001within the Hudson Valley. I had an opportunity to be up at their convention uh this past year up in central New York. They are also known at the state level and I know they want to talk a little bit about John J FFA as part of the superintendent spotlight and they also want to talk a little bit and give their appreciation and our appreciation to our board of education. And with that, I'm going to ask the advisor who's also a teacher at John J. High School, MJ McFarland, would you please enter the stage and begin your presentation? Let's give her a round of applause, please. Hi everyone. Thank you for having us tonight. Uh we do have a little presentation for you uh just showcasing a little bit of what we've done throughout last year
002and into the summer because our program does go through the summer. We're at the Duchess County Fair and we do a couple of other events as well. But at this point, I'm going to turn it over to our members and they are going to give you the presentation. Oh, is it >> my enjoyment? Hello, my name is Aiden Wyn. I am the reporter at the John J FFA chapter. And one of our first few one of our first activities we had was we had Miss Miss Debbie that brought in rabbits and we learned about their lifestyle, what their diet looked like, how to breed and how to show them. and it was a very educational time for us and we learned a lot from it. >> Uh, hi, my name is Justin Lawrence. Uh our
003second activity of this year, we went to uh Upland Dairy in Milrook and we got to see the difference of a big farm and then we went to Stormfield Swiss and Wingers and we got to see how a smaller farm runs in the Hudson Valley and their lifestyle of cows and we got to educate the John J FFA and actually Upland's hired some John J members a couple years ago. Hello, my name is Kari Bdonus. I am the third vice president and also the junior advisor. Um, Winter Carnival is one of our bigger events of the year. Um, a lot of clubs from our school like to come together and have like different booths. Um, ours was one of the bigger ones. We had three different booths. We had mini golf, we had a petting
004zoo, and we had like a little booth where you could plant like seeds. Like we planted merryolds. Um it was definitely a really like bigger hit among like the little kids. Um it was a petting zoo. Of course they're going to love the little animals. Um and yeah, it was a very good time. It was very educational for the kids that came. Um they learned a lot about the different animals that we can show and that different plants that we could show. Um yeah. Hi, I'm Jenna Lawrence and I'm the president. Um, we went to three different competitions, district, substate, and state. Those are in three separate levels. District is our first competition of the year. We had three teams for a issues, which you just pick an issue in agricultural and you present it
005as like a skit format. Um and we also had one exempraneous speaker where you pick a topic well they pick a topic for you to you have like 30 minutes to prepare for it. One of our a issues teams moved on to the substate level and our exempia speaker also moved on. Uh this is the substate competition slide. uh our team of A issues is up there and our exemplaneous speaker and various members to support them. >> Hi, I'm Corey Sadenho. I'm the second historian for the John J FFA. Uh this one went to the Duchess County a breakfast. We were one of the keynote speakers there. Um there was lots of food there. We basically explained to lots of farmers and other John not John J other FFA chapters about stuff we did during
006the year, what schools we went to, what like how we showed off what we did. Um, it was lots of fun. We got to meet a few people there like politicians and lots of inspirational people for FFA. >> Hi, I'm Yasmi Poss. the treasurer for FFA chapter. Um the spring fest was our biggest um hits of the year. Um the mobile dairy came to present about cows really. Um and we had lots it was very similar to the winter carnival. Um we had our little booth set up with the same things really. Um the mini golf, the petting zoo and we had a plant station. So, this was a field trip that we had and we went to Brinkerhoff in Fishkill Elementary and we read um what kindergarteners we read to the kindergarteners about a
007book um Molly planting her pumpkin seeds and how they grow into a big beautiful pumpkin. We actually had pumpkin seeds for the kids to plant. You can see me out there. I'm putting some soil in for the kids. Um, they had a blast. It was very educational. >> Okay. So, last year, well, this year it was the 100's uh New York State FFA Convention, which was really exciting. We had about 4,000 FFA members attend. It was a really big event held at the uh New York State Fairgrounds. This year we're going to Buffalo though which will be very fun. Uh we had uh two teams of flora culture which you compete about your knowledge on flowers and flower arrangements. We had one team of vet science which they competed um on their knowledge of veterary
008science. This year the topic was about sheep and guinea pigs which was very weird but we made it through somehow barely. Um, we also had uh I also won two other competitions. I won uh third in the state for uh our digital scrapbook competition and I won first in the state for our Gernzie which is a dairy breed uh legacy award. Um and Matthew got uh well he was elected as state officer up there and he got uh >> what would you call it? >> Installed there as well. It was really cool. >> Um the banquet was about um we honored degrees there. Um the new incoming um officers were honored there too. >> We gave we gave like degrees. >> Um, we handed out six green hand degrees. >> two chapter degrees. >> Okay.
