001Thank you, President Johnson, members of the board of education, uh, and members of the Wajer Central School District learning community. Um, what a phenomenal couple of weeks, uh, we just completed. We had moving up ceremonies uh, at our elementary schools, moving up ceremonies at our junior high schools. We had the opportunity to recognize uh our stellar students uh for all of their outstanding accomplishments uh academically, athletically in music and the fine and performing arts. We capped it off with three phenomenal graduation ceremonies last Thursday and Friday uh as we graduated 915 students from our school district uh who will be uh moving on and uh continuing on their path to excellence. So, I want to thank our faculty and staff um for for all of their efforts and and working with our families for the
002past 13 years of our graduates. I want to thank our families for motivating uh and inspiring our students to succeed and instill upon them the importance of a quality education and for supporting our school district. And the future is bright. And as a former high school principal, I'm glad to say that our students are prepared for whatever endeavors they face. I'd also like to welcome our two student board members. Welcome. I'm sure it'll be a very interesting experience. We're glad to have you. I also want to welcome our new assistant superintendent of special education, Dr. Dan Wilson. I also want to uh recognize and welcome Karen Manisando, our new board member. And I look forward to a phenomenal 2526 school year. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Don. Now, we're going to welcome our new student
003representatives, board members, and first up is Winter Ross from John J. Welcome. Well, thank you very much. Um, I just want to say it's an absolute honor to be here, be representing the student body and being instrument positive change in John High School. Um, as for me, last year I had the honor of being president of both um, chess and debate club separately. And this year I'll be taking up the helm of president of history society as well as vice president of education of modern nations. Um, last year I also had the pleasure of working with Senator Rob Rlesson as I interned for his office and I published various scientific literature reviews in conjunction with scientists from Columbia University. I have plans to become a lawyer and this summer I will be studying at Brown
004University and taking my courses. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Winter. And next we have Emma. I'm going to ask you to pronounce that for me because I'll need to learn it. It's Clapataski. Um I'm Emma Claposki. I'm very excited to be on here and to share with you guys like expectations and what the student speaking body of RCK wants to bring. Um I am the treasurer of the roappa honor society. I am an interact being the sergeant at honors and fa and I'm also in the business honor society and the Spanish national honor society. Third member, excuse me. I just have to apologize that this is your first board meeting with W Central School District board and it happens to be the longest meeting of the whole year. Believe me, the expectations
005for next meeting will be a lot shorter. Oh, much much shorter. That's all. So, we have a third member from Orchard View Alternative High School, Asher Sporil. He was unable to be here, but he did leave a statement for us. My name is Ash Freill and I am a rising senior at Orchard View. I am originally from Brooklyn. I enjoy art forms like painting, drawing, and making jewelry. I also care for and play with my two dogs and I am in the process of raising two green frogs, a project that stem from my science teacher after they were found in a creek at Tadpole State. After graduation, I'd like to study early childhood education or marine science. I'm looking forward to learning about how the school board works this year. And I'd like to really
006uh extend a a great gratitude to our three students as this is a lot to take on and we appreciate it. Um I know we were really late so if our student members need to leave I we totally 100% understand it and thank you so much and we will see you at another meeting if you do. Okay. So, next one is 12.03 consent agenda resolution. Does anybody want to remove something from the consent agenda? Yes. Yes. I'd like to remove item 12.03 number 41A1. Resolved that the board of education does hereby approve the following consent agenda items as stated. 12.02 12.03 with the exception of item 41. A1 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 and 12.12. Motion Peggy Kellen second Mr. Lumia. All those in favor unanimous 12.0341 A1 resolved that the board
007of education does hereby approve item number 12.03 03 number 41.81 motion Mr. Copari second Mr. McFarland all those in favor Mr. Lumia Miss Kellen Miss Johnson right Mr. Mr. Morgan and Mr. Cavaleri. All those against abstaining. Miss Mandisto 13.01 01 approval of bond resolution $2,660,138 purchase of student transportation vehicles initiation [Music] a resolution authorizing the issuance of $2,660,38 in bonds of Winger Central School District Duch Duchess and Putnham counties New York to pay the cost of the purchase of student transportation vehicles 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 as a type 2 action have been performed and whereas at the annual meeting of the qualified voters of Wington Central
