001coming in this week. They're going into the social studies classrooms for grades 6 through 8 um to meet with our students and um the school counselors and our school psychologists will be present for all of those presentations and any followup that's necessary. Okay. So in fifth grade we use the secondstep program. It's very aligned with what's happening at the elementary school. We have four units, emotion management, empathy and kindness, problem solving and goal setting. Um, and in keeping in alignment with what our students are taught at the elementary school, we um looking at the effectiveness of the program. So I administered an anonymous pre and post survey based on the learning objectives of the lessons within the emotion management unit. So used a liyker scale that ranged from strongly disagree to strongly agree and the
002students responded um to five questions and those are I can describe a situation that causes me to feel a strong emotion. I can identify signs of stress in myself and what causes me to feel stressed. I can identify what I can and cannot change about a situation that causes me to feel a strong emotion. I can identify and describe two things I can do to manage strong emotions in the future and I can use what I learn in second step to help me in real life situations. Um and so there was um some definite growth in four of the areas while one area just kind of stayed the same. Um so that's definitely a lesson that I plan on expanding on in the future as far as learning what you can and cannot change in
003a situation. So this was helpful data for me. Um the biggest growth was where um students are able to identify what causes them strong emotions and then um how to identify signs of stress within themselves. So in order to provide practice in applying these skills um learned and you know apply them to real life situations, I'm going to continue um and increase the opportunities for partner role plays, problem solving of realistic situations that they might encounter in their daily lives. And now I have some students I'd like to introduce that would like to just give you a few thoughts of their own on our program. I have Esther, Dennis, and Abby. is Esther and I would like to share some of my thoughts on the SEC program and it is extremely important because without it
004I personally feel developing compassion and sense of self would be a lot more harder. And for those reasons, it's really good. And a few small changes it could benefit from would be to make to really spend a lot more time in class to see how this actually relates cuz that could help students understand that these are necessarily skills and just so the new skill doesn't you know end up never being used because a student doesn't know how to relate it. I also feel um and another small change that can also extremely benefit this program would be to do some more hands-on stuff with the coping unit because I don't really feel like We touched enough on which coping skills helped which suspic students and the program is extremely important and um through these a small
005changes it could be even better. Hi, my name is Dennis. In SEO class, we had an opportunity to learn about careers. We learned about what careers are and what you do in these careers. We did a personal interest survey to identify our interest and then matched our interest to some careers. Then we spent time learning about the careers we person we were personally interested in. Some of the careers I found interest were firefighters, police officers, and athletes. I really enjoyed the career games that we played as well. I learned that isn't it is important to to choose a career that matches your interest and not just pick a career because it makes a lot of money or because you get to wear a fancy uniform. I look forward to learning more about careers in sixth,
006seventh, and eighth grade. Hi, my name is Abby. Incl. We learned about emotion management and coping strategies. Coping strategies are skills we use to deal with stress and challenges in our lives. They are activities we do and how we think that allows us to feel better when we are emotionally overwhelmed. Coping strategies are different for everybody. Some people like drawing while they are mad, sad or upset. Some people like taking a walk and even listening to music. While when others are upset, they can just say everything will be okay. Believe it or not, that's a coping strategy called positive selft talk. A few coping strategies I like are listening to music, looking at old photos, using a fidget, talking to friends, and writing. It's important for everyone to have coping strategies in their lives to
007handle strong emotions. Thank you. >> Now, I'd like to introduce Gene Marie Davis, who is our leave replacement counselor for seventh and eighth grade. Hello. Um during my seventh grade social and emotional learning class, there's a strong emphasis on supporting students personal growth while also preparing them for college and career readiness. Um seventh grade is more connected to what we're doing in the high school and less of what we're doing in our elementary school. Centered class that incorporates hands-on lessons and meaningful classroom discussions. Students actively participate in activities that promote real world application of skills. They are encouraged to bring forward topics that are relevant to their lives. And then these student-driven discussions, foster engagement, reflection, and deeper understanding of key concepts. The curriculum addresses a wide range of essential topics including inclu in inclusion
