Board of Education meeting July 9, 2025

001You are done. >> You're done. >> Good evening. I'd like to call the organizational meeting of the board of education to order at 553. Please join me with the pledge of >> allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. At this time, the newly elected board members, Maria and Jessica Whitel, will now be administered their oaths of office. Read this. I, Maria and Prraa, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of board member according to the best of my ability. Jessica of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York

002and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of court member according to the best of my ability. Congratulations I now open the floor for nominations for president of the board of education. Nominations may be made by any board member and no second is necessary. Do I have any nominations? >> I'd like to nominate Mr. Joe Cassidy. >> Do I have any other nominations? Okay. We will now vote for the board president by show of hands. All those v voting I please raise your hands. No. Raise your hands. Okay. Um Joe Cassidy was elected as president of the board of education by vote of 7 to zero. Uh the oath of office for the president will now be administered at this point. Uh, I joasty do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the

003United States and the Constitution of the State of New York and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of board president according to the the best of my ability. I now turn it over to you. >> Okay, great. I uh I now open the floor for nominations for vice president of the board of education. Nominations may be made by any board member and no second is necessary. I'm going to nominate Kimberly Danghue for vice president. Are there any other nominations? Hearing none, we will now vote for the board vice president by a show of of hands. Uh Kim Danu, all those voting uh yes, uh raise your hands. All those voting no, please raise your hands. And with that, Kim Danu was uh elected board uh pre vice president of the board of education by

004a vote of seven to zero. The oath of office for the vice president will now be administered at this point in >> right here. Just put your name in there. I, Kimberly Daniel, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York, and I will faithfully discharge the duties of board vice president according to the best of my ability. Congratulations. Okay. All right. Next up, do I have a script for this? No. Uh just >> All right. Uh next up, we have uh item 2A. Uh the superintendent recommends the board of education appoint uh Elizabeth Casey, district clerk for the 202526 school year as detailed in the agenda. May I have a motion? >> Do I need a motion? I >> think so.

005Michelle. >> Yeah. May I have a motion? Move >> moved by Mr. Blau. Second >> Second by Dr. Emproa. Discussion. All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstensions. That's pass 70. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to 3A. Uh the superintendent uh recommends that the board of education enter executive session to discuss the following matters. Contract negotiations with the EAA, contract negotiations and evaluation of the superintendent, contract negotiations with two particular contracted employees, and matters pertaining to six particular corporations. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Miss Arrow, second. >> Second by Mrs. Danu. Discussion. All in favor? I >> opposed abstensions. That's pass 70 and we are in executive session. Thank you. >> Uh good evening everyone. Uh we are returning from executive session uh where we discussed contract negotiations with the

006EAA contract negotiations and evaluation of the superintendent. contract negotiations with two particular contracted employees and matters pertaining seven particular corporations. Um uh we are on to item five and our uh exeicio student members were not able to be here uh and so we will sw we will give them the oath at the octo or August the August meeting. Thank you motion. >> What's that? >> The motion takes appointment at least. >> Oh. Oh okay. So we'll just go through the appointment uh and then they'll take the oath when they are uh here. Um so the superintendent recommends the board of ed education appoint uh Charles Finity and Aiden Fry as exeicio student board members from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Dr. Emproa.

007Second >> second. Second by uh Mrs. Whitel. Uh discussion. All in favor? >> I >> opposed abstensions. That's pass seven. Uh we on to item six, agenda changes. Anything? No agenda changes. All right. Uh we're going to call to order the uh public hearing for the uh code of conduct. Uh and uh Mr. Brown is going to give us a presentation. >> Right. Presentation. >> Yes. >> All right. Well, good evening. So, um what I'd like to do is just give a little brief history um on the code of conduct committee and the review that that has taken place. And the purpose of tonight is then to just highlight what some of the changes are um that the code of conduct committee um have proposed to our code of conduct. And then after the meeting

008tonight, it will be up on our website for um public view where our public can comment and give us any, you know, suggestions on what they would like to see in the code. So just to to review, our code of conduct um committee consists of several administrators both at the district level and the building levels. Uh we do have some members of our board of education um who are on that as well. We have parent representation, we have student representation from the high school and we have a teacher um from each building that is also on the committee. And what takes place is as after we review our code of conduct, we then also um seek um just assistance from our attorneys to make sure that everything, you know, meets the expectations under New York

009state law. And we also do use Boseies as well. um because they kind of they have a service that provides help for the code of conduct. >> So back in 22 and 23 we conducted a very significant review. You may remember that um our our code of conduct had a lot that just needed to be changed. So we revised it. We had several several meetings and we rehauled the entire um code of conduct at that point. So since the 22 23 year, our committee does still meet and we review the the code making more minor changes. For example, last year our emphasis was on bringing restorative practices um and that language into our code of conduct. So that's now a part of our code. So that was what our focus was last year. Um so

010this year there are a few areas I do want to just highlight. Um the first one and do you have the piece of paper in front of you? Okay, cool. So the first one is the new um New York state law, the um distractionfree environment. Um so in in accordance with with New York State distraction-free schools law um of 2025, we have to add that into our code of conduct. So that was what the committee spent a vast majority of the time talking about. Um so I would just like to highlight um before I start that if you have had a chance to view it um and you look at I believe it's section seven um you'll notice that letters or subcomponents A and B for instructional use of technology or personal devices and non-instructional

011use of of personal devices are in direct conflict with what the new law states. The reason why those are still in the code right now is because right now that matches our policy, which will be most likely changed later today when you vote on policy updates. So when the code goes to the public, those areas will be removed. Um, so there won't be conflict in that area. So >> is this the non-instructional uses? Correct. >> That's what Okay. My phone beeped and that was what my question was. >> There you go. >> Thank you, Mr. Brown. Clarifying that. Yeah. So once the it goes on the website to the public, those contradicting areas will be removed um after the policy is updated. It's a little >> Yeah. Little switch. So um so what I'd like

012to do is just take a few moments. I'm not going to read everything, but just a few moments to explain um what the distractionfree schools law is and what our plan is and then um we'll move on from there. So, in accordance with New York State distraction and free schools law, um students are prohibited from possessing or using personal internet enabled devices during the entire school day, whether on school grounds or at school sponsored events during the school day, such as field trips. This includes all instructional and non-instructional times including home room, lunch, recess, study halls, passing times, etc. Um and it takes place from arrival they call it bellto bell. So from the student's arrival until the time that the student is dismissed. Um some of the examples are uh both obviously smartphones, tablets,

013smart watches, laptops, smart glasses, um any really any device, any personal device that can connect to the internet is what's included within this distraction-free law. So, there's a lot of different approaches that some districts are taking. Um, some have gone with the collection process, some have gone with various pouches and and things like that. What our committee decided on is that we're going to go with pretty much an off and away policy where at the middle school and high school, the students will be expected to have their their cell phones, smartwatches, everything turned off and locked in their locker. So when they come to school, they're going to put them off and away in their locker and then they're going to carry on without their or throughout their day and then when they're dismissed, they're

