001That's all I can say. Yeah. Awesome. >> We're all set. Thank you, Mr. Feldman. Okay, I'd like to call this meeting to order. Can everybody please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. All right. Do roll call, Jevon. >> Who's going to >> I'll start. No, roll call. Are you here? >> [laughter] >> Mary Ann? >> Here. >> Scott? >> I'm here. >> Brian? >> Here. >> Uh Danny? >> Here. >> Dirk? >> Here. >> Amy? >> Here. >> Okay, I am here. Uh may I have a motion and a second to approve the roll call? >> So moved. >> Second.
002>> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Um approval of the agenda. May I have a motion and a second to approve the agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Um minutes of the previous meeting. Um may I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Um communications. Does anyone have any communications to share? I know we did get some invites to graduation and the receptions that were last week and this week, so anything else? No, okay. Um unfinished business, we have none, so that leads us to the superintendent's report. >> Oh, thank you, Mr. Valenti. Um we're going to start off by a few of starting with a recommendation for Mr. Dean Favasuli. We are
003super proud to announce that he's the 2026 recipient of the Buffalo State English Education Inspirational Teacher Award. This award recognizes a middle or high school English teacher who serves as an inspiration to students in the program. Dean was presented with this award at the annual Center of for English Teaching Spring Banquet held in May. Dean in a very very short amount of time here at Sweet Home has become part of the fabric in the culture and we're super proud of his efforts. I know that he is he is everywhere. He's doing everything in the district and he's and our and our students are way better for it. I know even my son had him for half the year anyway and just raved about his teaching in the classroom and he's super deserving of this award
004and we'd love to bring him up here and recognize him for his efforts and say thank you and congratulations. >> That. >> [laughter] >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> [clears throat] >> Congratulations. >> All right. >> Dr. Genestre you you said that you know Dean seems to be everywhere in the high school. I had a rare rare privilege to be able to sit in on his class at one point during one of our walk arounds and I don't even know that he knew we were in the room. He his class was so engaged and just I walked out of there like wait, can we stay? It was a privilege to see you teach. >> Yes. >> Dr. Noah. >> 100% 100%. Thanks for everything, team. >> Um we'd like to um bring up and talk about the
005code of conduct and Dr. Wilson. >> Good evening, everyone. You can go on to Okay. So, our code of conduct annually we present this and um it will be opened up for 30 days for the public to review it and give us comments. And so, we pulled our committee together through uh the DEI committee. Remember that was our large committee that was here just last week to present the um the strategic plan. So, members on that committee also looked at the code of conduct. And we are recommending some minor changes to help the community um the code of conduct our parents and our our families, our students use this of course at home um and then throughout our schools, but to help members who are not educators anchor in on the code of conduct here
006in Sweet Home um expectations and just having a clear understanding of um the culture and climate here in Sweet Home. So, some of the things we wanted to make sure we updated were um and they're called out on the on the page numbers. You have the full document. Um the the the yellow highlights are the actual changes. But there are three places that we um made some recommendations. Um we wanted to update the definitions to make sure we are consistent with board policy. So, that we have board policy on artificial intelligence AI um and we wanted to make sure that was consistent and that it made sense um in both places. Um Dignity for All Students Act DASA um a major component of uh of school law, educational law. Um we have it spelled out
007in our code of conduct. The definition was in a different place. We wanted to make sure we had that definition called out there. Um, the IAES, which is called out repeatedly when you look at certain sections, and so it was it's repeatedly called out, but it wasn't in our definition. So, we thought this is something that we want to make sure if anybody's looking at our code of conduct, they have a clear understanding of that. And then plagiarism, we updated that definition and included some information about artificial intelligence. Language to the effect of, um, you artificial intelligence, um, AI, we have a policy that says it is okay to use, um, and that we have some guidelines for it. Um, our teachers have a range of how they may use AI with students. And so,
008here in this section we wanted to call out that it is okay to be used when explicitly expressed. Um, there's different levels to using AI, and so we wanted to make sure that that was, um, called out in that definition. Um, we repeated that definition again on page 19, again for consistency. And then under consequences, we looked at adjusting the numbering and lettering, um, in that section. And when you look at the highlights, you will see that that is a description of short-term and long-term suspensions. As I stated before, the we put the the plan up or the the code of conduct to be, uh, reviewed by the public. It goes up on our website, um, and we look for any comments, um, and then we come back after 30 days, or at least 30
009days. We have a little bit longer because of the dates of the board meetings. Um, it will be brought back in August. Any comments made, um, will be shared, and if there's a need for adjustments would be that would happen there. Um, and then it would go up for a vote to be ready for the next school year. >> I always wondered, do you get any comments during those >> We we didn't. So, um, last I I took on the code of conduct just last year, and we didn't get any comments. So. Again, they are minor changes, so it's not they're not major. So. >> Dr. Wilson, what's your timeframe we have to have it approved by for this date? >> Uh, we have to have it ready before the school year starts. So, we
010want to make sure that we have that ready for um, each school will get that out to the uh, the principals so that they can be ready to communicate with their their community. >> I think it's just a yearly adoption. There's no real deadline, but as as long as we do it every >> That's so many different things. That's why I asked. >> Yeah. >> I just want to say thank you to Dr. Wilson for her leadership. Um, to do the code of conduct through the DEI committee is um, as unique I think the Sweet Home um, to make sure that we're doing it through the lens of equity, and I think uh, that's important, and I appreciate the efforts of Dr. Wilson and the committee to review each page of this document um, to
011make sure that um, it's firm but fair for our students. So, thank you for your work on there. >> Thank you. And thank you again to the DEI committee. They put in a lot of extra time. We we had to extra meetings to make sure we were ready for this. So, um, again, folks volunteered their times, and that's that's what makes us great, right? So, thanks again. >> Thank you. >> I just uh, kind of a side question on that. The calendar says review comment period minimum of 30 days. Where where is that put out? Is that put out to the public and what how? I guess how is it put out to the public for comment? >> What was the He said three days? >> Uh, reviewing how how can they comment if they
012want to comment on it? >> Oh, it it gets posted on our website um, with um, information of who to reach out to. Um, so there would be a transition of myself and Ms. Bear Larry, so they would have both options so that we make sure we have that information. >> Okay. >> And then we um >> So the public's aware of what's there and they can if they want to question it or comment on it, they can. >> Yes, that's how we handle all of our public. >> Okay, I just want to make sure the public can see it. Was made aware of it. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Um next up we wanted to uh bring up Mr. Feldman to uh discuss our school safety plan, another plan that needs to be
013updated and approved every year. >> Uh thank you everybody. Uh it's my pleasure to lead uh the District Safety Committee for another year. Uh you see on the board up front uh a number of names uh across a myriad of um offices uh as well as uh good community representation on the District Safety Committee. We met twice in person, two times virtually uh over the course of the year. Um and one of our primary responsibilities is to review uh the district-wide safety plan, which is what uh we are presenting to you tonight. So we are required per New York State Education Law 2801 and the New York Commissioner's Regulations 155.17, that we must adopt a district-wide school safety plan uh and building emergency response response plan for each of our school buildings. Um much like
014the Code of Conduct, the district-wide safety plan uh will be posted on the website tomorrow for its annual public comment for a 30-day period. Uh we'll have um those comments to you uh in the August meeting. Uh but uh to Scott's question about um the the Code of Conduct, uh the district-wide school safety plan must be approved and adopted by the Board of Education by September 1st every year. >> Thank you. >> So uh the building level emergency response plans, we are not recommending short of any staffing changes or anything along those lines. We are not recommending any uh changes to the building level emergency response plans. Inside of each of the building level emergency response plans are confidential and detailed information on how school personnel and students should respond to different types of emergencies.
