 through 8, Scholastic adding in the decodable and other components to support writing uh curriculum associates and they are looking to um get or to purchase next year. This is the first time I can
042say this. Something for curriculum within the science of reading. They're investigating programs and they're going to need a big ask and I'm hoping that our board of trustees will be able to um honor their ask which is I was told it was curriculum based and it might cost a million dollars, but I feel that a million dollars is worth it if it goes and improves the lives of every student in Mount Vernon at some point in their educational pursuits. So that is the end of education. Thank you. Thank you Trusty Kelly. Any questions on the education? Uh moving on to facilities committee. Yes. Facilities committee. The facility committee met on March 28th. Um and they reviewed all all tanks have been completed except for Williams have been removed except for Williams. HBAC repairs are going
043on to ensure proper cooling for summer for for the summer while lighting projects at Mount Vernon High School gyms are completed. Uh um Pennington school towel replacement after the flood they had is set to begin upon towel delivery in two weeks and complete electric electrical wiring for the DWSA game room. Um what else? We have concluded that the final do inspection of the Mount Vernon um honor academy over worked overhung or working to finalize the agreement with the district architect firm for bond project planning and does my co-worker have something to add? Um I don't think I don't think much. Um it's good to hear that the um the Pennington floor replacement is coming. Um that that class has been displaced for some time now and a teacher as well. So and and just a
044reminder for some background, there was a flood in that building from the gymnasium on the second floor some time back and I believe it was October and that water came down and I you I did come out and and speak to the incredible job that the uh custodial staff over there that did and everybody that was hands-on to clean up. I'm glad to hear that this floor is finally being repaired. Thank you. Uh family and community engagement. Yes, thank you. We met on March 20th. We discussed this parent survey that uh it's very comprehensive. It's called the diagnostic tool for school and district effectiveness. We reviewed that. Um the results of that will will will drive um comprehensive imprehensive improvement plan for the school district going forward. Um is that is that survey go live
045now? No, it'll be live. Okay. It'll that survey will be live at the end of next week. We talked about the New York State testing dates. uh a standard letter goes out to parents for students grades three to eight with those dates. It'll go out in multiple languages. Uh actually I think it went out on the 25th of March. Last week it went out uh and it includes uh information about best practice for test prep. Um the dates are also listed on the website calendar um with the specific uh test names. Um, and I think the there will be an addition of popups a week in advance of tests. Um, we talked about uh upcoming district-wide family and community engagement events. Um, a flyer will be coming out this month with with events that'll go
046up on the website. It's already out. Okay. It's already Wow. Timely. April 1st. It's already out. Uh and it was noted in the meeting that advert the website does help spread the word. We touched on a couple of concerns. There was a little bit of a concern about parents getting information about uh Denzel Washington auditions. Um we discussed that and how the best thing was to contact the school directly or to look at the school district's website for information about that. Um, there were questions about the reorganization and it was noted by one of the parent coordinators that the information on the website about the reorganization has been very helpful for people. Um, and we discussed the ongoing challenge of getting information out to the Spanish and Portuguese speaking uh communities, but we're we're working
047on it. That was it. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, so next is food services and wellness. Um, thank you. Food services. All right. I'm here. I'm I'm I'm here. I'm I'm getting it together. I All right. So, the food service committee met on March 28th uh to discuss equipment grants uh kitchen walkthroughs, which um I did request to do some kitchen walkthroughs as I usually do every year. Um, and I've dropped the ball uh just so that we can try to just engage with our workers to see what's needed uh so that they can do their job. Um, and uh the department finalized uh aiming to secure up to 20,000 per building uh for a equipment grant list uh to uh get functional kitchen equipment from our closing buildings. So, and it was a great
048conversation because we talked about utilizing functional equipment from buildings that are closing to go take that equipment and move it to build to buildings that have broken equipment so that we can truly focus on using that grant money to buy machinery and equipment that we truly do need um rather than buying stuff that we probably can salvage from the closing buildings and use elsewhere. Um, we also discussed the food service contract updates which would which is happening now. Um, which is very important because it has to do with again looking at what we're feeding our babies and what they're getting, how much they're getting, whether it has any quality, what I want to sit and eat it and right alongside them. Um, but what we want to definitely mention is um there's a survey getting
049ready to come out and uh Mr. Mr. Rami, thank you for sharing the uh that uh survey with us today. I did run through it myself. I thought it was pretty straightforward. Um it's very important. It's very important because what it does is it actually it gives students the ability to answer some questions and tell what they really want to see in their food menu and and what they what they need as far as um portion size as well as what they want to see to eat, what they like, what they don't like. So, it's very important that when when the survey comes out, are we going to send in our email like the same way we did for uh say the uh the superintendent search? Is this going to be on the district site?
