001Good evening and welcome to the June 11th Board of Education meeting for the Chester Union Free School District. It is truly wonderful to see so many attendance this evening. We have the great opportunity to honor many individuals and celebrate them. Mrs. Iannuzzi, can you please take roll call? Present. Present. Present. Thank you. Can we please stand for the Pledge of 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. Can I please have a motion to adopt tonight's agenda? Motion. I'll second. All in favor? Aye. Motion passes. Can I please have a motion to approve board meeting minutes of May 21st, 2025? I'll second. All in favor? Aye. Motion passes. We're now going to move to
002some of our recognition. First, the employee recognitions. Tonight, as the president of the Board of Education, I have the honor and privilege, on behalf of my fellow board members, to speak about some of the outstanding employees of the Chester Union Free School District. As part of our commitment to honoring the dedication and professionalism of all staff members, this year the Board of Education has established the following categories to recognize employees who exemplify the values and priorities of the Chester Union Free District. All employees recognized through these categories contribute to the district's commitment to empowering every student to reach their highest potential. and embody the values outlined in our mission, vision, and district goals. These employees are truly student-centered, future-focused, team-driven, and represent the diverse talents of our school personnel. The three categories are operational excellence,
003staff excellence, and instructional excellence. Operational Excellence Award. This award honors essential staff whose work is primarily focused on the systems and infrastructure that keeps our schools running safely, efficiently, and effectively. This includes staff in the facilities, maintenance, food service, business operations, and technology. Their behind-the-scenes contributions are critical to the success of daily school operations and the learning environment. The recipient of this year's Operational Excellence Award is an individual who began working in our district in 2015. He currently holds the role of district maintenance mechanic. He has broadened his role by being a mentor in the workplace learning internship program. Using his years of experience in the electrical contracting field, he built a two-scale framed wall for students to learn how to rough in all different types of electrical fixtures. He created a course outline complete
004with research, hand-on experience, and an exam. This program goes well beyond the typical expectations of the building and grounds responsibility. His passion for utilizing his skill set to advance our student population has given several students a future direction in the trades that they never knew they would be interested in. In recognition of his tireless work as our district maintenance mechanic and commitment to giving our students a comprehensive workplace learning experience we are proud to award Mr. Brett Sutton this year's operational excellence award staff excellence award this award celebrates staff members whose roles enhance the day-to-day experience and the well-being of students and the broader school community Whether through direct student interaction or by fostering a welcoming, organized environment, this category includes school counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, clerical staff, secretaries, front office greeters, lunch recess
005monitors, athletic coaches, and other non-instructional personnel who support a positive, supportive school environment. The recipient of this year's Staff Excellence Award started working in our district in 2004. Her personnel file is overflowing with letters commending her outstanding work and thanking her for her dedication to our students. She supports students through academic challenges and personal crisis with compassion and professionalism. It has been said that she is critical to the success of our middle school. She facilitates instructional support team meetings, organizes honor roll recognitions, involved with planning of assemblies, field trips, and fun Fridays. Coordinates moving up ceremonies, spelling bees, and the fall, when you've had my kids, I get all choked up. And this fall, planned and executed the countywide red ribbon kickoff. This is a sampling of all she did. This is only just a