015Those are the your lockdown, lockout type situations. We do share it with our local law enforcement agencies and our emergency responders responders each and every year uh and following the Board of Education approval uh we are required to submit our district-wide safety plans along with our building level emergency response plans uh to the New York State Education Department uh by October the 1st. So, uh we are recommending two changes to the district-wide school safety plans from the safety committee, one of which you've already seen uh and they're both uh additions to uh the appendices uh of the document. The first would be appendix eight, which is the cardiac emergency response annex. Uh that's something that you saw earlier this year uh and approved uh from that end. Uh we'll talk a little bit about that
016here in a moment and then the last is um appendix number nine, uh which is the transportation annex uh talking about uh specifically things around transportation in the event of an emergency. So, appendix number eight again the cardiac emergency response annex, it is in direct response to Dasha's Law, uh the mandate that was passed uh by New York State earlier this school year. Uh the Board of Education did vote on inclusion to the district-wide safety plan on January 22nd, 2026. Uh it must be included in both the district-wide safety plan as well as the building level emergency plans. And what it does is I it identifies signs of potential cardiac arrests and steps to take in the event of a cardiac emergency at school. It also lists all of the locations of AEDs in the
017building and those certified to administer CPR and or are trained on AEDs. >> Mr. Filman, can I just ask you when subs come in, are they given like information like this in a packet type thing so that they I mean I know this is a new one, but that they would have some idea? >> In terms of what, Mrs. Justin? >> of like what to do if like where the AEDs are, where, you know, just basic safety stuff. I just didn't know how much information is a sub >> Yeah, I'm not sure. I don't know, Dr. Justin, if you can answer that question. >> I know that everybody every sub gets an orientation and they go over that safety plan and I do believe it's in their packet um as well. Just basic safety procedures
018that they can follow. >> Right. I so um and we usually will ask that with the teacher plans that they're like for evacuation or anything that they would need to know specific to that class. That would be a part of their normal >> Um and I believe I know the maps are hanging on the walls >> Yep, in each each of the classrooms there are the four or the the different scenarios as what to do in in each situation from that and the things and then uh in the in the high school there are a number of AEDs in different locations, but generally in the elementary buildings there's one. There's one. >> Okay. >> Uh and then uh the last one that we're bringing forward to you today, it's not a requirement now, uh but
019in conversations with uh Dave Casperwitz, who is our um Erie 1 uh BOCES safety risk uh representative on our community, uh he does believe that this will become a requirement at some point in time. Uh Uh, we're kind of jumping ahead and and getting it into uh, hopefully into our district-wide safety plan with your approval uh, in August. And what the transportation annex does, uh, it it identifies relocation or staging areas in the event uh, that a building needs to be evacuated. Uh, and generally what we've done, just for the good of the order, uh, we've identified the high school and the middle school as our two we kind of relocation areas just because of A location uh, and B the size of the building. Uh, it lists members of our incident response team uh,
020again because it does that earlier on in the district-wide safety plan including uh, the superintendent, assistant superintendents, uh, and transportation supervisor. It does list all the contact information of all the building administrators as well as our transportation dispatch personnel including our head bus drivers. Uh, it provides response protocols for transportation uh, incidents. Uh, and it does provide procedures for parent notification in the event of some sort of uh, emergency on, near, or around a bus. Um, and then lastly it does provide a complete list of all of our transportation drivers, aids, their contact information, and all the vehicles that would be available to the district uh, in the event of an emergency. >> Does this include because I know we've seen it somewhere, our electric buses? >> It includes every Yeah. >> Everything. So, safety
021protocol if a bus Correct. happens and they have to get Okay. >> Yes. Uh, so those are the two recommendations that we do have for you to include in the district-wide safety plan as well as the building level ones. Uh, the district-wide safety plan in its redacted form will be posted on the district website uh, for public review uh, from the 30-day comment period much like the uh, code of conduct. Uh, we've identified tomorrow uh, through July 17th. Folks can submit comments to me directly about that plan. And then we would hope that the board would accept the safety plan at the August meeting following any suggested changes or anything along those lines. And once the board does uh once the board does approve that, we would then work to submit those safety plans to
022New York State Education Department. Any questions? >> I'll ask I'll ask a similar question, but I'll I'm going to load it a little bit here. Do the people respond in those comment periods? >> They are not very often. >> That's what I thought. I'm a little disappointed in that. Is there a way to promote it a little better? Like maybe like our bond votes or something? >> To promote how we promote our bond votes and things like that. So, we can certainly Dr. Ginestre does put out a weekly announcement. We can certainly include it in the weekly announcement to all of our residents from that and the things. We can certainly do that. >> I think it's important. >> Sure. Sorry Dr. Ginestre. >> [laughter] >> Just remind me on Friday. >> All right. Again,
023I just wanted to say thank you to everybody that served on the safety committee. Again, the work that we do is important work toward, you know, not only towards the safety plans, but some of the work that we do around the capital project work and things along those lines. So, looking forward to another successful year next year and thank you for your your input on the safety plans. >> Thank you. >> We have just a couple updates. I know we went over this last week, but we wanted to put these slides up for for the public again to see. Of course, they can reach out if they have any comments, but we're really excited about the addition at Maple Meer Elementary School and what that could look like. We've already had conversations with our architects
024and construction managers after last week's discussion with the board, and they're ready to move forward. Mr. Ryan is excited to get a group together to start designing that outside mural as well. But, it's really going to be a showpiece for the school and the neighborhood once the addition is built, and we're really excited about its modern look, but it's um the the the amount of respect it shows to the school and to the neighborhood as well. So, wanted to get that out there again so the public could see it. >> might I just add for the good of the board, I did share this with the superintendent, but we got the thumbs up for another 2 years of the learning cottages at Maple Grove near from from State Ed uh yesterday actually. Yesterday, so we
025had to do some things around the the vote, and then to do some letters with our attorneys, but we are good to go for 2 more years. >> Nice. >> And hopefully our last two. >> [laughter] >> Um last I think it was Wednesday night, June 11th, myself and Ann Nowak attended a meeting of the Sweet Home African American Alumni Association, which is continuing to grow tremendously in in our community and actually from around the country. It was a Zoom meeting that we attended with members as far away as from Texas and and local and and one member in the audience was in California driving around from San Francisco to uh um in the in the California area and joined us on Zoom. But, what excited Ms. Nowak and I was their absolute excitement for
026Sweet Home, the stories they shared about their time here in Sweet Home, and the help and the support they want to give back uh to Sweet Home um and to grow this partnership and to and strengthen it um from everything from we talked about mentor programs to scholarships um to internships uh they're willing to talk to class uh and give class presentations, partnership opportunities with the Family Support Center. They're planning a backpack program um as well with with Ms. Nowak um and how they can um really uh talk about their experiences here at Sweet Home with students, share those experiences and inspire our students um to go on and do great things um based all in their Sweet Home experience here. Um and I know Steve Pitts is the is the president and kind of
