001Right. >> There you go. >> Yeah. >> Math because she didn't like her score. >> Correct. also let our relationship get in the way. >> Yeah. At least something school. >> Okay, here we go. Mic check. This is number one. Mic check number one. >> Check. Check one. support. >> This is mic number three. >> Mic number three. Check. Check. One, two, three. >> Mic number four. One, two, three. >> Four. >> Mic number five. One, two, three, four, five. Number five. Check. Check. >> So now I got to get a message. >> Mic number six. Mic number six. 1 2 3 4 56. >> Check. Check. 1 2 3 4 5 6. Mic six. This is the wireless mic. We're using this for our student reps. >> Wireless mic for student reps. One, two,
002three. >> And then this is the podium mic. Podium mic. 1 2 3 1 2 3 check. Check. One two. >> Hi. How are you? >> I'm good. How are >> you? Well, yeah. What's she doing? >> She's going to university. >> Okay, >> there you go. because you know people face. >> Oh my gosh. >> It is like the best life of my day. >> Is she killing you? >> How are you? >> She's killing me. I'm enjoying her. >> I don't know. >> I guess she's so >> We have a recliner couch. Daniel's over here. And I hear her face. I'm like, "Oh, let me see what she's got tonight." >> Oh my god. >> She's so good. one around this building. I'll tell her >> she shows up on my follow >>
003like she's always got like Seinfeldish humor, right? >> She is funny about nothing. straight to it. >> She custo So my girlfriend Mary assistant district attorney she was in county she's now >> yeah she two more >> down the >> It's fun when you're going to college. >> Sure. >> Forget your first marketing communications starting. I literally just got back from camping. I am. Oh, hi. I appreciate that. >> You sure? >> Thank you so much. Yes. Back here. How are you? chair. You can always call Jason probably It does. Hello everybody. We're just going to start in a minute or two. We were just wrapping up our tenure retiree reception and the high school cap. So just bear with us for a minute more. Thank you. We're going to start with the pledge of
004allegiance. Please stand 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. >> All right. Once again, uh, thank you for being here tonight. Obviously, the purpose of this meeting is a public hearing uh based on the board's adoption of a new revised budget which will be on the ballot for voting June 16th here at the high school from 8:00 a.m. to 900 p.m. I want to begin by actually thanking everybody in this room and everybody watching online or watching later this week. The revised budget you will hear about tonight is not just the work of administration, but it really is representative of the community at large. It also includes information we received from voters uh after
005the May 19th vote, people who emailed or text or shared with our administrators or teachers in various settings on the island, even at TOPS. Uh we have listened and the budget in front of you tonight reflects that. The original budget was a asking for a 2.69% tax levy increase. This revised bud budget proposes a 1.5% tax levy increase. For those of you who are interested in the um numbers, for a $397,000 home, the tax levy increase of 1.5 equates to approximately $7146 more a year. If you apply basic star to that, it drops to $6549 more a year. That can also be looked at by the month at $546 more a month or $1.26 26 more a week when basics is applied. The total spending plan now stands at 81,185 805 and it's $500,000 less
006than what we considered in May. Those reductions were drawn from hard work looking line item by line item. They represent uh decreases in what we budgeted for utilities, for boaties, for travel and staff development, for legal expenses, for district supplies, for district repairs, for personnel substitute expenses, for school equipment, not all school equipment, but a portion of school equipment and health related benefits. No classroom program has been reduced. No teaching positions have been reduced. No studentf facing program has been reduced including athletics, music clubs, modified sports, after school activities, buses for after school activities, summer learning, etc. I also want to be really candid uh tonight about what is not in the revised budget. It's very important to understand that the capital improvement project that was voted down in December has nothing to do with
007the May vote and had nothing to do with our May budget proposal. Those decisions about capital improvement uh will be rested on the entire board in the months ahead. I mention this only because I have heard that it's been conflated that the two things were connected and it certainly is not. A second thing has not changed since May 28th, and I want to repeat it tonight because the stakes have not softened. If this revised budget does not pass on June 16th, New York State Education Law requires us to uh adopt a contingency budget. A contingency budget is not chosen by the board. It is set by a state formula. Under contingency, the tax levy is held at zero and the cost is paid really through programs and the items I mentioned earlier. We lose the
008ability to purchase new equipment. We lose the ability to purchase buses. We are required to charge every community group that uses our schools right now, particularly those who use our schools for free. It's not allowed by state mandate. That includes all youth programs, scouts, uh our community education, our town wreck uses our facilities, and even the piranha club, which uses our our pool on a regular basis. Also under consideration due to a contingency budget would be the elimination of travel conferences, field trips, field trips for music festivals in the county or the state, field trips to Eco Island, field trips for DECA. Also for consideration would be the elimination of modified sports, the elimination of non-league JV contests, the elimination of extra class activities and student clubs. Intramule activities would also be under consideration for
009being cut. This district hires many of our own students back to work in the summer. We would not be able to do that. Any non-essential student travel would be cut. Continuing education programs, as I mentioned, wouldn't have access to the free use of our campuses. We already mentioned that we wouldn't be able to purchase equipment such as furniture. We would have changes in our buildings and grounds and maintenance equipment. We wouldn't be able to, as I mentioned, uh have a lot of transportation to field trips, etc. We would have to eliminate overtime except for snow removal. Uh we would uh eliminate after school busing, capital expenses, architectural fees, mentoring and professional development, etc. A contingency budget includes all those programs and touches students directly. All of that comes under pressure with that contingency. None of
010those outcomes make our schools stronger. None of them lower a single family's bills that they have to pay at the grocery store or at the gas pump. They simply quiet the things that make Grand Island strong. I do not raise contingency to alarm anyone. I raise it mainly because it's the honest consequence of a of a budget that fails twice and because every voter deserves to understand those consequences on June 16th. The purpose of this meeting tonight is to listen to uh concerns whether you are not in favor of the budget or you are in favor of the budget. Your voice is truly welcomed here and your time at the microphone is protected. To the board, my colleagues, to families and staff who make this district great, I want to thank you for all that
011you do. The budget on June 16th's ballot is a careful, restrained, community-shaped uh plan uh that protects uh many of the things that we hold dear on Grant Island. As I mentioned earlier, polls will open on June 16th right in our high school starting at 8 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. So, every vote matters and every vote counts. Let's begin. If we could, if you have questions, just orderly, one at a time, join us at the microphone and ask questions of myself or Doug Whan, Jim, I have a couple of questions and a clarification. Now, we've listed a whole slew of items that are not going to occur if the contingency happened, but the state doesn't mandate any one of those. That's a discretion by the district which things they cut. I gave a
012whole shopping list of things that uh quite frankly, I think they're trying to scare people. But going on the next thing about using the school by outside organizations, they can still use it. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Uh >> you're right, Jim, and they'll have to pay for it. >> Yeah. Uh let me finish here. Sure. >> According to the state, use of school buildings and grounds by outside organizations except where there is no identifiable extra cost to the district. So, the Boy Scouts come in and uh are in a gym a little meeting. They got the lights. That's not an extra identifiable cost to kids use it. Now, if somebody comes and use the pool and you need a lifeguard for 4 hours, that's a cost. I don't understand why we haven't been charging them
013all along for that. So, outside organizations can't still use this place. the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, there's no identifiable extra cost to the district. And then finally, I have a question on we have the revised budget and we have a contingency budget and there's $650,000 difference roughly. We have a 4% reserve built in which is roughly going to be 3.2 million bucks on the one that you want people to say yes on. Well, if we drop that reserve to 39, you're going to have a contingency and you get the same spending with exception of buses as you would on the higher cost one because you've got a huge I don't say huge, but you're at the state max with the 4%. That's something to consider. But people should understand that we have this reserve
014built in here. And have we ever used all of this reserve? Thank you, Jim. Anybody else can join us? >> So, I have two questions. And before I say the first question, just to clarify something Jim said, there's definitely things that are mandated that you cannot spend money on. >> That's correct. >> Those are typically not things that have a big impact on students. It's capital projects. It's vehicles. It's um furniture. It's things of that nature. Those things are mandated. So here's my question because I've seen a lot out on the internet. So uh first being um it is being reported on social media that programs like art, music, DECA, modified sports, interal sports will be cut if this budget fails. In one post on May 29th, it states Frank Graham was the source of
015this claim that it will be cut. This claim is spread widely without correction from the district, scaring the hell out of many parents, grandparents, and residents. Is it true that under a contingency budget the board must cut programs must cut programs such as art, music, DECA, and modified interal sports or can the board choose to make cuts elsewhere with minimal student impact? My research shows that most districts in contingency budgets, I repeat, most districts do not cut the programs that are most popular with the students, DECO for instance, DECA, etc. My question is why would this board not consider doing what most other districts do in this case and not cut those programs that is being reported that they're going to be cut out on on the internet. So that's question one. Second question, a
016government official posted on Facebook and it was shared on Grander Ideas and it's been shared by him numerous times now um stating that the contingency budget if this budget fails will result in an increase in to 2.4% um instead of a 0% increase in the tax levy. Um no one's disputed that other than me. Um, but clearly the state mandates it's a gonna be a 0% increase. You're correct, not a 2.4% increase. And this individual is also saying that he's gotten that information from from someone within the this organization and it's a person that should be a reliable source because he also talks to and addresses New York State issues for the island. Um, for him to be putting that out there, it's it should have been corrected by somebody. So, those are my two
017questions. >> Thank you, Mike. Excuse me. So, for question number one, Mike, um, under consideration, I've said those words at the last meeting that we had on the 28th and tonight, there will be many things under consideration that would be directed by the board of education if this June 16th vote is is a failure. >> You have kids on videos saying, "I want to be in DECA. I want to be in music. I want to be in art." You have kids on videos saying and you know I don't have kids on video but I do understand what you're saying >> out PR things on Facebook. >> So as I mentioned we've always said under consideration >> which means that you know I got to say if I was on the school board by at this
018point in time if I knew that a contingency budget would be possible I would know exactly what I'd be cutting. I wouldn't be putting out saying that these scary things are going to be cut which which would bother parents and grandparents. >> We didn't say they would be cut, but to your point, we said we would these would be considerations. And then Mike, I just want to add that if this budget fails on June 16th, this board will come back together to uh direct the administration on what would be cut in a contingency budget. >> Are you saying you haven't came that out yet? because if you haven't, I would consider that not being responsible. You should know. >> I'm just telling you that if it fails, this board will come together and we will
019put everything on the table and the board will direct us in how to move forward. I >> I just feel it's very dishonest to scare people. Um, thanks for voting. >> Again, I'm not scaring anybody, but thank you, Mike, for your your perspective. Hello everyone. My name is Paula Sh. I've been an island resident for almost seven years of my life and I've watched increment percentages every year of the budget go up. You say it's a few dollars here, a few dollars there, but I pay the most taxes to the school than I even do to the town. And I think everybody on the island does that as well. It's a lot of money and it does add up. So, we have 439 less students from the 1999 to 2000 school year. Yet, as I
020looked at the original budget, you had increases of expenses for the board of education by 23.18% by $15,000. You had a treasurer increase by 42%. $5,000 almost 6,000. It still adds up. Public information services increased by almost 40% which was 31,000. Central data processing increased by almost 11% at 100,000. I think there is places you can shave off. Why do we have all these assistant superintendents at all the schools? Why is that a consolidated petition? Do you need them at every school? Is it really necessary? That's something to think about. I know that most of the administration has contracts and I know that that is part of the budget as well. there's a lot of money with your healthcare over your um insurance etc etc etc and I think with tier six coming that's something
021else we need to look at as well I would really like you to take a hard look at what is necessary versus what you're wishing for and want for and I think that most of the people that's going to come on this budget because if you're able to use this budget and still keep your programing services that you had. Well, why wasn't that done to begin with? I'm sure there's some areas there that you're going to be able to cut. Thank you. >> Just one second. I just want to introduce you to our three assistant superintendents. This is John Fitzpatrick, Cheryl Cardone, and our interim assistant for business. They they are that's the team. John is in charge of curriculum, human resources, and staff development. So actually his position is combined and it's really two
022jobs in one. I just want to point that out. We don't have an assistant superintendent in every school. We just want to make sure that you understand that. >> Thank you. >> Sorry, I'm very passionate about this, so don't mind me if I get worked up. My name is Allison Dukat. I have been an island resident pretty much my whole life for about 42 years. I have two girls in the district and since they started school, that's all I've done. I've devoted myself I'm a teacher on Grand Island and I have devoted myself to my children in their schools. So from the three people who started speaking, I'm so very sorry that we heard three negative negative negative comments from the first three people who spoke because this is a wonderful district and we owe
023so much to the people who are sitting in this room for working hard day in and day out to provide our children in this district with a wonderful experience because our children are going to grow up and become the people who are the leaders of the future. And for us to sit there and complain about every little scent as if I'm sorry, these people are not in the schools every week like I am and like the teachers and the administrators. And if you think that these people are wasting money, then please spend more time in the schools because I am telling you, I watch them and they are using every cent at their disposal for our children. They are not wasting money. And if you think that, you need to spend more time in the
024schools in this district and see what our children are facing, what the teachers are facing, what the administrators are facing. We are all I'm a taxpayer. It's not like I don't I don't pay taxes. I do. So, I'm so confused when people are saying these things about our taxpayer dollars and nitpicking scent after scent when we're all feeling the same stress. But the people who are actually in the schools day in and day out experiencing what it's like to run the schools and what these children need. We recognize that the people in this room are feeling that same pain. They are also taxpayers on Grand Island, most of them, all of them. And so they are very conscious of the fact and they didn't when the budget failed and when the capital improvement failed because
025I've sat at these meetings unlike most of you these negative people especially on Facebook I sat in these meetings they were very aware of what Grand Island residents were saying and so they took that to heart and they went back and they thought how can we be respectful of these people saying we're feeling the pinch all across the what can we do? And they sat there and they took time out of their schedules to do that. And they came back and they said, "Here's what we can do for you." And yet there are people on Facebook spreading misinformation, like Dr. Graham said, glomming in the capital improvement and trying to make it seem like they're not hearing us. They are hearing us. And that's the message that needs to be spread. They are hearing us.
