001agreeing to provide additional police coverage services in one way or another uh for our elementary schools starting uh as as as soon as possible. uh the most we'll be able to start uh with an increase what we've seen last year in September for the start of school. So um we are looking forward to increasing and improving our partnerships with our our police agencies on that and and Dr. B has done a lot to um you know help make that happen. >> If I just may comment uh Mr. Okima I need to thank you and I need to thank the entire districtwide safety committee for all of their efforts. Uh based upon that, we were the only school district in the county asked to participate in a lay live tabletop earlier this month uh with the
002FBI and all of the emergency responders within the county including the hospitals and we were given scenarios and we were asked to respond to them and I was very very pleased number one that we were asked. Uh I was also very very pleased at the response uh because typically when these things happen the first response is at the school and then the people who need to provide us with with assistance provide us with the assistance and that's a tribute to the work that this district has done over the years in ensuring that our top priority remains the safety and security of our students and our staff and we take this very very seriously every day. Thank you. That's that's all I have unless anyone else has any questions. >> Anybody have any questions? >> Mr.
003Morgan, >> did you find um any uh challenges uh regarding the um schoolwide uh safety plan? um given um or challenges or positives uh given that cell phones uh that internet enabled cell phones aren't going to be um allowed to be be used by our students. >> I can actually answer that since we enacted a similar plan to the one that we were required to enact by the governor last year with extreme limited usage of cell phones uh in our schools. We had a number of districts who reached out to me to get our plan and ask exactly how we instituted our plan last year and what were the provisions of our plan. I got that plan from Mr. Lokima, spoke with Mr. Lokima, shared that out with the other districts and many of them
004used that as their template for the required plan that they needed to send to the governor uh August the 1st. And I don't know, Mr. Lokima, if you want to fill in anything else. Um it it was a very very seamless um transition from the prior cell phone plan to the current cell phone plan. There were a few other things that were instituted but it's not much different than what we've had in the past. Mr. Lima. >> Yeah. So we will be sending out a notice to the community about that uh starting at some point this week is highlighting the law. I have it in I have the letter in draft. just having some of the building principles review it. Um there will be I'm sure some questions and concerns in general about the nature
005of the idea that students I'm sorry our students um will um not be allowed to have on their person cell phones in school for from bell to bell. So it's a it's a New York state law that was passed. That's a bell to bell cell phone ban. uh and the management of that um might pose a challenge or two to those who might be surprised by it, but we're going to do our best to communicate our expectations between now and September. Uh and I'm sure after the first few days of school, um everyone will follow in fall into a routine. And I think um the positives that'll come out of it, it'll probably more uh more interactions with students. uh hopefully uh you know uh more more friendships, more ways to connect with each other
006uh and and and you know hopefully be a less less distractions in the school >> and and I believe that the board approved this policy back in June. Correct. >> Uh yeah, but the but then the the language of the ban that the governor signed changes some of the um perspective on it. I would say just a little bit to make to make it a little bit more purposefully restricted. >> So the ma the major change is for us is that they are not allowed to be on the person of the student before. They needed to be off and away. They weren't supposed to be seen. They weren't supposed to be used. And in the event that they were, there was a uh a matrix that was utilized as to how to respond to that.
007And I will say I really need to give a tremendous amount of credit to our principles because they did an absolutely terrific job. Uh and and those procedures are not going to change. What basically the change is is the state law which says that they need to be stored somewhere uh which under our plan would typically be in a locker. there there are a number of other areas that they would be able to store them, but they're not permitted to have the phones on their person by the state regulation that was enacted by the state legislature. So hopefully that helps to clear some things up. >> Miss Megan, oh can I just get five minutes added to the extent of time? Motion by Cheryl, second by Mr. Lumia. All those in favor? Unanimous. uh Cheryl
008and then Virgil. Okay. Given the um changes to the policy that'll have to be made according to Mr. for the wording in the governor's um law. When um professional development is held before the school year starts, are you going to take some time to make sure that all of the staff are made aware um and have a clear understanding of the governor's >> Well, well, absolutely. But what I would say to that is is we don't ask our staff to confiscate phones. I don't want staff confiscating phones. If they see a student with a phone, they notify an administrator. That's the administrator's responsibility, >> right? But I'm I just want to say that it used to be if the phone was away, now they're not supposed to have >> they're aware of the new regulations
009and we'll make sure that they want to make sure. >> But that that primarily rests with the administration, not our instructional staff. >> Mr. Morgan again, >> assistant superintendent on I'm sorry that um my question wasn't more clearly stated, but with regard to the school safety plan that we're having the public hearing on right now, did um did that uh did the the change in state law and the policy that as Dr. Bon pointed out we've previously adopted. Has that impacted our school safety plan either negatively or or positively um that you can report on or or possibly not at all? That was really what I was trying to get at. >> Yeah. I Okay. So, I believe by the nature of the document, it's neutral to the topic. Um, but I can't help but
010think that some will try to, you know, state the concern that if there was an emergency, they would want um, you know, their their child to be immediately reachable. I just, but that's not covered the nature of the plan. Um and that is you know not you know and again the the the sub the topic and the uh the purpose of the law is to have phones completely uh off person. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> No further questions. Okay. Um 3.04 community input on the district schoolwide safety plan. Is there any signups for that? Seeing as none, can I get a 3.05 motion to close public hearing? Resolved that the board of education does hereby close the public hearing and resumes the board meeting. Motion by Miss Kellen, second Mr. Lumia. All in favor?