014going to go to their locker and they're going to be able to gather. Um that was what the the committee decided after a lot of discussion about do we want to go to the pouches and the collection. There's a lot of of different avenues that districts are taking and this was the approach that we felt was most appropriate for our school here in East Aurora um to to just uphold this new law but also do it in a way um that we felt was really respectful um for the students. So um I don't know if you want me to Mr. Ross would you like me to just kind of go through and read what Okay. So um I'll be a little bit more specific. Um, we're going to encourage students obviously to um keep their

015personal electronics at home, but in the event they're brought to school, which is totally fine. They must be stored in off mode. At Parkdale, the devices u must be kept in off mode and in backpacks, which should be stored in cubbies or lockers. At the middle school and high school, the devices should be turned off and stored in lockers um locked throughout the school day. So, one of the areas of the code that that we added was what are um you know steps that will take in place if some students are struggling to follow through with these expectations. So, at Parkdale the first offense is just that the phone or the device I should say will um be brought to the main office in a secure location and then the student will pick it up

016at the end of the school day. And then the second offense or any offense thereafter would be the same thing. Only a parent or guardian would be responsible for coming to pick it up at the end of the school day. At the middle school and high school, very similar device. The first time um that a student were to have a challenge following through with this, the device would go to the main office in a sec secure location. The student would then be able to pick it up at the end of the school day. a second offense, it would again go to the main office in a secure location and then parent or guardian would have to come and pick the the device up at the end of the day. And then a third offense is

017where we would have students um would have to check in their phones each morning when they arrive to school and we'll have secure locations for them and then they will pick them up at the end. So that's that's it in a gist. Um, would you like me to go through the rest of the code or do we want do we want to stop and talk about that? >> Any questions around that this point? >> I don't have a question. I think just a comment. I I did read through that. It sounds like the progression is very fair from our district. You know, I think the the first violation I think is sends a message and I think the second one sends an even stronger message and uh then after that but I I was impressed

018with that part of it personally. >> Just just briefly Mr. around. Having worked at the middle school for a lot of years, um I have noticed that lockers are not always locked >> and they're not even always closed, >> you know, and sometimes there's so much stuff in them they can't get closed. So, I'm just wondering how secure uh the phone is going to be in some of those uh less than uh well maintained lockers. So that's that's going to to be one of the emphasis that we have in the beginning of the school year. And you know there's a lot of of new things happening. I can speak for the middle school like our bell schedule is changing a little bit. We have a lot of just new things. So I think you know

019for us and and with this new law that is in place um setting the clear expectation you know for the students to really understand here's the expectation so there's no questions and then you know just really helping them and and following through you know with it um and enforcing it. But the lockers, um, I will say the good thing is there's fewer of those huge, what we used to call the trapper keepers, you know, that they're giant. Um, now that we've gone to more Chromebooks, but that can be a challenge uh that we will definitely need to work through because they're responsible, >> Right. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. I have a So the um so at the middle school it seems like it's a pretty much open policy. If kids need to call during

020the day, they just go to the office and they they call. So they're kind of used to that already. >> It's my experience anyway. They're used to that. at the high school. Um, is there will they have the same like they can go anytime they can call? Because I think that'll be a concern because they often use home room or lunchtime or you know all those free times that they have that's when they would >> right. So I guess what I would say is the specific procedures like that building by building will all be communicated um prior you know in regard to the code like the specifics like that aren't necessarily in the code. Um but for us, yes, we we'll let students and parents, we're going to communicate a lot to parents. I'm sure

021Mr. Russell explained that um at the end of this what that communication looks like, but our plan is of course that a student can go to the counseling center anytime throughout the school day if they need a more private conversation um or the main office to make any phone calls. >> Yep. >> One of the things we spoke about Mr. or meeting on the from this code conduct is just that there's a learning curve to this. this is a new law and so it's it's you know setting exactly what the expectations are and then moving forward point you know it's just it's something that all the school districts in New York State are going to be dealing with some already done it but you know this will be something as we move forward >> I

022mean and it seems like it's the the approach to it uh starting approach is sim is not entirely dissimilar to our approach today except for at the high school, right? Because the other two schools, the off what you call it off and >> off and away. >> Y >> um I mean that's is isn't that pretty much what we have today in those two in those two schools. So um I think Yeah, I think I think it's a great starting point and you you this is all based on not just the committee but feedback from stakeholders, right? >> Correct. >> Yeah. Stu including students and parents and the like. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> No, thank you. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Okay. >> All right. So, absolutely. The next there's some

023minor changes. I would just ask you that when you are reviewing the code um you look through section six, which is a section prior to this um entitled just the prohibited student conduct. We added some language um in section five and then seven especially. And in section five, it talks about personal electronics um and the use of them, but not only in school. So, we we added the part here, and I'll just read it really quick. Um you know, I'll I'll start by saying what was already included. Um unauthorized or inappropriate use of personal electronic devices. Um and it lists them all. Okay. Should be considered inappropriate. Um, sorry. This includes, but it's not limited. There I am. The use of any electronic device equipment to record students or employees without their consent. That's already

024been in our code that students cannot record um other students or employees without consent. Um but what we've added here is they can also um not harass, intimidate or bully another person, to invade their privacy in any way, including but not limiting to texting or via social media of any kind, including apps or artificial intelligence, etc. when such use interferes with the operation of the school or infringes upon the general health, safety or welfare of a student or employee. So, we just added that section um that's a little bit more specific with the cyber bullying um that we felt was important. And then um number seven down there talks more about um I can read that as well using the district computer system um in any way that may disrupt the use of our computers

025in the district. Um, examples include, we're not limited to, downloading extensive files, transmitting or um, or propagating, sorry, malicious code such as virus, Trojan horse, worm, script, batch, file, macro, or sending mass email messages. So, it just added some some areas there for you to look at. That was a little bit more standard um that we wanted to make sure we updated. And then the final thing I just wanted to to bring to attention at this point is um you know due to the racial incidents that we face this year um within the district, we felt it was important and we also heard from parents it was important to really look through our code of conduct and see are does our code match what we need to do to make sure that we're addressing any

026issues like this moving forward. So we we took some time um went through it very carefully. We also shared it with our attorneys and had them go through it. And we also examined the code of conduct of several other local districts. And what we did conclude is that our code of conduct is up to date. It is consistent in these areas. Um we in our code of conduct, it specifically mentions discrimination and DASA, you know, dignity for all students act approximately 13 times. And we believe at this point that that the code does have all of the steps in place that we need in order to enforce um to make sure all of our students feel safe, comfortable, and aren't dealing with any of these these issues. With that said, you know, once this goes

