001Good evening everyone and welcome to the Oyster Bay East Norwich School District board meeting today, January 20th. Um, I'd ask everyone to please rise for the pledge of allegiance. Thank you. >> Correspondence correspondence Santos. >> All correspondence has been responded to. Thank you. I'd now like to turn it over to Dr. Yanni for a superintendent report. >> Thank you, Miss Castra Javanni, and good evening everybody. Uh, this winter has been uh really something with snow and ice. So, I want to start the meeting by thanking the entire uh ground and custodial crew. Uh, they're doing a superb job. The snow ice keeps on coming and they're cleaning up like nothing happened. So, we monitoring uh this weekend. So, it looks like another storm coming our way. Joan, I hope you like the snow because this
002this Sunday is going to be some. So, uh I pass it to Joanna for the student report. >> Good evening, everyone. The high school has hosted many different events throughout the month, and there are still more to look forward to. First, Oyster Bay High School's virtual enterprise class participated in the business plan competition and trade show at Long Island University. Students visited various booths from other schools to network and won silver for the New York State regional trade show booth design. Congratulations to the entire class. Furthermore, third 34 of our OB students have been participating in rehearsals and performances throughout the week for the all county music festival. We are proud of the hard work and dedication of these talented students. Along with these exciting performances, senior days for athletics have been occurring over the
003past few months. Last week, the bowling team held its senior day and the wrestling team recently held theirs as well. I would also like to remind everyone that midterms and regions week are currently underway. While our high school students are taking exams, se seventh and eighth graders are going on a field trip to the Cradle of Aviation, a museum of aviation and space travel. Marking period 2 will end this Friday. midterm week is completed and the third quarter will begin on Monday 126. The high school has many events planned for the third marking period. First, we will be holding our seventh grade family night on the first day of the new quarter. On 1/28, the high school will be holding a junior college night to inform the rising seniors of the processes they will take
004part in to prepare for college applications. Finally, on January 30th, the wind ensemble, jazz band, and chamber singers will perform at our second winter concert. All are welcome to attend and support these wonderful events. This is all the news I have for this evening, and I hope everybody has a wonderful night. Thank you, Jovanna. Thank you so much for your report. Uh the high school is uh was very excited to welcome back 10 members of our last graduating class. They came for alumni day. Alumni Day has been a tradition here Arista Bay where students that just graduated come back and they share their experiences that they had during the first semester in a college 101 classes that we have to prepare students for the college application and going to college. So it was wonderful day
005uh and it was nice to see the seniors coming back and uh very very proud of them. So thank you for coming back. The Oyster Bay High School proudly marked its first participation in the New York State Theater Educators Association high school theater conference at Villa Roma Resort in in the Catskills. uh 12 students attended three-day event joining almost 900 students uh from across the New York State and they were part of special events workshops and different uh and different disciplines that they had theater disciplines and they participated and they had a wonderful time. Our theater program is doing very well and I'm sure that now with this experience they're going to do even better. Um just like uh to give the community a quick followup from from last meeting. One of them was the
006parking lot situation at Roosevelt uh the town parking lot and the plowing there. So one of the accommodation that uh we have made is to open the basketball courts. So, in the morning if the parking lot is not clear or it's not clean and there's ice, uh we allow the parents to park in the basketball courts so they can drop off the students um and that would alleviate some of the parking issues that were brought up last time. In the afternoon, uh we're going to continue to monitor the situation. So today the parking lot was clear. So we opened uh the the um the the gate at the south uh the south street. Um but we will continue to monitor and make sure that um there's there will be no issues. The other question that
007I received was about the calendar for the 2627 school year. um 27 26 27th school year is is sort of a a different unusual little bit unusual calendar. Labor Day it will come around 7 uh September 7th. So it's kind of late. Um so what we are doing right now, what I'm doing, I'm looking at all the surrounding districts. I want to make sure that our calendar is in line with the other district because we have staff and we have other people traveling and so uh Labor Day September 7 most likely the school will start before that but we're presenting at probably the next meeting or the following one. And the other thing that is different about this calendar is that um Easter and Passover do not come at the same time. So there is
008a little bit of um gap in between. So, um, we'll keep you posted. I know a lot of people are making plans for the vacation for the 26 27 school year. So, we're trying to create a calendar that is consistent with the other district. Um, just so everybody's online. Um, so at this time, it gives me tremendous pleasure to invite to the podium Miss Argamman, a principal at the high school, to present to the community the validatoran and saludiatoran of the class 2025. >> [applause] >> Good evening. Uh, first I want to apologize in advance. I had some dental work this afternoon. I was hoping the numbing would have worn off. So, I apologize in advance, but nothing was going to stop me from being here tonight to honor these amazing students. So, it's one