050So, um let's talk about that. I just want to make sure we have to get a far reach. We got a very good response on that particular the superintendent surge. It would be good to get some 800 people come back, especially students. So, um we should I want to get out there and get it out. Um, so thank you. As far as wellness goes, um, we had an impro I had I just got ganked into a meeting we had over at, um, Denza Washington for a little while. Uh, we were just talking about wellness and they have these rooms. There's a a restroom, I think. Not a restroom. That's wrong. It's a what's the name of the room that they have over at I think it's Steam. They open up the room. It's like it's
051dim lit and it's comfortable chairs. Not the esports room. That's another question I have too. Is that the sensory room? I don't know if it's called the sensory room, but what it is is basically what you talking about. You know what I'm talking about. It's a room where the students can go and relax. They can rest. It's quiet. The lights are dim. It's nothing but calm and peace. And there's an agenda to put more of these rooms in more of the buildings in the district. So, I hadn't heard about it. I didn't know that it was districtwide, but I'm going to bring it to my fellow board members as well and have a discussion so that we can truly get behind it and see it. From my understanding, there is not a lot of cost
052behind it and we have some people who are definitely trying to make it happen. It's part of mental health wellness. Is that Yes. So, and I I want to see it. I want to go. So, I'm going to request a tour so that I can see the ones that are already up and running and then we can have a conversation all of us together. It's just a huge agenda, especially when we're dealing with so much challenge now in the district. Wellness, mental and emotional is huge. And this is, you know, and it's and it's beyond now. It's definitely right. It's right now. And our children are facing these things, so many different changes every single day that we have no clue. Anything that they can call a safe space is extremely crucial. Thank you for
053your report. Uh, now we're going Sorry, I have a question. Human resources. could just I just wanted to piggyback on um on on what you just said how the importance of these sensory rooms are. They're very very valuable tools and also the CTE uh opening of the hospitality suite. Uh go I got to talk about that. You want to talk about that? No, you you I just I I wanted to cue you cuz I knew you'd want to Marabel. So hold on. So So Trusty Marabel, myself and Trusty Mcdana were at the CT hospitality uh uh grand opening ribbon cutting. Who turned my mic off? Stop playing with me. My mic sound go. All right. No, it was amazing. So, there were about 43 student chefs doing line chef work making empanadas that I didn't
054get. And where's my gift bag? I'm going to find that. Mark, you got my gift bag. But listen, I just want to say partnership with Goya. We had Goya in the building and they dis we talked about the fact that we've got a partnership with Goya and they're get they're behind this CTE hospitality program. I'm going to ask Mr. Raundi to um mention something about it. He did the ribbon cutting. Uh uh who else was there? Oh, and Brian Simmons who I was a director of CTE and Dr. Dog. And Dr. Dogit. Yes. Who's here and he dresses better than me. But I was very happy to be there. But can we talk about this right now? It's amazing. So last week we had a ribbon cutting for our CTE. uh it was a culinary
055lab and if you remember this space was used for a variety of purposes throughout the years and then when we found ourselves with this opportunity to take advantage of it we called all of our in-house crew to come in and totally remodel the entire space internally. We utilize equipment that we had uh to build a culinary lab kitchen. We onboarded appropriate staff who knew how to teach this subject. Uh some heavy hitters from New York City Department of Ed who wanted to come and join the Mount Vernon City School District team, which was we were very grateful for. And we were able to put together a really state-of-the-art culinary lab and secure a partnership from Goya, which is one of the largest companies in the world to help our students get the food, get the
056training, and that that build that uh bridge to move forward. and we're looking towards the future of all these great initiatives, some uh cookoff competitions between us and other school districts that it's really going to put Mount Vernon on the map in a positive light and this is some of the things we need to bring back because we have many talents not just academically or athletic but also culinary uh arts and that sort of thing. So, this is just it was a great day to show all the hard work that we did inhouse uh authentic organic and I think it's going to last for a very long time. So, it was it was awesome to be part of all that. Yeah. I'm just going to shout a big shout out to Chef Cat. Chef Cat.