027up to public comment, you know, we'll obviously, you know, be looking for this and if people have comments or things or language that they feel we should add, then of course the committee, you know, the board of education will come together and consider everything that is brought forth by the community. >> Great. Any any questions? That's that's all I have. And I don't know if Mr. Russ if you have anything to add. >> No, I think um thanks for sharing that. Thank you for leading the committee. Um I think on the on the on the distraction-free environment as Miss Daniel said um you know we just have to um take some time to let it play out and and see where it goes. And I think it's going to be a work in progress. You

028know it's a it's a big shift for our students and their families. And so we just need to be able to go with this. But I think you know what we put together gives us some good guidelines in terms of going through the process. you know, especially in the beginning of the school year when it's going to be. And so, um, again, thanks to you, the committee, uh, for taking the time to do that. Uh, is there any other questions about any other part of the of the of the code? >> Okay, great. Thank you, Mr. Brown. So this goes up now. >> So this will go up I believe >> and the updates based on the policy that we will presumably be approving will be made will be there. It'll be up for public

029comment >> and and it stays up there for 30 days until the next meeting. >> Yeah. So, public comment. Um, all right. Seeing no public comments, um, do we have any cards for this one? >> No. >> All right. >> Nobody put a lot of cards, but you can still have to go through the community. >> Yeah. >> So, that's what I say. >> Typically, we uh Yeah. So, we have no cards turned in, but if uh anybody from the community would like to speak, uh you know, please uh uh raise your hand. We'll bring you up to the table. >> Sir, if you want to come up and uh just give us your your uh your name, please. >> Sure. My name is Robert Corp, CP. >> How's it going? >> Good. And this

030is for just for clarity, this is for the code of conduct. says >> that. That's right. And you know, there had been that that blast text message that there was going to be a community discussion about this policy today. So that's why I attended the meeting. >> Absolutely. Well, thank you. >> Didn't appreciate that. I needed to fill out the card, but I'm >> That's right. >> Thank you for your >> sure you're still a nice person. >> I try to be for sure. Um, you know, following from the Jonathan Height book, uh, you know, and the media that covered it, you know, I've been really concerned about the impact that, um, bones are having on on young people, uh, as obviously everyone is. And um I was so heartened and relieved to, you know,

031see that the state took the action that it did to to pass the laws on on uh distraction-free learning. And I'm just curious to to learn more about why taking this um more conservative approach to um enforcing the law is is the direction that we're going in. And I'd be appreciative of, you know, being as much of a dialogue as possible on on that front. I having attended school here and grew up in Shurora. Um, knowing that this policy is in place effectively at the middle school and not necessarily uh followed very closely, I'm I'm concerned that by enforcing it in this way um undermines it largely. And I'm just interested as to why that approach is is the one that we're going with as opposed to really trying to follow the spirit of the

032rule. And um we all know of course people are going to be especially as they get older kids are going to be using their phones inside their lockers. And so I I hear you that there's uh this um tiered reaction that uh punishment will follow. But, um, I I'm skeptical that, uh, there's going to be a ton of, uh, investigation and enforcement of what, you know, the older kids are using, uh, at their at their lockers as, you know, and so, um, you know, I I didn't hear a lot on the the pros and cons of that that I'm sure have been discussed in other places. And so I I heard the word, you know, want to be respectful of people's property and I'm certainly uh appreciative of that concept, but um it seems like

033this approach doesn't really follow the spirit of why that uh law was passed. So >> thank you very much. And I would encourage you to maybe Mr. reach out to Mr. ground can maybe fill you more in on the uh the the details as to how the committee uh arrived on that. Um thank you. Uh anyone else on the uh code of conduct? Good evening. I'm Dave O'Brien. Live over on Willow Street. I got four kids that I've put through the school district and uh what is the name of the bill? It's uh it's an enforcement uh >> Distraction free. >> Distraction. >> Uh here's my observation. A good organization is one in which the members of the organization police each other up because they all share the same values. You know, in other words,

034it's instilled into them that they know what's right. They seek to do what's right. and when they see something that's not right, they call it out themselves as opposed to organizations that are driven by uh sort of enforced overly uh I don't know if you need a law to tell you what is right, what sort of place do you live in? The whole purpose of electing people to school boards is that we bring people into this circle because we trust that they know what's right and will do what's right. And uh you know I would say that school boards are the first and last defense of what's good in our society. You don't I don't expect that uh any of you on this board need to take dictation from Albany to know what's right. And

035the thing that I would point out in this policy, I think it's it's missing something important. Where's the enforcement for faculty? If you're a kid sitting in a classroom and your teacher's head is down and in to their smartphone, everybody knows that teacher is not paying attention. It's got to be it's got to be consistent. If your leaders can't follow this stuff and you expect kids to do it, what are you teaching the kids? Don't do what I do. Don't do what I do what I say. Don't do what I do. That's the mark of this policy and that's the road you're headed down. You're headed down the wrong road. I think a logical fix is to impose this equally on the faculty in the classrooms. There shouldn't be any distractions. There's one focus. And

036if you don't have the guts to do that because you're afraid of what the school union will do, you got a problem. You lack moral authority. And this is simply the application of morality. It's a tough it's a tough road you're you're going down, but you might be going down the wrong road if you don't do it right. >> Thank you, Mr. Brown. Appreciate you uh sharing your thoughts. Uh anyone else on the code of conduct? All right. Thank you all. Uh we uh any board member comments left to uh be heard. >> I would just say um as every time a policy comes up and I have questions about it, I'm reminded every time that we have to start somewhere and then we see how that works and we are never so stuck in

037the mud with what we're doing. And I assume since this is brand new for all of the school districts, we're all going to try out the policy and we're going to see what happens and we're going to go, you know, we're going to continue to reevaluate because that's something that I feel that we do do often. So I'm assuming that's what would happen with this as well here. >> I agree. It's a work in progress. >> Well, Dr. All right. Thank you all. Uh, with that we will uh adjourn the public hearing. Do I need a motion? >> Oh, I have it. Yes. >> Huh? >> Yes. >> All right. Can I have a motion to adjourn the public hearing? >> Moved >> by Miss Arrow. Second. >> Second by Mrs. Danu. Discussion. All in

038favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstensions. We are adjourned. 70. Uh we are going to move on to item eight. Uh 8 8A. Uh okay. Um 8A. The superintendent recommends the board of education approve the appointment of Haley Muka to a congressionary 1.0 0 FTEE within the 10ear area of elementary ed effective September 1, 2025 and ending August 31, 2028. May I have a motion >> by Mr. Blau, second >> second by Ms. Whitel, Mrs. Whitel. Uh discussion. >> She was unable to join us tonight uh due to previously scheduled vacation. and she will be here in August to meet all of you. >> Excellent. Thank you. >> Uh all in favor? >> I >> opposed abstensions. And that's pass 70. Um moving on to uh B. Uh the superintendent recommends that the board of education