008in the community, bullying prevention and response, setting and respecting personal boundaries, managing relationships, navigating social conflicts, healthy decision-m developing positive mindsets and goal setting, understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and decisions, and building emotional regulation and coping strategies. In addition, students participate in college and career discovery to expand their awareness of future opportunities. To measure the growth in our college and career readiness, students completed both pre and post assessment evaluating their understanding of post-secondary options and their career interests. Um, so I had nine questions on my pre and post survey. Um, I actually created the questions based off of what was directly asked in both their college and their career lesson. Um the results demonstrated substantial growth in key areas. So students understanding post-secondary pathways. Um pre-ervey we had about 23% of students and by
009the post survey we had 78% of students that agreed and their ability to research college and career options improved from about 25% to 74%. Um, additional findings indicated that nearly all students were able to identify a career cluster and make meaningful connections between that cluster and related career opportunities. And students also demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of high school core selection in relation to their college admission and what kinds of programs they were interested in. Overall, the data reflects significant progress in students readiness for future academic and career planning as well as growth in social and emotional competencies necessary for long-term success. Um, so I have Matthew and Joseph that are going to come talk to you about their projects. Hello, my name is Matthew Walsh and I'm a seventh grade student at
010Pauling Middle School. During the second semester, I take social and emotional learning SEAL every other day. In this class, we complete several projects, including a career exploration project that that I will describe shortly. First, however, I would like to explain why is both an enjoyable and valuable class. SEAL, which stands for social and emotional learning, is engaging because it offers a different experience from our core academic classes. It provides us with time to reflect on ourselves, our feelings, strengths, and interests. Additionally, we are encouraged to conduct independent research as we progress through various projects which help build important skills. My favorite project so far has been the career exploration project. At the beginning of this project, we completed two surveys focused on our interests and potential future careers. Based on our responses, we were matched
011with career clusters aligned with our strengths and preferences. One of the Holland codes I received was enterprising, which involves demonstrating initiative and resourcefulness. From this cluster, we selected a specific career to research. I chose to explore the role of a financial manager. Through my research, I learned that becoming a financial manager requires strong mathematical abilities, effective communication, and interpersonal skills, active listening, negotiating skills, and strong problem solving abilities. While some of these qualities appeal to me, others are less aligned with my personal interests. This project demonstrated the importance of exploring future career options. It helped us better understand what we may or may not want to pursue and gives us goals to work toward. It also makes our current studies feel more meaningful. For example, it reinforces the importance of working hard in subjects like
012math as they may play a significant role in our future careers. Overall, has provided a valuable opportunity to better understand ourselves and begin thinking about our futures. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Joseph Reena and I'm also here to present about the seventh grade. One of the main projects we did this year was also a college exploration project. This project focused on gathering and organizing information about a college of our choice. I personally selected Sunni new palts in Pauling in Newaltz New York. To successfully complete the project, we were required to research and present on several key topics including student population, campus size, Greek life, and financial considerations such as housing and meal plans. Students also needed to research GPA and SAT/ACT scores to get accepted into the college of their choice. This
013allowed us to better develop an understanding of what attending a particular college might entail. Overall, I believe this project is a valuable opportunity for students to begin thinking about their future educational paths. It encourages early exploration of college options and helps students consider important factors such as cost, campus life, and available resources. Another thing I particularly enjoy about SEAL is that it is a future focused hands-on class that provides students an opportunity to think about their lives after graduation while still being relatable to a seventh grader. Additionally, the structure of the class allows for some time at the end of class for students to be provided time to make up missing work work, which allows opportunities to stay on track with school work and check their class averages with Miss Davis. In conclusion, the college
014project serves as an effective introduction to college research while reinforcing important organizational and presentation skills. SEAL class is beneficial for helping students begin planning their for their future and learning life skills that will benefit them in the future. Thank you. So, I'm bringing up the rear with the high school program. But before I do, a big round of applause to all of our students. We really wanted to bring their voice. Okay. So, the high school counseling plan um is continues to be very individualized, which impresses me greatly here about polling. Our school counselors meet with students individually every single grade 9 through 12. Again, continuing the good work that starts all the way in elementary school through middle school and then high school. What am I going to take now that I'm interested in? Am