026They heard what we said. They were very thoughtful about the cuts they made while still protecting the integrity of our schools, which is the most important thing because we all live in this community. And when people say, "Well, I don't have kids in the schools anymore." Well, guess what? You live in a community. When they pave your road, I don't say, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe my taxpayer dollars are going to pay your road. I don't live on your road." No, we live in a community. people. Let's all stand together and recognize the important place that our school district plays in our community. That's not a question, it's a statement. Thank you. >> I'll go. I'll go. Uh Erin Luisos. Uh I too am passionate about this. I have two children in this district
027boy and a girl sports in season out of season. I too sat up here during co you all know me and I I was up here champion championing for our children the district's children your children my children everybody's children. I do the same thing is school responsibility. The children have been held hostage one too many times in this district. This is yet another case of it. It is ridiculous. Make the necessary cuts. Don't hurt the kids program. Okay. If we're talking about it's it's great that you broke it down and you you shaved a lot of money off. So, it's $71 or whatever this year and then next year and next year and next year and then throw like Paula said, throw tier six into that mix and it's going to be kaboom. If you
028don't know what that is, Google dot go whatever. It's going to be ridiculous. We are all feeling the pinch. All right. I'm just preaching fiscal responsibility. There are kids in the room or kids watching. This is the time to learn. All right. See for yourselves. Okay. That's all I got to say. Thank you. I'll take my John Delbo 2019 point. Thank you, John. I just uh I'm here just to offer my support uh for the school district. I really appreciate the hard work that all of you have done. Many of you may or may not know my mom was a longtime board member in other districts. So, growing up in it, it's not it's not easy. It's hard. It's many nights away. And I know this adds more work to it, but I know you're
029putting in that work. Uh my four children in the district, Charles, Ruth, Paul, and Josie, and their experience has been topnotch. There are things that they've gotten to do that I I couldn't afford. I know a lot of people are talking about taxes, but I view this all as an investment. It's an investment and not just today, but the future. Uh if you have known children in the district, I totally respect many of your perspectives, but just know that you are paying it forward just like others paid it forward when you were a child at some point. And we have a great opportunity to keep our school strong. I supported the last budget. um thank you for cutting it down, but I would support that budget again because at the end of the day, I
030know that we're dealing with a lot of strains and the economy and things like that, but really this is an opportunity to invest in our schools and to not take it out on them because I know these are tough times, but we have an opportunity to keep our school strong. So, I'm in support of this and I hope you are, too. Thank you, Jen. This is a public hearing. We still have an opportunity to speak. >> I am Dropco. If I could ask that everyone say their name because I don't know a lot of you, but um thank you all for being here. I just wanted to say thank you. You guys do a tireless job. I you can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the elected board members are paid. So,
031this is a volunteer job. If you don't like what you see, this is a democracy. Come out and and volunteer. Sit up here with these folks. Come to the meeting. Okay. Um, a few things were said that were disingenuous. Um, and and I don't recall your name because um with the blue hat. >> My name is Paula. >> Paulo. Okay. You said that uh I and and I'm really have short-term memory things, but you said something was 35,000 in 20 20 uh 1999 and then it increased uh significantly, right? you had a lot of figures uh numbers right the according to the US uh labor bureau of labor inflation has raised 200% since 1999 so using a number from 26 years ago is not really an accurate assessment of saying uh where we were with
032teacher salaries where we were with uh what it cost to run a facility. You know, that was before a heck of a lot of things changed in this world. And >> the number the number you're referencing is the number of enrollment of students. >> Wasn't salaries. >> We had we had a difference of 439 students less than in the year 2000. That was the number. So, I don't know where you're getting the dollars. >> I thought you said 35,000. Like I said, you said some numbers and you said it was about administrative stuff. Whatever. My point is 200% increase. You can't compare 99 to 2000. >> I didn't say anything like that. >> Can I just Mr. Cop, you're bringing up some really important points. Could you just direct your comments to the board? Thank
033you so much. >> Yes. So, um, like I said, I feel like a lot of things have been said that were disingenuous. I feel that blaming other people that aren't on the board and responsible for things that were said in Facebook isn't really like how is that your fault, you know? Uh I can't control what my neighbor writes on Facebook if it's right or not. Um, you know, it's up to us as citizens to come to these meetings, to read the information that's on the website, to follow the uh board's um objectives and and uh meetings and such every month. Like this isn't something that you just did last week. I mean, this is something that grows year after year. So, I just wanted to commend you. I wanted to say, you know, like let's
034take a good look at this because, you know, you're you're there there there's been a lot of points made that I just don't feel are are very genuine. You're using things that are, you know, hearsay. If I if I had said that 20 years ago, you know, people would have said I was crazy, but I can put it on Facebook and it's got Sorry. Thank you. >> I am also passionate. I don't know. Thank you. I have two one student still left on graduated. >> Thank you very much. Just want to make sure we give everybody time if they need it. Thank you, Aaron. >> You know my name. That's a wonderful thing. >> I'm Aaron Vizer. I have um actually three children in the district. Two that have graduated um one four years, the
035other one is in her first year at St. John Fischer and one still in the district. I have come to you multiple times. That's why you know me by name. Um with wanting you to have more communication and wanting you to get out information in a more productive I feel way. So, could you tell everyone that is listening where we can look at the budget in specifics, how it's how it's broken down, where the money is spent. Um, is there something that we can look at to reference in regards to that? >> Can you just be a little bit more clear for Doug and I just so that we can respond appropriately? where money is spent in the budget, like how much is spent in district office, how much is spent on pupil's services, how
036much is spent on teacher enrichment, like a breakdown of cost. >> Sure. >> Doug, I'm going to if you want to just speak a little bit and um Erin, I'll pull up the budget book because it is on your website. That that might help us too. >> Okay. And then um does it also state if we go into this other um budget, what does that look like? How much are we spending in each area? It is a budget book and it is quite detailed. Uh Doug, >> um what you've had here in the past is you have a newsletter, >> right? >> So um it focuses on general expenses. It's not it breaks it down in a three-part form. It it breaks it down uh in in large amounts, I would say. Okay. It focuses
037on the tax rate. Um, >> is it saying like breakdown of cost like Sidway needs a new roof? So, you know, like different cost breakdowns of perspectives of on what is to occur at different points of the year >> just and I it's so good that you talk about Sidway, right? Roofs would be covered in a district uh capital project. So, this is separate from any roof or infrastructure work. >> Okay. But there's 19 pages of a budget book on the district website. Um you can go to board of education and then hit the revis breakdown of like district office right now. I know there's a lot of interm positions being filled and teachers on special assignment. Is there a cost breakdown of what what um you know comes out of district office? >> Yeah,
038I think in this budget book if I'm not mistaken Doug >> well >> administration uh would also be covered. These are major categories. So, it's not going to give you the specific cost of central office in terms of what you're looking for. >> Okay. >> We do have documents of that nature and I guess we're using them. If people are interested in them, we can provide them. But >> so you'd want someone to put in a foil for that documentation. >> I don't think you need a just ask me. Okay. Um, but this is the format that you have had for years and I've been asked to follow it. So, you have this budget book, you have budget newsletters, we have open forums like this. Uh, people that are asking me specific questions, I'm giving
039them information. Okay. >> So, um, you know, I came in December and I'm just following what you do here at Grand Island. >> You have a tremendous school district. Um, that's obvious from everyone I talk to and the and their academic performances. This is going to give you an overview of what's required by the state. >> Okay. >> If you want further detail than this, you have to ask. >> Okay. >> Absolutely. We'll be in touch. Thank you so much. I appreciate >> you. I'm John. I don't really go to any of these meetings. I think the last time I visited meeting was a joint meeting between the board and the town council for which we had no opportunity to speak at all which I was very disappointed not having that opportunity. So I do
040appreciate having the opportunity to just ask a specific question that's about the budget itself. Um so the largest item I could see on the budget production was 150,000 or something like that for utilities is what I understand. And I'm just wondering just in general how that's going to be handled given the increases we've been seeing with electric gas power in general energy and maybe we have a year-long term contract which means we're insulated from all that but I think it's like maybe a projection over 5% yearover-year in that category that you're reducing back and I'm wondering just realistically with this budget being being voted, you know, what's the contingency? Do you take the money if it's a bad winter or whatever the energy prices continue to rise? Um how is that handled and is it
041a realistic reduction in the budget given that the context where we are now? >> Thank you, Mr. Ch. and just use the microphone uh Doug if possible. Thank you. >> So when I came in December uh I did a complete analysis of the past and to the best of my ability I'm trying to predict the future. So in utilities last year we spent roughly 910,000 somewhere in there for all the utilities and my initial budget uh had $1.2 2 million not knowing, you know, and that's quite an increase, but not knowing uh the history of the district and, you know, how how we use electricity and, you know, I know they're going up. So, we've reduced it now. We've taken $150,000 out of that budget and we've got just over a million dollars. So, it's