057Chef Cat who is uh who was incredible. We had to watch her manage all of these students. She was like on fire. But you know what I will ask? Where was News12? This is an incredible thing that happened. and News12 was nowhere. But let some nonsense go on and they're like sitting outside like this. This is something News12 should have been at. It's cuz yeah, negativity, no positivity. We needed that type of coverage for this. So, they should pay attention. If you're in here now, somebody somebody send a text message. Thank you. I just like to know since uh Dr. Dog is the assistant superintendent of curriculum instruction in charge of the CT programs if he has anything he wants to add to that. I just want to echo the sentiments of um Trusty Mitchell
058um Raundi as well. Um I do like to thank Brian Simmons and Dr. Pauline Pierce for spearheading this and also growing the culinary department. Um I think it's an opportunity for our students to see all the wonderful things that's happening to CTE, how it's expanding and like you said, News12 should be there. We need to we need to advertise this and make it a little bit bigger. Start it out small. We'll see how it goes and then we'll just make sure that we make sure that apartment expands and we have a better broadcast so everybody can see it. Thank you. Any other comments, questions? Okay, moving right along to human resources. Human resources. Trusty White. Um, we will be meeting April 10th at 1:00 online. Okay. Thank you. Trusty Mcdana, IDA. The IDA meets next
059Thursday, April 10th. Um, insurance. Uh, we have insurance trustee Curran. We don't have anything from insurance. the insurance you're meeting on the 7th. Yes, we will be meeting on the 7th with the claims committee as well. Policy committee. Um so um the policies uh from the retreat that we did are being have been reviewed in conjunction with the district's current policies. A draft of best of best of both worlds will be disseminated throughout Thursday to the policy committee to review and then after discussion any amendments the policy will the policies will proceed to the general board. So we're going to meet to discuss these on Thursday and we'll present them to the board right after that. Okay. Safety and security trustee and Jenga is she still on? Yes, I am. There you go. Perfect. Thank
060you, Trusty Jenga. Uh, special education. No, the security did meet. Oh, you did? Yeah, there was a meeting. Uh, Mr. Ramundi actually helped me out. He printed out the report. Security actually, I'm sorry. I um Trusty Ninga, I might not sure if you were um if you were present. I might have, if you don't mind, I'll just read it. I know you're the chair. Um they did meet on the 28th um to discuss training, operational planning, staffing and summer prep. Building officers have undergone infinite campus photo training to enhance security procedures and the committee reviewed summer supply orders, schedule maintenance for security equipment, uh and consider budget approvals for necessary repairs. Um, additionally, the operations department reached out to the Mount Vernon Police Department regarding the need for additional crossing guards and learning that the
061city and learned that the city is facing staffing and retention challenges. Both parties are working together to address the issue. So, the the the school crossing guard situation is not new, right? So, my understanding and I think was made clear is that state guidelines says that the city has to provide the the uh the crossing guards for elementary schools. But I believe that when we went to make Kada to 8 that kind of muddied the water for where they had to put a crossing guard. Is that correct? That I don't know exactly. Um but if it's K to8, it's still elementary, right? So Mike, I had a conversation with um the deputy commissioner this morning and uh you know they've been very cooperative, very helpful with us and they expressed that they're having difficulty staffing
062and retaining guards and then also if they're there's call outs filling those positions. So there's some challenges that we're trying to partner with. Um they've been very good. if there's a a real high need, they'll send a squad car by to just help with the crossing of the traffic, you know, at as much as they can, but they're facing those types of challenges. Yeah, I see it. I mean, Lincoln School, big shouts to the gentleman who's been out there. He's a senior citizen. He's out there. He's out there now with a cane, but he's still a crossing guard. Uh big shouts to the uh the crossing guard over at uh Mandela as well, who actually is directing whole traffic, not just people crossing. He's actually stopping cars. All right. And of course over here right
063over at Mel Vern in the leaders uh honor academy all our crossing guards really appreciative of what they do. Thank you. Um next is um special education. We will be meeting next week. Okay. And lastly technology. Yes. The technology committee met on March 24th. I'd like to acknowledge uh the director uh Mr. Dr. Ramirez and the assistant superintendent of curriculum instruction, Dr. Dogget, for their participation, their information um that we gathered during that session. One of the items we discussed was the tech readiness for New York State uh computer-based testing. Um through that some action items was we looked at the Lyric data services service learning agreement. um looking at the hub as a central location for all CBT readiness materials. Looking at the Lyric collaborative network support for the service learning agreement and the