006sampling of all she does for our school and surrounding communities. She is truly the fabric of the middle school community. In recognition of her exceptional work as our middle school school guidance counselor and commitment to every Chester middle schooler having a positive middle school experience, we are proud to award Mrs. Jen Cuomo this year's staff excellence award. Instructional Excellence Award. This award recognizes teachers, academic support specialists, and instructional aides who directly support student learning in the classroom. These individuals exemplify a commitment to academic excellence and instructional innovation. This year's recipient of this year's Instructional Excellence Award is an individual who began working in our district in 2012. Currently he holds the role of special education and social studies teacher in our district. His passion for educating is unparalleled. Sitting in one of his social studies
007classes, students leave wanting to know more about the French Revolution, the invasion of Poland, and the Russian Revolution, just to name a few topics. Due to his unwavering commitment to the Chester students, his educator role transcends the classroom as mock trial advisor, home instructor, weight room advisor, chaperone for trips abroad, and most notably, head football coach. Despite less than ideal playing conditions, the players often speak of the numerous lessons they have learned on and off the field from this coach. This coach is respected countywide for his dedication and ability to produce competitive, skilled football players, despite small team numbers. Most recently, this individual had a poignant moment, not as an educator, advisor, or coach, but as a fellow human being. A student was choking in his classroom and without hesitation he performed the Heimlich maneuver
008which dislodged the food from the student's airway. In recognition of his outstanding work as an educator, coach, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of all the Chester students, we are proud to award Mr. Ryan Stover this year's Instructional Excellence Award. Congratulations to all our honorees. We will move to the next portion of the evening, 2.2, Honor Retirees. Tonight, we honor the careers of several individuals who are retiring from the Chester Union Free School District. Following this presentation, we will break for photos and refreshments. Ms. O'Hara will begin with opening remarks, followed by building principles honoring our retirees. We will invite all to the podium to receive their awards and then join us for a celebratory photo. Thank you. Good evening everyone. I just wanted to quickly congratulate Brett Sutton, Jennifer Cuomo, and Ryan Stover on
009well-deserved Board of Ed recognition. We are so appreciative to have each and every one of you as an outstanding member of our team. So I just wanted to say on behalf of all of us, again, congratulations. With regard to our honorees soon to retire this evening, tonight is not just a celebration of years served. It's a celebration of lives impacted, futures shaped, and a profession defined by purpose, compassion, and dedication. I will share just a few brief remarks this evening as your building principals will follow with more personal reflections on the unique impact each of you has made in your schools, in the lives of your students, and throughout the Chester community. Many of you retiring this year are individuals I've had the privilege of working alongside. Your educators I've learned from, leaned on, and
010truly admire. Okay, I'm good. When thinking about who could best kick off this celebration, Kevin McAtee immediately comes to mind. He brings heart, humor, and boundless energy to Chester Elementary School from legendary Halloween costumes to themed field days and his game show host flair greeting, as I recall as principal, good morning CES! Kevin has inspired a love of physical education and helped make CES not just a school but a family. This year Kevin was honored with a Mid-Hudson School Study Council Teacher of Excellence Award, a well-deserved recognition. His very presence has a way of bringing the entire school community together, uniting students, staff, and families through positivity and connection. That kind of presence is rare and his sneakers will not easily be filled. Cheryl Coffey was one of the first teachers I had the privilege
011to work with more than 20 years ago. At that time, I had just transitioned from teaching in a high school in Vermont to elementary here in New York, a steep learning curve, to say the least. Cheryl exemplified how essential the elementary foundation is in supporting all the grades to come. I remember being struck by the care and intention she brought to even the smallest of details, like modeling each number this slowly. or each letter writing on the blackboard. And yes, I did say blackboard, and I am dating myself. Actual chalk, no smart boards, no new line boards, just good old-fashioned dust on your sleeves and squeaks made that would make your teach clench. Watching Cheryl in action was both humbling and inspiring. Vince Mulholland. has shaped student learning across nearly every grade at CES from