009of the great honors that we have as a school community each year is when we recognize the students who have shown dedication, perseverance, and excellence, and they represent the highest ideals of Oyster Bay High School. Tonight, we are so proud to honor validictorian and saludiatoran of the class of 2026, Mia Benal and Julia Milos. [applause] Through years of hard work, intellectual curiosity, and in personal integrity, these students have distinguished themselves not only through academic achievement, but through character, leadership, and service to others. It is with great pride that I recognize Mia Beno, the validictorian of the class of 2026. First, Mia is a student who leads by example. She brings a positive energy and a sense of purpose into every space she enters. Whether in the classroom or working alongside her peers, Mia is grounded,
010respectful, and deeply aware of the importance of collaboration and human connection. Her emotional intelligence and self-regulation allow her to remain clear-minded under pressure, while her humility and kindness make her a natural and trusted leader. Academically, Mia is driven by genuine intellectual curiosity and intrinsic motivation. She consistently challenges herself with [clears throat] the most rigorous coursework available. Teachers describe her as exceptionally well-prepared, diligent, and reflective. Someone who seeks feedback, asks thoughtful questions, and takes ownership of her growth. Her passion for science is evident in both her classroom engagement and her leadership as the president of Science Olympiad as well as her active participation in advanced lab work and problem solving. Beyond the classroom, Mia exemplifies leadership through action and service. As a student athlete who has participated in multiple varsity sports and served as a team
011captain, she leads with integrity, balancing the high expectations with encouragement and respect. Her teammates listen because she models the behaviors that she hopes to see in others. In addition, Mia gives back through her involvement in helping in athletes helping athletes where she mentors younger students and promotes good decision-making sportsmanship and character. She is also a musician performing in both the jazz bands and the pit bands and a leader within our school community as editor of the harbor voice. Mia Benal is not only an exceptional scholar, leader, and athlete, but a genuinely good person. She represents the values we hope to instill in all of our students: kindness, curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to supporting others. We are incredibly proud to honor her tonight and look forward to all that she will accomplish as she continues
012her journey beyond Oyster Bay High School. Congratulations, Mia. Come on up. >> [applause] >> It is now my honor to recognize Julia Milos, the saludiatoran of the class of 2026. Julia is a student whose excellence is both unmistakable and deeply rooted. She has distinguished herself through intellectual rigor, quiet confidence, and a remarkable breath of talent. She consistently pursued and mastered the most challenging coursework available, earning top marks across various disciplines. Her academic accomplishments, including being named a national merit commended student, speak to a mind that is analytical, precise, and deeply curious. What makes Julia truly exceptional, however, is not simply how much she achieves, but how thoughtful she engages with learning. She has a genuine passion for mathematics, statistics, and problem solving, and she approaches complex challenges with focus, persistence, and creativity. Her interest in
013actuarial science is rare at the high school level, but entirely fitting for a student who thrives on logical reasoning, data analysis, and real world applications. Julia seeks out opportunities to stretch herself intellectually, even when those opportunities push push her beyond her comfort zone. Equally impressive is Julia's ability to balance her academic strengths with creative expression and leadership. She is a published poet, an award-winning artist, a performer in our school musical, and a leader who commits fully to every endeavor she undertakes. Whether serving as president of the National English Honor Society, contributing to theater productions, or rising to the captain of the varsity sailing team, Julia leads not by seeking recognition, but by investing in others and modeling excellence. Julia Milos represents the very best of Oyster Bay High School. She is intellectually fearless, creatively gifted,
014and guided by a strong moral compass. Her ability to think deeply, lead thoughtfully, and act with kindness will serve her well as she continues her academic journey and beyond. We are incredibly proud to honor her tonight and look forward to watching her make a meaningful impact on the world. Congratulations, Julia. [applause] >> [applause] >> This evening we have the honor of celebrating a member of our board of education who has dedicated our time for the students and for this community for the past 10 and a half years. It has been a distinct honor and privilege to work alongside Miss Kowalsski, which is here tonight with her husband Keith during my first five years of the Oyster Bay East in the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District. Throughout my career, I have worked with many