009So, this was our like end of the year fundraiser. It was in uh May for Mother's Day and it was team time with alpacas. We went to this alpaca farm and um a bunch of ladies came in and they'd sit down and they'd have lunch with their daughters of course and they would uh then go outside. Well, we served in a cafe. We served them cookies and teas and stuff and it was really fun. And they would then they would go outside and walk and do like a little hike with alpacas and they got to walk with them and stuff. It was really fun and um we got to hang out with the llamas afterwards. So, so this was one of our very last events of the year. Um, we went to Fishkill Elementary. We
010went to one of their end of the year like field day, a little like thing where we could set up a booth. Um, we had colored pages. Um, we had like different facts about FFA. There was um there was a a another vendor there by 2 by two zoo and they had like the craziest animals ever. As you could see, there's a baby kangaroo. It was the cutest little thing we've ever seen in our lives and they kind of stole the show from us, but it does tie in with like the FFA factor with animals and like agriculture and that was really cool. So this year me and Jenna competed at the Dutch County Fair. Uh she won grand champion with her Swiss and I won reserve grand champion with my Swiss. It was a
011really fun day and a fun week for the whole both of us. Won a lot of things and the booth had a lot of people come when I was there. That's it. Yeah. >> So, this was another thing at the Duchess County Fair that me and another officer, Aiden, competed in. Uh, we worked on it for a few days. We basically had to build a garden and used certain flowers we were told to use and we were told that we had to make it like was like 70% garden or something like that. %. >> Yeah, plants. And we had to really work with that and make it look nice. And we did end up winning two ribbons for it as you can see right there. Uh definitely took a lot of hard work and planning
012look planning on where to put stuff with the theming cuz we wanted to make it fit with the theme and not really just sort of place stuff anywhere. And we really did well on it. We we're proud of it. Um the freshman orientation was the purpose to show the new incoming freshman's um what the club is. So we had a booth set up with like pictures of showing what we did in previous years and we had um pony sky >> skycom and she was a big hit. There was a lot of kids looking at her and petting um yeah We did get a new lot a lot of new members from this. Uh this was our most recent field trip. We went to Kelrid's farm and we met our state officers. We There was a
013big corn maze. I There's no picture of it right here, but it had the FFA emblem on like in the corn maze. It was very cool. Uh I went through the expert part and we got lost like three times. But um there was also a petting zoo and a lot of more act a lot more activities. You can kind of see in the background of the photo where they were in the um in the cow goat sheep and pig thing. And um it was very fun and we got to learn a lot about how the farm works and we also got to see the farm store which is really cute. Community day. >> Okay. Uh community day was uh an event where we got to go in the parade. We had uh two little kids
014in a chicken and cow costume and we had two cows. Fortunately, we couldn't have the pony there because MJ was busy, but um we also ran a booth. It was a lot of people came and asked about the FFA, which is really fun educating the public about. And yeah, it was really fun and we were with Susina as you can see. Uh and we would like to sincerely thank the board member. Without you guys, we couldn't do this. We couldn't go anywhere or do anything. And uh we have and like the opportunities that we have to thrive in the agricultural uh business and workplace is just so great and we would like to sincerely thank you guys and we're going to give you guys pumpkins. So, and we did grow the pumpkins here at John
015J in our greenhouse. Well, outside of our greenhouse, but it was [Applause] Two pumpkins each. >> Very nice. Thank you. >> Yep. Thank you. So, who's a board member? Good job. >> Thank you. I just want to say a few words just to kind of like go off of what the rest of these members just were talking about and how all of what this chapter does is to not only benefit benefit the chapter, the school, but also to inform and educate the public about agriculture in our communities. And the idea that agriculture is like farming, it's such like that's like the biggest part, but there's so many different little things about it that we really don't recognize in our day-to-day life. But like from our clothing to the food we eat, everything that we get
016is from agriculture pretty much. And I just want to say that without this group that I was a part of for four years and continue to show up at different events, I have been able to serve as the state Sentinel for this pretty much from May to May starting this last May. And it has been an absolute amazing opportunity to go around from all places across the state. We've been all the way up at like a camp five hours north from here. Being able to give students the opportunity to like get those different skills and be able to grow themselves not only as like people through doing different like activities at the camp because it's a fun camp. There's a bunch of different things to do, but also through leadership conferences and leadership meetings that
017we have with them to build themselves up as leaders. In addition to that, and then being able to just go across the state like uh for an entire week less than a month ago, we and me and my teammates, my five teammates went from all the way by Albany, hitting almost every chapter all the way up until Buffalo. We were able to see and speak with a bunch of different people from members to important legislators. And it was really an honor to be able to like help that growth in agricultural knowledge and be able to give those members like the encouragement and the growth ability, the growth capability to continue on in FFA and do as much as they can. So I wanted to say that I want to say thank you to all of
018you because without your support, we are not able to do all that we do with our chapter and it's really an honor. Thank you. I would like I would like to thank the FFA for the beautiful presentation and our gifts. Um I just recently was able to bring back to life the spider plant you guys gave us a few years ago. I it was it was struggling there for a little while. Um and just make sure you get Dr. Bonk the dates that you guys are going to Buffalo because I'm sure he would love love to I think it's it's yeah I think we I think we have to make a resolution. We're going to send them up there for that as well. But uh we do thank you very much. >> And if you
019get a chance the rest of you board members I'm sure the FFA would love to send you the link so that you could help support and purchase some uh gear. I know I I've done that already. So, I'm sure you want the FFA, Future Farmers of America gear for when we go to Winter Carnival, right? Uh-huh. Make sure you get them that link, guys. Uh, the next one, Dr. B communications. Y Okay. 5.01 1 public comments on agenda items. Seeing no comments, 5.02 communication and announcements received by the board of education. Does anybody have anything they'd like to say? Miss Migs? Yes. I'd like to say that with all of this lovely weather that we've had uh this fall, I've been able to make it to a number of um sporting events in temperate weather.
