001Diana, Katie, >> Tracy, and Rob will be here shortly, but we're going to begin. Uh, can everyone stand for the pledge? >> Pledge allegiance to the 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. >> Nice to see everyone. Um we could start with board announcements. Does anyone have anything to share? >> Um I was at um the middle school concert this week and I am just I was talking to Dr. Koulat that night. I'm just blown away by the music department. I myself never played anything. Um and every concert from I think fourth grade on that I've been to. It really just has been incredible what these little kids littleer kids get up there and do. So,
002I can't wait to see my kids progress hopefully and stay in the music program and see what they can do in high school. It's amazing. >> Nice. All right, we can uh we can move on to superintendent's announcements. >> Good evening everyone. Thanks for being here tonight. So, tonight we have our budget presentation. Miss Natalie Espanau will be presenting and I will also just begin with some wonderful highlights from the past couple weeks. So, as you just heard, um, the Psalms concerts, the spring concerts one and two were both amazing. We had more students playing than ever, and they were singing to packed houses both nights. Our band, chorus, and orchestra students worked really hard to prepare for a phenomenal performance. I just want to give a special thank you to the SS music staff,
003Miss Christine Lee, Mr. Robert Bennett, Mr. Tyler Lightman, Mr. Nicholas Kent and Miss Priscella Pñena for their dedication and hard work preparing our students. I also want to say thank you in particular to Miss Dell Green from Cottage Lane who stepped up to fill in for Miss Priscilla Pñena who was unable to attend. It was really uh very nice that she was able to do that and I know Miss Pena [clears throat] really wanted to be there. A shout out also to our high school music teachers who were in attendance just offering their support. They were capturing the performance with pictures and audio recordings and it's just a phenomenal department and to what Miss Hollahan said the the program's never been stronger and we look forward to continuing to see it flourish. Last night I
004had the pleasure of attending the Tabathy High School excellence in Italian awards ceremony to celebrate our student success in the study of Italian language and culture. 17 seniors were awarded with scholarships. 29 students were inducted into the lodg's Italian language and culture honor role and merit awards were presented to 22 ss eighth graders and for the first time we also had seventh graders in attendance. 100 Tapenzy High School Italian 2 three four and five students were also honored for their hard work. Thank you to the Giovano D. Verzano Lodge for their uh long-standing history and partnership with the South Orangetown Central School District and Tabenzy High School. Each year they visit with us and recognize our students for their commitment and outstanding achievement in the study of Italian. They also give out many scholarships to
005help our students with post-secary studies. I took the opportunity to commend our students for dedicating themselves to learning how to communicate effectively in Italian while also developing an appreciation and understanding of other cultures. Miss Luciano also spoke and encouraged our students to continue studying Italian after high school and to travel or study abroad if they ever get a chance. [clears throat] I'd like to thank our teachers, Miss Maria Bruno, Miss Victoria Conway, Miss Nielsen, and our administrators for being there, Dr. Rudy Arietta, Dr. Chad Corey and congratulations to our students. As you know, last week was teacher appreciation week and every year our PTA goes above and beyond to recognize our faculty in every one of our schools. I just want to take a moment to express our gratitude for the tremendous year-round support of
006our associ and tapenzy high school PTAs and of course to all of our teachers for all they do for our students and community each and every day. Last week we also recognized that it was National School Nurses Day that was on May 6th. Thank you to our amazing SOCSD nurses, Alicia Connell, Karen Fitzgibbons, Jennifer Hine, Karen Seagull, and Trish Shelby for keeping all of our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Since our uh last board meeting, we had talked about uh in my last update the policies that we've been working on. We did have a policy committee meeting, and I just want to take this opportunity to thank everybody who's worked on the policy committee, including our board members, uh Mr. Finn, Miss Corbel. Um, it's really become more and more apparent to me
007as I continue on in my tenure as a superintendent how important the policy committee is and how and how uh those policies really help to support and what's the best interest of our students while also protecting um their safety and well-being and that of the district. So, some of the policies that we've been working on, policy 11:30, which is media relations and communications, we reviewed that again. that will be put up for a second read next week on May 19th and possible adoption. Policy 1500's use of facilities, we updated that policy, made some minor changes that will be placed on the May 19th board agenda for a second read and possible adoption. Policy 8636, social media, was also reviewed, will be placed on next week's board agenda for a second read and possible adoption. And
008other policies that we're continuing to work on is policy 0115, student harassment and bullying prevention and intervention, which is also referred to as the DASA policy, which stands for dignity for all students act, as well as policy 8130, the school safety plan and teams. We reviewed those and it was suggested that we have the safety committee review those uh policies and provide us with some feedback. And that was suggested by Miss Corbel and it was an excellent suggestion. So, we're looking forward to the safety committee, Mr. Mr. Galino taking a look at that policy and and uh updating it. And finally, uh on April 30th, we had a student, her name is Elise Quan. She's a Tapenzy High School senior. She was recognized at the Rockland County Courthouse, and this was following her first place
009admission to the New York State Court's 2025 Law Day Art Contest. Alisa's artwork won first place in the entire state of New York. It was on display in Albany for quite a while. and we had the opportunity to go uh and visit uh at the courthouse. It was an honor to be there uh along with Miss Luciano and MissWigley. We met a lot of great people including the honorable judge David Frerieded and Sabrina Vargas Greco who's the commissioner of jurors. We also met members of the art council of Rockland County. We have invited Elise to attend the board meeting next Tuesday, May 19th. And we're also in the process of having her artwork artwork duplicated so that it may also grace the halls in Tapenzy High School as well as central office. So congratulations to
010Elise and we look forward to seeing her next week at our board meeting. Uh just a quick update. We had two presentations planned for tonight, budget and transportation. We are postponing that transportation presentation until the next board meeting. We had some of the presenters that were unable to attend tonight. So, we'll be doing that presentation next Tuesday night, May 19th, uh along with some of the people that have worked on that committee. And that concludes my superintendent report. >> Okay. I'll make a motion to adjourn to a public hearing on the 2026 2027 proposed budget at 7:43 p.m. >> Motion. >> Thank you, Diana. I have a second. >> Thank you, Katie. All in favor? >> I I >> Okay. Uh, I have it after. Okay. >> All right. Um, >> good evening board trustees