039approve the appointment of Amy Gates uh to a point. 4F position within the within the tenure area of world languages. uh effective September 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Dr. Emproa. >> Second by Miss Armbus. Discussion. >> Miss Gates is with us here tonight. >> Uh all in favor? I I >> opposed abstensions and that's passed 70. Congratulations and uh moving on to C. Uh the superintendent recommends the board of education approve the appointment of Sarah Judah to the pro probation area 1.0 0 FTE position within the 10-year area of elementary education effective September 1, 2025 ending August 31, 2028. Uh may I have a motion? >> Moved by Miss Arbra, second >> Second by Mrs. Danu. Uh discussion is in the back

040row over there. I >> uh all in favor. I opposed abstensions and that's pass 70. Congratulations and welcome aboard. Uh we are on to item 9 a the UB carbon reduction channel. >> Uh yes we're very fortunate today to have Dr. Ry McFersonson, uh, Elliot Leer, and Madison Schubert with us. Um, we were contacted by the University of Buffalo. Dr. McFersonson reached out to me to ask if we would like to consider our carbon footprint. Uh, and so, um, we said, "Sure, we'd like to see what it's all about." And so Elliot and and Madison conducted a study, and they're here to share the results, uh, with us. And so, uh, they've done a great job. We're very, very pleased. things. Um it's a very interesting process and they're here to share the results with

041you. >> Before we just uh they did the same. They worked closely with our sustainability club and also presented from them them at the high school. So we're kind of doing grassroots up and board member down uh to try and do uh make make a real change here. So there you go. >> Hello, my name is Madison >> and I'm Elliot. >> And we first just want to start by thanking Mark for all of his help throughout this process. Your openness and passion for this project has made a world of difference. Today, we're excited to present East School District's climate action plan, a road map to a more sustainable future. >> Yep. Just >> Easter isn't just a school district. It's a community embedded in sustainability, care for neighbors, and care for students. The students

042are a huge part of the community. The community proudly stands behind them. This is why we believe that there's no better place than Eastern School District to lead in climate action. And you guys are already actually doing this. As you probably all know, um the high school has created an impressive circular agriculture program that not only reduces emissions but directly supports local community. Here are some highlights from this. First, they compost all of their own food scraps. Um, also they grow and sell their own produ produce. Sorry. And then also they have their own beef farm and have their own livestock including chickens and of course their beloved cat named Patty, the true fan favorite. These initiatives send a clear message that East Aurora cares and when you come from a place that cares, big

043things are possible. >> And that's why we're here today. Even with all these amazing initiatives, East School District still sells a total carbon footprint of just under 4,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year. This is equal to almost 1,900 um round trips from Buffalo to San Francisco and typical gas powered car. To address this, we've created a carbon neutrality date for 2040, which will get these emissions to zero. To reach the goal, we've set some clear milestones. First, by 2030, we have to have 100% renewable energy. By 2035, to int implement geothermal heating and cooling into all major buildings and by 2040 reach net zero. While building our footprint, we we included scope one emissions, which was direct emissions from natural gas and the district vehicle fleet. scope two emissions which is from purchase

044electricity and one aspect of scope three which we did the contracted school buses which was one of our major major contributors. It is important to keep in mind that other aspects of scope 3 like food, waste, purchase goods and community were not included but are important to consider while moving forward. >> So starting with some of the short-term strategies, these are really things that could be accomplished within 5 years. Uh these include things like improvements to the building envelope, the uh purchase of electric landscaping equipment, and the enrollment in a power purchase agreement. So starting with building envelope improvements, um installation improvements to the ceilings and pipe work of commercial buildings has found about an 8% reduction in energy emissions uh from the building. Coupling this with the district's plans to already insulate and improve

045some of the wall insulation in the buildings would further increase this number uh increasing the emission savings that come along with it. also increasing those cost savings as well. So, the purchase of electric landscaping tools is a really great way to kind of start an emissions reduction journey. Uh it's super easy to go to Home Depot tomorrow and purchase some electric landscaping tools and you'll instantly start seeing those reductions in emissions and cost savings through the lack of purchased fuel. So, power purchase agreements are a great way to source reliable renewable energy at a consistent price. uh a school in California was able to completely offset the emissions equivalent to EA's elementary school, saving them about $125,000 each year. So, not only is this a great way to reduce and remove emissions, but also save

046money doing so. So, moving on to some of the long-term strategies, uh these are really things that could be accomplished with that 5 to 15 year mark. Um things like the installation of geothermal, the conversion to an electric vehicle fleet, the installation of solar panels, and the conversion to electric school buses. So starting with geoperable uh through our talks with Mark and Brian the director of buildings and grounds we found that the school district has some interest in replacing some of the builds and goods and projects uh when we came back and visited maybe you noticed it's not those who have already come under way um so the earth science teacher Mr. Shel actually mentioned that perhaps um installing them in the local wetland the sorry nearby wetlands would be a good idea. Um there's

047case studies to say it would work um and the wet soil does actually have a higher energy thermal conversion ratio uh than dry soil. So it definitely is more efficient than just a regular geothermal system. It just requires a couple extra caveats like cooperation with local and state governments to make sure the wetlands are developable as well as the system itself. it has to it's a slightly different system that has to be uh designed and used. So the conversion to an electric vehicle fleet would obviously take some time. It's not really feasible to replace all of these vehicles tomorrow. Um so as the traditional combustion vehicles are phased out, we would recommend that they be replaced with electric vehicles to obviously reduce the emissions and save fuel costs. So full credit to Mark for this

048idea. uh he was really inspired by the Mickey Mouse ears in Orlando and just how powerful of a branding stretch that could be. You know, you fly over and you instantly recognize that Disney is doing something and cares about sustainability. So Mark had the idea of replicating something like that in EA. Um so we just threw a little graphic up on the screen to show that not only is it a great way to source power and energy, but it is a really great powerful branding strategy to help cement EA as a leader in sustainability throughout the region. And finally, moving on to the uh electric school buses. Um as Vanessa mentioned before, school busing is the district's largest source of emissions by far. Um so it would really be an impactful uh project. However, we

049couldn't fully recommend um a um going ahead with this until a feasibility study has been done. So that's to understand things like the cable infrastructure underground uh whether a transformer would be needed to actually charge these buses and charging themselves. how long it would take to charge, when it be charged, things like that. >> Um, while that does sound like a lot of work, it is worth it. This would massively reduce emissions and uh New York State's already um promoting this, so it's definitely a great time to hop on the bandwagon and save some money as well. Um, so with that, we thank you for your time and welcome any questions. >> And there were the uh Mr. Brunson. Thank you. Uh wonderful. You know, this is great. Uh I was involved in the very

050beginning of the the sustainability committee at the high school, you know, and they uh uh the the leadership from the teachers there and the the young people involved show that there's a real concern in our community relating to this. So what you're doing is providing some data which for the first time and so I have more questions than I can possibly ask at this point in time. But I think if we continue to engage in in a discussion, uh I'd like to take these different recommendations one at a time and devote some time at a schoolboard meeting or maybe a committee uh to uh to even further. So, thank you for your help with this. And uh uh are you available to continue to interact with us as we move along? >> I currently am