015I still interested in that? And what does that mean for college or career? So, the high school counselors, they they have a comprehensive services they provide. They focus on well-being as well as academic success and again career preparedness through individual counseling, career guidance and post-secondary application assistance and I can say as someone who's been in several districts that is unique to Pauling and we should be very very proud of the work they do with your students individually. Um in addition they provide equitable support again our school counselors are so savvy in working with our students with neurological differences, English language learners. We have a a poperri of students here in the district and they I continue to be impressed by how they are willing to think about college and post-secary for all different kinds kinds
016of learners and what the pathways may be and in addition they focus on empowerment and transition. So we always begin with the end in mind. So I'll frequently hear them say well where do you want to be? How do you get need to get there so that we can have a meaningful transition and a smooth transition to help them prepare for what lies ahead. So a brief overview of the counseling program. You guys can take a look at that at your at your leisure. They really do a whole lot. They provide direct individual student services. In addition, they have workshops and provide educational. They do counsel workshops for families. They do counseling workshop for students. And then they're also part of very important committees to help them have a comprehensive look at at our students
017and award our students. Um there's some awards there for all of our students, grade level opportunities and awards. So this year for the high school because again we wanted to focus on being goal setting and being uh self-aware. Um they took a look at their strength of which is some explorer which is something that every nth grade student completes and it's through Navvian. And it really helps students identify what are their strengths and what again what type of careers do they align with. You may ask why do we do this again and again? Because people change and evolve and grow and we expect them to. The latest research shows that the average adult is going to have eight or nine careers. So it's very possible that students can come in wanting to be I wanted
018to be a dancing bus driver and then here I am. I'm a director of special education. So we honor that evolution and so we keep checking in with them again. What are we interested in now? What have you taken now? Perhaps they take a photography class and like this is it. So we need to evolve and change to prepare them for that future. So again we did some data. So I want to describe a little bit about the data results again just so families at home are assured that what they are doing and what we are doing is measurable and it is being effective. So for example, let's do this one right here. So here's some of the narrative about positive gains and confidence. So following the implementation of the strengths explorer with nine ninth
019grade students, post survey data indicated positive gains across all measured out outcomes. I'm going to give you a highlight of that. How confident are you about your personality and your strengths? Can you identify what you're good at, which is harder than harder than it seems, but it's important, right? What are you good at? The confidence rose. The people who were very confident went from 24% to 36%. And those are the most confident students. And in addition those students who couldn't do it at all, we had 15% and that went down to 6%. So the interventions in the explore and the discussion about the explore help students be able to articulate what those strengths are currently. In addition, um can you name at least three personality strengths and how that may align to future aspirations? The
020highest confident student being able to do that went from 19 to 65%. So 65% f felt very confident they that they could drive their describe their individual strength and how it aligned to a possible career. In addition, the students who struggled with this went from 27% to 7%. So again, they're becoming more aware and able to articulate how their strengths align to future outcomes. And then this one, which I love, how how does the strengths how do my strengths help me succeed in school and with planning for the future? How does what am I good at now help prepare me for being a better student and for being better in life? Right? The so the most confident students went from 40% to 51% confidence. I know what my strengths are and this is why it's
021important in school and this is why it's important for in my life and the lowest went from 20% to 19%. So here's some data. You know, we all see the narratives. I think we've seen for a long time how how much our school counselors do and how beneficial it is to our students. But there's a little data articulating not only what they do but um examples of it for from our student voices and also with data to back the importance of our school counselors and our school counseling plan. So in closing, this work reflects our unwavering commitment to educating the whole child. By strengthening our counseling systems and interventions, we are not only responding to immediate student need, but also establishing the conditions for sustained long-term success. This is deeply meaningful work that requires collective
