Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Board of Education Voting Meeting

001I'm just getting everything out ready. Derk, we you're good. All right. Good evening everybody. Um, okay. Real quick, uh, Mr. Balante, if you give just a second. >> Sure. Trying to get the live stream going. Okay, thank you. >> Okay. Um, just wanted to let everybody know we called the meeting to order at 6:05. Um, said the pledge of allegiance, took roll call, and then adjourned into executive session at 6:07. Um, we adjourned executive session at 6:45 where no action was taken. And so, next order of business is the um approval of the agenda. May I have a motion? and second to approve the agenda. >> So move >> second. >> All in favor? >> I carries. Um minutes of previous meeting. May I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes? >>

002So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I I motion passes. Um communications. I know last week we talked about the Harris Beach uh legal alert. Does anyone have any um communications to share other than the Harris Beach? >> There was another notice in there from Harris Beach. I'm quite sure if they were just talking about no pizza in the lunchroom or something, but it was kind of strange. Did you read that? >> I glanced over it. I didn't have a chance to completely dive into it. Um >> Harris Beach comes to us. It's not one of our main attorneys. Correct. >> It's not any of our We don't do any business with them. Okay. Did we do something with them at one time? Is that >> Yes, in the past we have. >> Yeah.

003Okay. >> Yep. >> I would Thank you. That's all I had. >> Um Okay. No other communications then. Um unfinished business. We have none. So, the superintendence report. Dr. Jan. >> Thank you, Mr. Balante. Um Okay. Uh, we have a few up. Maybe I'm frozen. It has the There we go. All right. Um, so tonight's topics, we were going to offer the board an enrollment update. Uh, we, uh, Mr. Feldman's going to talk about our reserve and fund balance update. Um, and, uh, capital project uh, building. Uh, no, no, really updates, but, uh, we again want to just make sure that we're announcing uh, the date for our upcoming vote. Uh and then uh we are in the middle of homecoming week. So uh I just want to announce to our community what um events

004will be happening throughout the week. So uh without further ado, I'm going to ask Dr. Wilson to come on up and give us an update on enrollment um that we've been seeing through September 12th. >> Good evening everyone. I'm going to dig right into our enrollment and we're jumping in first with our elementary enrollment. So, as you see here, we have the snapshot as of the 12th. Um, these are all of our elementary schools. Um, when you look at our state and public facing data, you usually will see K5 um data points. Um, UPK is a very big pride point for us. So, we want to make sure we always pull those numbers in. And you see our UPK numbers there. Also this year um an extension of our UPK program we extended the integrated

005co-e model at Glendel and Willowidge. So there's one section at each one of those schools in which we are supporting students with disabilities in district at UPK. Um the things I want to point out here is you see we're at 189 at UPK but then you see all the numbers um going through each grade level. In a minute, we're going to talk about sections, um, class size, um, and we'll dig into that a little bit more deeply with the elementary. Um, the thing that I would like to point out is that we're going to hit capacity at 198, so we're right there. Um, and we have really pulled in everyone that we that we don't really have a wait list. Um, we have students and families that are maybe in one zone or another, but

006for the most part, we have we are servicing all the students who apply for our UPK program. Next slide. Here's that class um enrollment data here. The thing I'd like to point out here is you see every school broken down. Uh, Maple Mir, remember their UPK program sits over at St. Leo's. So, but most of the students that are over at St. Leo's uh move on to Maple Mir. Um the thing I'd like to point out that might cause you to think about the numbers on the last page differently and you see a slight difference is for example if you look at Glendale um it's three sections three classes at UPK um and saying 18 students per section really when you look at the numbers for Glendale is 52 students there sitting in their UPK

007program and when you do the math on that it's 17.33 but you can't have a.333 student right so that's why the numbers look slightly ly different here, but as you as you look across, you see where our sections are. Um, we we have a goal of looking at about 18. Um, at UPK, it must be 18K in one. And then at 2 through five, we try to stick closer to the 22. It's a guide. It's not a hard It's not a hard number. Um, but it is a guide. Whenever you see numbers go bigger, we look at adding shared aids and other support staff to make sure that we are accommodating all students. You also see the exceptional classes um that are housed at Glendale, Maple, and Willowidge. They are spread across grade levels because

008those are multi-grade level um classes. Next slide. Here's enrollment where we pull in middle school and high school. So the thing I want to point out here is that our elementary numbers do include our UPK numbers. Remember that's a little bit different when you look at our public facing data and you talk about a net gain, right? So students leaving us over the summer or throughout the year last year and then students coming in um and so from 2023 24 and then 2425 those are beds day data points. Those are that's about the October time um in which that snapshot is taken. We haven't hit October yet for 2526. So that's number as of um the 12th. That number is constantly changing. It's different even today. So we are constantly growing, constantly changing. Um you

009see a net difference between 25 24 25 and 2526 of 19 negative 19. Um but overall it's it's the number of students that are coming in and we'll see a little bit more about that in the next slide. Um you can go on to the next slide. So here we have students with disabilities in our special education program. Um and you have the count again the first two years are driven by um our beds day numbers but they also include UPK. So that's a difference in what you'll see on our public facing um dashboards. Um when you look at 2526 you see we have uh a net of positive 21. So there are 21 more students. That doesn't mean that there's only 21 students that change. That means that's the net difference. Number of students

010coming in, number of students leaving. The number of 13% um looks constant, but you see the numbers different is based on different years enrollment. So when you look at the enrollment numbers from the year before, you see why it balances out to be 13% in the last couple of years, but was hovering around 12% um 23 24. And that is a quick overview of some highle data and our enrollment. I'll take any questions. >> I just want to say when we looked when we looked at our numbers for elementary, we're still we kind of have an unwritten commitment for those K1 and two because those are the real formative years that we're still going to keep our levels kind of low so that there's you know more individual attention. So from the numbers you're showing

011we are keeping that commitment. >> Yes. Yes. And we are we are looking at whenever like I was having a conversation with Heritage Heights today um about share aid shared aids and where they are located. The the kindergarten there across the board has that kind of support already in place. >> So going from elementary to middle school are we losing kids? You can't really tell from for example the 25 26 numbers 1834 in elementary. So, what's the number of students that are in fifth grade that will go to the middle school for next year? They are we losing children to somewhere else or where are they or are they rolling over? >> Well, they roll over to middle school for for sixth grade, but I can get you the exact number of students by grade

012level. We don't have it broken down by grade level for >> Well, just generally, are they about the same? So, the graduating grade five is showing up in middle school the following year for grade six. Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> I just wonder did have you done a deep dive into how many of our kids are being homeschooled? How many of our kids because this doesn't represent our charter kids are, you know, homeschooled, whatever. Um, and those that go to, you know, some of the Catholic schools or private schools, have you started looking into those? And >> numbers, we can get you those numbers if you're interested in seeing them, but we definitely have access to that. and we'll have more after that October 5th date when beds day happens. Um but

013we we wanted to just kind of set the table that you know our our enrollment is holding steady. Um you know we did lose our asylum seekers um this year. So um that was 60 >> 53 kids. So um that's that's one piece of that too, but we'll have more on enrollment as the beds data comes in. When you said we lost our asylum seekers, what does that mean? >> That means they went to other they moved out of Sweet Home and went to other school districts. >> Yes. >> And we even tracked the location they landed in. >> No, in the middle of last school year, but it was after beds day. So that the bed so the enrollment numbers that you saw included them from from 2425 included them in the Yeah. >>

014Is that most of the loss between the two years? that >> I think that would be yeah that's right around >> okay >> are the students that are not that are in outplacements are they included anywhere in this data >> so our total enrollment that would include so our out of district students would be counted >> we keep I'm sure people watching at home keep hearing us say about beds can you just explain since that is a >> Yep just so people know >> it's a data a snapshot for us. Um, it typically happens in October. That's when teachers experience it and schools experience it. The actual data upload happens between October and December. Um, and basically it's a full snapshot of our district. Um, in which we have to count up everything. I don't

015know, Dr. Janestri if you want to add any more to that. >> Uh, nope. That's that's uh it's usually the Tuesday in the first week of October um that we do that snapshot and that's the number that carries for the year for for our aid purposes and that'll be the public facing. So like the New York State report card number that's the snapshot of that's that number that you see on October I don't want to say 5th this year but uh yeah >> is it the number of students enrolled what what exactly are they measuring? What's the They ask for every data point that we can give them. So they want total enrollment. They want to know how many students are out of district, how many students are students with disabilities, how many students are

016um L English language learners. So every from every angle, every single data point that we can give them on our students is what they collect on that body, right? About the student body. >> Yes. Okay. >> Well, they they also collect information about our teachers and their number of years of experience. Okay. >> It's a hu it's a huge snapshot of the district. They and they they work to collect every data point they can to tell them about our district. >> Thank you. >> So in beds I mean I think to your point it's basic education data system. I think that's a New York state >> database right that we have to report to. So when we say the bed's numbers those are the numbers we're reporting >> into this database for New York. And

017that's public data. >> Yes. >> State report card like you can look up your driven by it by year. You can look at >> school buildings like it's all >> on the website for the public. >> When you click that enrollment tab in the report card, it'll those numbers that you see there will be from that October 5th date. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And uh Mr. Feldman is here to report tonight on our reserve and fund balance update. Good evening everybody. Uh I've just uh again I know I said it um if it was last week or in August, but uh the district has um engaged in a new audit uh um vendor for us this year. Typically we do this in August. Uh but we went through um kind

018of some relationship pieces with uh the the new auditor. Uh so I do apologize for the delay but uh we'll be we'll be back in it in August next year but uh this is um something that we've done traditionally in August and we'll continue to do that going forward just with the new auditor we were a little delayed. So Dr. Jenny if you'd hit the next slide. So, the unassigned fund balance, this is something that uh the board uh following our last uh New York State um office of estate controllers audit uh they did suggest that we uh you as a board approve the fund balance, unassigned fund balance every year. Uh for lack of a better term, this unassigned fund balance is really our rainy day fund. Um it's something that uh we're allowed

019to carry up up to 4% of our current year budget uh in a in an unassigned fund balance to use uh in the event of emergencies and and things along those lines. So uh I gave you here a couple of snapshots. The 2425 uh our 2425 approved budget was 100,410,422. The 4% maximum allowed value of the um unassigned fund balance for last year was 4 million16,417. Uh we recommended you approved uh a 2425 fund balance of $2.962 million or $2.95%. Um and then in that second chunk there what I did was try and give you a sense as to you know why and what the reasons are for uh the not you not getting to that 4% but moreover really just a look at some of the struggles that we've had over the last couple

020of years uh in budget uh in budgeting uh with the budget uh after the budget has been passed. So in the 2425 school year when the budget was passed in May of 2024 obviously we had a budget of 100,410,422. Uh in that time since the time that that budget was passed through the time that we closed the the budgetary year last year uh we did see over $1.2 2 million uh in increased special education um tuitions resulting directly from student transfers and out of district placements. Our special education um numbers uh again we increased the budget in the 2425 school year by almost a million dollars. You see that we over that that the actual expenses were about $2.2 million. So we were about $1.2 million behind. Um and that is in you know what