015different leaders, but Miss Kowski's commitment to excellence and accountability is something I will always value. While the progress of this district can be measured by datadriven reports and milestones, the true transformation within our schools is rooted in our ability to work in harmony with the entire board. She has consistently pushed for our students and faculty to reach the next level. grounded in the firm belief that creativity and success must be paired with a clear understanding of reality and data. As president of the board for many years, together with the board, she successfully endorsed new initiatives that directly benefited our students navigating the complexity of the tax cap and other significant stringent budget restrictions. By moving above the administrative minutia, she remained focused on what truly matters, ensuring every student had the opportunity to achieve greatness
016and hopefully one day have the ability to change the world. Her leadership was defined by a relentless drive to serve our community. She recognized that dreams are only possible through sacrifices and hard work. and she applied that truth to every decision made for the benefit of our students and community. While our formal duties on the board are concluding, the trust and professional respect she earned will endure. Miss Kowski, please come up. I would like to present you on behalf of the board with a plaque of appreciation for the extraordinary work that you have done to this district. Please stay in touch. Congratulations. [applause] On behalf of the board of education, we would like to thank Miss Kowalsski for her many, many years of service with us. Her dedication to our students and our community inspired
017many of us to decide to run for the board. So, we commit to you, Miss Gowski, that you will keep up what you have started on the board of education. Thank you. every month uh we provide first of all I want to apologize I said the graduating class of 2025 I didn't move up one year so 2026 forgive me for that uh every month we provide the community with an update about the progress of goals uh and this year we're going to do the same tonight is the first budget presentation so I'm going to invite u Miss Reo our deputy superintendent to the podium to do the first presentation on the 2627 budget and uh just remind the community that all the budget presentations will be posted online and if you have any questions please
018free to email us, call us. Uh we'll try to clarify as much as possible. So Miss Rainor. >> All right. Thank you so much. Good evening board of education and members of our community. Tonight begins the first formal step in the development of the 2627 school budget. This presentation introduces the budget timeline, process, and guiding framework. Over the next coming months, we will continue to provide information, context, and transparency as we move forward to the May budget vote. This presentation was posted with tonight's agenda, and moving forward, all budget materials will be available on the district's budget web page for public review. While the budget includes financial details, it is ultimately a reflection of our priorities, values, and commitment to students. All of our work is grounded in our vision empowering all students to achieve
019excellence. This vision guides every decision made throughout the budget process. Each year, the board of education establishes district goals through a transparent and deliberate process. The goals are first presented publicly each August, formally reviewed and approved by the board in September, and remain available for ongoing reference on the board of education web page. Our board of education goals are organized in three consistent focus areas. student achievement, finance and operations, and community. Maintaining this three-pillar framework from year to year allows a district to stay focused, measure progress over time, and ensure that our budget work remains aligned with clearly defined priorities. Every goal aligns directly to one of these three established focus areas and serves as the foundation for how resources are allocated throughout the budget. Our first board goal is student achievement. And this is
020where we see the most direct connection between goals, resources, and outcomes. I'd like to share a few points of pride grounded in our first goal, student achievement. These highlights reflect outcomes we can measure, results that come from sustained intentional work. Our students continue to perform at a very high level, including reaching a 100% graduation rate with a strong multi-year trend averaging 95%. We've also seen growth in advanced coursework, both in access and performance with a 4-year college application rate rising from 82% to 97% and acceptance rates climbing to 89%. The percentage of students scoring three or higher on AP exams jumped from 62 to 84%. We've earned AP Gold recognition and the AP access award for the first time in district history. We've also achieved school of distinction. We are equally as proud of the
021programs that drive these outcomes. Starting with the full day universal prek program extending through expanded pathways in CTE for TV production and multimedia journalism, the arts graduation pathway, our firsttime Mandarin program and elementary world languages and New York State recognitions that validate the students skills and accomplishments. These are the kind of investments that shape our students trajectory over time. As we look at our finance and operations, it is important to recognize that academic success is only sustainable when it is supported by strong systems and discipline stewardship behind the scenes. We have paired academic growth with responsible financial management, completing a $30 million capital project efficiently and $2.6 million under budget, reducing long-term liabilities through smart debt planning, and applying operational efficiencies that help protect programs and maintain our initiatives. The third goal area is community.