011Unanimous. 4.01. Public comment on agenda items. Was is there any comments on agenda items only? No comments on agenda items. Moving forward to 4.02 communication and announcements received by the board. I'm going to start with something first to clarify something from the July 1st meeting. Uh on July 1st, there was a discussion regarding agenda item 13.02, 02 a motion to approve the topographical survey services. Oh wow, he said it this time. During that discussion, Trusty Luminia asked a question regarding the cost of the topographical survey and which properties had been dated added in the last 17 years. As it has been pointed out, this is where it went a little bit off topic. What is a topographical survey? A topographical survey contains more than detailed information about the physical features of a land as opposed
012to the strictly focusing on the property boundaries or property lines which would be a regular survey. I did ask about this is uh I did speak about the fact that these costs were included and built into the approved capital project as incidentals. I'm going to a statement by Mr. Morgan was I commented that the Winger Central School District needs to comply with the law. I stand by my statement as it pertains to property surveys as there are in fact instances in which a survey is required to be filed with certain applications by governmental entities agencies in emails above. Trusty Lumia has stated that I ascertain that there was a state law. Please assure that is it is conveyed that I never asserted that there is a New York state law that was applicable. There are
013legal requirements when a survey is needed and or required. Also, Mr. Morgan made a statement. Trusty Lumia commented that the spending of $99,000 is crazy. I would argue that failing to perform a $99,000 topographical survey to assess the topographical of the land under a multi-million dollar addition would be imper impertinent. However, in the moment I felt that the use of the word impertinent to rebut and use the word crazy would have been impolite. Now, I'm going to read the We did request more information from our architect. Can someone state the state law that requires the board has to firm wait that the board has Let me put my reading glasses on. Sorry, folks. It makes it a lot easier to read. Sorry about that. Don't get older. You go blind. Can someone state for me
014the state law that requires that the board has to hire a firm to do a topographical survey because of the capital project? It seems to me that they are all doing in two additions to our buildings. There is no state law requiring that a survey work be done. However, to properly design building additions and parking lot reconstruction projects, surveys are required to get existing elevations, grades, locations of drainage structures, etc. The existing site plans for the four sites being surveyed did not have enough information to fully design the product projects. We have budgeted the cost for the survey work in the projects incidental budgets. Moreover, was an RFP required and must this RFP must have been approved by the board or was this something in the capital project which some of us were not aware
015of? The requirement for the survey was discussed at recent capital committee meetings. We reached out to Collier's engineering since they have done the work in the district in the past and were available to begin as soon as school let out. Other firms we contacted could not commit to our schedule and did not and did not have some of the basic information on the district sites that Collier's engineering has. As I stated, SED has requirements that need to be submitted with projects. This was budgeted into the project. We wanted to clarify these misconceptions at the time and I just wanted to read that into the minutes for this one to correct some of the misconceptions from the last meeting during that conference. Um, does anybody have any comments for Miss Kellen this afternoon? As uh, our
016district's rep board board representative uh, to the New York State School Boards Association uh, legislative advocacy group. I met with Congressman Ryan's uh staff on a Zoom call and I spoke on on the our district's uh um concern that we might lose some of our federal funding. Uh the federal we about 1% of our budget is federally funded, but every little bit counts and helps. And uh I'd like to tell Dr. bank that I stressed uh the safety and security funds that we are uh we hope to get uh continue getting and that if we got more funds we could be we wouldn't have be have to ask our local taxpayers to pay so much and this is certainly an issue of concern to all and uh I also had the opportunity of pointing out
017many of the things we innovative things we are doing in our district in career and technical education and in project learning and she was very interested to hear that. >> Thank you. Anyone else has any communications? Seeing none, 4.03 committee reports and board representatives. Capital Committee Chair Cheryl Migs. I apologize for the length of this report, but we have held three meetings since our last uh full board meeting. The capital committee has met on July 11th, July 25th, and August 11th. Present at the July 11th meeting were Dr. Bomb, Director Boris, uh Trustee Johnson, Trustee Kelland, myself, and guests uh Kurt Jessine, and Moren Meyers from the athletic department. July 25th, Dr. Bon, Director Brois, Assistant Superintendent Wilkea, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Kelland, Mrs. Mandisando, and on at the August 11th meeting, Dr. Bon, Director Boris,
018Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Kelland, Mrs. Montisando, and myself. Uh this is an update on what has been going on as far as the 2023 capital project. Kitchen hoods have been installed at Kenry, Sheffro, Evans, and Oak Grove. Uh the work that's been done at the main transportation site has been completed except there's some minor punch list items that may still remain. Uh the Fishkill Plains contractor um has been waiting on replacement parts for the new chiller. The system is working at Fishkill Planes, but the temperatures were not consistent through the building. Renovations are underway at the John J in the John J and RCK art rooms and at the WJHS careers classroom. You may have noticed as you came in, uh, work has started on the RCK lobby bathrooms, but that was interrupted because other projects
019had to be given priority to be finished before the, um, start of school. Work has resumed there. At Van Wik, abatement has been completed and cafeteria floors and ceilings are complete. Fishkill Elementary, electrical panel upgrades are underway. Chief Road, the gym unit, ventilators and caf and cafetum um project are underway. Vassor road electrical upgrades continue, but the transformer switchover is scheduled for spring. We've spent a lot of time talking about the sound systems for the athletic fields at John J and RCK. Star Sound is currently working on completing all punch list items. One speaker at John J has been relocated because it will interfere with the officials and coaches line of sight at football games. Star will be attending the first football games at both schools to ensure that the systems are fully operational. Uh
020with regard to John J athletics, the work on the drainage field for the John J baseball field has been completed. Uh Mrs. Johnson, Dr. Bon, one of the architects and um athletic director Kurt Jessine and assistant um athletic director Miss Meyers visited North Rockland to view their press box to give feedback uh on the plans that are being drawn up for a new John J press box. Uh the plan was initially that we were going to renovate the uh John J press box which has some structural issues and it's looking as though we may have to actually tear that down and build a new one. We've also had discussions on how to create an approach for the Javelin at John J. We have currently on the John J track team the number one ranked um
021female javelin thrower in New York State. And we also have a male athlete who has um who finished third this year in um a national competition in Decathlon who will be uh throwing javelin more. And so because the capital project um will possibly impact the current sites we use for javelin, we've got to um make some accommodation so that those athletes will be able to practice and compete. Um the Van W Junior High sound system, the architects met with Van W administrators and a proposal from Hudson Valley Auto Visual will be submitted to the board for approval. uh 2025 summer projects. The um upper basketball court at Meyers has been converted into a new parking lot for staff and walkway. And I just want to tell Mr. Brois, your staff did a great job. It
022looks great. >> Uh the John J. RCK and Van White parking lots uh received some work this summer. cracks were filled and ceiling is still underway at at least one of the sites. Uh the John J stage floor has been replaced and if you look here, the extra paint was used to give a new coating to the RCK stage. Um at Wingers Junior High, work has been conducted on roof curves and plumbing. You may have also noticed as you drove in that top soil and grass seed were added to the RCK soccer field to address issues with the field. However, the field will be closed for the for the fall 2025 season because the weak root system is going to need time to to really take root. Um, and regarding our 2025 capital project, site