064CPT assessment determined that the devices that devices are essential and need to be upgraded. The last time they were upgraded was during COVID when we had a mass purchase of about 1,500 devices. Those devices are now uh obsolete and we will need to upgrade them um in the coming budget. Hopefully uh we will be get support for that. It will cost about a million dollars. Uh followup we need to take a look at the service learning agreements with Boseies and create a common language for the director of technology to delegate uh IT help desk team and coordination. For example, the lyric collaborative network support uh service learning um agreement language needs to include the coordination with the district, the director of technology and or his design needs to be added to the language. In addition
065to that, we need to also ensure that the language on the SLA includes that is based on the adoption of or the approval of our budget. So we had asked that they would submit that language to our attorneys in order to ensure that um we are in agreement and in alignment. Um also we talked about the cost effectiveness review of instructional software and we found duplication of some services. We also found that there was some services that were not necessarily being highly utilized. So they are being scaled back and they are being addressed and they will be reflective in the upcoming budget. Uh so that we can um make sure that anyone that's actually using the services does not um that their services are not truncated but the ones that are not using it that
066we're not paying for services that we're not actually using. We also are ensuring that Bosey's uh costs are reflective of the lowest cost possible and in alignment with the state contract and that we are not overpaying for those services even if the aid that we receive um makes those services or those costs or expenses lower. Um we are also looking at um instructional technology and determining where we can make savings um also in the budget. We uh also in we also found out that there were some services that Boseies was charging for that New York State Education Department is actually providing to districts for free. So we are investigating that and looking into it and it will be reflected in the budget as well. Uh also district consolidation of technology in light of the closing
067of schools. Where can we use those s services? Uh where can we use that equipment? also making sure that uh our IT help de desk status that our priorities are being met. Um there has been inventory is being conducted throughout the schools. There was an inventory um uh review during the winter break at each one of the three buildings that are closing um to ensure the best use of those that equipment and also using the best technology in order to um ensure that if there are any any materials that are at risk of theft, they are being tracked by a program called Obsolute. and ensuring that we have a procedure and a policy that if we identify uh equipment that is stolen that we ensure that there's a policy in place um to address those
068concerns. And that completes the report the technology committee. Any questions for technology? Thank you, Trusty Maro. That concludes committee. That concludes committee report. Um we're going to go on to follow up on old business. These are questions from public comment from Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. Number one question, did the trustees receive an official letter that the schools are closing? The board trustees voted on it. Uh, number two, are you going back on employee observations or appraisals? Uh, that question was unclear. Number three, does seniority play a role in your decisionmaking? That would be yes. What happens to students who audition for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade? Answer is auditions are rise are rising 9th, 10th, and 11th and 12th graders. Question five, what will happen to the students that will not be entering ninth grade?
069Same as the above. Will the students continue their arts majors? That would be yes. Should students who audition transfer back to their neighborhood schools? The answer is we follow the regular transfer procedure. Number eight, need to address the need for crossing guards and pedestrian signals at our schools. And that was just answered. We are collaborating with the city of Mount Vernon who informed us that they are struggling to retain and hiring crossing guards. And that concludes old business. Trusty Trusty Mitchell, do do you This is I'm I'm trying to digest the answers that we just received to those [Music] questions. I still have questions on the questions. I have questions on the answers. All right. So last month was women's history month. So um every now and again when I get a chance I try
070to ask that um we get some feedback from the children from the babies to write me letters about certain topics. And um thanks to Dr. Smith uh who communicated it to several of the principles. I focused on Parker and Leadership Academy and Honor Academy especially because those buildings are closing and those students we really need to just make sure we pour into them as much as we can. You know, the ones that would not be leaving or losing their building and you know having a face transition and things like that. But it was more important that I wanted to salute women's history month. I sit on a school board with the majority of of uh powerful women and I want to salute every one of you. I know a lot of times we don't see
071eye to eye, but I do appreciate. A lot of times my energy is abrasive and I apologize for that, but it's for the best and we're all here for the same reason. I can't repeat it anymore. What did I say? What? What? Say one part. Say what part. Do you want me to say for you? No. No. Yeah. Go ahead. Go ahead. No. No. Again. So, you know, um I apologize if a lot of times Yeah. My energy seems like it's off, but trust me, it's coming from a good place in any Okay, I heard that. Anyway, so but what I did do was I asked students to write from several different classes. I'm not going to read every letter cuz I literally got like 32 letters. Um which is Yeah, it's really really amazing.