027leader of the organization um and him and I have been in contact quite a bit and I know Mr. Feldman reached out to him today to talk about scholarship opportunities they want to present. We have three gentlemen um from the group in in attendance here tonight. Um and I don't know I Ann and I talked afterwards about our excitement level of what this could produce um for us at Sweet Home uh and I know the partnership is only going to get stronger as we move forward and I can't thank Steve for making the connect Steve and I for making the connection, putting the group together and I know all of you strongly participate in it um and I want to just want to say first of all, thank you for being here tonight um but
028thank you for your willingness to give back to Sweet Home, uh share your experiences with our students um and make sure that they have the same kind of experiences you had um when you were here and I don't know if it's okay if they wanted to say anything right now but um you know um certainly the the floor is yours. >> saying anything. >> [laughter] >> So um Yeah, the floor's your I didn't ask you I didn't ask them to speak but but they they're they're more than welcome if they would like. >> you for your time. >> Yes. >> My name is Steph Trueheart, class of '82. And joining me here is Reggie Witherspoon. He's going to do the introductions. Class of '79, and Hollis Wood. class of '90. So, I'll I'll be very
029brief. Uh the way this came into fruition started out as a group of fellow alumni trying to figure out a way we could all get together and just catch up and see what we've been up to over the years. And once we did that we started sharing our experiences of with every head here at Sweet Home. And from that it turned into a reunion and then it morphed into a non-profit organization. Uh where our goal is to simply help students. And just like the slide says, to to men- uh mentor students and to just basically show support. Let them know that we once walked down these same hallways and sat in the same classrooms that they're in. So, we met with superintendent. We said, "Hey, how can we help out? What can we do?" At
030the end of the day, we simply want to give back to the share our experiences and to help with our network of alumni to help our students be successful. That kind of project. Thank you for your time. We look forward to partnering with >> And thank you for being here. >> Thank you. >> I can ask, how many members? How many members? >> Oh, there were at least 10, 12, maybe 15 on the call the other night, but I don't know how many members total, yeah. >> Yeah, as far as far as the committee goes, uh we have about 20 members of our committee. But as far as the alumni goes, uh it's well over 200. And of that alumni, they're all willing to uh use their resource their experiences to help out. Think of
031it Think of us as a resource. Network of alumni. Uh everybody from athletes to lawyers to attorneys who are willing to help and give back. Because I'm going to just I'm going to go on record and say this now. Our experience here at Sweetwater was awesome. But quite honestly, we sat in the classrooms and then we're being people that look like us standing in front of us. So, when we had those career days and someone's talking about being a a lawyer or an attorney or a police officer, a lot of us could relate to that because they didn't look like us. And that's one of the things that we could all sit here and say, "You know what? What if we go back to the school and we stand in front of the students?" Not
032just students of color, which is [clears throat] important, but for all students. They can see that they can do it. We did it. We stood up right here at Sweetwater and we owe a lot of that to our experience and education that we got from this school. When we get together, we still talk about the great times we had at Sweetwater. We simply want to give back. >> How can we support as the board? >> Uh well, I I I mean, district office is fully in and I think I'm I'm I don't I'm never going to speak for the board, but I'm sure that um you're you know, you're open arms to this and fully supportive as well. So, uh it's just extremely positive and it was a a great meeting the other night. >>
033Let us know. >> We'd love your help. >> We'll accept it with open arms. >> [laughter] >> It's a lot of open arms. There's going to be SOME HUGGING HAPPENING. I HEARD [clears throat] THAT. >> YEAH, we're we're planning on a backpack giveaway uh August 15th. >> August. >> Yes. August 15th. >> Here at Sweetwater. So, um obviously any help. >> Yes. >> Give us a at that. Also, we had a reunion years ago here at Sweetwater. Now, we had people come from all over the our journey. I'm experiencing bottom to bottom and shared and had a tour of school. That is a group now. It's hundreds of people doing it again. So, you know, this has been a really, really uplifting experience for us. >> Okay, Mr. Can you just um have our Fallon
034remind us of that August 15th date a little few days ahead? >> Yeah. Absolutely. >> Thank you, sir. >> One question, did you get the flyer that we created? >> I did not. Uh Thank you. Yep. >> Great. >> 5:30 now. >> Awesome. >> 5:30 I think we're going to have a DJ. That's all. >> That's awesome. Where is it where you're having it? >> It's going to be right here on the >> Right here. I love it. Good. Good. >> Yeah, uh Ms. Nowak and I talked uh like the the the haircuts maybe uh right here in the district office. Not for me. I got >> [laughter] >> I get a freebie every Sunday from my wife, so uh >> [laughter] >> We'll watch. But um but uh no, I mean it it has
035just been nothing but um uh partnership and and I can't thank you enough um for wanting to give back because I think this is an important thing for our students uh and uh they're going to be the beneficiary beneficiaries of it. And um when when their 10, 20, 30-year reunion comes along, they're going to be part of this group as well, and they're going to realize the impact that you had on them, and that's what it's all about. That's why we're here. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yes. I know Ms. Lyle is our a public relations person, and she will be in touch with you, and we will make sure I think a newsletter article is in in store, and we'll we'll promote the event through all of our social media accounts, and
036any medium we have to get it out there, we'll get it out there. Um so, last week, it's been a it's been a month of celebrations of the year here at Sweet Home. We had our volunteer recognition night. Hundreds of volunteers were recognized and brought up on stage for their effort, given certificates. We focused on our PTA, PTO, PTSAs, but we know there are so many other people that volunteer on committees throughout the year, like the DEI, for example, and they deserve recognition as well. We are one community. We would not be where we are today without our volunteers, and I just want to reiterate and thank them. It was an awesome event. Chef also recognized their volunteers, the 300 or so plus people that have either worked an event or did the food pantry
037deliveries. It was just an amazing night. A lot of smiles, a lot of recognition, and well-earned honors for our volunteers that make Sweet Home so great, and I just want to say thank you for their time and service to the district. And tonight, we got to celebrate, and I want to put it in the record, our tenure recipients. The stories were incredible. The work they have done in the past 3 or 4 years to reach tenure status is nothing short of amazing, and the work that they've put in time and time again um just noteworthy, and what makes us who we are. So, for those at Glendale, Maple Mirror, Willow Ridge, the high school, uh the middle school, Heritage Heights, and district office, I want to say thank you for your efforts and we look
038forward um to the great careers that you have ahead uh here at Sweet Home. Uh you certainly set the stage for greatness as you move forward in the decades to come. So, want to congratulate everybody who received tenure um this evening. Um last night was senior awards night. I want to thank you the Sweet Home Dollars for Scholars um Foundation and the and the volunteers that came out uh last night deliver awards and scholarships to 57 seniors that totaled $114,250. Um the greatest awards and the greatest number of students to date to receive awards. Um and it is a growing growing entity. Sweet Home Dollars for Scholars led by Mr. Feldman um who did a ton of work to coordinate not only um the scholarship essays and the the judging of those essays and and