020Two that I want to spotlight are that I was at the um RCK football game recently and while it was a very exciting game, but unfortunately Yeah, I hear that sigh. it unfortunately it did not work out the the way that we had hoped. I do want to commend our student member Emma. She was right there with with a group of students at the front of the uh student section cheering on the team and late in the game she really had me convinced that they were going to pull it out. Um she was so enthusiastic I thought that she was actually going to carry them through to victory. And the other event that I want to spotlight is that um into trustee Montesando uh late last week at a volleyball game. If you don't get
021out and see the richness of the sports that we have in this district, you're really missing out on something. Where else can you go to an interd district volleyball game and say that you saw the number two ranked AAA volleyball team in the state take on the number two number five ranked AAA volleyball team and know that they're all your students and um support them. I really uh want to say that our athletics program is as strong as we hear it is and I'd like to encourage everyone to get out and support our athletes in multiple sports. >> Thank you, Mr. Capellari. >> Yes. Thank you, President Johnson. Over the course of the past month, we'd like to bring attention to uh community organizations that support our schools. The first would be uh uh the
022oddfellows here out of whoers the Lafayette Lodge and the yearly donations to both Chief Road and Evans Elementary Schools with backpacks, supplies, and students. Speaking of Buffalo, they drove considerable distance to pick those up and bring them back. And uh last but not least, we also want to point out the uh Rotary Club out of uh Fishkill with Fishkill Elementary and uh local community member Tommy Mosh who was very instrumental in helping secure the supplies and handing them out. None of this is possible without the support of the community. And it's these organizations that are the real uh lifeblood and backbone to helping ensure that all students here have a uh as best of an opportunity and shot. So uh we would certainly be remissed if we didn't point that out. Thank you, >> Miss
023Kellen. as uh the school board's legislative liaison. Last week I participated in a zoom call with the staff of Congressman Lawler and uh especially on the subject of mental health grants. Uh the asening district had a $6 million grant which was uh rescended in the third year. And uh also our I spoke with uh Congressman Lawler about his staff with about our concern about funding for mental health. And I also spoke about our concern for funding for school security for our school resource officers, our school safety officers and the technological updates for that are necessary for our schools. Next week on uh October 16th is the business meeting of the New York State School Boards Association and at that time we will decide which uh resolutions we will support for the association to advocate for
024on the state legislative level. So all of your the members I believe received the resolutions that are being considered. If anyone has any questions now I also attended a meeting of the Duchess School Boards Association last th last Thursday which uh the state a state representative from NISBA uh answered our question. So if you have any questions now, I'll try to clarify anything that you wish. >> Mr. Morgan. >> Thank you, President Johnson. Um I just wanted to make make mention as we've talked about um athletic programs here in the district uh that today is National Coaches Day. Um, so I want to thank all of our coaches um at uh at the two high schools, at our junior high schools, um, and throughout the district and our community. Thank you. Um, and uh, um,
025uh, tip of the cap to, uh, to all of our coaches on National Coaches Day. Um, I also wanted to comment on the fact that according to Every Town for Gun Safety, there have been 90 incidents of gunfire on school grounds as of midepptember. Um, at our last meeting, I spoke about one of the two incidents of uh gun violence on September 10th that have occupied the the national uh media. Uh, one of those was uh was in a school was a school shooting. Um, and that caused me at our last meeting to call on our elected leaders including uh, US Representative Lawler, uh, US Representative Ryan, US Senator Schumer, US Senator Gillibrand, and the President of the United States to support funding for school resource officers until the federal government can come up with
026a more comprehensive solution to our national problem of school shootings. Since that meeting, I think we're all aware that our federal government has uh has shut down, and I'm not really going to comment on that, but one of the issues um that you will hear about uh on the on the news is a continuing resolution that a majority of the House of Representatives and the majority of the United States Senate voted to approve. And I think it's important to note that our elected officials in Washington recognize that gun violence is a national problem. It's not a local problem. It's not a state problem. It's a national problem. And here's how we know that they know it's a national problem. Because included in that continuing resolution is $88 million to fund protection for members of Congress,