022responsibility and collaboration, and I am confident in our direction and optimistic about the lasting impact these efforts will have on our students. Thank you. questions or should I sit down? >> Yeah. Um, and great presentation. Thank you, Dr. Sweeney, and to all of the uh guidance counselors who contributed to the students. So, what we're starting to see and and I and I asked this only because I think it will help the board in planning. It'll help um assistant superintendent for business in the future in planning and ultimately um you know, the district. We are seeing an increased number of students at the high school who are interested in going into the trades more than we've ever seen before. So it would be interesting to look at in their surveys right when they were seventh and
023eighth graders. Is that something that came a part of their profile? Did something's changed between the time they were in seventh and eighth that they got to be sophomores because they're electing to do this? because that would be an important trend to start to look at because in the planning process right as the numbers are going up would be really important to take a look at because it does have an impact on spaces we met with Boseies right two weeks before we left for the break and we talked about that need and ever growing need for what we're looking at so it's in these type of things are really important as we look to the future especially with the new pathways you know and graduation requirements >> excellent and we now have folders for each
024student. The counselors are meeting individually with each one of our students and kind of taking a look at that and that will follow them yeartoear. So by the time they get to the high school, oh you were interested in that. Now let's get some courses that are associated with it and do your thoughts change. So it's great. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Yeah. You're welcome. >> Does anybody have any questions for Dr. Sweeney comments? >> Um yeah, actually I'd like to follow up on um what Mr. D. Carlo said. First of all, thank you for all of the work. The students were outstanding with all their presentations from all the grades um that we saw tonight. So, um good on everybody uh for all of that. Um I would like to just make a comment
025about the the data. I think it's um it's great to see, you know, that we are kind of using these surveys to generate awareness and kind of track like reported behavior, right? It is um good for people for students to be able to internalize sort of what it is that they're learning and to be able to articulate you know the progress that they're making or the challenges and improvements that they see and we heard some of that tonight which is amazing. Um you know I'd like to piggyback on what Mr. Carlos said about um you know program tracking right so one like the set of data that we looked at tonight is reported behavior like I would like to see moving forward and more than just you know for interest sake but to be able
026to track empirical data that would show progress like real progress pinned to specific programming or behaviors that we are observing or tracking over time right so if you're telling telling me as an example that students are more interested in the trades. How is it that we're tracking that beyond reported behavior, reported interest, right? Are we actually seeing that the numbers are increasing in, you know, the Boseies programs that we're participating in? And that's just an example, right? I'd like to be able to track this across the different um uh data points that we're that we're looking at over time because ultimately I think what we're going to see is ideally um data that helps us confidently allocate funds to improve and grow this program because it's yielding hard results not only expressed or reported results.
027Does that make sense? >> Absolutely. >> All right. Well, thank you. >> And we can and and I'm sure we Dr. Ken can do that. She can start to kind of look at um the data over the last what we would say maybe 3 to 5 years. Principal Ken, you can really take a look at the trends that are definitely in that direction. We can do that for you trustee or we can definitely do that for you. I mean that that would be that would be great if we can do this over time across all these measures. I think it would be >> all right. >> Just a comment um being in this field this this was like amazing everybody that's um what Mr. O said and Mr. D. Carlo, um I would love to
028know with time how in the elementary school and the middle school um behaviorally students interacting with each other, aggressive, aggression, behavior, you know, that concerning behavior, what what that's going to look like as this is really embedded into our culture because it's going to shift if this really takes good hold. And I I'm hoping we'll see some data on that too for the community, for parents because it's this is where our world needs to go. So I I'm really it was really really good presentation. I mean it's empirically based, you know, coping skills that you're teaching, right? I mean all of this has already been researched and so really well done. >> Thank you guys so much. All right. So, I have the honor to happily read number eight, our next agenda item, which is
029the appointment of our next superintendent of schools. So, be resolved that the board of education of the Pauling Central School District hereby appoints Elizabeth A. Kennedy as superintendent of schools for the period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029 and hereby approves and authorizes the board of the president of the board of education to execute an employment agreement as negotiated by the board setting forth the terms and conditions as of Elizabeth A. Kennedy's employment and authorizes payment there. I will make a motion. May I please have a second? >> Second, >> Mr. Maine. And all in favor? >> I. And that's unanimous. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> So, as Dr. Kenny makes her rounds, I would like to invite her up to the podium really quickly just to speak and say a few words. Um,