011community who's um, listening via um, YouTube and the community that's here. Um, thank you for joining us tonight for the South Orangetown Central School District 2627 budget public hearing. Um, I just wanted to tell the board that I did add some slides just consolidating many of the slides that we presented over the budget development period just so that there's one kind of go-to document um for the community. So the this proposed budget reflects our continued commitment to developing to delivering the highquality educational experience for all students while maintaining a strong focus on fiscal responsibility. Throughout this process, our goal has been thoughtfully balanced our on our educational priorities with the financial realities facing our district and our community. So here we have a lengthy agenda but it really entails um some of the district instructional
012goals, an enrollment overview, uh various factors related to the revenue considerations, the expenditure considerations and some budget analysis on the revenue and expenditure side. Also legally we're required to present a three-part component analysis. Um we also have two additional ballot propositions. um to just the approval of the the 26 27 budget. And then we have a quick uh reference page and a key budget dates. We also have the draft contingency budget but we will not uh discuss that one much. And then we have uh credits and accountability noting the team that uh helped in developing the budget. At the core of this budget are our instructional priorities. This proposal is designed to preserve the elements that define the South Orangetown experience, maintaining small class sizes, sustaining enrichment opportunities and continuing robust programs both during and
013beyond the school day. We are also continuing to invest in summer learning opportunities including steam programming and an expanding access to UPK with the addition of a second class at William O'Hafer Elementary School. Additionally, we remain committed to strengthening instruction through continued implementation of IMSE and by enhancing curricular resources across all subject areas. Enrollment projections are important when developing the budget, mostly as it relates to the instructional staffing levels from year to year. Um, current projections indicate a slight decline of approximately 10 students across the district next year. While modest, these changes are considered as we align staffing and programming to ensure we continue to meet student needs and effectively in an effective and responsible manner. So the revenue considerations, those main ones include um as they are the challenges in developing the budget um
014the state aid while increased in prior years and also um nominally um this is beginning to plateau limiting our ability to rely on it as a primary driver of revenue growth. Also, we know that the state has not approved the budget, so that's also pending. Um, we're hopeful for uh an adjustment in the regional cost index, and we hope that that'll realize uh soon, at least for the next school year. Um, compounding these challenges, the tax levy remains constrained by the New York State tax cap while inflation continues to exceed allowable growth. Together, these factors create ongoing pressure on the district's ability to maintain programs while managing cost. So, here is an outline of the main funding sources for a school district. We have the federal which includes a portion of the child nutrition, the
015food service reimbursement. Um, the other portion is from state from the state. We have title one grants. We have the the grant for individuals with disabilities and we also have a few other grants that come in from time to time. And on the state aid level, we we're bound by the funding formula and we have categorical grants that that are driven by our expenses. And on the local level, that's our operating levies, our capital levy, and the local contribution to state to the state funding formula. So here, as I've shown before, is our decline in the title funding. Under the Every Student Succeed Act, federal funds are allocated to districts for the purpose of providing an equitable education among groups of students. Funds are allocated based on specific factors such as poverty data and student
016count. Title one is for improving the basic educational programs. Uh, title two is to support effective instruction through training. Title three is specific to English language learners. Title four is for providing a well-rounded education, improving school conditions, and use of technology. As the data shows, SOCSD has had a decrease a decreasing allocation of ESSA funds within the last two years. The allocations have decreased by 50%. And just to add, and you've heard me say this many times, that's despite an increase in students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, not on this chart. We also have the IDA grants, which are for students with disabilities. Um the grants for the 2526 school year approximately um total to $900,000 and are for costs associated with education plans for students with special needs. Um we also like to
017um remain conscious that there is um an effort calculation that the state requires us to do annually because the local uh budget has to support a specific ratio um for educating students with disabilities before they allocate the actual grant monies to us. So here shows uh the trend in our state aid revenue. Um this depicts the the trend in state aid for South Orangetown over the last six years. The increase between 2022 and 2025 in form of the catchup in aid distributions over that time frame. Basically the payments weren't in line with the formula. The increases were for fully funding districts based on the formula. However, in the last two to three years, we see that the state aid level for South Orangetown is beginning to plateau. And so here I had uh the state
018aid specialist provide the calculation on what uh changes to the regional cost index could mean for South Orangetown. So, if they bring us in alignment with the Westchester County regional cost index of 1.351, our state aid allocation can go up approximately $300,000. Yeah. And just thank you to the board of education and all the boards in Rockland County for advocating for this. Our message has been heard in Albany and they are considering it. So hopefully that will happen. find out. >> Well, we'll see when the governor comes out with the budget. >> State budget being approved and >> maybe after last I heard that it is it is being considered and it is in the right hands. That's all I've I've heard. So, I don't have a definite date. >> What do we do with
019the extraund,000? >> It would be 335,000. >> And it can be a million if they meet the rci of Long Island and New York City, but one step at a time, right? Um, so >> sent advocacy letters out to the whole community >> if we learn of that for the 26 27 school year. Basically, it can go to the bottom line at the end of the school year. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> But it would certainly help in future years. >> Basically, it'll help next year. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> So, here is the state aid analysis. This this is the executive proposal from January. Um these are the foundation the state aid numbers that our budget is built on for this current year. Our estimated state aid for the budget was 17.7 million and the