027the executive branch, and the judicial branch to provide security for these government officials between now and approximately Thanksgiving. They've allocated $88 million in a in a in a bill that passed both houses of Congress. So that is recognition of the fact that our leaders in Washington know that gun violence is a national problem. And therefore, by extension, I would argue that school shootings are a national problem. And therefore I renew uh my call to Representative Lawler, Representative Ryan, US Senator Schumer, US Senator Jill Brand, and the president of the United States to support the funding of school resource officers at our nation schools until the federal government can formulate a more comprehensive solution to this very unfortunate and sad problem. Thank you, Mr. Morgan. Um, I would just like to recognize that this is homecoming
028week for two of our three high schools. So, you guys are really making it hard on some of us board members that like to go to as many events as possible. Do you know how hard it is to choose between two homecoming games? Um, Trusty Migs is promising to do half at each school. Um, I will be at each school, but I cannot say how long I will be at them. Um, I do know that we also have a uh a heroes I believe it's a her uh a heroes recognition as well on Friday at catchum. Yes. At 4:30. >> Sports Hall of Fame. >> Oh, and sports hall of fame. Why do I think that's the one in May? Sorry, I'm getting my two years two time. I knew it was one of them
029at 4:30 on Friday. Um, so I will be at both of those schools on Friday as well. Um, that being said, I would like to move on to our student board representatives. Emma from Ketchum, do you have anything fun to tell us that's been happening with you guys? Um, so our field hockey team played Srs and Fox Lane and they won both their games. So that was pretty nice for them. And then I will also be volunteering for NHS at the Hall of Fame event on Friday. So I'll be there before the game and then at the game. And then this week is spirit week. Today we had we had pajama day. Tomorrow is Disney Pixar decade jersey and then class colors. And then we have our pep rally on Friday with homecoming on Saturday.
030>> Awesome. Ash, how's things going over at Orchard View? >> Fine. We have a new face or two, but nothing too major. The only thing is that it's been brought to my attention that students feel the food portions from John J aren't quite sufficient. Um, and I mean, young people need food. We need it to think. We need it to learn. We need it all the time. So, if there's any way we could maybe address how much is brought per student from John J to Orchard View, that would be really nice. Just because three chicken nuggets is not enough for one kid. >> I personally >> I speak for my friend. >> Well said. >> I I believe we have a wellness committee coming up soon and I will definitely um have a word with
031Mr. Flower on that um on your behalf and and I will I will rely on Miss Dy to remind me to ask about those portion sizes. >> Thank you. >> Point point of information. What was what was the fruit or vegetable that came with the three chicken? >> I have to say there was no fruit or vegetable. It was only a handful of fries. Was quite disappointing for my poor friend. >> Are you No. So So was that ordered alle cart? It was ordered in just like one. It they come in with like a big thing and they're in trays just kind of put in the big warm fridge for I don't know how many hours. They It's a system that's not great, but it's a system. >> Yeah. >> That being said, winter, do
032you have any exciting news for us as as usual? >> Absolutely. Thank you, President Johnson. Uh John J. Homecoming game is looming. We are hoping to do great. I know our team. We're going to absolutely hit it. We are extremely dominant and we are going to win. Definitely quote me on that because we are. Um it's not cocky if we're that great. Listen, um John J. Open house, I believe, is on the 9th of October. This is a great opportunity for everyone of our Wajer Central School District learning community to attend and to learn about um what your kids are going through, meet the teachers, and overall form a better relationship with people who are going to be teaching your kids, which I think that is an extremely important thing to have. And I'm so
033so glad that John J does it and does it. It does it well. Um again, homecomings on the 11th. It's going to be a very exciting and very fun time. We're hoping for a fun and safe evening as I'm sure we will have. Um, everyone's extremely elated. Again, we also have a spirit week going on this week. Today was also pajama day for us put together by our lovely student government and I believe also some help from our senior class. Um, I would also like to I believe they are gone now, but I would like to again extend my thanks to FFA for everything they do for our school and for the wonderful presentation in honor of the board that we've carried out. And you know, I know it's the week before broad appreciation week,
034but I do have some words I'd like to say. You know, our school board is one of the best. And I don't say that lightly. I don't say that because I got this job. I say because I think it's true. I know. I know. I say it because it's true. um the ingenuity and general way in which we carry out issues and the general way in which we're able to take the concerns of the community and turn them into not just things we talk about but actual real action makes Central School District one of the best school districts and it makes every single school in our district and every single thing that our district touches excellent and superb. So I'd like to thank every single member of this board and I'd like to just again