021we do in the in the process of of uh setting the bud excuse me setting the budget. We do meet with uh the department heads. We know what's coming. These were expenses that we had no idea and people coming into the district that we had no idea that were coming uh from that standpoint. We'll talk about special education a little bit long later. Uh but I just wanted to give you a sense from that standpoint. Um, additionally with the new folks, uh, and with the der of our our bus drivers, we did see $600,000, uh, in additional contracted transportation costs, uh, directly related to some of our new special education students and runs. Uh but moreover uh our Mckin Vento students, students that are classified as Mckin Vento, those are students that are um classified

022as homeless uh that regardless of where they live, if they are attached to the Sweet Home Central School District and are within 20 miles, uh we do need to transport them every day. Uh so the some of those contracted transportation costs are directly attributed to uh those students. We did work very hard this past year um to work with Erie County. If Erie County places the student in a Mckin Vento situation, they are essentially responsible for the transportation costs. We work very hard and we recouped um about $500,000 in contract to transportation costs. Those $600,000 are over and above that. Um so uh our contracted transportation costs because of uh the new students uh were extremely high and again that's after increasing in a budget uh of about $500,000. We increase that a half a

023million. Um and then for 24 or 2526 uh as you all know our approved budget is 105,576,12 4% of the budget is $4,223,40 which is the highest level allowable uh by our unassigned fund balance. Uh I am here tonight to make a recommendation to you for the 2526 done assigned fund balance to be at a level of 3.167 million 3,167,280 which is 3% of our annual budget um going forward and that uh is uh utilizing some of the reserves which is what you'll see kind of on our next page. So this is our reserve activity. We do have, as you see across the top, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven different reserves that we have available to us. Some we are allowed to use more freely. Others we are, you know, we do need

024uh not only your approval, but uh voter approval from that standpoint. Um you'll see uh on the very bottom that our 2526 reserve and fund balances totals, our reserve funds, the seven totals up there are $6.5 million. Our unassigned fund balance is recommended to you tonight is $3.167 million and our assigned fund balance is the revenue that we carry forward every year of $2.42 million. So in total all of our reserve and fund balances do total to 12,126,661. Um this is uh obviously you'll see in the last column that we did use over $2 million in reserves last year. Some of it was budgeted, others of it were to help us to get to that 3% uh in the unassigned fund balance because it allows us, I believe, in an unassigned fund balance to give

025us a little bit more flexibility uh from that standpoint. >> Mr. Feldman, I see the taxi we >> got rid of almost 90 plus% of it. >> Is there something in particular that really clobbered that or do we need to expect that? >> Well, uh uh honestly, Mr. Johnson. A lot of that is some of that is uh actual tax certiary. Uh others of it is to help us to get to the 3% uh in the unassigned fund balance. From that standpoint, um we had most flexibility in the tax certiary. We can talk about obviously as a board we can shift monies out and in and out of uh reserves from that standpoint, but for the flexibility of uh a 3% unassigned fund balance, we used you know in talking with Dr. estry, we did

026use the reserves in that area to help us kind of get to 3%. >> Are we still successful at getting most people not to go backwards in time? Just just >> 100%. Uh we do use uh we have a number of you know again with and you all have been through it with the um the reassessment in the town of Ammerst. We had a number of challenges. Uh we do partner with uh our tax attorney Hudson Russ uh to be able to um uh to work through that. I'm sorry it's not Hutch and Russ, it's Gro Schuman. I apologize for that. Uh but he uh our attorney does go on our behalf to the district and work with the town. Uh and I would say 98% of his cases come back with no refunds. Uh

027from that standpoint, that's why we felt as though that we could use that. Uh from that standpoint, we used about $160,000 of it in re in refunds. The rest of it is to help us to get to that 3%. >> Thank you. So, so I understand that. I thought you said that you add or subtract from that particular column to help you with the reserves, the unassigned res. Uh, >> so the use of the reserves, that one, two, third row down, the use of reserves, you'll see what we used in reserves. Uh, some of that again was budgeted and accounted for as we did as we used them as revenues to close budgetary gaps. the remainder of it uh that we used in those reserves is to help us to get to the 3% in

028the unassigned fund balance. That's my recommendation tonight because I believe that the unassigned fund balance does give us the most flexibility uh going forward. >> Got it. The ERS TRS is TRS relatively new. Are you allowed to I didn't know you were allowed to reserve for that? Uh it was a it was a retirement system uh uh reserve. Scott, you might know this more than I. It was probably about maybe a half dozen years or so ago that they allowed us to split uh into Yeah, it wasn't that long. >> Okay. It was into ERS and TRS. So TRS to your point, Mr. Rabinold, is relatively new. Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. I think that's a good thing. >> I would agree. I would agree. >> Okay. >> We had to keep it under the ERS

029fund, right? we allowed to create it as a separate. >> Correct. Correct. >> Okay. >> So, in the end, like I say, uh with all of our reserve balances are and our fund balances, we do have a total of 12 a little over $12 million. If you would hit the next slide, please, Mr. Dr. Janestri. So, as I mentioned, uh, some of the things that, uh, we've seen over the last couple of years, it has been, um, a very challenging last couple of years in terms of the budget, um, relative to, uh, special education and contracted transportation, special education in particular, from that standpoint. We've seen special education tuitions out of district continue to sore. Um just this year I mentioned to you what happened in 2425. Since um the 2526 budget was passed in

030May of 25 until we started school this year. We did see um 24 new children come into our district. Um we do not um have space for those kids, those high need kids. Uh and we've had to place them out of district uh at a cost of about $1.6 million. So um when we build the budget, we try and build a budget that is fiscally responsible to our community. Uh we have utilized in the past, we have utilized reserves to offset budgetary gaps. We have not gone to the tax cap uh in in many the last several years from that standpoint. So um the $12 million we're in in good shape. we just can't continue to support the growing special education um population and struggles financially in the manner that we are now. So, uh

031there's a couple of things that are in factor there. Uh obviously, you all know that one Boseies is building its new special education center that's due to open in I think to take students in probably February or March of 2027. Um so that that will s say again >> it'll be September. >> Se it'll be September. Okay. um what we were told at the business officials it would have been February but you guys would know more uh from that standpoint um so that that can certainly help us it would I would assume that we would realize some cost savings from that standpoint um you know going forward uh we've worked very hard uh Scott Kennedy and his team has worked very hard to continue to bring contracted transportation back in house uh we have worked

032to get all of our our Mckin Vento um transportation uh kids back in house, but two, we've not been able to to do two of them. Um so that should be a significant savings for the district going forward. Something that obviously that we're very very proud of and and Scott and his team have done a great job um not only with the change in times, but with helping to to be able to do more for our kids in the end. So going forward and and and building budgets um just things to think about. Uh we do have to start to be a little bit more mindful about the tax cap and and the impacts there. Um you know we were relegated to a point 4% tax cap increase this past year which didn't help us

033certainly. Um but we will uh you know we expect that that number will grow now uh because of you know the debt is now fully on and the and the the impact of the the capital project is there. Um so uh I would continue to to be a proponent of looking at that a little bit more closely going forward. One of the things that I I do believe that we need to do is really begin and we've done a better job is to eliminate the use of reserves to close budgetary gaps. Um for these reasons, uh you know, if we continue to see the continued growth in special education and the impact financially that it has against us, the only place for us to turn is either one of the either the unassigned fund balances

034or the reserves to help us. And you see the last couple of years that we've used over $2 million in our reserves to com combat some of those those growing costs. So I what I you know obviously if we're using the reserves to to uh close budgetary gaps to help us get to a balanced budget that money is not available to us to use right because we have to use that use that to close the budget and the budgetary gaps. So, my recommendation uh to to us going forward, we can certainly talk, excuse me, more about this as we get into building the budget in December and January, but I'm going to look to build a budget where we don't use reserves and rely on reserves. Uh from that standpoint, we'll continue to monitor expenses

035and spending. Uh we did last year um in January because of the growing expenses, we tamped down on discretionary spending uh and made sure that you know we went through the the process of vetting everything out. Uh and that certainly did help us get to a better place than where we were. um you know from that standpoint. And the last thing that I would say actually two last things that I would say um I would strongly consider and we've not looked at the impact on it yet but in our budget we do have the the bus purchase. So we do a bus purchase inside of the general fund. Uh and we spent with all the grant money and things along those lines. spent on buses about a million dollars uh between the three electric buses

036that we had and the three diesel buses that we did purchase. Um so if we were to pull that out of the general fund budget, that's a million dollars that we free up. we would go out to bond and we would do it much like a capital project kind of vote as an extra referendum to give us I don't know if we'll need it honestly but it's it's a it gives us again a little bit more flexibility to kind of combat the growing costs in other areas. So we would pull that out and then we would just be responsible for the debt service from that standpoint. I have not done the calculation. I've not gotten to that point yet as to how that might impact our our overall tax cap because the bus purchase is

037a tax uh cap exemption. Um but if we're not taking the full price, I don't know what exactly the the the impact on our tax cap would be, but it would certainly allow us some flexibility uh in the overall budget. >> Yes, sir. >> I know in in the component districts around here, they go different ways. Some do we that way, some do the way we're doing it now. not now, but when we get as we approach the budget, I'd be curious how that works out for each one of them, what their, you know, what their voting is going to look like. >> Yeah. You know, it's it's it's interesting uh kind of going forward, Mr. Johnson. You know, I um the mandate that's coming down with the electric buses um from New York State

038and that all of our fleet has to be turned over by 2035. As you know, we've been very successful in getting uh funding for that. Um I don't know. I don't know how the public would look upon that. um from that standpoint uh and putting that out um as opposed to to kind of putting in it in with the budget. So um you know the support from communities across Western New York has been very strong as you know uh in terms of the budgets. Uh we've been very fortunate here in Sweden to have the support. Um, I just don't know. I don't know what to say in terms of I don't know what the feeling is uh for our public about, you know, doing it a different way. >> I know the more rural districts

039are struggling with it more. >> That's, you know, but there aren't as many rural districts around here that we would compare with anyways. >> Yeah. So I what we'll do is when we get into the budgetary season and start to study that we'll provide you different scenarios because I think it it can provide us some flexibility in the overall budget going forward uh from that standpoint. >> I guess the other question is will it affect how we can borrow for our capital projects too. I don't again I don't need an answer tonight on that. >> Um I don't believe so u but I it's a good question and I would have to get some information on that as well. Uh and then sorry Mr. Elmo go ahead. >> So again just to understand it you

040want to put out as a separate proposal on the budget vote for specifically buses. >> Yeah I don't know if I necessarily want to do that. I'd want us to consider doing that. Um so what I would say is because right now we have a little bit over a million dollars in the general fund budget. So that million for the buses uh net of all the grants that we received from that standpoint. So that million dollars is lumped into that $105 million. So if that were to be taken out of the general fund budget, we have that million dollars to help us look at different ways to maybe uh fund special education, to look at different ways to do to do other things. I think it gives us more opportunity. Um but in doing so