022We build trust by communicating clearly, celebrating student success, and making sure residents can see both our outcomes and the responsial management and care that supports them. Our district's recognition and ratings reflect student achievement and strong district leadership. We've strengthened engagement through improved communications and visible opportunities to connect both online and in person. We are now recognized among the top 3% of schools in America, climbing to 41 out of 596 schools in New York and 286 out of over 10,000 schools nationally. Our great school reading surged from four out of 10 to 8 out of 10. Our continued growth and relationship with our community is essential as we move forward through this budget process. With that context, our vision, our goals, and the work behind our progress, I'd like to shift to the budget process itself.
023This is where we translate our priorities into a responsible plan. Now that we've reviewed the goals, this next section will explain how we build the budget that sustains this momentum. We'll start with two anchors. Our budget mission, why we are building this plan, and our budget focus, how we will do it responsibly. Our mission for the 2627 budget is straightforward. to build upon what's working, accelerate student opportunity, and to do so with disciplined long-term financial planning. In other words, we are committed to turning fiscal responsibility into the conditions that make exceptional outcomes possible for every student. Our focus is to stay within the allowable tax levy cap while strategically directing resources into academic, athletic, and arts programs that support student growth. We will also leverage capital reserves and budget allocations with precision to ensure facilities
024remain safe, efficient, and forward thinking all while promoting fiscal responsibility and organizational wellness. Building the budget requires balance. Our work is to find opportunities that can reduce costs without compromising the programs and to invest strategically where it strengthens the outcomes for students. At its core, building the budget is simple. Revenue must equal expenses. That equation guides every financial decision we make. The key is how we work within that balance. We continuously look to identify efficiencies. Reducing costs were possible without eliminating programs or compromising their integrity. At the same time, we embrace creativity. Improving expanding programs does not always require additional spending. Often, it comes from using our existing resources more strategically. As part of the budget process, we review where our funding comes from and where it goes. The primary revenue sources are the tax
025levy, state aid, and careful use of reserves and fund balance. On the expense side, salary and benefits represent the largest investment, reflecting that education is a peopledriven enterprise, followed by contractual services that support these essential operations. This reinforces why thoughtful balance and planning are so important. Not all parts of the budget behave the same way. Some costs like salaries and contractual obligations are more predictable and allow us to plan with confidence. Others, such as state aid levels, CPI, healthcare cost, and mandated retirement contributions are less predictable and outside of local control. Understanding this difference is why we plan conservatively and build flexibility into the budget so programs remain stable even when conditions change. This planning extends to our long-term capital needs. Our current capital reserve fund, which was established in 2006, has a voter approved
026term that was scheduled to expire in June of 2026. As part of the responsible long-term planning, we are proposing to establish a new reserve so the district can continue to plan ahead for major facility and infrastructure needs without interruption. A capital reserve allows the district to address larger projects over time, provides an alternative to issuing debt, which can help reduce interests costs, and protects taxpayer resources. If approved, any remaining balance from the current fund would be transferred into the new reserve. The community will be asked to authorize the creation of this fund by proposition this year. Any future use of this reserve would require a separate board approval, a separate vote through the community tied to a specific project. We will continue to share information throughout the budget process so the community clearly understands both
027the purpose of this reserve and the safeguards that will be in place. With all this in mind, our philosophy, our planning approach, and how we manage predictability, I'd now like to ground the conversation in where we are today. In looking at our 2526 school year budget, it provides a baseline that will guide our work as we develop the next budget cycle. The current year operating budget for 2526 is approximately 67.8 million with a tax increase of 2.91% which was within the allowable tax levy cap. On the revenue side, approximately 88% of the budget is funded by tax levy. About 5% comes from state aid and roughly 7% is supported support supported through reserves and fund balance. This snapshot is important because it reflects the financial structure we are working within a budget that is heavily