023surveys are underway at RCK, John J. Van Wik and Wingers Junior High in Brinkerhoff and the board will be receiving an RFP for the geotechnical survey. A geoser uh geotechnical survey needs to be conducted because the old surveys for some of the sites are very much outdated and there are issues with um rockout croppings and other things that need to be investigated. um looking at items that will be that are um being addressed for phase one of the capital project. The architects are working on putting together um okay to um to send to uh SED for approval. Um, we've discussed the um the possible um labor agreement with the uh trades unions, the project labor labor agreement, and an RFP was awarded to a Pennsylvania company for a feasibility study that will take two three
024months. And we've also been um discussing the possibility of hiring a construction manager. Thank you. Next um is the Mid Hudson School Study Council Law Conference that was attended by Mr. Morgan, Miss Harris, and Dr. Bon. Mr. Morgan, do you have any feedback? Briefly, I wanted to um say thank you for letting me represent the district at the 70th annual law conference held by the Mid Hudson School Study Council. Um there were presentations on a variety of legal topics including uh transportation law and regulations. We went through what I hope but probably is not every conceivable permutation of the nearest available route which is an important uh legal uh um legal concept. Um we also covered um this is a a matter that's in the national news. Um there was a presentation on undocumented uh
025immigrants. Um really that was informative but reassuring um based on um actions that the the uh central staff administration and Dr. Bon had taken earlier in this calendar year um that we were already in line with with what the the um the lawyers recommended. Um and um it does not appear to me that that the district is in any way, shape or form in danger of um losing any federal funding which has been threatened from Washington DC with regard to the handling of any undocumented uh immigrants on school grounds. Um and then uh on the human resources front uh certifications were were discussed at great length. Um, you wouldn't think so, but there are six different kinds of transitional certifications. Um, there are extensions uh for certifications, and it's important that that be tracked. Um,
026and I'm confident uh that executive director Harris is on top of that. And, uh, that's a brief rundown of how we spent our day at Mount St. Mary College on August 1st. Thank you. >> Dr. Bach, did you want to add anything? I think uh Trusty Morgan uh discussed all of the key points. Uh I was proud to attend uh as I serve as the treasur of that organization and have for a few years and it's always great to get together in August. Um legal requirements have a tendency to change from time to time now more than ever. So whenever we have an opportunity to get the cutting edge, accurate, up-to-date, legal uh guidance on certain issues that are generally very very complex that we deal with in school systems today. We want to make
027sure that we're doing things the right way. So, I was glad to attend that with executive director Harris as well as uh Trustee Morgan and I'm very confident that the policies and the procedures that we are have are in line not only with New York State guidance but also with the federal guidance. >> Thank you. Um New York State School Boards Association Leadership and Education. It was attended by myself, Trusty Kellen, and Trusty Migs. Um, I'll just start out by saying that it was probably the best one that I think we've been to. Um, the three of us have been going the last couple years. There are so many amazing um, different breakout sessions. There was one on uh, strategic planning that I can't wait when we have our first strategic planning committee meeting to
028be able to go over. Um there was several on attendance uh student board members which we now have and we're we're w we're learning with you guys so um we're not scary I promise. Um and there was a lot of valuable information that we all learned. Uh we were able to speak with other superintendents, other board members. Um we got to see the people from North Rockland right after our visit. So we were having a bunch of uh sports talks as well. Um, so it was probably one of the best networking times that we've had as far as I could consider. Um, Miss Kellen, do you want to add? Yep. There was uh there was a session that was uh fascinating on uh transforming vision into reality that was um uh led by the Longwood
029Long on Long Island uh superintendent and uh I was struck by how similar our district is uh to his and uh his uh his description of how they went from a disunited community that was uh that was pillaried in the no local newspaper as with their uh disruptive uh contentious board meetings to uh great progress. It sounded so similar to the progress we have made in the last 12 years uh on our former superintendent Mr. Carryon and our current superintendent Dr. Bach. Uh, Longwood, like us, has soared in graduation rates, in uh, successful uh, accomplishments by uh, student athlete teams in many sports, in music, in many other areas. And they have brought back most of their uh, vocational education programs to Longwood. And so that you they have many of these career and technical
030education programs in the school. Thank you, Miss Miggots. Yes. I want to highlight a very um impressive session that I went to on the um description of the portrait of a graduate. And even though there's not a lot of solid information right now because that is still in process, there was a lot of informative information that the uh deputy commissioner gave. And I also want to mention that as Mrs. Johnson said, it was a great opportunity for networking. And one of the superintendents that I met who was part of a presentation at the conference is the superintendent of a district that just passed the largest capital project ever in New York State. And I've been impressed at the way his district has put together some materials to um communicate information on the project to the
031community. And I had mentioned at capital that I would like to see us do something similar on our website and that superintendent has been kind enough to say that we can reach out to him and he can share the ideas that they've had in putting together their materials. >> Thank you. Next is the New York State School Boards Association Summer Law Conference. It was attended by Miss Kellen, myself, Miss Migs, Miss Mando, Mr. Lumia and Dr. Wilson. And Miss Miggins, did you want to comment on that one? I wanted to say that as usual, it was very informative conference. We did hear a lot on several of the issues that Mr. Morgan um talked about with the um the law conference he attended. >> Miss Kellen. >> Uh yes. And in addition, we heard about
032Title Nine, uh the changes in the federal law and how they might conflict with the state law. And so we have to be very careful to uh to navigate that. um and uh the health health benefits that was an issue that came up immigration issues and also a general review of court decisions and the new laws and regulations. >> Thank you. Next is the Duchess County uh Boseies, Mr. McFarland. So, as you may be aware, the uh reorg meeting was done uh in July and uh we nominated Ralph Clement again for president and of course Gully Stanford is the vice president. Um today uh DC Boseies had their uh retreat uh covered most of new laws coming out as far as cell phones and uh active shooters and things like that. So, Boseies is uh
033moving in the right direction. Hopefully, we're going to have some uh nice new projects coming up this season. >> Thank you so much. So, 4.04 student board representatives. Um last time we got to meet I believe it was Winter and Emma. Um this time we get to meet Asher Spruel >> Sproul. Sorry. I'm so sorry about that. >> It's okay. Sorry. Um wait, do I introduce myself? >> Yeah, just a my mic is giving me a problem. Just just a quick, you know, hi, who am I? >> Hi kind of thing. >> Um I'm Ash. I'm from Orchard View. I'm the student representative. >> It's nice to meet you. I'm >> a little nervous. >> No, no need to be nervous. And you guys don't have to participate if you don't want to. If you
034want to, just raise your hand and participate. Okay, guys. Do you guys have any other comments? Either of you? No. Okay, that's great. >> Excuse me. Hopefully tonight's not going to be a long meeting, so we'll get you out of here on time tonight. >> Yes. Yes. 5 point 5.01 Superintendent Report. Dr. Bon. >> Thank you very much, President Johnson, members of the board of education, members of the Winger Central School District community. As you are aware, we are fastly approaching the end of the summer and tomorrow I will be sending out my regular August, mid August notice to our community, providing an update as to what we we've accomplished over the summer and where we're going to start the school year and the projects that we're going to be working on. And I want
