001road schools passed away on February 25th, 2026. I pledge algiance 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. Thank you. >> 4.01 Motion to open public hearing. >> Resolve that the board of education does hereby open the public hearing on the smart schools implementation plan number six. >> Motion Mr. McFarland. Second, Mr. Mumia. All in favor? >> Unanimous. 4.02. Presentation of Smart School Bonds Act Preliminary Investment Plan by Mr. Loa. Mr. Loa. >> Good evening. Thank you. Let me just uh get this up on the presentation because uh here on this row we'll probably have to move otherwise you're right in the view of the camera. Different come down. >> I know. Yeah. >> Different
002school. Right. Perfect. Thank you. All right. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Thanks so much for uh giving us the opportunity to present Smart Schools Bond Act plan number six. I'm going to just give you a overview of the presentation that we provided to our Smart Schools Bond Act committee who met on February 25th. Uh this is the sixth and what would be presumably the be the final plan that we try to uh use our smart schools bond act money for as we have gone through uh the bulk of the funds uh up to this date uh with the uh remaining balance being $585,000. And I'm sorry that's just one level. Let me try and start this again. See if it work now. There we go. Um, so I just want to recap really quickly
003for uh, so we met as a smart schools bond act committee on February 25th. Uh, two days later uh, Miss Pedro uh, published the uh, implement implementation plan number six on our website. Uh, it's part of a 30-day public comment period uh, for which we are just doing a formal presentation for now. After the public comment period is over, uh you will and we'll get any feedback from the public and integrate that into our thoughts for the final meeting for or the resolution for which you'll be approving uh the plan. Once the plan is approved by the board of education, uh we can then begin working on our submission to the state. So that's kind of the the the highle version of steps that we have to take to get this plan approved by the
004state. Once the plan is approved by the state, we can begin our expenditures and working on the project for which we are looking to expend these funds. So, Smart Schools Bond Act uh came um as a part of a voter referendum in November of 2014. It came uh to the public uh via New York State after the tragedy at uh Sandy Hook uh with the idea that the um that that awful event took place so close to our town and communities and New York State in general. New York State took it upon itself to put out a vote to the to the voters that year uh that said, "Hey, if we want to improve uh security within our schools, add internet to our schools and do a number of different other things for our schools,
005some of these four categories are up here on the on the screen, uh you can uh with approval from the voters in New York State, uh take uh take a portion of this money and use it towards these particular um categories. So, the district has been uh was allocated $5,327,000 uh and uh and we've been following uh the process judiciously since since its submitt uh since its um inception to get all these plans submitted and uh and and added to the district. So some of the things that we've been doing with this money uh initially we bought we bought some technology for our classrooms like we bought we this money went a long way in helping ensure that we got rid of projectors. We had a lot of projectors in our classroom. So now we
006have all interactive touch panel displays. We've done some really great security stuff. We we've replaced all the door handles uh locks to be um they call intruder intruder locks allow you to take any key in the district even as a blank key that doesn't unlock anything. Allows you to lock any door. So all of our staff have the ability to lock all of the doors in any of the rooms of our schools uh just using any district provided key. We put up um the security vestibules at all of our schools. Uh and what I really like about that money that was about one point just about $1.7 million in that project and and you know that will be around for you know way way longer than what any of us will be around for. Um
007so it's a great use of that money for for that. Um the Smart Schools bond act money helped us go a long way towards uh getting the onetoone Chromebook initiative stuff in place uh and improved Wi-Fi throughout our schools elementary through junior high. So uh we've done a lot we've done a lot of good things. We spent about $4.7 million so so far and again we have $585,000 left. And with that, our proposed uh smart schools bond implementation plan number six would be to address some of our aging fire alarms and security systems in the district. Um the capital improvement committee has done a great job in identifying the need for a lot of work and improvement in this area and uh we verified with the smart schools bond administration at at New York State
008Ed that so long as we have certain layers built into the new system connections into communication systems etc so forth that this would be a good use of the money uh to replace u so we're going to be look we're going to be looking to there's a cost estimate about8 $800,000 to replace a fire alarm system at a school yet to be determined. Um, but upon approval, we will work with our architects and we'll work with our vendors to to choose the school that probably best meets the budget budgetary constraints of this fund. So that way we have as as close to 100% reimbursement for a project as possible uh to replace a fire alarm system in one of our schools. So um and that it will that system will also help integrate into our
009security system and provide a a safer alarm system for our school and school community. And then that's it. We have our um published email address system uh email address for smart schools bond act one we've been using all all along which is plans at wcsdy.org and there's a link to uh information about all the previous submitts on our website. Quick question, >> Mr. Olivia. >> Darren. >> Yep. >> I know that we have to spend the 800,000 for the fire system and we have 500 584,000 leftovers from the uh Can they be used for that? >> Yes, we we confirmed ahead of time it can be used. Um so, and it may and it may not be 800,000 might not be the final number, but we want to make sure we know that we know
010that these alarm systems can be expensive. Um, so we're just putting out publicly just, you know, to be transparent is what we believe it may cost. If it comes in less, great. But it it can be used. >> It can be used. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Just just so you guys know because um we've got several fire alarms that are earmarked within the capital project and it it will be over >> okay >> that that figure um easily. And then the remaining balance would come from capital improvement funds which are already allocated on several projects. Mr. McFarland, you had a question or that was my question. >> I answered it ahead of time. >> Awesome. Any other questions? >> No. Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Again, if anybody has any questions, the the