012teaching all subjects in kindergarten to his most recent role supporting students in AIS math. His calm presence and patient teaching have helped countless students build confidence and develop the foundation to persevere through challenges both in mathematics and beyond. He is a reminder of how powerful it is to truly connect with each and every student, meeting them where they are, encouraging their growth. and showing them they are capable even when the learning feels most challenging. Tony Kegelblitz. Years ago, as Tony's fifth grade teammate, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how she brings science to life with a rare blend of expertise and passion. From simulated oil spills to Madagascar cockroaches, lizards, fish, frogs, and snakes. If it crawls, swims, or slithers, Toni has likely brought it into her classroom to spark curiosity and wonder. She
013is strong, determined, and all heart, an educator through and through. Whether it's finding a creative way to teach a complex concept or building a schedule from scratch when no one else could figure it out. Toni approaches every challenge with determination and grit. She sets high expectations for herself and her students, consistently finding ways to make learning science and all subjects as unforgettable as she is as an educator. Moving on from our youngest learners up to Chester Academy, Barb McInerney exemplifies what it means to set high expectations in social studies instruction while genuinely connecting and caring with each and every student. She sets the bar high, emphasizing student responsibility not only for academic growth, but also for respect and character. She consistently balances high expectations, high standards with sincere compassion, preparing our students to become independent
014learners with an understanding that perseverance and determination lead to personal success. And finally, Carolyn DiOrio, our librarian who bridges both Chester Elementary School and Chester Academy with her work spanning grade levels and buildings, much like the stories on her shelves. She connects fiction and nonfiction to the curriculum, helps teachers bring content to life through literature, and models adaptability to resources student needs and the evolving role of the library. Carolyn provides the right resources at the right time, inspiring a lifelong passion for reading and learning. Libraries are filled with facts and stories that embody the spirit of wonder, places where students learn to ask questions, find meaning, and explore new ideas. It's here among the books and resources that one might come across a creative answer to a familiar question, what are the seven wonders of
015the world? While many list famous landmarks, another perspective offers something much simpler. to touch, to see, to hear, to feel, to laugh, to love, to learn. The perspective captures the essence of what each of you has given your students. The greatest wonders have happened in your presence through the care you've shown, the guidance you've offered, and the encouragement you've provided where students have felt seen, heard, and inspired. Whether you've taught at CES, Chester Academy, or both, You are leaving behind far more than years of service. You're leaving a lasting imprint. One made of students who saw what was possible because of you. Of your colleagues who were strengthened by your example. And of classrooms, cafeterias, and hallways that become places of trust, laughter, structure, and growth because of you. On behalf of the Board of
016Education and the entire Chester community, thank you for the years, the moments, and the immeasurable heart you've invested in shaping the lives and futures of our students. As we continue to celebrate each of you, your building leaders will share, your building principals will share a few words from their very unique perspectives. Following their remarks, all retirees will be invited to the podium to receive your awards and join together for a commemorative photo to mark this meaningful moment. So at this time, please welcome Mr. John Flanagan, principal of Chester Academy. Thank you. So the first person I'd like to say a few words about is Barbara McInerney. And Barb, if you know Barb, and we all know Barb, she's that kid in the yearbook that says, you know. camera shy, you know, not here, not here
017tonight, but Barb, I know she's watching, and she's very modest, and one of the things that I think, you know, we all know and love about Barb is just her heart, you know, from the moment that I walked through the doors of Chester Academy six years ago, Barb welcomed me with open arms and also told me that she had exactly six years until retirement. In fact, I think she might have had that countdown running a little bit longer before I even started, but here we go today. After 24 years, she's finally reached that finish line. If you're one of Barb's students walking into her room in September, you probably weren't sure what you were getting into, as she has a tough, kind of no-nonsense reputation. But the students learned quickly that you don't test Ms.