035to thank all of the staff that participated in our summer learning activities which included summer school, the extended school year program, academic enrichment and AIS services. We served over,300 WAPER students over the course of the summer. I want to thank the board for their ongoing commitment to providing these vital opportunities over the summer. And as we transition into the school year, we are very, very excited to welcome back our 10,500 students at our 15 schools. There will be a number of items that we will continue to be working on. And you heard about our capital improvement project. Again, I can't thank the community enough for their ongoing support of our students, our staff, and our district. You hear a lot of conversations this evening and rightfully so about planning and some of the discussions that
036we've had because we need to do this right. And we need to do it right the first time and we need to go through all of the processes that are necessary to ensure that we do it right. And that's a commitment from me that I am going to make to you, our community, that I am going to do everything I can to make sure that this is done right, that this is done collaboratively, and that all stakeholders are involved in this process and what we do impacts all of our students. So, you will continue to hear more and I want to thank uh Chairman Megots for what she was able to share about the conversations that we've had so far. We want to make sure that we do it right. You don't necessarily get more
037than one shot at a $154 million project. So, you have our commitment to that. And I would say to you, as you always have been, don't be bashful. If there are things that you see or you have thoughts or suggestions as we go through the process, many of you know my email. If you go to the front of the website, you can click right on it and let me know your thoughts. Let me know what you think. Let me know what you value. That's important because this is designed as a community. It is for our community. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Bon. Okay, moving on to 6.01 tax rate presentation. Miss Danty, our favorite time of the year. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> First and foremost, I would like to thank the board
038of education for working with our timeline and adjusting the board meeting date as a result of um pending information from Duchess and Putnham counties. We wanted to make sure that we had all the information in order to be able to provide the most accurate data avail um possible. So this evening we are looking to set the 2526 tax rates. I'd like to thank the board of education for providing us the opportunity to have this conversation and share this information. um at if if the rates are approved this evening, we'll be forwarding them to each of the counties as well as all of the local receivers. So, they will start to have this information. We would wait for the rate the bills to come through the printing process and we'll be getting them out near or
039close to Labor Day. So, thank you very much. It's a very tight timeline that we have here. There are three factors that go into school tax rate calculations. The first are assessments and that's the valuation of real property. That's what comes from Duchess County and Putnham County. We also have equalization rates. Those are the percentages of full values that are set by New York State at which the taxable real property from municipality is assessed. Those come from New York State. They were finalized in mid July. And you'll see if if the equalization rate is equal to one, that means that the property values on paper are supposed to match the market values. So assessed equals uh market. If there's variances in those equalization rates, it means that there's some um inequality between the assessed values
040and the market values. The tax levy, that's the final piece. That is what we use in order to um calculate each municipality's piece of the tax pie. Looking at the school tax rates for 2526, the tax cap does apply to the levy. Um it does not apply to tax rates and it does not apply to individual tax bills. So that tax levy that we have been below for the last three years, three years, three years. Thank you community for approving that. Um that is what drives part of these um part of the school tax rates. The legisl the legislation caps the tax levy limit at 2%. Um there was exclusions for 2526 for the capital levy. Walkers complies with all of the reporting requirements for star refunds. So that calculation is done after the tax
041bills are printed and provided to the district. School budget and tax information is available on our website for the last several years as well. This slide is familiar. This was utilized during our budget process and it basically just outlines what we thought at that point in time. Um the tax levy increase would be as well as the budgettobudget change. You'll notice that the tax levy average was 1.3%. That is the levy increase from one from 2425 to 2526. How are the school taxes calculated? First of all, we have the assessments. As I had indicated, each town's assessor determines the value of the property and how it is subject to valuation. The district did approve clergy and firefighter exemptions and they do remain in 2526. The municipalities that um have taxpayers receiving this exemption are East
042Fishkill, Fishkill, Pikipsy, and Winger. Uh the tax grievance day for each town is in May. That is another reason why we wait as long as we do for those assessed values to come in because the work is being done at the towns um from May until mid to mid July, late July. And as I just indicated, the final assessments received in late July or early August from each town are broken down by homestead and non-homestead. So that means property that is owned by for personal use versus commercial use. With regard to equalization rates, um the full technical definition is the percentage of full values at which taxable real property for every municipality is is assessed. And it's basically used to to as I had indicated equalize between market value and assessed value. The table that
043you see on the screen shows the finalized rates for 2526 for each of our towns in both Duchess and Putinham counties. Uh we did have a continued decrease in lrange um in 2526 and we also had a reduction in kipsy in 2526. Kent in Putham County was fully equalized. So they've been adjusted back up to 100%. And Philipstown continues to see a reduction in the area of equalization rates. So a falling a falling equalization rate means that the market values are rising faster than the assessed values and a rising equalization rate means market values are not rising as fast as the assessed values. So essentially it's leveling itself out over time. Tax levy is the total amount of money to be raised by the by the district and it was approved by the taxpayers in
044May. It is um all part of tax cap legislation and that the district and their decision to remain within the tax cap by simple majority um again has been exercised for the third year in a row. In comparison, in comparing 2425 to 2526 tax rates in Duchess County, the average homestead rate per $1,000 in 2526 is $1510. That is the average rate per thousand. That is the um and that's taking the five towns in Dutch or five towns in Duchess County, adding them together and dividing by five. That is all that that $1510 means. Um, please keep in mind in Lrange and Pipsy, they're not 100% equalized. So, if you look at those bills or you look at those rates, you'll see that that's impacted in that $1510. Given that they are not fully equalized,
045we still are experiencing a 9 cent per thousand decrease for our taxpayers in Duchess County. The average non-h homestead tax rate per thousand for 2526 uh that's with our commercial businesses is $20. Happens to just be an even number. Um that is actually an 18 cent decrease from 24.25. When we look another another uh analysis that we do is taking a look at the school tax rates for the homestead properties. Again, those are the personal properties and we compare the taxable taxable assessed values from year to year to year. Um, we have seen a change with the um clergy and firefighter exemptions. They have they are t being taken advantage of by um those towns beta discussed earlier. If you look at this uh chart, you'll see that the average percentage or the increase across
046the homestead properties in Duchess County range from 2.68% to 10 point or 12.59% and they're all positive. Last year, we did see a decrease for Lrange, minimal, but there was a decrease. So, it's good to see that all of the assessed values in Duchess County for homestead are on the rise, meaning they're going in the right direction. So, Wingers has been able to offer the taxpayers a fiscally responsible balance budget um that was approved by the board of education. So, thank you again for that because it's allowed us to look at long-term planning and make sure that we can maintain staying below the tax cap and allowing our taxpayers to have and offering our taxpayers the opportunity to see those savings. We also have seen solid property values that are on the rise as well,