011website, the email address is on the presentation. Please email Mr. Logan. >> 4.03 communications on input for this. Seeing none, >> I didn't see that. >> 4.04 approval of preliminary smart school investment plan number six. Whereas the board of education of the Winger Central School District was presented with a preliminary smart schools investment plan, SSIP number six, pursuant to the Smart Schools Bond Act, SSBA. And whereas the SSIP has been posted on the district website since February 27th, 2026, and will continue to be posted on the district website for at least 30 days. And whereas the district included an email address to which any written comments on the preliminary SSIP should be sent to the anticipated final approval of the plan by the board of education on April 13, 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved
012that the preliminary smart schools investment plan number six for new fire alarm systems totaling $584,960 of SSBA funds be approved. Do I have a motion? Miss Kellen. Second, Mr. McFarland. Any questions? All those in favor? Unanimous. Yes, Dr. Bman. Thank you. >> Thank you, President Johnson. I'd like to thank Mr. Okima for all of his work uh with the Smart School Bond Act. Uh tremendous work has been done here in the district and this will be the conclusion of it. I'd also like to thank the smart school boards uh committee for unanimously approving this project. As the president issu uh indicated earlier, um there are a number of buildings where these types of upgrades, and I say upgrades, upgrades are going to be done. We do have fire alarm systems. They do work. If there's
013a fire, they will alert of a fire if there's smoke. However, unfortunately, some of them are a little over sensitive and at times we've had alarms go off and we have not had issues. So, with a system like this with a little bit more up-to-date technology that's also going to serve not only as a fire alarm system, but also as a surveillance system that's going to be tied into an intercom, we feel that we will be as best served as possible as we move forward. So, thank you. >> 4.05 Motion to close the public meeting. Our public hearings are resolved that the board of education does hereby close the public hearing and resumes the board meeting. Motion Miss Kalen second Mr. Kapalari all in favor unanimous. 5.01 public comments on agenda items. >> No on
014>> seeing none. 5.02 2 communication communications and announcements received by the board of education. Mr. Lubia, >> first I'd like to congratulate all the students from RCK who were inducted into the Italian honor society as well as all the students of John J of them I believe were inducted into I remember the number of were inducted into the national honor society. also like to uh uh congratulate our technology the the John J math the math team they're going on a field trip to the New York State to compete in New York State. I want to wish him well. I'd like to thank the state council counselor. What's his name? Mr. Ted Ted Ted uh what's the last name? Herman. Mr. Herman. He's done an excellent job. He's retired unfortunately, but he's done an excellent job
015and I'd like to thank you for all the work you've done for the kids. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Mr. Kapalari. >> For those that were present, this last weekend was the 31st annual uh Duchess County St. Patty's Day uh parade here through the uh Village of Wingers. uh RCK was present uh and so was uh Dr. Bunk and uh Mr. Cyp out in the audience. We just want to say it's even better when uh leaders lead by example and uh I got to say, you know, uh RCK definitely made their presence known. Very much appreciated. >> Thank you. Anyone else? So me um I had the honor to attend a PLA next steps meeting. This is something that we are working on through capital improvement. I was also able to attend the school
016counselors meeting with Mr. Zip and several other members. The Royce Ketchum girls basketball did make it to section finals. Unfortunately, we did not win yesterday. Um but those girls gave it their all. And the team they played against their their point guard or center their center center is over six foot tall. Let me tell you something. Our tallest players. It was it was an amazing game and the girls really really did stay in it right up until the end. They they gave it their all. Van White Newsy's play was outstanding. Um I had I have to say I I did not know it was junior high. It was a very very good well done play. I had the opportunity to help out and enjoy at the Meyers Corner book fair this past week. Um, we
017had our monthly capital improvement meeting and I want to thank Mr. Lumia for representing the board of education and speaking on behalf of our board for the Boyy Ketchum Italian National Honor Induction. And I also want to thank Vice President Migs for speaking on behalf of us for the John J. National Honor Society. And I'm sorry I had to miss some of the other things that went on this week which was the W Jr. um English as a new language night and we also had the science fair held at John J this past weekend. Um unfortunately I was unable to make it and this coming week. The reason we are here at Roy Ketchum is because Rock Jr. is practicing for Legally Blonde this coming weekend. So I can't wait to go and see that
018play as well. Okay, next up is our committee reports capital improvement vice president chair. >> Yes. >> Okay. The capital improvements committee met on Wednesday, March 4th. In attendance were board members Peggy Kellen, Karen Montisando, Marie Johnson, and myself, as well as Dr. Bon and Mr. Lokima. Prior to the meeting, um Mrs. Johnson and I had um met with the district architects and assistant facilities director Asher to tour um the sites in the district uh the district garage Jr. Van Wetum John J where Star Construction will be fixing several of the items we identified on the punch list and that work has been scheduled for spring break and for over the summer. President Johnson and I also met with um the architects and Mr. Asher and our construction manager to talk about organizing phase two
019of the capital plan. The architects have submitted the paperwork for phase one to Albany and so we're waiting on approvals for that. At the meeting on Wednesday, we had a representative from train who was here to talk to us about um what they would be able to do to help with our HVAC systems as we start to upgrade them. And we also um reviewed the final um elements from phase one and phase two from the 2023 capital project. and we went over with the committee the schedule for phase two of the 2025 capital project. >> Thank you. Um for curriculum, Dr. Cordwell. >> No, we do not. >> Okay. Looks like there's a lot of >> Sorry about that. So the curriculum committee met on sorry the curriculum committee met on February 14th. We had