035reiterate my thanks for everything you do not only for me as a John J student. I'm sure not only for us as students of Winger Central School District, but absolutely everybody as a part of our Winger Central School District learning community. >> Thank you very much. We're very honored to have you guys as part of our board this year. Um, just so you know, you are board members as well and we honor you as well. Miss Kellen, >> I had the uh opportunity a couple of weeks ago of taking part in a survey that um was done by a university of um about student board members and uh I had nothing but praise for you and I think it's a wonderful idea and I only wish we had more opportunity to meet with you uh
036perhaps before well before the meetings we have except next session, but perhaps we uh Mrs. Johnson uh could uh find some time when we could really get to know you personally. Thank you. >> Yes, I definitely agree. And by the way, we have the best student members in the state. So, I mean, without saying that goes there. That being said, 6.01 budget calendar presentation. Dr. Bon, you're up again. play. Thank you. >> I have not tested it. Warm it up. Warm it up. for this. >> Oh, thank you, sir. >> Do I need this microphone? >> Do I need this? Good evening, Wajer Central School District learning community and our board of education. It is a privilege to present to you this October already the budget process for 2627. This year's theme we remain focused
037on today as we plan for tomorrow. So, let me take a moment to uh refer to uh as I mentioned to the members of our board of education and again I thank them for all of their efforts. We have our president Marie Johnson, our vice president Cheryl Miggettz, trustee Virgil Capalari, trustee Karen Mandisando, trustee Peggy Kelland, trustee John S. Morgan, trustee John C. Lumia, Trustee Keith ODMS, and Trustee Michael McFarland, members of the senior staff administration, assistant superintendent for administration and information systems, Mr. Darren Lokima, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Dr. Michelle Cardwell, assistant superintendent, finance, business development. Yes, she is the financial guru, Miss Kristen Dainty. Assistant superintendent student support services, Mr. Richard Zip, our assistant superintendent of special education, Dr. Dan Wilson, executive director of human resources, Miss Renee Harris, director of
038facilities, Mr. Ronald Brois, and of course, the one, the only district clerk and secretary to the superintendent, Miss Alberta Pedro. Welld deserved. So, the first video will be coming out in February. It will be February the 23rd, 5:30. We'll do our traditional virtual presentation. It will be presented in both English and Spanish. This year, the budget vote May the 19th. So, let's take a look at the B uh budget calendar. first steps. The official work begins on the 2627 budget after the approval of the board of education development calendar which hopefully will be approved by the board of education this evening and it's based on preliminary equipment requests, new staffing, curriculum proposals in service and summer work. Once again remaining focused on today but planning for tomorrow. Next steps, we need to refer to the
039board of education goals as we build the budget. That is the formulation for the budget, those goals. We need to reflect the mission statement and the core values of our school district. Also, take a look at the administration goals when building the budget. That's both at the district level and at the building level. awareness of community expectations of the Winger Central School Districts. You have been phenomenal in letting us know how you feel and what you value and what you support and what you want to see your school district deliver. I would ask you to continue that process. It's budgetwcsdny.org. Correct? And we'll mention that many times. We also need to evaluate the overall economic climate both at a local level level and at a national level. We need to continue to do the long-term
040deliberate financial planning that we've been done based on the available information to us as well as well-informed estimates utilizing a variety of methods to gather input from the community and the board of education. We will continue to do that. It's not the superintendent's budget. It's not the senior staff's budget. It is the community's budget. It is our budget. So, we're going to be sharing information with the board of education. We will be building a preliminary budget component by component and when necessary discussion with the board of education. We're going to include pertinent revenue funding sources in the general fund and we'll have discussions on tax cap compliance, federal stimulus dollars, New York state projections, any alternative funding sources such as payment in lie of taxes or pilots and a discussion on possible referendums to be