047which is great. No big fluctuations there. Pretty much consistent New York state equalization rates. No real big changes, small shifts here and there. And we've seen minimal increases for our taxpayers in the community. Thank you. >> Any questions, Mr. Lumia? Christian, what what is the biggest factor that causes taxes to increase? Because we're we're within the tax cap and it seems a lot of people their tax increases significantly. It seems like every year houses get assessed differently higher and higher and higher and we have no control of that. >> I just need to answer your own question. >> We have no control of that. So >> that's a problem. We have no control of it. people complain to the school district there that we're causing their particular increase. In fact, it's not us. >> There
048are three factors that come into play. The school district has responsibility for the tax levy. There are the assessed values which we do not have any control over and then there is also the equalization rates. So if you if you remember if an if your property if you give that's why you have that opportunity at grievance day in May. Um, but if you have a property that goes up $100,000, the decrease in the tax rate in order for that to make make that be flat is is almost unachievable. So, while our tax rates for on average have gone down, I'm afraid to say that if your assessments have gone up, you're still going to see an increase. And we try to explain that. Um, I spend a lot of time on the phone with members
049of the community trying to have that conversation. And I know a lot of sorry >> no continue. I just wanted to ask a question once you've completed your state. >> A lot of um taxpayers and I know a lot of you get questions as well and we try to provide the simplest answer possible but it's hard for them to understand that because a lot of times when they call the town because that's where they're going to make their payments, right? They're going to make their payments in the town and the town says, "Oh, call the school district." So we have some t answers to try to understand to try to help them to understand how it works. But it's a complex calculation. >> Miss Dainty, I I don't know if you can confirm or deny
050this, but I recently read uh statistics from New York State in regards to school districts and tax rates. And if I read it correctly, the Winger Central School District was about in the middle of the pack in Duchess County. Is that accurate? >> That is an accurate statement. So for true tax rate, um we are uh at $1321. Again, that takes into account all of our municipalities. We're so we are right in the middle of the of the county with regard to our rates. We >> I think that's important for our community to know. Absolutely. Thank you. >> Can I get a fivem minute extension? >> So moved. >> Second by Mr. uh Capellari. All in favor? >> Unanimous. Mr. Morgan, >> a point that I've made before, but goes nicely with what Dr. Bon
051was just saying um if you also look at the per pupil spending in the Winger Central School District, we are not at but we are near the bottom in Duchess County. And if you look at the graduation rate, we are not at the top, but we are near the top. So, um, while I do not, uh, gleefully go and pay my taxes in the in the town of East Fishkill, I take some solace in knowing that I I think the district is doing a good job of expending the considerable resources that are collected uh, through taxes, uh, through state aid, and through the federal government to produce a a a good result uh, for our community and in particular for our students. Any other questions? Seeing none. >> Thank you, Miss Danty. 6.02 approval of
052the 2025 2026 tax rate. Be it resolved that in accordance with section 1307 of the real property tax law, the board of education on August 13th, 2025 at 8:32 p.m. does hereby authorize the district clerk to certify to the fiscal officer of each town listed below the amount of the 2025 2026 school taxes to be leveled on the real property located in that portion of the school district. Be it further resolved that the board of education does hereby authorize the district clerk on August 13, 2025 at 8:32 p.m. to certify to the chief fiscal officer of each town listed below the amount of the town assessor's admitted school taxes to be levied on the real property located in that portion of the school district. to collect taxes in the total sum of $192,710,755 less the
053star reimbursement amount as provided by the appropriate governmental authority in the same manner that collectors are authorized to collect town and county taxes in accordance with the provisions of section 1318 of the real property tax law. And be it further resolved the tax rates for each town per $1,000 of assessed value as follows. And be it further resolved that the board of education approve the 2025 2026 true value tax rate for the district at $145. The 2025 2026 tax collection dates are September 15th, 2025 through October 14th, 2025 regular collection. October 15, 2025 to October 31st, 2025 2% penalty. Motion Mr. ODM second Mr. Lumia discussion all in favor unanimous. Thank you very much. And I would like to please remind everybody to stop in and see um district clerk Pedro after the meeting. You
054all need to sign the warrants. It's very important part of the process for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. 7.01 consent agenda. 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. 7.02, 7.03, 7.04, 7.05, 7.06, 7.07, 7.08, 7.09, 7.10, 10 7.11 and 7.12 motion Miss Kellen second Mr. Lumia all in favor unanimous 8.01 01 approval authorizing the insurance bonds of for the capital project. >> Whereas >> Yes, this one's not turning on like yours won't turn off. Whereas all conditions precedent to the financing of the capital project Oh, I have to read the top part. A resolution authorizing the issuance of 154 million7 153,768,000 bonds of Winger Central School District, Duchess and Putnham counties, New York
055to pay the cost of the construction of improvements and additions to and reconstruction of various school district buildings and facilities in and for said school district. Whereas all conditions precedent to the financing of the capital project here and after described, including compliance with the provisions of the state environmental quality review act, SECRA, as the unlisted action in part, and as a type two action in part, pursuant to the regulations thereafter, have been performed, and it has been determined adverse environmental impact, and the annual meeting of the qualified voters of the Wenu Central School District, Duchess and Putnham counties, New York. The school district held on May 20th, 2025. A proposition was duly adopted authorizing the board of education of said school district to undertake the construction of improvements and additions to and reconstruction of Mary
056school district buildings and facilities including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus impertinances together with site and athletic field improvements and other incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith at a maximated estimate a maximum estimated cost of $100. 153,768,000. Such proposition providing for the levy of the tax therefore to be collected in installments with up to 153,768,000 obligations of said school district to be issued in anticipation thereof. And whereas it is now desired to provide for the authorization of such class of objects or purposes and for the financing thereof. Now therefore be it resolved by the affirmative vote of not less than 2/3 the total voting strength of the board of education of Wentry Central School District Duchess and Putnham counties New York as follows. Section one, the construction of improvements and additions to and reconstruction of
057various school district buildings and facilities, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, pertinances, together with the site and athletic field improvements, and other incidental improvements and expenses in connection there at a maximum estimated cost of 153,768,000 in and for the Winger Central School District, Duchess and Putnham counties, New New York is hereby authorized. Section two, the plan for the financing of fourth said $153,768,000 maximum estimated cost shall be by the issuance of 153,768,000 bonds of said school district hereby authorized to be issued therefore pursuant to the provisions of the local finance law. Section three. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the afor class of objects and purposes is 30 years pursuant to subdivision 97 of paragraph A of section 11.00 of the local finance law. It is hereby further determined that