039the awards, but uh the coordination of last last [clears throat] night's event takes hours and hours and hours. Um and just want to thank Don and the team for for their efforts. Um but $114,000 just absolutely amazing. Um we know the cost of college, we know the cost of life after they leave high school. Um it's not getting any easier. So, every single dollar helps and um that scholarship fund just continues to grow year in and year out. So, Don, I don't know if you want to say anything, but just want to say thank you. >> Uh thank you. Uh it's not, you know, we have strong support uh from many outside organizations. Uh and I'll just, you know, seeing the slide from uh the African-American Alumni Association, uh our alumni association in general is
040a huge supporter of Dollars for Scholars. Uh they do a number of scholarships that fall under uh the umbrella of Dollars for Scholars to the tune of about almost $40,000 worth of scholarships. Uh, so without their support, um, you know, honestly none of this would happen, but um, you know, we had 94 students uh, fully and completely you know, finished the application process uh, as members of the class of 2026. And you see just about two out of every three kids did win some sort of a scholarship um, to the tune of about a $2,000 average. And just for the good of the audience, these scholarships go to only Sweet Home seniors. Uh, and um, you know, we've been around since 1989. Uh, and we are quickly approaching over nearly $2 million uh, in total
041scholarships given to kids uh, in that time frame. So, that night, even more so than graduation, is my favorite >> night of the year. >> Favorite night of the year. This method and this model uh, I was telling Scott uh, as we were at um, uh, tenure, uh, this model came um, during COVID uh, cuz we used to do senior awards night in the auditorium. And we used to sit in senior awards night, you know, and and uh, those nights would last two and a half, three hours, and they weren't as personal as that event is. Uh, and if there's one good thing that came out of COVID, that's it. Uh, I will never change it. Uh, I think it is just phenomenal and the feedback and the stories and the texts my phone was
042going off until about 11:00 last night with different stories from uh, from kids and from families. So, um, super impactful, super proud of the work that we do, uh, and hope to grow it. >> I I have one story to share. Well, actually in two houses that I delivered to, this this event is starting to grow, I believe. and um, you know, you can only fit so many people in our auditorium, which is great, and you know, that's a very traditional way to hand out scholarships, but two of the families, as I'm driving up and seeing the cars lined up and down the street, and we're having parties last night and all decked out, the houses were decked out in blue and gold, and they were inviting friends and family over as we were delivering
043these scholarship awards, because they're making it a family event as we all honor our graduates this way. So, I get this is it just continues to grow in the way Sweet Home does it, makes it so personal, and it's just it was just awesome last night as we were delivering these things, these these things, these scholarships out, and to see I was invited to stay for pizza at one house and >> [laughter] >> had a couple more deliveries to make, but it was just a wonderful, wonderful night, so. >> to hear the stories behind the scholarships, especially if they're in memory of someone, you know, what kind of person that was. It's just we've just got a a lot of great people in this community. >> Yeah, and and one of the nice things that
044we do, too, in addition, many of our central office people presented scholarships, but we offer the opportunity for the donors to be able to go and do it on their own, and that feedback that I get from those folks is honestly is what I think keeps them coming back. >> Yeah. >> Um just because of the opportunity, even in a short window of time, to sit and talk with the family and learn about the kids, and learn about their own family situations really goes a long way, more so than shaking hands on a stage. >> I agree 100%. I agree with you, it needs to stay out like this. I've been doing it since COVID time frame, and I love making those trips. So, it's just it's it's so interesting to be able to sit
045there and talk with our kids and see where they're going to school school and what their plans for the future are and see the proud parents right there with them. >> And our very own Javon Coleman was a recipient of three awards, two two scholarships, so >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> [laughter] >> It's nice going through Amherst, or you know, around here and seeing the signs everybody has on their lawns. It's just I I just think that's great. >> Yes. Yes. Uh yeah, and there are 220 of them all at least this year that the students get one of them. >> There's a story [laughter] behind that? Speaking of stories. >> Last year they every class is different. Last year we had 200 left over. This year we had we ran out and um
046you know, so um we are we are well on our way to painting the town, I would say. And it's great to see all the signs that are around town. >> Yep. And thank you to the board to for offering a scholarship as well. I'd be remiss not to thank you all. Um I know that's a commitment, um but one that is uh very appreciated. >> And I had the privilege to deliver that one last night. I'll show you guys a picture later. I got it on here somewhere. >> That's great. >> Speaking of Mr. Coleman, um this is his last meeting with us tonight. Um and uh on behalf of everybody at district office, we wanted to say congratulations uh to you, Javon, um and thank you for everything that you've done on here
047on the board. Um this is just one of the many different volunteer um acts that you do here at Sweet Home. Uh and I know this is a big part of of what you do uh here and being a voice for the student body is so so critical and so important. Um just a short little story. I got to meet Javon's parents at the ASBO uh dinner, the um the night uh Mr. Feldman's daughter was graduating, so I got to step in. Mr. Feldman got the uh business official of the year award. Uh and part of that, he was able to give a scholarship in the thousand dollars um to any student of his choice, and he picked Mr. Coleman um to receive that. So, I got to sit with him and his mom and
048dad. And to tell you how important this seat is for him, I got to learn from his dad that he missed a track meet to be at a board meeting. Wow. Wow. >> Wow. >> His senior year. Um so, uh that's how important this role has been to him, and um he's made us a better board because of his efforts here, the tough questions that he's asked throughout the year, the reports that he's given. Um he's been an amazing representative of the student body, and we have this um plaque that we want to give you in in recognition of your time here, and say uh you're always welcome back, but thank you for everything that >> Thank Mr. Aryan for wrapping this. Um this this was not my work. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> We run
049out of Scotch tape in the district. >> [laughter] >> I think we should get the whole board in this picture. So, uh you want Should we go in the front? Yeah. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Get the whole board. >> [clears throat] >> Deservedly so, you have very, very proud parents. It was great to sit with them at lunch. They're It was It was It was a treat, really, a pleasure to sit with them, so. >> Your input has been invaluable. I mean, you've asked us tough questions where we've had to think and kind of say where we're coming from, and we appreciate those kinds of questions, and I hope the person that you They've got some big shoes to fill, the next person that comes up in your seat. >> 100% >> Thank you. It's
050been an honor serving as this or fulfilling such a big position. I'd like to thank you all of you guys. It was nice sitting next to you two and being a part of the board, something exciting that not every student gets to do, so. I'd like to thank you guys for having me on the board. >> Javon, I think in my eight years or so on the board, ish, you are the first student that asked questions when you didn't understand what we were talking about, and I appreciate that so much because we tend to talk in circles sometimes, and sometimes we're talking like, you know, 10,000 ft, and it's like, wait, wait, wait. The Your voice has been heard and appreciated in in all aspects this year, So, thank you for being here. >> Yeah.