020a presentation by the uh director of fine and performing arts on the new class for music repertoire. Uh we also had presentations on the ENL program and we also just recently had presentations by the uh Duchess Community College and they presented on a new course offering um FS uh 100 and we will continue to have those conversations at the next uh curriculum committee to um finish answering questions that the committee had regarding that uh new course opportunity for our students. Thank you, Dr. Cordwell. Policy chairperson, Miss Kell. Okay. The policy committee met last week with uh assistant superintendent Darren Lukea, district clerk Alberto Prepedro, and board members John Lumia and myself. We completed the three-year cycle review of the policies for this year and we made minor changes in wording. You'll see them in today's
021uh put um today's agenda under first reading. >> Uh Mr. McFarland, Duchess County Boseies. >> We're trying to finish up our >> testing. Testing two, three, four, five. >> Thanks, John. >> John's work. >> Towns always works. Yeah. Uh, we're trying to finish up our security uh systems with our cameras and our uh, you know, blue light for the lockdowns and stuff like that. So, we're trying to finish that up. And also we're looking for candidates for the Duchess County School Boards. So that's all I have at this moment. We have a meeting on Wednesday. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Duchess County School Boards Association. Miss Kell. Yes, we met last Thursday and the topic was uh the different committee structures in the different school districts and we all shared and uh they
022felt that my report was very comprehensive. We got so we got a compliment for that. Uh I'm also on the nominating committee for officers for next year. So I've been meeting on that issue. >> Thank you. And on lobby day, Miss Kellen. >> Yes. Um, we went up to lobby day. Um, Marie Johnson, Cheryl Mets, Virgil Kapari, and myself went up for Wingers and I must and uh >> Karen >> and Karen. Okay. M man Santo and um I would say that we had the best turnout of any school district in the Hudson Valley. We met with Assemblyman Deepam and Assembly uh member Dee Barrett and they gave us a good amount of time I think a full half hour. Uh, Senator Rollison was in a committee meeting, so he wasn't able to meet with
023us, but his staff met with us also. And hopefully we persuaded our legislators to give us lots of money in school aid. >> Yes, we were also able to meet with um, Miss Michelle Hinch's uh, staff as well while we were there. And we got to team up with several other boards while we were there. It was a lot of fun. Okay, our student board representatives. I'm going to start with Emma. This past weekend, we had the science fair and a few of our students participated in the event. Thank you to Dr. Bomb, the board of education, and Mr. Panzer for hosting this event. It was wonderful. On Saturday was the annual St. Patrick's parade in the village of Walkingers. It was an amazing turnout by so many RCK families. We also had clubs that
024participated in the event and I would like to highlight our mask in mind for singing and dancing during the parade. They did a great job performing for the community and look forward to their upcoming show on April 17th through 19th and they'll be performing Mamma Mania. Dr. Bong, thank you for walking in the parade and being so positive and supportive to the RCK community. On last Thursday, we had an assembly James Warriors. Miss Thomas did a great job explaining James and his story and what he meant to the RCK community. It was beautiful being able to sit there and watch it. And lastly, our and sadly, our girls basketball season team season ended yesterday in the sectional finals against Albertus Magnus. Had an amazing season and thank you for the wonderful memories this season. Also,
025don't forget to check out our podcast. >> Thank you, Winter. What do you have for us for John J this week? >> Absolutely. So, I'm kind of sad this week and I'll tell you why. The bulk of this senior class is in Florida in Disney. So, you have the sun tanning. >> And you did not go with them. >> I did not go. It was a very It was a very easy choice though. I had a lot of plans over here that I was very very excited to attend during that same week. So, I could not go. Um, but I would like to give a huge huge shout out to our senior class president, Nikokuba, and our senior class adviserss, uh, Mr. Chasha and Miss Pesh. Um, this really does highlight the dedication beyond the
026classroom for both our staff and our students and obviously beyond the fact that it's fun and it's Disney. The amount of effort that it takes to organize such a trip is a lot and that really shows the effort that these kids have and that these adults have. So again, this is absolutely huge for them. Um, in other news, as I mentioned last week, John J. High School Modu UN are leaving Friday for the international high school model United Nations where we just figured out our keynote speaker will be Kamla Harris. So it's going to be a very very excellent event. It's an excellent opportunity for the future of all John J model UN. We took home a few awards last year and I think this last time we're going to take home a lot more
027this year. We had the NHS induction um and as Mr. Lumia previously mentioned much congratulations to the mass team for making states. John J. also recently hosted the science fair which I mean it's just an absolutely excellent honor to see young minds be allowed to flourish in science and in everything that matters in that field. Thank you all very much. >> And just so you know I uh had a little conversation with Mr. Chacha. They're not just going around Disney. He's he has assignments for them to do while they're there. Does he Yes. It's part of going on these trips. You have to have an educational purpose and he's working on it. I think there's some math involved in it. >> Oh, oh my gosh. I know. I certainly hope >> there's going to be
028some math. Something with, >> you know, >> how many hours it takes waiting in line. >> I I was thinking more like, you know, the degrees on the roller coasters and the inertia and all that stuff. Yeah, we've got math. We got science. >> I think they're going to graph parabolas in terms of the roller coasters. >> Debunk. You heard one of my speeches. I think in math and to the math I certainly the applications of parabas are very important. I hope you learned >> every day is a learning experience. Trusty Lumia. >> Thank you very much. All right. Moving on. 6.01 superintendent's recommended budget presentation. Get it. presentation. >> So much. >> Miss Danty, are we ready? >> When you are >> tight corridor here. Good evening, Winger Central School District community, members of