042a million40 and it's about 14% 13.5% increase. So when I'm asked to shave off numbers and not affect the program because we don't want to touch any of the programs for the kids. We don't want to do that. I'm doing the best I can to estimate these costs uh given a very short history. So there's about 13% in. If that's not enough, and it might not be, then we'll have to move money from another portion of the budget. But a lot of these things in the budget are our best guess. It's a budget. And you know, how much do we have in health insurance? How much? We budgeted $4 for diesel. It's now $6 a gallon. So, there are some things that are pretty close. um you know I I am disclosing to certain people
043um that ask me about the reserves and about the 4% balances and how that can be used and there is some good discussion that can happen in the future. Um I've asked the superintendent if we could do a like a finance committee a subcommittee and let's take this budget, break it down and let's have the public understand more about it. But I'm doing the best I can with the with the history that I have. So in terms of utilities, we might be close. >> So was what I'm hearing perhaps there's a 13 and a half% gap in the risk management of that budget portion for energy. >> Yes. Yes. Um in those terms, yes. It's about a 13.5% increase from our last year's spending. So, is that is that going to be appropriate? >> Yes,
044that's the question. >> That's the question. And to the best of my ability, um, I'm giving that a good shot. We we'll see what happens. And, and as we monitor, uh, I have the people in the buildings and grounds department. every time we pay utilities, they're recording it on an Excel spreadsheet and we're looking at that and we're judging month by month how that's going. So that's what we've been doing since I've come in December with most of the accounts. >> So are there procedural things that are being done to try to >> mitigate that? >> 100%. Yes. >> Could you do you have details of what kind of things? >> Absolutely. It's very It's fascinating actually. Uh we've talked about shutting down computers automatically at 10 p.m. at night. So that is a tool
045in the tool belt that will reduce uh energy, you know, every day. We did that actually when I was an assistant superintendent in West Sica. So it's definitely something we're exploring to make sure that uh computers that haven't been properly shut down aren't drawing energy, for example. Right. And as you may have noticed, uh when you when you leave this room, the lights go off automatically. We have uh systems in place. We've put in LED lighting all throughout all of our buildings and parking lots, which reduces energy cost, too. We're even thinking about solar and what we can do with solar. We have to wait for our two roofs, the high school and middle school, to be reconstructed in a capital project. Once that's done, we would love to put solar panels up on the
046roof to generate as much uh energy as we can and credits that will help reduce our cost. And we've even explored solar in some of the land that we own. >> Okay. Yeah. Just trying to understand the budget question at hand rather than all kinds of different directions. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Nicole, I have a question. It was documented in the bridge that Grand Island along with West Sonica pays for two children to be to Fredonia. What is the cost of that and why are we doing that? >> Yeah, so it's a great question. I'm going to speak about it and then Doug and Cheryl can can fold that in. You want to go first? Fredonia. >> It's It's Monroe Boseies and Rochester. >> Well, it said Fredonia in the bridge. >> All
047right. I'm going to Fairport. >> Fairport. Thank you. >> Regardless. >> Yeah. I'm just going to I can't talk about specific students, but there is a child that lives on Grand Island and needs specific services that are provided at one Boseies. We also that child's sibling, I believe, lives off island. Cheryl, is that correct? >> Correct. In West. >> In West Saka. So we've combined forces to make sure that we can provide that transportation to what is documented on their individualized education plan. >> So how then do does the district decipher because isn't it like a 25 mile radius for children who want to go to probial schools that the island will bust them? >> It's it's very different. Uh Doug and then Cheryl >> um 15 miles for probial schools. >> Okay. So, in
048each direction, um, the case you're talking about is a special needs child and there is no mileage limitation there. It's where it's determined that that program exists for the child. So, in this case, it's Fairport, New York. >> Yeah, Cheryl, without revealing any private information, >> I don't expect you to reveal the students. >> No, no, that's okay. So you know part of part of the student um that you know you're questioning about um is also uh from a group home. >> Um so a lot of times when students are trans are transferred from one district to another from group home to group home we inherit um that placement you know for them to continue going to school there. I will tell you if a student is in a group home we do get reimbursed
049110% for those particular students to offset the cost of the program transportation etc. So these are school age children correct living in >> group. Correct. >> Okay. So what is the island paying along with West Sica to these two students to fair >> the exact number? We would have to get back with you Nicole on that exact number. >> That's important for users. >> But but please understand what what um Cheryl shared. We have to front those costs in every budget and then we get state aid sometimes as Cheryl said 110% back. But we have to front the cost. >> So why would you then put that in the bridge? >> I think it's just it's important for everybody in the community to know that if this budget goes down, we can't buy new buses,
050right? And on this proposition two, we were asking, I believe Teresa, for a wheelchair bus, correct? >> Yeah. So we we just want people to understand that this is a complex you know organism for lack of a better word. We take care of all children to the best of our ability and sometimes we have to front cost on the front end to get aid back on back end but if this goes down we can't buy that wheelchair bus. >> So Brown does not have wheelchair buses. >> We do. I'm just saying we can't follow our bus replacement if this goes down. >> Okay. And also um it was in one of the papers it stated that we're still paying off buses. That correct? >> Yeah. There's a debt a debt service plan that could speak.
051>> So we're still paying off buses, but yet we need to buy more buses. >> We have a replacement plan. >> We have a 10-year replacement plan, but when we have a proposition like proposition two, we finance it over five years. So when 1/ifth of that payment principal and interest falls off, this district has put up another proposition and that that 1/5 blends in with the one that drops. So it just continues and what's in the budget is the interest um that would be estimated for the payments for the buses. >> Got it. These new buses that um the district is hoping to purchase, are they electric buses? >> No. Thank you, Nicole, for asking that question. I have a whole whole thing I can say, but go ahead. I didn't mean to cut you
052off. >> No, that's okay. With Hok's mandate that buses are going to have to be elected by 2030, what is the point of >> Well, we should extend it in a year. What is the point of spending all of this money on buses if we're going to have to replace them >> with electric buses? >> You I think it's important and maybe you've heard me say this, you know, countless times. We're not in favor of Hokllo's mandate. And it's not just Grand Island. >> Almost everybody in the state sees this as a problem. >> Yes. >> Directors of transportation, fire companies see this as a problem. Superintendent have been advocating against it. Assistant superintendents, administrators, right? And our legislators, to be honest with you, we have excellent people that represent Grand Island and they see
053that this is a problematic mandate. With that said, um it was true that by 2035, um everybody was supposed to have purchased all of these buses. It's just not feasible. It's not appropriate, and it's a misguided mandate by New York State. >> Uh by 2027, we were to purchase our first electric bus. The in this new budget, there's a new law that pushes that mandate out five more years. And if we are going to be if I'm going to be a little snarky about our leadership in Albany, 5 years would be after the governor has served this next term if she gets elected again. >> So it's very strategic that the push out is five years. So we're we're fortunate and all districts are fortunate that we do not have to buy an electric bus
054uh at least until those five years are up. >> Okay. So, you just said you'd have to buy one by 2027, but it's pushed back. >> It's pushed back five years. Sorry. >> Does it if it gets pushed back, does it then entail us getting these electric pumps, chargers? >> You'll never see us advocating for chargers or electric buses until such time as that we're truly mandated and there's no change in the law. >> Okay. So, you'll get me the number on how much we're spending this. It's $496 a day. >> $496 a day >> and they go 5 days a week. >> Correct. Correct. >> Thank you, Nicole. >> Hi, my name is Emily. Um, I just wanted to talk a little bit to the buses. I know I'm supposed to direct at you.
055So, Nicole, that's why I'm not turning around talking to you, but But it's a so I um have an interesting position in that I used to work in school finance as an attorney. I was a bond lawyer for about seven years and worked um including some of the school financings. I worked for Hodgeim. I worked on the financing side. So it's I don't have all of the things memorized that I used to because I haven't done this for a few years. But New York State you're only allowed to borrow for five years for buses. your loan c your bonds which is essentially like a loan right can only be five years in length. So that's why there's a mismatch between how long we own the buses and how long we finance them for because you
056cannot finance a bus for more than 5 years. And so that is why school districts have that role in the financing plan because the problem is and there are others here who could speak to that more specifically. If you let your buses if you don't finance buses every year on that rolling ban basis your maintenance costs end up being higher than much much much higher than if you had purchased the buses in a timely fashion. further that leads into delays which leads to longer um bus rides for just students going to Grand Island schools. This happened to Springville Griffith schools of I want to say about 10 plus years ago. I cannot remember the exact date and it caused all sorts of problems with their transportation route. Um I cannot you know obviously speak about
057these students. I will say it is unfortunate that we have to wait for state reimbursement for funds, right? That we have to put up that money in the first place, but we don't have a choice on that and that is a statem mandated thing. And I've been thinking about this a lot with some of the budget issues. So much of what happens is that we get a state mandate and and by we I mean any local community, any local school district. And so the school district has to figure out how to make that state mandate happen. Um uh right, we've all discussed that the um electric buses cause problems especially in rural areas. I believe that if we continue that push back on the state level, hopefully we will not have issues on Grand Island.