051>> And you know your name's going right up there. >> It is. It is up there. >> there already. >> Oh, it's up there now? >> [laughter] >> And also, um he didn't see this on Friday because we added it late, but I want to thank Mr. Belanti for his service and 5 years on the school board. I was very fortunate to get to work with you this year and the accomplishments that we've made in the past 5 years because of your leadership and your service to the board. Everything from UPK, adding UPK to the strategic plan, to the the building project. I could go on and on and on of all the things that we've been able to do in the past 5 years. A lot that having to do with your input, Peter,
052has been truly truly valuable. Something I'll always remember. You will definitely be missed and I really want to thank you for always being there, especially the past year as president and the and the superintendent. We have a lot of a lot of conversations together for sure and you were always there offering your voice, support, positive attitude, forward-looking attitude, and always looking to make this this district stronger. You know, you're going to continue in your volunteership on the athletic committee for sure and hopefully in other things as well. I just want to say really thank you for your for your service to Sweet Home and you will be missed. So, congratulations and and thank you. And then we get to celebrate next Thursday night, June 25th is graduation. It's always the culminating event of any school
053year and it will be held at the Center for Arts at the University of Buffalo North Campus 6:00 June 25th. Our our robes are in. This the the diplomas have been printed. The stage has been set and we cannot wait to celebrate the class of 2026 next Thursday night. And before I end, I want to make two just recommendations to the board. Number one, I am extremely excited and honored to recommend Mr. Steve Shepherd as the next principal at the at the middle school at Sweet Home Middle School. Steve's been in this district for a very long time, over 20 years, 18 years as a teacher at the middle school. He knows that building inside and out. But the past, I really got to know Steve over the past five years in his time at
054the Ready Academy. Ms. Counters is giving me glaring looks right now, so I'm going to try and focus, but um >> [laughter] >> But I've gotten to know Steve as his time in the at the Ready and um There isn't a more bigger champion of students than Steve Shepherd in this district. We are very fortunate that he's going to be taking over our middle school. I've done a ton of department meetings at the middle school and that faculty over there is excited beyond belief to have him. They know him very well. They know the kind of leader that he is. The people at Ready know the kind of leader that he is and what he did to bring the big picture program in collaboration with the faculty over at Ready has been nothing short of
055amazing in how they are really capturing students and and making them grow. He's going to bring his talents to to the middle school and um you know, it's it's going to be he's going to have his challenges, but he's got a lot of support there and he's got he's got the entire faculty and staff in his corner. I know the best days of the Sweet Home Middle School are ahead because of his leadership and I'm here to highly recommend him for position as the middle school principal over there. So, thank you Steve for all you do and we're looking forward to the future together for sure. The other recommendation I'd like to make to the board tonight is Dr. Fnu Shaibi. She's the direct currently the director of human resources here in the district and
056I would like to recommend her for promotion to assistant superintendent of human resources. Since she's been in the district for the past four years, she's completely reorganized the way we do human resources for the better and I am super excited to recommend her for promotion and keep her at Sweet Home for a very very long time. I'll just go into details about our hiring efforts here, how she's completely revamped the way we hire, how she's trying to eliminate bias from the process, how she's made the process fair and consistent for every candidate that comes into the building and not only from the process but to make the candidates feel welcome and eventually sign them and keep them here at Sweet Home. Her work has been nothing but outstanding. She's a tireless worker and I think
057I believe strongly that she deserves this promotion to be a member of full-fledged member of our CAS team at central office and to take the district to new heights when it comes to employee relations, human resources and policy and practice. So, I highly recommend Dr. Shaibi for promotion to the board tonight as we move forward. So, those are my two recommendations for the board and I just want to say congratulations to those two administrators. So, thank you. That is Any questions? Okay, moving on to upcoming events. Um today was the last day of classes at the middle school and high school. So, congratulations to all the students and um good luck on uh your final exams and Regents exams or whatever you're you're taking. Um we do have a couple of uh UPK end-of-the-year celebrations,
058fifth grade moving up days. Um Friday we are there is no school um for the observation of Juneteenth. Um we have Ready Academy graduation next week. Um followed by our, you know, more moving up ceremonies and our um high school graduation on the 25th. Um and that leads us to open session number one as per policy 1510. Um this open session is for topics related to tonight's agenda. Is there anyone interested in speaking? Seeing none. Um we'll move on to new business. Just quickly want to go over um A through M with you. Uh we have A our normal special education and preschool class placements. B is our monthly financial reports. C is our bids for milk and juice, science supplies, and school bus parts. Uh D is the disposal of obsolete property, which I
059believe is an air purifier. Um E is for funding our re- reserve funds, which I believe we are not actually putting any money in it. It's just the okay to be able to fund it if we need to. All right? Um E is the procla- or sorry, F is a proclamation um for all of our retirees with 689 years of combined years of service. Um G is our district technology plan, which we saw the presentation last week. Um H is the continuation of combining school sports for girls gymnastics, boys ice hockey, girls ice hockey, and girls wrestling. Um I is our first read as for policy 1410 on the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day. Um J is a bond resolution for proposition one of the capital improvement project. Um and then K
060is the bond resolution for proposition two of the capital improvement project. Um Let me Let me go through all the pages. Um L is for the uh adoption of the strategic plan, which we saw the presentation um last week. And M is a settlement agreement um uh with a an employee. Um all right. So, may I have a motion for consent agendas A through M. >> Peter, can I just say one thing? Um I did go through all 356 pages of special ed, and again, I want to say um what professionals we have. The OT, the PT, all the different modalities that work with our kids are just top-notch. And And just to see what they write and how in-depth they are with our kids, they They're true professionals. Thank you. >> Uh Mr. President,
061I'd like you to remove letter L, strategic plan, so I can vote on it separately, please. >> Okay. >> You can I guess adjust your consent everything but L. >> I don't know if I need to make a motion or I don't. Okay. >> Okay. So, any other comments or questions? Okay. So, may I have a motion for agenda items A through K and M. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? Abstentions? Okay. May I have a motion and a second for agenda item L? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. All those in favor? Or I'm sorry, I. We did that. Um against? >> I'm against. >> Thank you. And abstentions? Okay. Thank you very much. Um that moves on to informational
062items. Mr. Coleman, you are on deck. >> Hm? >> Actually, you're up to bat. >> Thanks. Mary Ann's on deck. >> [laughter] >> Um good evening, everyone. Um obviously, since it's the end of the year, nothing student government-wise has changed since the end of May. We had our last meeting reviewing how things went throughout the year and congratulating everyone for their participation, as well as giving seniors um awards for graduation. Uh but throughout the school there have been a few things. In May, there were a few concerts, uh chorus, band, orchestra concerts, which I was in attendance for to hear my sisters play. And as a whole, they all sounded great. Um Summer Mack and I attended Challenge to Change as MCs on the 29th, I believe. Uh leading the day along. This is a