030so Dr. Kenny, I'd turn it over to you. >> This feels serendipitous in a way because social emotional learning is near and dear to my heart and what amazing job everybody did. So I really look forward to learning more about all the great things. Um, but first, it's truly an honor to stand before you tonight. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve as the next superintendent of the Pauling Central School District. From the very beginning of this process, it was clear to me that Pauling is something special. A district where students are embraced, where educators care deeply, and where the community shows up consistently and supportive its schools. That kind of shared commitment is a powerful strength of this district, one I hold with deep respect and a
031profound sense of responsibility. I am especially inspired by Pauling's mission to empower student success through critical thinking, creativity, and respectful discourse. I also deeply value the district's commitment to cultivating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment, one where every individual feels seen, valued, and experiences a true sense of belonging. As I step into this role, I do so with humility and a deep sense of shared purpose, recognizing that the path ahead belongs to all of us. With a full and committed heart, I pledge to serve this work with integrity, care, and unwavering focus on our students. I also recognize and deeply cherish the responsibility of overseeing the educational experiences of the children of Pauling. This is both a privilege and a profound trust. Together, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that every student
032across all grade levels has access to enriching opportunities that inspire a love of learning and prepare them to thrive. Our aim is not only academic success, but the development of the whole child. students who are academically prepared, creative and innovative thinkers, effective communicators, and globally minded citizens, reflective, future focused and ready to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. As an educational leader, I believe that strong systems create equity, trust accelerates progress, and culture determines sustainability. My role as superintendent is not to change what is already strong, but to listen, to learn, and to partner with you in bringing greater alignment, clarity, and coherence to the important efforts underway. I look forward to building strong partnerships with families, staff, students, and community organizations, ensuring that our collective efforts reflect the voices, values, and aspirations of
033Pauling. In the months ahead, my focus will be on listening, building relationships, and developing a shared understanding of both our strengths and our opportunities. I come to Pauling with both humility and great hope for the opportunity to serve, to lead, and to be part of a community that cares so deeply about its children. And so as we begin this journey together, I commit to servant leadership that con cultivates an atmosphere rooted in belonging, ensuring that every comm community, every member of this community feels valued and connected and rising in hope, confident in what we will build together for the students of polling. Thank you. Dr. Kennedy, welcome. I'm look forward to our transition time together. Um although I've been here for will be almost a year at the end of June, I've come to appreciate
034the dedication of this board of education, the community. You're going to have a great ride. All the best to you and much success. You're welcome. We appreciate you coming tonight and saying a few words so the community knows we'll have something uh more formal meet and greet later in the spring. Uh and later tonight during my board president comments, I'll kind of give an overview of the process. Uh again, I know I've updated the community about what's taken place at different steps, but I would like to kind of summarize that this evening and how we got to the appointment of Dr. Kennedy and just so everybody clearly sees that process out in the open. Um, so welcome and we're so excited to have you and looking forward to the work ahead. So, thank you. Okay,
035so on to number nine, which is our agenda order. I turn it over to our district clerk, Mrs. Stephanie Gerardano. >> Thank you. Um, so we did receive a few addendums for this evening. We have one um for an appointment of a non-certified substitute teacher. Um, we have two uh FMLA leaves for uh custodians. We have a leave of absence for a bus driver. And that is it. >> Thank you so much. So, as a reminder, the items with an asterric are items that the superintendent recommends for the consent agenda. If any board member wishes to remove an item from the consent agenda, please do so at this time. The consent agenda is one vote which approves all asterct items which have not previously been removed. So seeing nothing I will read the resolution. It
036says be resolved to approve the following additions deletion/changes and order of the agenda as presented. I will make a motion. May I please have a second? Dr. Walls second. And all in favor? I. And that's unanimous. So turning to item 10. is our first visitor's comment on agenda items only. So, and seeing none, we can then shift to item 11, which is board remarks. Would any board member like to make a remark this evening? All right. So, I turn it over to uh number 12, our board vice president, Dr. Walsh, for vice president comments. >> Good evening, everyone. I hope everyone enjoyed their spring break. There's not too much to report since school just reopened, so I'll be quick, but please be sure to check out the athletic calendar for all your sports updates. It's