051a Ryzen senior at UB, so I'll be around for at least another year. So, I'll definitely There you go. >> And I'm I work closely with Ryan, so he'll be like, "Oh, yeah, let's go." So, >> I did just recently graduate, um but I'm still looking for a job at the moment. Shout out anyone to Mr. I'm ready. Sustainability help is what I >> ties in nicely with our timing for building condition survey. Correct. >> One of those will be coming up in the notsodistant future. So, it's great information to have as we're planning future capital facilities projects, which is more work done. So, thank you. Of course, you have a fantastic Easter connection, but um thank you for your time on our district. Of course, >> it it was so informative and it's such,

052you know, there's such great goals for us to work towards and Paul and I were looking at one another because the busing is in terms of New York State. I mean they're pushing this in terms of electric they keep changing the date though when we have >> right so it keeps changing in terms of the date when we have that obviously would have a huge impact in terms of this entire when you were talking about um just showing the picture of EA is that something you were envisioning like on one of the fields over is that what okay for the solar panels >> the thought was on the back >> the land at the high school so one of those rolling hills that isn't a sports field to have a gigantic solar farm, but also

053building in some branding to it just just as a little Lincoln nod. >> Mr. Brunson's thought that it would be something worthwhile to continue, you know, whether it's a community problem forward with some of these things. And I saw you had that rebate on there for $7,500, which I think is going away shortly. So, in September, maybe. >> So, for getting up any Yeah, thank thank you for this. It was really informative and great. I did want to comment that that tax incentive as far as I understand is no longer there. Correct. >> Uh we so this presentation was made in May uh like early May. So we haven't actually been able to double check some of the BFO. I would obviously take the word on it. >> Ellie, can I give you an assist

054there? So, we've just done a full evaluation on it for the university's uh work in this space. And while renewables got hit pretty hard, um geothermal storage, uh a number of other things didn't get touched. So, it it really there's a phasing out on some of those renewables depending on when the project starts. So, the answer is it's complicated, but yes, time is not on not on our side right now on that. All the state incentives are still totally in play, including on vouchers and things of that nature. So, there's some initiative to it, but sorry that happened three days ago. So, >> thank you. I appreciate that. >> Yeah, as Ryan always says, you know, we we don't it's, you know, we don't know what's going on federally, but the good thing is that

055we live in New York State and they're always going to continue to want to progress these things. So, they're going to be able to have the funding to do that. So, No, but thank you. It was interesting. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. No. Um I I just had a the power purchase agreement is that assuming that we have the EA uh solar field and we would then be selling some of what uh the power that we generate from that. Is that >> uh not necessarily. So there a little too much detail for the PowerPoint, but there are two types of PPAs. Um there's an uh virtual and an on-site. virtual essentially means that the solar panels are somewhere else and you um the Easter would rent them and purchase the electricity from them

056at a set price. Uh an on-site would be like you're describing an on-site set of solar panels that would then be uh the power would either be used and then the access or sold or have but there are some different virtual which would require no on-site installation. The nice thing too is that we've had UV to kind of like look after and UB actually does have a PPA for all of their solar panels as well. >> Okay. And and they they >> and they're on site. >> They're on site. >> Yes. So, and it's also it's nice because in a way we're it we're not responsible for them, but we they're still on our property. So, it's it's a good it's a good good job. >> Yeah. and and we would have to we would

057have to find out exactly how much we want to generate and what the grid has capacity for us because my understanding that has been a an issue. >> So the grid capacity not so much um it it uh our other professor would always say don't trace the electrons uh because it gets very difficult to try and track where it goes. So, for instance, uh a PPA in Texas, for instance, that would be that would work. You know, you you would be able to use a virtual PPA in Texas and use those uh credits to um you know, see that that cost savings. Um so, it doesn't exactly have to be on the same grid or within the same area that's >> interesting. Great. >> All right. Cool. >> Yeah. Thanks. Um again I I just

058want to thank all of you for all the work you've done. Um the process um it's been very thorough. Dr. McFerson, thank you for for pulling this in and getting us to make the jump because it takes a lot of time and energy to go through this process. But I think it like does speak to like what is important to the school district and our community. Our sustainability club, thank you for coming in and speaking to them because they're really interested and they're really interested in hearing from other students who are following this path. And so it's a very unique uh process. And so we're grateful for that. And and what's um nice about this is that we're going to be required to to convert our our bus fleet, which is more than 50% of

059the of the challenge. And so for us, we we don't have a choice in the next 10 years or or more, I don't know, but they're going to get us there eventually. We're going to be switching over to electric buses. And some school districts are are are moving ahead like with prototypes and things like that, kind of testing it out. So, I think it is going to start looking pretty cool. And then I talked to our architects and engineers because we're in the middle of facilities project right now and we're up uh for our five-year review next year. And so, we have already talked about the combination solar and geothermal energies and what could that look like? What types of costs are associated with that? So, that could be something that could happen in the

060district within the next five years or so. I don't know. Just have to go through it. >> I just wanted to thank the district for your leadership and inviting us in. And I want to thank our two students and I wanted to offer um continue to offer the university to assist and help and uh we have failed forward in a lot of places and I'd love for you to learn from some of the mistakes we've made and hopefully some of the successes. So if we need assistance please and thank you for this great thank you. Thank you. We are going to move on to item 10, uh, community member comments. Uh start by just uh reviewing the list of uh emails we've received since our last meeting. Uh Christy Ker Wellsby emailed us on June

06112th with uh with regards to an invitation to the celebration at Brookdale. Uh Steve Bojack emailed us on that same day and an invitation for the Keller Award reception. Uh the uh Holland Central School District uh emailed us on 6:13 with regards to the community education. Uh and Caitlyn uh Olri uh on 6:30 emailed us about firefighter tax reduction. Uh did everybody receive those and have a chance to Thank you. Uh we move on to we have one card here and it is Dr. Kavanagh. Welcome back. >> Thank you. Glad to be back. >> I'm here to commend the board and administration tonight for progress made toward minimizing risk in the past four years. When I say risk, I mean operational, reputational, protective, financial, and legal. The whole bit. In the realm of operational risk,

062you've done an admiral job of instituting regular policy development and review. The district could benefit from more attention in this area to monitoring policy compliance. And in the realm of reputational, you began a budget survey process this year with the community which shows your willingness to accept and publish results uh in being responsive to community input. Top rated financial and academic takeaways should inform goals for the administration and the board. Namely, a focus on managing taxes, especially transparency and accountability and spending and keeping a focus on core academic subjects. In the area of protected protective risk, your diligence is noted in following state law and regulation on annually reviewing and adopting the code of conduct like you did tonight and the district safety plan. So, congratulations on this significant progress. Financial risk has been an