041that would be pulled out and the and the public would vote then on uh the general fund budget, the overall budget and then the proposition to purchase how many other buses we wanted to do. >> We used to do that. I remember back probably at least 10 years ago. >> Yeah. It was before I mean I was here. Yes. But it was before I was in the seat. >> I think it was before your predecessor even. >> Correct. Yes. Yes. >> Does that make sense? >> Yeah. So that's the risk. The public gets to see >> it is a risk >> do with buses what kind of buses we're going to >> correct >> purchase and whether the political climate is changed at all in Albany. >> Correct. >> And I and and you know

042we'll have a little bit of an update kind of going forward on the mandate. Um you know there's there are opportunities to to do extensions but you know that as we get closer to 2035 that'll be something that we'll have to talk about going forward. But um from that standpoint, then the last piece that I do want to talk a little bit about is on the on the revenue side. Um I I've been talking with other districts. I've been talking with a company uh it's called um uh 3 plus one. They are a company that works with uh school districts to do a comprehensive study on the revenue side of the budget. They look at specifically your banking relationships. They look specifically at your investment strategies. They look specifically at ways to increase interest revenue

043for you. Um, if you remember correctly last year, what we did is we did a um, we brought to you in July, we brought a new depository. It was NIAF, now NClass. It's a high yield savings account. One of the things that we've taken advantage of. Um, but essentially this company comes in, takes a look at kind of all of our uh revenues and investments and offers suggestions as to how to potentially increase um interest income. Uh they do charge a fee. Uh it's essentially about it's two it's not essentially it is it's $250 per million in your budget. Uh so we'd be at about $26,000. But what they do is they guarantee in that first year to save you more than their fee. And if they don't save you more than their fee, then

044their service is free of charge. Um so I can share a little bit more information with you. Um I think that it's something that uh a lot of other districts are work using um to help kind of um look at their investments and to try and increase uh interest income. We've done a great job in moving monies around to this point and opening up this the high yield savings and and things along those lines, but particularly with uh ultimately if our capital project does pass in December, you know, investment strategies from that standpoint because our cash flow will be better. Yes, sir. Mr. Rabbit, >> I I have I know those people. I'll just say it that way. Okay. 3 plus one and actually many years ago with Jim Sheen under a different name Uniliflow

045or something like that they were helping with managing your cash flow and that's what they do they've been doing that for a long time used to be a principal by the name of Joe Rules very smart man and uh I think they could add some value >> I I I would wholeheartedly agree and um we're going to delve into it a little bit more and hopefully get started with them shortly um because I think that they would be a strong advocate for the district. >> Okay, thank you. >> So, there's a lot here. I guess I would open it to questions if you haven't asked questions already, but there are some things that you see on this slide that we'll have to consider as we start to build uh the budget um for the coming

046year. Uh and I know that Dr. Janestria has kind of talked to us offline a little bit about special education and things along those lines. So, I don't know if anybody else has any other questions at this point. Okay, thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Felton. Thank you. >> Uh just a couple uh just a reminder that we have announc formally announced that our capital project vote will be uh on December 16th, 2025 here in Virgil's uh center. So uh it's a Tuesday evening. Uh there will be two propositions um for our taxpayers to vote on. Proposition A for 55.2 2 million is a tax neutral proposition. Um meaning uh that it includes sorry the additions at Maple, Glendale, and Heritage. Um BCS building condition survey like maintenance items that are at end of life,

047a new roof at the middle school, upgraded playgrounds and parking lots, elementary library upgrades, um moving ready uh the ready academy to district office and district office to Dexter Terrace. Um and electrical upgrades at our transportation center. Um, Proposition B, um, our voters will have the opportunity to choose on a $35.3 million project. Um, that would come with a tax increase of about $64 per 250,000 assessed or 2.61 tax percent increase. Um, it would address items that are wish list items through our thought exchange. Um, and um, items that are needed. I shouldn't say wish list but through the thought exchange that our community identified and through subsequent focus groups. Um this would include renovations to our elementary buildings to update them um which they have not been updated um since basically construction. Um hallways,

048gyms, classrooms would get updated. Uh it would also include um turf replacement at the high school. Um and then turfing baseball and softball because right now we can only play one contest at a time on our turf lights on the baseball and softball fields and a new track um at the high school and Heritage Heights. So we have started scheduling uh PTO PTA um trips. Uh we are going to do the rounds I think starting first week or second week in October. Um so we're excited to get out there. Um we have a meeting tomorrow um to to discuss our materials that we'll be bringing with us uh so our taxpayers understand um what they would be voting on um and really kind of uh say beat the street to get out there and get

049the word out there on this uh capital project which really will be uh transformative for uh Sweet Home and and really excited about the prospects of what will be especially at our elementary buildings um and and the upgrades that they're that are needed. >> Can I ask a question quickly? Yes. How old are our buildings? >> Uh, so Heritage I think was in the early late60s. Um, I think Maple Mir and Glenn I'll get the exact dates. So I'm I'm just estimating. I thought I saw >> late60s late 70 or late early early Willeridge and Maple early 60s. Yep. >> Uh Maple Mar and Glendale, I don't know. I I this early 60s, but Heritage Heights is late 60s, might be early 70s. >> Yeah. >> 71 I think. >> We've not had a renovation,

050you said, since built >> pretty much. Yeah. >> I mean, we've had carpeting >> like I mean, you know, HBAC work, windows, security upgrades, things like that. But from a from a a classroom >> renovation >> overall renovation, no. >> No. >> And I will I will say to kind of piggyback off of what Mr. Felman said, they they're really wellmaintained. So we do watch those BCS items. Um so we don't fall behind on those those maintenance issues. But as far as updating and and Miss Anthon, again, this goes back to kind of what we talked about before relative to special education, right? uh like with our enrollment and you saw it in Dr. Wilson's presentation. You know, over the last 3 years, our enrollment has grown by almost 3400 kids uh from that standpoint.

051And it's it's space. Like that's the one thing that we've heard over and over again from elementary princip uh principles, parents, uh about space. You know, if you walk into an elementary library, we're likely doing OT, PT, speech, ELLL, and academic intervention all in that space and library. you know, from that standpoint. So, >> it's noisy. So, like talk about Heritage Heights, there's >> if you picture like office cubicles, >> they're kind of like office cubicles. And so, teachers are working with kids in those spaces and the cafeteria is on the other side of that cubicle that's like the same height as a person is. >> Yes. >> So, I think when we talk about renovations to schools, I think we need to really be specific and explain to folks what exactly that looks like.

052>> Yeah. >> And and what the need is there. uh we'll be ready to go >> 100%. I mean and and to your point too, Maple Mir, Glendale, uh Willowidge, all those libraries have been cut up as into separate spaces. >> It was like >> it's tapped every inch that we possibly can. >> Yeah. >> For services there. Uh, and then like I said, we're we're starting um tomorrow we're wrapping things up on key messaging and the materials that we'll be using. And then like I said, we've got the schedule out. As soon as we finalize that schedule, we're going to publish it and we're going to make phone calls to families as well um to try and get um great attendance at our um at our buildings, but also the two town halls we

053have um planned as well. And um we'll get that list out to our families in the next week or so of events. And then we are in the middle of homecoming week right now. Um and so I sent this out to families as well. Uh tomorrow night it all kind of the events really kick off with our part football game at 6:00 here at the high school. Always a well attended and very highly competitive event. So um we're looking forward to that. Uh looks like beautiful weather once again. Um, at 11:30 a.m. our athletics hall of fame will take place. And I got the list of our inductees this year. Um, congratulations to Lauren Cornitski, Robbie Jurgens, Connor Bodet, and Andrew Ges um, who will be inducted at 11:30 a.m. in the um, auditorium onto

054our athletics wall of fame. From noon to 2 will be community day. Uh we have food trucks, bounce house, inflatable obstacle courses, games, snow cones for the family, uh rain or shine that will take place. Um of course at 2:00 is the football game um kickoff versus Frontier and tickets are right now available for the homecoming dance for our um high schoolers at 700 p.m. in the high school gym on Saturday evening. So um dress up day is everyone going. If you were in the high school today, uh it was minions day. It was very uh teachers and students uh dressing up as minions. It was great to see and I think everybody's getting in the spirit. We will have the uh pep rally of course on Friday as well. I think around 12 or

0551, but I can get >> Yeah. Short periods of some sort. I'm not sure the schedule's been done yet. >> Yep. So that's what I have for this week. Any questions? Right. Thank you everybody. >> Okay. I think that um the you have the oral review on your I don't actually want to put that up the board goals. >> Okay. Sorry. Give me just a second. Thank you, Dr. Janestri. >> Okay. Um, so annually every year, this is actually a little bit early. We usually do this in October. Um, we discuss our board of education goals and I believe we'll probably have a discussion and then be able to vote on in October. Um so we did have an annual retreat August 12th, 2025. Um we as the board engaged in a collaborative discussion regarding

056its goals and major initiatives for the upcoming school year. The goals identified include um advocating for and continuing the implementation of the district's strategic plan, providing opportunities for all students, securing community support for the next major capital project, promoting open and honest communication, and developing a financial plan that benefits all stakeholders. Um so goal number one um the board of education will continue to lead in the promotion, advocacy and implementation of the uh year three of the sweet home strategic plan. The board will work with administration, faculty and staff to ensure that the sweet home uh portrait of a GA graduate remains the central focus of the plan. Um the board will collaborate with district office and building administration um to ensure the key benchmarks in academics and social emotional development are being met and

057regular updates uh will be requested at the board of education meetings to monitor progress and assess outcomes. >> Are we doing one at a time and discussing one at a time or >> um I think that's probably the easiest thing to do. Um so the rationale for this is that the strategic plan was approved by the board um in June of 2023. The board emphasizes that the plan must not sit on a shelf. Instead, benchmarks outlined in the plan must be achieved and the district adopting the 21st century student- centered learning approach that benefits all students. Um are there any comments, questions, concerns about goal number one? >> I have a backtrack kind of question I should have asked at the beginning. I'm really sorry. No, that's okay. >> Um, so I think last year

058is my first year on the board being new. There was a lot that I just didn't know. Like you don't know what you don't know and then you kind of learn it as you go and everyone. >> They are board goals meaning that they are for the seven of us to do or these are district goals meaning that the district is going to do things and we are going to act to support them. >> You're the senior Mr. Johnson. They are our our goals but we as the seven of us we're doing. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> These are we're not physically doing the work. These are the the goals that we are guiding our district to go and accomplish. >> Okay. So technically then the board the goal as it's written then is for

059district to do and we support. >> Yes. >> Okay. So that's information and then Dr. Janest Street >> and then we we update midyear or however the board at the board's request we'll update you and fill in the midyear notes or quarterly notes however you want >> to make sure we're reaching the benchmarks. >> I've always viewed these as our goals. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> For the district. >> Right. Yes. >> Will have his own goals. >> Right. Right. >> For very specific things, but he's Yeah. He's tasked with putting ours out, but we have to be there to support him in whatever needs to make those goals work. So, out of curiosity, this is bench that I'm throwing. Are you ready? Um, the way that we write the goals, and I I know