058Although I would think that Grand Island would be a slightly better community for electric busing in general just because we have defined boundaries, right? But that's a separate note. >> Um but that's how it is. I mean like I so I work for the state. Um I am a professor at UB and I'm going to travel to conference in July and because I am a state employee, I have to pay for my conference travel ahead of time. You know, I have put $2,000 of my own money up at this conference and I have to wait for the state to eventually reimburse me and it's terrible and I hate it. But if I want to be better at my job, that's what I have to do in order to make that happen. And so a lot
059of these things that we don't like are are very much state issues. Um, and that's all I have to say. >> Thank you so much. >> Good evening. Liz Goss here. Um, I have three kids currently in the district. Um, I won't take long, but I do want to come up to just say some thank yous um, to everyone sitting up here. So, to those of you that are paid salary, thank you for your time. I know you go above and beyond what your job requires. I know you go above and beyond the hours. So, that is recognized by a lot of people that are here. I know a lot of times at these meetings, it doesn't feel that way. Um, those of you that are board members, um, it's very much recognized that this
060is volunteer time. um and you're taking a lot of heat, especially last month. So, thank you for volunteering your time to do that. Um it's recognized. We know you're advocating for your children. We know you're advocating for our children is very much appreciated. Um I also want to point out some other things that I recognize and that I know talking to a lot of other parents, we recognize as well. Um I heard some things about people questioning the fiscal responsibility. Um, I took some time before the last budget vote to take an quick analysis of the last 10 years of the Grand Island District budget. Our budget has remained under inflation over the last 10 years. To me, that's extremely fiscally responsible. So, costs have risen. You guys have managed to keep us underneath those
061costs rising. Um, I also want to say I recognize your expertise and I trust it. Um, one of the beautiful things about the internet is it gives us a lot of information, but I think one of the setbacks to that is we now have a lot of people that, and I'll say myself included at times, think we're experts in a lot of things that we're not. So, I do recognize we've got a lot of people on the board here and behind the scenes, um, that are advising you guys that are very, you know, very well educated in what they're doing and know what they're doing. So, we appreciate the expertise. I recognize it and I really trust it. So, I appreciate that. Um, want to recognize that it was very much seen that you were
062receptive to feedback after the capital project was voted down. I know I definitely saw the difference in how you addressed the first proposed budget. I definitely see it in the second proposed budget here. Um, and even your enthusiasm with the increased participation, whether it's negative or positive, I think that's great. Um, there's not always a lot of participation from the community and things like this. So, increased participation is great and you guys have been fabulous with that feedback regardless of if it's been positive or negative. So, thank you for that. Um, and the last thing I do want to recognize, um, I know I heard people talk a little bit about fearongering with the messaging. Um, I'd like to point out that I recognize you are putting that out there as urgency. Um, I know
063as a mother who has three kids in the district, um, one of which who's in DECA, that's her main thing. I've seen her grow and thrive in it, has been a blessing to us and just absolutely wonderful for our family, for our daughter. So, the idea of not being able to travel to those conferences and do those things for her breaks my heart. she saw that right away and her heart was broken. So, I appreciate that you guys are transparent with the types of programming that could be impacted. Um, and I recognize that that's not fear-mongering, but it's trying to be have an urgency so that people really do understand the student impact. I I think it's very easy sometimes people they see numbers, they don't see students faces. Um, so I appreciate that you
064guys really recognize that and are trying to find a way to communicate that to everyone clearly. Um, so I appreciate that. And then last but not least, um, for any of the teachers that are here and I know that are watching and will watch later. Um, thank you to all of you guys cuz I know you guys are doing a lot um, in the trenches as well. Um, and I know in my opinion education across the board is completely underfunded. I know you spend tons of your own money, tons of your own time to invest in our children. So, across the board, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. We appreciate everything you're all doing. >> Thank you, Liz. >> Um, the contingent budget is $629,855 less. What is the cost of
065all the student facing programs that you are considering cutting? >> The cost modified sports non JV athletic events. >> Sure. >> I can just recall approximately modified sports cost about $85,000 >> for all students throughout the school year >> for modified sports. >> Modified sports. >> Middle school. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And Nicole, if this budget fails, we will go step by step. this board will direct us, right, and what should be cut to make sure it's a zero% increase in the tax levy. So, we we have those numbers. Um I don't have them all memorized, but we would be having a special board meeting to go over everything that would be eligible to be cut. Well, I I would hope that you would have been able to provide these numbers because all these
066things are listed as student based programs that are going to be cut or potentially under consideration. >> Yeah. Under consideration. So, roundabout outside modified sports being 85,000 with all these other things like >> what figure? >> Yeah, we How much is that? >> We the board would direct us. So it could be all of the things that are under consideration or some of those things, right? So that we would in a contingency budget the board directs administration on what to cut. So we would provide them every number, every dollar value so that they have the best information they can >> or right now you don't have a number as >> it's about 1.2 million >> total with all the student I just want to clarify it's not with all the student facing. So we've already
067cut 500,000 of the 1.2 million. Right. And those cuts don't have any student facing uh programs. >> Okay. >> Right. So the 600 additional thousand >> could impact students facing or the operation staffing and facilities. >> Correct. >> Thank you. Hi, my name is Susan Meritz and I do have the budget book in front of me and I just have one specific question I hope you can address. under the capital component um uh line item 9711 where it says serial bonds principal interest school construction looks like there's an increase over last year of over 1.3 million and I just wonder if you can address what constitutes that increase >> I don't know specifically I don't have it in front of me but those are the bonds that you're paying uh for your debt so whatever
068debt we had whatever past capital projects we've had, whatever debt we have with school buses. So, I'd have to look at the debt schedule. Uh, when I got that from the treasurer, I just place those numbers in the budget. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there an attorney expert? >> I'm so sorry. I don't have those specific numbers in front of me either and I'm not the district treasur so I don't have but often times the way that the bonds are structured is that the later bonds will have higher interest rates and so that's so that I'm not I don't know but I just know from my experience that sometimes that's what happens. So even though no new debt has been authorized because under New York state law capital improvements projects right
069are a separate budget or not budget excuse me separate vote that has to be authorized either through a special vote that happens you know not on the same day as the vote or at the same day as the annual vote right so it's a whole thing and every time that you do it you have to create the same um you have to create notice and hold your vote for a certain date and you know all of those same requirements And so um as that and so the district authorizes up to however much in bonds that's what's voted on right but then when those bonds are sold um to investors the interest rate is determined at that time right so you're the number of bonds is not the total including the interest right you have to
070pay the interest on that as well and so it's not you know necessarily so just like if you take out a $200,000 mortgage for your house and you have you're in with your interest rate, you're paying more than $200,000 over the lifetime of that loan. Same thing with inter issuing bonds, it's debt. And so if the in so the bonds typically mature um under New York state law, we are not allowed to have balloon debt. As I say, the interest rates might be higher, but that doesn't mean that they're usually significantly higher. New York State actually has a lot of fiscal responsibility policies in effect with debt because back I think it was in the 70s there was a huge problem where um communities would take out too much debt for projects that didn't happen
071and then they wouldn't be able to repay it. Right? So under New York state law your bonds they mature every year. You're not in other states that's not how public finance works. In other states, public a lot of um districts can issue debt that does that have balloon payments that don't come due every year. But in New York State, our debt it's paid every year, bonds every year. So you have, you know, your 2026 bonds that mature in 26, bonds that mature in 27, 28, even under the whole, you know, let's say you're taking out $100,000 bond, you know, 5,000 will be due 2026 plus the interest on it, etc. And so as the later ones if they have a slightly different interest rate than the earlier ones and that's set by the market that
072is who purchases the bonds that is how that works. And so that's why sometimes there can be even though the capital hasn't changed the amount that's due that year capital plus interest may vary a bit based on what the interest rate of that specific bond is. I'm very nerdy about bonds if anyone wants to talk. >> Yeah. We should do a podcast. Thank you. >> I don't know if you well listened to Cheryl. >> This is an opportunity for anybody else to share their perspective with us. >> Good evening. My name is Corey Player. have three girls in the district. >> First name again, >> Corey Claire. Thank you. >> Um I just want to say I I looked at both budgets, the the first one that was voted down um as well as the
073second one. I didn't have any major concerns. My biggest problem is how many people Someone answer this. How many people voted on that? >> About 2600. >> And how many people live on Grand Island? >> They all they all have to live on. >> No, I know. How many people live? >> Oh, I think we have 14,000 eligible. >> 17,000. Thank you, June. The district knows >> 17,000 eligible. >> So, I mean like we I have three girls. I can I just do one personal thing. Dr. Palace and um Mr. Pula, amazing amazing principles. They deserve a raise. Yes. >> But it's it's when we have 2,600 people voting and we have 17,000 people who live here. I mean, that's and I I know it's not just those 2600 people who have kids. I mean,
074>> more communication. >> I I'm I'm for more communication, more transparency. I think you guys have been transparent. I think there could be more. I I our definition of transparency these days is a little weird and long. So, we'll go with it. But I I just I just don't want anything to be affecting our kids. Uh no kids facing programs being cut or anything like that because some of those programs are what is what keeping my at least my oldest kid out of jail. >> Partially kidding again. Um, but that that's all I've got. >> Thank you very Thank you. >> Hello. My name is Kristen Perrick. I am a resident and also an art teacher at Sweet Home High School. So, I know like this whole thing because we just went through all this.
075So, I I love you guys for putting in this time and effort. It's a lot. Um, in our district, we are cutting all of the retirements by attrition and that's a huge program loss for our district and our vote did pass. Um, so I hope people know I hope that the the community is aware. Yes. To follow up on what you said, more people need to come out for this vote. That's huge. Um, it only failed by 72 72 votes. So like this is like every vote counts and I can't stress it enough for people to get out there and vote. Um, I also want to like follow up. I know Nicole had asked about the busing. I hope that people realize, and I don't know if it's really public knowledge, when there's an IEP,
076when there are students with special needs, those are state mandates that have to happen. The district spends an an extraordinary amount per special needs student, and I hope that people realize that like that has to happen. There is no option. That is a state mandate. Um, but I I think the world of our district, my kids, I have two boys in this district and I think they're doing a great job and I would hate to see anything programming wise be cut, especially in the, you know, arts, music, tech, all of those are really important to me obviously, but I I thank you guys for everything you're doing and I really I'm going to encourage the people that are here like get the word out, make sure people vote. Um, and it is our whole community.
077I I love what you said, Alison. Like, it's our community. You are talking about our future. And for people to like, it's $77. And I get it. I get it. It's a lot. And we're all feeling a crunch right now. It's insane. But it's our future. You know, that's what you invest in. So, thank you. >> Thank you. really want to thank everybody that came here today, people who are watching online and will watch this later. This is uh the last opportunity before we close out the public hearing to receive any more feedback from our community. Uh, how you doing? You're doing a great job. By the way, I'm Dan. >> Hi, Dan. >> Uh, I got a question on the contingency. What ends if the budget doesn't pass and the contingency takes over? What
078happens with the bus? The buses. >> Yeah. So, uh, first off, we can't buy any new buses and we can't buy any new equipment, right? So that ends, right? That's important. Uh secondly, the board, if this were to go down, the board will come together at a special board meeting before the end of June, look at all of our finances, and direct the administration on what else needs to be cut. Under consideration could be field trips, right? We we do a really nice job with field trips to Eco Island, field trips for music, field trips for the fine arts, field trips for our athletic programs, field trips for our academic program. So those would be under consideration. >> So the buses are out >> if if this is a contingency, we can the proposition two
079would would fail. >> This this particular >> say it once more >> for the buses for this if this budget passes on this. Yeah. >> If this budget passes on June 16th, then both of our propositions would move forward. >> Did I misspe? >> No. >> That's still the four buses. >> Yeah. Doug, can you speak to what's on proposition two? >> I believe we took off one vehicle, not a bus. We kept our buses. >> The van. Yeah. If we can pay for that through the C fund, which is a fund specifically for food nutrition, we can't use those resources for anything else except for equipment and food food nutrition. So, we'll >> Why why do we need the 20 passenger bus? The wheelchair one. >> Yep. So, >> make the 29 wheelchair. >>
080Yep. I'm not an expert on which buses are wheelchair, but I understand Teresa, we have one wheelchair bus on Proposition Two. We we can't adapt a se a different bus to be >> 29 passenger and 66 passenger. >> Those are just those are other buses that aren't wheelchair accessible, but they would support our program. >> That wheelchair we have a wheelchair bus. >> Oh yeah, we do. But we replace them every 10 years. >> That one's getting old. >> Exactly. >> Is there any mechanics in the shop? >> We do. We have great mechanics. We just celebrated Rick Sty. I think he received a 100% rating on a specific >> do safety which is actually unheard of. Uh it's it's so high. This particular person has been honored three years in a row as a
081distinguished school related uh professional and each year he's in the high 90s and this year as a mechanic he hit 100% in the department of transportation ratings. Well, there there is some frustration, you know, on these uh levies because it doesn't really benefit myself at all the school budget and u you know with that uh high assessment next year and a lot of the older people you know they don't their pensions don't increase and you It's kind of a bad time with that capital project, the splash pad and this community center and all this stuff. You know, it's kind it's kind of a a bad time >> for this thing to try to pass. >> I appreciate that. >> But, uh, you know, I know it's tough. I think you guys are doing a good
082job and you genuinely care, you know, but you know, guys like me, it's really not going to benefit me. It's going to raise my taxes fighting it, you know. >> Yes. And and there is a greater benefit. It's just sometimes unseen. What What does this school district mean to 14072? Right. We were just rated by business first as the number one zip code. On May 22nd, a big article came out. Grand Island 14072 was rated the best zip code out of 50ish other zip codes in Western New York based on how the school performs based on um the availability of vacant homes. It's so low uh that we don't have and thank you Aaron for your contribution to making sure that we don't have vacant homes and >> and Mrs. and Mrs. Lamar. >> Yes.