072I really appreciate it. Um I will share only a couple briefly. Um uh from Miss Donahghue's class over at Honor Academy. Uh one letter young lady said, "One important woman in my life is my older cousin. She's important to me because I can talk to her about anything without her judging me. she gives me advice and doesn't try to make the whole situation a big deal. Um, another student, uh, let me see, another student said, you know, women's history month is important to celebrate because how well the younger generations see all the significant accomplishments that women had made over the decades. For example, for Winfrey, she has her own talk showing as a billionaire. She also mentioned um, you know, an important woman in her life uh, is the strong, encouraging and hardworking is her
073lovely mother. Um, and what I noticed even across even, you know, a lot of the young ladies who wrote, it was a lot of young ladies, but there were some young men as well. And I was really cool. Um, you know, an important woman in my life is my mom. She is the reason why I'm here in this world and raised me from when I was born to now. Even today, she still babies me when I just get a small cut and even treats me like her little princess when I'm sick. Um, you know, and then, uh, I have another one. There are many important women in my life. The most important being my mother. She is the most hardworking, loving, and caring woman and person I have and ever meet. There was a tone
074for most of these letters, and I don't want to keep going. I've been told that I'm uh it's all about me. So, so the tone of most of these letters and so many of these letters is they talked about mom. So, Mother's Day is coming, but this is going to give us another tape. I really wanted to say how really good it felt to hear these children go and say, you know what, the most important is mom. It's mom. It was cool that when one of them had their their cousin or it's but salute to all women for Women's History Month, but all year round, there's no month long enough to salute you the way you deserve and you are appreciated. Thank you very much for your position in this world. Thank you. Thank you.
075[Applause] Thank you, Mr. Trusty Mitchell. Um, so right now I'm going to ask for a motion to um take a pause and go into executive session uh to discuss uh some resolutions before we come back out. Uh we estimate a time of about um I can't even estimate with these people, but I'm going to say uh 30 minutes. Okay. So, uh, let me do a motion. Okay. Get it on record. So, can I have a motion, please, 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. Can I have a motion, please? Motion second. Okay. All
076in favor? Any oppose? Okay. Motion carries. We are in executive session for You want to speak with him about 30 minutes? We will return to public session. You want me to You want me to log out now? You want to hook her up? Who's missing? Oh, that's okay. Welcome back. Motion to reconvene to public session. Second. Okay. All in favor? I. Do we have Elaine? Any opposed? Motion carries. Can we get Jenga back? Wait, who's she's Elen's over there? Okay, I see. Can we bring it a little further? Yeah. Okay. Just to bring it a little No, no, no, no. Just bring it further to the front just so we could kind of see. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. So, can I have a motion for 7.1 human resources 123A certified? Second. Questions, concerns, discussions?
077All in favor? Any oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. Read it. How did you get the second? Start here. Did I? No, we have to refresh. No, because because we added in next session. Oh, the numbers got changing. Okay. All right. I'm following your lead. Can I have a motion for 7.2 human resources 123B classified? Second. questions, concerns, discussions. All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. I motion carries. Just a note that the numbers are off because we added in executive content. So, Okay. All right. Their information is still the same just the numbers are not the same right now. Right. So just have a motion for 7.3 request for a leave of absence. Motion second. Questions, concerns, discussions? All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. I motion carries. Do I have a motion for 7.4 approval of the
078title change at central office for reorganization? Motion second. Question questions, concerns. Just for the clarity in front of the public. This is related to the the the fact that DEI is can no longer be in the title. And that's because of the executive order that came down. Yes. so that we could because of the threat of losing federal funding. So, this is just us conforming with that. That's it. Question. Question. Um, I'd still would just like to have a reorg an organization chart of the district. I made a request and I have not received it and so it would be helpful. Thank you. Will this person's position change in the reorganization or will it be a she has additional but she would stay in the same yes a director okay but we could but that's
079list we would like I'm right directly okay only other question I had was is there any change in salary no thank you all in favor oppose abstain and she has a she has a motion carries. Can I have a motion for 8.1 authorization for the Saturday regions review program? Second, questions, concerns, discussions? One question. Um, when are we going to communicate that we're doing these review programs? Are we going to when are we going to make it uh make it make the public aware the parents aware if we haven't already? Am I missing it? We have school. Yes. Okay. So, the schools individually are sending out like the notification. Yes. Notification. They take the school. Thank you. I have a question. Oh, okay. So, this um when it says sub, that's a substitute for the
080administrator. Which one you looking at? I'm looking at um Yes. Yes. Okay, thank you. Any more questions? All in favor? Oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. I got it. Okay. Can I have a motion for 9.1 approval of pupil personnel services memorandum number 17 dated April 1st 2025? Motion second. Questions, concerns, discussions? All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. I Have a motion for 9.2 amend reszo 8.2 Two, board approved March 4th, 2025. Authorization to hire staff for ELA academic academy for McKini Vento program June the 2425 school year. Second, questions, concerns, discussions. Didn't we vote on this or last week or I mean last? We just changed it. Amended it. So this you did vote on this and you voted on it because we had an employee who's not in the um MVAG union. They