060I should have mentioned this before, and I know that we've had conversations about this, but the format that we write these in are not smart goals, right? So, they're things that we encourage to be in practice in the district, but we don't do that for our goals. Um, why why just out of pure >> They were supposed to be smart >> written as smart goals. Yes, >> they are. >> Yes. Are you >> We haven't done it that way in a long time. >> We haven't done it that way in a few years, but >> Right. >> Traditionally few years ago. Yeah, we did them as because we've talked about our smart goals. >> We have, but I bet you it's been seven or eight years. >> I've never done it that way. Yeah. Smart

061goals. >> It's been quite a few years. >> What's the What's the difference? if you don't mind I indulge me on that these splitting in a way that guiding goals for the district. Is that what they're supposed to be? And what's the difference between that and the smart goal? Well, I think one of the the key things that we've committed to as a board um this year, especially in that one goal that we've written together, is that we're able to provide things that are measurable, which is one of the aspects of being a smart goal. So, I think when we look at some of these, I just wonder how are we measuring these things because I think in conversation, we also committed to having like a quarterly review of goals. So, I just am wondering

062how are we going to show that progress? What does that look like for us before we finalize everything and wrap it up with a bow? I just want to make sure that we're comfortable with what we've agreed to. >> So, key benchmarks, how do we how do we what are we looking what do those key benchmarks in academic look like and when are we provided those? is that >> so in the so in the past I just would say that goal one about the strategic plan to make sure that we're following through there are benchmarks listed in the strategic plan that we would put in and that we are measuring that would go into the notes um for midyear review or end of year review that's how we've done that one >> that I remember

063that was the one that we were talking about last week where you were showing us like where we were within strategic >> there were all kind of charts from last year that we put in here to to show that we're me reading meeting those benchmarks. Sorry. >> Is that part of the super eval? I think you told me that's where some of this is posted. >> No. No. >> Okay. All right. >> The super evil is Dr. Janestri's goals >> and the evidence for his personal goals for the >> has nothing to do with ours. >> No. Okay. >> Those are his what I had heard last year and I'm glad you corrected me on that. So what about um portrait of a graduate? Know that's something the state's been promoting as the next evolution

064whatever they're doing. >> Graduate. Well, it's called the same thing, right? Which is a little confusing. >> We we we actually coined it first. I just want to say that um a few years ago. So we do have a it's a there's a graphic in there on our portrait of a graduate and that's what this one this one is referring to. >> So they're using more experiential experimental or whatever you call the day-to-day life y experiences things and in the end they're not going to have to take a regent. They have to demonstrate >> that's the state. So that that was be we wrote our portrait of a graduate long before the state's guidance on that came came out. So we want to follow what we're >> That's the sweet home one which is different.

065>> That's the sweet home one. >> That's the one I'm referring to or referring to. Thank you for that. So >> she she educated me on what she's got for a graduate looks like. >> But again, I don't know how you measure some of this if we're not testing it. So that's my concern. It's just the measurement of it. It's a it's a good goal. Mhm. >> I don't know if whether it's our portrait of a graduate is going to stick not whether it's ours or the states, but I would be interested to see how we measure it along the way or how are in the end how the students do. Are they gra our graduation rate seems to be good. Our proficiency rates I think are >> need some help. >> But that's all

066that's all I have on that. >> Did you see the article on on board jerk about the board certificate? It it just came out a few days ago. >> I did not see it. >> Okay. That one. >> Yeah, they actually discussed this a little bit and that each of then they did say that each school could have their own versions of it, but their versions could not add additional requirements beyond what the state was molding and they're they're phasing it in over a few years. I don't remember the exact time frame, but I think the final one was 2029 if I remember right. Y it's going to start in 27 >> with the ninth grade class at that point. Okay. Okay. >> I just have a a general comment on the goals. Um now

067I wasn't able to attend the um the retreat um session. So this may have been discussed but uh in what I've noticed is the like I looked back at the last three years and this year so this would be the fourth year and I've noticed that um pretty much every year we have a goal around the strategic plan. Pretty much every year we've had a goal re related to diversity, equity, inclusion. Um every year we've had a goal at least for the last three years on capital um >> financial capital >> financial but then we've had we have actually on the capital um like project like even two years ago it was beginning preparing for a capital project then last year it was um you know finalizing the capital project and this year it's now

068um presenting the capital project. So, um I guess one is I just want to make sure sometimes you we're going through these not even realizing we're kind of writing similar goals like we've had three years of you know weeks uh or you know kind of similar things. So that's just a consideration, you know, even if it's not this year, but now next year of really trying to say, you know, let's not only look at what we're proposing, but let's look at where we've come from and and if there's something new or different or do we want to combine, you know, um because part of the, you know, like DEI, can it be combined with a strategic plan or something, you know, of a continued process? This is an example. Um but, uh I guess it's

069a question. I'm just putting out there or is that a format kind of we've just always or we're in this period of time where hey goal number one was always going to be related to the strategic plan until we've thought otherwise and goal number two was related to you know DEI or I'm not sure if it's goal number two but there's I don't think that's our intent per se it just may have kind of worked out that way. Well, I think actually I think I don't know if you were there at that meeting, but I did we did bring up what what focus areas I think we discussed and that's how we drafted these. Um, so I just took the feedback from the board on the focus areas. Um, considering I know these are big

070nuggets that we're going to tackle this year. >> So it it it's more of a coincidence. It sounds like that that like these were the these the coincidence that they're similar to the prior years. I mean, there may not be a coincidence because we're obviously working on them, but they're ongoing. >> Well, if you look at our focus as the board, >> Yeah. >> it really doesn't ch I mean, we're running the district, so yes, we're going to have the strategic plan in there. We're overseeing the finance and the budget, so we're going to have to have something on that. Um, with the DEI, we have that, right? So um like that's if you look at what boards do. >> I mean that's those are our objectives every year. So they should be slight somewhat

071similar, right? Um I mean we could always add more if we if we see that we need one um in in a certain way and but I mean in my view like these boards are touching on you know what we are doing what we are evaluating oursel on and what we are what we are implementing within the district right our strategic plan our capital project and our financing our DEI and and and you know and this one is um the last one is the communication PS. So, >> oh, I'm I'm comfortable with the goals. I just meant like >> I want I wasn't it was more of a question like oh I didn't know if we were even aware like there was kind of a consistency. >> We we kind of we did we did

072discuss that at the retreat that these >> four or five things seem to be I think last year we had five. I think this year we have four but these are these seem to be our focus u and that's where we came up with >> our geometry we have given like these are things >> strategic plan in my view is an operational thing it's an important document on how things should run in the district >> yes >> the board's role in that is more >> making sure yes >> how it's being executed >> yes >> and we don't execute we kind of govern I is a better word. So, it's it's interesting. Again, you got things in here that say exactly that. So, >> I guess I'm okay with that as long as we all

073>> it's the one of the it's the most important document in the district. >> So, maybe >> which is why it's goal one >> look looking backwards we may need to spend more time analyzing what's exactly in there. >> Agreed. >> That's just my pet peeve. >> Agreed. >> Thank you. I wasn't at the meeting either. So I'm getting things second, but I see and we're talking about the smart goals that obviously the benchmarks and academics that easily be filled in with data and we can get what would we be measuring with social emotional would it be how many referrals? How would you know how do you how do you measure that? It just seems so out there. >> Yeah. I I to me when when I always think about that, I think about are

074we offering the services that our kids need? And I and I believe we're in a really good place um to do that. The strategic plan addresses that uh the social and emotional piece. And so are our kids getting the services they need to to to to succeed? Um and we can certainly measure that. we can we can get you >> like when you give us reports however often or how what will you include as social emotional part of that >> you want to take that >> so we we have a number of data points that um we pull on to support that area so the MRA which is a survey that our our um our leader ME schools give is a comprehensive survey that covers every angle and there's many components of social emotional learning

075um included in that um we are expanding our use of another survey best uh you may have heard us talk about that with our MTSS I program that we've been um very highly focused on that is a social emotional assessment but most certainly the things you mentioned attendance behavior referrals those are all things that can be >> just looking at this it it looks I mean if you look at how smart goals are prepared this has measurable goals this has end date this has. So I think a lot of components to smart goals is in there. >> Okay. Um any other questions on goal number one? Okay. Moving on to goal number two. Um the board of education will lead efforts to inform the public about the next major capital project and support all initiatives

076necessary to ensure its successful passage. The board will work collaborative collaboratively with all stakeholder groups including but not limited to the building use committee and the athletic council uh to develop a comprehensive communications plan um that reaches all district voters. The board will execute this plan in a preparation for the public vote scheduled for December 16th, 2025. In addition, the board of education will create and adopt a 2026 2027 fiscal budget that aligns with the strategic plan and remains fiscally responsible to the taxpayer. Um, the board will direct district administration to continue advocating for state and federal aid to support program growth and address student needs. Right. Are there any questions or comments about goal number two? Again, it's pretty broadbased here. Well, not that's specific to a passing of a budget item, voting item.

077I don't >> only part of it. >> Well, but I don't know if that's board's goal here is to make sure that we have a proposition out there to bring some money and to take care of some badly needed expansions in our elementary bill. in a fiscally responsible way. >> Yes, in a fiscally responsible way. But is it our job to go out and promote it or are we directing the district to go out and promote this or make communicate with the public the necessity of at least Proposition One in my mind. >> Second one becomes more wishlist and I'm very happy that they get the vote on that separately. Um, I do I get a little nervous when we go out and we kind of do a dog and pony show because we're going

078to speak from maybe one side of things instead of more of an educational um transparent way that we really need this. So, please vote for this these other things. We'd like to do this but if taxes are an issue for you, we would understand something like that. So about ensure it's successful passage that's bothering you. >> Yes. It's not our our role. It's the taxpayers's role to vote on it. So just like to be able to give them what they need to know to make a decision that's best for them, the community. And obviously in the end we'd like to have something that helps our school get to a position where we can take care of the children. >> So how would you reward that? splitting hairs. Um, you want me to reward it right

079now, Amy? >> Well, I I I I'm understanding what Danny's saying is the the concern is to ensure its successful passage. So, how would you reward that in a as we promote this very large project to our public um in hopes of it being successful, but also in a fiscally responsible way? How would how would you reward that to make it more comfortable? I guess I I'm not understand. >> Maybe maybe promotion and maybe successful passage could be just taken out, right? the board of ed communicate communicate to the public that there is a uh have these projects that we think are necessary uh to take care of our children, educate our children. >> So you support all initiatives necessary to educate the public on the importance of >> Yeah, that would be fine. >>

080Something that line >> that makes sense, guys. It's not it's not up to me here. I'm just looking at it like we all voted to move this forward. So if we're not in support of it, wait, something's wrong. So I think we have to come out as a unified group to say, "Yes, we voted to bring this to the public. We supported it, >> right?" >> And then we go to our PTAs. You know, people come up to us and say, "Hey, I have a question about I I read it as t just talking to people about it." But I think we do. I mean, we all voted to move this forward. >> Yeah. moving it forward isn't >> inform the public. Well, if we a all agreed I saw it as yes, we agreed