041added to the budget. I will say to our community, I do not at this point have any recommendations of any additional projects other than the 2627 budget. And I want to thank the community for their support of our capital project from last year. So questions from the board of education and community are not only welcomed but they are encouraged as we move through the budget process. And again hopefully that will start this evening once the board of education approves the budget calendar. I mentioned the email address that is important. Let us know what you think, what you value, what you want to see from your school district, what you want to see your students and our students receive, what kinds of programs and services are vital in this day and age. Budget at wcsdny.org. We
042continue to share information and maintain our collaboration with our local municipalities. information sharing with our community. I mentioned the first superintendent video. I think we do three of them. Correct. But then after that, we do a video of the budget and then we send one out before the vote. Correct. Okay, that's okay. That's fine. The state mandated budget public hearing May the 11th. That'll be at Royce C. Ketchum High School. As we build the components of the budget, we know that the main categories, general support, instruction, transportation, and undistributed. Again, I can't stress enough the amount of community feedback and discussion with our board of education as well as members of our community to refine that document. Respond to information provided by New York State other funding sources. Provide information to the board of education
043and community that's clear, kise, transparent, and factual. If you remember last year, we prevent we presented factual information on our needs. We will be doing similar this year working with the administrative team to refine data and estimates and then the final step evaluate reflect on the budgetary process. Information is available on our website. So here is the calendar 29 February 9th preliminary budget presentation. The 23rd superintendent video we explain the budget process. We do that in English and in Spanish. March 9th superintendent's recommended budget presentation one transportation proposition presentation. And I should say that's also part of I anticipate that we will also in addition to having our budget, we'll also need to have a transportation proposition. 23rd of March, superintendent's recommended budget presentation too. April the 13th, recommended budget presentation, ballot presentation, state aid
044update. We're hopeful that we can present some final numbers to you on April the 13th. Last year the budget was considerably late. I think it has been the last couple of years. So that's created a lot of lastm minute adjustments, but hopefully we'll have a budget and we'll know where we are by April 1 and we can communicate that to our community and to our board and adopt it on April the 13th. Ballot presentation of the community will be at John J High School and the statemandated public hearing on the budget will be at Royce Ketchum High School. That will be on the 11th and of course the budget vote May 19th, 2026. And with that, I want to thank you to our entire Winger Central School District community. I look forward to your thoughts,
045to your suggestions, to what you value and what you want to see in your school district as we're not only focused on today and planning for tomorrow, but we're preparing our students today for tomorrow's opportunities. And with that, I thank you. My presentation is concluded. It's Thank you, Dr. Bon for your presentation and I would just like to remind the public, you know, going through this process, write down those questions, send them to that email address. Um, and ask the questions here. It it it does make a lot of difference. 6.04. Oh, wait. 6.02. Sorry, I was going down the the line too quickly. Approval of the budget development calendar for the 2026 vote election. Resolved that the board of education does hereby approve the budget development calendar for the 2026 school district budget vote
046and board member election as recommended by the assistant superintendent of finance and business development to the superintendent of schools. >> John Morgan second. Miss Kellen. All those in favor? Unanimous. Thank you very much. 6.03. Annual external financial statements 2024 2025 presented by EFPR. Miss Dainty, do you want to introduce them? Sure. >> Good evening. Thank you so much for your time this evening. I have Tom Smith from EFPR here to do the presentation for the 2425 financial statements. Thanks. >> Thank you, Garrison. Good evening, everybody. So, I put together a one-page sum go over some of the highlevel bullet points what happened with the financial statement and the audit process for the year ended June 30th, 2025. Uh, we did review the financial statements as well as the auditor's reports the audit committee two weeks
047ago uh tonight. That way we go through any questions or anything a little bit more detail in case I had anything of note that we could go through. We are going to be issuing what's called clean or unmodified opinion on our reports. Essentially that's the highest level opinion you can receive. Meaning that the financial statements are fairly stated that the numbers in there are supported. Uh we we did do an audit of the financial statements the actual classroom activities as well as called the single audit. you receive a certain threshold of federal awards, you have to have a single audit done for compliance with federal grants. Uh, one thing I do want to point out to the board tonight is typically the financial statements and a single audit do get issued at the same time.