037actually going to be a pretty busy week. Varsity golf is home tomorrow at Centennial. The varsity baseball team will have their home opener at their high school field tomorrow at 4:30. Girls lacrosse is home on the turf tomorrow at 5:00. Varsity softball will have their home opener Thursday at 4:30 at the elementary school, and I believe they also will play home on Friday at 5:00. Track and field will be in Brewster on Friday after a strong performance this past Saturday at the Gan Classic and modified sports are well underway. So, please check that athletic calendar. In school news, next weekend is the high school musical Once Upon a Mattress. There are shows Thursday the 16th, Friday the 17th, and Saturday the 18th, all at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
038It's going to be a great show. The set is really, really impressive, and so much of it is student done. It's really impressive if you go and you see the lights, the decorations, the costumes, the directing. So much work is put in by the students. Uh it sounds like Mr. Gratic is going to speak more about this, but I also want to just take a moment to thank and acknowledge my fellow board members for the time, energy, and thoughtfulness that went into our superintendent search. I don't actually think I can count the number of hours we have spent together over the past 10 months or so between the interim search, the search firm search, and then the interview process. And uh following discussion as we appointed Dr. Kennedy, everyone was thoughtful and respectful. Everybody was
039really looking for what was best for our district, our students, our families, and our community. We are uh very grateful to Mr. D. Carlo for his time here, and we are equally excited and grateful to welcome Dr. Kennedy, and we look forward to a bright future. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Walsh. Now, item 13, we turn it over to superintendent's comments to turn over to Mr. Darlo. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, as I mentioned before, prior to the break, uh, myself and our administrative team met with, um, Duchess Boseis and we really had a about a good hour, hour and a half conversation around programs that we could be working with that are currently in place and programs that we feel are needed on the county level. And what we really had a
040conversation around was not just partnership with Duchess but possible partnerships with other districts as we look at needs of students um throughout that K12 continuum. It was a very fruitful conversation. I think it's important for you the board and the community to understand because you know Boseis came before us a couple of weeks ago and talked about their budget but they really are looking to develop programs that meet the needs of district and I just wanted to to echo the conversations that we had. Um as uh Vice President Walsh talked about um you know welcome everybody back from spring break. It's a home stretch, right? So, we have another, you know, literally two and a half months. And, uh, you know, those, uh, seniors, you know, they're getting excited about graduating and and prom and
041finishing up strong. And that's for all of our students, right? We have another quarter left. Um, those students that are doing well, I want to continue to make sure that you you do well and put time and effort into it. those students who may not have been doing so well this year, you have that last quarter to really gain that strength and and to perform well. Um, and let's hope the weather stays nice and starts to keep itself in the 60s and 70s as uh, you know, the kids are anxious to get out and I know our our sports programs are interested and ready to go. Just a note on that. Um, and and our athletic director, Mr. Belushi, told me we have the highest participation rate that we've ever had in athletics this year.
042So we have more and more of our our students who are involved, want to be involved and want to participate and that's a great thing and again what makes uh Pauling so special. So uh that's my report for tonight Mr. President. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. So we turn to item 14 which is our consent agenda. So be resolved that the board of education approves all aster items as the consent agenda. I will make a motion. May I please have a second? Second, Liz. And all in favor? I. And that's unanimous. Turn to item 15, which is our minutes. We have resolved that the board of education approve the minutes of the following meeting. This is for the Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 meeting. I will make a motion. May I please have a
043second? Michelle second. And all in favor of approving the minutes? I. And anybody abstain? I need to. >> And Sandra abstains. Thank you very much. Okay. So now from there we can flip through the consent agenda items. And that brings us to item 19 which is the board of education. Seeing nothing under there. We'll go to item 20. Unfinished business. I don't believe we have any unfinished business either. >> Oh yeah. Go ahead. >> Going to piggyback on Dr. Walsh. This weekend the science fair is happening at dcc. Um so families are welcome to visit Duchess Community College. Many of our students are presenting there um from 2:30 to 3:30. Um all other time is for the competition and judging. Just wanted to make everybody aware of that. >> Thank you so much. Um just
044one additional thing I just since we have um Dr. Kennedy here. I did want to bring up again, you know, earlier this year, well actually last year, but this school year, um, you know, we had a couple of ideas that we wanted to workshop and maybe develop over the course of the year. Uh, and I wanted to kind of bring it up again so that as you of enter, um, these may be things to follow up on and think about, uh, parent workshops, parent education workshops. Um there was conversation about you know zero through prek orientation as well. Um I know that somebody talked about some pause program and um so these are you know things that I think would be I guess technically under unfinished business that perhaps we can um brief um Dr.