081that these these should be done. >> We agreed that these should go to the public for a vote. >> Correct. >> Right. We all understand the importance at least of proposition one and we also agree that proposition two is kind of a wish list and if the public has an appetite for additional tax >> that's going to be up to them but we also are >> so that's all I'm just trying to make it so it's the the community's decision not necessarily just ours because it's their tax dollars that pay for >> right but I think as stewards of the budget >> stewards okay >> are we that >> somewhat. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, as the board that directs the district on how to use the public's funds, we've said we need these updates. We've

082all agreed that we need these updates and we're asking the public for the funds because we believe that's important that this happens. Now, if that's not the case, like Maryanne said, that's a different conversation. Do we not all agree that this needs to happen? I think the district needs this these building expansions that take care of the children. Yes, but we're not going to go out and do a dog and pony show. >> Nobody's asking you to. >> Well, they that's what this says. >> No, it doesn't. >> It says, "We're going to lead efforts to inform the public." >> Let me read it again then. Where is that, Amy? >> In the very first sentence, the board of education will lead efforts to inform the public. >> Okay. Support all initiatives necessary to ensure

083a successful passage. What does that mean? >> Inform the public about the next major capital successful passage. >> You you skipped half the sentence, Dirk. Go back. >> I'm reading the half end of the message that I'm having a problem with. So the way I read, we're going to support all the initiatives necessary, which is the seeker, the so the scope and of the project all those things that need to be done is the initiatives that are necessary to do that, right? >> And to inform >> and to and to inform, right? That's that that's part of it. informing the public, but we also need to do the things uh you know that we've talked about the last couple of board meetings which um you know is our scope and sequence is if we where

084our our priorities were you know going from you know we we always had that tax neutral proposal. We decided to um support the initiatives by combining a uh the second and third propositions into one proposition. That's what this is saying. >> So what if instead we just rewarded that first sentence to say the board of education will read will lead the effort to inform the public about the next major capital project and support all necessary initiatives. period. We just take out to ensure its successful passage. I mean, we're still saying we're supporting it. We're just taking out like the the successful passage is up to the >> successful passage. >> I know we do. So, I mean, >> wouldn't our goal our goal be to have a successful passage of our capital project? >> Isn't

085that our goal is to have a successful passage of our capital project? >> I would think so. my goal on that >> otherwise we've been wasting a lot of time >> and I and I will say that those items in Proposition B were items identified by thousands of people that responded to that thought exchange and subsequent focus groups. Those are not items that we just yanked out of out of the air. We we we got feedback from our public and and those are items that they wished uh to be included. So, um, >> and a lot of them are >> like they want to vote, but we still have to give them the facts >> and a lot of them are included in the beef the the surveys. And I mean when you're talking about

086like we're t we're upgrading the elementary schools by additions the then the second proposition is continuing that by shoring up the hallways, replacing carpets, painting gyms, putting new gym floors in, putting new padding in, putting new lighting in the gym. It the second proposition is not just back here. It's continuing on the first proposition. >> Even even if you look at like the turf replacement, what we were told when we did the high school project back then what the what the life expected life of the turf would be by time we start digging out here or anywhere if we reach that point. So after that now it's a safety issue for our students >> and other students the other people anybody who uses the facility. I don't disagree that what's in there is things we

087need should be done any and whether they come online immediately seven whatever it's just the way it's worded to the public again I don't think it's our job to tell the public how to vote >> think that presenting it to presenting the issues that >> and yes it's our wish I agree with you we want a successful passage at least with proposition one my my view was proposition two community's really got to tell us. They're willing to spend more money over the next 20 years to add these additional things. >> And that's the whole purpose I feel of going around and talking to people at PTAs and anywhere we can to get them down to the nitty-gritty. You you just see something that says help the buildings. Well, let's tell them what we're going to

088do when they walk into Maple Mirror and Heritage. >> Is that our job? >> It is our job to inform the public. They're it's their money. So this goal is for the board to go out and promote this project. >> No, it's for Dr. Janette. >> It says right there to inform the public. >> It said lead efforts to inform. Lead efforts to inform. >> Does not mean you have to go there. >> We do that through the superintendent. Do we not >> through our meetings? >> But when I went to my PTA meeting, I talked about this and and absolutely promoted it and told them what's in each proposition. And you'll get more information from Dr. Janester. I think that superintendent and Don Felman could do a better job of presenting it. >> Oh,

089I'm sure what they plan to go to every the community is they want to see what they're voting on. >> Correct. >> Could we just say >> plenty of opportunity for that? >> Support all initiatives necessary so the public um is a understands the importance of >> that's what it says in the first line. Inform the public. I don't think we can put understands public make the public to understand. I think that's >> to educate the public. >> Educate communicate I think are good words but yeah I know where you're coming from >> etc. >> Okay. >> Well, you want to word I mean we're trying to word it here on the spot. What I'm trying to say is you know we >> remember this this is just a discussion. So we're we're >> we

090don't have to vote on it today. >> We don't have we're not voting on this today. We are going to vote on them next next month. >> I know Mr. Reban although I know you were concerned about the you know the cost impact pack for the second one but they've been very clear about that upfront I mean every presentation we've seen has showed the first line is what the cost is second line is what the tax the expected tax increase would be that has been that has been upfront very transparent what that number would be and like Mr. As Jason mentioned, I I attended the uh excuse me, the high school PTSA meeting and I mentioned that they I explained the vote and I basically read to them these charts so that they were aware

091of it and they could ask questions. >> Same at will >> and going forward John and Mike will be at those same PTA meetings and they'll explain all the and answer all the questions. I I I don't think it's solely on the board if that's what your concern is. It's not solely on us. We're just reiterating what Don and Mike are doing and showing our support. >> Okay. >> Is that what you're thinking? Is is so are you good with how it's written or are we going to word smith some of this? >> Well, we can word smmith some of it and present it again in um our first our study session in October and vote on it. And my point is just education, communication key for both the benefit of it passing and maybe

092for the people that >> really are concerned about our spending have a chance to voice their opinion. >> Agreed. That's all I'm trying to get at. Absolutely. So, >> absolutely. I think we can all agree that that that's valid. That is a very valid statement that you're making. Um but in my questioning was not to question you, Durk. I really was not doing that. I really just was wondering if if the phrase Danny had mentioned was the phrase that you were concerned about and how do we how do we word smith that to make it better. >> Okay, >> that was my question. I didn't mean to be >> No, no, no. We're >> combative. I I absolutely understand what you're saying. >> I'm a big boy. >> No, no, but I want you to

093know I understand what you're saying and I agree with what you're saying. I just want to make sure that we word smith it properly and not >> Okay, I think we'll do that. I think we'll be fine. Okay, Peter Peter's good with that stuff. Okay, we all good with goal two? Okay. Um, goal number three, the board of education will strengthen stakeholder engagement by fostering deeper connections with school school buildings, educators, and the broader community. The board will promote frequent, transparent communications to clearly convey district priorities and dis decisions um while also creating regular opportunities for feedback to support collaborative and informed governance. >> I really like that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Danny. >> Who wrote that? >> The rationale is not so bad either. >> No. >> Read the rationale. >> Okay. So,

094um the board is committed to ensuring that we are one community. We believe that the best way to achieve this is through transparency and strong relationships particularly with our teachers. It is essential that all members of our school community are informed, engaged, and heard. Open and honest discussions will help move the district forward, ultimately enhancing our ability to serve the students of Sweden. >> Okay, very nice. >> Good with that one. Okay, moving on to number four. >> Yeah. Yeah, I think that one's very well written. >> Yeah, it is very well written. Um, the board of education is committed to expanding opportunities for all students in the district. Uh the work of the district-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion or DEI committee is well established, and the committee will continue to develop and implement initiatives

095that ensure equitable opportunities for student growth such as the leader in me. Um the DEI committee and its teaching and learning subcommittee uh will review the strategic plan and recommend the next phase of its implementation. I had a question about this one and this kind of goes back to that >> backtracking question that I had earlier is that there's not I feel like when I'm reading this this is not us stuff. We talk about um the committee, we talk about the DEI committee and we talk about the schools needing to do kind of like their part, but there's not really like what is the board doing in all this? Like okay, we're committed to expanding opportunities for all students. That's a blanket statement. That's not even really DEI. That's like what we're all here to

096do. So when we're talking about through the DEI lens like what are we actually what is the expectation for the seven of us in this goal? >> Well, one of the things that we've done in the past is and I know Dr. Wilson was instrumental on um clearing up the prerequisites for honors classes. Um so like that was from the equitability standpoint. So we are doing things like that. That's what we are promoting. We usually take that the data snapshots that Dr. Wilson and Dr. Janestri give to us and they're they're making recommendations changing curriculums um changing prerequisites so more kids are open to um honors advanced placement classes such like that those are and then >> after school busing those yes those are all the things >> code of conduct >> code yes that's

097all the things that we are doing >> you know the f the believe it or not the you know the cell phone plan um or distractionfree plan right that's all that all I believe that all falls in this that's diversity, equity, inclusion. What are we doing for that? You know, we're talking about 24 new special ed students, right? Where we, you know, we're providing them education where we can if we can bring them into our buildings or or we have to find other locations for them. All of that I believe I believe fits into goal four. >> Right. I would agree with that statement. I would look at this statement and think that this is when we're looking at how we're handling any business in the district at all, no matter what it is, that

098it's always students first and and how do we make the students feel welcome and comfortable and in no matter who they are and and what level they're at, you know, from our our littlest littles to our graduating seniors and our exceptional classrooms and our honors classes and our gened classes, no matter who they are. To me, that's what this is, is teaching and learning and always keeping the kids in the forefront of what every decision we make. >> So, I know we know that, right? We know that like the back of our hands, but I feel like this goal doesn't really do that justice because like the list that you gave and the list that you just gave are huge and they're all encompassing of everything. So, I just feel like maybe we could add

099something in there that kind of tallies that up and shows exactly what it is that we are supporting here and how we're doing that. >> I think we could be I I'm weary about changing the goal, putting that stuff in the goal. >> Oh, no, not individually because it's going to be huge. >> Well, no, but we could beef up the rationale. >> Yeah. >> Well, the other thing is the DEI committee. It says the last census will review the strategic and recommend the next phase. I mean, that's part of the goal, >> right? Right. The goal is they're going to say at some point we're going to get >> somebody presentation the points that we need. These are what we're going to work toward. >> We're also going to be working on the code

100of conduct. They were working on at the end of the year decided it wasn't quite ready to move forward at that point. So there's the people are efforting the code of conduct which is our responsibility every year. We have to make sure it's been updated and approved. >> The strategic plan was written for three years. So we that committee is going to oversee where are we going next to make sure it continues to live. >> So I feel like leader in me is like it's a huge piece but it's also a piece. So when we talk about like PBIS MTSS um all of the other stuff that we do because I think what happens a lot of times is people see DEI and they're not getting the whole picture of the students that we're servicing.