048Unfortunately, because the federal government, now because of the shutdown, but they did have some delays in their the supplement that they had to provide, we are not allowed to issue the single audit until they're back up and running and release that. So, we will issue the financial statements in time. and you'll meet the New York State October 15th deadline, but it's more of a just administrative piece that we have to delay that piece on. Uh we did not come across any non-compliance issues. No, no internal control weaknesses that you should be aware of. As part of the single, we did look at the child nutrition title one grants and we did not come across any weaknesses there. Anything of note that you should be aware of. Um I really want to thank Kristen and her
049team. They made this audit process extremely smooth. This is our first year as the auditors and first years always take a little bit longer but you you wouldn't think this is the first year how quick it went. Uh just from a quick numerical standpoint at the districtwide level that's where we have to combine all the all the funds as well as put on certain long-term items. The revenue did exceed expenses this year by $22.3 million. So they did have a good year. Uh if you do look at the balance sheet of the governmentwide statements, you will note one item called OPB. That's a long-term estimate of your health insurance payment and that is a large number everywhere. Here it's a liability of $618 million. But I think the key point with that is you're never
050going to receive a bill. There's never going to be a balloon payment, anything of that nature. It's just a pure accounting estimate that we had to put in the books. Uh at the general fund level, we did have an increase in fund balance of $4.6 million. So you can see that the fund balance in the fund that we budget for did very well this year and that really is due to real property tax and state sources did very well this year. Also the one thing we do have to point out we do have one non-compliance finding that that is required by New York State. Uh essentially our fund balance our unassigned fund balance can only be up to 4% of the subsequent year's budget. This is a repeat finding of prior years but I really
051do want to point out we do see this across the state. I would say about a third of the districts I work with all have that. It's essentially just a pure calculation. There's really no financial penalty from for it. So really at this point I want to turn to the board if you have any questions, anything go through. >> Can you just add that with the when you compare fund balance from last year to this year? Can you just let them know it's basically about stable? >> Yeah, it it is fairly stable. We do have at the end of 2025 a fund balance in the general fund of $52 million. Um that was at $47.4 4 million in the prior year. So you can see that number has been managed very well. >> The 10
052point I think it was 10.54% in the previous year and 10.75 this year. So again from year to year when you take in the calculation because it is a budgetary calculation the budget went up for 25 26. So even though there was a small increase it's still level and still on track um for the discussion for the 26 27th school year. So, we are still in decent shape and can follow the plan as budgeted. >> Does anybody have any questions or any statements? >> Seeing none, I think we're good. >> Thank you. So, 6.04, 04 approval of the external annual financial statements. Resolved that the board of education does hereby approve the annual audit and financial statements from EFPR for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025 as recommended by the audit committee and as
053presented by EFPR. Motion Miss Kellen second. Mr. Copileri. Any discussion? All in favor? Mr. ODMS. Oh, sorry. I didn't say it. Unanimous. I thought so. I missed it. 7.01 consent agenda resolution. Does anybody wish to remove anything from the consent agenda? Seeing none, resolve that the board of education does hereby approve the following consent agenda items as stated. 7.0 02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 and 7.10. Do I have a motion? Miss Kellen second. Mr. Capillary. All those in favor? Unanimous. 8.01. Approval of club charters. Resolve that the board of education does hereby approve the following club charters as submitted. Health Occupation Students of America, HOSA, Royce Ketchum High School. Black Student Union, BSU, Royce Ketchum High School. Family Consumer Science, FACS, Royce C. Ketchum High School, Gender Sexuality Alliance, Name Change, previously
054known as Gay Straight Alliance, John J. High School. Do I have a motion? >> Mr. ODM second. Miss Kellen. Discussion. Mr. Lumia. >> Why was the uh D name changed? What was it? Why was it changed? Any rationale for that? There was the name was actually changed two years ago. Um I noticed it, but we just had to update the charter. It's been going as that for about two years now. >> Well, I'm not satisfied. Be honest. I think that the name should just stay the way it was, but go with the board. >> Okay. All those in favor >> have a question. >> Oh, Mr. ODMS. I'm sorry. I missed your hand. You said their name changed currently approximately two years ago. Did the Did they decide to change it themselves? >> Yes, it
055was but it it's always gone by GSA and that's why it really didn't I didn't notice it until about two years ago. >> So they just went with the acronym and then but the name change they proposed the name to change. >> Right. >> Okay. >> All those in favor? Oh, Mr. Morgan, I'm sorry. I I think the the question by trustee Lumia uh points out um that you know it's incumbent upon um particularly adviserss um but also club officers uh to update the the charter and make sure that it is um accurate and timely on an on an annual basis when the club reorganizes at the at the beginning of each school year. um and that would uh forego um after the-act issues such as uh item D. >> So I will say that
056I know that they submit their charters every year and it is accepted by the district but for some reason um we didn't notice the name. It wasn't put forward as a name change. When you do a name change, it has to be reapproved by the board. It's the same club and that was the only difference in this situation. So, the club has been the same. It's just it was a name change that for some reason we didn't uh reapprove the charter with the name change. All those in favor >> will to accept the >> to accept everything. >> Unanimous 8.02 2 approval of proposal of Wingers Junior High School topographical survey. Sorry, me and that word are never going to get along. Whereas the Winger Central School District has identified the need for professional land