045Kennedy >> echoing on that. Um so I met with um Laura our you know fashion and I also met with Chris in the back and one and there's no question Sandro about workshops and especially rolling out the new literacy program and the importance of parental notification with that um uh we're in the process of um purchasing um some device that will help us with actually recording all these workshops because what happens a lot trustee um AI is that, you know, parents are busy and sometimes it's difficult to get to. So, we're actually buying equipment that allows us to tape every single one of the workshops, create a library set to put on, you know, um our our website. So, if you come in as a parent and you might have missed it and we're talking
046about, you know, something that may be helpful for you to take a look at, we can have you go then to the website and look at some of these workshops being developed. So, just wanted to echo on that cuz I know we had talked about it, but now it'll be in place for next year. >> Thank you very much for that update. >> Pause update. On April 14th, I have a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce to talk about it. So, April 14th, Lakeside Park if you're interested. Right. Um, all right. Thank you for bringing those things up. Uh, item 21, uh, new business. Anybody have any new business uh this evening? >> Because Dr. Kennedy is here as well. Um just to start, we don't have to have a conversation about it next meeting,
047but I'd love to start a conversation with the district and Dr. Kirkus and the superintendent about how we see our students using Chromebooks. I mean, there's so much research coming out now with not just, you know, phones affecting kids, but also how much we rely on Chromebook and where do we see our students using that? Do we want to are we going to stay with that? Are we going to start moving away from that? And I'd like to just start talking about that. I think it's really important. Great. Anybody else have any other new business uh items tonight? Okay. Thank you. So now we open to our uh item 22, our second visitor's comments pertaining to district. So this is three minutes per person and there are no comments uh there. So item 23, the
048board president comments and in this space. Oh, go you Yep. Go come on up. If you don't mind just signing up real quick here and then you're all good. All right. While you sign up, I'll read the public uh comment policy. This is policy 1230. Um, so at this time we'll move into the portion of the meeting reserved for public comment. The board of education greatly values hearing from our community and we appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts on school related matters. Before we begin, like to review like always a few important guidelines. First, please introduce yourself by stating your name and address and let us know if you are representing an organization. Second, each speaker will have up to three minutes. Please note unused time cannot be transferred to another speaker. We respectfully
049ask that you direct your comments to the board president and we know the board's role during this time is to listen. While we may not respond immediately this evening, follow-up may occur afterward if needed. And finally, in order to respect everyone's privacy and the law, please avoid mentioning specific names and peoples that are identifiable. So, uh, Vincent Madigan. >> So, I turn it over to uh Vincent Madigan uh to speak this evening. Thank you. >> Good evening, members of the board. My name is Vincent Madigan and I am a polling resident with children currently in the elementary and middle school. I also graduated from this very school in 2004. This Friday, Polling Middle School is holding a day of silence organized by the Gay Straight Alliance and Human Rights Club. Although it is described as
050studentled and voluntary, the event is officially placed on the school calendar, takes place during regular instructional hours, and is actively supported by the administration and staff. that makes it a school endorsed activity. Now, let me be clear. By no means do I care who you are or what you believe in. However, I do believe this is this event is highly inappropriate for fifth through 8th graders. Children ages 10 to 14. At this developmental age, kids are still forming their identities, learning social skills, and navigating peer relationships. They should not be placed in the uncomfortable and unfair position of having to publicly decide whether or not to participate by remaining silent all day and wearing stickers. Those who choose not to participate risk being judged by classmates and even staff as unsupportive of gay people. This
051creates real peer pressure, social coercion, and emotional stress for children who are simply trying to get through the school day. It turns the classroom into a platform for activism instead of a place for education. Our public schools have a duty to protect young children from ideological pressure and social judgment, not to facilitate it. Respect. I respectfully ask the board to discontinue holding the day of silence as an annual school sanctioned event at Polling Middle School going forward. Thank you. Right. And Mr. Madakin, I will say one thing to you. I respect that you came up here and talked about an issue that does have a little bit of emotion to it. I know some people and I just appreciate you coming up and respectfully sharing your opinion and taking the time to do so. So,
052I just wanted to share that with you. So, okay. At that point, it's for public comment there. So, we'll move on to uh board president comments. I got a little lengthy one. My throat's a little sore, so bear with me, please. And thank you. Um, again, as I said before, I would like to just update and try to be as thorough and and open about what our process was over the last 9 10 months. As Dr. Walsh said, it's hard to summarize the amount of hours that we put into what this superintendent search was, the amount of time and effort and energy that everybody sitting up here uh put into this. Uh, my first draft was, I think, twice as long, so I tried to condense it down more for my sake than everybody else's,
053but um, but I tried my best to do that. So, with that said, I'm just going to read this through. And like always, if anybody has anything that you feel I missed or anything that you would like to add, please do so because like I said, I tried my best to kind of summarize this in the best way I could uh, in a condensed fashion. So, so as we bring tonight's meeting to a close, want to take a moment to reflect on the significant action that the board took this earlier this evening by appointing Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy as our next superintendent of schools effective July 1, 2026. We have set a clear and exciting course for the future of the Pauling Central School District and we couldn't be happier. I want to reiterate our gratitude