020state aid runs as of January indicated approximately 18 million which shows an increase of 1.71% approximately $300,000. However, our actual state aid which is shown in the this graph is um because of the run the runs keep revising as we edit some information to the state and we go through our audit period. Um so we have approximately 18 I'm sorry 18.4 4 million that we expect to receive for this current year. Which means that additional revenue will end up um creating a fund balance in addition to fund balance for this year. So the office of the controller um provides the the inflationary factors and the which really inform of one of the factors that we use to calculate the tax levy. This is their chart and it's updated on a month-to-month basis. So that one
021factor is part of the tax cap calculation and I've made attempts in this presentation to simplify this. So this is the complete calculation that I've um presented before. We start with the current year which is the prior year for next year. Um the current year tax levy is 91.1 million. Then there's a tax base growth factor which is approximately 36%. that factor indicates the amount of construction and new um construction within the the community. So 36% of the tax levy is not going to current taxpayers but will be attached to new construction. If that new construction belongs to current taxpayers, they will be impacted by that. But that's new new um development. Natalie, can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> Sorry. What is the private excess cost aid? >> So, private excess cost aid
022has to do let me go back to that. That's an expense driven aid and that's for um outplaced students and it's there's a threshold. So, let's say we pay a tuition just randomly $100,000 for a student to receive special education elsewhere. Let's say the threshold is 70,000, then [clears throat] the $30,000 that exceeds that, there's another um percentage applied to that to generate the aid associated with that cost to the district. And then excess cost aid is for um public school placements. Okay. >> Yeah. So, I was okay. So in the middle of this, this is the complete calculation. We have um items that are subtracted from the starting point for the tax levy, which is the current year tax levy. And then we have um capital costs that we anticipate for next year. um
023amounts we're investing in facilities for construction that we're able to add to the tax levy to then get us to the tax levy um cap which for the 2627 school year is 1.85% which is an increase of 1.6 million uh for a total tax levy of 92,847,369. So to keep it simple, we have the starting point of the current year tax levy, the 2526 tax levy of 91,158,847. Then we have the change due to new construction which uh the state informs of that factor for each district. Our growth factor is 38% which gave us an addition of $328,172. Then we have a change due to the allowable growth. That's the lower of 2% or CPI. So 2% was the is the lower for us in calculating this and that generates a $1.7 million increase from
024the current year tax levy. And then there's the change in pilot revenue which are tax agreements that the the school district has and it's in line with agreements that the town has also for the property taxes. Um, and then we have the net change in debt and capital cost. So the calculation subtracts that amount from the prior year tax levy and adds on the amount that we expect for the tax levy that we're we're generating for the for the following year. And so the total change again is 1.6 million which is 1.85%. [clears throat] Okay. So, here we're showing the relation between well, not so much the relation, the the inflationary factor versus our tax levy over the last four years. The blue is the inflationary um percentage and then the red is the percentage
025increase in our tax levy. So we see that for 22 the 22 23 school year the inflationary factor was 8%. That was you know getting over um COVID and then the tax levy was 2.77%. The budgetary increase was 3.41% that year. So the gray line crossing over is the budgetary um increase each year. the proposed revenue for the 2627 school year. Um the main component is the property taxes which we just went over at the cap. We're proposing a tax levy of 92,847,369 which is 1.85% over the current year tax levy. Um then there's the next larger amount is the state aid which we also went over which we indicated an increase of approximately 1.5%. There's a little bit of um there may there's an asterisk so includes other state revenue and federal funding. So
026there's a small percentage in there for um Medicaid revenue. And then you also see at the bottom line we appropriated unrestricted funds of $200,000. This year we had appropriated $886,000 and um so that's reduced by $686,220. We also appropriated ERS reserve and TRS reserve. Those reserves are for the purpose of um paying for ERS and TRS um contributions, district contributions to the retirement system. Any questions? So the expenditure considerations um the budget is driven primarily by factors that are largely outside of the district's direct control some of them and this includes contractual obligations. We know our labor contracts are settled. Last year we kind of went into budget development. We had to settle a lot of contracts. So we had concrete numbers for putting in the system and rolling salaries forward. Um we also base
027our our budget on student needs and program needs as informed by all the budget builders. And we have other contractual obligations including BOSEIS, pension um obligations, health insurance, rate changes, facilities, um transportation costs, technology needs and debt service. So on the expenditure side um most of our expenditures go towards salary and benefits. It's approximately 70%. Later on I have a pigraph to depict that. Um but you can see on the salary line the change is 06%. >> Yeah >> the change is 06%. So the current salary budget is 52.2 2 million and next year's proposed is approximately 52.2 million. >> And again, I just want to commend the board and everybody because when you see [clears throat] that number, that is how we are able to close the budget gap. Um, and also, well, I'll
028say more at the end about it, but that was critical. >> Um, and then the next category is for is benefits are increasing by 2.34%. And um then the other items are for supporting um various needs for students and different departments. We have supplies and materials, contractual obligations, Boseies at 12.9 12.7 million for the 2627 school year. This includes tuition of approximately $8 million. Um that's CEKC, special education placements and PEK. Um [clears throat] transportation uh the total percentage of our budget is approximately 6% and again you'll see that depicted on a pi pi graph. Um and then we have the debt payments which that's related to our capital bond and so we're about to draw down the remaining it's approximately 3 million to have drawn down the remainder the remainder of the um bond
029related to capital. So we'll have a consistent debt payment from year to year. And then the transfer to other funds that's related to summer programming for special education. That's the extended school year. Um the state reimbures us 80% of that cost. And then the general fund has to pay for 20% of that cost. and our transfer to capital. You'll see instead of 2 million, it's 1.5 million, showing a reduction of $500,000, which also assisted in reducing the the capital exclusion for the tax cap calculation and allowing us to reduce the tax cap to 1.85%. Okay. So within that transfer of capital of 1.5 million, we have um proposed a William O. Schaefer entrance awning. And this is not the main entrance, but a front entrance located a little bit to the side of the building.