083Oh, Erin, you're good. Sorry, Joy. Uh but the point is right, Business First on May 22nd labeled this zip code as the number one best place to live based on low poverty rates on the island, based on uh housing accessibility and how our school performs. So even though your tax will go up by 1.5%. The overall benefit for the entire community I think is unheard of >> in a good way. >> I remember uh we had pretty limited buses at the school here. >> Okay. Right. >> It was Gallagher to bring the number 33 out the diesel. Okay. Fix it on the road. >> We actually still do that honestly and I give our mechanics and Teresa le a lot of credit. They will jump in a vehicle and go directly to a broken down
084vehicle or a vehicle that's in an accident and do all that assessment. It's actually quite remarkable uh what has what I >> see a bus go around the block a couple times. What's going on here? >> Right. Right. Right. >> I'm just wondering why >> Yeah. would go around the block. I mean, I don't know the exact answer, but I would say my hunch is that our drivers know our kids so well that if they weren't available at the end of the driveway or at the bus stop, perhaps they went back to go scoop on the way home. >> Yeah, they're big blocks. >> Yeah, >> say around and then baseline daily and Wester, >> you know, just thoughts, you know. >> Yeah. Yeah. However, we can be more efficient for sure. >> Okay. >>
085Thank you, sir. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi, Jen Dorado. Um, I'm very passionate about our kids here and I'm passionate about our teachers who um, take their time and their energy to really raise our kids. Um, and I really want this budget to pass because I do want our kids to, you know, get their programs, get their things that they need. However, I do think it would be benefit to the community to proactively show the community what the contingency plan would actually mean, what actual programs will be cut. This way, it gives both both sides essentially, those that fear programs that will be cut um a really big idea of what that what that be. And then the other ones that think, well, you're just bluffing. This really gives the
086whole idea of what actually is going to be cut instead of, well, we're assuming that things are going to be cut, but we don't know exactly what those things are. So, I think it just gives a broader idea of what those are just so both sides actually see what that is. Um, so it's not we're not fear-mongering or we're actually just this is what it actually is. so that we have that informed decision of what we're actually passing or what we're actually voting on. But I definitely um appreciate everyone coming back to uh propose a different proposal so that we can make sure that it is um equipped for everybody essentially because I I feel that everyone has different concerns, everyone has different needs and I think we, you know, should all kind of consider
087everybody. That's what a community is about is considering everybody. So thank you. >> Thank you, Jen. Again, I thank everybody for your uh honesty, your perspective. Uh you all spoke with intelligence and you asked good questions and you made great statements. This is the last call for any other additional uh individuals who want to share with us. All right, I'm going to close the public hearing, but I do want to make sure that the community understands that it's closed. We're going to be transitioning to our board meeting. But before we transition to the board meeting, uh do any of our board members have anything that they'd like to share? And if so, let's make sure they have a microphone. Um Charlotte, can you open can you pass that? That's an easier one for some people.
088>> Actually, I think No, I just want to thank everyone for coming out tonight and uh spending your time here and sharing your opinions and thoughts with us and we appreciate it. Like several of you said, we hope everyone comes out and votes on the 16th. >> I'd like to share some comments. I appreciate everybody's opinion and I think that everybody that's here is here because they care and I respect the opinions. I just want to avoid any exception. Um, you know, I I serve on this board and I'm proud to be serving on this board as a product of the district, but I have not had any children in the district and I don't know if I ever will, but I'm a proud supporter of endorsing this budget. Um and you know in terms
089of a contingency budget it is um the value is this objective in the sense of an activity an item or resource that one thing uh less important might be deeply meaningful to the people that it impacts. So um you know it's it's my opinion every activity resource uh matters. >> I would also like to thank everyone for coming out um and expressing your opinions. Um when I was 29 years old I was looking for a place to buy a home and I ended up building a home on Grand Island and I am so glad that I did. I did have two children that went through this district and I can tell you as a single mom, not a single mom with child support, not a single mom with every other weekend free, a single mom
090that truly was on her own raising her children. I am indebted to the Grand Island School District. I'm indebted to Dr. Graham. I'm indebted to the people on this board. I'm indebted to all of the teachers out here, some of whom my daughters have had. You know, I my oldest daughter is starting her residency this year. She she graduated from Yupon, you know, at an Ivy League school. The education that she received here, she was able to go toe-to-toe with any student that was coming from around the world at an Ivy League institution. She was able to graduate from Tulain University Medical School, start a residency. You know, I just my my youngest daughter was 17 when she interviewed and was accepted to one of 96 spots in medical school at Leon Medical School. She
091is in the early acceptance program, premed. You know, you just can't put a price tag on the future of our country. You really can't. And public education, it a free public school education like you're getting at Grand Island. You just I'm so grateful that I moved here for my daughter's educations because I know that they wouldn't be where they are today without the leadership of Dr. Graham and this school district, without this board. They cares about the programs. My daughter's participated in a lot of the programs that people here talked about tonight. And it's because of those programs that she interviewed well to get into medical school. It's because of those programs that, you know, they've been able to perform well enough to um both be doctors. And I can't thank the Grand Island schools
092enough. But, you know, my property value since I built that home has tripled. It's tripled the my property value. And it's because of the fact that we have good schools. You know, I I'm an educator. Um I've been an educator for 30 years. I'm in the National Teachers Hall of Fame. I've been a New York State teacher of the year. I understand education, not only from working in education, but from being around people in education all over the country. I've met two presidents. I've, you know, I've been all over the country for professional development and teaching. And I just don't see programs like this um anywhere else. And when I talk to people, you know, they're amazed at the education that my daughters have received. Um good schools keep your property values high. That's the
093only investment I've had as a single mom mom is is my home. So, I just want to say that I hope when people are considering their boat that they're thinking about how it impacts them. Maybe you don't have kids in the district, but you care about your property value. You care about the future. And I just really want you to think about, you know, how this would impact our students. If it would just kill me to come back to this table and have to look out here at all the educators and administrators that have worked so hard and and the and the kids that sit in the audience and have to decide what to cut. I mean, that would be a horrible way to end nine years of volunteerism on this board, nine years of
094advocating for my own kids and other people's kids. It would just be, it would be an awful thing, I think, for a lot of us to sit up here and have to do. So, please, please get out and vote. Text your friends, call your friends, tell them to come to the polls and vote yes for the budget. first I want to thank everyone. >> There we go. I want to thank everyone for coming out. Um something to be mindful of when the budget hearing started and the first percentage went up on the screen. One thing that you guys have to understand is that we were very mindful to get that percentage down. We went line by line. Um certain lines if they had certain things in there that we didn't see or the mis that's
095the miscellaneous line. Let's further define the miscellaneous line. >> Um and the district came back at the next budget hearing with a reduced percentage. Then we went back and chucked at it again and again and again. So it as a board we were very active in trying and very mindful of the public because what had happened with the capital project. A lot of people may not know I've served on this board now for 10 years. I have a sixth grader in the district and she plays violin and she loves art club and it would be devastating to have those items cut. And I'll be honest, excuse me, I'm just getting over a sinus infection. When that budget failed and I got that text message for the first time in 10 years, I cried. I could
096not believe that our public did not support this district and our students and it was a tough call and the capital project didn't uh pass because I did serve and we volunteer our time and I did serve on that also and to tell your sixth grader certain things you know don't pass and then to get that news as well was pretty pretty devastating. And um the only thing I can say is to please tell people to get out and go. This is done with careful consideration. We walk and we visit schools and the principles, they show us what the school needs. Um necessities, I mean basic things that have to have to happen. Crafted floors, roofs, leaks. I mean, you know, you see this stuff on Facebook and then you disregard it because people say
097it's not doesn't really exist and it does because we walk these halls and we walk with the administration and it's part prior to the budget where we actually as a board see this. So, not only are we seeing certain things that need to happen with the schools, we are mindful that the public is asking us to make sure that their taxes don't increase. So you we tax the district with something very difficult to say okay we have this much money but we have this much that has to get taken care of. We don't want to cut student services. We don't want to cut certain spending. We want these kids to be able to flourish and having a student a child in the district very mindful of it who loves to go to school who loves
098everything about it who has an IEP. So, you know, it's the best thing you could do is just please tell everyone to get out and vote. Thank you. >> Thank you, Joy. Roger. >> Mine will be real quick. Um I just want to say also as as a as an educator, I've worked in several different districts. I've always been very impressed with uh Grand Island from the top down really does um a great job of trying to be fiscally responsible with um you know combining positions and trying to do the most with the the least amount of impact. It might not always look like that, but having worked in multiple other districts and seeing how those organizations run, I can tell you that it definitely is a strength of this district doing so much. Um,
099I'm not going to say with so little, but um, streamlining everything they do. And um, I can say from everybody talking tonight, thank you for coming out. But I took away that the number one thing seems to be about the communication and the information that's given out. Right. So I really moving forward I I think I I will work with everybody and try to prioritize making sure because I know right now the way misinformation spreads and you want to make an informed decision, right? So we will we will continue to work on that and we will look at new ways and new new ways of getting information out to people in a timely manner so that everybody can make those those decisions. So >> love this passive microphone game. Um I'm Beth Krevelin. My husband
100and I moved to the island in 2009 largely because of the school district's reputation here. We didn't have children yet. Um, now we do. We have a seventh grader and a second grader in the district. And I am proud to tell our family and friends who are not from Grand Island that we live here. I have loved our our daughter's experiences in the schools. Um, I know, and not to sound like a broken record, people say tell people to get out and vote. I have done a lot of that myself recently. Every birthday party, soccer practice, piano recital, um, neighbors on my street. And it's not just parents. It's it's the senior citizens that live on my street. It's the families without children. Um I had a neighbor recently who said, "I didn't know I
101could vote. I don't have kids in the district." Um so it's really about it is about getting out and spreading the news. But it's it's talking to the people that you might not think care or might not understand what this is about. Um and just letting them know exactly how important this is. And I do appreciate everyone coming tonight. I appreciate the passion. I see friends out here who have become family to me because of the children and the friendships that um our kids share. So, thank you so much for your time tonight. >> Thank you, Beth. I'm going to ask Charlotte and Sienna if you have as our exeicio student board members. I think we have a traveling light that can head back to the students, but if there's anything else you wanted to