081said that although she has the proper certification, since she's not in their union, um she could not have that position and that they would grieve us if we continue. While um we've hired people like this in the past, they said that they weren't aware of it and and so this is why this is being amended. it came up because that individual was being paid $44 an hour and wanted the $55 an hour as a supervisor. So that brought it to the attention of the union and as a result of that that's why this is being amended. Thank you. All in favor? Oppose. Abstain. I motion carries. Okay, I'm going to slow it down. Can I have a motion for 10.1, authorization for sovereign engineers to provide services related to the district reorganization and reconfiguration? Motion
082second. Second, questions, concerns, discussions. All in favor? I oppose. I abstain. Motion carries. You have a motion for 10.2. Authorization to use Luzon Environment Services for the removal of the fuel tank at Williams School. Second question. Questions. Second. Question. Um, just refresh me. I can't remember. Who have we used to remove any other fuel tanks? We haven't used anybody to remove any tanks, just abandon in place. But this is the company that's been doing the abandonment. Okay. So, are we going to have other ones that they're going to have to remove as well, right? No, this is the only one. Okay. Thank you. All in favor? Oppose? I abstain. Motion carries. Can I have a motion for 10.3 authorization to reject bid number 202425-08 snow removal motion second questions concerns any discussions question the bid's
083not attached here right what are we rejecting So, this is a bid went out and it was the one bidder also uh failed to submit a bid bond. So, we couldn't accept the bid. So what we're doing is we have to officially reject it and then republish it. Thank you. You're welcome. All in favor? Oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. Have a motion for 11.1 approval of general funds transfer dated April 1st, 2025. Motion. Second. Questions, concerns, discussions. All in favor? Opposed? Abstain. Motion carries. Okay. Have a motion for 11.2. Approval of the internal claims auditors report for February 2025. Question. Questions. some of the I'm sorry I'm I don't recall. This is a request actually for the audit committee so that we can just have a a presentation on how many of the items that were
084found um that we're not supposed to do whatever were considered material weaknesses or that we've made changes to since they've like how many years have they told us we've been doing this and shouldn't have and have we done it have we fixed those things yet? Can we have something? Sure. Thank you. All in favor? I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. Have a motion for 11.3 approval of treasurer's report for January and February 2025. Motion. Second. Questions, concerns, discussions? All in favor? Question. Sorry. I would like to know when the treasurer is going to present to the board to walk us through some of this. I mean, she could do it as soon I I don't know if you want to wait until the budget season's over. But if you want after the budget is over, we
085could do it for the for the June one. If you want it earlier, we could we can make that work. June is fine. Thank you. I waited two years, so I can wait. Thank you. I appreciate it. And just uh a point of clarification on that, that will be in the public portion of the meeting. It will be in the public portion. Yes. I got an actual question sidebar a little bit. Um do we have a timeline on when the board will have you'll have a presentation on the impact from the school closings that how it's going to impact h how it's going to impact closing the gap something like you know this is us closing. Are we going to have a presentation like especially like how it's going to impact possible the teachers contracts
086and stuff like that? Are we going to see anything? Um I know we were you told us I think it was some point around the middle the end of this month I think. Do we have a timeline now? I know you're working on the budget heavy. Yeah, as I put together the budget I'll have that with it uh for the board. So you're saying um what the impact was if we didn't close the buildings versus what it is with closing the buildings and what was that cost savings? No, I think what I think you gave us that I just want to see where we are now and I want to know like for those things for those reasons that we did close the buildings. Where are we now? Teachers contracts is huge. So, you know,
087I'm just that's really something I'd like to see. We did a some major drastic cutting to the almost bone. I'd love to we I want to see it, you know. Yeah, I I'll document. Thanks. Appreciate that. You're welcome. All in favor? I oppose abstain. Motion carries. She's here. She's here. Have a motion for 11.4. Reject. Keep stopping. I don't know what that is. Motion for 11.4. Reject proposal for a business operation and finance consultant. Motion. Second. Questions, concerns, discussions? All in favor? I oppose. I abstain. Motion carries. We have a motion for 11.5 authorization to enter into a 5-year contract 2026 through 2031 with Southern Westchester to furnish certain computer services. Motion please. Motion second. Question. Okay. Um questions, concerns. Um under the circumstances where we are actually reviewing the services that Boseies provides especially
088through the technology department is it possible that we can pull well not pull this but is it well I'm not certain that all the information that we need is in this particular contract. Do we have any time to look at it further? It's a question. What are we doing? So, you have to pull it. No, you have to vote it down. We need have enough time. Is that what we're doing? Please. I move to table this particular um item until the next meeting so we can review it further. Okay. All in favor of tableabling 11. I I Any oppose? Abstain. Motion carries. I have a motion for 11.6 authorization to accept a monetary donation for the Mount Vernon Educational Foundation. Motion second. Question. Question. Can we have I'd like to know where we've spent the