018Mack's patients on day one. But what they also discovered, and... What every one of us here knows is that underneath that firm exterior is one of the kindest, most caring teachers any student could ever ask for. Barb has always gone above and beyond for her students. And unless she would not want me to say this, she often quietly helps out students who can't afford their senior trip. You know, she doesn't advertise that. She shows up for every school play. She's there supporting her students at concerts and events, you know, as her students' biggest fan. She's a constant presence, not just in the classroom, but in the lives of so many kids who needed someone who believed in them. Miss Mac, as everybody calls her, Chester Academy will not be the same without you. While we
019may be getting your daily retirement, we might not be getting your daily retirement countdown anymore, we'll always remember the dedication, heart, and humor that you brought with you every single day. So congratulations on your retirement. It is very well deserved. It's Mac and Ernie. Mrs. DiIorio. Carolyn. I'm not the most creative person, but I'm going to go a little out of my comfort zone here, and I'm doing this just for you. Her understanding of streaming copyrights, that could even make the Empire's legal team nervous. She's collaborated with staff like a true Jedi, always ready to share her wisdom, or at least a really good book recommendation. As Carolyn prepares to leave us for a well-earned retirement, we know the force will remain strong with her. But for us here at Chester Academy, we're just hoping
020she'll leave us the passwords for the library databases. Carolyn, thank you for your dedication, your humor, your leadership, and your heart. You are and always will be our Jedi Master of the Library. May the Force and lots of great books always be with you. Thank you. I'd like to invite Mrs. Beauchamp. You know, I typically go first. And John Flanagan always says, God, how am I going to follow that? So I feel like there was a little master plan and a gauntlet thrown down today because I apologize to my retirees. I do not have music or fireworks. But I do have kind words for all of you. So I am going to start. Mr. Mack. Lovingly, I call him Mr. Mack. Kevin McEntee, he's not here tonight. He had a family obligation, but these words
021are important. Tonight, we celebrate the incredible career of a true Chester legend. Mr. Kevin McEntee, for 29 years, Kevin has been the heart of our PE program and a staple in the Chester Elementary School community. But his roots go even deeper. Kevin grew up. right here, walked these halls as a student and came back to give back to the place that shaped him. Kevin has done far more than teach physical education. He's brought joy, energy, and a whole lot of laughter to our school. Whether it was showing up in a boat captain costume on a random Tuesday, or leading field day in a three-piece tuxedo like the Monopoly man himself, Kevin reminded us all that fun and learning go hand in hand. He didn't just teach students, he inspired them. he supported his colleagues and
022brightened their days and his with his endless humor and heart. Kevin you have left an indelible mark on this school and all of us are lucky enough to know a lucky enough to work alongside you. We will be, he will be, you will be. You will be. It's a little weird that he's not actually here, but I know he's listening. He, you, will be deeply missed, but we know retirement will suit you well. After all, fun is your specialty. We wish you nothing but happiness and adventure in this next chapter. Thank you for everything. Mr. Mack. Next up, Cheryl Coffey. it is truly an honor to stand here today to recognize and celebrate the incredible career of mrs. Cheryl Coffey a beloved second grade teacher at Chester Elementary for 25 years Cheryl has dedicated herself
023wholeheartedly to the students families and greater Chester community her classroom which has ranged from all the grade levels at Cheddar Elementary has been a place of warmth encouragement and discovery a place where generations of children not only learned how to read and write, but also how to be kind, curious, and confident. Cheryl was actually the first teacher to come over the summer and meet me when I first started at CES four years ago. I will never forget her welcoming nature and smile that she brought into my office that day. It's hard to measure the full impact that Cheryl has had. Many of her former students are now adults, some even parents of her current or recent students. That kind of legacy is rare and deeply meaningful. It speaks to the heart she brought to the
024school. this work every single day. Cheryl, your commitment to CES has shaped our school in lasting ways. You've been a steady presence, a trusted colleague, and a true mentor. While we are sad to see you go, we are also filled with gratitude for all you've given us. On behalf of the entire Chester Elementary School family, we wish you all the happiness in the world in your well-deserved retirement. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in every student that you've taught. Congratulations Cheryl and thank you Mr. Mulhaupt. It is my honor to say a few words about someone who has truly left an incredible mark on our school and our community Mr. Vince Mulhaupt. For 32 years, Vince has been a dedicated educator, giving his time, energy, and heart to the students
025of Chester. Many know him best, which I still really wish I saw you as a kindergarten teacher. I just, I see the pictures. I know it happened. I just, I guess, and a mustache. Yes, I saw a mustache as well. Many know him best as a beloved kindergarten teacher while others have had the privilege of working with him more recently in his role as an AIS math teacher. Regardless of the position, Vince has always brought patience, kindness, and a calm strength that made students feel seen and supported. What makes Vince's impact so special is its reach. He has taught not only generations of students, but now their children as well. He's been a constant presence at CES, a familiar and trusted face, and a true staple of our school community. While we will miss his