063outstanding area of opportunity for the district. In January 2024, the district received a state controllers's audit report with significant numbers of instances of concern regarding procurement. Uh this year, the board audit committee wisely requested the internal audit auditor to conduct a limited risk analysis. Kudos. The risk assessment process should continue in other areas and inform mitigation plans monitored by the board. Legal risk is the final category of significant opportunity. Since 2021, there have been at least eight lawsuits against the district, spanning issues of contractual free speech, disability discrimination, employment, labor issues, and violations under the Child Victims Act. In fact, last month, a special appropriation of 1.2 million was needed to cover a settlement agreement payout. And I see tonight there are requests for appointments of six different law firms. Uh six is an outlier

064number, especially for a small district. A maximum of three is more typical. So I commend you for the work you've done and I encourage you to continue along this path. I have prepared some additional suggestions if you are interested for moving forward. Shall I leave them here? >> Yes, please. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts. >> To move on to item 11, uh, superintendent's comments. >> Um, yeah, just a few things. Um Erie one Boseies and Erie two Bose Erie two Boseies um to us and are looking for ex official board members student board members wait as well happy to announce that Jillian Marshall and and uh Sydney Gerard are the ex official board members for one and we're just waiting to hear back from area 2 uh they asked

065us to make some some recommendations based on those students who participate in any type of of Bosey's uh program And so we're we're happy to them and wish them well. And then I just wanted to ask the board about uh we have a new board member and so we need to take a new for the board. So maybe we could do that in August. >> Just wanted to make sure. >> Yeah. >> I'll make it less painful. >> I I assume I assume we'll we'll lean on Dr. Prov. >> I got it. I got it. I'm already thinking of ideas. >> Although the old one didn't make it up onto our site. >> You didn't either. >> It's on one of the >> Yeah, it's on one of the sites. It's not >> If it's

066not sent to me, I can't put it up on the poor doc site. >> I didn't. Okay. All right. Um, thank you. Uh, we're going to move on to item 12, uh, administrator comments. Are there any administrators like our support? Mr. Mayor, >> just a small point of order. Uh in addition um to required board member trainings that new board members will have to take and local requirement um that each year board members be trained in uh child sexual abuse in an educational setting. Um we did that using our uh insurance provided vector safe school program. We're going to send that out again. It is also recommended uh by the comproller and our cyber insurance that all employees and officers of the board take a data privacy and cyber security training. It is optional. Uh

067last year you chose that option. Um I just want to find out again from uh Mr. Cassidy if if you would like me to assign that option to your board again. Yeah, my my recollection and the board can agree or disagree with me on this is that those weren't overly ownorous um or a large time commitment and I think they're important uh refreshers for us to take whether they're required actually required or not. So, uh unless anybody has objections, we'll move forward with that. >> Those are the three hazardous commanders. >> No, no, no, no. That's separate. So, we Yeah. So you'll get tomorrow you'll get assigned two. Those are the only two you have to watch. There are another 12 or 15 that all of us have to do each year. You happen to

068be in that same system which is why those couple shot out. You will have the option of doing that and everything else in our safe schools library. The only two you will be required one legally required one required at the progative of the board will be the two that show up tomorrow. child sexual abuse in an educational setting and then data privacy and cyber security. When you do complete those, um you do not need to print out the certificate. The dashboard on the back end tells us when you did. Um we'll give you through the summer to do that. If it's not done by then, we'll give you a gentle reminder or two. Um but what shows up tomorrow are the two that you'll >> Okay. And then from there, you'll have access to our

069whole library of all the other trainings as well. Is it the same thing we did last year or is it an updated version? >> Uh, I have to check because I haven't done mine yet for the year because they just opened July 1st. Usually they they're not all brand new each year. They do freshen them up. I don't know if these two have been freshened or not, but >> they've not. So, it'll be the same one. >> There you go. They they slowly roll through their library of freshening them up, you know, every couple. Oh, there's a bird in here. Or a bat or something. >> It's a bat. There's a >> That's a bat. >> So, I'm just going to officially bring us back from our our batty recess >> uh into regular session.

070Mr. Landry, you were saying >> well. Yes. Closing my admin comments. Tomorrow, you will get two one email from safe schools that has two videos marked as mandatory. Please complete those at your convenience. Once they are done, um it'll tell us that you're done. So you don't have to do anything other than click all the way through the through watch and click through the end of it. That's it. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Excellent. Uh do we have any other administrators who would like to introduce anything fun? >> I would I would strongly advise >> hearing none. We'll move on. Thank you all for being here. Um, yeah, that's good. Um, we're going to move on to item 13, board presidents and board member comments and uh committee reports. Um, I'm just going to say

071that my first year as president was a year of firsts. The more the number of times I heard from various people, this hasn't happened before, Joe. We got to we got to go through this. Today we're starting off on a uh another we're it's 2.0. So, um I just want to say uh I got the pleasure of attending and uh graduation where I accepted the uh the uh graduating classes gift of some custom cornhole boards uh two sets that will be I'm sure used frequently up at the high school. And uh and that was great. And then I I got to uh uh congratulate all of the uh uh graduates after rece they received their diploma and that was pretty cool especially since one of them was my daughter. Um, I'm going to say that

072uh the uh upcoming back to school uh and awards dinner for ECASB uh we got the information on. Just to re reiterate what uh Miss Casey said, uh one of our very own Mr. Brunson is being honored at that dinner with the the Wayne uh Lifetime Achievement Award. Um >> is that true? >> Yes. For real? >> Yeah. >> No one told me. >> Yeah, you got >> Yeah. Check your email. David Lowry is looking David Lowry is looking for a biography from you. Um I think he seed the two of us. CC the two of us on it. >> I think he Yeah. >> Yeah. So >> I think there's something in an old issue of Buffalo News that would probably just >> Yeah. Um, so the dinner is August 21st at the Creek

073Side Banquet Center in uh on Union Road in Chikawaga. >> I guess I better figure out how to go with it. >> That is uh that is it. Uh uh uh it and uh Miss Miss Casey sent out the uh information to us about uh registering and uh and that sort of stuff. Please check your emails. Uh it would be great to be there. A lifetime achievement award couldn't be bestowed on a more deserving person. >> You're kind to say I I knew Wayne Schliffy Schlefty. Um he was one of those board members who was on a school board for seemed like generations. Uh so maybe I'm catching up with him. >> Yeah. So, so, uh, I just wanted to point that out to all and and and get it out there in the public

074because I think that's uh, and, uh, last but certainly not least, I want to, uh, thank our bat wranglers, uh, for the evening. Uh, I don't know if we'll be adding that to your job titles, but, uh, you did a fine job and really appreciate uh, you jumping into action. Um, with that I will pass it over uh to Mrs. Daniel, our new vice president. >> Uh, yes. So, on June 25th, Dr. and Proa and I attended the athletic advisory council um meeting and we discussed a variety of things including the spring season review, the building project update, the student athletic code of conduct, um, and various budget considerations. So, Thank you, >> Mrs. Whitel. >> I have no comments other than I'm happy to be here. >> We're happy to have you, >> Dr.