102say and share with the community, you're welcome to do so. Like I said before, I think it's really important um for us as >> we check to see if it's >> okay. Very good. Just get a little closer. Thank you. >> We have sat on these meetings and we understand the importance of this budget being passed. It's now we are seeking our duty to make sure that we get that message to our peers who are able to vote. Um, and we're definitely going to be doing that. And so any of our seniors here who are 18, go out and vote. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. I just think that's really important. I mean, there's a few seniors that are 18, but can't represent themselves. They can't go out and vote yet. So all of their
103programs don't give up. So, I think it's just really important that as parents and as community members, I don't think there's such thing as it doesn't benefit you because it benefits everyone on the island. Um, so please come out and vote today. >> Thank you, Senator Sue. >> Okay, just to kind of wrap things up, I really want to thank everybody to uh for coming out and sharing your perspective um whether you agree or disagree. Um it's always great to hear what people have to say. We we sit here and we represent all community members. So, thank you very much for taking the time um for coming out and sharing your perspectives. I just want to say a as a board member, there's not one of us that wants to cut anything out of this
104budget. Um I don't I don't know if there's a board member sitting here at this table that was here when New York State was going to cut our foundation aid. Um I I I didn't sleep for 3 weeks um because we sat same thing. We didn't know what New York State was going to do and and there was a lot on the chopping block. And I will tell you as a board, we came together and and then we looked at minimal effect of the students. And I think if we got to that point, which I I'm hopeful that we're not, I I really um have faith in our community. Um but if we do, I I think that's where our board will will come to, right? Minimal impact on our students. We work hard and
105and we donate a lot of hours here. I've been here 13 years and and I've lost a lot of sleep and I've been here for the students. Some will say that's not good enough. Some will say it comes down to dollar and cents. Well, it does, right? My house was reassessed. My reassessment doubled. There's nobody in this room whose taxes went up more this year than myself. $1,000 a month combined. Right. I'm not complaining. I got to figure that out. But I'm not going to say the students at Grand Island High School don't deserve the very best. Because guess what? That's a doctor that's going to fix me when I have my heart back when I'm 65 years old. They're the ones that are going to help me sell my house. They're the ones that
106are going to help my son put me in the ground, right? I'm just saying. I'm just saying. And I didn't mean to get this passion, but I'm just saying I've been affected. My family's been affected. But we are going to do our very very best in the event that this budget goes down to minimize the effect on the students because every one of us sitting here has championed for I 12 years together right 13 10 nine right for so many years. We're not we're not gonna sit here and destroy our hard work over a failed teaching, right? We're going to do our very best to minimize that. But I would encourage everybody to get out because it would be disheartening. Ashley and I are on our way out and we have served hard and long
107and we don't want to go out on a bad note. We want to go out on a high note, right? We love the island. We love this district and we have done a lot for our kids and that's how we want to go out. So get out and vote. 1.5% you can make it happen. It can be minimal and um that's all I can say. So thank you very much for coming out and we'll do our best. >> Thank you Sue. Um for our students that are here for participation and government. >> We're going to take a fivem minute break. If you're a student that has an agenda, we will sign it. It's for it's for the public hearing. So that'll count for your your credits. So uh at this time five minute break students
108come up and we can sign your agenda. Thank you very much. about one minute gets very close to >> Yeah. Thank you. >> I know we were going to recognize Ben and Max today, but they have to scan. >> We'll No worries. We'll talk about it. my phone. >> But yeah, sorry. >> All right, I'm going to go ahead and call this meeting to order. We'll go ahead and start with Sorry. 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. >> All right, just real quick a couple housekeeping things. Um items are two emergency exits. There's the door you entered behind you and the door directly behind me. If you could silence your cell phones. Um
109I'll do a quick roll call. We have Roger Broker, trustee. Um, Ashley Der, trustee. Got to catch my breath. Beth Kremlin, trustee. Jude is here. She's just not in the room. She's our district work. Uh, Dr. Brian Graham, superintendent of schools. Sue Marston, myself. Um, Jay Broer, trustee. Joy Marker, trustee. Danielle Brono, trustee. John Fitzpatrick, assistant superintendent of curriculum staff development and human resources. Cheryl Cardone, assistant superintendent of school personnel services. No miss saying that. And uh Doug Whan, interimm assistant superintendent for school business and finance. And we have Charlotte Tower and Sienna Sarpies, soon to be graduates of Granite High School. All right, hold it down. Let's get this done. Right. All right. So, um I need an approval for tonight's agenda. So I made a motion, please >> and a second. >> All
110in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried 70 and approval for the amendments for uh the meeting for May 11th and May 28th. I can get a motion >> and a second. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carried 70. Student ambassadors from Good evening everyone. I would like to introduce this superstar Leah Peppers to you. She is an eighth grader at BCMS. She is a web leader. She is our student council president. She participates in JV DECA and Interact Club thanks to all of our amazing programs at the middle school. >> Good evening. As Dr. Pachy just said, my name is Leah Peppers and I'm the student council president at the middle school. Um, I'm here today to represent BCMS the student council and talk a little bit about what we've done at the end of the school
111year. Um, our last event that we held was a student favorite, our school dance, and it took place in May and we had a theme this year. It was a night in New York City. Um, many students attended and from what our feedback tells us, everyone had a great time there. Um, we just had our student council end of year party and to celebrate how great all of our events have gone this year and all the hard work everybody's put in to make them possible. And as this year is coming to a close, we already are beginning to plan for next year's sportsware sale. Um, in May, the seventh grade um attended a STEM field trip to Darian Lake and we also attended a music competition there that day with the seventh and eighth grade
112orchestra, eighth grade band, and eighth grade choir. And I'm proud to say we came home with first in band, first in choir, and second in orchestra. And that was just an outstanding performance from all the students. I watched them all. They did amazing. Um along with that field trip, the seventh grade will be making their way down to the maid of the mist this week, as well as our eighth grade will be having our field day and tug of war competition. And the eighth grade also had recently just had their emerging leaders conference at the Nag Falls Convention Center. And there the students learned about different career fields and what each of them have to offer. And we show our thanks to all our volunteers and staff who made that event possible that day. And
113lastly, the eighth grade will be having their moving update ceremony on the 23rd where they will all be recognized for all their hard work in the middle school and they'll officially graduate on to high school. Thank you so much for your time and have a great rest of your night. >> We probably should have had you open the public hearing. Nice job. >> All right. And uh we're going to pass over to Sienna and Charlotte. >> Very exciting. Today was class day for our seniors here at Grand Island. We started the morning very early. We all met at 2:30 a.m. at the Falcon Wood at Beaver Island. We honked and paraded around all the whole town. Windows down. People were out the windows. They were out sunroofs. Um >> there were some air horns. >>
114There were I did hear some air horns. Um it was fun. I think we woke up a lot of people. It was really nice to see all the parents outside too. All the people that made signs. So that was really cute. And then we came back here. We had breakfast and um then we went into the Odd. We had our big scholarship and awards ceremony. All the departments have their different awards and all of the island scholarships. And then we got lunch. We got our caps and gowns. And then we got to do the parade of graduates which was very special. We got to go. We all um we started in high school, made our way to the middle school, we went to Sidway, and then we ventured off to H or Kegabine. So it
115was just really special to, you know, it's a moment that we kind of look forward to all four years. We always watch the seniors do it. So, it was really surreal and special to see us doing it this year. >> Sienna, did you win any scholarships today? >> Yeah, a couple. >> Well done. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Yeah. Charlotte, do you have anything to read then? >> Um, that's like all for class, but I was just going to wrap up. Graduation is June 28th at 10 a.m., which is at Kleinhance Music Hall in downtown Buffalo. So, we're really excited for that. And um my last thing, our boys varsity baseball game baseball won their last game Friday against Waverly in the state prequarters which was held in the Rochester Redwing Stadium which is the AAA
116team of the Washington Nationals. Um they won 5 to four and they advanced to the state semi-finals where they will play Arville Park this Friday in Bingmpington. >> Yeah, >> it's very exciting for them. I know for them, Mr. Santoro, Mr. Willlet, very exciting. >> Do you recognize this photo? Oh gosh. >> Is that your sister? >> Yes. >> It's awesome. Well done. >> I had a sibling um in all of the schools today, so it was really special to >> Thank you so much, Charlotte. So last Monday, the high school teachers and administration administration recognized the hard work of many of our students through awarding the seal of civic readiness to those that demonstrate civil engagement and understanding, the seal of biiteracy to students who show proficient levels of understanding in more than one
117language. And the seal of design and technology which recognizes outstanding students in our technology department. And then lastly, we recognized um students who completed four years of the Academy of Finance requirements. And so this is our um SEAL reception night and a lot of seniors earned the these awards and some of them, several of them or all of them. Um it's just really impressive to see all our hard work being paid off. Um, lastly, we have four days left of classes in the high school and we are looking forward to the end of the school year and wrapping up this year. And tomorrow and Wednesday, there are no classes in the high school for regent exams. Um, and the only reason people would come in is if you're testing. >> All right, Charlotte, did you
118win any scholarships today? >> Yes, I did. >> Congratulations. We're very proud of both of you. the correspondence. >> Oh, yeah. Uh Jamie, would you like to >> Oh, do I have it out of order? Oh, it's in. Okay. Yeah, go ahead. Thank you. No, you're good. >> Okay. >> So, Olivia, you are going to have some really big shoes to fill. We are going to miss Sienna and Charlotte. I will miss having meetings with you guys and talking about different things, but congratulations and good luck next year. Um, it is now my pleasure to introduce you to our 2026 2027 school board member, Olivia Govern. It was a tough uh process, very rigorous. Uh, over a dozen students this year applied. But from the moment that she interviewed for the role, Olivia impressed us
119with her poise, her maturity, and her thoughtful responses. She's a student who understands uh the importance of student voice and she's never afraid to advocate for herself and her classmates in a respectful and professional manner. Olivia brings significant leadership experience to this position. She's been an active member of student council for the past three years. She serves as a class officer for the class of 2027, manages her class's social media presence, again in a very respectful, professional manner, which we appreciate. She also was selected to participate in our district cell phone ban advisory panel where she worked alongside district administrators, teachers, principles, and the board of education to help develop solutions for implementing the New York State's new cell phone law. What stands out the most about Olivia is her willingness to speak up when
120she believes that something can be approved. I spoke with Mrs. Restitz, Ms. Restit, sorry, and she said that Olivia frequently leads discussions and changes uh leads changes within student council. Her ability to listen and represent others and propose meaningful solutions demonstrates the exact type of leadership we hope to see on our student school board member. Olivia believes that students should have a voice in their school and she's committed to ensuring that their voices are heard. I'm so excited to introduce you to her and to watch her serve next year and get her perspective and the leadership she will bring. Please join me in welcoming Olivia. >> Olivia, would you like to say a few words? Well, thank you for letting me on the board and I'm really excited to share my thoughts and everything with