030>> Yeah. For universal prek. >> We also will address the replacement of select interior doors at TZ High School. Uh this is a smallcale project and the Tapenzee Elementary boiler replacement and heating system upgrades that's estimated at approximately 1.4 million of the 1.5 um just because we had some preliminary um draft of the BCS the building's condition survey. Okay. So, >> yeah, our building condition survey came back and Tapenzy Elementary School was one of the schools that we absolutely need to address and so I'm happy that we were able to uncover that and I think it's a very smart use of our money. >> These investments are critical to maintaining safe, functional, and efficient learning environments for our students and staff. So, here is just an analysis of our revenues and expenditures. We see that
031on the revenue end the tax levy is at 80% of our total budget and on the state aid that's if I can see clearly what's right in front of me that's 16% the yellow um and on the expenditures the blue section encompasses the salaries of the district and the red section includes all the benefits for for all employees of the district. So the 2627 proposed budget is balanced at 116,688,270. Um and that's factoring the um use of unrestricted funds at $200,000 and ERS and TRS together at $1 million. It is important to note that the majority of our budget continues to be dedicated directly to instruction as should be. Um approximately 79% supports programmatic costs reinforcing our commitment to student learning while administrative and capital components remain relatively small a smaller portion of the overall
032spending. And just one of the things I want to point out about this three-part budget is you'll notice the administrative costs are under 10%. So these are the three components and separating them to the major buckets of expenditures. This the blue indicates the salary, the red materials and supplies, the gray area um that's the benefits and you'll see a small yellow line mostly in capital. That's equipment. And the second blue section of 16% within the capital component is for debt service and the transfer to capital. So within the 2627 budget, we have two additional propositions that the voters will ask to con be asked to consider. These include the use of capital reserve funds to construct a multi-purpose athletic field at Tapenzee High School as well as the funding of the district's repair reserve. Now,
033the funding of the district's repair reserve has additional language um up to from excess funds a million dollars and not to exceed $1 million at any point in time. Um, so the second proposition is the one I wanted to elaborate on a little bit and the athletics team did present at a prior board meeting. Um, so it it'll be located by the tennis courts at Tezy High School. And the key details include a turf softball, a turf multi-purpose field with all these programs that can run simultaneously. at least two of them is my understanding. >> Okay. Um, two independent field spaces that can be used for both practices and games concurrently year round. Lighting is also going to be a component of the project. And the interior project, the select interior doors will be partnered
034with this work to obtain the state aid associated with it. >> When are they breaking ground on that or you don't know? Um we we still have a little bit of um planning to do. So we're waiting for once it's approved then we'll um move forward. >> One thing is what are we name are we like giving the names to the fields or no >> I don't know if we named it you know >> we haven't gotten that far yet. >> The only reason I say is like and one thing that I sort of forgot about it's completely off topic but >> uh we're coming up on the 250th ann of birthday of the country. So maybe we name one of the fields something along those lines because we did approve it this year. So
035we should think of something creative to >> link those two together. It's an exciting project. So anyway, just throwing it out there. >> Thank you. >> And so the estimated cost from our construction managers was um $7,950,000. um that includes incidental cost and escalation cost depending on when the bid is actually put forth to contractors and the state aid ratio at 38% it's estimated our state aid will come in at approximately 3 million meaning that the impact to the capital reserve fund which that include that's that consists of money the district has put a put put aside year after year um the true use from that reserve will be 4.9 million 44 4,929,000. So this is the draft contingent budget. Um have some language. So, in New York State, school districts may present a proposed
036budget to voters no more than twice. If the budget is defeated on the first vote, the board of education has the option to either present the same budget, present a revised budget, or immediately adopt a contingency budget. If the budget is defeated a second time, or if the board chooses not to proceed with a second vote, the district is required to adopt a contingency budget. Under a contingency budget, spending is limited to teacher salary and ordinary contingent expenses, which are those necessary to maintain the educational program, preserve district property, and ensure the health and safety of students and staff. In addition, the tax levy may not exceed over the prior year, which significantly red restricts the district's financial flexibility. So, if we had to see that scenario, that's what it will look like, a reduction
037of 1.9 million. And these are uh this is a quick reference slide. The budget tobudget increase is 1.21%. Uh the budget increase is 1,399,186. The tax levy at the cap is 1.85% and the tax levy increase is 1,688,522. The estimated tax impact on an assessed value of $200,000 is approximately $161. Now, I know for some they may as as you may know your assessed property, if your value is assessed, let's say three times that value, then you would just um times the 161 three times to estimate what yours will be. So the next day is May next week, Tuesday, May 19th, is the budget vote and we will all be here. >> No, no, >> no. [laughter] Thinking about it. [clears throat] Um, so here is a a snippet of our newsletter which is also
038posted on the website. Um and and everyone that was part of the budget development team is listed on the side and if you scan that QR code, it'll take you directly to the budget page on our website. >> Well, thank you. And I'll take questions if [applause] you have. >> Thank you. So before we open it up for questions, just want to thank Miss Espanel, all of our administrators, school leaders, our school board of education for working so diligently since early October to prepare this budget for the 2026 2027 school year. It was very important that we stayed true to our core values, which was small class sizes, enrichment, summer programming, expanding UPK opportunities, maintaining our extracurricular activities for students along with electives. We're looking at a 1.85% tax levy uh increase, as you heard,