101So we've mentioned 15 times tonight those 24 new special education students. We mentioned that we have a 13% special education population in this district that is encompassed in DEI. Oh yeah. Right. So I think >> I just wonder if everyone understands and I know you're going to speak about this so we're getting to it. >> Okay. >> Take your time. >> But just understands exactly. >> Oh really? Come on, man. >> Go for it. >> But we had like three conversations this week. What do you mean? >> Go ahead. >> But I think just um >> Yeah, you're right. and and you know we speak 42 different languages here. We you know our L population and and you know there's just a there's a lot of there's there's poverty in our district. There's you know

102it's all of that that's encompassing it. Um so >> that's why I see it as broad. But >> do you think that the the last statement in the rationale should be in the goal? It says, "The board remains committed to advancing equity and ensuring that every student benefits from the full range of opportunities that Sweet Home has to offer." >> I love that sentence. >> Yeah. Do you move that to the front? >> When we were having a conversation that like the word unity >> is kind of like the overarching thing. It doesn't replace DEI. It doesn't kind of knock it out of the way, but that's >> we're trying to build one community. Like we mentioned that in the rationale for our board goal. So when we talk about this, that might also be

103something to put in there as well. >> You want me to talk about what we just talk >> and if I could chime in on >> right ahead. You say whatever you you need to say this. >> Go ahead. >> Chime in on leader and me. Leader and me is our biggest lever in providing every student that last sentence. every student, making sure that every student benefits from the full range of opportunities in Sweet Home because leader in me is um an opportunity for every student to connect to leadership, every student to see how they are a perfect member of our community, every opportunity for our staff members to step up and be a champion from every angle. Um you every point that you all talked about which you made me proud talking about DEI

104by the way um from every point that you all talked about leader in me enhances that. So I see it is as really the fabric of helping us get to it's it's the thread in the fabric to help us get to >> so so that's the point we're trying to get somewhere and and that's when I started having conversations to myself doing a little bit of reading. >> Did you agree with yourself? You know, you're bad. >> I gave myself the right answer just so you know. >> But you know, diversity is not a goal. It should never be a goal. Unity can be a goal. Equity, right, is not about an an outcome. It shouldn't be. It should be equal opportunities in my mind. So, and in inclusion, we have a public school. All

105students should have access and maybe you can use the word equitable services. All students, not one group versus another, but they all should have an opportunity to participate in the many programs we have. >> So those are those are some of the thoughts I had. I think unity is a big goal. >> I think it's it's a noble goal. Um >> is there a way to work that into what we've got? Because that is >> but by the by the way the diversity of the cultures we have what a huge benefit our children have. I think those those are big things diversity of ideas and conversations and and thinking and it's just wonderful of food. >> Do not leave out the food >> but I'll talk about that later. But >> anyways these are some

106of my thoughts and again I'm not trying to pick on anything here. I'm just trying to say, you know, the public sees DEI in a different tone. The federal government sees it in a different tone. You've got an Albany board of regents that is strongly opposed to doing anything different, but the public doesn't know what exactly we're trying to do with DEI >> here. Means different things. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> No, no, no. You're okay. What if what if we taking what you're saying, what if we just add in the second sentence it says the work of district-wide diversity, equity, inclusion. What if we did the unifying work of the districtwide diversity, equity, and inclusion? Does that encompass what you're trying to say? If the unifying work of >> Well, we don't know

107how to measure it. Is it unifying? Do we have a way to measure how DEI is performing in our school district? I mean, some some benchmarks along the way. Are we having less conflicts? Are we having better educational results? In the end, we got to educate kids, right? Right. I mean, when we look at how many kids are taking AP classes, yeah, that's been opened up. Now, we have after school. Obviously, the after school buses are going to start October second. So, that's measurable, right? We'll be able to measure how many kids in each building are taking advantage of this. We're three years into this. Do we have some way to say we've we've grown in this aspect? Do we have some way to say this is come along? Yes, we've we've instilled leader in

108me and all the schools and we have lighthouse schools and all that good stuff. >> We've presented on that growth every year um in the spring. Um and and I the word unity to me means bringing everything together. I guess equity to me is might be the word that I think that this committee tries to do that everybody has an equitable chance of tapping into every opportunity the district offers >> equal opportunity is what I prefer but anyways okay >> so we have presented I'm sorry >> that's okay but our DEI correct me if I'm wrong >> every year >> um yes we present on it every year but the strategic plan went through the lens of DEI. The code of conduct is currently going through the lens of DEI. As we move forward in

109a lot of our our initiatives within the district, we do them through that lens. So, I feel like as our initiatives are being successful, that's our measure, our growth measure. Am I seeing that correctly? >> I think that was always the goal of ours. Yeah, >> but that's a measure. But, uh, Mr. Rabinho, you mentioned the increase in number of schools that are lighthouse schools. that's a highlevel performing a leader in me school and that has been improved and then we're growing the program at the middle school and the high school. So those are also points that we can look to for growth. >> You mentioned a goal last week that you want to be the first lighthouse district. >> Yes. The goal >> that that's a goal >> goal. There you go. So there's

110a direct correlation between this DEI and lighthouse. You think that that >> Yeah. Last year we worked hard to bring them together. Um, I think that was the important because we were we felt like we had all these programs that were kind of floating out there and we said why don't we just use leader and me because that that has all that's that's touching all the buildings right now. We might not be leader lighthouse in all the buildings but all buildings are working on that framework. Um, and it was kind of like the perfect marriage of the two. >> For people that are listening that aren't familiar with what leader in me is, it's Steven Cvy's seven habits of highly effective people for kids. um it brings it down to a level that kids can

111understand and they can utilize and that works perfectly in school. So for people that don't know what that program is, that's basically what it is. So if you've ever had to do that at work or you've read the book or you've got the $300 planner, um that is exactly what that is. >> I still write notes in my planner every day. >> But to Durk's point, I think like there is there's a focus in society now where there's kind of a shift. So we know that DEI means different things in different places. It means different things in health care than it means in finance than it means in education than it means in government. And I think this would be a fantastic opportunity to clarify to the community to everyone what exactly it is that

112DEI means for our district like what are we talking about here? So I love moving that sentence up from the rationale. Um maybe throwing the word unity in um after where it says ensure equitable opportunities. Ensure equitable opportunities. It we'll figure it out. We it but I think like that would be a great thing to be able to put in there because that goes back to our one district sort of idea and make that happen. All right. Amy's on it. >> Thank you, Mrs. Balia. I do like that. >> Okay. Any other questions or discussion on the goals? >> Really? >> That's all. >> No. Okay. So, let us move on. Um All right. Um so, I believe our next point on the agenda is upcoming events. Um, we have all of our um um

113spirit week and and homecoming activities this week. Um, we have a couple of um neighborhood meet and greets and uh rescheduled um PTA PTO meetings. I believe Glendale has a >> chicken dinner on Thursday. Um, a couple other open houses, book fairs, um, uh, homecoming again, fall picture day is coming up in the next couple weeks at the different buildings, a couple of fun runs, um, and then PTA meetings as we move into October. >> You have a question, Durk. >> The meet and greet, does that go back to many years ago and couple folks would walk a neighborhood with their local teachers, principles? Jim Ryan's going to do one for you. By the way, >> did anybody come by your house? >> Cuz Heritages was yesterday. Nobody came by mine either. >> Not that

114I know. >> It's okay. >> I guess my wife >> I was home all night. >> I either, but I was at home, so I'm actually I think they try and hit >> I think we also have a couple >> Okay. We don't >> MC teacher nights coming up. >> Yes, Glendale has two MC. >> We have a couple MC teacher nights coming up as well. Okay. >> Um, so that it leads us into, you know, end of September, beginning of October. Um, which leads us to our first open session. >> I have one more quick question. >> Oh, yep. Sorry. Sorry, Miss >> Dr. Destri. When we do the flu shot clinic, will there be CO boosters? >> Uh, no. >> Thank you. >> Just the flu shot. Go ahead. Sorry. >> Okay. Sorry.

115Um, per board policy 1510, this open session is for topics related to tonight's agenda. Um, if any, um, is anyone interested in speaking on items of tonight's agenda? Okay, so let me read this up. As per board policy 1512, uh, we hold two open sessions at each meeting. The first session is limited to comments on the agenda items for tonight's meeting. The board of education recognizes the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with community members. In so doing, community members choosing to speak at a board of ed meeting are bound by the terms outlined in this policy and must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the policy. Um the district code of conduct and all the laws and regulations that govern um the operations of the board of education. Speakers must be recognized by

116the president uh presiding officer and announce their name, address, and if appropriate, group affiliation. Um, non-district residents must include the name of their business and how they do business with the board of education. Statements should be made to the board president, not individual board members. Participants may not discuss specific individuals or issues that fall under executive session. Um, speakers must be at least 16 years of age and are limited to 3 minutes each. Speakers may not transfer their time to another participant and the total amount of time for each public's period is 30 minutes. Um, all speakers in the open session must state the agenda item that they are speaking on. Um, so you are all except to go to make sure that they're >> this is on right. >> Yes. >> Okay. I don't

117have the agenda. So I'm sure you'll recognize what part of the agenda I'm referring to. I'll try and be specific as possible. >> Um, you said that there has been public input or meetings regarding the propositions for the capital improvement project that you discussed briefly tonight. When was that? I didn't hear anything about it. >> Um, it's been going on for a couple of years. Um we did a think >> exchange >> thought exchange um online that was 2023 >> through on right was am I correct on those dates? So that that's my question >> how you've already failed your third goal. I didn't know anything about this. How did how is that possible? I read everything you guys sent me. Okay. Nobody has anything else. Uh, you guys don't say anything anyway, so I'll

118just keep going. Um, I heard someone say today that part of the strategic plan for this board is going to give the students of this district social and emotional concern assessments. Is that true? >> No answer. >> What, Dr. Wilson said they were going to get assessments. What What did she mean by that? And it was related to social emotional concerns. What does that mean? >> No. No. >> All right. Nobody's going to answer this either. I mean, to the people that are watching, there's the camera. They need to start asking these questions because I I don't think you guys are telling us the whole truth about what's going on in this school district. And I I think that that's been borne out over the last couple months when the whole teachers association voted to

119get rid of the superintendent among other things. And they have a petition online to do that very same thing. So I I mean I'm I'm sitting in this meeting today. This is I'm guessing the first meeting of this school year. They just started. No one even talked about that. How is that even possible? Okay. Uh capital project questions. Has anybody on this committee ever played sports? I played sports my whole life. I've never been injured on natural grass. Please do not put these kids on turf fields. And why do you need lights? I I don't understand. Is there some justification? Do you need to have games at night? Why? It's just a waste of money and you got more things to maintain. Uh, okay. The capital project mentioned a new building and you keep mentioning

12024 new students. Um, and I heard that there's transportation costs that are making the budget they're creating budget struggles. >> Three minute time limit. >> That's it. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Any other speakers? >> Okay. Um, moving on to our next topic is new business. May I have a motion and a second for consent agenda A through I. >> So move. >> Second. >> Okay. Um I read through them, right? All right. So a special education. I know Maryanne you it was a little bit late this this month. >> Pretty light, but again I'm still seeing students who are coming into the district are special ed. >> Are there 24 of them? >> Not 24 this month. that not only are, you know, special ed students, but then our, you know, three-year-olds that

121they're evaluating. So, there's there's just a lot for them to do. >> Um B is monthly financial reports policy 2140. Um C, a disposal of obsolete property policy 5250. I believe there's 31 obsolete air purifiers, correct? >> Um D is the unassigned fund balance. Um E is our professional learning plan that we went over last week when we had the presentation. >> Had one quick question when you mentioned the air purifiers. Are we still using those MV >> MV 13 filters >> that we started with with CO? >> Yeah. So the the the air purifiers that are on the agenda tonight were donated in the pandemic by Erie County. Um they've just reached the end of their useful life from that standpoint. Uh but the actual air circulation in the building is uh uh filtered

122through uh MV 13 filters that we do change once every six months. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um okay, professional learning plan. Um F is the student breakfast lunch prices. Um I think believe it's the adult breakfast and the adult lunch prices. Um G is an overnight field trip request policy 8460 for the girls swimming competition in Rochester. Um and I believe that also is Alagini or >> yeah I have a message in there. I'm going to have to clarify but I agree with concerns that were brought up by the board regarding that and we're going to address those concerns um because of the dangers that that could pose. So um we'll take care of that. So, do we pull this out or are we still >> No, the they still need to do the

123competition, but we'll amend it. Got the >> Yeah. >> Um, uh, bid bids under policy 5410, um, plow truck bid, um, for a new, um, snowplow truck for the district. And then I is the leasing of a custodial equipment, which I believe is all mostly cleaning, floor cleaners and floor scrubbers. >> Okay, any questions or comments? Okay. All in favor? >> I Okay. Opposed again. Um abstensions. Sorry. That's the word I was looking for. Um okay. Informationational items. Maryann, you would you like to start? >> I sure will. Um just a couple things. Um attended the summer graduation and even though there were only two kids there, it was great. um just a lot was mentioned about how these kids persevered and that that quality is going to serve them well as they move on.