026steady presence in the halls, his quiet humor, he has a quiet humor, everybody, and his dedication to our kids, we are excited for what lies ahead for him. Vince, we wish you all the happiness, rest, and adventure that retirement can bring. You've more than earned it. Thank you for everything. And congratulations to you, Vince. Last but not least, Tony Keglevitz. It is truly an honor to say a few words about someone who has given so much to the Chester School community, Tony Keglevitz. Toni has been a fixture at Chester Elementary School for 25 years and her impact on students, families, and colleagues is undeniable. She has inspired curiosity, sparked passion, and nurtured young minds all with the heart and the dedication of someone who truly loves what she does. Toni's connection to Chester runs deep
027not only as an educator but also as a parent. Her own children attended Chester School District, something that she's always been very proud of. And just as she poured her love into her family, she did the same in her classroom, day after day and year after year. affectionately known as our resident scientist Tony has led with passion and purpose whether she was teaching science or any other subject her enthusiasm lit up the classroom and left a lasting impression on every student who walked through her door and besides every student who walked her through her door any child that comes into that school including my own they want to go see mrs. K and all of her animals in her room And how fitting, which they may be like, where is she going to do with
028those animals? We'll take them. We will not. We will not. And how fitting that as she steps into retirement, she got to see one of her dreams realized. Today, the ribbon cutting of the CES Pollinator Garden, a project years in the making. This garden is a beautiful reflection of Toni and her students, thoughtful and full of life. Her pride was unmistakable today, and rightfully so. Toni, you've dedicated your life to education, and now it's time to embrace a well-earned retirement. May it be filled with joy, adventure, and peace, and maybe a few pollinators, too. Congratulations, Tony. You will be deeply missed and you have certainly left your mark at CES. Mr. Flanagan and Mrs. Booth, would you like to join me at the podium as we give a token of our appreciation for our retirees?
029Can we please have Mrs. DiIorio, Mrs. Coffey, Mr. Mulhop, and Mrs. Keglovitz join us? Can I have a motion to break for photos and refreshments to honor our employee, Honorees and our retirees. Motion passed. If we could come down our employee honorees as well as our retiree. Grant. for our music department from his organization. So from that, we were able to get three marching drums, various auxiliary percussion, reeds for woodwind instruments, sanitizing spray, and more. It was huge, and it changed our program since our school is sparingly able to get that amount of money for many new supplies in our band. He told us how he got into music and how the organization that he founded supports schools across the country. the county, excuse me. That night was the middle school awards ceremony, and then
030the following day was the high school awards, academic awards ceremony, where students across grade levels were recognized and rewarded for their hard work and abilities. On May 29th, Orange Ulster BOCES hosted their outstanding student honoree ceremony, where our salutatorian, David Trin, and our valedictorian, Carly Cambria, were honored for their achievements. On May 30th, AP Physics hosted a trip to the Orange County Park, testing various applications of physics that they learned throughout the year through their various encounters outside. On that day, every individual member of the senior class received the letters that they wrote to themselves in their 8th grade and 10th grade health classes. This is an especially meaningful year because we wrote those letters during COVID. So it offered an interesting perspective for us and for our teachers to see how many things have
031changed since then in our lives and in the world. On June 1st, we had our Bandapalooza concert that we spoke about last meeting hosted by Mr. Sparkman and Mrs. Hussaini. This featured all aspects of our academy and elementary school music departments as well as various solos that we performed. On June 3rd, the Key Club hosted their awards ceremony, distributed their medallions that the seniors will wear at graduation, and celebrated the new officers for next year, of which Brooke is one. On Wednesday, June 4th, National Honor Society had their last meeting where Mr. Rad distributed cords and elected officers for next year. On June 6th, the band attended the Music in the Parks trip that we talk about so often, and we received a rating of excellent and a trophy for third place, which is better
032than we did last year, which we were very excited about. This was our last major band event before graduation, so it was a very impactful and emotional time for seniors especially. Excuse me. This week and last week, several students presented and earned their Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish or Haitian Creole. The advisors of this program were incredibly supportive towards us throughout the entire process and even afterwards. We are so grateful for this program and being selected and guided through until certification. And they're very open to new languages. I personally know at least three students here at Chester who speak fluent Russian, and they will be doing the Seal of Biliteracy next year as well in their languages. Saturday, June 21st is our first annual Village of Chester Day celebrating a beloved part of our town.