028dependent on local support carefully supplemented by state aid and onetime resources. After reviewing the current budget, it is also important to take a step back and look at the district's overall financial condition. This helps provide context not just for this year's budget, but for how the district is positioned over time. There are two key indicators that demonstrate the district's strong financial condition. First, the district continues to maintain a strong Moody's credit rating of AA1. This rating reflects an independent evaluation of our financial management, our long-term planning, and the ability to meet our obligations. Rating agencies care very deeply about this. Second, the district has received positive external audit reports for several years which confirm that our financial practices are sound, compliant, and well-managed. Together, these indicators along with consistent adherence to the tax levy cap
029show that the district is fiscally stable and responsibly managed. As we continue through the budget process, it's important for the community to understand when decisions are made and how opportunities to review are built in. This timeline will outline the full budget development process from tonight right through to May. Tonight's presentation was the first of several for the board and the community to review this budget information. Additional budget presentations will take place on February 24th and March 24th, allowing us to continue to build upon understanding and transparency. The board will consider the budget adoption on April 21st following the full review of budget information. A formal hearing will be held on May 5th, providing uh community an opportunity to understand what is being voted on and the budget vote will take place on May 19th when
030residents will decide on the proposed budget and propositions. These steps will ensure that we remain open, deliberate, and communitydriven. This slide shows the entire budget timeline in one place. As you can see, each presentation will build upon the last, moving from an overview to detailed analysis to adoption, ultimately to voter approval. Before closing, I just want to take a moment and highlight where the budget information can be accessed by the board and the community throughout this process. All the budget presentations, including tonight's are posted directly to board docs as part of the meeting agenda. This ensures that the meeting materials are publicly available prior to the board meeting for both those in attendance and those watching from home. Future budget presentations will continue to be posted here as we move throughout the process. In addition,
031all budget related information is housed on the district web page under the board of education menu. This dedicated budget page includes all the current information for 2627 along with the prior year budget material reference for reference as we continue through the budget season. This page will be updated regularly so the community can stay engaged. In closing, we are preparing for a budget that reflects thoughtful alignment between our vision, our goals, and the resources entrusted to us. We look forward to continuing this work collaboratively with the board of education and our community throughout the process. Thank you for your time. [applause] >> Thank you, M. Do any of the board members have any questions or comments from Mr. Rainer? >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Now like to move on to the approval
032of the minutes. Do I have a motion to approve approve the meeting minutes as listed attached? A motion. >> So moved. >> A second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. All oppose. Motion carries. We'll now move on for the opportunity for the public to be heard agenda items. In keeping with the philosophy of open communication and informed decision making, the board of education ws input from the community. However, it is important to note that while the board of education meets in public, it is not a meeting of the public. Respectful input and behavior by each member of the community is appropriate and expected at all times and should observe the following rules at board of education meetings. Board of Education will listen to comments and input from the public. Debate between members
033of the audience andor the board members will not be permitted. The board will not address personnel or indiv matters in public. No person shall present orally or discuss at any board of education meeting charges or complaints against individual employees directly or indirectly. The speaker shall identify themselves and confirm their residency in the district on the signin sheet. The first person who signed in is Mr. Todd Cronin. Uh first I'd like to just start off with thanking Miss Kowalsski. Uh Miss Kowalsski and I both came on the board together. We both moved up through the board through vice president and president. We spent many nights meetings, phone calls. It doesn't stop. Your phone never stops. So I know the time and dedication that it takes. So from me to you. Thank you very much for all
034your time. Now questions leaving can you explain what the procedure is going to be or is to replace her spot on the board. >> So as we have our legal counsel here tonight, would you be kind enough to explain to the board of education during discussion. Okay. So, we'll cover it during the discussion period. >> Okay. And then my second question, um, do we have a nurse for each school? I know I think one just resigned again. So, I was wondering if we have a coverage for each school or we have a nurse at each school. >> We have nursing coverage at every school. >> Every school has a separate nurse. >> We have nursing coverage at every school. So we have a nurse for each school has a separate not one going from Vernon
035to the high school or >> you would like Mr. Cronin I appreciate your comment and we will then respond to you via email or at the next meeting but we have nursing coverage at each school. >> Thank you. >> Um Miss Amry Longo Thank you. Thank you. I will have you know the snow on Sunday night. Dr. Ayani um he's causing that. [laughter] He jinxed us. But um so great budget presentation, but um I'd like to know when are we going to have the fund balance for the end of this school year? 25 our estimated fund balances. Um when will we know um what the appropriate uh fund going to be appropriated for designated fund balance for the um taxes and um on the capital reserve? Why are you voting on a new reserve and