124And the other thing was Maple Mayor PTA meeting. Um I will say that when I was talking about our um building proposal, um somebody mentioned that they were at Brian's meeting at the middle school and said you brought it up, too. So, yay. Um, financially they're they're very good. October 6 at 3:20 is going to be their walkound if anybody wants to join them. >> Um, Fall Fest is tomorrow. I think Dr. Jennestri and I will be going to that. >> Um, what else? Their goal for the year is titled picture per picture perfect. Um, things we don't always see in the classroom. They'd like to kind of capture that which it's a good goal. And I guess that's it. Oh, I had one question. Our proposals for next month, are we going to start

125talking about those or will we get those? Cuz you're going to be voting on those next month. Those should be starting to come out pretty soon. >> Oh, they've been out. >> Okay. So, when do we start talking? >> The meeting's in October. So, it has to be October. >> It has to be at one of our October. >> Probably the next meeting. >> Okay. Okay. Because I've got a meeting October 9th with the I was going to bring it up for the rest of your county associations school boards. We're all getting it together. >> So, we'll have that the first week, our first board meeting. >> I don't know what the days are. Sorry. >> We can get we can get the the the just of it to you this week and then we

126can get uh discussion in October. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um Scott, um handful of things. I also attended the summer school graduation. Um it's I was it was great to see that 11 kids worked their way through and got it done even if only two came to the graduation. Um, I talked to one of the moms afterwards because they were also in the school for they did the open house that night. Um, and I talked to her in the hallway afterwards. Um, let's see. Sorry. We had a uh Sweet Home Education Foundation reorganization meeting at the end of August. Um, we have a few new members on there and just went through working on the POS a discussion all possible goals. They're looking at a potential event working with the Northwest Dammers Community Center

127up at Creekwoods, but they still haven't got the logistics worked out yet. that was just something they were looking at. They're trying to find more choices of halal foods. Uh we have a significant number of families that are asking for halal foods. Um let's see. Uh I also did the high school PTSA meeting. Dana Leberta is their teacher rep this year. I know they've been last couple years has been a struggle a little bit. Um Mr. when Lucenti um spoke at the meeting, introduced himself, talked a little bit about his thoughts. Um he was going and I didn't I didn't hear it in the school, but I know he was talking about some awards that he wanted to pass out. Did he make an announcement? I don't >> I did not hear. >> Okay. Haven't

128heard >> Okay. I thought he Yeah. Um I thought he was going to do it the next morning, but I'm not sure that. So, but he's got some awards that he wants to put together for the students. The high school PTSA has a 56 members so far, and they're going to be working at the fall craft fair. Um just last night we had alumni association board meeting. Um they announced that they don't actually announce it for us 31 point excuse me $33,100 in scholarships last year. U we had two members of the class of 86 come in. They were talking with us a 40-year reunion next year and they were looking for the alumni committee to give them some thoughts on how it would work. Give them some, you know, what things they've seen with

129other groups and what have you. So they that was some information for them. They have scheduled the ready for August 15th of 2026 at the 300 transit. Lastly, the class of 2025 donated over $5,000 which will be used for scholarships. Following alumni had the chef board meeting last night. We had a number of student reps come in and they were talking about the various things they're doing on on committees within the school itself. Um, I know what those professional call clothes for the kids and a few other projects that they're working on. Uh, let's see. We found Northwest Bank and Feedmore Western New York are going to be donating reusable shopping bags for the the Chef Cares food delivery program that goes out every couple of weeks. Um, the board itself, we broke down into

130four separate groups to discuss the goals for the year and how we might start working on those. And finally for the teachers, the mini grant applications should be going out early next week and they'll be due back on October 4th. And that's >> Amy. >> Nothing for me. >> Sure. >> Okay. Well, did we uh did I mention this last week? The uh EA EC. >> No, we didn't talk about it. >> Okay. All right. Do I have to >> have to? No, we >> I forgot about it. Apparently Dave Lowry I went to the budget and finance committee um Thursday last week. Uh by the way they already voted on the budget for this year which I was kind of surprised. I had no input at any end of that and they are going

131to make some changes which they don't even have to go back out to the delegate committee or whoever to vote on it. So I was a little disappointed in that but there was a it was good attendance. I think it's the first meeting of the year and uh you'll go in February, Brian, and and you you'll vote on the budget for next year. I was happy to hear that they raise a lot of money from sponsors from the vendors. So that offsets any dues that we pay. Has actually been able to keep that pretty constant over. >> It's been more than 10 years since they've had a dues increase. >> He's been there. So that was that was happy news. Uh yes, his dinner was fun. He did talk about this dinner. He said, "Yeah,

132we had put fillets on the menu and he got a little shocked when he saw the bill. There were $72 of fillet, but he had it in his budget." So I had chicken by the way. So I had the fillet. >> No fillet for you. Huh? >> No fillet. I didn't chew. Usually I do. I didn't chew the beef. So Keith Wy was here. He spoke to us. He's the 17th the new regions. He did talk he's talked pretty proud about being uh in uh push back against the federal government with DEI. So they're all 100% support of it in New York State which you take that for whatever it is. I was able to get to the H PTA meeting for Heritage Heights. Um we talked a little bit about some projects coming a

133little bit about some other things. DEI did come up. There was the lady there that identified herself as Jewish and was not happy with where DEI was going. Felt like it wasn't helping her and her her family. Again, that's her comments. He also talked about the multicultural knife which was primarily food and I she suggested well maybe we can do something about our backgrounds and have a conversation amongst folks that participated. I think it's a great idea. I asked her to come to the board to speak about that. Uh there was also a comment that says that Heritage Heights board does not allow any holiday celebration specifically Christmas. I don't know. The board banned any holiday celebrations in the elementary buildings? >> Us board? >> Yes. >> No. >> Dr. Janastry? No. >> Not Not

134I don't It shouldn't have been at the board level. No. But we're sensitive to those items in our buildings for sure. Um because that is can be a point of contention. >> Possible they use the board as a scapegoat. >> I don't know. I I gotta I'll have to inquire about that. >> Well, please the board is I'm pro holiday celebration just so you know. Okay. >> In the past it from what I know of of the particular situation in the past it has been um very one culture focused and if we can't include all then we should do it at all was the comments that were made back when they initially took it off the table. Um, but that was not at the board level. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I do have the

135minutes from the budget and finance committee if you'd like. >> All right. That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Denny. >> So, Dr. Janestri and I have started a new weekly tradition called Touring Tuesdays. >> Except today we didn't get to do it because my day job intervened with all my fun, so I couldn't go. But we are um looking to basically go tour um all of the different buildings in the district and spend some time with the teachers and the kids and the administrators and kind of see what's going on there. So last week we went to Ready Academy which was amazing. I had no idea that they were doing so much of what they are doing there. It was astonishing to see the progress that they're making, the kids that they

136service. Um to kind of talk a little bit about the cell phone policy. Um, within the district, we saw kids playing battleship, we saw kids playing chess, they were playing cards, they were drawing, they were talking to one another with their faces instead of being on their phones. And it was just really amazing to see that kind of level of interaction and all the great stuff that they're doing with that building. Do you mind if I talk a little bit about the cell phone thing? Because we did have a meeting. We had a a committee meeting for the cell phone task force yesterday. Um, it's going really really well in the buildings. There are minimal interfactions with kids being caught with their phones. Um, again, the kids are talking to each other. They're engaging. They're

137engaging in discussion during class. Everybody seems a lot more relaxed because they're not having to check their notifications. They don't have the pressure of having to respond um, you know, to texts that might not always be so nice or Snapchats that are not, you know, kind. Um, so overall, it's going really, really well. Um, I weighed in kind of as a parent on the meeting yesterday because I told everyone when I joined that I was bringing my phone mom anxiety because I have parented my entire career with a cell phone in my hand and I'm totally fine. Nothing is broken. My kid comes home from school every day and he sits and he talks to me for like half an hour before he goes to the gym or goes to get ready for work or

138goes out to break something in my shed. It's fantastic because he's not at me all day sending me text messages about little things. He saves it up. He comes home. We have a great conversation with our faces and then we go about our day. So, you know, nobody died. Everything's great. Um, I have to do make a couple plugs here for Glendale. They've got chicken on Thursday. So, there is a chicken dinner at 4:00 if anybody wants to go pick one up. They do encourage pre-orders, but you can buy them there. Um, you have until Friday, I believe, to order your Mrs. Fields cookie dough for their fundraiser. And there was one more thing for Glendale. Oh, their MC teacher night is from 4 to 7:00 at McDonald's on Sheridan, I believe. Um, and for

139Maple Mir's Fall Fest, what animal is going to be there tomorrow night? >> A goat. >> It's going to be a goat. Okay. >> Awesome. I'm going to go see a goat tomorrow night. >> You wanted it to be a surprise, but it's going to be a goat. >> I'm sorry. >> If I could jump in. I did I did leave out one thing. On opening day, I came over and spent um two and a half hours here. I got a chance to wander around the halls. I ducked my heads in 15 or 20 classrooms and and talk to teachers at different points. I got to listen to our interim principal talk to the kids. He had town halls for each of the individual grades focusing on respect. Um and as I wandered through the

140school, I I heard one locker ring, which I thought was kind of interesting. I'm walking down the hall and I hear a phone ringing, but I'm not seeing any kids doing this. I'm okay. So, let's put anyway. It was a locker. I understand from some of the teachers that's happened more than once, but um but I only saw in the two and a half hours here, I only saw two kids with cell phones and it's my understanding the cell phones did not last more than about 2 minutes after I saw them. Um I also from there I went over to the middle school and Miss Dory also did a town hall with for the for the different grade levels and she was working her way through. Again, talking about respect quite a bit. I went