008School District, Duchess and Putnham counties, New York, the school district held on May 20th, 2025, a proposition that was duly adopted. authorizing the board of education of said school district to undertake the purchase of student transportation vehicles, including incidental expenses in connection therewith at a maximum estimated cost of $2,660,38. Such proposition providing for the levy of a tax therefore to be collected in installments with up to $2,660,38 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 of the total voting strength of the board of education of Walking Central School District, Duchess and Putnham counties, New York,
009as follows. Section one, the purchase of student transportation vehicles, including incidental expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of 2,660,38 in for the Winger Central School District, Duchess and Putnham counties, New York, is hereby authorized. Section two, the plan for the financing of the afor 2,660,38 maximum estimated cost shall be by the issuance of $2,660,38 of 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 foret class of objects or purposes is 5 years pursuant to subdivision 29 of paragraph A of section 11.00 of the local finance law. Section four, the faith and credit of subw of said Wajer Central School District, Duchess and Putnham counties, New York, are
010hereby irrevocably irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principle of and the 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 the taxable real property in said school district the tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on such bonds 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 hearing authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the president of the board of education, the chief
011fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form, 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 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 payment dates within the limitations prescribed here in and the matter of execution of the same, including the consolidation with other issues, and also the ability to use bonds with substantially level or declining annual debt service shall be determined by the president of the board of education, the chief 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
012otherwise 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 an 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
013resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes of treasury regul regulations sections section 1.1502. 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 per permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein. Section 9. This resolution, which takes effect immediately, shall be published in summary form in the official newspapers 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? Miss Kellum, second, Mr. McFarland. Mr. Lumia. Okay. Should you read that again, please? All those in favor? Unanimous. 13.02 approval of proposal for top topographic topographic survey. Whereas the Walkinger
014Central School District D district has identified the need for professional land surveying services at Brinkerhoff Elementary School, Van White Junior High School, Royce Ketchum High School, and John J High School, collectively the sites in connection with the 2025 capital project approved by the district voters on May 20th, 2025. And whereas Collier's engineering and design CTPC DVA MER doing business as Maer Consulting Engineering and Land Survey has submitted a proposal to perform existing condition topographic surveys at the sites for a total cost of $99,800. Now, therefore, be it resolved, the board of education hereby approves the proposal submitted by Collier's Engineering and Design, CTPC, in the amount of $99,800 for the performance of topographic survey services at the sites. And be it further resolved that the board of education authorizes the board president to execute the
015proposal on any related documents necessary to effectuate this agreement subject to the review and approval of the school district's legal council. Motion Miss Katlin second Mr. McFarland discussion yes Mr. I just have one basic question. How many properties have been added to this district for the last 17 years which require an expenditure over $99,800? How many properties have been added that requires a topographical survey of the district? Okay, this is I I can speak because of month capital. So this is regarding the capital project and in order for us to do certain parts of the project. You have to get a new up-to-date topographical survey. This is money that was built into the capital project because you have to have current surveys. They always I I get it. But other properties are bought around it