029the board of education, President Johnson and esteemed board members. Uh it is my pleasure this evening to uh present to you the superintendent's recommended budget one. And even though it's called the superintendent's recommended budget one, it's really not the superintendent's recommended budget. It's all of our recommended budget based upon the input that we continue to receive from our community, our board of education as to what we believe and what you believe are the mission, vision, and goals of the Winger Central School District. What is our mission? So, we take a look at 2627 focused on today, planning for tomorrow. Members of our board of education, I have to thank them for their continuous and ongoing support. Our president Marie Johnson, vice president Cheryl Megots, trustee Virgil Capillary, Trustee Corin Mandisando, Trustee Peggy Kelland, Trustee John
030S. Morgan, Mathematician Extraordinaire, and Trustee John C. Lumia, Trustee Keith ODMS, and Trustee Michael McFarland. Thank you again for your support and this is a total team effort putting together a budget of over $300 million. This could not be done without the dedication of the senior staff administration that I am very very fortunate to have. Mr. Darren Lokima, assistant superintendent for administration and information systems. Dr. Michelle Cardwell, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. the financial guru, Miss Kristen Dainty, our assistant superintendent of finance and business development, who is the brains behind the budget. Thank you for all your work this year, Kristen, and all your work previously. Assistant superintendent for student support services, Mr. Richard Zip. Assistant Superintendent Special Education, Dr. Dan Wilson. Executive Director of Human Resources, Miss Renee Harris. the assistant director of
031facilities and operations, Daniel Asher, and of course the secretary to the superintendent and the board clerk, Miss Alberta Pedro. So, budget presentations, what have we done? What are we going to do in the future? On February the 9th, uh preliminary budget presentation. uh on February the 23rd presentation explaining the budget process. This evening, superintendent's recommended budget presentation one as long as the transportation proposition presentation on the 23rd. There'll be another superintendent's recommended budget two. Hopefully hopefully by the 13th of April we will know how much money we are going to receive from New York State as the state budget is due on April 1st. However, in prior years the budget has been late. Last year I believe the budget was not agreed upon until the third week of April. All right. So that that was
032a very very challenging timeline. So this budget that we're presenting this evening is based upon the recommendation from Governor Hokll. It is being reviewed obviously by the Senate and the Assembly and they will make recommendations and then it will go before the entire uh uh voting body and then they will vote to uh put forth whatever funds they deem and and I'm hopeful that the funding is going to increase somewhat but again you never know. Ballot presentation to the community. John J. High School May 4th statemandated public hearing on the budget will be right here in this building at Royce Ketchum High School and then the budget vote is on May the 19th. It will be here we before we know it and I hope that spring is here by May 19th. So what is
033it based on? Again, our mission, our core values, the board of education values and goals, senior staff discussion and goals. And when I say community input, that's faculty, staff, families, students, parents, community members. Everybody has input in this budget because what we do impacts everybody and impacts our entire community. Focused on today, planning for tomorrow. So, what are our priorities this year? Maximize the resources that we have to benefit our schools and our community. That's why we're here. maintain educational programs providing the academic supports, enrichment opportunities, extracurricular activities, and professional development for staff needed to ensure that we prepare today's students for tomorrow's opportunities. And we know our number one priority here in the Wajer Central School District is safety, which includes building safety as well as the emotional and mental health of our students
034and staff. Continuing to support the career and technical education programs. We know portrait of a graduate was adopted by New York State and in the near future we will have multiple pathways so that students can graduate high school through various different methods having the opportunity to participate in in many cases work-based learning which prepares them for the future. This is all contingent on the New York State aid finalization. We're hoping we get that April 1st. Again, the budget vote is May 19th. It's goal oriented. Achieving our goals and planning for the future. Maintain school year programming opportunities for WCSED students. This budget does that. Maintain presence of local law enforcement agencies in all schools during the school day. This budget also does that. Continued support of career and technical education programs. This budget also does
035that. Consistent programs and services. I have recommended the addition of one position to address immediate needs in the district and human resources supervisor. This is necessary to comply with the mandates required through the state, county, federal, and board of education protocols. I'm also recommending funding to support enhancements at district facilities. We talked about the fire alarm uh systems and security upgrades. I am recommending a replacement of the aging fire alarm and security systems at Meyer's Corners Elementary School. This initiative will involve the installation of modern integrated fire alarm systems that enhances the safety and emergency response capabilities. In addition to that, it includes integration with the existing building lockdown procedures and activation of blue lights and visual alerts. This provides an additional layer of safety for students and staff, ensuring a swift, coordinated response in
036the event of emergency. The integration of this system will streamline communication during foyer or lockdown situations which improves overall school security. Let's talk a minute about the John J. Press box reconstruction. As we approached our capital project, we continue to review the situation in regards to the John J. Press box. And for those of you who don't know, it has been an issue uh with the section for the last five plus years. It needs to be upgraded. Um, I'll just leave it at that. We can go into some of the uh specifics as as we move through this budgetary process, but this needs to be something that is going to be sustainable and is here long-term and is functionable. That's going to require some additional monies on top of what the community approved in the
037bond project last year. and having conversations with the board of education, capital improvement committee, the administration at John J High School, as well as the senior staff administration, we wanted to make sure that we wanted to do it right the first time. That's going to require some more funds. I am going to recommend that we take some of the fund balance and spend it toward that. As I am going to recommend that we take some of the fund balance and put it toward the fire alarm security systems of Myers Corners, which means it won't be on the backs of taxpayers and it won't be on the tax levy. Why do we find ourselves in this situation? Because we've done some very creative and deliberate financial planning over the last five years to be able to