033Many members from National Honor Society, Key Club, Drumline and Chorus will be attending to volunteer and support the event. On June 25th, we have our graduation rehearsal, senior barbecue, and senior field day. Then finally, we have graduation on June 26th. That concludes everything I have to report. I would like to say that I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity that the board has given me. You all have been so kind and supportive of me, and I will always be happy that I was a part of this. You have watched Brooke and I grow as representatives, and you listened to my peers advocate for something that they were passionate about. So thank you again for everything. I will miss every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. And as my last little two cents, Brooke and I
034were talking, and we think that we should get our own nameplates like everybody else. Especially now that the program has changed where junior representatives and senior representatives are both on the board. They will have them for two years instead of one. Our school has a 3D printer. I think that this is tangible. We can definitely achieve this. And alongside that, I know that our school is very excellent and they definitely have more rolling chairs. We would like them. I think that would be very nice. It would definitely be very cohesive. And we would love that. So hopefully, I will be watching next year for the next board meeting. And Brooke and whoever the junior representative is of next year will have these chairs and these nameplates. So thank you so much. I will add chairs
035and nameplates. to our reward meeting agenda. Yay! Brooke, do you have something to share for us this evening? Yes. OK, so on June 5, the Multicultural Club took the group to get ice cream and pizza, and they discussed plans for next year's officers and a new club advisor, since Ms. Flett is sadly leaving. This past weekend sophomores Chloe and Adelia attended the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Seminar which I was also there to help volunteer at. And this was held at the UAlbany campus over three days and they got to experience the campus as well as listen to leadership panels and participate in creating hygiene and soup kits for those in need. The yearbooks were successfully distributed to the middle and high school students, and they were highly complimented by both students and teachers. The yearbook
036club will be having one final meeting tomorrow to elect new officers, thank everyone, debrief on how the year went, and then begin planning again for next year. The juniors are beginning to fill out their senior packets, which will be sent to the guidance counselor, Mrs. Sternemann, to assist teachers in writing recommendation letters for college, scholarships, and employment. The senior portraits for the junior class began being taken today, and they will also be taken on June 18th. And Ms. Barreto has done a great job organizing all of the time slots for this. And these pictures will be used for the yearbooks and for the lawn signs for graduation next year. The Medical Club will be having its final meeting this Friday, June 13th, where they will recap what they have learned, plan for next year, and
037enjoy snacks. The Student Council's last meeting was today, and new officers were voted on for next year, who we all expect to do an amazing job. And then for the senior trip, the raffle ticket fundraiser that was done this fall for prom will be done again to help fund for it. Fundraising can be done over the whole summer since we were starting early, and 100% of the profit goes toward the cost of the individual's trip. A class meeting was held today to collect the paperwork and the first payments. And then lastly, I would just like to thank you all again so much for giving me this opportunity. I personally think it has taught me a lot of new skills and allowed me to hold a greater role in my community, and I can't wait to
038continue coming next year. So thank you. Before we close out roundtable and move to consent agenda, the board would like to take a moment to recognize our student rep who will be leaving us for higher education. Ariana, in recognition of your outstanding service as the student representative to the Chester Union Free School District Board of Education, during the 24-25 school year. Your leadership, thoughtful input, and commitment to representing the voice of the student body have made a lasting impact on our school community. We are grateful for your dedication, poise, and the valuable perspective you brought to the board. Thank you so much. Let's move to consent agenda, please. motion to adopt the consent agenda items 5.1 through 5.22 all in favor motion pass that moves us to our second public comment seeing that there's no
039one can I have a motion for adjournment I'll make that motion all in favor We thank everyone for tuning in this evening. Our next Board of Education meeting, this concludes for the 24-25 school year. Our next Board of Education meeting will be July 7th, which is our reorganization meeting. So thank you for your continued support and have a good night.