016and you have to be able to do these surveys in order to get the proper surveys done. 99,000. It has to be complied. Sorry. Let's comply with with the law, right? We have to comply. It's fine. But I'll tell you right now, it's crazy. It it was built into the capital project when we did the funds. All those in favor, Mr. Mcfar, unanimous 13.03 03 Mid Hudson School C school survey law conference. Resolve that the board of education does hereby approve board member John S. Morgan to attend the Mid Hudson School Study Council annual school law conference on Friday, August 1st, 2025 from 7:35 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Aquinus Hall Theater, Mount St. ary college at a cost of $135 per person registration fee, group registration of three or more, and any reimbursement
017for travel per board policy. Dr. Boner Harris plan to attend. Do I have a motion? Miss Kellen second, Mr. McFarland. Any discussion or anyone else that wanted to try and go? No. All those in favor? unanimous 14 point or 13.04 04 NISBO summer law conference. Resolve that the board of education does hereby approve the board member Cheryl Miggots and other interested board members and administrators attend the NISBA summer law conference scheduled for August 5th through 6th, 2025 live virtual at the district office at a cost of $210 member rate registration fee. Motion Miss Kellen second Mr. Lumia any discussion all those in favor unanimous 13.05 NISBA annual conference um currently we have Miss Kellen Miss Migs and myself attending I believe Dr. will be there as well. Um, for any of you that are interested,
018uh, we do have a presentation that's going to be given by, um, some of our very own down in New York City this year. So, is anybody else interested or no? Okay. Resolved that the board of education does hereby approve board members Peggy Kalant, Cheryl Megets, Marie Johnson to attend the NISBA annual convention and education expo on October 23rd to 25th, 2025 in New York City at a cost of $540 member $1,80 non-member registration fee. pre-convention seminars, school law member rate of 325 or board officers academy member rate of 285 and any reimbursement for hotel mileage, travel, tolls, parking and meals per board policy and be it further resolved that the board of education does hereby appoint Mrs. Peggy Kalan to serve as its voting delegate at the annual NISBA annual convention and gives full
019discretion to Peggy Kalan on voting the intention of the board after hearing discussion and amendments on the convention floor. The final outcome on the resolutions will be posted on board docs motions. Miss Kellen second Mr. Lumia. Any discussion? All in favor? Unanimous. 13.06. Board goals subcommittee report discussion approval of board goals. Mr. Papaleri, would you like to take charge on this one since you were our chairperson? Sure. Uh the committee, the board goals committee met or subcommittee met with uh trustees Morgan, trustes ODMS, and uh uh last year's president uh McFarland who attended the meeting exeicio. And uh we went over basic uh review of previous year's goals. and tried to uh succinctly capture them. Uh based on some of the input we got back from other trustees, we came up with the following four.
020Uh President Johnson, would you like me to read them? Yes. Uh so these are not in any given order except what's on paper. So one is not necessarily more important than the other. The first goal is the Walkinger Central School District attracts and retains highquality staff and encourages professional and leadership development. Would you like me to Would you like me to explain on behalf of the subcommittee the reasoning behind those or no? Um, no. Why don't we Okay. We have questions. I'll have you read them all and then we can Sure. Second goal. The board supports the expansion of projectbased learning initiatives across the curriculum and the continued development of PEK and skilled trades programs to optimize community workforce opportunities. Three, promote fiscal responsibility and maintain budgetary balance. Align district initiatives with student, staff, and
021community needs. And number four, the board encourages strategies to maximize attendance for student success and supports district initiatives which improve attendance rates for students and staff. Those are the four that the subcommittee came up with. Let's do the resolution. Resolve that the board of education of the Wajer Central School District hereby adopts the board of education goals for the 252. Motion Peggy second John discussion Mr. Lumia. Yeah, good question. I've been on the board for 17 years and in all those years there's never been a discussion as whether board goals have been met and I did next year whatever that whatever we should start to determine whether these goals and my fault when I was president we never we never discuss whether our goals were met or not so I think it's very important next
022year President Johnson I think that we should discuss whether these particular four goal which are which are very good I like to thank and the four individuals that they're determined those goals. Excellent goals. I'd like to see whether in fact we have we met those goals. Mr. Morgan, um thank you for the comment that that you support the goals. Um, Trusty Lia, um, as part of our board review process, um, while we don't discuss here at the at the table and other documentation, um, that we share, we actually do this every single year. Um, in terms of evaluating whether they were, um, were met, partially met, or not met at all. I think it should be done in public, not Can you state that again? We do that. I think it should be done in