054to our interim superintendent and will continue to lead our district through June 30th. So this guy's not going anywhere, not for another few months. Okay, this overlap is intentional. Okay, it ensures a stable and seamless handoff that Mr. D. Carlo already spoke about that's already going to be in the works as they discuss a little more after this meeting concludes to ensure that Dr. Kenny can hit the ground running starting July 1st. Transparency is a priority and has been a priority for this board and I believe it is important to recap this thorough process as I led you before um that led to tonight's appointment. This journey began in the summer of 2025 when we issued a uh an RFP, a request for proposal to find a professional search firm to guide us and work
055with us in finding and hiring our next superintendent of schools. Throughout August and September, we reviewed nine proposals and we interviewed five superintendent search firms. We partnered with district-wise search consultants because of their extensive network within the field and their proven track record of success throughout the Hudson Valley and Long Island. Over the next several months, the search firm conducted an extensive outreach process, not only meeting with us as a board, but gathering survey responses and holding forums with students, staff, parents, and community members. This feedback was vital. It allowed the search firm to develop a comprehensive profile of what Pauling was looking for in its next leader. By incorporating the voices of all of our stakeholders, we ensured that there were no blind spots. This was not just a board-driven profile. This was a
056profile built by the entire community. From an initial pool of over 30 applicants, the search firm used the community's profile to sift through every application, resume, and reference. Through multiple interviews and rigorous vetting, they worked to narrow that field down to the best of the best A+ candidates for the board to interview. During the first two weeks of March, the board conducted these interviews with the finalists multiple times. We are incredibly thankful to District Wise for their work as they delivered on presenting us with a slate of talented and very capable professionals. Speaking specifically to the structure of the search itself, initially the board was very interested in an open search that would include various stakeholder interview committees such as our current principal search where there's teachers and parents. We had the same vision for
057our superintendent search. We wanted it to be open and as trans transparent as possible. However, during our interviews with every single search firm, nine of them, not just five, if not, every single one, they recommended the same expert advice. A closed search is just the way it is done nowadays. And it is the most effective way to attract the highest caliber talent. In hearing that, we shifted from wanting that open search to recognizing that in order to get the best person sitting up here, we had to shift and do what was recommended to us by the experts. And that's exactly what we did. We learned that many of the best candidates are successfully employed, as imagined, and are not actively seeking to lead their current district. These top tier professionals are often unwilling to put
058their current roles at risk unless they are the final choice for the position. By maintaining confidentiality, we protected the integrity of the pool and ensured that we were choosing from the absolute best field possible. And by doing that, I think that also led to us getting as many applicants as we had, over 30 plus applicants, was something that everybody we spoke to, from our legal team to everybody was beyond thrilled with, and I know we were as well. Ultimately, it was Dr. Kennedy who most perfectly aligned with the vision and values our community expressed throughout this process. We all recognize that the weight of what is expected of our public schools grows every day. Our schools are the heart of this community tasked with meeting an everexpanding set of needs that go far beyond the
059classroom. It is our sincere hope and deliberate goal that under our new leadership and Dr. Kenny's leadership that our schools will continue to become a central hub for Pauling even more so than they already are. We want to foster a true sense of pride and ownership across this town, a feeling that these schools do belong to all of us. We are committed to this open door philosophy where the partnership between our schools, our families, and our local community continues to grow and deepen. These schools don't just belong to the board or leadership team sitting up here. They belong to all of us. And we've been saying that for a very long time now. To meet this vision, we knew we needed a leader with an unmatched work ethic, a brilliant mind, and a deeply human
060approach. In Dr. Kenny, we have found exactly that. She leads with a support first mindset, understanding that modern leadership isn't about top- down directives. It is about being a helpful, accessible resource to the people on the front lines. She's a leader who we believe will roll up her sleeves to solve complex problems as a partner, not just a supervisor providing directive. On behalf of the entire board, I wanted to thank the entire community for their feedback throughout this process. Your voices were the north star of this search and they led directly to the collaborative leader Pauling deserves. We are energized by this decision. We are proud of this process and we are ready to start this new chapter together. On behalf of the entire board of education, we thank our students, staff, families, and community
061members for your engagement, your feedback, your trust in perhaps the most important job we have sitting up here. Thank you. Anybody wants to add something to that or anything that I might have missed? It was a lot longer. I made it a little shorter there. Okay. So, all right. Perfect time to adjourn the meeting with my throat. So, item 24, uh, adjourn the meeting be resolved that the board of education adjourn this meeting. The time is >> 8:26 p.m. >> 8:26. Thank you, Stephanie. I'll make a motion. May I please have a second? >> Dr. Wall second and all in favor. >> I have a good night, everybody. Thank you.