038build up a fund balance to a point where this year, for the fifth consecutive year and the fifth time out of the last 15 years, this school district is going to uh at least I'm recommending a budget that is under the tax cap. Yet that has still allowed us monies to be able to put in various reserves to spend in areas that we needed. And that's a decision not made by New York State. That's a decision made by the Winger Central School District. It's nice to be able to make those decisions. Challenges to balancing the budget. We've got to be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers. I believe that we have been over the last five years. When we've been able to, we've come under the cap. We're going to do it again this year. Obviously,
039the the the future of New York State aid for education is totally up in the air. They've been talking for a couple years about reorganizing the formula. I don't know how long that's going to take, but we don't know what that looks like. And until we know what it looks like, we've got to, as I say, we've got to focus on today and prepare for tomorrow. We know the funds that we have. Let's utilize them in the places that we feel are most prudent. expenses, salaries and benefits, increased costs for New York State employee retirement system and health insurance. We are making some reductions to staff positions through attrition. It is important to note that there will be no impact on programming. There will be no impact on class sizes or what we offer during
040the school day. And most importantly, there will be no staff layoffs in this budget. There will be a reduction in summer offerings for elementary and middle school students and that is due to the fact that that was funded through COVID monies which now have been exhausted. I believe that money came through about four years ago. That money has been exhausted. We've been using that to try to catch our students up through various programs. We simply don't have the ability to do that right now in this budget. What do we commit to fiscal responsibility? Working within budgetary restraints to maintain those programs and opportunities to our Winger Central School Districts. I mentioned before alignment to portrait of a graduate from the New York State Education Department and give credit where credit is due. Commissioner Rosa and
041her team have done an excellent job in developing the portrait of a graduate. continuing to provide robust professional development opportunities to enable our staff to be the best that they can be. Give them the tools to complete the job. We know the advancements that have been made technologically. We've got to allow our staff and teach our staff to be able to use that information regularly as we do and enhance it in teaching and learning in the classroom. We will continue to advocate for New York State and federal funding for safety related costs. We've yet to receive this funding, but our work will continue. And I can tell you that we're working at the local level, we're working at the county level, we're working at the state level, and we're working at the federal level. CPI
0422.63, the consumer price index. I'll go through this calculation here. Since the CPI exceeds 2%, the district can utilize 2% in the tax cap formula, which means that the tax cap calculation for our school district, and it varies. I've seen some district tax caps higher than 5%. Were it at 2.62, that's the maximum allowable tax levy limit. If we wanted to exceed 2.62%, 62% we would have to put it up for a super majority which means that 60% of the community would have to approve it. Fortunately, we're not in that situation. We can continue to provide what I indicated in this budget and come in just below the tax cap. So, this recommendation is going to come in at a 2.59% increase, which will be one of the lowest increases in Duchess County. We're going
043to continue uh obviously the foundation or uh aid formula and the UPK funding which is increasing. I need to thank Governor Hokll for that. That's increasing from about $5,000 per student to $10,000 per student. Fiscal responsibility, we'll go through the last well now six years. So 2122 the cap was 2.49. We went right to 2.4. 49 22 23 the tax cap was 1.38 we came in at.83 tax cap was 2.05 we came in at 1.67 2425 the tax cap was 4.33 we came in at 3.26 last year tax cap 1.57 we came in at 1.40 40. This year 2.62, we come in under at 2.59. And as it states, our budgets have never pierced the tax cap. And for the fifth consecutive year, the budget will be below the allowable tax cap, albeit at 03%.
044Let's take a look at the uh let's take a look at the numbers. The lumber numbers don't lie, right, Trusty Lumia? >> Right. So, and again I I point out note the difference between the levytolevy increase and the budget-to-budget increase. And I've said this for the last 5 years. If you go go back past 5 years ago, you'll see that the levyto levy increase was very similar to the budgettobudget increase. But now that we have additional uh resources that we have through fund balance and some of the grants that we've come in, we're going to increase the amount of the budget by 2.59% which will take it from $192 million. This is this is what is on the backs of the taxpayers $192 million700 to 19700. But when you take a look at the budget
045tobudget increase, it's up near 5%. So again, how do you have a budget-to-budget increase at 2.9 59 and a and a budget to budget increase at 4.87%. Obviously, we're using fund balance money that we have, money that was given to us that we deliberately planned and allocated it to certain areas that we felt that we would need. And now the time is here to meet that. Last year we spent $13 million in fund balance. This year I'm recommending we spend 14. That still is going to leave probably close to how many% for next year? And again this this could fluctuate but Miss Dainty, what would you say? >> Our estimate after the end of the 2526 school year would be about 3.4%. So, in addition to spending 13 million last year on a fund balance
046and 14 million in fund balance this year, if you do the math, 3.4% of 330 million is somewhere about $10 million. So, even with this, we're hoping that we still have $10 million in fund balance for next year that we can allocate as we need based on what we need at that time. Is that correct? Okay. 59% of the budget is funded through the tax levy. And you'll notice that the tax levy number continues to decrease, but what's coming up? Grants, fund balance, and state aid is now 41%. I believe that's the highest it's ever been. >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. What is the difference between the tax levy and the total increase? I mentioned this before, but just to go through it again, the tax levy increase is what impacts the taxpayer. It's 2.59%.
