001put his phone in there. >> I need I need a motion to come out of executive session. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion passes. We are now out of executive session. Um, so I want to read something. Where's Dr. D? Bear with me. >> No, I'm I'm following uh I'm following it actually. So, um, why don't we do this first? Do you want to present this? So, Lena, um I think based on um the calendar, this will be your last meeting with us tonight. and um on behalf of the board um I'd like to thank you for your service and um wish you the best of luck um in your future endeavors. And if you'd come down here for a second um >> Dr. Spence and I uh on behalf of the board
002would like to present you with a plaque. >> Congratulations. >> And we're going to see you at graduation, of course. Right. >> Congratulations. Civic engagement is very important. Look, I used a >> Let's go. Love it. >> Nice. Very nice. >> Do you know who the student rep is yet for next year? No, we're going to hold an election on May 29th to find out. >> So, would you like to give your report >> and then you'd be able to stay or leave as the case may be? Collect the goods and run or however you want to. >> Um, on May 2nd, law day was held at the Onida County Courthouse for students that were interested in becoming a lawyer in the future. The junior prom was also on May 2nd at the Delta Marriott
003Hotel. May 7, the Mnt Bank guest speaker series was held at Proctor High School's library to introduce and talk about important topics such as banking basics, budgeting, credit scores, and identity theft, providing hands-on activities to help students engage while learning essential life skills. The Udica City School District hosted a job fair on May 8th at the Delta Hotel for people who are interested in looking for jobs. AP exams took place from May 5th to May 16th. May 14, Proctor High School hosted its annual spring concert featuring outstanding performances from the Sophonic Orchestra, Band, and Senior Choir. On Thursday, May 15th, Columbus Elementary students participated in the second annual Steam Fair. This innovative fair provided students with the opportunity to experiment and learn through hands-on experiences while exposing them to a wider range of career pathways.
004On May 17th, the Utica City School Districts hosted their 8th annual fine arts festival at Proctor High School. May 19th, um, English 11 AP students had the opportunity to tour the campus of Syracuse University. NYPA pre A pretisship program was held on May 20th at MVCC. This program prepared individuals for careers in the clean energy sector, particularly those in the construction and electrical trades. May 21st, Proctor High School Cinderella Closet had a free clothing giveaway today. Seventh graders from JFK visit visited Sunni Pali today for the district CTE STEM Expo. and seventh graders from Donovan will also be visiting Sunni Poly tomorrow, the sec the 22nd. Seniors at Proctor High School started their senior walk last week to various elementary schools and will continue to do so until this Friday. That's it. >> Thank you.
005Does anyone have any questions for Lynn? >> All right. Thank you very much. >> We'll see you at graduation or before that actually. probably at the uh honors uh program. Yeah. >> See you there. [Applause] Okay. I'd like to uh say a few words about the uh election. On behalf of the Udica City School District Board of Education, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Udica community for your support in yesterday's school budget vote. Thanks to our commitment to our students, faculty, and staff, the 202526 school budget has passed alongside the $120 million capital improvement project and continued funding for the Udica Public Library. We're especially proud to share that this year's budget carries a 0% tax impact on the community. As fiscal stewards, we're deeply grateful for the thoughtful thoughtful work of
006Dr. Spence and our administrative team and staff in developing a plan that balances financial responsibilities with our mission to serve every student. I'd also like to congratulate Vice President Daniel Danielle Padulla on her reelection to the board of education for a 5-year term. We look forward to continuing our work together to put students at the center of every decision. >> Say it again. Thank you again to our Udica community for your forwardthinking support. We're excited to move into the 202526 school year with renewed energy, strengthen community partnerships, and continued focus on preparing all students for a successful future. And I'm going to do a brief summary of the uh voting results. Um, but before I do that summary, I' I'd just like to say that, you know, our district um has health clinics, we have
007dental clinics, we provide um partnerships for emotional uh mental health services, social supports. We feed kids breakfast, lunch, many times dinner. Um during the summertime, we make food available. We have clothing closets for kids in need, washing machines to make sure that kids have clean clothing, pantries for food, um a host of other services that we provide to our kids. And it's all thanks to this budget and our wonderful staff, teachers, and administrators. And it was important that this budget passed because, you know, we're moving into a new phase where we're going to be more pointed in our focus in terms of uh instruction and other um you know, other services rendered to the children. our red program um which is going to be a gamecher as far as uh you know we're concerned. So,
008you know, we got to keep up the the hard work, keep working to hone our uh our skills and um again, I want to thank the community for allowing us to serve our kids and support them and develop them um into, you know, future leaders and successful individuals. So, the Yeah, >> absolutely. Go ahead. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Michael. I just want to say again, I want to first uh first and foremost, I thank the community that came out to support the budget. It's very important work and that funding helps us to do all the things that you mentioned. I also would like to thank the board for your leadership in this process. A lot of hours, non-paid, a lot of, you know, questions that the board devised. And I think that that's
009a good part of the process. It's a healthy part of the process because it helps us become better. Putting together a school budget is not easy to do. It's a specialized science and takes specialized knowledge. So, I would like to also thank the administrators that worked to put this budget together because it's not easy. And as we're looking to improve our system, we're looking to mirror the funding with uh our uh plans to improve uh student outcomes. We have to be nimble. we have to also uh be good stewards of data and make sure that we're intentional in our focus as you just said. So, this budget does include a strategic plan and I'm really excited about that work as we're looking for a multi-year transformative process for the district. But again, I would like
010to thank you know the administration and also thank you all who do this and you're not paid and you donate a lot of your time and help keep us um sound with some of the questions and the guidance that you have. So, thank you. Wanted to say that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um so the results were as follows. Um Danielle Padulla received a total of a,20 votes. Um we also tallied the write in votes this year. Howard Potter leading the the uh write in votes with 23. Bruce Kum with six. David Dar with one. Jane Doe with one. Jesus with one. Dave De Palama with one. Jeremy Kerry with one. Danielle Felvo with one. Mickey Mouse with one. Dave Bruno with two. Jane Fonda got a vote. Tim Trent with one. John Dylan with
011one. And Tim Fitzgerald. >> How did you do that? >> Well, I'm reading off the results. So >> dream found out. >> Yes. But be that as it may, the the budget passed resoundingly. So did the capital projects and so did the library proposition. So once again, I want to thank um the public for supporting us and for believing in us and the things that we provide to the public in terms of information um facts and uh data. Okay. So I need a motion declaring the results of the annual meeting and general election. Whereas the Udica City School District conducted the annual meeting in general election on May 20, 2025 for the purpose of voting on the budget for fiscal year 202526. A capital improvement project election of one member to the board of education