063big event uh that the student act group plans throughout the school year, and it's a lot of work and planning, but there's always a great outcome each year bringing students together from across the district, working together, bonding, and learning. Seniors' last day was the 3rd, and then senior day the 4th. It was a bittersweet moment, but it was nice to go back to the elementary and middle schools to see teachers one last time. We as well had a nice breakfast and picnic alongside with the helicopter demonstration. Uh yesterday It senior awards night. It was nice and exciting for those receiving scholarship. Once again, I'd like to say thank you for my end for those scholarships I received. Um overall, it's been fun and fulfilling facility fun and it's been fun and fulfilling to fulfill this
064position this year. I appreciate having the opportunity to have taken on such a big role sitting on the board, and I'd like to say thank you all, and I'll see you at graduation. >> What college? >> Uh UB. >> For? >> Business and law. >> Oh, nice. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Uh Mary Anne. >> Um I honestly, this is the first time in 19 years that I haven't really done anything, just helping my husband after surgery. Um so I will get right back into it, but I just want to say to you, Peter, thank you for all the service. Um your motto has always been what's good for kids, and you have not strayed from that. We appreciate everything you've done for Sweet Home and your leadership on the board. >> Thank you.
065Yeah. >> You just got pages. >> god. Yeah. It's been busy. I'm not going to even try to explain the vast majority of them. District Safety Committee meeting, high school PTSA, a capital project at meeting at Maple Grove, which was we were talking about the furniture there, and I want to say I'm very impressed with how they ran the whole process. They brought consultant in that's working with them to bring the furniture in, but she went through in detail all the stuff that they would be in, particularly UPK and the kindergarten classrooms. But they talked about everything and what they would need and how they would outfit the classrooms, and I think they put together a good plan that they're going to bring back to them for the next steps on that. The Alumni Committee,
066the SHAPE board, the Audit Committee, where we reviewed the plans for the both internal and external, plus set dates for next year. I went to the Willow Ridge PTO meeting. Everything is doing well there. I got some notes for here somewhere, Peter. >> That's all right. >> The uh we had the Erie County Association of School Boards annual meeting and awards uh awards ceremony. Mr. Rabinold and I were there. Um One thing I've and I've I've actually at some point I want to reach out to the people from uh uh the Lackawanna School District are looking they're going to need some learning cottages, too, although they didn't have quite as nice of a name for them. I forgot what it was, but >> Uh yeah, it's funny uh you almost just sat at the same
067table because uh um uh we had our business official golf tournament on Friday afternoon, and I happened to play with Campus Construction Management, and uh they shared with me that they may have buyers for our um >> And it would be done because Nick was sitting on the other side of >> And it's me and it was Lackawanna, so small world. So, thank you. I appreciate that. >> No problem. Um Volunteer recognition, the teacher retirement, and the and the tenure receptions, senior awards night, challenge to change. That's enough. >> That's all I have. >> [laughter] >> Amy? >> I don't have much. Um I haven't really been able to attend much this this spring uh for personal reasons, but I would like to take the opportunity to just say thank you. Thank you for being
068such a great colleague, a great sounding board, for leading us through this last year. Don't change your number. >> First thing I'm doing tomorrow morning. >> [laughter] >> I'll get it from my kid. >> Yeah. Our our our kids are very good friends, and uh they're they're often wondering what Amy and I are going to do without you. >> [laughter] >> Now that we won't be meeting a couple of times a month. >> So, maybe there'll be coffee in our future. >> Yeah. Coffee. >> But I appreciate you. I drink coffee. You don't have to. But I appreciate you and I thank you for for all of your service in the last 5 years. >> I can jump back in Peter, the same thing. I skipped over it cuz I was doing all those other
069group. But anyway, I did I think you brought a great perspective to this board and and you're everything you've done for us has been very much appreciated. >> Thank you. >> And I'm good. >> Uh Dirk. >> So how do I follow that? >> [laughter] >> I I recognize the what it takes to be on a board and in that short bit that you put in, it really is not just time. Your thinking and your it's all your time really at the So thank you for that. >> Thank you. Um I was also at this annual dinner with Scott. They gave me another award, the rising star award. I thought they got it confused with falling star. >> [laughter] >> And uh Scott got recognized for 20-year term or 20 years of service on the
070school board. And I couldn't figure out well why didn't I get something for something in between 20 and >> They do it 5-year renewals. >> [laughter] >> They start over again. >> All right. >> Anyways, that was a nice event. >> Yeah. >> So Um and then no, there are other events coming from either school boards from New York school boards or other things. I'd really going to try to encourage the other board members to participate one way or the other. I know next year for the annual the thing in Buffalo will be there. But just the fact that you're talking to other folks, other districts and how they're doing things is is valuable I think. It gives you a different view on things and how you're doing it in the school. On that note,
071I sat at the table at this annual dinner when next to some folks from Gowanda who have no electric buses. >> Right. >> And they said [laughter] I looked at him and said, "Well, what are you going to do if they you have to do it?" He says, "Well, the state's going to have to help us out one way or the other." So, it was an interesting little conversation side conversation. And and again, the reason I voted I'll say this now, a strategic plan. Not that I have problem with the plan. I do have problems with some of the components that are being pushed from New from Albany, state ed. Like the global citizenry. I spent some time analyzing that, looking at that, what it really means, and where it's coming from. It feels like
072it's coming from a political view. And that really bothered me. So, that's why I voted no. I I give the folks that got involved and did all that, the volunteers, a lot of credit for what they did to to put it forward. I know we're required to do it, but I'd really like personally, it's my only way to push back on what Albany wants us to do, and how they think that they know what's best for our kids. I really have a hard time with that. So, nothing personal. I just wanted to make sure you understood where I was coming from there. So, on a >> [laughter] >> I'm sorry. I'm rambling a little bit here, but on the uh my Heritage PTA meeting, I think it's probably the last of the year. They may
073have someone a one in the summer. They're hinting at that. But, they had a terrific family night. Uh they had a terrific a teacher appreciation week. They did things that even the teachers were praising them for doing that. Really a good group of people. Again, they got that awards uh last month, last week, whatever that was. They're pretty proud of that. Um they want me to come back. So, I will just tell you that I'd like to stay on as liaison to the Heritage PTA. So, Brian knows where I'm coming And I think that's it. Um That's all I got. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dirk. Annie? >> So, I attended the Challenge to Change event, uh which was incredible. Um That was the first one that I've gotten to go to uh since I