047Preliminary budget provides program support opportunities for all and all means all students and staff, but it's not the sole responsibility of the taxpayers. I mentioned 41% of it is coming through other sources. We're going to use just under $15 million in fund balance which brings the balance approximately 2.7% of the allowable 4%. And Miss Danty, I'll let you speak to that. >> Certainly. So remember fund balance is something that is evaluated at evaluated at the end of every school year. It is any additional revenues that the district received above budget and any cost savings experienced through the expenditure side of the budget. So when we mentioned the 3.4% that is our anticipation that we will be able to add to that 2.74 as a result through operations. Excellent. Thank you Miss Dy. And again this
048is all deliberate financial planning. Our priorities continue to be the same ones they were 5 years ago. Mental health, special education, safety and support, instruction and career technical education. Let's talk a little bit about fiscal responsibility. You will see the 13 school districts in Duchess County on how much they spent per pupil and you will see that the lowest per pupil expenditure within this county is from this school district. So I want to thank our staff, our teachers, our custodians, our bus drivers, our administrators, our teaching assistants. I could go on. Delivering the types of services that we deliver to our community at the cost that we spend is absolutely phenomenal. That does not happen without hard work. So, help us continue to build the budget. You've watched this this evening. Share your feedback. Ask
049questions. Learn more. We totally invite public comment whether it's either here or if you want to send it to budgetwcsny.org that's fine too. Community forums at each high school email with questions, concerns, and comments to budget again at wcsbny.org. Check out our website budget 2627. And how many years do we go back, Miss Dainty? In the on the website itself it's four years but you can go to archive and go back multiple years beyond that. >> Then you go to the microfish you can go back 15 to 20 years. >> We can find the microphone. >> We've come a long way haven't we? So you can compare and contrast yeartoear the actual budgets what we're spending money on and obviously the manner in which it's impact. And now I'm being told that I have the
050two-minute warning. I have the two-minute warning right or else I'm going to get the hook. All right. So with that, I want to thank you for the opportunity to present to you this evening. I am very excited about this year's budget and the opportunities that it's going to provide to our students and our community. Remember, we continue to remain focused on today yet we have to plan for tomorrow. Thank you very much. Appreciate the opportunity board of education. Thank you community. Thank you. That concludes my presentation. >> Great job. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Brown. Um, if we're gonna >> Is there any questions or are we going to wait till we get the bigger picture of the more finalized numbers? These are these are very rough draft numbers just so everybody
051understands that. Don't forget, please email to the website if you have any further questions. Going on to the next one, which is our vehicle replacement plan. And we are under the two-minute order. >> Okay, >> this one. Go get it, Miss D. >> Thank you, Miss Dy. Floor is yours. >> Thank you so much. Good evening. This evening, we will be discussing the transportation proposition for 20 2026 2027. And I do want to thank the board of education for allowing us the opportunity to have this conversation as we do every year. Um the first few slides are the same as what Dr. Bon had just presented. So we do thank the uh board of education and of course the full senior staff administration as we work through this process and the transportation proposition is part
052of the budget calendar and is therefore included on the budget presentations. Currently we have approximately 261 vehicles in our fleet. We continue to be the largest district-owned fleet in New York State. You can see from this graph what types of vehicles we do currently have. You can see that our number of small vehicles continues to increase as a result of the needs of our district and we continue to evaluate that on an annual basis. 2627 replacement plan factors to consider. Of course, we have the the safety and the age of our fleet. We have that responsibility to make sure we have pri um provide safe transportation and there's a cost associated with that. So, we have to make sure we look at that as we as we review our vehicles that we are looking to
053retire and as we continue to enhance our fleet. We also have to look at our enrollment. We continue to see that shifting need and we continue to follow that need and meet the needs of our students as a result. Um, electric buses, New York State compliance, we've been working on that as well. We've been working with the superintendent as well with assistant superintendent Lokima as we are trying to figure out how we are going to move forward in that arena. In 2627 we are looking to retire and replace up to 15 vehicles. These vehicles have high mileage. They are model years 13, 14, and 19 with excessive body wear as well as system failures. uh these 15 new vehicles will be purchased to replace those vehicles. So we would replace 15 for 15, but we're