039with a budgetto-budget increase of $1.39 million um and a tax levy increase of 1.6. So, thank you for everything you've done to put this budget together and we [clears throat] were able to close this budget gap without having any layoffs of staff and I need to really emphasize that and that did not happen easily and that was really the result of everybody working hard together to get to this place. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> And I and I would also add to that is the the budget, you know, very proud of everyone who worked on it. What it also reflects is we gave all the bargaining units a salary increase, multi-year contract salary increases. We didn't take the maximum amount of money we could from the taxpayers. Okay? And we've increased instruction on
040all of it. And you know, we saved money for the district. We paid all of our employees, gave them raises, and um we'll just keep at it for the years to come and it's going to be even better. So I really hats off to the administration and the board. I know I'm al always the one talking about it, but it's everyone's worked on it. So thanks. >> So if I can ask a question, speaking on instruction, >> uh the preserving small class sizes, we're decreasing the first grade next year. Well, the second grade next year from 9 to 8, right? >> We are not increasing class sizes. >> No, no, I'm just asking. But we're decreasing the the class like the >> the number of sections >> of classes. >> We we are we we
041would we are not decreasing numbers of sections of classes on any grade. >> And we are not increasing I want to make sure that we're n >> clear. We are not increasing class sizes. >> No, no, no, no. Not class sizes. >> Okay. >> Sections. Well, if there's nine first grade sections moving to second grade and there happens to be 10 second grade sections, then yes, there would be nine sections moving from first grade to second grade, but we're not reducing any sections in any grades or increasing class size. So, what is your question? >> So, my so my question is what I'm looking at here is that the sections were nine and nine for was nine for kindergarten this year. Next year, we're for first grade it's dropping to eight sections. Am I looking
042at this right? I'm just Would you like >> I would have to Yeah, >> this is the idea. >> It was nine, >> right? >> Yeah, we're gonna have I have to go pull it up, but we're going to have nine, I believe, first grade sections next year. Do you have the ability to >> So, see the number of students comes down here. >> That's I'm just asking just for clarification. That's all because I looked at it and I was like the sections dropped but >> you know >> so this would give >> if you take this so the average class size is still below this >> perfect students is still at >> I'm just inquiring >> just for you know >> clarification for myself and for >> that's right the number of students they
043were they had capacity to be at one section Okay. Uh and my other question is is the um the resources to enhance instruction across the continent areas for the reading and writing for the um how do are you comfortable what you what you're being given for the new budget for moving on for the reading and writing for the K through >> Yeah. So where we are >> I know we're working on programs and >> Yep. So where we are um with the So we're continuing to support IMSC. We'll have to have more teachers trained. any new teachers that we hire or um those types of things. And we're continuing to look at other ELA programs. We're not ready to pull the trigger on it yet. What the um teachers will be doing this year is
044to looking at so now that they have gone through one cycle of IMSC, they'll be looking at our current curriculum and IMSC and doing curriculum projects on how to better align that. Uh we went to two visits uh to two local districts. We're trying to set up a third. Um it's been very hard to schedule. So we're going to do that in the fall. Um and then we'll be able to make a a final decision on that. So >> the reading and the writing. >> Yes. So in in September, >> the reading and the writing, not the phonics and the word study. >> The reading and writing will be the current curriculum. >> Um and then continuing to look at it to see what we wanted to do next. >> So we didn't adopt a
045new reading and writing. We just continuing with the old reading and writing. >> Correct. >> And are we going to add into that? add into >> the reading and writing >> potentially >> still using units of study for our reading and writing, right? >> Um supplemented with the IMSE for the phonics and the word study. And what we've discovered from looking around and this is kind of where we thought we would be is that other districts that have implemented have ended up buying these programs and then doing changing the programs essentially. Uh, so what some districts have done is what we really what we've honed in on is that the the current new ELA programs don't have a strong as strong writing component. >> Okay. >> And so what districts have done, what we've seen
046in some of the places that we've visited is that they've added the phonics like we did. Um, they've added a new ELA and then what they found out was that they have then added a new writing program. Um, so the writing is really lacking. The writing is really like, um, >> prompt based, you know, writing, uh, which is not the same type of genre writing that that we do. Um, so what we're hoping is that a little bit more time and seeing how what these other districts are doing and maybe some other programs come out. Last year when we brought the vendors in, we identified three um that we really liked. We visited two of those and we're again attempting to to visit the third. And it's really in seeing it in action and and
047talking to teachers in other districts and some are are neighboring districts. It just is not buying this program and spending 500 600 $700,000. And then what we heard is that you have teachers on weekends making adjustments and changing the curriculum because it's not meeting the needs of their students. It's not aligning well with their phonics program. Um so what we thought was is a more of a wait and see. um continue to make those adjustments with our current program with IMC and blend that better now that we have one year under our belt um and then continue our I think we'll be we'll be continuing to look at programs ongoing until we find something that we're really comfortable and to make that investment in. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> That's all I got. I'll
048I'll just add that um through my few years on the board, uh this definitely was a challenging budget cycle. So, I want to thank all the hard work um from the administration. Um it's really great to see our use of fund balance come down. That was definitely something that we were um really was high on the importance to get off of that um because obviously year to year we can't just continue to rely on it. Um it was a difficult year because of the state aid uh basically plateauing and uh I just want to thank Tom over in Pearl River uh at their school um at their board of education and Pearl River for all his hard work um of trying to get us in line with Westchester and I I really hope that comes