074started on the board a few years ago, and it was amazing to see the activities that the kids engaged to. Um their just ability to socialize and not be afraid to talk to one another in a group, you know, a room full of kids they've never met before. Um I was very impressed with the restorative circles. Um I have never seen that in practice before since leaving the classroom myself, so that was amazing. Um just overall a really well-run event. Um I got to do uh senior day. Um I followed my child around who is graduating next week like a puppy dog and took pictures cuz poor Christine can't be in four places at once at the elementary school, so I went to Glendale and I got the picture of all the kids on the
075playground and sobbed quietly for a few minutes and then went went about my day. Um so, next Thursday is going to be rough, and I'm just going to warn you ahead of time. It's okay. I've got like a pocket for tissues in my little wizard robe, so I'm going to be all set. Um I attended the Sweet Home Family Support Center Advisory Committee um this week, and that was the first time that I've gotten to do that. Also an amazing meeting. Had no idea that we had the amount of resources that we do that are available to our families in the community. So, that was very eye-opening. It's amazing to see the work that they do. Um they are doing their back-to-school pop-up pantry. Uh school supplies, gently used and new clothing, community resources. That's
076July 30th, 31st, and August 1st. They are also looking for volunteers to work those shifts, sort things, etc. And that's going to be at the Northwest Amherst Community Center. So, reach out to Family Support Center if you have any questions. And that's it. >> [laughter] >> See something Coleman. >> Oh, wait. Hold on. >> We're going to do it now. >> Cuz I just like I forgot. I just got distracted. Um Mr. Coleman, thank you so much for your service. It has been refreshing to have such an eloquent voice um representing students and asking questions. And I love the fact that some of them were hard questions. Like I was cheering in my mind like, "Yeah, good question to ask." Um it's it was it has just been incredible to get to interact with you
077this year and I'm so grateful that it was you that got to be here with us at the table. Um Peter, thank you so much. In the past 2 years, you have been willing to answer every ridiculous question that I have had as a new board member not understanding where things are supposed to go and why they are happening. Um and I'm I'm so grateful uh that you were patient with me and kind about it. So, thank you so much. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Okay, now I'm done. I'm sorry. >> Brian? >> I think can I say one other thing Mr. Mr. Coleman here? It's first time on the board, first meeting of the board. I went over and I said, "You know, you got to you really got to ask a lot
078of questions. Don't let them push you around here. Speak up." And he he I think he took I don't know if it was me, but he you took somebody's advice >> Don't tell him it was him. >> [laughter] >> It was him? >> That won't fit through the door. Don't do that. >> But very I'm very very proud. >> kid. There you go. >> We'll do that. I used to sit next to the student assistant and I always enjoyed that because they always encourage and I think the board encourages them to participate. Yeah, really let us know what's going on in in the classroom and in the school. It's very valuable. So, thank you for doing that. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> You're welcome. >> I think it might be your turn. >>
079Sorry. Now I'll try a turn. Unless someone's going to interrupt you again. >> Just [laughter] give me your thoughts. >> Bob. So, I'm not going to go through all the activities cuz I've been to a number of them which all of you been to to some degree. Mr. Coleman, congratulations. I'm glad you're staying local. It's nice to see not only that you know, we have um you know, kids graduating and and doing well and going on to bigger and bigger and exciting things. Uh but it's also great to see that they're staying in Western New York at least for you know, the number of years you through college you'll be here. >> are happy, too. >> [laughter] >> And if you want to look me up for an internship you're welcome to do that. You
080know, I'd be happy to talk to you about opportunities or at least if I can help you out I'm happy to do that. And Peter, you know, I'm going to miss you but I'm not going to miss you just because for myself I'm going to miss you because for my kids. You did a great job and um I know you always put the kids first. So, I really appreciate that and you know, I and that's what it's really about. I mean, I have four kids here and you you think about board members. I know we're all dedicated and committed but Peter, I really appreciate everything you've done and I know that as a parent I really appreciate it as well as board member. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. Can I toss one more thing in
081that I forgot? It's not in my notebook anywhere. >> Go ahead. >> I think it's important to say that a number of us in the room were at the Special Olympics. >> Oh my god, how did I forget that? >> I made that same error. I don't know how [laughter] it's not my book, that's why. And it was we had a significant contingent there coming from Sweet Home and there were a lot of parents who went along with them and and staff support. I think it turned out wonderful. City of Tonawanda High School and the administration did a great job of hosting us but it's always a wonderful event. We got a decent day for it this year, too. >> Good. We did. >> Yeah, I as far I never get a chance to attend
082it due to softball usually but every year the torch runs through Maryvale where we teach and they go around the circle of Maryvale and you know, our all of our students are out there cheering their their fellow students who will participate and and do the the torch run. So, >> Yeah, it's the way they started off. It's awesome. It's a great event for anybody that wants to come and visit next year. >> All right, that I guess that leaves me. Um I'm going to save thank you for later. Um I attended I mean the end of May, June is on the board really my favorite time of the month or of the school year. The challenge to change which I didn't miss one on while I was on the board, the retirement reception, the tenure
083reception, the volunteer reception, uh delivering scholarships. Uh last year I delivered scholarships to some of my son's friends. This year I got to deliver one to my niece. So, yeah, it was uh I like I did all those things and, you know, and then this all leads to graduation. So, um you know, I this is my favorite time of the year as being on the board. So, um that's what I did. Um all right, moving on to open session uh number two. Would anyone like to address the board? Okay, thank you. Um personnel, um we have teaching and administrative and we do have um two appointments in the audience, Mr. Shepard and Miss Miss Connors, right? Miss Connors are here. So, we have our teaching and administrative one and our um service uh um personnel,
084but I believe Dr. Genest would like to say something about Miss Connors. >> have a short story about Miss Connors to tell you kind of where the rock star that we got. So, um we do many rounds during the super during a teaching process to hire teachers. And um she probably knows this and I uh one of my favorite people here in the world is Sheila Connors. Um and um I did not uh I was told that her daughter was in a process and this is going to be the last time I'm going to mention that. It's her daughter because we went through the process in the superintendent round and that did not come up during that round. And then we offered her the job and she said, "Well, I have to ask you a
085question before I take it. Do you know who my mom is?" And I said, "Yes, I've heard who your mom is." And she had nothing to do with this, right? And I said, "She had nothing to do with this." >> [laughter] >> Um, she earned it on your merit. You earned it on your awesome performance. We have a point system. She was the leading candidate throughout that system. There's a heavy rubric that is involved in this and candidates are are are evaluated on that rubric and she was by far the leading candidate throughout the entire process. Um, but the pedigree is strong and we're happy about that. So, that's a bonus. But you earned it on your merit and we're very lucky to have you. So, congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> And then she said, "Yes."