054also looking to have a vehicle purchase proposal in 2627. We're looking to add 10 new vehicles to our fleet. Um this increase in vehicles will continue to address that shifting enrollment and those evolving student needs. If approved, that will incre increase our fleet size, excuse me, to 271 vehicles. This slide indicate didn't go, sorry. This slide indicates our recommendations. We are looking to purchase eight large 71 passenger diesel vehicles. We're looking to purchase an additional nine SUVs for student transport. Those are gasoline powered. We are looking to purchase six 20 passenger vans and two 30 passenger dual wheel vans in order to meet those needs. These those are those last two are also gasoline powered vehicles for a total of 2,923,557. We will continue to utilize the 5-year evol revolving bond anticipation note to finance
055the purchase of these vehicles. Um th that this increase will be reflected of approximately $22,000 in the 2728 school year because we are on that 5-year revolving plan and we are looking to increase the number of vehicles in our fleet. Thank you very much. Does anybody have any questions while we have a few members coming back up? Any questions, gentlemen? >> No. >> Oh, Mr. I'm sorry. >> Uh, just a a quick comment. um marrying one of the um statistics that was in Dr. Bronx presentation. Um this school district continues to um using current data not only be amongst the lowest per pupil expenditure in the county but is now the lowest. Um but if you look at graduation rate and other academic performance metrics um we're getting tremendous value for that um lowest um
056per pupil expenditure. Um while we are not the highest, we are um among the highest in terms of graduation rate in Duchess County. Number two, I was going to say number three. So we're we're up to up to number two. but and down to the lowest per pupil um expenditure. So um that was a different presentation about graduation rates. Um but there's a disparity low cost high performance. Um the only other comment that I uh that I had was that um there are some variables as as you pointed out if any of the variables break in our favor in the budget. Um it would be my um my recommendation. Um and I would most strongly support reducing the percentage of the of the tax levy um as opposed to finding other um other expenditures. Thank
057you. >> See nothing else. Thank you. Um 6.03 3. Approval of transportation proposition. Resolve that the board of education of the Winger Central School District authorizes the submission of the following proposition for the qualified voters of the district to vote on at the annual district meeting budget vote and election to be held on May 19th, 2026. Shall the board of education of the Winger Central School District, Putnham and Duchess counties, New York district, be authorized to purchase student transportation vehicles, including incidental expenses incurred therewith, at a maximum estimated sum of $2,923,57 and set amount or so much thereof as shall be necessary shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of the district and collected in annual installments as provided by law and in anticipation of such tax obligations of
058the district shall be issued. Motion Mr. ODM second Mr. McFarland. Any questions? All those in favor? Unanimous. >> Thank you, Miss Dainty. Thank you, members of the board of education. >> 7.01 01 consent agenda resolution. Does anybody have anything reling them? Resolve. The board of education does hereby approve the following consent agenda items as stated. 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 8 7.09 7.10 and 7.11 motion Miss Kellen second Mr. McFarland all those in favor unanimous 8.01 nominations to Boseis's board of education um I do know that Mr. Flesher. >> Flesh shower. Sorry. Let's put the glasses back on. Mr. Flash uh is put his name forward and I do know that Judy Moran from Weaver has also asked to have her name put forward as the second nomination. Resolve that the WCSD Board
059of Education does hereby nominate Mark Fly Shower and Judy Moran to serve on the board of education of the Duchess County Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Motion, Miss Kellen, second, Mr. McFarland. All those in favor? Unanimous. Thank you. 8.02 approval of audit report and corrective action plan. Whereas the board of education hereby acknowledges receipt of the internal risk assessment 20252026 along with the corrective action plan as recommended by the board's audit committee. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education does hereby approve the internal risk assessment 2025 2026 along with the corrective action plan as recommended by the board's audit committee and the superintendent of schools. >> Motion Mr. McFarland second. Mr. Morgan, is there any discussion? >> Yes, >> Mr. Morgan. Uh, as the motion points out, the um the corrective action
060plan uh is approved by the uh the audit committee um at our February 9th meeting. Uh thank you to the audit committee members uh which includes uh Trusty Lumia, uh Trusty Capari, um Christine Silva, uh myself. Also in attendance at that meeting was uh board president Johnson, um board clerk Ala Alberta Pedro and assistant superintendent uh Dainty. Um so we went through the internal um risk assessment produced by our internal auditor RBTCPAs. um and uh worked through what ultimately became the corrective action plan that's that's before us at that meeting uh on February 9th uh led by Assistant Superintendent Dainty. Um and also at that meeting uh we reviewed the um our uh RFP uh progress and score card. Um so this this was endorsed unanimously by the audit committee. Thank you. >> Thank you.