075Proto. >> Um, yes, that same meeting. And I would say it's nice because as they're updating the handbook with the code of conduct, there's very specific references in there to, you know, social media use and all of that. So, they planned on um, Mr. from a far pandem putting those citing those without so that's very helpful I think it coincides nicely uh then the only other thing is also attended graduation um I was thoroughly impressed with the very quick readiness and and how fast they were able to get from outside to inside because of the weather and then um I was really impressed also with afterwards the whole balloon celebration um but the the everybody came outside and everybody We talked and it was that was a really it was a really nice graduation and

076the um PTO I think provided is that who provided um the ice cream? >> Yes, it was excellent. >> It was a really nice graduation. Really well done. >> We had to go inside and I know they probably wanted to make some comments about this but we had to go inside because of the rain but then it cleared and actually afterwards things cooled down. It was sunny out and then they had the ice cream and people stayed for a long time and just talked and it was a really beautiful evening and >> Miss Tyrone made that beautiful sign for us like the it's like some neon letters with >> it's EA HS 2025 and then balloons wrapped around it. Every family took pictures by it. It was really really a lot of fun. It was

077a it was a nice ceremony. Um yeah, worked well because we we've been outside for five years so it's completely different doing it inside >> and so kind of making those adjustments. Everybody did a really good job. The planning committee was made up of students. They made the decisions around graduation and so very nicely. >> And I think the people, parents and families appreciated that there was that overflow room. >> Um that that was really nice. I think that was a because then nobody was denied. Sure, you can watch it. You just watch it in there and they did and they enjoyed it. And especially there were a couple people in there with with children that, you know, wanted to watch but didn't necessarily want to have it. Mr. Blauers. >> Yeah, just a couple

078quick things. The audit committee held its annual audit entrance meeting on June 24th along with myself, Mr. Brunson, AJ Black and the business business administrator attended the meeting. uh Charles Traier, audit director of the accounting firm of Dresser Mali was also in attendance and he discussed the audit team that will be overseeing and performing the audit. The importance of the audit being truly independent. The anticipated reports will be included in the final audit was also discussed. The audit plan was discussed. uh audit timing which includes planning and fieldwork, issuance of financial statements and audit reports and potential dates for the exit conference was discussed and finally consideration of fraud and areas of concern were discussed. The meeting went well. Some of the questions the audit audit committee had from last year about the entrance meeting

079and final audit presentation was also dis discussed and addressed and also attended the Marie West Keller scholarship awards reception presented by the Easter educational foundation. I had the opportunity to talk to many of the scholarship recipients and their parents at the reception. Both the re recipients and their parents were so appreciative of being selected for the scholarship. One student told me that even now afford to attend the college that was his first choice. And finally, I have to say Mr. Brunson can really work a crowd. He treated all the recipients in such a kind, thoughtful, and encouraging manner. He took the time to listen to them, congratulate them, and if they were lucky enough to tell them a story or two, I just want to say well done, Dad. It's fun. standing back for me

080and just watching how you handle students and people and it was really stood out to me. So that's all I have. I just want to make the comment. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Mr. Flowers. Mr. Brunson, how are you going to follow that? >> I don't know. Um, thank you very much. The um Yeah, I enjoyed that event. Uh I do every year and uh it's great to uh to chat with these folks and see how mature they are, you know, as they as they leave our care and move on to to other things and uh uh and getting to meet their parents. uh and and to uh realize how flabbergasted they were when their name was called out because most of them had absolutely no idea that that's why they were

081there at the uh uh at the awards ceremony. So uh uh the amount of the scholarship is very significant now and uh and it's just well done. It's a good committee involved over at the foundation. They did a good job with this particular part of the foundation's work. Uh the and um I also attended the audit committee. Thank you for your leadership with regard to the audit committee. Paul takes this very seriously and does a great job. uh when we do our final listing of the audit committee, uh I know that committees listed in the in the agenda uh have only the board members listed, but when we do the final appointment of the audit committee because I notice there's several other uh appointments we're making this year of various committees responsible for various things.

082It's important that we uh recognize all four members of the committee which includes AJ Block and Phil Cadet as well and myself uh because uh the law requires that we appoint at least three people to the audit committee. So we have four and uh and so it should appear somewhere in our minutes uh that those folks are active members of the committee as well. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mr. Um, and you are >> Yeah, just happy to be down this end of the table. >> No, nothing else, Miss. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Um, we will move on to uh item 14A, business office. >> Hi. >> Hello. >> Um, tonight I have the financial reports as of the end of May. Um, our general fund had 13.5 million

083in May in the bank, which ties to our cash flow. Again, I'm happy to report that we should be fine with cash flow throughout the summer. Um, as of the end of May, we had expended 79% of our appropriation budget. And as you'll see when Mr. Um, ma'am Freddy passes out the grid. We're trending to be spending 99% of our appropriations budget. Um, we had received as of the end of May 95% of our revenue budget and we're trending to receive 101% of our revenue budget. >> The cafeteria fund again expenditures exceeded revenues. That was a planned deficit to spend down fund balance. Um, and we had some improvements here at the middle school. And then the federal fund. Um, today the treasurer was uh finishing the federal funds for closing the books, which is

084very, very uh good of her. It's very, it's only been nine days, so she did a fabulous job. Um, and in the capital fund, we continue to move along on the capital project. Um, we finished all the paperwork for our $100,000 capital outlay. Everything's been filed, so we will receive the um, building aid next year on that. um and we had expended approximately 5.1 million out of um the big capital project. And before I turn it over to Well, any questions to Mr. Manrey, I just want a big shout out for the business office team. I know how important the grid is to the board. Um and they worked very very hard to get almost all of the acrruals posted. I think there's one revenue acral that has not been posted because we don't have

085the information yet, but I estimated what I think it's going to be in the grid tonight. And the only thing we have left to do in order to be ready for the audit, which starts on July 21st, are the payables and the carryover incumbrances, which I also did an estimate of in the grit tonight. Um, but just as a disclaimer, that can always change as the audit happens and we get real information. >> Thanks for doing that and thanks for the reminder. >> Mr. Flyers, >> it's not a question. I just wanted to talk to the board about one of the revenue line items, med medicaid assistance with the news coming down with the federal budget. We have revenues coming in in that area of 155,000 right now. Not sure how the uh new budget

086and stuff, the federal budget will affect this, but it's a material amount that we get as a revenue source and not sure what it'll play out. We'll find out in a year or two exactly what how affect the general fund revenue. That's a comment. >> Thank you. Appreciate that. >> Uh Mr. Man Brady, you gonna talk? Uh so just as a big picture uh overview for new board member uh what I do each month is kind of take a snapshot of the major categories of the budget just to kind of put a thermometer in the room of where we are in terms of those categories um so that we have sense. So we'll walk you through the top half of this is expenditures. Um obviously that's spending we can control in some way shape or

087form. Uh the totals in the righth hand column are relative to the budget. Um back under the 2425 column, it's not a cumulative number. Uh you'll see that we came in significantly under budget on salary. Uh that is a little bit of an anomaly. And I'm going to show you how that kind of saved us. Um we had a a there's a baby boom going on in Eastora. Uh we had I believe seven people on parenting leave uh in the second half of last year and we have eight planning uh this upcoming year. Um because of that we had a number of folks go on unpaid leave uh for uh maternity paternity purposes and we were able to hire substitutes at a much cheaper rate. So that's a lot of where that money came from.