036not extending the old capital reserve? and how much money at the end of 2025 when the reserve is finished will be in that reserve and what will happen if the voters don't approve a capital fund with the money that's left over so I guess the question is why not just extend the current capital fund as it sits how much money is in that capital fund um and what will happen if they don't vote for a new capital fund and I I'm assuming based on what was stated the capital fund ends in 2026. So what happens? >> Could you repeat the second question? >> You got them. >> Y thank you for your comments. Sorry. We will now move on to the approval of instructional personnel items resolved upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools
037board of education of the Oyster Bay each central school district hereby approves the instructional personal items as their entirety. Do I have a motion? Do I have a second? >> Any discussions, questions? All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Motion carries. We'll now move on to the approval of noninstructional personnel items. Resolved upon the recommendation of the superintendent schools. Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District hereby approves the instructional personal items as their entire. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Do I have a second? >> Any discussion or questions? >> All in favor? I. All opposed. Motion carries. Approval of business items resolved upon the recommendation schools. Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East Central School District hereby approves the business items as listed in their
038entirety. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion, questions? All in favor? I. All opposed. Motion carries. We'll now move on to the approval of special services resolved upon the recommendations of the superintendent of schools. Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East Central School District hereby approves the special services resolution as listed in their entirety. Do I have a motion? Do I have a second? >> Any discussion? All in favor? I. All opposed. Motion carries. Approval of new business resolutions dissolved on the recommendation of the superintendent of schools. The board of education of the Oyster Bay East Central School District hereby approves the new business resolution assist. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Do I have a second? >> Any
039discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. Motion carries. I would also like to thank Mr. Jim Rosel for his donation to thank you very much. We now have some items for discussion. Trustee vacancy and I would ask if you could lay out for us the options that are available to the board of education. >> Yes. So I just want to start with um Miss Kowalssk's term expo if she had not resigned would expire on June 30th of 2027 and that's an important piece of information for all of you. So there are three things board of education can do when a vacancy occurs. The first thing that a board can do is they can appoint somebody to fill the vacancy. They that appointment is through the May election which will be on May 19th
040of at which time the seat becomes part of the annual election and the third highest vote getter meaning somebody gets the highest number of votes somebody's number two number three fills the remaining term of Miss Kowalsski's term so whoever is number three because we run at large Norwich would sit in that seat until June 30th of 2027. The board could hold a special election. Um that special election has a 45day window. You would have to make that decision with within 90 days of the vacancy. There is an expense associated with that. I understand from Miss Rainer it's approximately $18,000. And based upon the timing of the publication that's required just like your election that election would fall somewhere in April, late April, uh just before the May election. Uh the last thing that the board
041can do is um leave the seat vacant until the May election at which time the same thing would happen. The third highest vote getter would fill the remaining term of Miss Kowalsski seat. >> Do any trustees have any questions? So if a special election was held, it would be held presumably sometime in April and then we would have our regular budget um vote and the and our regular trustee vote within a month of that special election approximately >> based upon the timing and how because remember you have to publish notice in the paper of the special election. I would estimate it would be about April at the earliest. Thank you. >> Is there an interview process that's required to that's up to the board to decide? Um we do we have had some school districts
042that do use that process. Um there are others who have a retired board member or somebody in the community who is willing to um take the seat for that short period. In this case, it's a short period of time until the May election. So, you can choose either option. >> Do we need to have a resolution? >> You would have to have a resolution if you were to appoint somebody or if you were to call for a special election. questions. >> Well, okay. So, the special election will fill the seat through when? >> Through June 30th of 2027. >> 27. So, a special election will fill that seat through the end. If we appoint someone, it's only through the end of this year. If we hold >> Until May. Right. Okay. >> And if it