121everybody. So, yeah. >> And just remind us some extracurricular things that you love to do or engage in. >> Well, I'm in student council. I love student council. I'm running to be vice president next year. Hopefully, I get it. And I run my class 247 Instagram, which I love doing. I love being class officer. Planning prom is so much fun and everything. I'm also an interact club. I just love helping people. And I'm also in yearbook club. I helped out a lot with yearbook this year. >> That's awesome. >> Thank you. And congratulations. >> Thank you. >> All right. Well, just we probably get a photo with the board and you as well as our two outgoing uh exeicial student members just in in a moment. Okay. >> Yeah, we we can do that photo
122Charlotte and Sienna and let's just come up with the board. We'll get a great picture and then get you on the way. >> Oh, yeah. All right, we good. Get ready. I'll take three. Three, two, one. >> Do you hear that, Dad? I Thank you. Yeah, we were going to recognize Ben and Max uh some of our students who helped design a new baseball cap through New Era and they in turn uh that would be Ben and Max ended up meeting Josh Allen in this really great ceremony. Uh unfortunately, you know, we had to we had a long public hearing, so they somebody said they went they had to go home for their bedtime, but we will we'll try to spend some time uh maybe in the summer to recognize. >> Did you see the
123video? Like I saw the video of this on Facebook before I knew they were Grand Island students. It was the cutest thing ever. >> So both your mom and dad are grand. >> Yeah. I didn't know that, but I was watching it. I'm like, Josh Challenge is such a great job. He always does. It was exciting to watch. >> Sorry. >> Oh, that's good. >> Sometimes I talk. >> Thank you. >> Sessions, agenda items. >> Okay. Okay. So, on to curriculum and instruction. So for curriculum and instruction uh you'll see the curriculum update and that's uh for your reading only. >> Okay. Does anybody have any questions for John for reading only? All right. And we'll move on to personal instructional. Does anybody have any questions before I ask for a motion on the action
124items? >> All right. And I will um motion to approve instructional personnel PI1 through PI 10, please. >> And a second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. 70. Do we have any? >> Oh, Stephanie, we have an intro. Excellent. Come on up. >> Let's go. >> She's so excited. >> Are you introducing Maliefield? >> So excited. So exciting to get been waiting four years. >> All right. Um, thank you board. Thank you Dr. Graham. Please join me in welcoming Lisa Carvey as the new speech language pathologist at Sidway Elementary. Lisa, please stand. >> Lisa brings more than a decade of experience serving children from birth through age 21 in a variety of educational and clinical settings. Throughout her career, she has worked with students across a wide range of abilities and needs, including
125those with speech and language disorders, autism, hearing impairments, and complex communication needs. >> Yep. It's 9:00. >> Lisa is passionate about providing evidence-based therapy that builds on each child's strengths and helps them reach their full potential. In addition to her her expertise in assessment, intervention and individualized education planning, Lisa is known for her collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and dedication to supporting students and families. We are excited to have her join the situate team and look forward for the positive impact she will make in the lives of our students. Welcome on to personal non instructional. Does anybody have any questions before? >> All right. Motion to approve non-instructional personnel PNI 1 through PNI 6, please. >> And a second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. Seven zero. >> All right, moving on to
126finance. >> On to finance. 18 items. So, I've tried to get through my memos for each one of the things, but A through J are your action items. Um, first one is budget transfers over 15,000. Uh, then we have a donation from the Leslie Moors fund, $500 to purchase books. We have Gizba donation for $1,500 for our business department to start a new class. There is obsolete books from the high school. There's three buses that we have sold and the price is there. Obsolete textbooks from the middle school. There's a donation from the medical health associates of Western New York for $3,400 for early literacy that's growing readers. And there's a donation for $3,200.78 from the Rotary Club that's going to the same thing. loading meters. There is a request for an installment purchase agreement
127and that's how we buy uh Chromebooks through Boseies. So we have 4,500 Chromebooks in the district and we have a replacement policy and this install and purchase agreement will buy 500 new Chromebooks and the last one is obsolete books from the middle school. >> Those are the actions. Does anybody have any questions for Doug before we ask for a motion? All right. Can I get a motion to approve finance A through J, please? >> Motion >> and a second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried 70. There's eight information items. Um, first shot in the school lunch report. So, it shows you the the revenue and the expenses and we're we're sitting right now at $151,000. Uh we talked about bus inventory last meeting. So we did a complete look at that with the
128bus inventory. There's 55 buses and one suburban that gives you the mileages and the ages of the buses. And then we have a treasures report uh for March and we have check warrants uh for April and May. And then budget transfers under $15,000. You're mostly in athletics. We're moving money around to get new uniforms for the students and sports um uh sports awards for their upcoming event. Um and then the last two things are the extracurricular reports, one for the middle school and one for the high school. >> Does anybody have any questions for you? And to um Cheryl, is it just your two? >> I actually have three. So >> yeah, I have one action just I have two action and one information. Okay. So I'll start with the information first. Um I have
129the district um school counseling plan for 26 27. We do um look at that a couple of times a year in my um PPS meetings. It includes the social workers, school psyches um and the school counselors. Um just some changes were some personnel changes. Uh we actually um expanded evaluative beings um in this plan to uh encompass grades three through five. Uh we changed our CPI which is our crisis prevention intervention now to safety gear. And instead of going through both C's to train our 60 plus staff members, we actually have in-house trainers um that that train for these deescalation strategies. Um we tal we talked a little bit about adding our parent wellness series through family support services. Um we added Viking vault and SID supplies apparently from Sidway Stephanie. And we also added
130our clips. Um we do have a program called crisis leadership preparedness solutions that all of the PPS staff uses. Uh we started doing it this year and we added that to the planet as well. So just some information and then my two action items. um our uh CPSC and CSC program recommendations. Um if I can have action of those, please get a motion >> and a second a second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried 70. >> Thank you. >> On the superintendent report. >> Yeah. Thank you everybody. I I won't go slide by slide based on the lateness of the evening, but there is so much to celebrate in our district and I know the board will review um these slides. There's been a lot of amazing things happening as you heard from
131Sienna and Charlotte. Uh also, um I think it's important for the board to know that our elementary students engage in uh multiple weeks, maybe months of projectbased learning. Uh these are some pictures of the most recent Western Hemisphere projects. Our kids were absolutely amazing. You heard about our prom. You heard about our postp prom. How do you like that cowboy hat by Roger? Nicely done. Nicely done. He's looking very serious. >> It's very good. But postp prom is always amazing. You heard Yeah. You heard about uh the seal of civic graduations that we had. Of course, you know that we're listed as one of the best communities for music for 15 years in a row. So, lots and lots to celebrate. Cindy Booker was the lead for our kids zone, Relay for Life. So, we
132thank her for that. And uh I appreciate the board paying attention to all these uh wonderful things. Uh, so I'm just kind of bypassing that. >> But I do want to thank uh Jude also in in my report to the board. Um, Jude pays attention to the local uh district uh clerks as well as the resolution suggestions by the New York State School Boards Association. So, in the agenda today, and it's not for action, but I would like you to look at the New York State School Boards Association suggested resolution about FOIL. And what's interesting about this uh resolution is that they're uh indicating that there are a lot of private companies that foil school districts all across the state and then they sell they make profit based on the foil requests that they receive
133from districts. So this is just for your review. Take a look at it and I'm sure we can discuss again in in in July. But this is really an interesting information and interesting perspective by the New York State School Boards. So, it's there for your review. So, thank you. >> Okay. On to the uh board of education report. We do have um two action items tonight. We have the um the minutes from uh Go ahead. >> That's okay. I'm trying to listen and I'm trying to read >> from May 19th and then >> yes so the uh what you said from 519 and the uh budget >> revote pole inspectors from >> correct yes >> the pole inspectors >> no I just we just have to yeah for the the re have to and I
134added more inspectors So, A and B for the board of education report. We have a motion. >> And a second. >> Okay. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? >> Motion carried. 70. >> And we took two car items here already for you. >> Okay. And then we do have a congratulations uh for Ashley. We will be celebrating her on Thursday night. she um got the board excellence award. I know Dr. Graham, if you want to expand on that a little bit. >> Yeah, you won another award, Ashley. Congratulations. >> But yeah, but we're looking forward to celebrating you and your your tenure with the board and uh your participation not only with the board, but with the Erie County Association of School Board. So, thank you for your leadership. I'm going to wrap both the
135Kavine and middle school PTA meeting into one bundle report. Both had wonderful things to say about teacher appreciation week success um at both schools and both are continuing to seek volunteers for board positions next year. Great. Um, so I have the Giz Bowlison on. I'm just going to do one more shout out for the car show that is uh June 24th and also mention the golf tournament that is July 5th 13th >> um which will be back at Oaks this year. So um please get out and support that. As you um heard, we did do a $1,500 donation um to programs, which um is a sewing program if you didn't read the details, which is very exciting. It's something that Amy Boute is putting into one of her classes. So, it's very, very exciting. I
136think I think it's a sixeek program, so it's kind of cool. It's about sewing machines with some supplies. So, kind of cool that we're bringing that back, right? Kind of sounds old school, but it's definitely something we should all use cuz I don't know that I could sew a button on it. So, uh, and I'm going to sort of go out of order here and, um, do my round table, um, while I'm feeling a little strong. Um, I really just want to thank the community, um, for their support over the last 13 years. It's been an honor and a privilege to, um, to represent the community and the school district that I love so much. as I spoke um during the the public hearing um I poured my heart and soul and and I hope
137I've done right by the students and the staff and the administration of this district. Um I'm sad that it's over. I'm glad that it happened. Um I will continue to support students. I've done it since my son was born. I will just find a new avenue. Um we don't sit here lightly. We we we make decisions and they're hard. Some are easy. Um, some are difficult. But, um, I've served with a lot of different boards and a lot of great people. Um, and as I leave in this difficult time where where we're fighting finances over education, it's very hard for me to leave and not be able to be helpful. Um, but I know in my heart that that the five remaining, because Ashley is not returning um, next year either. um that the five
138remaining at this table will continue our passion, our path and do right by the students of of of our district and and by um our great staff and teachers. So, while I'm sad that I'm leaving, I'm really happy to have been part of such a great organization. Um, you know, my son said to me, "Mommy, the 13 years, this graduating class was in kindergarten when we started." So, I guess I graduate with you all. So, um, I apologize. I thought I was a little stronger, but I thought I'd get it out before I couldn't. So, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of something bigger than myself. and Jamie closing the meeting. >> All right. So, um, with that said, public, we did have someone sign up. >> I think it
139was Aaron. I think he signed up. >> I think he signed up by mistake. Um, because he did want to speak on the budget. So, we will go to committee of items and we'll start it with R. Uh, I'm appreciative of everyone coming out tonight and talking speaking about the budget. I'm looking forward to graduation and just want to remind everybody to come out and vote on the 16th. >> I just want to um thank the community for nine years of support and uh thank the board members. I enjoyed serving with all of you and um you know I wish I'm I really wish I could implore everyone just one last time to please come out and vote on the 16th. Um, it's really important. Text your friends and neighbors. Call your friends and neighbors.