058said class of op objects or purposes constitutes a consolidation of multiple series of objects or purposes pursuant to section 32.00 uh subsection 4 of the local finance law each such series to be financed over time pursuant to said period of probable usefulness calculated on a series basis. Section four, the faith and credit of such winger of said Wapinger Central School District, Duchess and Putnham counties, New York, are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principle of and interest on such bonds as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principle of and interest on such bonds becoming due and payable in such year. There shall annually be levied on all taxable real property in said school district a tax sufficient to pay
059the principle and interest of or principle of and interest on such bonds at the same as the same become due and payable. Section five, subject to the provisions of the local finance law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the bonds here and authorized including renewals of such notes is hereby delegated to the president of the board of education, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, forms, and contents, and shall be sold in such manner as may be prescribed by, said President of the Board of Education, consistent with the provisions of the local finance law. Section six, all other matters except as provided herein relating to the bonds herein authorized, including the date, denominations, maturities, and interest
060payment dates within the limitations prescribed herein, and the manner of execution of the same, including the consolidation of other issues, and also the ability to issue bonds with substantially level or declining annual debt service, shall be determined by the president of the board of education, the chief fiscal officer of such school district. Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in section 52.00 of the local finance law and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recital in addition to those required by section 51.00 of the local finance law as the president of the board of education shall determine consistent with the provisions of the local finance law. Section seven, the validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if one, such obligations are authorized for
061an object or purpose for which said school district is not authorized to expend money, or two, the provisions of law which should be complied with as of the date of publication of this resolution are not substantially complied with and an action suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within 20 days after the date of such publication or three such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution. Section 8, this resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes of treasury regulation section 150. other than as specified in this resolution. No monies are or are reasonably expected to be reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside with respect to the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein. Section 9. This resolution, which takes effect immediately, shall
062be published in summary form in the official newspaper of said school district for such purpose, together with a notice of the school district clerk substantially in the form provided in section 81.00 of the local finance law. Do I have a motion? Mr. Lumia second, Mr. ODMS, any discussion? All in favor? >> Unanimous. >> Can excuse. >> Do you want her to reread it? >> Could you just read that one more time? Start. >> Don't worry. We got We got another one. 8.02. >> I I just I wanted to go back to uh student board representation. I know that you introduced the student from Orchard View, but we didn't get any input from anyone. Uh, is it if you had no input or >> I'm sorry to go backwards. I hate to go backwards. >> Would
063you like me to know this? >> Go for it. Um, so um I guess hello again. Um, it's such an honor to be here again with the school year school year uh quickly incoming. Just like to say a few quick things. First, I'd like to um extend my gratitude for letting us attend an event. The student board members, all of us will be attending an event, as far as I know, on the 17th. Um is a networking event among other exeicio student board members in Duchess County. And I believe that will greatly enhance our ability to do our job and serve this community to the best of our abilities. And as such, I'd like to extend a great amount of gratitude to you all. Um freshman orientation isn't coming. um as long we are elated
064again I'm sure you guys are too to welcome our freshman welcome everyone coming into our schools and fall sports are starting and other than that I really do not have anything else to report >> thank you >> well thank you very much but I just wanted to make sure you had the opportunity if you did have anything to report RCK um nothing okay >> okay I just wanted to give everybody the opportunity. That's all. I I know it's you're coming out of your way to do this for us and we really appreciate all that you do for us. So, we just want to give you the opportunity to participate. So, thank you. I'm sorry, Mr. President. >> Yes. And I would like to say we are all very glad that all of you are here
065with us and we look forward to getting to know you better. And I would expect that once the school year is up and running, these students will have more information to bring to us as they talk to the other students in their schools. >> Correct. 8.02 approval of opin bus enforcement program. Be it resolved that the board of education of the Winger Central School District approves and authorizes the superintendent of schools to sign the opt-in agreement with Duchess County regarding school bus stop enforcement program upon the terms and conditions set forth in such opt-in agreement a fully executed copy of which shall be on file with the district clerk. Do I have a motion? Mr. Odum second. Mr. Copilary discussion. Mr. Dr. Bon, >> I would just like to um point out that uh the
066Winger Central School District was the first district in Duchess County to uh uh take part in this program and it was done through the efforts of former deputy county executive Marcus Molinaro. And I can tell you that we have seen tremendous benefits in the safety uh that it is ensured uh on our roads uh especially when our students are either getting onto a bus or getting off a bus. Uh I think it has raised the level of awareness about stopping for a school bus when the lights are red regardless of what direction that you're coming from. And based on all the information that I have, it's a success. And it's another way we put our money where our mouth is and show that our top priority remains safety and security of our students and staff.
067So I just wanted to point that out and it's been a tremendous success. So I want to thank the board for continuing to support it. >> Mr. McFarland. >> So is that an in contract that has to be signed on a yearly basis? >> Thank you. >> It's not every year. It's every two years. >> Every five years, I'm sorry. Every five years. >> Thank you, Miss Dinty. Any other questions? All those in favor? Unanimous? 8.03 approval of school substantial equivalency resolution. Whereas, pursuant to part 130 regulations of the commissioner of education, non-public schools must provide substantially equivalent instruction to New York State public schools to ensure that all students have equitable access to the level of education that they are entitled to under the law. And whereas Winger Central School District retained Duchess Boseies
068to conduct a pathway 7 local review of the Randolph School 2467 New York 9D Wenters Falls, New York 12590. And whereas Duchess Bosey's review found the instruction offered at the Randolph School met the criteria established under part 130.9 of the commissioner's regulations for determining substantial equivalency as set forth in its substantial equivalence report dated May 8th 2025. Now therefore, be it hereby resolved, the board of education of Winger Central School District, based on the substantial equivalence report of Duchess Boseies dated May 8th, 2025, a copy of which findings are incorporated herein by reference, determines that the Randolph School is a substantially equivalent school, and be it further resolved that the Winger Central School District shall inform the administrator of the Randolph School, the superintendence of schools at each school district, district which has resident students
069enrolled in the Randolph School and the state education department in the form and manner prescribed under part 130.6 of the commissioner's regulations of said determination in writing within 30 days of this resolution. Do I have a motion? Mr. McFarland second. Miss Kellen, Mr. Dr. Bron, you had a a statement first and then we'll go with questions. >> Yes, I do. Um, I have often stated my opinion on this and I I really do not believe it's the responsibility of our school district to evaluate a public or a private school uh within our district. I think that's the responsibility of someone else other than us. I don't think that falls under our purview. But as you are aware uh according to the state education department, we have no choice and that's our responsibility. Um, needless to