141and watched lunch for a little while as we approached that point, how they've separated the the cafeterias to help move the kids along a little bit better. And the same I didn't see a single cell phone over there. Um and it just everything seemed to be working very smoothly over there too. >> Can I can I just comment too on the cell phones? The feedback has been incredible and and and from inside the buildings and touring the buildings and and going uh to all of them. uh well especially the high school and the middle school that that just the adults are commenting that the the interaction the kids are having with each other and the peer interaction has just been um beyond what they expected when this when this law came. Um, so from our

142perspective, I know we've had nothing but positives um, regarding the law. Um, and um, it's I don't speak in hyperbole, but it's been a culture changer really um, in the high school and at ready and um, and the middle school is already doing it. So they're they're far ahead of the game. But um, as far as you know, we're in the buildings every day and the kids are talking um, and and talking to adults more than ever, too. It's been great. This has been great. One of the teachers yesterday on the call mentioned that the kids are like they're almost pretending like they're mad about it for like five seconds, but they're like really not. You know, they feel like that need to like push back against authority, but it's not genuine. They're fine. >>

143Everybody's fine. >> You're good, >> Ryan. >> Yep. >> All right. I um attended the PTSA middle school meeting on um the last week Monday and they're just um were introductions and officers and uh really getting things up and running. Michelle Thorps, the president um of the of the PTSA over there and I know right now they have the uh book fair going on. So it ends I think it's might be tomorrow the 18th it ends. So um not tomorrow, the next day. Uh I also attended the athletic council meeting the following day on Tuesday and discussion that there was revolved around um you know upgrading the fields and the potential for that and and what we're talking about in Proposition 2 and then also you know how do we connect more um and and

144as for feeder um programs whether it's within the district or even with outside of you know of the youth programs. to um bring more um kids engaged into sports and athletics. So, we keep that going. Um um the um the other thing I did want to just mention and I uh just uh appreciate everybody's support in the last month. My father was a 17-year um uh school bus a passed away three four weeks ago. Yes. Or tomorrow. And um I just appreciate especially the board and the district office on being there and the support but also you know I got a card from Dave Lowry. I got cards from teachers. I got cards from um students who knew my dad. So you know we talk about one community and it really showed through during this

145period of time and I just appreciate you know everybody in the whole community um being there and supporting myself and my family in many ways. It's um very meaningful and I appreciate that. my my mom and my uh siblings do as well. And that's it for me. >> All right. Um I attended the Willow Ridge PTA uh meeting. Most, you know, meetings are pretty much set up the same for the first meeting of the of the year. Um get to know the new um officers and stuff. Uh they had open house on the 12th. Um, and they have a skating party scheduled for the 24th and a fun run scheduled for October 10th. Um, I attended the high school graduation and the high school open house. Um, little bit different this year. We had to

146we got to walk the schedule instead of um just having open meetings either outside or or in the hallways with the teachers. Um, so 9 minutes with the teacher is not very long for them to explain what's going on in their classroom. Um, a lot of volleyball games, a football game last week, and the athletic council meeting last week. Um, I attended as well. Right. Good. Okay. Um, open session number two. Uh, would anyone like to address the board? You would have three minutes. Please state your name, address, relationship to Sweet Home, and And if you if you want to speak, I do you need me to read the policy again? >> No. >> Okay. >> Not. We got to shorten it. >> Again, Peter Hoyek. I live in a town, Wanda, Milwood. Um, I

147kind of squeezed a little of this in earlier. Sorry. But, uh, I mean, do you guys really think I I'm going to keep coming here to these meetings? I I could be home with my family. Just fire this man. He's not good at his job. He didn't even He can't even start a meeting on Excuse me, Mr. >> Yeah. We do not um we will not accept comments that are personally directed or abusive to people on the board. >> Is that something that's changed since last year? So you specifically changed that. So I can't say >> it's not. It is right here in the board policy. >> What's the date on it? >> I don't know. Five, six years. Yeah. At least. >> So you guys we So now all of a sudden you're going

148to start enforcing it. >> Oh, that's interesting. That's very interesting. Okay, let me move on to another subject then. Um, these are three subjects that I think the residents would like to hear about at these meetings and I never hear anything about it. You talked about DEI, but not in relation to the fact that the federal government is going to start cutting off federal funding to any school soon. And I'm just curious. I'm assuming this school district did not certify with the federal government that your D de DEI policies have ended because you're still putting it in your strategic plans and everything else. In light of the budgetary struggles that I heard all about through the coal courses meeting today, don't you think you need to start planning for losing that money or get rid

149of your DEI policies? Uh electronic buses, I'd like to know the status of that. Today I heard there's three. Last time I asked, there was three. And you bought new diesel buses. So, what's going on with that? And if you got all these millions of dollars for these electronic buses and you're not buying them, what are you doing with that money? Uh, last, apparently, you're getting a new auditor, and it's interesting that you're having budgetary struggles. I find that it can't be a coincidence, but and I didn't understand a lot of this unassigned fund balance stuff, but it sounds like a school district that has all these budgetary struggles is about to spend millions more on a capital project and probably raise the stu the residents taxes again. How do you justify that? But you're

150not going to answer me, right? Okay, that's it for today. Thank you. >> Hello. >> My name is Sam Guidana. I live at 269 Willow Green Drive. I've been a resident of this neighborhood for a long time. My last daughter is in the pipeline and she's a senior and I want to thank the district for providing her for a for for a really nice education, providing her with beautiful resources, beautiful teachers. So on that note, I'd like to jump off from that. That being said, I've noticed some things over the years and I know that this is you. I wanted to keep it to what you talked about, but I didn't really hear it and I'm sorry to that didn't happen, but I think it may dovetail into what you did say about the goals,

151the four goals. And um so with a little bit of background, um I come from a a teaching background. I started around the time of Coline. All right. I've seen a a good evolution of security. I worked in in North Tanowanda. Um I'm I'm a little bit disappointed by the security in the district. And I'll go from the the most evident thing that I think is lacking. And I think that is the placement of the SRO car in the back here. That really shouldn't be there. It should be out in front where everyone can see. And I don't think it projects um an image of that there's a problem. I think that that's a problem that I think people say that it's an image that we don't want. It should be there. I've worked in

152bunch of diff different districts in the north. Oh, there's my timer. Um so I think that should be put off in front first and foremost. That's easy. Doesn't cost anything. the geometry, the architecture of the buildings are not very conducive to a clean visual look at someone coming in specifically to the high school. I'm very intimate with the um the elementary school and the high school. I don't like the way the from working in NT NT provides a straight-on shot and where you can look and that's where from which you look straight on and the SRO the um guard on on duty the offduty policeman who stands guard at the at the at the front sees the person coming in dead on there's no obscure there's no turning there's no you know skewed angle and

153that's a big deal. That being said, the first person who greets someone is at at NT is a policeman, is an offduty policeman, not a clerk, not a secretary, although they're very nice people. They're the first one. And I think that's a that's a mistake. I think your first person should be a policeman. And we don't have a medal. >> Three minutes. just >> you can finish your thought. >> We, you know, and I and I'd like to say this, okay, people have criticisms of weapon detectors, metal detectors. We've we all know that they're not perfect. However, it projects an image and an appearance is important. They're in a lot of schools. Why is aren't they in our school? Why? We do. Every school has a problem. I think if you project it as a

154as a weak district, you you're soft. If you at least look like you have some type of security, that's at least says to someone, "Oh, I can see a car in front. I see that there's a metal detector. I see that there's an onduty off offduty policeman who's greeting me." Those are big questions that I have about this and I've I've had them for years much before Dr. Janestri and I think that should be addressed. The architecture is is easy. I was just in um the high school recently. My daughter, as I said, is here. I'm in and out all the time. And I was in the attendance office. And when you go in, you you see the camera. That's beautiful. I I like that. That's nice. but it's still skewed. It's looking down at

155an angle. Great. You come in, you make a 90deree turn to the attendance office. You're locked up. You have that you're in the ante room, that foyer. You make a a sharp right to the attendance u lady and I'm thinking to myself, this is all this is wrong. Why is it wrong? And here's why. It could be improved or I should say the improvement can be made easily. You have a beautiful window. You've been in it. You've been in that. It's a beautiful window. When you approach the the person sitting at the attendance office sees the front end. They see the front view of the person coming in. She knows who's coming in through that window. That's nice. But it's still they're coming up and then they're turning and they're coming in the foyer. Why

156don't why don't we think about entertaining the idea of constructing a pathway up to that window that's there already. Make an entrance to that side. So you have a full-on view of the person coming in going around that window. And now you're you're all you could lock it up any which way you want. You put your policeman in that in that specific spot. He's the one who makes the first welcome to that person who comes in. That's the first thing. You want strength to be your first image, not anything else. Not, no offense, a person who is there just to do her his or her job. You need really it needs to be tightened up. And I'm not the I'm not going to say I'm the only one who does who says that, but it

157is it's a concern and I've had it for decades decades. I can't believe I'm saying that. I'm that old. Okay, I've seen it. And I think especially after everything Sandy Hook, Coline, you name it, their problems. Okay, so anyway, thank you for entertaining me and thank you for letting me go over a little bit. And um I do have other things. Oh, I know what I wanted to say. Who is the person the on the board who is charged with build? Now, the tie-in was to get that idea and to promote it and to evolve it and coordinate it with your goals. There's your building fund. You want money. You want things to do with your money. Those are worthwhile projects to in to improve the approach to these schools. Heritage Heights or uh Willowidge

158that approaches you're you're coming in in an angle. I know it very well. Heritage Heights a little bit less oblique. You give you you got a straight on view at Heritage Heights where you could have someone posed in that first p spot. Can you tell I've been thinking about this? >> It's a big deal. Okay. And my daughter's done at the end of this. However, I have a grandson in the pipeline and heritage. So, this is important and I'm I'm not going to give up on it. But is there someone I can talk to at length about this kind of these ideas that need to be Hey, you've got improve it that Oh, and if you want >> Mr. But but you want to talk about informing people. >> Go to my new friend Facebook.

159>> There's where you get to people people to know stuff. >> Really? You're welcome. >> Appreciate it. >> Yes. And um who's the person that I go to? Who has the building? Who's in charge of the buildings? >> District office. >> My new best friend. >> Yep. We'll be good. >> Really? Okay. I want to I want to make that connection and I would love to be a liazison of some sort. All right. Thank you again. Check. Check. Goodbye. >> Okay. Um, moving on to um, sorry, teaching and administrative. May I have a motion and a second on personnel items? Um, one teaching and administrative and uh, two um, services. >> Motion to approve. second. >> Okay. Um so teaching and administrative one, we do have some resignations, appointments, um regular encumbered appointments, um leave

160of absences, um substitute approvals, intercolastic approvals, and then on service, we have some retirements, resignations, um and appointments, and a couple of transfers. Um all in favor? I >> I >> Okay. I um opposed abstensions. Okay. Um that leads us to the end of the meeting. Um may I have a motion and a second to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi.