001Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor. Motion carries. Need a motion to adjourn the special meeting. >> Move it. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor. >> Aye. >> Motion carries. >> Good evening. Let me know when you guys are ready and I can start the meeting. Meeting of the Utica City School District Board of Education to order. I'd ask that everybody stand and we will have NJROTC present the colors. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You can be seated. I have to say I think that was the best presentations of the of the colors this year. Excellent job, people. >> [applause] >> Can the
002clerk call the roll, please? >> [laughter] >> Here. Here. >> Here. >> We have a quorum. I guess for a motion and second adopting the following resolution for Concetta Jude Citriniti. The Board of Education of the Utica City School District records with sorrow the passing of former employee Concetta Jude Citriniti. Ms. Citriniti was employed in the district for approximately 22 years. She was a special education teacher and held several teaching-related positions throughout her career. Her dedication to the professional will be not be forgotten. Resolved that the Board of Education express its sincere sympathy to the family of Ms. Citriniti and that this resolution be saved upon the records of the district. Up next, student representative report from Heather. Oh, you're right. Can I have that second that motion in the second, please? >> Move it.
003Second. >> Okay. All in favor? Motion carries. Up next, student report from Heather Concepcion. Heather, you're always welcome up here. >> She's with the students. >> Oh, she's with the students. Oh, okay. Sorry. >> Hello. Senior walks was a success. The event was highly nostalgic, allowing students to reminisce about their elementary and middle school days. School spirit and mascot. Pep rally was a success. Mascot likely ready for next school year in production. Campus safety and supervision. Increased teacher presence on bathroom duty for enhanced patrolling. Speed monitor installed outside to track and ensure vehicle safety. Student representative. New student representative selection is in progress with interviews underway tomorrow. Student feedback. An end of the year poll will be conducted for students to voice concerns and suggest improvements. Disciplinary improvements. Fights have 62% compared to last year.
004Bell schedule. The current bell schedule is causing disruptions due to teachers having to stop class in between. Some students are also using the current bell schedule as an excuse to be in the hallways, which makes it difficult for security to tell if they're genuinely transitioning or just loitering. Students are hoping hoping for a more consistent that reduces these distractions and limits opportunities for excuses. Upcoming events. Successful cleanup events have occurred after school to keep clean environment and with more scheduled until the end of the school year. Senior prom will be held on June 5th from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Twin Ponds Golf and Country Club. Fashion show. A fashion show is planned for June 6th at 6:00 p.m. in the Proctor auditorium to help the softball team raise funds. Thank you. >> Thank you,
005Heather. >> [applause] >> Up next will be our recognitions. Up first is a community service and bravery. Utica Police Department. This is Ian and go ahead. >> So, we're going to take some time to acknowledge some of our students in our uh uh school community here in the district that exhibited strong character, strong bravery in a tragic incident regarding one of our students and we want to acknowledge their heroic efforts because it really encapsulates what it means to be a part of this Utica United community and it shows the it's a testament to the type of children that we have in this district. So, call them up. Let's take a shot. >> Axel, are you here? Come on up. >> Come on up. >> [applause] >> And Ayan, are you here? >> [applause] >> Is
006Ayan here? >> [applause] [applause] >> I think you did a great job. >> [applause] [applause] >> Can we have them sign this with her? >> Yeah. >> Is that okay? You want them to sign it? >> No, have them sign it. >> Yeah. >> You got to let their their parents down here, too. Their family. I >> They're going to They're going to come >> We're getting to it. Don't worry. We're getting there. Come on over and take the picture. >> to come in the front? >> Hold on. You got to Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. You're welcome. Congratulations. >> [applause] [applause] >> Can you ask them? Chris. Chris, can you ask them to come over? >> to come over here? >> Yes. >> The two of you? You want to
007come over here? >> Yeah. >> And they could tell us a little bit about themselves and what they did. >> Yeah. >> They could sit right here. >> Here, you sit right here. >> Do you guys sit right here? >> So, the reason why we're recognizing these students is because they had exhibited in a time of crisis, they had exhibited bravery. They had exhibited a level of uh um So, they're going to speak a little bit more about how they intervened in a crisis and how they were able to offer support, and this is beyond the school grounds. And so, we take this time to acknowledge the heroic efforts of these students. Yes, we can clap for that, please. >> [applause] >> And so, and so, we're we're going to ask that you all share
008your story and just tell us, you know, a little bit about the story and and what led to your your intervention. >> Hi, guys. Hi. My name is Elka Samuel Terry. Uh I'm I'm JFK School. I'm 13 years old. And That's it. >> Okay. That's good. >> Hello, my name is Aiham Alzanam and I go to Don Middle School and I'm 13 years old. >> [applause] >> So me and my cousin we went to the park to park to swim to have a fun day and then we were mid swimming we saw a girl in distress so we jumped in and saved her and we got her to a shallow area and then my and then my cousin attempted CPR. And then we told the dad to help and do mouth-to-mouth and then the the
009cops came and helped. And continue. >> [applause] [applause] >> Absolutely. >> [applause] >> Isn't that great? Really is. >> [applause] >> Okay. Up Up now next is the seal of biliteracy students. >> [applause] >> Good evening superintendent and the Board of Education. I am proud to stand here before you today. I'm principal Paladino um from Thomas R. Proctor High School. We have some seals of biliteracy to present to you and Mr. Nicholas Han will give you some information about how students earn seals and call them up. And we have a special surprise. We actually had about 25 students make it through their um seals of civic readiness for the first time. We started that seal so they'll also be introduced. So I'll turn it over to Mr. Nicholas Han. >> [applause] [applause] >> Hey prof,
010before you get started >> Yeah. >> do we need it this dark or is you have some special effects or something or do we need it >> I have no special effects. I >> [laughter] >> That's that's the that's Ms. Paladino's >> Okay. >> So. Oh, I guess I don't need my glasses. Okay. Well. Uh good evening Superintendent Dr. Spence, Board of Education, and honored guests. Uh this evening I along with my co-coordinator Mrs. Maria Feltus stand with immense pride as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 45 students who have earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in either Dari, English, French, Italian, Karen, Pushto, Russian, Spanish, Twi, and Ukrainian. Of those 45 students, two have earned a Seal of Triliteracy. This prestigious recognition honors students who have demonstrated proficiency in two more
011two or more languages, reflecting not just academic excellence, but cultural competence. This seal is more than just a certificate, a medal, and graduation cords. It symbolizes the commitment to diversity, global awareness, and the future of our interconnected world. Each student who receives this seal embodies the resilience, dedication, and vision that will shape our community's future. To our honored students, you Yeah, all of you. are breaking barriers. You are global citizens equipped with the skills to connect, collaborate, and lead. We celebrate your successes, and we know that you will continue to inspire us all. Thank you, and once again, congratulations to the class of 2026 New York State Seal of Biliteracy recipients. >> [applause] >> As a reminder, when you come up here, you're just going to give me your uh card, okay? So, we have
012some uh Samira Ahmadi in Dari. >> [applause] >> Hala Almayahi, French. >> [applause] >> Evelyn Campbell, Italian. >> [applause] >> Jason Carrion, Spanish. We have one of our Seal of Triliteracies, Heather Concepcion, French and Spanish. >> [applause] >> Ambarka Camila Duran Rodriguez, Spanish. >> [applause] >> Cecilia Fish, Italian. >> [applause] >> Adavka Fortilus, French. >> [applause] >> Victoria Gomez, Spanish. >> [applause] >> Moussaie, French. J.J. Corrine. >> [applause] >> Oliver Kindred, Spanish. >> [applause] >> Derek Lee, French. Francisco Liriano, Spanish. >> [applause] >> Janelys Lugo Mateo, Spanish. >> [applause] >> Fatima Maldonado Caravantes, Spanish. >> [applause] >> Kwame Ossei Senior Twi. Crepin Pa, French. >> [applause] >> Sarah Rizzlin, French. Carolyn Rojas Castillo, Spanish. >> [applause] >> Aliya Scott, Italian. P.S.O. Corrine. >> [applause] >> Haley Winston, Italian. And I do have a few students
013here who were unable to make it, so I just want to go through them really quick if that's okay. Anisha Alvarado Aponte, Spanish. Antonio Breidenbecker, Italian. Amina Cabral, Italian. Bilau Causovic, French. Inmanuel Checo, Spanish. Tiana Cole, Spanish. Eric Gay, French. Miriam Grove, French. Donado Hebert, Spanish. Katie Lee, French. Vira Leonchik, who is also another one of our student try literacy in Ukrainian and Russian. Jamila Mangal in Pushto. Mayber Mejia Carrasco in Spanish. Pat Pat in French. Don Qui Pham in French. Hanaquito Uridales in Spanish. Sahara Ron in Italian. Minela Sekanovic in Spanish. Sawyer Sweet, in Italian. Linda Thatch, Spanish. Ebler Pawin, Spanish. Isaac Woo, French. And there's 45. >> [applause] [applause] >> All set. Thank you so much, Dr. Spence. Thank you to all of you for supporting this wonderful endeavor. >> [applause] >> Good
014job, guys. >> Thank you, my friend. If your Seal of Civic Readiness, stay behind, okay? So, while our Seal of Biliteracy students are making their way back, I'd like to introduce to all of you Mrs. Amy Barrack. Um, she is representing the Social Studies Department and our brand new to the district Seal of Civic Readiness. >> [applause] >> Who's making the presentation on the Seal of Civics? >> Hi, that's me. >> Oh, no, it's okay. Could you explain what it is, cuz >> Sure, absolutely. >> All right. You got to put your mic on. >> The New York State Seal of Civic The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness is a reflection of the students' dedication to leadership, service, and making a positive impact on their community. This achievement not only recognizes their hard
015work and commitment, but also their readiness to be informed, engaged, and responsible citizens. From the Social Studies Department here at Proctor High School, we congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment and the difference that they are going to make in the future. The following students have earned their Seal of Civic Readiness. Joseph Adams Jr. Hawra Hawra Alamahi >> [applause] >> Evelyn Campbell, Jason Carrion, Heather Concepcion, Victoria Gomez, Sokheng, Derek [applause] Lee And those are the students that are here. >> [applause] >> Um I'm sorry. Could you just slowly repeat each one of these kids' names so that And we won't clap so everyone can hear their names. >> Joseph Adams Jr. Hawra Alamahi Evelyn Campbell Jason Carrion Victoria Gomez Uh Sokheng and Derek Lee Oh, and Heather Concepcion. I'm sorry. I missed one. [applause] Heather Concepcion.
016I missed one. >> Oh, okay. Now, can you explain what they had to do in order to get this seal, because I think civic readiness is a a really good thing, so I'd like to know a little more about it. >> Sure. Um for the Seal of Civic Civic Readiness, there is a point system that the students kind of get graded on. So, as they move through their high school career, they get points for each section of um the grading rubric, I guess we'll call it. So, these students are all AP US History students. Um they have taken a course at MVCC Government dual credit. Um some of the students have participated in the club mock trial mock trial, also members of the Model UN. Um and they have done um many things within the
017community. Um Key Club members are also in this group. Um so, civics readiness, community service, um and they get points for each one of those things that they do. It's based out of six. >> Thank you. Appreciate that. Congratulations. Give them a round of applause. >> [applause] [applause] >> Did [applause] Did you have names of students that were not here but received the award? >> Yes, I do. >> Take your time in reading them through. We have plenty of time. >> Um students that are not present that have earned the seal of civic readiness is Maryam Grove, Nida Carrick, uh Faith Lothlin, Raja Nar, Aleek Newall, Valaria Palate, Don Q. Pham, Sahar Ron, Kaelan Simpson, Kateryna Stadnik, Sawyer Sweet, Anna Zamanick, and Isaac Woo. >> Thank you. Give them a round of applause. >> [applause]
018>> Okay. >> Can I just say really quickly >> Go ahead, Braden. Sure. >> Um I know that these are both New York State Seals and New York State recognitions, but I'm always moved by the fact that the the both the quantity and the quality of the cohort of students that receive the the Seal of Biliteracy for now going back several years. And now this year uh the Seal of Civic Readiness. I get that name right? Readiness? Okay. Um it's just speaks to the fact that I think Proctor is really a premier institution uh for high school education when it comes to making students into global citizens and community leaders. Because even going back before these seals existed on the state level or being recognized here, and I'm speaking from some experiences as a Proctor
019alum, that was part of the the foundation of the education that was going on here uh specifically not only in the actual curriculum that was being taught, but in the the sort of social emotional education that students were getting from uh their teachers, from their uh other students. Uh and I just I I think that the Proctor as a school deserves a round of applause for the work that it does making these students into global citizens and community leaders. >> Hold on, I want to piggyback. >> [applause] >> Danielle, go ahead. >> Yeah, and I'm going to add on to that Proctor and all of Proctor's teachers, because without them and without our wonderful educators that are here, none of this would exist. So, thank you to you guys. >> [applause] >> Well said, Braden.
020Okay, up next the top 10 students from Proctor High School. >> Good evening again. Um right now we're going to queue up a video that our media club did. Mr. Westbrook Short Hill put together a video instead of me reading a one-page paper that's the same for every student. They actually produced their own introductions, and you're going to watch that, and I'm going to ask them if they are here to come up and stand next to Dr. Spense. Some of them are here because they're celebrating Eid. They're at the Optimist dinner tonight, or they're at sectionals. So, we only have four out of 10. But, you're going to see them all today. So, without further ado, queue it up. >> Hi, my name is Grace Locklin. I'm attending University at Buffalo in the fall semester.
021I plan on studying architecture. There wasn't one specific [music] moment I enjoyed over another. I liked coming in every day to see my friends and having a good time together. I also enjoyed [music] helping out my teachers like Ms. Kehoe. I would stay late to help with tickets and create posters for school events. I >> [music] >> It helped me feel part of something. My favorite quote is, "Sometimes change can be scary, but growing up [music] is just another journey." I'm extremely proud I became [music] a National Honor Society member and made the principal's list almost every marking period. Some of the clubs I participated in while attending [music] school were Key Club, Mathletics, and the school newspaper. >> [applause] >> Hi, my name is Anna Zemanick. [music] I'm attending SUNY Poly in the fall
022semester. I plan on dual majoring in psychology and [music] sociology. One of my most memorable moments here at Proctor was staying after really late to work on sets for the drama club's musical [music] and having pizza parties with my stage crew. My favorite quote is everyone [music] you will ever meet know something you don't by Bill Nye the Science Guy. While at Proctor, I was a member [music] of the girls volleyball team for 3 years and played the varsity level. During my time [music] in the Bridge program, I received the President's List Achievement Award both semesters and the Marjorie Thorpe Award for excellence in research and writing. I also completed the requirements for my [music] associate's degree in general studies at MVCC and I'll be walking the stage for my first college diploma May 15th.
023While at Proctor, [music] I was also a member of the drama club. I was a crew officer all 4 years and I was stage manager and advertising manager my senior year. >> Hi, my name is So Kang. I'm attending SUNY Poly [music] in the fall semester and I plan on majoring in electrical engineering and computer science. One of my most memorable moments [music] at Proctor was spending time with the wrestling team and pep rally. My favorite quote [music] is time will pass anyway by Earl Nightingale. While at Proctor, I was a varsity member of the wrestling team and also participated in the future engineers [music] club at MV. And I made lots of memories at Proctor and look forward to my time at SUNY Poly. >> [music] >> Hi, my name is Hawra Al Mayahi.
024I'm attending SUNY Poly in the fall semester. I plan on studying [music] psychology and biology. One of my most memorable moments here at Proctor was helping out at the art festival with my friends. It was so much [music] fun to make things and see the little kids excited to ask for popcorn or paper flowers. Seeing people come together was so [music] nice, especially knowing that they were here because of students like me or the younger kids. My favorite quote is everything will be okay in the end. If it's [music] not okay, it's not the end. Some of my most notable achievements here at Proctor were obtaining the [music] Seal of Biliteracy for French and conducting and presenting a study during >> [music] >> an RPE internship for 7 months. Some of the clubs I participated
025while [music] attending school here were True Upward Bound, Student Council, National [music] Honor Society, and French Club. >> Hi, my name is Derek [music] Le. I am attending Stony Brook University in the fall semester. I will be enrolled in math, specifically applied [music] math. One of my most memorable moments here at Proctor was my freshman year at Burnet Hills cross country meet. This is my all-time favorite race. It was really fun hanging out with my friends. The meet was on the [music] same day as homecoming, so uh right when we got home, we had like change really quick and get ready, and we almost didn't [music] make it in time. Uh my favorite quote is you can always see the light at the end of the tunnel, [music] but if you just keep moving, you'll
026come to a better place. It is from Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender. While at Proctor, I was a member of the cross country team and ran track and field. I was also heavily involved in [music] ROTC, the cyber security team, PT team, environmental club, and Young Scholars. One of my other noteworthy achievements is [music] interning at OnPoint over the summer and winning junior class president. >> [applause] >> Hi, my name is Saharan. I am attending the Rochester [music] Institute of Technology in the fall semester. I plan on participating in computer engineering in the computer engineering [music] program. One of my most memorable moments here at Proctor was meeting new friends. My favorite quote is whatever you don't change, you choose. While at Proctor, I was a member of the National Honor Society. [music]
027I'm very very grateful for all the skills I learned here that will help me continue my [music] education in Rochester. >> Hi, my name is Evelyn Campbell. I'm attending Hamilton College in the fall semester. I plan on studying creative writing and theater. One of my most memorable moments here at Proctor was performing as Ariel in the Drama Club production of The Little Mermaid. During the school performances, [music] I was able to meet and talk to many elementary students who really made my years of dramatic education worth it. Those little kids believed [music] I was Ariel and it reminded me that the art my fellow students and I create impact others. My favorite quote is, "The world calls them its singers and poets [music] and artists and storytellers, but they are just people who have never
028forgotten the way to fairyland." I have danced [music] for 15 years and I also swam for two while I was attending Proctor. I'm extremely proud [music] I achieved I achieved the current scholarship the current music scholarship in 2024 and 2025. While I was at Proctor, I served [music] as the president of the Drama Club, secretary of the senior choir, and I was the lead anchor before the for the morning show, shown every morning across campus. >> [applause] >> Hi, my name is Miriam Groop. [music] I am attending New York University in the fall semester and I plan on studying business marketing. One of my most memorable moments here at Proctor [music] was participating in the Proctor talent show with my friend group. We performed an a cappella dance routine for it. My favorite quote is,
029"People are going to judge you anyway, [music] so you might as well do what you want." I'm extremely proud to have received [music] the French Seal of Biliteracy and also participated in a 6-month-long internship through the Regional Program of Excellence. Some of the clubs I participated in while attending [music] school is the Drama Club, Morning Show, National Honor Society, French Club, and I have also danced [music] for 13 years outside of school. >> Hi, my name is Katerina Stadnik. [music] I'm attending Utica University in the fall semester. I plan on studying dietetics [music] and nutrition. I will always remember meeting amazing teachers. Many of my teachers were all memorable to me and made learning at school meaningful. I appreciate them for the memories and all [music] the moments that I had with them. It was
030truly a blessing. My favorite quote is count it all joy when you fall into various [music] trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. I appreciate [music] my time at Proctor and look forward to the next chapter. Always remembering what I have learned in these halls. >> [applause] >> Hi, my name is Kemon Simpson. I'm attending [music] SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in the fall semester. I plan on studying biochem and following [music] the pre-vet track. One of my most memorable moments here at Proctor was doing Cogis seminar with my friends and playing games on the bus ride back. My favorite quote is we have a choice to live or to exist by Harry Styles. While at Proctor, I participated on the cross country team and also ran track and field.
031I'm extremely proud that I was a scholar athlete. I was also the secretary of the Best Buddies club [music] here at Proctor. >> Thank you, Proctor. >> [applause] [applause] >> We We are very proud of all of our students. >> [applause] >> They're great representations of our district. I also want to compliment the Proctor Media Club for that video. Um I'm sure it took a lot of hard work and uh we'd love to see more of those uh throughout the next uh year. So uh if you have the opportunity to put together uh videos for us, we'd be happy to dis- have them shown during our board meetings. Just a request from an old guy. Um can we do it? Awesome. Um let me know if you need someone to star in them. I'd be
032happy to do that. Um up next is the St. Anthony's and St. Agnes Fish Fry Committee. Are they here today? >> Okay. >> They can't be here. You want to kind of give a reference? Is the NJROTC still here? Okay, we'll do it next month to acknowledge their uh efforts. So up next um is announcements and reports. Uh PTO PTA shared decision-making committees student councils CSE chairs Title I UTA >> Good afternoon. Uh, my name is Brandon Long on behalf of the Utica Teachers Association representing Proctor High School and I have this presentation um, focused on what >> I just I'm sorry to interrupt you and I'm not trying to be rude, but you know, generally presentations before they're made before the board need to present it to us in in writing. And this is
033the second month. Um, >> I didn't know that. >> So, I'm just wondering if you have some additional copies for us to follow along. I'm not going to stop you today, but we'd prefer to have them in advance in case we >> under the impression because we had the you guys had an addition that we could interact with the board. So, I didn't know that. I will give you guys >> No, I'm not I'm not arguing with you. I'm not trying to make you feel bad. I'm not trying to intimidate you. I'm just asking that we'd like to be able to you know, cuz that's our rule that any presentations that are made have to be submitted to the board clerk. >> And that was actually what I was going to do, but you guys
034recently sent something out saying we couldn't interact with the board. There is actually an addition. Um, you actually put something up one of the amendments we have out. Maybe you don't know about it, but there was an amendment sent out that in order to interact with the board members has to go through administration. So, that's why I didn't give you anything. But, I will >> You know, maybe we should discuss this cuz I I'm not sure what you're referencing. >> Got you. >> I'd definitely like a copy of that if that's >> Right. >> I would personally like a copy of that. >> Yes. >> Can you send that to me, please? >> Scott, we'll get we'll get we'll find it. >> Yeah, we'll find I don't I don't know what that's about. Just send
035it to the board clerk. >> Yeah, it was a like a board policy that was presented in one of the at one of the board meetings. I want to say what 2 minutes ago, Scott? It was like it was a board policy. So, my apologies. It's the board policy. >> Do you know anything about that? >> You know, >> We're not We're not sure, but I'm sure we can figure it out. >> figured out. All right, my apologies for that. >> No problem. No worries. >> um as a presentation, school is not just a place of learning. More than that, is initial space where every child's future begins to take space. All right, so I have this ticker. Let's see how it works. Okay, so what's happening at Proctor? So, the English as a new
036language ENL department tested nearly 400 students for New York State English as a second language achievement test, which is frequently known as the NYSESLAT. Also, nine AP exams were given in the following subjects: African-American Studies, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English Language 11th Grade, English Literature 12th Grade, European History, Physics 1, and US History. So, a total of 281 students completed 405 exams. >> [applause] >> Also, we had the Fine Arts Festival, 9th Annual, which was K-9 Art Exhibit, musical performances, caricatures, drawing, excuse me, face paintings, crafts, and games, basket raffles, and refreshments. Also, speaking, there was between 1,500 to 2,000 exhibits. So, that's really impressive as well. >> [applause] >> The School to Work program is something I find very impressive. >> I'm sorry. We're having some technical difficulty on the one screen over here. It's
037Yeah. >> What what do you want to do? >> Well, I'd like to know, Joe, can you fix that or is that coming from somewhere else? >> Shut it off. >> Yeah, shut that one off. We'll look at the other one. Apologize, Brennan. >> No, it's all good. It's all good, Mr. Pagano. So, school-to-work program. I find this is a very useful and great program designed in collaboration with the ARC to provide students with disabilities an opportunity to practice job skills at various locations. Over 60 students participate in this program. Job locations include Market 32, Applebee's, DoubleTree, and Utica University, and MVCC. We also have Yes. You can clap it up. It's nice. >> [applause] >> We also have the career and technical exploration program, okay? Uh pre-apprenticeship programs offer top-tier work-based learning opportunities. Nearly
03870 students are enrolled. Real-world experiences allowing immersion in a specific career field, and students receive support services like transportation and and child care, which you know is something that's very difficult this day and age. This right here is showing some current statistics for the CTE work work-based learning experiences. Obviously, it goes through middle school and elementary. If you look at the one day to date, the district has provided how many work-based learning hours for the 2025-2026 school year, 534. To date, the number of students who participated in work-based learning experiences totals 8,000 over 8,000 8,023. The number of different work-based learning opportunities provided to the students over nearly 300 at 288. Number of English um ENL students exposed to tours and lessons total is 563 and inner city students with disabilities exposed to tours um
0391,389. >> [applause] >> And I would also be remiss again just to give another round of applause to the seal of literacy and the still the seal of civic readiness students cuz that's a great uh we just said right here that's another great one as well. >> [applause] >> Also, a nice plug we have here. We have our UTEA golf tournament. So, be a part of something special. June 29th, okay? So, we have that's something to be a part of. We have the Raiders rally actually tomorrow. Which is something that, you know, I think is a good thing that our district is doing, okay? So, and also want to thank our teachers. Teacher Appreciation Week, okay? May 4th to May 8th. We're in the trenches day in every day Monday through Friday. We work outside
040and it's a great week. I thank all my colleagues. All my members who able to come ready, sometimes tired, their own family, their own children, their own obligations, but they show up. And it's a great thing to be a part of this this this um union and to be have these members. So, another round of applause. >> [applause] >> So, what my main part I want to get to is U is UTEA is proactive, okay? I say that I want to get on board cuz we have an issue that we want to take care of and that is revolving our bell schedule, okay? Before I talk about the current bell schedule, I want to talk about the past bell schedule, okay? It was the big issue with our past bell schedule, excuse me, was it
041was 40 minutes, which obviously was a failure to meet the 990 hour requirements under the New York State Commissioner's Regulation 175.5. So, that was the major flaw. Now, when Superintendent Nolan is here, he another schedule which brought us up to 42. He brought that from another district, but it's not working very well. And I'm going to put it up and I want you to look at it. This is our schedule. I don't know if you want to look at it, but it gets a bit confusing. Okay? So, you have these these six, I want to say these six issues, which are as much great work that our students are doing could be even more if we could really tighten this up. So, security issues, our security does a good job, but I just think that
042we tighten up to make the day work smoother and it's and obviously Heather Concepcion she mentioned as well. So, security issues, teacher daily tasks and directive, extensive scheduling conflicts, classroom coverage issues, lunch issues, and student accountability issues, and classroom uses issue. So, again, I I'm going to kind of break in and give some context for each one. The security issues. With the increase of student movement due to the various bells, there are students that take advantage and make security's job more difficult. This leads to increased skipping opportunities and elevated disruptions of learning. School is liable and responsible to know where students are during the day in case of, for example, we have a fire drill, a lockdown. So, just to get into this, when we have this when we have these tracks, if you look
043at, for example, you have the schedule right there. When they're moving, sometimes you don't know where the students are compared to when we have a set single track, you know where they are. They go from one to two to three to four. What happens is from 1A to 1B, when security tries to track them down, they say, "Hey, I'm going to 1A." When that's not necessarily the truth. And those create an issue. So, that's one of the things that we have that holds and makes security's job difficult. Continuing on, the teacher daily tasks and directives. With the extra movement in the hallways caused by the multi-track schedule, teachers find themselves frequently redirecting students in class in order to keep them on task, negatively impacting the instructional time. Directives [snorts] such as fronting the doors are
044difficult to execute because teacher travel teachers travel due to class coverage, okay? Also, with the front to door the fronting the door directive, which is sometimes hard to enforce in time to execute, excuse me. You can be, for example, let's say I was on the fourth floor in Maine. I could be teaching 5A. 5B scout bell goes off. I can't be out inside the hallway. So, it looks like I'm not following the directive, and we don't want that. We don't want administration thinking that. We are doing our job. It's just sometimes hard to execute it with the bell schedule along with having a class have to cover classes due to the teacher shortage. So, something I really wanted to, you know, make that understood. We also have um data-driven discussion provided by the survey. This
045is a survey that was set up for for and by the student by the teachers, excuse me. And 196 teachers responded. 95% are in favor of the single track, which would help our job tremendously, as I'll get into it. And some of the things some of the issues you'll see are kind of overlapping, okay? So, keep that in mind. Extensive scheduling conflicts arise as the current track comp complicates the creation of class schedules. So, for example, if I'm in 5A, I need a class for 5A and 5B compared to just being in fifth period. So, you got essentially you need to have two classes, and the difference is only 12 minutes. Compared to a full period is 42 minutes. So, that 12 minutes is occupying an entire class. Additionally, the various tracks require more classrooms
046due to the overlapping periods, which can lock up an entire classroom for just a few minutes, which I just went which just got into. Classroom covers issues. The current track schedule makes it difficult for a class coverage as many teachers in their specific area are in different tracks. For example, I'm a Spanish teacher, Ricky's an Italian teacher, but he's also certified in Spanish. We're in different tracks. So, he's on A and I'm on B. If I want him to cover my Spanish class, he can't. I have to have a math teacher or a social studies teacher. So, that kind of that kind of does not help our our students in that aspect, right? So, things happen. And so, these are things to keep in mind that we want That's why we want to move towards
047a single track. Additional [snorts] stress is put on UTA members, UAA members, and other staff due to these issues. Also, the staff have to find coverage. Again, I got to go on 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B. So, it's becoming an issue and it's always burden the whole staff. Lunch issue. We are currently at a 30 30-minute lunch, okay? A 30-minute lunch period combined with the long lines and walking time leaves students rushed and limits the chances for remediation, extracurricular engagement, and mental reset time. Most students turn their phones in and have more time to socialize. In the past, students had their phones, they were in the cafeteria, I get it, be on their phones 30 minutes. However, with most of the students turn their phones in, it's a time for them to socialize. Also, this makes
048me think back to you have the various arts, specifically music. The music teacher, he we used to use the lunches when it was 40 minutes, 42 minutes, when it was 40 minutes, excuse me. He would use that. If students missed a class or they have to make up a lesson, they could use that. 30 minutes is impossible to do it. So, all these these positive things can come up to the full periods if we can do that. Classroom usage issue, okay? You'll see some kind of crossing over, but I want you guys to see that it hits different stakeholders. With the multi-track schedule with the multi-track schedule, excuse me, more classes are used at once, which limits the classroom restructuring in order to address building demands. So, for example, we have a couple meetings ago,
049we had all these outside services, I can, Hillside, Safe Schools, they're in places where the movement is. Where's the movement at? First floor and second floor cafeteria and in the academies. Where are those Where are those programs located? By the auditorium right here. So, they can't be moved because there's no space. Why isn't Why isn't there any space? There isn't any space, excuse me. There isn't any space because we we're kind of locked because of the bell schedule, you can't move anything around. If we go to a single track, that allows Principal Paladino to make the the adequate decisions to strategically make the school more secure, understand who's what, we can set those we can send those outside agencies there to help. Hey, you know what? I know that student, I can I can address
050it that way. So, this is that classroom usage issue. So, returning to the single track schedule, a reflection on returning to a single track schedule. 41, it went from We're 42 right now. We would go to a 41, which would meet the 909 which meet the 990 hour state minimum. Two, increase safety and organization in the hallways, as Heather, our student representative, mentioned. Improve the ability for teachers to execute tasks and directives, like fronting the doors. Four, ease classroom coverage, helping out the administrators, helping out our secretaries who work very hard. Uh five, excuse me, expand course offerings for students, making scheduling efficient and intentional. Six, lunch issues and student accountability issues. So, now we know where they are, we can have a better tracking where they're going to be at. And then seven classroom
051usage issue, which kind of goes over what I kind of went over. So at the end of the day, it's this. Quantity over quality. Right now we're at 42 minutes quantity-wise. With the current 42 minute periods, Proctor has a total of 336 minutes per day, which amounts to 1,013 hours per year. If with the proposed 41 minutes period 41 minute periods, Proctor would have 332 minutes per day with a 4 minute studying support at the end of the day. This totals 1,001 hours per year, which is 11 hours above the 990 hours state requirement. I added that studying support to clarify that. Time studying support the definition of study studying support, excuse me, time set aside for students to remain in their ninth period class, no student movement, and receive support or extra time to
052complete academic assignments. This allows the school to meet instructional minutes while minimizing the impact on teachers time with students. This time This time when the administrator, excuse me, this time is when the administrators can begin to release and plan for students to obtain their phones if necessary. >> [applause] >> Last situation, negotiations. UTA is currently in negotiation with the district. UTA met the district five times between November and December. March 31st, April 29th, May 11th, eight times. The next meeting between UTA and the district is June 1st. Together we stand. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Would you mind just sending us a copy of that cuz I couldn't read it from where I am and I it's hard to follow, but and it next time um if you wouldn't mind submitting in advance, appreciate it
053so we could follow along. I know. No no worries. No worries. I'm not being critical. I'm just asking you know, if you would. Okay? Thanks. >> I do have a question. I just want I had a quick question I wanted to follow up. So, this study that's done with this schedule. So, has it all of the teachers, how many of the teachers on board? Oh, sorry, can you hear me? Are all of the teachers on board? How many have come together to kind of work and assess this and put it together? Is this something that majority are really in favor of? >> The the vast majority. That's why I put that that's why I put that >> Okay. >> that graph up. That was of the 95% just about 95% of the teachers from that
054graph that taking are really in favor for it. Because it it really as I said before, it's really putting some of our students who don't need to be in a situations in situations. And those are the ones that are ultimately that really need the care, that really need the structure, you know? So, it's just giving those students that need the structure is putting them in situation where they got to where they're making decisions cuz they are kids. We get that. And they're going to make they're going to make decisions, but if we're allowing them to make those decisions, you know, that's where we're at. So, this is something that's a you know, hopefully that can be put forward cuz it it is a bit time sensitive. We like to get it into the school year.
055And I know some schedules will be made, but I know just speaking to my colleagues they wouldn't have any problem with switching up this count. They're they wouldn't have any problem switching up the schedule so we can make this go forward. And obviously Principal Paladino could correctly put And she is behind it. She's >> I'm looking. >> She's back there. She's back there. Okay. She can tell you. >> So, and then the next So, you put this all together. Was this already presented, and if so, who has it already been presented and proposed to? Or is tonight the first time? >> Tonight is not the first time. [laughter] It has been presented. >> Okay. >> It has been presented. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Okay, I I just wanted to ask a question.
056So, this analysis that you've done of the the bell schedule. Are there different schools of thought on how bell schedules should work? I mean, you the you did some analysis yourself um on the bell schedule. >> Definitely definitely my experience here, what we have going on, speaking to colleagues, um Nick Gentile, who's obviously a Utica gem, he actually the brainchild behind this. He's actually working on that. >> And But But there's But there's multiple opinions on it, right? Not So, I'm I'm just saying like you guys are making a request, and that request goes to the administration. >> It has gone to administration. Miss Paladino has looked it over, as well, as long as And also, I've spoken to the teachers as well in the building. We speak to the security. We've asked them how
057they feel about it. And they're at the wits' end, because they're chasing the student around. That's That's just where it's at, and >> And I'm I'm not trying to be funny, but you think And I'm just asking, 1 minute is going to make a difference in terms of I I'm I'm That's what >> I'm listening. I'm listening. >> I'm I'm just saying, 1 minute you're saying there's a change in the period length from 42 to 41, and that's going to cure all the problems? >> No. Yeah, that So, that's >> let him answer? I didn't ask you. >> I I know you didn't ask me. You also didn't look at the slide. There was a several >> couldn't see the slide. >> Right. That's what I'm trying to say. So, it's not one period. Lunch
058is 30 minutes. Some periods are 42 minutes. The bell rings multiple times. How many times does the the ring in the day? 14 or something? >> Some some students are in their class and other thing I I actually should have brought up and that's my fault. There are some students when they're in class they hear the bell ring six times during instructional time a day. Ding ding ding, they hear that six times. So, but what So, what you going to stand is the that one I hear what you're saying now. Cuz currently our lunch our lunch is currently at 30 minutes. So, once we bump that to 40 minutes that makes everything even out, you know what I mean? So, that's how that mid that that schedule goes. >> And again, I I'm sorry for
059asking the questions. If I had it in advance I probably would have been able to look at it and then made some better questions. >> No, it's >> I'm I'm just, you know, this is the first time hearing of this proposal and I'm not even sure it's a board level proposal anyways since it's addressed to the administration whose job is to run the administ- administration of the schools. >> Right. >> But I what I'm hearing is that there are competing philosophies and people who are thinking about things and suggesting change in the hopes of perhaps improving things. So, I commend you for that. I just would have liked to been able to, you know, sounded a little bit better when I was asking you question cuz obviously I screwed something up when I couldn't understand
060that 1 minute was going to change things when it actually was >> I think you did a great job explaining it. >> Thank I appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks. >> [applause] >> Okay. >> Great job. >> Up next, UAA. UTC. Teamsters Local 182. Local 200. SEIU. >> Okay. Sorry. Okay. Good evening, everyone. My name is Michelle Damiano. I am vice chair for the teaching assistant segment of SEIU. Having dedicated the past 37 years to the Utica City School District, needless to say I've witnessed many changes throughout the years and I am happy with the progress we are currently making. These past few months have been very busy with meetings and issues arising, especially the staffing issues, but I can say with certainty that collaborative solutions are constantly being sought. It has also been
061a time of building solid relationships between SEIU leadership, Superintendent Dr. Spence, and the Utica City School District Administration, and the Board of Education. Having honest conversations and transparencies have been crucial in the progress we've made. We are appreciative in having a seat at the table and allowing us to express our issues and concerns. They understand that the issues that affect us ultimately affect our students as well. They have been very attentive and empathetic to our concerns. Overall, no matter what title or position you hold, be it superintendent, a member on the board, teachers, TAs, security, food service, transportation, custodians, professional services, and building administration, your unwavering dedication and compassion does not go unnoticed. We are all here for the same reason, our students, our children. SEIU has consis- consistently spoken up at every single Board
062of Education meeting and will continue to do so. We will use this opportunity to keep practicing what we preach every single day to not only our students but the community as well. United we stand, divided we will fall. Let's continue setting the example of unity through our actions. Our actions, more than our words, will serve as the most powerful lesson for those we serve because guess what? They're watching us. Let us show them how it's done. Let them witness that when we agree to disagree, it's only through communication, transparency, and compromise that problems can be solved. In doing this, we demonstrate that we, as adults, can work through our issues together with open minds and respectful discussions. That is unity. I know that we can thrive when we stand together. Let them witness this first-hand
063because they're watching us. Thank you and have a good night. >> Thank you. Mohawk Valley Buildings and Trades Up next, CNS Companies to talk about the capital project update. >> All right. Good evening. Um there's a lot to go through here, so we'll try and uh move quickly. Um the overall timeline, just to kind of highlight all the projects that are taking place uh across the district, you can see as summer of uh 2026 approaches, we're going to start to work and impact um pretty much all the buildings uh throughout the throughout the district. So, um there's a lot of disruption or a lot of construction activity going on. We appreciate the cooperation of the teachers and the staff. The administration has been fantastic to work with up to this point and that level of
064cooperation is going to have to continue as we as we pull off all these projects. So, we'll start with career and tech ed update. The phase two project we are we received the bids on April 21st. We received multiple bids for all of the prime contracts. There is a resolution in the board packet tonight to award the erect the recommended contracts. And I just I'll run through a quick financial summary of how we got to that recommendation. So, the funds available are is 5.17 million. That's the sum of the funds from the voter approved authorization plus the SR money that was added to the CT project. There's an incidental budget there of about 861,000. You subtract 5. or 8. 860,000 from the 5.1. That establishes the construction budget. We need some money in there for
065construction contingency. On this project since we're trying to spend down, we're kind of skinny on that at 5%. So, that's roughly 215,000. So, we're trying to award contracts tonight of no more than 4.2 million. We received base or we received bids the sum of the base bids with no alternates included is just over 3.4 million. So, good news. Generally speaking, you have money available to award alternates if you choose to do so. Um in the facilities committee meeting we presented four different scenarios for the award of alternates. Sorry, let me just pull them up. Um you could elect to a choose the just award the base bid. Again, you would leave roughly $858,000 available um of the authorization if you just award the base bid. Um if you don't have money to award all of
066the alternates, all of the alternates that are up there are listed are uh add alternates so you have to add those values to the 3.4 million. You don't have budget for that. You're roughly $70,000 over budget um uh for that. You could award any sort of combination of the alternates that are up there. If you award the ceiling alternates and the exterior mounted security grills, you leave uh roughly $650,000 remaining right? The the desire um for the exterior canopy to be added where the students are offloading uh from the buses is is one of the sort of critical or most desired scope uh items here. So, you have money to award that. Um the recommendation is to award uh the base bid plus the exterior canopy and site work and then the alternate for the
067security grills. That total recommendation uh for award is about 4.2 million which is just under or on budget with the 4.268 uh from above. So, the recommendation is really maximizing uh the funds that are available trying to get as much work uh completed as part of uh this phase two project as we can. Any questions on the recommendation for CT phase two? Okay. Uh into progress updates for uh the 65 million. Uh this is all phase one Proctor chiller. Uh if you've driven by Proctor recently, you can see the slab uh and foundation work that's taken place in the lower right-hand corner. Uh that work is on track. Um the Proctor boiler replacement, again, on track. Uh you can see the boilers the old boilers are gone. Uh the new slabs are in place uh
068and they will start um to load equipment into the uh Proctor boiler room here shortly. Uh the Proctor locker room, um that status remains consistent um just with the interior layout revisions that the board approved at the last meeting. Uh that work has really started to take off again. Um and progress and significant progress uh is being made. The last time we gave this update, there was nothing more than a dirt slab uh in that space. So, trades are starting to advance uh work in the Proctor locker room. The Proctor pool remains on track. I'll go through uh a couple of the constraint items. You can see um the mechanical units being loaded into the building, some associated roof work with the pool, uh pool boilers on that lower right photo. And then the upper
069mezzanine uh is the lower left photo. There are a couple of um change orders included in the um board packet. So, this first one, the resolution is uh 273. There was additional concrete removed um from the pool. Uh you can see the the sort of depths uh and thickness of the concrete, which is more than what was included in the record drawings that were provided as part of the basement. So, this number started off um significantly more than that through some negotiations back and forth. We were able to really itemize and quantify this and reduce it to the $70,000 number. The next one that is in there is the addition of the proctor the pool and locker room fire alarm. You can see the schematic on the right adding the devices at both the pool
070space and the locker room. Again, you need fire alarm in both these spaces. That add is $66,000. >> So, on that one. >> Yep. >> What what's precipitated that change order? I'm sorry. What's Sorry. What's precipitated the need for a change order for the fire alarm system for the locker room? >> Uh part of it has to do with a lot of the changes and upgrades in the codes and providing a broader support. As you recall, we did change the layout of some of those spaces based on the field conditions that we discovered in the locker room. So, there were additional spaces that required coverage with the uh fire alarm system. >> So, the resolution actually presented to us and I know that you don't draft it, but it says due to unanticipated conditions. >>
071I'm sorry. I think >> The the resolution actually before us and I know that you don't draft the resolution, but it says due to unanticipated conditions. Is that an accurate portrayal of this one that this is truly an unforeseen conditions change order? >> There were some unforeseen conditions as we got into the construction and demolition of those spaces. >> And what were those? >> Um uh primarily that a lot of the existing um equipment locations and coverage was not up to code. >> It wasn't up to code. >> required additional devices and um apparatus to be included that were not matching what was existing in the in those spaces. >> Would we not know when we're doing the initial scope of the project that those systems are not up to code and that they need
072to be updated? >> [snorts] >> As based on the documentation that we had that we based the design on, that's kind of what limited. So even going through the surveys and the and the um the walk-throughs, we were basing on some of the additional information we had from the district. >> Okay. Okay. Uh the next one um is the uh to add power um to the um gymnasium backstops at the Proctor gym. Um so that change is 36,000, uh just over 36,000. And then um the final one for Proctor is a credit for the uh stair tread renovations uh planned kind of throughout Proctor. Uh again, based on where we are budget-wise with some of these projects, we can do more renovations in the Proctor stairwells than just the stair treads. So rather than doing
073the stair treads and then coming back and doing more, uh we're going to take a credit for the stair treads now and then we'll do uh additional renovations to the stair towers uh as part of a future project. Uh Conkling, uh you can see the change there. Again, last time we provided an update, we talked about the voids underneath the existing concrete slab that's there for um just a reminder of the issues that we've come through. The structural steel is similar. Uh we did modify some of the casework uh in there based on um staffing request. Uh and then you'll see a consistent theme here with a material lead time, which is related to the ballistic glazing uh that we're um working through for all of the um secure entrance vestibules. Conklin, uh there is
074a uh generator credit that is is in there to be accepted. Um Again, we're pulling this back out of the project due to the sizing and the potential future of um air conditioning uh that will need to be discussed in common a future project. It doesn't make sense to um do add the generator now and then have to upsize it uh in a future project. There will be another um change order uh for the general trades portion of the generator. Uh this is only the electrical contract being presented tonight. Uh into the fun stuff uh that you can see. Um the outdoor learning activity centers, we're making progress there. If you've driven by any of the buildings, you can see the structures are up. Um Jefferson is um delayed largely due to the weather. Uh
075that should be wrapped up next week. Um and there's a plan to start the uh basketball courts um and the additional play services adjacent to these as well um coming. Herkimer, very similar um sort of position as Conklin. Uh we're as I mentioned, we're fighting through the ballistic glazing. Uh and then we modified uh the storefront system here uh as well. So, um it is anticipated that all the secure entrance vestibules will be done and complete and ready for occupancy come the fall. There's one change in here for construction of a wall at Herkimer that had hazardous material on it. So, the wall was removed as part of the hazardous material process. This is a cost to put it back with the with the associated finishes. And then into Watson, again, you can see this
076the surfacing went on this weekend and they are in the process of getting that playground wrapped up or outdoor learning activity center wrapped up. Jones, very similar. The secure entrance vestibule, we're waiting on the ballistic glazing. You can see the progress with the the outdoor learning space. 2024 phase two, there will be more to come as we get into construction. Here, we started the demolition at Albany in the main office and the secure entrance vestibule. Things are kind of moving forward as we just get started in that space. Overall financial summary, if you look at the bottom, there's a balance on awarded contracts. We're about 1.6 million of the 65 million. That 15.6 million dollar number for phase two doesn't does assume that the board approves the million dollar contract tonight for day automation. So,
077that is in there and you can see we have a small balance left on the 65 million. The we could hold on to, Um, the first two phases kind of play out. There'll be some future discussion about scope that may be uh earmarked for that 1.6. Then you can see the sum or the totals of the pending uh and the approved change orders to date for each phase. Again, phase two is really just kind of getting started. So, overall financially, we're in we're in good shape. And then finally, uh I'm sorry, 2025 capital improvement. Um, again, the budget layout planned for 340 million-dollar phases. Uh the first phase, um we will be bringing for award in August. Um the big thing to note here is we need to have contracts uh signed and awarded prior
078to October 1st to queue the project for building aid. And then the second thing is the central kitchen relocation that we're trying to get coordinated to be relocated this summer so that central kitchen um operations will function out of three other buildings uh starting in September. So, that um at a high level sounds like a very easy task, but there's a lot of work being done uh to make sure that goes smoothly uh between our team and then Mike and Mike and his teams. And then 2028, again, we will um come the fall start to plan um for uh the 2028 project um and we'll provide additional information on that. Uh just a reminder that, right, we're targeting a May 2028 vote um for uh for the next large project. Any other questions? >> Anyone
079have any questions? Thanks, fellas. >> All right, great. Thank you. >> Excellent presentation. >> I would make a motion to go into executive session to discuss legal matters in the employment history of particular persons. >> Second. >> All in favor? Opposed?