089educational foundation has been giving us money I think consistently. I'd like to see what we've been spending it on for for instance like what in particular we're going to spend this on or how it's going to that's what I mean for is that what it is. Okay. I didn't see that part of it. Okay. Maybe I missed. Okay, never mind. All in favor? I oppose. I abstain. Motion carries. Have a motion for 11.7 approval for boys track team to travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for pen relays. Motion. Second. Second. Questions, concerns, discussions. All in favor? I I oppose. Abstain. Motion carries. Okay. I have a motion for 11.8 approval for girls track team to travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for pen relays. Second. Questions, concerns, any discussions? All in favor? I oppose abstain. Motion carries. Can I
090have a motion for it's going to be 12.1 motion to read into um into motion to read the legal notice. Um I'm going to I have a motion and I'm going to move that. Motion second. Okay. Who was first? Kelly. All in favor? I. Any oppose? I abstain. Okay. Motion carries. I'm going to read the notice. The legal notice publication dates are April 4th, April 24th, May 9th, and May 13, 2025. Notice of the district-wide budget hearing and annual school board budget vote election of the city of Mount Vernon, the city school district of the city of Mount Vernon, New York, and the Mount Vernon public library. General information, time and place of voting, district-wide budget hearing, voter registration, absentee ballots, early vote ballots, military ballots, final date for receiving petitions of nominations, and filing
091of school election registers. Notice is hereby given. The annual school budget annual school board budget vote election will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at 7:00 am to 900 pm for the purpose of electing three members of the board of education of the city school district of the city of Mount Vernon, New York to serve for a full term of three years beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring on June 30th, 2028. and for the purpose of electing two members of the board of trustees of the Mount Vernon Public Library to serve one five-year term beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring on June 30th, 2030 and one three-year term beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring on June 30th, 2028. And further notice is hereby given. The public hearing on the school budget
092shall be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 6 PM at the education center located at 165 North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. And further notice is hereby given. Residents may receive a copy of the budget which will be placed on the district's website June the 14 days immediately preceding the date of their election. A real a real property tax exempt report exemption report prepared in accordance with section 495 of the real property tax law will be annexed to any proposed budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part and shall be posted on the district bulletin board maintained for public notices as well as on the district's website. And further notice is hereby given that the final date for receiving petitions of nominations for candidates from members
093of the board of education of the city school district of the city of Mount Vernon, New York. Three members to serve for a full term of three years beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring June 30th, 2028. and for the purpose of electing two members of the board of trustees of the Mount Vernon Public Library to serve one 5-year term beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring on June 30th, 2030 and one three-year term beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring on June 30th, 2028. is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 or sooner in the office of the district clerk at the Education Center, 165 North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. Nominating petitions are now available in the office of the district clerk. Join for placement on the ballot will be held on
094Thursday, May 1st, 2025 at 4 pm in the office of the district clerk. Please take further notice that applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the office of the district clerk located in the administrative offices of the Mount Vernon City School District, 165 North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York 10553. An application for an absentee and early mail ballot on the form prescribed by the New York State Board of Elections must be received by the district clerk no later than 30 days before the annual election. Such application must be received by the district clerk at least 7 days before the annual election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the annual budgeted vote election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to
095the voter or his or her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely application for a mailed absentee and early mail ballot, the district clerk will mail the ballot to the address designated on the application by no later than 6 days before the annual election. No absentee and early mail voters ballot will be counted unless it is received in the office of the district clerk of the city school district of the city of Mount Vernon 165 North Columbus Avenue Mount Vernon New York by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election. Qualifications for absentee ballot applications. A qualified voter may vote as an absentee voter under this section. If doing if during all the hours of voting on the day of an election, he or she will be absent from the county of his or her residence