012and funding for the Udica Public Library. And whereas the board of education has examined the reports from the election inspectors at each polling location and in accordance with its obligations under the education law desires to declare the results of the vote. Now therefore, it is resolved as follows. Upon examination of the reports of the election inspectors presented to the board, the following is declared to be the results of the annual meeting and general election held on May 2025. And I listed that prior to making this uh um that resolution. So if that could be incorporated into it rather than have me reread it. In accordance with the foregoing tabulations of balance ballots, it's hereby determined and declared the fiscal year 202526 budget is $290,141 $141,927 >> $290,141,927. The prop. Sorry about that, folks. The prop
013I never, you know, I get trouble with the zeros with all those z decimals. The proposition seeking approval of $120 million capital improvement project is approved. Danielle Padulla is elected to a 5-year term of office on the board of education commencing July 1, 2025. And the proposition regarding funding the Udica Public Library is passed. So, can I have a motion to adopt that resolution? >> Move it. Second. >> Okay. Um, all in favor? >> Anyone opposed? That resolution passes. You know, I also want to take the time to um acknowledge the efforts of the people that actually run our elections. Um, it is a grueling job. Um you're you know our our polls are open from noon till 900 p.m. And um you know this year we've instituted the uh is it the bold system
014and which is um electronic. I think it made um I think it made things a little bit easier in terms of when you were at the polling place. um you know they work hard and then you know after everything is all said and done the the votes have to be tallied and you know our staff including Stephanie and Kathy um are here till I don't know close to 11 sometimes even longer than that along with the rest of the administrative staff um wearing different hats and you know we do appreciate appreciate your efforts. So I think the board should give them a round of applause for that. Okay. So I think that is done and now um we have the reading of some resolutions in memoriam for some of our employees. So, authorization is requested
015for the board of education to approve the following resolution for Matthew Soiloski, former employee of the Udica City School District. The board of education of the Udica City School District records with sorrow the passing of Matthew Soilowski. Mr. Soilowski retired from the Udica City School District after approximately 20 years of service and was employed as a technology teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School. Mr. Soiloski loved teaching kids and dedicated his life to helping shape and enrich the lives of his students beyond the classroom. Resolved that the board of education expresses its sincere sympathy to the family of Mr. Soiloski and that this resolution be saved upon the record of the district. Just have a moment for him. Authorization is requested of the board of education to approve the following resolution. Resolution for Sharon Maguire,
016former employee of the Udica City School District. The board of education of the Udica City School District, records with sorrow the passing of Sharon Maguire. Ms. Maguire retired from the Udica City School District after approximately 17 years of service and was employed as a music teacher. Sharon had many talents and taught music in the Udica City School District, was one of those talents. She retired in December of 2019, resolved that the board of education expressed its sincere sympathy to the family of Miss Magguire and that this resolution be saved upon the records of the district. So moment resolution for Diane Bakos. Authorization is requested of the board of education to approve the following Resolution for Diane Beckus, former employee of the Udica City School District. The board of education of the Utica City School District
017records with sorrow the passing of Diane Bakus. Miss Bakus was employed by a teacher by Utica City School District for approximately 47 years. Resolved that the board of education expresses its sincere sympathy to the family of Miss Bakus and that this resolution be saved upon the records of the district. Resolution for Joseph Skowski. Authorization is requested of the board of education to approve the following Resolution for Joseph Scraowski, former employee of the Udica City School District. The board of education of the Udica City School District records with sorrow the passing of Joseph Scraowski. Mr. Skowski was employed as a teacher by the Udica City School District for approximately 25 years. resolved that the board of education expresses its sincere sympathy to the family of Mr. Stacowski and this resolution be saved upon the records of
018the district. We did the student representative report. Next would be a certifi the is Udica National here tonight representative. >> Okay. We were planning to give a certificate of recognition to Udica National Insurance. Hopefully we can get them to come if they even if they don't want to come to a meeting they should come if we could get someone to come during the day and make the presentation to them. Okay. Um, okay. Is there anyone here for public comment tonight? No list. Okay, then there will not be any public comment. Um, okay. Up next, presentations. the dynamic duo of Nate and we and um Craig Dailyaly to talk about our capital projects. Great. Well, congratulations um to the district um Mr. Doula. Um and we're uh grateful for the opportunity uh to be part of
019the team here. Obviously, the um passing of the $120 million refer referendum is exciting news. Um there's been some really great capital improvements that we've done over the last couple years here and so we look forward to working with the district and and continuing to uh improve those facilities. So, we'll start with CTE. Um just trying to highlight some of the good progress that's being made over there. Um, if you've driven by the facility lately, you'll notice that it's kind of quickly starting to blend in um to the existing building, you can see the brick facade um or the masonary facade that's going on. um couple of the elevations. You can see the windows in. Uh you can see the site work is starting um to take or to take place um with the installation
020of the retaining wall and and some of the grading that's going on over there. Inside uh finishes have started. Um, so you can see the kind of the level of coordination uh that's going into it uh with the photo on the left trying to mock up cord reels uh for air and power um and get those in the locations that they need for uh the equipment. And then obviously the ceramic tile uh and other finish work that's taking place um in some of the the toilet rooms over there and the corridors. And then these are uh just photos of one of the the photo on the left is a classroom uh within the renovated space. Uh you can see right finishes are there, things are painted out. Uh the flooring has started. Um and they're
021they're making good progress. The photo on the right is the uh of the addition. Um a typical classroom and most of them are in this condition. Uh finishes of painting has been completed. Uh the flooring work uh will start here in a couple weeks and um in the first couple weeks of June uh there will be furniture and equipment that starts to come in uh and starts to fill uh the renovated space. Overall budget-wise uh still um in a very favorable position. Uh we have had some conversations about potential scopes uh but for or for potential additional scopes uh within the facilities committee uh but for the time being uh we're holding tight uh on those. So that balance is will just um continue to carry forward. And schedule-wise um not a lot new to
022report. I mentioned that furniture and equipment will be going in uh here the first week of June. Um we are we will race to the finish like we've been saying uh for the last several months to get students and staff in that building. Um but there all all indications at this point is uh is that we're on track and and uh and we'll get there. Any questions on CTE? >> Okay. >> Anyone else? No. >> So just hit the May 2024 referendum. So, this is the $65 million referendum that was approved uh last May. Um we are still um waiting for uh SED approval. Um we believe that it's sort of imminent here any day. Uh we have documents uh that are ready to go out to bid. Um we're we're still trying to target
023the June 24th board of ed meeting. Uh but the reality that we get much if any work done this summer um on the May on the May 2024 referendum is is very unlikely. Um so uh our team along with uh Mike has met with um the administrators at Herkimer Jones and Conkling uh and laid out um what those construction sequencing plans will look like for work to start in the fall. Um, all of those administrators were amazing. Um, I actually went into them expecting there to be a lot more push back. Um, and there really wasn't. Uh, they were kind of on board with everything. Um, and and understood that um, work needed to to progress forward. So, um, we've done that. Um, so work will take place throughout uh, the academic year next year.