023a public session. Mr. Yes, we did discuss that that we should look at it more maybe uh every quarter, but remember the board goals is based is a a general goal that the superintendent will incorporate in his general goal for himself and his administration. So, we don't look at it as often, but it we do look at at the end of the year when we talk about different type of presentations. it's just not really focused on, you know, that goal represents that presentation. For an example, we had a few weeks ago a presentation on attendance and that was based on one of the board goals that we have this year and last year, but I do understand we should really reflect this is based on a board goal. Miss Kellen, I think the goals are
024excellent, but I'd like to make a grammatical change to the third goal to make it consistent with the other goals. uh to add the board at the beginning, the board promotes with an S on on that fiscal responsibility and maintains an S on maintain budgetary balance and align again an S on a line district initiatives with students, staff, and community needs. Do I have a motion or a motion? I would like to amend um Mrs. Kellen's amendment. Not to be pedantic, but as you see it already, I would um suggest changing it to as you said the W the board promotes fiscal responsibility, maintains budgetary balance, comma, and aligns district initiatives with student staff and community needs to maintain I accept your change to the amendment. Did you get that, Miss Pedro? Okay. I'm glad
025we have English experts in this world when you have a co English college professor looking at it. Yes. Um do I have a motion and a second to accept those amendments? Mr. Lumia motions to accept. Miss Kellen seconds. All those in favor of accepting the changes to the amendment. Unanimous. Is there any other questions, comments, or concerns? The main motion. Yeah, I know. I just want to make sure before we go to the main motion. Okay, that being said, can we now approve? Yeah. Now, I need to get a motion to approve the goals as amended. Mr. Lumia, second by Miss Kelland. All those in favor? Unanimous. 14. Board members may request additions to the agenda. Do we have anybody adding anything to the agenda? Not seeing any. 15.01. Comments from the public. All right.
026[Music] 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 listen. The public comment period is not designated 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 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
027get 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. Compliments or complaints about student discipline issues involving specific students or personnel named or implied must not be addressed during public comment. A total of 30 minutes at the time of each board meeting is set aside to follow allow for public comment on items relating to our school district that are not on tonight's agenda. A signup sheet for non-aggenda items is located at the desk of the district clerk. Individual comments are limited to three minutes and are welcome. In the interest of stability and respect for different points of view, clapping, booing,
028and any disturbance or disruption during either public comment period is not permitted at this time. Comments related to school district business are welcome. We have Laney Lane Aggerero Good evening members of the board, superintendent, fellow members of the community. My name is Lane Aguero and I'm here tonight as a parent and advocate for my son Riley. We're not allowed to can't say his name. We can't discuss any any personal Oh, I don't want to discuss making Speak closely. I'm sorry. Um So I I'm speaking on behalf of my son as an advocate from my side. We we don't allow any comments on students on any individual students at the mic. Um I find that hard to believe. I can edit names out. child a toy. That's implied, ma'am. And that that's what I stated. We
029can't have any names or implied. I'm sorry. Okay. So, I'll stay like this. Um, the bullying in the school districts are out of control. I'm going a little off script here because I have to avoid names. Um, my son's been in the cheap road for seven years. He's in sixth grade and he's moving on, right? But for seven years in that school, nobody protected him. Nobody helped him. And ma'am, you're discussing a specific incident. I I would encourage you to go through I did. Did you go to I didn't get a response. Okay. I filed the forms. I have all the emails. I have everything. and this was my last resort. Okay. Um, we will have a proper personnel come down and speak to you um because I really can't have you disclosing that kind
030of private information. Well, I can tell you that it it's also my son's private information was given up. Ma'am, I I just I'm asking respectfully so I don't get I don't get We will have somebody come down and speak to you at the end of the meeting. Thank you. Is there anybody else? Not seeing anyone. 16.01. Motion to adjourn. Motion resolve that the board of education of the Walkinger Central School District does hereby adjourn the July 1st, 2025 board of education organizational and regular business meeting. The time is 10:06. Motion Mr. Odum second Mr. Lumia. All in favor adjourn.