049through uh to support us in future years. But uh really great job on this budget. Um so I'm I'm very pleased and and thankful for all all the hard work. So, just going back, sorry, uh, Miss Corbel. So, I was able to pull this up on my phone. You are correct. We're going from nine sections in kindergarten to eight sections in first grade for next year. I thought it was nine, nine, and nine. >> Okay. >> And class size will be 20 one 21 per class. 21 students per class. So, you were correct. >> Thank you. Just I just wanted to make sure that I was right. >> I thought it was 9999. You were right. >> I think that's the only case that you would find that. >> Pretty sure that's the only >>
050Thank you. >> So I just wanted to add since um you mentioned the fund balance and you know we still remain at a positive position with a healthy fund balance and projecting to generate fund balance for this year. So there is continual work to do but I think um to to ensure that we're not at a structural deficit which is when we a budgetary the expenses exceed revenues we just want to make make sure I think we're at a good point to continue this work in the next couple of years because we do end up generating fund balance right so that just means half of that comes from like revenue estimates but as that continues to tighten you know we we may not get so much dropping from the revenue And and so when it
051comes from the expenditures being, you know, meeting the budget or potentially exceeding um that's that's more of a challenging situation to be in. Yeah. But thank you everyone. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And with that, I'll make a motion to reconvene to a public meeting at 8:23 p.m. >> Motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Katie. All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. All right. So, we can go with public commentary. We have we have one person. Okay. Let me read. All right. Protocol for public commentary is as follows. All opinions are heard. Everyone should be an active listener. Each person is responsible for his or her behavior. Respect diverse perspectives. Be conscious of your speaking time and tone. A limit of three minutes is an appropriate time frame to
052state your issue. Speakers may not give unused time to other speakers. Issues of specific personnel, either positive or negative, cannot be discussed at board meetings. References, comments, or discussion that does or may identify a specific student or students by name or situation will not be discussed publicly due to deferral law. Issues pertaining to specific students should be addressed privately with the students teacher, principal, or school counselor in accordance with policy 1400, public concerns, before bringing the issue to the superintendent's intention. The board reserves the right to close comments on an issue if residents become unruly or disrespectful or if the topic is something that the board is legally unable to discuss in public. If an unusual number of people are attending to bring forth a specific issue, the number of speakers could be limited. Depending
053on the number of people wishing to speak during public commentary, the board reserves the right to reduce the time limit on each speaker until everyone is heard. The sole purpose of public commentary is for the board to actively listen to the community. Meeting protocol requires that questions presented to the board during public commentary will be responded to when possible at the board's discretion. Questions requiring investigations will be referred to the superintendent and will be responded to in a timely fashion through future board meetings electronic mail, mail, or telephonically provided the contact information is supplied on the public commentary signup sheet. >> At this time, Mr. Leon Jacobs can come to the podium. >> Good evening. Um, before I begin, I just like to get a little bit of clarity because I'm a little bit confused
054about what I just heard. There was a comment that sort of indicated that the budget was below the cap or are we at the cap? Because there was a comment just before that we were below the cap. >> We're at the cap. >> We are at the cap. Okay. I just wanted to make sure >> we could have set the cap higher. >> Excuse me. >> We could have set the cap higher, but we didn't. >> Okay. >> It could have been up in words of two and a half, two. >> So, we've structured the budget. We came in at the cap, but we intentionally set the cap lower than where we could have. So, we say we ended up saving the taxpayer money. We could have made it higher. We didn't. >> Okay. Did
055Did you I I don't want to get into a dialogue with Thank you, sir. Um, I I I've been in your shoes, so I I I know what it's what you've what you've gone through. Um, and I don't know what your long-term financial strategy is and a long range financial goals are because I haven't seen them. Um, I've haven't been at any board meetings recently, but I've tried to watch them through the YouTube. Um, I wasn't able to attend any of the budget workshops because they weren't uh videotaped. So, I don't know uh or they weren't uh promoted on YouTube, I should say. Um, last year I commented about the use of the reserves. Um, when the reserves were established, they were to level anomalies in terms of the ERS and TRS. when there was
056a spike one year, we were able to use the reserves to level out the spike to avoid the taxpayers being influenced by that spike. And it seems that that strategy of using the reserves has has changed. Uh looking at the budget quickly, it looks like the ERS increased $171,000 year to year, but we'll be using $500,000 of reserves to offset it and obviously something more. the TRS actually decreased yeartoear, but you we're using $500,000 of reserves for that as well. So, it looks like we're using the reserves for more than the leveling of the anomalies from year to year, which is a concern to me. Um, so not fully understanding what was just said because I have haven't had a chance to digest it, but I just question how using the $1.2 $2 million of
057reserves impacts the overall budget as a whole. And the concern I have is I wasn't able to find the summary of the reserves in the budget book that I looked at online. And historically, we've had the the budget book include the reserves. And when I left the district, I know roughly where the budget reserves were. And my concern is that if we keep spending a half a million dollars a year on ERS and TRS, we're going to run out of that money very quickly. So my question is where is the financial cliff? Is the financial cliff in a year or two years? I understand Mr. Finn what you said about, you know, the the concerns, but where I heard that the district is in a good position, I'm very concerned. I don't think the district's
058in a good position in terms of how we've been spending the reserves, how the budget is being reduced by the reserves and the reserves are going to run out. And my concern is what's going to happen when the reserves run out. Are we going to have to go for a budget that's above the tax cap? And what's the taxpayer response going to be at that point? Um, so that's that's my question on the budget or comments on the budget. With regard to the capital reserve, I know that when we did the current capital program that we have right now of the $49 million, we were able to reduce the $49 million by $18 million using the capital reserve fund. And that was used for a classroom renovation that was directly involved with all the students.