070say, um, I I I have expressed my concern with this, leaving it to a public school to evaluate a private and a parochial school. Um, I have had some comments from our community in regards to that. And again, I just want to make it known, this is not a district decision. This is a decision from the state education department that all of the school districts within New York State are expected to rate and um and and look over what's happening at these private parochial schools and then make a a determination as to whether they're meeting the standards or not. And again, I want to publicly state that I have a concern with that falling on our board of education, the district office, senior staff, as well as our administrators, cuz I don't believe that we're
071in those schools enough to be able to determine whether or not I think that's the job of New York State Education Department, not the Winger Central School District. So, I just wanted to put that on the record. >> Thank you. >> Just a quick question. What exactly is a pathway 7 local review? >> I'm sorry, what was that? >> According to the resolutions, uh, Duchess is to conduct a pathway second local review. What exactly is that? >> Well, will speak to that. >> I'm just Does anybody I mean, >> I understand that, but I wonder if anybody else knew. >> I leave that to smarter people. Well, John was a math teacher for 30 years. He doesn't >> so pathways. So each of the private and or parochial schools gets to select the pathway in
072which uh they would like to be uh evaluated for substantial equival equivalency. So rand school pathway 7 which is a local review which means there is um a team or an individual that will visit the school on several different occasions. They will use a rubric to help guide to determine what areas are effective and what areas meet the standards. So it's initially an a local review in which individuals visit the school and they look at the instruction that is taking place. >> Randolph school is kindergarten through 8th grade. >> Is there any other questions Mr. Morgan, >> given um my philosophical agreement with uh with Dr. respond um and what he said. Um I I've got a a question which I may answer for myself, but I mean what what recourse do we have given
073New York State um you know regulations and the option that uh that the Randolph School uh chose um which is pathway 7 which we now all know what that is and feel better for it. >> Before it's answered by Dr. card. Well, I can tell you that the superintendent organizations that I'm involved in strongly advocated against this for quite some time to no avail. So, um there are many uh throughout the state who feel the same way that I do that are put in the same situation and there are some that have many many private and parochial schools within their school district that they have to evaluate. But I will go to Dr. Cardwell as to what is our recourse and she's going to say >> mic on mic on >> under under the direction
074of Dr. bunk, we decided that it would be more appropriate to have Duchess Boseis conduct a review um as an independent evaluator if you will. Uh so this way we are not evaluating schools uh in which we have developed relationships with and partnerships with to determine whether or not they're providing substantially equivalent of education to the students um from our district to go there or even students from other districts that go there. We felt um having an independent evaluator would be more appropriate to do this level of work. Um and I believe based upon the re reports and I have u many conversations with the people that are reviewing uh the schools within our district that we're required to uh look at um using a a variety of different pathways that they select that um
075they're doing a thorough uh job in determining the substantial equivalents of the schools. >> Any other questions? But but if this board of education failed to pass this resolution, >> well then the school would not be deemed substantially equivalent and then there would probably be next steps that that school would have to follow >> as dictated by the state education department. >> That is correct. So they take it to the state next. So the report is not that you you are accepting the findings of the report that the school is substantially equivalent. You are not voting on whether or not you feel you should vote on this. So if you don't vote on the report that they are substantially equivalent then they will be deemed not substantially equivalent. So a point of clarification there is
076is even though we're having another agency who is doing this, it still is our decision and our recommendation that based on the information that they have provided to us that we support this resolution which I do wholeheartedly support based on the information that I have. I just don't like the way that this whole thing is designed. >> Yes, I agree. I think we all agree with that statement. Okay. >> One way to make the point to the state. >> Believe me, I have made the point to the state and here's the here's the resolution and here's the uh procedure that they would like to follow. So, >> Mr. So if we if we decide or if we don't uh acknowledge or approve the statement how would how does it affect the school in terms I
077know you said they would have to go another route to get approval or accreditation but in the meantime how does that affect >> it's differentation is different >> well evaluation >> I am not completely sure on what the next steps will if a school was not deemed substantially equivalent. I did not look further into seeing what would happen as a result. Um I do know that the state has requested multiple times that we submit to them. Uh the board approved resolution of this. So they are expecting the board of educations to submit something electronically to the state on this particular matter. But I am not sure if we don't submit it what will happen to the particular school andor the district. >> So I I will ask one additional question. So the private and parochial
078schools are they in any way responsible for following protocols and policies within our district? >> Yes. >> To what level? Well, we do ask them to provide us with uh details regarding um if they're receiving funds from us that they have to give us uh specific documentations. Uh we have um uh meetings course of the year to prove collaboration and consultation. >> But are they required to follow the same rules and regulations that a public school? >> Oh no, they're not. >> So that's my question. And so my question would be then why is the board of education of a public school district responsible for the evaluation? I know you don't have an answer to that question but but this is something that again I quite simply don't understand. >> But that being said if
079this is the process that we are implored to follow I want to thank Boseies for doing the work. I have full confidence in them and I have full confidence in this institution. But I don't believe that should fall at the hands of the board of education or with the superintendent of a public school district. Thank you. Anything else? So all in favor of this resolution, Mr. McFarland, Miss Kellen, Miss Miggots, Marie Johnson, Mr. ODMS, Miss Mandisando opposed. Mr. Capalari, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Lumia. Motion passes. 8.04. Adoption of textbook grade 7 math pilot program. Resolve that the board of education does hereby approve adoption of the textbook and instructional resources aligned with the I Ready classroom mathematics series for use in a pilot program during the 2025 2026 school year as recommended by the assistant
080superintendent for curriculum and instruction. Do I have a motion? Mr. Morgan. Second, Mr. McFarland. Discussion. Uh we have a question from one of our students, Winter, sorry. >> Hello. Um well, I just wanted to comment on um adopting a new math pilot program. I think I just wanted to thank the school district for keeping up with the times. I know it can be really tough and I know it can be extremely extremely arduous to try to keep up with technological advancements, especially in the classroom. So I just wanted to say a huge thank you. Students do see the effort and I would like to if I can encourage further innovation in the technological sector by implementing new programs that are more digitally focused. I'd just like to say thank you. >> Would would you say
081that the project based learning has been a tremendous hit? >> I would absolutely say that. >> Very good. That's glad to hear. Thank you. Do >> there anybody else have any comments? Seeing none, all those in favor. Unanimous. 8.05. Approval of new club charters. Resolve that the board of education does hereby approve the new firstear club charters as submitted. Sewing club at Van White Junior High School. Mind and method club at John J. High School. Science National Honor Society at John J. High School. Do I have a motion? Mr. McFarland? Second. Miss Migs. Any questions or comments? None. All those in favor? Unanimous. 8.06. Approval of the revised capital improvement committee charter. Resolve that the board of education does hereby approve the revised capital improvement committee charter as amended. Do I have a motion? Mr.