061All those in favor? Unanimous. 8.03. New course approval music department for 2627 school year. Resolve that the board of education does hereby approve the new course class voice for the 2026 2027 school year as detailed in the memo provided from the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction to the superintendent of schools. >> Motion. Miss Kellen second. Mr. Lumia, does anyone have any questions? >> Just going to be a great course. Too bad I'm retiring because I'd like to take that course myself so I can prove my voice. >> Well, well, now's the time you can take. >> You can force it. We'll allow you to force enroll. >> All those in favor, unanimous. 8.04. 04 approval of new club charter Royce Ketchum High School resolved that the board of education does hereby approve the new
062firstear club charter for El Club Latino at Royce Ketchum High School as submitted. Motion Mr. McFarland second Miss Kellen any discussion all those in favor unanimous 8.05 05 resolution accepting a PLA study and approving a addendum to agreement with Hill International. I'm so sorry I have plenty of liquid here. Whereas Board of Education of the Walkinger Central School District board or district desires to provide for the costefficient, safe, quality, and timely completion of a construction project known as the Winger Central School District 2025 district-wide capital projects project in a manner designed to afford the lowest cost to the district and the public it represents and the advancement of permissible public policy objectives. hand. Whereas the board engaged Hill International Hill to undertake a study of which a copy is on file with the district of
063whether to you whether the use of project labor agreement will best serve the district's interests in obtaining the best work at the lowest possible price, preventing favoritism, fraud, and corruption, and other considerations such as the impact of delay, the possibility of cost savings advantages, and any local history of labor unrest. Whereas the Hill economic benefit study report on feasibility and impact of a PLA, the study concluded that the use of a project labor agreement would provide the district with measurable economic benefits and would promote the district's interests in obtaining the best work at the lowest price as well as preventing favoritism, fraud, and corruption. And whereas the board has carefully reviewed and considered the study and determined, among other things, that the district's interest in obtaining the best work at the lowest possible price, preventing
064favoritism, fraud, and corruption, preventing the impact of delay owing to labor unrest, obtaining cost savings advantages, and gaining measurable management flexibility and benefits are best met by requiring a project labor agreement. and therefore wishes to direct that a project labor agreement be made part of the project. And whereas this project labor agreement will foster the achievements of these goals interalia by one avoiding the costly delays of potential strikes, slowdowns, walkouts, picketing, and other disruptions arising from work disputes and promoting labor harmony and peace for the duration of the project. Two, standardizing the terms and conditions governing the employment of labor on the project. Three, permitting wide flexibility in work scheduling where necessary and shift hours and times at affordable pay rates. Four, permitting negotiated adjustments to work rules and staffing requirements from those which otherwise
065might apply. Five, providing comprehensive and standardized mechanisms for the settlement of work disputes, including those related to jurisdiction. Six, ensuring a reliable source of skilled and experienced labor. Seven, promoting work opportunities for those within Duchess County and surrounding areas. Eight, furthering public policy objectives as to improved employment opportunities for minorities, women, and the economically disadvantaged in the construction industry. Nine, minimizing potential losses of revenue. 10, expediting construction process and otherwise minimizing disruption to the project's completion. And whereas the party's desire to maximize project safety conditions for both workers and the public. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the Walkinger Central School District accepts the recommendations in the study and authorizes Hill together with the assistance of the district's council, construction manager, and district administration to negotiate a PLA with the
066Hudson Valley Building Trades Council and its member labor organizations to be included as part of the project specifications to be advertised for bid to contractors upon receipt of approval of a building permit. permit from the state education department's office of facilities planning and be it further resolved that the board of education approves an addendum to the agreement for consulting services previously entered into with Hill to perform such services related to the negotiation of a PLA and further authorizes the board president to execute said addendum. Wonderful. Do I have a motion? Miss Kellen second. Mr. Uh, Kavalari, um, before we jump to your question, I'm just going to clarify. We were given a presentation by the attorney on this several months back. Um, we did not do the acceptance of the feasibility study. It was recommended
067that we accept it. Um, and this is just going to the next step and we have to go back and approve the PLA study first and then go forward to start the negotiations. So that's what this is about. Now question Mr. Rubio. >> I I I agree with the the resolution. However, couple years ago when we did this when we went to Mr. Bunk and I went to Newberg was the advantage that our students were able to participate in this program. >> I don't see that at all in this resolution. >> This is I'll address that. I I can address that. So that is part of the PLA itself. That is not what this is about. This is about the feasibility study, how it will save us money um on the overall project and it
068allows us to go into the negotiations to do the PLA agreement itself which is what we've started talks on. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? Seeing none, all those in favor? >> Unanimous. Thank you guys. 8.06 first reading of policies. This is a silent reading. If anyone has any questions, I urge you to please contact Miss Kellen regarding this uh so that we can address those. Miss Kellen. Uh I just want to point out that the continuing education policy and school safety plans are uh involve adding and uh requirements for AED uh um machineries and training so that if we someone has a heart attack uh or other heart emergency people will be trained. Uh the ones on charging meals and other food items and free meal service is just bringing us in con
069our policy in conformance with what we are doing now which is uh providing free meals but of course still charging for alocart and for uh staff if they want to buy the food. Thank you. >> Thank you. 9.01 01. Is there any additions to the agenda? Seeing none, communications from the public 10.01. Seeing none, before we do 11.01, I did uh I forgot an announcement before um we did get Congratulations to Nate Johnson and Kyle Kershaw for competing at the New York State Indoor Track and Field Competition Championship. Nate finished second overall in the 300 meter run with 33.82 seconds. The winner had 33.73 seconds. That's.1 seconds. It's truly the blink of an eye, but reality. The winner had a monumental day for himself with a.5 second personal record. Still, we are very proud of
070our meet and his performance. Um he will be competing this weekend at New Balance in Boston for the national pentathlon. And I also uh Kyle um did have a 6'2 high jump finishing 16th in the field of 34 which is very well and he too will be competing in New York City this week at the Nike National in New York City. Thank you. Um 11.01 01 is adjournment. >> Resolve. The board of education does hereby adjourn the March 9th, 2026 board of education meeting. The time is 9:00. >> Motion, Mr. Morgan. Second, Miss Monttoando. All those in favor? Thank you. Uh the meeting will resume back