059And now that I hear that we're going to use almost $8 million of capital reserve for the athletic field, the uh all-purpose field, I question whether that's the most prudent use of that money at this point in time considering a I don't know how much is going to be left in the capital reserve budget after this. I just heard that you just had the bill and condition survey performed based upon the fiveyear cycle. There was some things that was brought up that you're trying to address now with the million and a half dollars that that used to be $2 million. Now that was reduced to a million half dollars. So with this building condition survey coming out and the need to address the issues on the building condition survey, is this the most appropriate use
060for the capital reserve? And again, I don't know where the district is with its long range facility planning. I don't know how this ranks in terms of the long range facility planning. It just seems that it's a big chunk of the money going to the students that are the athletes and there there could be a large percentage of students that are athletes, but there's other lot there's also students that aren't athletes and I just question who's advocating for them for the use of the money. So that's basically my comments on the budget. I really would like to know where we stand on the reserves, how much money is left in the reserves. If someone can answer that, I' I'd like to know that. would be happy too. >> Okay. >> Well, you seem very ind
061depth with the numbers. You can calculate it from the previous budgets. When you if you say you know what the reserves were, we're not hiding how many how much comes in and out of the reserve. >> We're going to we're going to respond to your question >> when when you're finished. >> So, so that that's that's you know that that's my concern in regard to expenditures exceeding revenues. If we're using tax cap to offset or use the tax caps as part of the revenue, then our expenditures are exceeding our revenue. So I just talk about that. Um the other thing I'd like to talk about just real quick is uh the last board meeting there was a talk about Boseies and seats for Boseies and there was a lot of talk about how what we
062can do as a district and basically the response that I understood from the video was we were basically going to send all our students to Boseies you know put put all our students into the the pool for Boseies. I didn't hear much conversation about how we're going to support Boseies instead of Boseies increasing seats, adding more seats to the programs that they can be receptive to the additional students because all we're doing is we're we're increasing the hopes of our students because we're going to send them over to Boseies but Boseies is still capped. So we're changing the bad guy from us to Boseis. >> That's always been the case even all the years that you served on the board. Okay. Yes. So that's not changed. But but the conversation in terms of helping the
063students was there wasn't the conversation about how can the district support Boseies to increase the seats that Boseies offers with the increased demand for the >> Boseies has been increasing seats every year. They're building on their campus. They've expanded capacity. I go to the Boseies budget dinner every single year. I was just there. We are working with them with all the other districts in the county to expand seats. But >> that that was that was an express Well, we only had 48 hours to act to get everyone into the lottery [clears throat] one. >> So, if you expected us to also roll out a plan how to support Boseis in the 48 hour didn't didn't expect a plan just just expected a you know a conversation about it. >> Well, maybe maybe the those conversations
064are and will present it publicly. >> Okay. >> And then the the last comment I have is uh regarding public commentary. you know, public commentary. One one of the bullets talks about references, comments, and discussions that does or may identify a specific student or students by name or situation may not be discussed publicly due to FUKA law. Yet, when we made when you had the Bose's presentation, you let the students come up and express their educational information that I don't think was appropriate at a public setting. >> You can follow up. I mean, If that's your position for those students that you think they were wrong to identify themselves, I mean go I mean that is out there. >> I I think the difference is in in my opinion that if I I I could
065be wrong but when I read this I feel like you're we're asking that you people that are coming in not identifying other people. If you want to identify yourself I think that's a different story. We think student voice is very important and I commend those students for having the courage to come up here and share their stories. That's my position. >> I I I I agree with you where the students should come up, but disclosing some of their information I don't think is appropriate. >> Thank you. Uh Miss Espanel, um I think you want to address some of Mr. Jacob's questions and comments, particularly the fund balance plan presentation that you presented in public at the board of education meeting, which I think details all of the information that he's looking for. >> So, I
066just want to say I completely understand right the bigger picture, the financial status, um things that we do look at for budget development. Um we I have presented within past presentations the audited fund balance which is as of June 3025. Um, and then we've had resolutions for funding. For this year, we haven't had those resolutions, but within the budget book, there is the property tax report card, and it has the anticipated um estimated fund balance and the allocation across all of the funds. So, I just wanted to make you aware of that. Um, it's a require it's a legal disclosure, so we do have it in the in the book. So I just verified that if you want if you want to take a look at it. >> Sure. Okay. Um was there anything >>
067the fund balance plan that you presented? >> So so I put together a fund balance plan because it didn't exist before. I mean I I >> I don't think he's >> and so that plan it's not public. >> Oh it's it was shared with the board. It's not adopted by the board. So I think once the fund balance plan if the board decides to adopt it becomes a public document. Okay. Um but we can put it on the on the website if that's um you want it one more round of review and commentary. Um but it includes things like funding let's say ERS not to exceed a certain amount of um anticipated expenditures for x amount of years so that you know it's not a continual cycle. Um and it includes potential use of it
068at certain points. So there's a little bit of a parameter put in there. Um, so I'll I'll touch base on that with the board again and then we can make it public, clean it up and make it public. >> Yeah. And as far as use of ERS TRS reserves that's in the fund balance plan, that's also something we do in consultation with our district attorney and something that the auditors advised and we are doing that in uh collaboration and in consultation with them. We are in a fiscally healthy financial position. We have uh successfully closed the budget gap with no layoffs. In the three years that I've been the superintendent here, we have had no teacher layoffs. That certainly was not the case in the many years that preceded that. Thank you. >> And also
069I would add one, we added a layer of appropriate accounting to account for future interest. And some of the anomalies that he referred to is because it is because they didn't anticipate more or less interest coming in from the from the said reserves that he's quite concerned about. And also to follow on the Boseis thing, I'd just like to one I want to find out like I hope they all get in and if there's a budget problem, I'm excited to find out to find more money for them. So that's my statement right there on that. Um the other thing that I would say more importantly is is that was raised by by Dr. Aretta in the conversation was what we should do for the next year's budget is we should set up a Bosei specific