082Lumia is second. Miss Kellen, Miss Miggins, did you have any comments on this before we vote? No, we were just um cleaning up the language a little bit because the previous language um was not clear as to how many board members would be serving on the committee. And so um we cleared up that a board committee member serves as the chair. So that's not a an additional member of the board in addition to the three representatives and the president. And the other um thing that we cleared up is just for um >> board visits. >> Yeah. With board visits to um sites. We've always said that site visits may be conducted by any committee member permitting that they're accompanied by the director of facilities, but he's not always available. So the change in the charter
083would allow him to designate someone else to go in hisstead. >> Okay. Any other questions? Seeing none, all those in favor? Unanimous. 8.07 approval to authorize the risk operation center the rec to negotiate data privacy agreement DPA. Whereas four Boseies, Onandaga, Courtland, Madison, Boseies, Albany, Skahari, Skenkity, Saratoga, Boseies, Madison, Onida, Bodi, Boseies, and Broom Tyogga Boseies have collaborated and entered into an article 5 general municipal law, intermunicipal arrangement for the purpose of improving vendor management and data security and privacy practices for school districts and/or BOSIES statewide known as the Rick one risk oper. operations center, the rock. Whereas the board of education of the Wapinger Central School District through its affiliation with a locally based regional information center participates with the rock and desire and desires for the 2025 2026 fiscal year to authorize the
084rock to enter into data privacy agreements and related exhibits DPAs with vendors and thirdparty contractors that include the requirements of and compliance with New York State Education Law 2D and part 121 regulations collectively ed 2D related to student p personally identifiable information PII and certain teacher and principal APR data. Whereas the rock also partners with NISED the access for learning student data privacy consortium SDPC and the education cooperative tech to negotiate and approve ed 2D and compliant DPAs. Whereas the DPAs are presented to school districts and/or Boseies for final execution and do not require the expenditure of funds beyond those budgeted. And be it resolved, board of education of the Winger Central School District authorizes the attorneys designated by the Rock to negotiate and approve of DPAs for software and/or technology resources. And be it
085further resolved, the Winger Central School District Board of Education grants The Rock and its designated attorneys the authority to negotiate the terms and conditions of DPAs and take such actions as to effectuate the purposes and intent of this re resolution. Do I have a motion? Mr. Lumia second, Miss Kellen. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor? Unanimous. And congratulations because that was a tricky one. 8.08 approval to join the Lower Hudson Education Coalition. Resolve that the board of education does hereby elect to join the Lower Hudson Education Coalition for the 2025 2026 school year for an annual membership fee of $950. Do I have a motion? Miss Kellen. Second, Mr. Morgan. Any discussion? Mr. Morgan, >> Dr. Bon, is this um do you currently serve or have you served in the past as in
086a leadership capacity with this organization? >> Uh I personally have not. Trusty Morgan. Uh, but I can tell you that this organization works directly with the lower Hudson Council of School Superintendent, which I currently serve as a uh, co-chair of uh, educational policy. And, uh, it does provide a great deal of information in regards to certain legislative activities and um, concerns that that may uh, present themselves during the course of the year. and it engages our elected officials to have conversations and it serves as an opportunity to advocate and one thing that I can say is at this point in time we need to advocate more than ever so my recommendation although I don't directly work in this I have attended a number of events over the years that they've sponsored I found them to
087be very very worthwhile >> um I'll also comment that I know that our Duchess County School Boards Association and uh Miss Lapen is part of this coalition and she helps bring back a lot of the information on this um when any legislature comes up. So it we do get an I've gotten emails regarding the stuff that they're working on a regular basis throughout the year. Mr. copilari. >> So if we so if we already have individuals in the county that are attending this and giving us the information, uh does it seem a little redundant for us to kind of join and be part of it if it's already coming to us? >> We actually get direct emails. I've gotten direct emails from them throughout the year with new bills that are coming up for advocacy
088to help us. >> Okay. So, I guess what I'm asking is do we have to do we necessarily have to join this and do this if we're already getting emails? >> That's why we're getting the emails is because >> because we're already >> we're already members. Yes. Any other concerns? Seeing none. All those in favor? >> Unanimous. 8.09. Approval of Duchess County School Boards Association annual meeting dinner invoice. Resolve that the board of education of the Wentry Central School District does hereby approve the cost of $45 for the attendance of Peggy Kelland at the Duchess County School Boards Association annual meeting and dinner on June 5th, 2025 as submitted on the attached invoice. >> Do I have a motion? Mr. McFarland second. Miss Mondesando, I'm just going to clarify um because this is something that's
089already passed. Um the last several years, the Duchess County School Boards Association has been able to um take the total cost of members that have attended this dinner. I know at the beginning of the year, one of the meetings I had attended, that was the initial intent. At some point at one of the other meetings, they said that they could not cover the full cost. they did take part of the cost and then this was the additional cost um that was not able to be covered by the school board's association um but we were originally under the assumption through Miss Kellen going through the dinner that it was actually all covered um so going forward we will make sure that if there is a cost that it's done ahead of time Kellen >> uh yes
090the history of this was during the co shutdown down. They didn't have dinners and so uh the membership fees uh of the different school boards uh mounted up and they had all that surplus and then when they did uh resume having meetings they uh for two years they were free to schoolboard members. Uh but the cost includes also uh of the cost of the dinner also includes the student members whom they invite and the uh uh speakers. For instance, this year they had a presentation on the the civic uh p the civic award and uh which our some of our students had presented their projects two years ago and uh that naturally they comped the guest speakers. So that's apparently why the cost uh amounted. But uh I suggested to them that they find a
091cheaper place than the uh than the place they had the um dinner at. Yes. Any other questions? All those in favor? Unanimous. Do I have any requests for additions to the agenda? Seeing none. Is there public comment? It's none on here. >> Oh, >> yes. >> All right. There is an addition. Okay. I'm sorry. I would like to add um >> Oh, yes. >> 9.03 03 out of feeder appeal to the agenda. Motion >> move >> Mr. Morgan second Mr. Lumia 9.02 >> 9.02 sorry >> okay so that's up here right that's that's what I just moved I meant 9.02 02. >> Okay. >> Did you? >> Yes. >> All in favor to appe to amend the agenda? Unanimous. Now you can do 9.03. Resolve that the board of education of the Winger Central School
092District does hereby deny the out of feeder request for student ID number 81325 for the 2025 2026 school year. Motion. Mr. Lumia second, Miss Kellen. All those in favor? Unanimous. Communications from the public. Is there anyone? >> No communications from the public. Uh, can I get a motion to adjourn the meeting? A motion right there. >> Hold on. She's got to read first. Okay. Resolve that the board of education does hereby adjourn the August 13th, 2025 board of education meeting. The time is 9:14. Motion, Mr. Copileri. Second, Mr. Lumia. All those in favor. Thank you. And everybody, don't forget to stop by and see Miss Pedro on your way down. [Music]