096or that was one or two unable to appear at the polling place because of illness or physical disability or duties related to the primary care of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled. Or three, an inmate for any reason other than conviction of a felony. Education Law 2018- A208-B or patient of a Veterans Administration hospital or four absent from his or her voting residence because he or she is detained in jail. Voters with permanent disabilities. Number five, voters with permanent disabilities registration records shall be marked so that they automatically receive absentee ballots for each election. Education Law 2018- A 2G 2018-B 2G Qualifications for early mail ballot applications. A qualified number one a qualified voter must be a citizen of the US. Number two, 18 years of age. Number three, a resident
097of the district for at least 30 days prior to the meeting and not otherwise prohibited under election law 5-106, education law 2012. and further notice is hereby given, the board of registration of the city school district of the city of Mount Vernon shall meet to prepare the school election district registers for the annual school election on May 6, 2025 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the boardroom at the education center 165 North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. Any person who is not already registered upon proving his or her entitlement to vote in the district may have his or her name placed on the register. The register containing the names of the qualified voters will be available for inspection in the district clerk's office during each of the five days prior
098to their election between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 400 p.m. In order to vote in the annual school election, read carefully the following instructions. It will be necessary to register for this coming school election. Number one, if you are registered but have changed your place of residence since that time. Number two, if you were not registered on permanent personnel registration. Number three, if you now have acquired or by May 7th will have acquired the required qualifications to vote in the forthcoming school election under the qualifications of voters listed below. The qualifications for voting are a citizen of the United States, A B 18 years of age or over, C a resident of New York State and the city school district of the city of Mount Vernon for at least 30 days preceding their [Applause]
099election. Date of registration, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm in the boardroom of the education center, 165 North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. And further notice is hereby given that the annual school board budget vote election will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for three members to serve for a full term of three years beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring on June 30th, 2028. and for the purpose of electing two members of the board of trustees of the Mount Vernon Public Library to serve one five-year term beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring on June 30th, 2028 and one three-year term beginning on July 1st, 2025 and expiring on June 30th, 2028. Notice is also given that an accurate
100description of the boundaries of the school election district into which the city school district of the city of Mount Vernon is divided is on file and may be inspected at the office of the district clerk 165 North Columbus Avenue Mount Vernon New York. The public schools where such elections will be held are as follows. District number one Lincoln School 170 East Lincoln Avenue. District four, Cecile H. Parker School, 461 South 6th Avenue. District five, Hamilton School, 20 Oak Street. District 6, Trapagen School, 72 Lexington Avenue. District 7, Edward Williams School, 9 Union Lane. District 9, Graham School, 421 East 5th Street. District 11, Pennington School, 20 Fairway. District 14, Rebecca Turner Elementary School, 625 South 4th Avenue. District 17, Home School, 195 North Columbus Avenue. District 22, Grimes School, 58 South 10th Avenue. Budget election
101information will be available on the website at www.mtveroncsd.org/election in multiple languages. And further notice is hereby given that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register at a as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, familial transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration. ballot application or ballot military milit military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the district clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 5th, 2025. No military ballot will be canvased unless it is received in the office of the district clerk
102be before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or foreign country's postal service or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government or received by the office of the district clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto with a date which is associated to be no later than a day before the election by order of the board of education of the city school district of the city of Mount Vernon New York. Rita James, district clerk. Wait, is it amendment? You have a question? Yeah. No, you we we amend it. That was the part of the amendment. So we didn't amend it wasn't on
103board. She excluded the part that had extra it question. Yeah. She excluded the part that had the Okay, good. I have a question. I have a Oh, she comments or you put the motion? I have a we have to accept that, don't we? But she has so your questions, comments or whatever. Motion to accept what was read. Motion. Second. Questions, concerns, discussions? I I have a question. Is on the record. Is this um resolution going on as being amended? No. No, wasn't it wasn't put on the board as a resolution. So we just he we're just voting on what was read. Exactly. Okay. All in favor? Any oppose? Abstain. Okay, motion carries. Can I have a motion now for 13.1? Motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation, the financial
104history of 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. Can I have a motion, please? Second. Okay. All in favor? I I oppose. Any abstain? Okay. Motion carries. We are in executive session and we won't be back. Thank you. We we uh we're we will not be returning tonight. Thank you. Have a good evening everyone.