024um at those four buildings uh and then we will get the phase two work which does the balance of the buildings um out to bit. So hope hopefully um the target is to be back here in the the June meeting um to award contracts. That's what we've got. Any other questions? >> June of 200 Next month. >> Next month. Right. >> Next month. >> So we we're going to have look look forward to hearing from you next month as well. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Y >> great. >> Any other questions, >> comments? >> Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. Okay. Um, announcements, reports, PTO, PTA, shared decisionmaking, student council, CSEA chairs, title one, UTA Hello. >> Hi. My name is Chris Golden. I am the VP of the UTA for Proctor High School and
025it's pleasure to be here tonight. Um, first you UDICA teachers association wants to wholeheartedly thank all of the Udica voters that came out and voted for the May 20th to approve our budget. We're very thankful. We also want to congratulate Mrs. Padulla. to our amazing students. The UTA wants to give you a very big thank you for your incredible hard work for preparing for the up or completing the New York State assessments in ELA math and science. We're very, very proud of you. And to all of our high school students, regentes are right around the corner. Go to review class. You got this. The 29th annual UTA scholarship golf tournament in memory of Larry Castadero is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st at Twin Ponds. Proceeds from the tournament are going to go to our UTA
026scholarships supporting Proctor students going into education. The tournament is open to anyone that is interested. Please contact the UTA office for further information. The UTA is happy to announce that on May 15th, our membership voted to ratify a tentative one-year contract extension between the UTA and the Udica City School District. This will now go to the board of education for approval. As we look to the future in education in Udica, we remember that a great contract is a vital tool for attracting passionate and skilled teachers to our community. By working together to ensure our agreement remains competitive and supportive, we can continue to build on the team of exceptional educators and support staff that we have for our kids. Maybe someday it'll stop raining in upstate New York. I know our sports teams are dying
027a slow death right now. They're working their best. Have a good day. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> And again, I would like to thank the UTA. We've had a a really good year working with each other. first. Can you hear me? Just want to thank you. It's been a good year working with each other. I was happy that we were able to come to some resolve and again it's a good when we able to work around our issues without having issues and again as we forced our relationship it'll be a better Udica. So Udica United thank you for your participation in the process. >> Thank you. >> All right. I I was going to wear my blue shirt but I had to run out this morning but it's coming the next meeting. All right. Thank
028you. All right. I'm going to take um >> Oh, shoot. >> Sorry about that. UAA UTC Teamsters Local 182 SEI Lo SEIU Local 200 Mohawk Valley Buildings and Trades. Okay. Um I'm going to take the uh agenda a little bit out of order with everyone's indulgence. I'd like to do the reports of the special committees. Um so Boseies um at the most recent Boseies committee meeting and I forgot to bring my uh notes on it. We actually did have a proctor student um who is in the culinary arts program there and I I I apologize his name is escapes me at the present time but he was presented with an award. Um Mr. Felchy was there. Do you recall his name? I apologize. I >> was his last Kamacho was his last name. >> Right.
029I know it was in your uh was in your bulletin. Could you just take a quick look so I could uh I I don't want to go without acknowledging his uh achievement. Um you know he acquitted himself very well when he was being asked questions. He made a little presentation to the Boseis board. Um, it always amazes me when the kids get up and, you know, are asked about what they're interested in and where they, uh, where they're planning on going and what they found, you know, exciting about the program. And, um, I think that, you know, those types of programs, um, and soon we will have some here, uh, in our district are, you know, very exciting. join. >> I I like the uh culinary arts program at Boseis. It's near and dear to
030my heart, as you can probably tell. Um do you have it in there? >> Yeah, >> Mr. Hob, it was Juan Kamacho. >> Juan Kamacho. Yes. Um Juan Kamacho. He should be uh presented with something from the district itself to recognize his achievement at Boseies. I don't think we need a motion for that. Okay. Um next up, audit finance. We had a meeting on Tuesday. That was yesterday. Monday. Sorry, the days are running into in themselves. We had a meeting on Monday. We discussed a number of issues at that meeting. Um, not the least of which was the progress that was being made by our financial staff on addressing issues and submitting um submitting grants. Um, you know, we continue to we continue to work to improve the district and its practices. The board is
031supportive of the staff, but also um recognizes that there have been long-standing um issues that the staff has been forced to deal with. And you know, I think we've gained a lot of improvement over the the past several years and we will continue to improve. um especially with the board and the staff and superintendent working hand inand to um address things. You want to add anything, Braden? You were at the meeting. >> I would just add that uh audit and finance reviewed two policies that were uh committed to it from the policy committee. Those are being sent back to policy with the uh recommendation of the audit and finance uh committee. So those two policies are on their way back to policy where they will eventually probably make their way to the full board for
032adoption. >> Okay. Don, you were also in attendance. Did you want to mention anything? >> No, I think you guys covered it very well. >> Thank you, Don. I wanted to give you the opportunity. Um, capital projects, building and grounds, health and safety. Anything to report today? >> We had a meeting last week. Um, right. That was building and grounds. >> I don't know. Don't ask. Last Thursday. >> Why were you there? >> Oh, no. I saw this, right? >> Oh, okay. I'm like, wait. Me, Don, and Jason were there and architects and um yeah, Barry just kind of like what you saw tonight is what we went over. Those meetings have to be very exciting. >> Um, >> don't be jealous. >> I I exciting. >> I know. CTE, >> no meeting in May.
033We meet in June and we're doing a walk through at Oh, we didn't meet. We meet every other month. So, no meeting in May. We'll meet in June and we're doing a walk through. I believe it's like the 19th or something. We're super >> Yeah. 17th. Okay. Well, one in between those two days, we're going to be at Proctor and the CT. And so, we haven't seen it since we haven't fully walked through it since um September, I think. So, we're excited for that. >> Uh Pak committee >> uh PA was scheduled to meet um due to uh some unforeseen circumstances, we felt it best to reschedu that meeting. So we are working with the administration to uh solidify that date for the group >> communication, equity and outreach. We met last Monday um just
034wrapping up all end of the year items and talking about some goals and initiatives that we would like moving forward for next year in regards to communications um which would go into sporting events and how we can get um more videos out to watch all of the games, more commentary. um talking about possibly having uh creating a club um for students that we would like to see. So, we're in the working stage of talking about organizing something like that where students can actually go out and start working some of our cameras um and some of the video equipment and kind of capture some of this film for us. Um but good talk just end of the year and just talking about a lot of the goals and initiatives that we have and ideas moving forward
035into the next school year. I just want to add on about the art show >> that it was wonderful and thank you to all the teachers and Christina for organizing it and Proctor for opening up their door. It just gets better and better every single year and it really is just such a beautiful event um to see all the talent within our district and I just want to thank Mr. Felry and Mrs. Paladino for all the walkthroughs. Like I think that's been a vision um from the communication and the equity and inclusion committee to have the seniors go back to their home school and every year it just grows and Mike's team for providing the breakfast and the transportation and it just it get it's another project that just keeps getting better and better and
036we've been talking about it for years and now we're starting to see it um all come through and it just it really is wonderful and I think the kids really appreciate it as well. policy committee. Braden, when's there >> the sixth? I think next week. >> Is it the sixth? >> The sixth. We have to finalize what it is. >> I know it is that week, but >> it's within the next two weeks. >> Yeah, it's within the next two weeks. >> And we had a bunch of just to speak. I know we have a bunch of uh policies that are either coming back to us from other committees or are being recommended from the BOS's policy service. So, it'll be a busy meeting. I think it will. >> Um, >> they are very they
037are very exciting. Believe me, >> I make those fun. I bring that. >> Yes. Um, code of conduct. >> I'll speak on code of conduct. Uh, Mr. Paul's not here. We met last Friday, uh, 4:00 last Friday. Great meeting. Um, we've talked for a long time about several revisions coming to the code of conduct that will be unveiled fully once the the details been worked out by the administration during the code of conduct public hearing which I believe will be next month during the June 24th regular meeting. Um the highlight there is the fact that the uh govern Governor Hokll uh got through her cell phone bell-to-bell cell phone ban from state uh to which every school district in the state has had to uh reply by making a policy uh to ban student cell
038phones during the day. We had long conversation about that during code of conduct about how that's going to be implemented. Um and it's going to require uh you know it's going to require everyone. It's going to require the administrations, the faculty, the staff and importantly the parents and the students to really uh get together uh to buy into this to make it work uh so that it does not become a quagmire of it. But I think that in the long run, I think the governor is right in that uh cell phones have become a major distraction to student learning and hopefully we can see the the benefits of that moving forward once that's implemented. Dr. Spence, I don't know if you or Mr. Farah wanted to talk about the cabinet >> Megatron. >> So, exhibit
039A uh Megatron, our cabinet there will be uh instrumental in housing the cell phones. Mike, would you mind just giving a tour of what that look like? >> And just just for for the community's record, once we finalize this plan, we'll and the board will be um proactive and making everyone aware of the plan so that when we start the next year, we are on the same page about the expectations. >> Okay, Mike, can you speak to that? >> This is a cabinet that we put together with the maintenance guys. They don't really make cabinets that can hold as many phones as what what we need on a daily basis. So, um, they're all numbered when we collect the phones. Still working out how we're going to collect and and inventory those phones. We had
040a couple different options that we're reviewing as a team. There's going to be multiple cabinets so when people are leaving, there's not bottlenecks in um one location. So, the kids will know what cabinet their phone is and where that cabinet will be at the end of the day. So they're obviously they're like portable that like they roll out and then they correct they'll be stored or kept in a >> so like cabinet A at the end of the day we like go to academy B the entrance and the kids will know that's the cabinet when they sign in can't really assign a space for the kids by name if you come in a different door like every day or different entrance. and we'll have a mechanism for tracking that that'll be shared with the board
041and also the expectations be relayed out to the community. So, we're just working through the procedural aspects of it. But this this law required us to, you know, get get a device and there it is >> in all buildings >> starting from like K through 12. >> That won't be in all buildings, but they the it will apply to all buildings. Yes. >> So, that's a mobile unit, right? Wouldn't we be better off placing it in the parking lot and requiring people to >> look? >> This isn't cold. >> You know, to be honest, Joe, they they used to >> in the city. They used to do that New York City deal. They actually used to have to check the phones and outside. So, >> he's not that far off. But no, we're going to
042keep ours in our jail. >> It's too cold. My nieces all in Long Island for the past four years have had it and they check it outside. It's a mobile spot. It look it looks like a food truck and it's the same thing and so they've had it for about four years and they check their phones in through there outside. >> So I'm not wrong about the mobile spot outside. >> It's a real thing. It's all in the city. >> I think we should maybe have a food truck/phone check out. >> I would like those to have charging stations. Like are there char in there? >> We'll send it back to >> this way. to charge by the end when they get it. >> That's the reward for turning it. >> Exactly. >> They're not
043going to turn it off. >> All phones ring. >> I want to hear dad's phone. >> And then you talked about elementary school. It's going to be a cabinet. >> So, at the elementary a little easier, there's going to be cabinets. There 36 uh spaces in a cabinet. They're slim cabinets. Those will be mounted to the walls in uh each elementary classroom. Pretty pretty easy to manage. >> Mike, one of the things is I I have to be honest with you, that's a very foroding looking cabinet. Do you think that maybe the um you could present like a color chart to the um communications equity and outreach committee so they could design something or recommend something that would make make that look a little more >> We'll put some we'll put some art on the
044outside. >> I think a mural would be great. >> Art club. >> Have art club do it. I think that's a good idea. >> Got room in your car. Throw this in. >> Listen, >> I love it. >> I'm all That's great. >> Of course you do. >> Solving problems. >> Making moves. >> Okay. >> Oh my god. Dr. Spence, >> please. >> Do you want to do the report? >> No, I I want to do the superintendent's report. >> Do you have a presentation to make? >> I'm more from my superintendent report for the board consideration. It's been a long day. >> I would like to offer my superintendent's report for the board consideration. >> Okay. Does anyone want anything pulled? >> Page 12. >> S274. >> And page 38. >> Mhm. >> 30
045page 38 itself. >> Okay. S274. >> I need to figure out which pages. >> Um B also page 12. >> Mhm. B 46. >> Mhm. >> B47. >> Mhm. >> Page 13. >> Mhm. >> B48. >> Mhm. >> Then >> page 16. figure out which is 28. Second one down. >> Page 28, second one down. Okay, I just uh I want to pull page 26 um third third one down. Anyone else? Okay, with all those items pulled, can I have a motion to adopt the superintendence report? >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carries. >> Um, >> let let's do Don's first. I was going to say we have a motion. >> I want to do Don's first because his and you know he's just it's for the purpose of
046abstaining. >> Um >> right. >> Am I wrong? You wanted so you can abstain on the vote, right? >> And page >> S27 38. Yeah. >> Yeah. 38 and 12. So, can I have a motion um on page for to uh adopt page 12? >> I think it's just 38. >> Do you have a discussion? >> No, I just Well, I have a question. >> Okay, we can do that after I guess. Um page 38 then. >> Second. Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> state. >> Okay. So, now we need a mo I can we can we do uh 26 page 26 uh third item down. >> I need a motion. >> Second. >> Okay. The discussion. I I just wanted to acknowledge my friend Walt Savage who's been working with the district
047in one capacity or another for about 38 years. Um he's a community parent liaison. He's been a coach. He's worked in the community. Um he's done a lot for a lot of kids. Um, and I just want to wish him well and, uh, acknowledge his efforts over the years. So, with that, um, anyone else have a comment? >> Just like to see, Joe, I know many years I've been in this board. There's nothing that ever been asked about. >> Yes. Anyone else? If not, all in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carries. Okay. You want to make a motion to go into executive session? >> Make a motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel. >> Okay. Um, need a second? >> All in favor? >> Okay, we're going into executive session. We going in the
048room. >> Yeah. Page 12 B46. Do you need to take them separately or together? >> What are we looking >> B12 page B1246 and 47? >> I have a question on doom. >> Doom them separate. Okay. Need a motion. Do B46 on page 12. >> Second. >> Okay. Questions? >> No, that we're talking about you. >> Yeah, it's 274. >> 274. >> Oh, I'm sorry. We'll do that first. S274. >> Yeah. >> I need a motion to adopt S274. >> Second. >> Okay. Discussion. >> Okay. I I just have a question. I'm assuming that uh when when we allow the county to use Donovan school, the school will be out. There won't be students there. >> So, November 4th. >> It's on uh June 24th. >> It's an election day, isn't it? >> Yeah. That's
049primary day. And then November 4th. >> Yep. They're on not June 24th. >> Yeah, they're done by then. >> Yeah. Middle school. >> Middle school's done. I thought they went to the 25th. >> No, they're >> they had like what? >> So in the So in the past it did fall on regular school days and they used the auditorium entrances and seal off. >> So >> but I thought we I thought a few years back we passed a resolution that u allow voting when there were students in the building. >> That was when Mark Buckley was here and then they did another one to bring them back let them back. That's what I thought. Well, then that >> I'm just saying just so when they do have the election and there's school in session, they
050seal off the auditorium and make them vote in out of just the hallway of the auditorium. That's all they use. >> Well, I got to vote against it because you can't let just open the doors and let people in the building. I don't unless you're going to have armed guards watching. >> Okay. Any uh any other discussion? >> Call the question. >> I want So, are they in session on the 24th? >> Yes. So the la the last day is what? 26. >> Everybody goes to that. >> Well, they graduate before ceremonies are Thursday the 27th. >> Okay, we need a vote. Do we need a roll call vote? >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. >> No. >> Motion carries. Okay. B45. Need a motion. B4. >> Oh, I'm sorry. B46. >> Move
051it. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> So, yeah, I had a question on this one. So, um I that one was a competitive bid. I thought there's multiple bids. Is this the same vendor that we've been using or is this a new vendor? >> No, it's a new vendor, but they were a vendor um probably about eight years ago. >> Okay. So they they did they had the rubbish bid I want to say um I don't know maybe 201 13 or 14 they had it they had it once before then and then um CWSI was here for a while and then like you said the way the bids come in so they they were a vendor at one time for the rubbish I think they lost the bid once came back again and lost
052it again so they rubbish usually moves around sometimes >> and this was a request their bid not a request The proposal >> request for bid. >> Request for bit. >> All right. Thank you. >> Their unit costs. >> Any other questions? Comments >> per yard. >> All in favor? >> I posted. >> Motion passes. >> Um, need a motion on uh B47? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Any questions, comments? >> Yeah. Um, I see for this one we only did get one bid, right? >> Yeah. Cuz so that's a it's a fresh fruits and vegetable grant that is 100% uh um we get every we get dollar for dollar for what we spend that the dollar amount is given to us by the state for what we need to spend. So we have to
053provide fresh fruits and vegetable outside of the um lunch program and it has to be packaged a certain way for us to be able to deliver the the fruit and vegetable to the kids. So there's a So, um, it has to be packaged a certain way. One, it it's got to be delivered. We don't have the storage for it. So, it's got to be delivered certain times. There's a lot of criteria we have that it has to be done that way because if it's not, we can't we can't deliver it. So, uh, there's only a probably maybe one or two people in the region that probably even package or that much fruit and vegetables per week. All right. And I forgot if it was this one or the pieces next. I think one of them
054had >> we sent an invitation to bid to two people. The other one I think was four or five. Y >> um we only got the one bid. When we're sending out the invitation to bid, is there any followup with the vendor to see if they are going? >> We just make sure that they got the bids and they receive them. We don't, you know, and if they have any questions when we do them, you know, >> okay, >> we don't really ask them if they're going to bid or not. We just make sure that they understand the bid if they had any questions so we can answer them for them so they can make a wise decision on bidding. But that's really as far as we we go with them. >> Just getting back
055to the >> the fruit vendor. I just wanted to ask are these the one the the fruit vendor that got us all the exotic fruits like the blood oranges and stuff like that? >> Yeah. Yep. They got us those >> He still does that. >> Yeah, we got some on the menu. >> So our kids get a chance to experience some >> Yeah. Interesting proof. >> When they open one up, they know what what it is. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Any other questions about the proof? >> We looked at whether it is advisable or not to break up that bid to attract more. >> So, the problem with that that pizza shell bid is under the N national program, it has to be, you know, 51% whole grain. There's not anybody in the state
056other than this person that does it. They even supply to all the uh um prisons, other schools for us to get a shell pre-made that fits that criteria. No, no, there's no >> for the fruit one. >> What about the fruit one? >> Could that one be broken up at all into multiple like have one vendor cover? >> So, I'll just be honest with you. We tried we, you know, um I just I don't want to use examples. There's a local vendor that has the fruits, but they can't, you know, cut it, package it, get it to us in time. We don't have the staff to cut that much fruit or storage to put it in. We reached out to like Syracuse uses like Wegman's. We and we called all these places to try to
057see if we can do smaller batches or just do grapes or just do strawberries. And it it's been a it's been a challenge. So, another reason why we got to get a Wegman into the cup besides that, >> but so so the Syracuse Wegman's bid some of theirs sometimes. So, it's it's it's a it's a laugh. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other questions regarding B47? All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carries. Need a motion for B48. >> Second. Any questions? I think you covered >> that was a pizza. You covered it while you were talking about the food. That's why I knew that's a tough one. We uh we've tried um to find other places. There's just nobody that makes that shell and the volume that we need per week to supply and
058deliver. Gotcha. >> I think that's the reason for some of the bids with the one bids on some of these big volumes. >> Just there's no >> can't meet the special they just can't do it. We go through with the milk and other things too. It's just it's just too much and we don't have the warehouse to to store, you know, a week's worth. >> Gotcha. >> Thank you. >> Don't blame me. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I posted. Motion carries. Okay. Page 16, B53. Move >> it. Second >> questions, comments all in favor? >> I motion carries. Let's see. Page 28 motion. Move it. >> Oh, >> P27. All in favor? I >> opposed. Um motion for page. I think we did pass 26, didn't we? The one. >> Yeah, >> we did
059that. Any Did I miss anything on in the superintendent report? >> Okay. Now, let me uh would read a resolution because I'm going to need a motion for this. Whereas the Udica Teachers Association and the Udica City School District are parties to a collective bargaining agreement for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2025. And whereas the parties have met and determined that is in their best collective best interest to roll over the contract for one year for the 202526 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions of the proposed memorandum of agreement ratified by the Udica teachers association on May 15, 2025. And now therefore it is resolved one upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools the board approves the memorandum of agreement to roll over the teachers contract for the
060school year and to authorize the superintendent to execute the same. This re resolution shall take effect immediately. Can I have a motion? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Okay. Is there any discussion? I just wanted to say I'm very pleased that the that the uh UTA and our superintendent were able to get together and reach an agreement on this. Um and I think it bodess well for our students, teachers, and our staff. So, thank you. All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carries. I'm going to get my >> Do we need to I'm going to need a mo I'm going to need a motion to authorize uh a public hearing on June 24th for the C4E program. I don't know where my uh >> was it the I'm sorry. >> Yes, this is the one I'm
061talking I'm sorry. This is the contract for excellence. So, I need a motion to I will I need a motion to for a public notice for public hearing contract for excellence. Notice is hereby given that the following meeting of the board of education of the Udica City School District will be held at the Udica City School District's administrative office at 929 York Street, Udica, New York 13502 in June as follows. Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. C for E public hearing contract for excellence code of conduct. school patrol officers, Naida County Sheriffs and SRO's, Udica City Police Department safety plan. The 202526 contract for excellence plan is available for review and comments on our website. Uh udaschools.orgcontract-exellence. Can I have a motion to that effect? >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor?
062I >> I any any opposition? Motion carries. >> The night of the next board meeting. >> That is the night of the next board meeting. Okay. Now I believe that is all the resolutions that I have to read. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. New business, >> financial reports, budget status, >> Ian. E A I N. >> Ian, give us that smile. >> There you go. >> You could tell he watch his his his shoes squeak cuz he's got all the money. >> Wow. >> That's from That's a If you grew up in the 1960s and 70s, maybe the 80s, you would know about that. But if if you're younger >> PC, >> sorry, Ian, >> sorry. Go ahead. >> Uh so for this meeting, I've enclosed uh for your view and consideration the general fund
063budget status report, the cafeteria fund budget status report, and the cash balance reports for all district bank accounts for the month ending March 31st, 2025. Um, any questions on that? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Give us the highlights. >> Highlights >> and any low lightss if there are any. >> I want I want to be, you know, I want to ask about both in case there's an issue. >> Yeah. So, March um March is a very heavy uh revenue month for us. Revenue uh far exceeds uh our expenses for the month of March. That's because a good chunk of our state aid uh comes in the month of March. So we had a very high revenue. Uh so a lot of cash was coming in. Uh so our cash flow was good. Um with that
064reviewing our cash flow statement, we did make uh some investments um of some of that money. Um so yeah, so March was good. Um looking forward, you know, we're heading into June. It's going to be the end of our uh fiscal year. So, the business team, Heather and I are beginning preparation work for year round tasks, closing out our books, and yeah, it's going to be a busy uh summer for us. >> Okay. Anyone else have any questions for Annie? Knocked it out of the park again. This kid, he's good. >> Um, thank you. >> Any any other questions or any other issues that we should know about from the financial uh side of the house? No. Okay. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes for the April 29, 2025? Move it. >>
065Any second. Any corrections, deletions, or additions? >> Hearing none. All in favor? >> Motion carries. Continuing business. Any continuing business? >> Um, any updates on General Herkimer, the fence? We talked about putting up a temporary fence at General Herkimer if it ever stops raining. So that >> So we're just we're waiting for a couple quotes from a couple vendors on that. >> Will it happen this this year so that we can get some of those kids outside? >> Um hopefully if this ever stops raining. >> Can can I just ask this about a fence? And I'm just asking, is there any way we can sort of problem solve it by putting up something that would be temporary that >> So that's what we're looking to do. Temporary. It's a temp we're we're trying to make
066a temporary space with the fence so they can use it now because it's all going to get, you know, ripped out when we do the playground. So we're trying to be mindful of the dollars we spend to do. >> Outdoor learning center. The playground's there now. We're taking that out and putting in an outdoor learning center. just if we can have something just because I know that we have a >> So like we can't right so we can't like we could just go put like a snow fence up but that's not going to work. So we don't want anybody to get hurt. It's got to be safe. It's got to be within code. So we're looking >> to to rent like we do for construction the temporary fencing. It's not too expensive but we just
067got to make sure we get the right fencing and it's able to be secured to the ground where it is. So we're looking into that already. We called multiple vendors and just trying to get some numbers back from them. Thank you. >> Any other have anyone else have any continuing? >> Yes. One other question. Um, sorry, not for you. Maybe for you. >> Power School, who goes in and looks at these applications that our teachers, our coaches, everyone else is filling out is who goes in and reviews to see what we're actually sending out for them to fill out before they're out there. >> Sure. So the there's a few different parts on the back end of P school. There's a job template, there's a form type, and then there's an application type. The job
068templates, some of them were pre-built. The applications and forms were pre-built as we have la we launched this October 4th. Since then, um, originally it was mostly external applicants and we were gathering a lot of different data. This time of the year we have a lot of internal applications. The past month we've received, you know, a combination of internal external about 336ish applications have been reviewed. I think we're not to guess, but I think I'm kind of picking up what you're putting down with it's it's time consuming. There's a lot of different information. So, we have talked about that a little bit. Um, do they need resumeumés for coaches, for example? That's a question that was asked. The current decision was that we'd like to see the coaching resumes because we have a um this
069is Dr. spent first round with spring sports and also our new athletic director. So they want to they don't know the full history and they're going to be making recommendations along with interview committees for those appointments. So that's why there are but we have been trying to tweak things to make it not so cumbersome for our applicants. Um, for example, like our targeted assistance teachers are, you know, that we already have all their resumes on file, um, and all the references on file and their certifications on file. So, I was kind of able to go in there and manipulate and disable some of the things, but I I I've heard a lot of feedback. >> Yeah. Yeah. Because I know there's even questions on there when we're because you you nailed it on the head,
070like when we're looking at internal that are applying and there's questions on there of like, why did you leave this last position? and there's no option to say didn't I'm still in it and it talks about when did this position end and it get and it doesn't allow you to put current in there anything else so there was a lot of I know that there was a lot of >> there's a few different like form not to cut you off like form and application types and I think it's just as we're hearing the feedback we're going through and trying to like make adjustments that are reasonable and not changing the whole application the way that for the people who have already submitted um and is this stored So, I know they had to go and
071gather a lot of information that they haven't had to do in the past. Right now, they have to pull it in because we've had it. So, does it stay on Power School so that they don't once they kind of fill it out, they don't ever have to come back and add those things or no, do they have to do it every time? >> So, I've heard it both ways. So, I'm wondering if there's something within the setting when the Power School account is created. Um, we did send out instructions on how to create internal accounts or um, not create internal to create an account, but to flag yourself as an internal person and not an external candidate. I have heard that people have already created accounts and that round two was smoother. Um, I've also
072heard it the other way. So, we have to kind of gather all the feedback from who it's working well for and why and who it isn't working well for and why and see what we can do. It's a nice system. It's not a perfect system. Um, but we're going to we we're still learning it a little bit too. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Because it's it's it's very new. It's very new for this internal posting time of the year, too. It it's been I think it's been tedious for our employees. It's been tedious for myself and it's something we definitely want to take a look at. >> I'm I'm hearing that it's tedious for people applying for positions. >> So, I think it needs to get untedized because we need to get people in positions. I
073don't want anyone quitting getting in there and getting frustrated just saying >> well as a matter of fact we ran into somebody the other day um who wanted to be a substitute and you know I he was discussing it with you know with us just kind of talking about it and relatively you know bright young man but he said that you know there it was requiring him to respond um and I was concerned the way He was talking about it like he was just going to give up. And I I don't I think it's important to keep our kids attached to uh >> what we'll do is we'll we'll audit the system, but our system for applying is nowhere near as cumbersome as other systems. I'll point to the New York City DOE, for example.
074There's 72 hours of unpaid training that you have to do just because before you get into the principal applicant portal before you can even apply. This is nowhere near that level. There are some kinks in regards to the internal candidates. I understand that. But we've got to really audit it from the user um users experience to see what's necessary information we need to collect versus what's the prefuncter things that we can do away with. >> Right. >> Any other question? Any any other issues on continuing business? >> I'll add one more for continuing business since we're on the subject of coaches that are applying. Just moving um forward. It was once a discussion and it was the hope of the board and the intention that we could hire coaches almost the original goal was to
075hire them a year out, right? So that we knew for the full year going in who was in what. I understand sometimes that's not ideal, right? But at least right now if we could make it a goal that by this time next year, we've already hired, you know, our fall and possibly winter coaches. This way we already know who those coaches are. those coaches can begin recruiting their students, looking at gyms, and I think if we give them a head start, it would be much better than waiting closer to the end. >> Til, I agree. >> Thank you. >> Good point. I agree. >> I'm done, Joe. >> Well, I know, but I unfortunately have to comment about that. >> Okay. >> We had a discussion about this. I don't want to say last year.
076It actually was the year before and then we had a discussion about it last year. So from our perspective, at least from my perspective, and I don't know about anybody else's, but you know, there's summer league basketball, there's football stuff that has to be done, there's different track, flag football, um, you know, that needs to be that needs to be addressed >> and as a priority. And you know, this has been frankly an ongoing discussion um to we need to get it done because you know I mean our kids deserve it. So anyway, we got to follow our protocol and procedure, but we do have to try to accomplish this if it's possible. Okay. Any other continuing business? >> How about some new business? We need to schedule a special meeting for June 3rd. >>
077June 3rd. >> It's 6:30. >> That's what isn't it? 6:30, Stephanie? >> No. >> It was 6:30 in the >> Was it 6:30? >> It was 6:30 in the email. But if we can do >> I don't know who to do that. >> Oh, I think I put 62. I think I do that for myself. >> You want to do six o'clock? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Good afternoon. There will be a special meeting on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6:30 p.m. >> Okay. That's not a technical notice. >> No, but I'm just saying that was >> Okay. So, can we have a motion to schedule the June 3rd special meeting for um at 6:00 p.m.? >> Yes. Move it. >> Second. >> Okay. And the purpose of that meeting will be for hiring and discussions,
078right? Regarding legal issues and the employment um of particular people, >> right? >> Yeah. You don't need to get >> Actually, we don't need to get that granular. So, okay, good. Any other uh new business? >> We do need to have a vote on it, though. >> Oh, sorry. Seconded. >> Sorry, I'm running out of gas. Uh all in favor? I >> opposed. Motion passes. Danielle, you have any you or Tanal have any communication you'd like? >> I think I do. I'm wondering. >> No, >> I'll save it for Jim. >> You sure >> save it for Jim. >> I'm trying not to save it. All I am going to say is I would like us to take a hard look at our communication department. I think we've done a great job. We do a
079great job of um going to great lengths for communication for parents. So, it's not on that realm. I think everything on that is good. I'm going to start saying we do a great job highlighting all of the good and it's time to push back on the bad. So, I want our communication team to become a little bit more aggressive. Um I don't want to see too many more fluffy responses. I'd like us to be hard. I think if news or outlets are going to try to paint us in a certain light and continue to come after our school because we're a really easy target and to bring up topics with no substance, we should p push back and our communication needs to be hired and I think our students deserve it, our parents deserve it,
080our community. We do way too much good and there's way too much happening in this district and people get a false narrative of that and I think it's time for us to push back now and instead of trying to always push the good, which we should still do, it's time to push back on the negative and let them know that we're not just going to stand here while they can continue to fame and and say what they want about the district. So, I'm going to start advocating for stronger communication and tougher. Anybody else have any thoughts on that subject? >> Yeah, I'll second that notion and I'll also second Danielle's point from earlier uh that the art show was fantastic. Um, it's one of the highlights. It's one of the highlights of the the year
081as we're going into a really good time of the year with awards ceremonies and graduations and moving up ceremonies. So, I look forward to all the events that are coming up in the coming month or so. Uh, to look forward to see the accomplishments of our students and uh wish them well as they take their next steps in life. Joe, Dr. Spence is saying we could make it from a director from the board tonight that starting tomorrow, communication becomes in regards to when we're responding to press to come forward and to be arer and more aggressive. >> Oh yeah, I'm looking for certainty. Is that a directive from the full board >> or is that or there needs to be >> I think that there needs to be further discussion on that. I mean, as
082much as I like to mix it up like the next guy. Um, I think that we have to talk about what that actually looks like. >> I'll map it all out for you. >> Which is fine. Which is fine. I I don't have a problem with that. I mean, you know, >> that wait for my strategic plan. >> Strategic plan. >> I have a whole Google doc ready. >> Okay. Uh, anybody else have any communication? Okay, I I don't think we need to go into executive session again. >> So, can I have a motion to adjourn? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> We are adjourned. meeting of the board of education of the Udica City School District to order. Could we uh all stand and say the pledge of allegiance? I pledge algiance to
083the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Could the clerk call the role, please? >> Mr. Jason Cooper >> here. >> Mr. Donald >> here. >> Mr. Joseph Jr. >> here. >> Mrs. Tamil N >> here. >> Mr. Braden Nann >> here. >> Mrs. Danielle Padulla >> here. >> Mr. James Paul. Excuse absence. >> Okay, we have a quorum. Can I have a motion to go into executive session to talk about legal matters, contracts, and is there any student uh discipline? >> Oh, there is one student discipline issue >> that we do need to talk about. So, can I have a motion for that? >> Second. All in favor? >> Okay, we're in executive session.