057surveying services at Wingers Junior High School in connection with the 2025 capital project approved by the district's voters on May 20th, 2025. And whereas Collier's engineering and design CTPC DBA master consulting engine doing business as Maser consulting engineering and land surveying has submitted a proposal to perform existing condition topographic surveys at Wingers Junior High School for a total cost of $18,800. Now therefore be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves the proposal submitted by Collier's Engineering and Design CTPC in the amount of $18,800 for the prop per the performance of topographic survey services at Wingers Junior High School. And be it further resolved that the board of education authorizes the board president to execute the proposal and any related documents necessary to effectuate this agreement subject to the review and approval of the
058school district legal council. Do I have a motion? Miss Kellen second. Mr. Copileri. Any questions? Seeing none. All those in favor? Unanimous. 8.03. 03 approval of proposal for geotechnical engineering services 2025 capital projects. Whereas the Witcher Central School District D district has identified the need for professional geotechnical services at the following sites. Royce Catchum High School, John J. High School, Wingers Junior High School, Van White Junior High School, Fishkill Elementary School, and Brinkerhoff Elementary School in connection with the 2025 capital project approved by the district's voters on May 20th, 2025. And whereas Tectonic Engineering Consultants, Geologists, and Land Surveyors, DPC, has submitted a proposal to perform geotechnical engineering services at the sites listed above for a total estimated cost not to exceed $63,000. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves
059the proposal submitted by tectonic engineering consultants, geologists, and land surveyors in the amount not to exceed $63,000 for the performance of geotechnical engineering services at the sites. And be it further resolved that the board of education authorizes the board president to execute the proposal and any related documents necessary to effectuate this agreement subject to the review and approval of the school district's legal council. >> Motion Miss Kalen second Mr. Copileri any discussion Mr. Lumia >> I assume the 18,000 is 63,000 or above the $153 million that was approved by the capital project. I >> Yes. It's all part of the project. It's part of the existing costs. Any other questions? All those in favor? Unanimous. 8.04. First reading of policies. This is a silent reading. I encourage everybody to take an option to an opportunity
060to read the different policies and the changes. If you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to please contact Miss Kellen. She is the chairperson of our policy committee and she'll be able to help you or help bring it forward to us. Miss Kellen, >> I'd just like to note but uh although many policies are listed, most of the changes were of vocabulary, not of uh substantive changes. However, 72000 animals on school grounds is a new policy that arose because of problems they have had at the schools. So, it read them over and if you have any further questions or comments, please let me know. >> Thank you, Miss Cohen. 9.01. Members may request additional agenda items. Any seeing none 10.01 comments from the public. >> Thank you sir. Thank you >> Mrs. Ki.
061Hi, good evening, superintendent, board of education. I just wanted to acknowledge someone who deals with the special education side. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Wait a second. I forgot. I got to read this blurb. Sorry. I know. I thought I read it at the beginning. Never mind. >> The I got to find the blurb. Okay, there it is. Comments related to schoolboard business are welcome at this time. Please limit time to three minutes. Oh, wait. Hold I got to find the right page. Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to listen to public comment. Although state law does not require us to hold a public comment period, we have chosen to do so because we believe it is crucial for us to hear from our community members about their concerns and issues. The board is here to
062listen. The public comment period is not designed to be a debate or dialogue. Please do not expect the board to respond to your concerns and questions tonight. We take your concerns and questions seriously and want to have sufficient time to pro process and research issues if need be. Any questions from the public should be submitted through the use of the public comment form which may be obtained online or at the desk with the district clerk. We will have the proper staff member get back to you as appropriate. I also want to point out that under state and federal privacy laws, we are unable to address any comments or questions about specific students or school personnel. We would ask you to go through the appropriate administrative channels. Complant compliments or complaints about student discipline issues involving
063specific students or personnel named or implied must not be addressed during public comment. A total of 30 minutes at the end of each schoolboard meeting is set aside to allow for public comments on items relating to our school district that are not on tonight's agenda. A signup sheet for non-agga agenda items is located at the desk by district clerk. Individual comments are limited to three minutes and are welcome. In the interest of civility and respect for different points of view, clapping, booing, and any disturbance or disruptions during either public comment period is not permanent. At this time, comments related to school district business are welcome. Miss Ki, >> I thought we were off the hook there. Um, as I was saying, I just wanted to acknowledge, as many of you know, if not all, um,
064my involvement in special ed, and I just wanted to compliment our school district. Um, I kind of was sleeping this summer when the cell phone um, law via Anthony surgery came out and I just was really nice to see how we took the law for everyone and we were still able to prioritize um, mental health and self-esteem in what we call individual education plans. And I think it should be duly noted as I bump around in other areas, the district has exceeded um standards by handling that so respectfully and appropriately. So I just wanted to thank you all. Thank you, Miss Ki. That being said, 11.01 motion for adjourning meeting. Resolve that the board of education does hereby adjourn the October 6th, 2025 board of education meeting. The time is 8:52. Do I have a
065motion? >> Miss RHDM's second. Miss Mondesando. All in favor? >> All right. Too many votes over there, but yes, unanimous.