043remains vacant, it's it is until May. >> Okay. >> And just as a reminder, board um did have a resignation a number of years ago um and was faced with the same issue just for historical reference purposes. >> And did the board hold a special election at that time? >> That that board um decided to keep the seat vacant until the May election. >> Thank you. additions. Thank you. Appreciate it. We also have on our items for discussion of regional regionalization and I would just like to um confirm with the board we had taken action in December 2024, January 2025 passed by resolution that we as a as a district and as a board of education had determined to opt out of any regionalization. Would just like to reconfirm our discussion with the board and
044your feelings regarding regionalization stand. >> So, so when uh regionalization was first presented to the board, um we viewed um I guess the uh purpose of it was uh for shared uh resources and services. Um but we felt that you know um one of the things that our community likes the most is the local nature of uh the education that they receive and that we opted out of regionalization just as a refresher um for the board and um we are taking an action again um if we agree to opt out of regionalization. So I agree to opt out of regional regionalization. I agree. Opt out. >> And just to add what you said uh to add to what you said that the regionalization the concept was that as I saw it that uh school districts
045would be mandated to to follow what was h how they were told to interact with each other and share resources. So, um, I support opting out, although although we still will work with other school districts, but that will be on our terms for the way it's best for our students and our community. >> Thank you all. We'll now move on to the opportunity for the public to be heard for non-aggenda items. Miss Amry Longo signed it. I I just want to take part of my three minutes to clarify. If you vote somebody in, if you have an election right now and you vote somebody in, they're only good until May. And I that that's my statement. They have to rerun again. I don't think they get to stay until the following May. If you if
046you have a special election, it's through till 2027 is the question. If you don't if you do nothing, there'll be three people running in June. Even if you appoint somebody, there'll be three seats open in June. Is that a true or a false understanding of the law? So, if you if if the if the board decides to run a $20,000 election now, that would happen in April, how long does the person who is elected at that um vote, how long are they sitting in that seat? Till May or until 2027? >> Until 2027. >> Okay. So, so you would do it now 20 thou and then you would or you would assign someone as many boards in the past have done here through an interview process. I think some board members were on the board
047when we interviewed people to do that. Um or you wait and there's three open seats in May. Either way, there's three open seats without a vote in May. So, um, another thing. So, all I'm asking is that it appears that you're going to continue with universal prek for everyone eligible in the district for 2026, 2027. There is an inherent issue down there with children being dropped off and picked up at school, the parking lots, whatever. In the past, for the for numerous years, that community down there has housed and and brought in children at that magnitude and those numbers from kindergarten to second or third grade, you know, without a problem without having to open back gates and having children wait out back. It is the request of the community and and many people who
048are entering preK that the prek people be put in the loop dropping off so that they're not, you know, issues with, you know, we're getting a foot of snow. That parking lot is never going to un ice unless we get rain. There's going to be issue with these little kids going to school. There are parents who don't use the bus that we've all given them. So, um, and we're going to, it feels like we have the room, we have the money, the state's got the money. So, um, I ask that the board of education consider putting all preK, at least in the morning because that's all you do for everybody in the morning loop. I mean, they all have AIDS. Um, it solves a lot of issues and it isn't a lot more children because
049there's only 80 children in that cohort. and in the entire school there's not a lot of children. So that's the request. >> Thank you for your comment. Sorry. >> Can you just sign? >> Sure. >> Hi. For those of you that don't know me, I'm Pauline Cronin. I'm one of the paramedics with East Norwich Fire Company. And Todd had asked a question about being the nurse being at each of the schools. My question is, when I show up to the to one of the schools for a patient, child, adult, teacher, whoever it may be, is there going to be a nurse or somebody there that's going to be able to tell me what's going on with the the with the patient, what they've done to to take care of the patient. So, this way, I
050totally understand when I'm now transporting that patient to the hospital. So, do I have to wait for >> I have to wait for a response whether there's a nurse there or not. So, when I get to the school, what should I do? Just walk around and say, "Who's my patient?" >> No. Dr. >> Or am I going to get am I going to get an email? >> We respond to you and the public. Yes, we will. >> Can I have an answer now? >> We will respond. >> I think this is a very important information for everybody to whether or not there is a nurse that is going to be taking care of their child. >> Thank you, Miss Con. We will respond to you and to the community. >> Okay, I'll wait for a
051motion to adjourn the meeting and a second. Thank you all. Have a good evening.