070line. So one of the one of the problems this year I won't say problem is like we were told we could only send I don't know what the number is X right because we only had X in our budget. What I think we should do for future years is actually set up like a BoseI savings account, right? So if we get X plus three, we can put 2X into the we can put X into the savings account and pay, right? So one year we get every student in or twice 16 instead of eight, we can use the savings account to cover it in a fat year, if you will. And then in a lean year when we don't have students, the savings account will be built up. And then there's a nice flex right there
071for the both. So then we never have to tell our students that they can't go into the Boseis lottery. We can have that. We can make our own dedicated capital reserve for the Boseis people and we never have to worry about pulling the plug on our end from the students. >> Yeah. And we have been working with our district attorney and they think that's a great idea and they're helping us uh put that together. So we will have the ability to do that moving forward which is something that really we've been struggling with this Boseis issue for the 20 years that I've been here and I'm very happy to see that we're finally going to have a path forward that we won't be in this uh situation next year. >> And I' I'd just like
072to say one thing Lonnie to address you directly. We worked on the board together and and I appreciate your wealth of knowledge. um you've served this community for a very long time and you continue to participate and and give your expertise. The one thing I would ask because this is the second year you've come to this meeting and given your um your opinion on on where we're at. You know, obviously the budget cycle is all year and and we're you know, as soon as this one passed, we're going to be starting the next one. Um coming this late in the game is a little tough to make any changes. Um, not that it's impossible, but if you, you know, you've got a wealth of knowledge. I I implore you if you want to share your
073expertise, come to more board meetings if you have time and and share your expertise. But, you know, if you have anything to share, you you've got my number and you can call me and and we can look at things or or whatever we can do to to support the school district. I appreciate your time. Um, and that's it. >> And we would certainly be happy to answer any questions you have. We really don't want to get into a back and forth. I think you know from when you were on the board that we don't I I think we're good. >> Great. >> Question. >> All right. Uh so we can go on to board discussion on any committee reports. >> Um we had the policy committee but I think Dr. Kulot covered that in his
074superintendent's uh report. That's all I have. >> Okay. All right. I have facilities committee meeting summary notes from May 6th. Um bond phase one William O'Hafer and Cottage Lane remaining punch list items uh just going through them. Bond phase two at the high school we have abatement timeline is July 7th through July 17th. Per superintendent external camps and district staff will be allowed to use the building within legal and safe parameters from the abatement area. It is not a district policy to close an entire building. No secondary monitors in science rooms 317, 319, or staff lounge. Pricing being obtained for adding power to remaining classrooms in the 300 wing at back of rooms for secondary screens. And then we have the wait room construction scheduled to start on 52226 as approved by building administrator. Then
075we have phase 2 A the high school auditorium abatement to start June 30th. Then we have phase three s abatement timeline is June 30th through July 6th. Per superintendent external camps and district staff will be allowed to use the building within legal and safe parameters from the abatement area. field under will be field under >> construction. >> Field construction under it's at the zones >> field construction >> grass field >> will be it will be out of use from the end of June after school ends through September 1st 2027. The lower fields will be used for recess. Confirmed summer programs to occur at Cottage Lane Elementary. Energy return units erus are delayed. TPG and CPL coordinating any cost or schedule implications. And then we have substantial completion dates and the coordination for phase two is
076August 24th, 2026. For phase three is August 25th, 2026. And plan for board of education walkthroughs during the end of July and the end of August. >> And just a a comment about the auditorium project at Tapenzee High School. That project is definitely going to run beyond the summer. We have a special contractor who's going to be working on that. We're very excited that we're renovating the auditorium at Tapenzy High School along with a lot of the other projects that you heard about tonight, including the the upcoming uh capital project that we are putting forth for the voters that we hope gets approved. And that project we think is probably going to last through the winter, right? >> December. >> Through December, but we're hoping that we'll be ready for the spring plays. That's the
077goal. Very excited for that project. [laughter] >> Not yet. >> All right. Um, so we can move on to Is there any uh agenda agenda agenda items that the board would like to discuss? >> Are you talking about the addendum or is that separate? >> Uh, no. Included in the add agendum. I just want to uh I mean I don't know if I can say it now because we're going to approve it in a second in a few minutes, but um I just want to uh say that um I'm sad to see Mrs. Graham leave. Um, I'm sad because I think that she's donated so much of her time and effort to the SEPTA and I really hope that the SEPTA continues and I really thank her for all of her hard work and dedication.
078Sorry. >> Thank you for sharing that and we wish her luck in her future position. It's a great promotion. Yeah, I I met Lori uh few years ago and ever since I've seen her do amazing work for this school district. I'm very happy with uh what she's done and I wish her the best in her promotion. Um and >> I want to echo that as well. I've worked uh with Lori Graham on a personal level and she's incredible and I'm uh truly excited for her for this promotion. >> She's been great. All right. So, with that, um, there's no agenda items to speak on. I'll read the addendum. So, let's see. I have certificated personnel addendum resignations. It is recommended that the board of education approve the resignation of the following S O S O
079S O S O S O S O S O S O S O S O SA member effective 6:30 2026. Lori Gran 1.0 0 FTE director of special education special education and related services is recommended that the board of education approve the vacation of the following of the S oh so it's the same thing sorry of the S so SASA member effective 6:30 2026 do I have a motion >> I make a motion >> thank you trace >> second thank you Diana all in favor >> I recommending that 12. >> Okay. 12. Let me just look at it really fast. Page on that. Okay. Motion to remove item 12A from the superintendent's office consent agenda. >> Motion. >> Thank you, Diana. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Tracy. >> Thank you. All in
080favor? >> I. >> All right. So, I will go with motion to approve amended consent agenda categories 8 through 13. >> Motion. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Katie. All in favor? I. >> I. All right. Any new business? All right. Thank you everyone. I'll do a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m. >> Motion. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? Thank