086>> [laughter] >> I would hope so. >> All right. So, may I have a motion and a second on personnel items one and two? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Okay. Before we adjourn to executive session, I just I do want to say um a few things. Um, I'll try and get through it. So, um I'm probably just going to read so I don't look at anybody. Um, first I'd like to thank the Sweet Home community for voting me onto the board five years ago. Um it has been an honor to serve and a very enriching experience. Um, I will ask one favor as I leave the board to the community. Um, and that the community becomes informed on the issues and please show up to votes. Um, over the
087last six budget votes and the capital project vote, we as a community only averaged 828 voters. Um, only breaking a thousand once by I I think it was a thousand and 30 voters. So with a district approaching 4000 students, we we should be having a much higher voting turnout. So I encourage people to be informed and vote. Next Mr. Coleman to you and our past student reps. I know that this is not an easy thing to do as a student to sit here with us and listen to these presentations and I I I am with the sentiment of the rest of the board that you were the most active and involved student rep we had so in my five years here. And you did everything you did admirably. I know that your future is bright.
088Keep working hard and striving for excellence. >> Thank you. >> Dr. Wilson, my partner in crime for leaving. >> [laughter] >> It was a pleasure working with you the past couple of years. You have handled yourself with grace and integrity throughout your years at Sweet Home. I always look forward to your presentations and as they were thoughtful and informative. What you taught me about using data in different ways and looking at curriculum, I've carried over into my own classroom. Sorry. Um And through your teachings I've hope I've improved myself as a teacher. I hope you enjoy your retirement in the sun. Mr. Coleman, we had a relationship going back to my time on the board through Mel Ott and the Parkview basketball. I want to thank you for all that you do for the district,
089the community and our students. Whether it's presenting our budget or cooking hot dogs, you always do it with a smile on your face and you never ever complain. >> [laughter] >> Left such a lasting impression. Um there's been a lot of discussion um on the board over the past few years um and even last week with our presentation about the portrait of a graduate and the portrait of a panther. Um I believe that we should look no further than you. >> Oh, thank you. >> As a prime example. Um you are the essence of what we should be want our graduates to be. >> Thank you. It's very kind of you. >> Um yeah, this might be tough. >> [laughter] >> Um to my fellow board members, past and present, um Josh, Kaylee, Mary Ann,
090Scott, Brian, Danny, Dirk, and Amy, um thank you for allowing me to work alongside you. Uh we may not always seem seen eye to eye, but in the end I believe we always made the right decision with the community and the students' best interest in mind. I'll leave you with a few points of advice. First, um don't dwell on the past. Always look to the future and help the district grow and evolve. If you constantly bring up the past with that's not how I wanted things to go or that's not how I voted, um the district will remain stuck. Please move to the future with that in mind. I do have a few things that I was planning um >> [snorts] >> on having the board investigate for next year and I hope that you
091will do this. Um the first is um I really believe that we should look into reducing the term of board members from 5 years to 3 years. Mr. Ryan pointed out during the meet meet the candidate night um that a lot of neighboring districts are moving in that direction and I think Sweet Home should do as well. Um I believe this will help attract more candidates for the board. Um another thing that might help uh attract more candidates, and I'm sorry Mary Ann, but I think we need to reduce the number of meetings per year. Um I know Brian is already working on this. Um I hope that you will support him in this effort. Um So, I mean we there were weeks and months where we were meeting four out of five weeks and
092and I think we we needed to reduce that. Uh my second point of advice is to not do what is easy. Sometimes you must do what might be seem unpopular or difficult because in your heart you know that's what's best for the community, the schools, and most importantly our students. Um and then lastly, um I know you're going to be in um good hands under Brian's leadership. Um finally, Dr. Genestri, um my um first experience as a board member uh was sitting in the district and the superintendent's office with Mr. Day and Dr. Genestri, uh Mr. Genestri at the time, um and we received a crash course on the Board of Ed operations. I believe I got binders like this, um and Tony just threw everything at us, and Mike and I sat there. I
093mean, he had experience as a superintendent, I think he said to me at the end was yeah, this board is not how I >> [laughter] >> uh it is completely different. Um and really it has been a roller coaster ever since ever since, um but I wouldn't change um a minute of it. Um I'm not going to get into the what type of person or leader I believe you are because we've had a lot of conversations both professional and personally, um mostly about that the Yankees are better than the Red Sox and your son's hockey career. >> [laughter] >> Um but over the years I think you already know how I feel about you. Um as not only a Board of Ed member, but also as a parent, you know, like Brian said, um I'd
094like to thank you for your leadership and everything that you've done for Southington. So, thank you, everybody. >> Wait, you didn't cry at graduation for the students? >> Oh, I wanted to throw him OFF THE STAGE. >> [laughter] >> I STILL HAVE ONE OF YOUR LAWN SIGNS that's on Sweet Hollow. >> I I know. Across from the middle school. I haven't had a chance to get over there to get it. >> There's one out by us, too. Out by my house. >> Well, that's cuz Dirk moved his off the lawn and I couldn't find where he put it. >> [laughter] >> All right. Good morning. >> All right. Um and then I guess uh lastly, uh may I have a motion and a second to adjourn to executive session for the matters relating to an
095employment history of a particular individual as we well as contract uh collective negotiations. We will not be returning to this room. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor. >> Aye. >> Against? Abstentions?