140And thank you everyone for um, just being my colleague on the board. I've enjoyed the nine years that it's spent. I've enjoyed working with you, Dr. Graham. I've enjoyed working with you, Jude. I've enjoyed working with all of the trustees, the administration, and of course, um, the students and teachers for their support as well. And, um, just thank you. We'll miss Ashley and Sue and we're also going to miss >> um just a couple comments as I wrap up my first year on the board. Um >> year one, what a year. Learned a lot. And I have to be honest, there were times I sat and thought, am I making a difference? Am I doing anything? And then in the past month it really came to light that the work that we do is important
141and has a lot of meaning and I have really felt that. So appreciative of that. Um Sienna and Charlotte it's been a pleasure having you with us especially in this inaugural year that we had student representatives on the board. So um you were both clearly very involved and didn't need to take on one more task. But I'm glad to have met you and known you and heard all about what has been going on um in the schools through your lens. So, thank you for that. And Sue and Ashley, thank you so much. Um, it was an honor to serve with both of you. I wish it was longer, but um, I have appreciated knowing you and learning from you. So, thank you so much. >> So, just a couple things. The vote, as everybody's seen,
142is on June 16th, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. There are extra I did get um more poll inspectors. Um ordered a lot more ballots. Um I have a representative from the Erie County Board of Elections coming out to sign up all anybody who's firsttime voters or 18-year-old first-time voters, anybody who's voting for the first time. So they can we can designate a line just for that. um just to keep it moving even though it was like I think 13 minutes was the longest somebody was really waiting but to me that's too long. Um so I just wanted to put that out there and thank you to Sienna and Charlotte. It's been such a pleasure working with you this year. So excited for your future and what that might be. I'm going to be watching you.
143And thank you to Ashley and Sue. 13 years and nine years. It's awesome. It's been awesome working with both of you ladies. Enjoy your little uh gift there. >> Nope. Just thank you Ashley and Sue for being amazing mentors and two of the strongest supporters of public education I've had the pleasure to work alongside. So can't thank you enough for your service and um that is all. And also CM and Charlotte, amazing job in the inaugural year of the exeicial uh board members. You did a great job. >> So, where do I begin? Nine years, 10, all 10 years. And we've done a lot on this board. I'm so sorry, but this cold, but uh from navigating through the pandemic, uh that was a challenge. Um, >> late nights, making sure contracts were equal, um,
144and fair, making sure math gets up in one particular school, making sure curriculum is the same, making sure field trips were the same, um, creating that even playing field. um and in reviewing for and hiring a new superintendent. I mean, it's it's a lot of history. So, I'm going to say I'm going going to miss you both. Um Ashley, you were a great fantastic president. Sue, you were a great and are a great fantastic president and vice president. >> 22 more days. >> Yeah. Sad. Um the first time we campaigned for school board, um it was Ashley and I and her youngest daughter was my daughter's aged now in sixth grade standing out there helping us hand out pizza and flyers saying oh for my mom and she was you know she was just so
145cute. Um lot of history. I will definitely miss you both and you know we we accomplished a lot and we did a lot these past nine and 10 years and I'm forever thankful for being able to bounce ideas off you guys and talk with you and chat with you and you will be missed. Thank you and Charlotte. Thank you for serving people to go above and beyond of being here, especially in late night points. So, we appreciate you, Ashley and Sue. You know, it feels uh I'm I wouldn't I'm not saying goodbye because, you know, I I I don't know that it's appropriate because I consider you friends as well. and you know serving you both what I've come to realize even if I didn't always we didn't always agree I think is the amount
146of respect that I have for you both because your intentions have always been the purest of intentions and for the good of the community and most importantly the good of the students and um it is respectful and it is um something that I look up to and you served as role models to me. So I thank you both. >> So Sue and Ashley, I just want to say thank you for everything you've given to the Grand Island School District. Uh especially to the administrators um for supporting us, supporting our ideas, supporting our uh sometimes uh you know wacky wacky ideas and helping students achieve more. um especially the example you set as supporting not only for education but supporting everyone as people people first uh so we really appreciate that and to our two inaugural
147members of the board of education student members you couldn't have a better two to start uh so we really appreciate all the effort that you have done uh to make our board better so Charlotte again thank you it's been a pleasure sitting and both of you and thanks for sneaking in with me tonight when we were uh still since we were still serving cake, right? So, good luck to both of you, right? Um so, I can say 16 years, right, that I um have been in this school district, you know, so you have been right there with me in a long time. Ashley, tonight when you talk about your two daughters, you know, coming to school here, you know, um I we all know I have two daughters as well. I I I got to
148tell you, I feel the exact same way, you know, that they are who they are today because of this school system and the teachers and the administrators that they, you know, had you know, and the board of education supporting those programs, you know, that they loved from sports to music, you know, etc. So, I want to thank both of you, you know, for my time and getting to know both of you. Thank you for your support with all of the mental health initiatives, your support during co when I was the fun coordinator. Fun times. >> I forgot you were coordinator and you know, just know I know, right? Gerald and just know that um you've left Grand Island, you know, better than when you started, you know, so I truly, you know, thank you for
149that legacy. And again said definitely >> I'm also sweet. >> I just want to say thank you for this opportunity. It's been a really it's been a really great experience doing this. It's very eye opening um to see what goes on behind the scenes in school. what a lot of people don't see and it's a whole level different level of appreciation I have of how schools run and um just thank you guys and come out and vote next week. >> I also want to say thank you um for this experience. Out of all the activities that I've been involved in through my high school years, this is definitely one of the most impactful ones I've been a part of and I'm really grateful for the leadership skills and things I've learned from all of you
150guys that I know I'll be taking into my future career. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, Sienna and Charlotte, I hope you know genuinely how proud everybody around this table are with respect to your leadership and how you've represented your your fellow students. Um, it's going to be a pleasure to hand you a diploma and to celebrate with you and we can't wait to see what happens next down the road. Always know that once a Viking, always a Viking. Come back and share your experiences. I know you have favorite teachers and favorite activities and we really appreciate what you have to offer. I did uh prepare a couple um remarks, Ashley, uh since joining the board, you know, since 2017. I mean, I started in 2016 and uh you really have brought and forgive me
151if I read a little bit because I just want to make sure I share what I what my thoughts were. Uh you have brought a powerful uh and important perspective to our work. uh not only mine as a superintendent but but um everything that we do, right? And you were so eloquent today in sharing that. I I just was very proud to hear you speak about that and about everything, right? About your your journey as an educator, your journey as a single mom, your journey raising two beautiful daughters. Um so we have been uh deeply impacted not only by you as a trustee, but by you as a board president. Um, and you know, we we really respect, you know, what you have brought to the table. We're going to celebrate you. Is it this
152week? >> Thursday. We're going to celebrate you with the Erie County Association of School Boards. Your leadership has always been grounded in really what matters most, right? And the experience of children in their classrooms. Uh, you as a teacher and Lewis and Porter, uh, you're constantly challenging us challenging us to think of the educators. Think of the SRP. you've been a strong strong everybody here but you've been a very uh big voice in supporting our school related professionals uh and it doesn't go unnoticed. So as you conclude your time with us as a board for our community it's just really amazing that Ashley has a doctorate. She has a master's. She has two one in administration right one in special ed. She went back to school. She went back to school and got another degree.
153And she envisions herself as serving children that are that maybe are the most vulnerable children in our society as a social worker. I mean, that really goes to the conviction and your compassion. So, I just want to thank you for all you do. All right. Well done. going back to school. First thing I know, >> Sue, you know, 13 years. So, in 2016, uh, you helped, uh, hire me. Uh, I've been here 10 years, going to be starting my 11th year in July. And your time as a trustee and as a board president, um, has certainly moved me in so many important ways. You've challenged my leadership. you have helped uh evaluate along with the board the work that I do and uh the amount of time, energy, and effort as a Grand Island alum
154doesn't go unnoticed, right? Uh these roles around the tablet often go underappreciated. Uh it's about public service and I think uh you were uh awarded citizen of the year maybe. I don't know if it was my remember what year that was. I think it was it was maybe my third year here as a as a superintendent, but it was about everything that you had done up to that point, not only on the board, but on PTAs and fighting for playgrounds and now, you know, exponentially fighting for the Grand Island School Business Alliance. You did not have to come up with a cruise night fundraiser, but you were driven to do that, right? And it was and we have two students here who received um scholarships today based on the Grand Island School Business Alliance. And
155your passion for students, your passion for the school district, uh you graduated in 1999, I think in the 80s. Okay. >> Just put it out there. Molly will call it out if I don't. And there's no doubt that you loved and h and love the district not only as a student but now as a parent and now as a trustee and a president of our board. Uh your service truly has shaped uh the work that we do and the direction that we're going in and there is still a lot to celebrate even though we're you know up against some challenging times. But it's about leadership, right? It's about leadership of you and Ashley and the rest of the board, standing for your own convictions, allowing us to go back out to a revote and um
156and having faith in our community, the community that really loves these schools, right? And truly, you've been a part of those important conversations, the difficult decisions, the celebrations, the challenges, and the moments of growth uh throughout. And we aren't perfect. And we've talked about that for 10 years that we have a growth mindset. We don't have a fixed mindset. We see where we can get better. And we see where the board supports us in getting better. Cheryl mentioned it a few minutes ago in the round table how valuable your leadership and the board's leadership has been in adding mental health services making sure that every employee in the school district is trained with youth mental health first aid allowing us to empower our own people to do that training right and so many more uh
157things to celebrate. So, uh we are grateful for all that you have contributed to the community and we know that this isn't the end. I'm pretty sure there will be some other things that we can uh discuss uh with your uh leadership in the future, but truly you have left us uh better than when you started. So, congratulations for all that you've done for us. So, barring that the vote goes our way on June 16th. This is my last meeting. So, um get out and vote on June 16th. June 28th is graduation. I will be there on stage to congratulate my graduating class. Um everybody knows I do not like to speak. So, I'm so excited to say that Jay will be speaking at graduation. And I'm really excited to um to pass that to
158him because he does have a a daughter graduating this year. So, I really think that it'll be more meaningful for him to speak at graduation than myself, but I will be there. Graduation is my favorite thing. It's probably one of the things I will miss most about being a board trustee, but um I will be at graduation. And then July 6th is your reorg meeting. Sorry, I won't be there. But, um I with that said, I want to make sure that we add the um special education GTA. We got it. I just I I told them I would mention it. Um so she's watching. I don't want her to think I missed it. So just make sure that the special education PTA um gets on there so they have a raise on and I'm sure
159there will be a lot of people interested in it. So with that said, I'm going to go ahead and call this meeting oh at um gosh 9:32. If I get a motion >> and a second. >> All in favor? Opposed n motion carried 70. Thank you.