088Um on the top uh just again to make clear negative numbers are good, positive numbers are bad. uh benefits came in slightly over what they should have been $5,000 not a significant amount uh out of out of 8 million um state aided hardware came in under budget supplies contractual those are things we have I don't say control but some discretion over um the same with textbook software library tuition reimbursements tuition came in a little bit lower than we expected you're going to see that we came in over on Boseies that was a purposeful deliberate um purchase of pack. Uh we had a good product at a good price and decided to use monies um that we had saved elsewhere for that. So again, that was a choice, but it was a smart choice. Um and

089you're going to see transportation, that's the one that really got us, and that's just the cost of transportation. If you filled up your car recently, you know why. Um that being said, that brings us to about a half million dollars under budget. the debt service transfer was uh if you remember midway through the year the net ban and inter fund transfer um as we move from bands to bonds all of that together means that in terms of expenditures we're about 368 to the good which is 99 plus% of what was budgeted on the revenue side which is the next side in this case positive is good negative is bad so it's a flip um you'll see that we came in stronger in state aid Uh some of that was excess cost aid and UPK county

090receipts. Um the final recorded Erie County sales tax came in stronger than expected by about $220,000. Um and then the uh other revenue mostly interest. Uh interest has been our friend um has come in to about a half million over. So the 368 we came in under budget in terms of what we're expending. Uh the 733 is what we came in over budget in terms of what we were expecting to receive. Brings us to about 1.1 million to the good for the year. Sounds like a lot of money. You have to remember we're close to a 4546 million budget. I also need to remind you or I'll steal Mr. Brunson's thunder that 707,000 of that is spoken for in this upcoming budget. So when all is said and done, that brings us to about 400,000

091to the good. Um when it all shook out again personally $400,000 big money uh in the scope of a budget our size that is a razor thin margin um and it was buoied by a couple things um breaking our way but we're running as lean and mean of an operation as as you can imagine um when you take into effect the the scope and scale >> uh anything >> Mr. Brady, that the only line that that pops up as a new line this month, I know there's some changes, small changes in Yep. some large changes in other lines, but this one that says reserve funding, can you tell us what that was? >> I believe, and I'll I'll defer, but I believe that's our projected use of reserves that >> uh nope. That was the

092adjustment in last um last month's board meeting um to use unappropriated fund balance to help close the gap for the settlement. >> Oh, okay. Thank you. >> Got it. Good question. I just want to say thank you, Miss George, to you and your office and thank you to Mr. Andre. Thank you all for putting this together so quickly and promptly so we have a really good picture of how the year wrapped up. >> And then just the dism >> the disclaimer is again these are the unodudited numbers but we feel confident that this will be close if not exactly to what you'll see when you get the audit report. Um, and then next month August, I'll give you the projected staffing numbers um, for the upcoming year, but that's moving along the way. There should

093be there's no surprises there. >> So, it's so helpful to the board to have this information at this point, and that right we've all heard. >> Yeah. Okay. I I didn't know um with the withholding of federal education dollars for this year, title two, other things, how do you see that impacting? >> I love that you're looking at me and I'm actually going to bounce it over not just to Joanne um but to Cindy and Aaron who deal more with the federal grants. >> Yes. So, um, initially when I heard that, I was quite concerned because it would have impacted our, um, general fund by about $121,000. Um, but thanks to Aaron, Miss Jameson, who dug a little deeper, it's not affecting our title one grants. It's impacting our title two, title four, and title

094three. Um, so if I subtract out, so it's a much smaller number. Um, >> right around 42,000. >> 42,000. Yes. I couldn't remember off the top of my head. >> Yep. So, but we'll see where that lands. >> We've got a journey left to take on that. >> Yes. So um and one of our our superintendents from committee was representing the districts in in in Washington who shared all of our and she's sharing with our representatives. Uh there's also the letter uh to to our our representatives as well uh from our constituents locally. So we're just working through the details of what that letter looks like. So um there's there is some movement. It's uh fortunately I think it's less than we had initially anticipated but it's still uncertain and so it's kind of up

095in the air. Uh so for right now that $42,000 for us is say $42,000 a loss but it was like as George was saying we're thinking is closer to $130,000. So that that part of it was some good news. >> Thank you Dr. Mr. Mayor, I just wanted to ask the uh on the the back uh >> the one thing that is that isn't on there that we've had in the past is the staffing >> maybe I I assume it's not as material. >> No. So >> right, the decision and we can do this was the original impetus for this grid was when we were cutting all those positions and trying to kind of get back to normal since that's stabled out. I what I've done this year and we can change it is I

096just reported in September and then February which is the second semester because we're not in that rebuilding mode after the gap elimination and the rest. Um, what I can do, I probably should do is September, February, and then June or July. Um, just so you have those bookends, but it's really shifted more to to keep you in track of the money piece of it because we're not rebuilding from that cap elimination. Um, and there's there it was just copying and pasting across the board pretty much. Um, but yeah, I can definitely get you that number. >> Thanks. Appreciate that. >> Um, great. Uh thank you all for uh for all of that. Uh we're going to move on to >> 14. >> Oh yeah. Uh 14B uh capital F. >> Yeah. We just happen to

097have an in which is Um so we we um we we talked about the building condition survey and the team is pursuing uh we talked about the geothermal uh so that's already on their list of items to be included in the um uh BC uh BCS uh next year and so uh They're looking at investigations through um Lex Tech program which is 75% aided by the state education department. So I reached out to Steve Sowski who's our who's our our lead architect and I talked to them about the carbon challenge, what they were suggesting, the geothermal piece and you know it's it's pretty complicated. I'll be quite honest and it's it's not inexpensive to do it. Um so we talked a little bit about having it on each campus and what that would look like.

098Basically speaking, the geothermal is coupled with solar energy so that it it it it the solar um produces the energy for the geothermal to be able to do its thing. And so they're going through the process of a feasibility study. So that'll be probably part of the building condition survey for next year. Um uh BCC uh engineering are tracking down and troubleshooting sequencing configurations and discrepancy relations to the commissioning of new mechanical units uh in the IT office and on the first floor. So, we have some issues related to those mechanical units and so they're dealing with that right now. Uh, so they're we're holding back uh some final retention checks uh until all of that is resolved. Um the uh high school turf and tennis courts um site work I I have to say

099this, the uh the work um at the high school is moving along very nicely. By far the the best project that I've ever been involved in in terms of timeliness. And we're actually on track and hopefully going to hit our deadlines, which is which is really nice. So, we're not going to be scrambling uh when kids are coming back in September. So, that's really good news. Um so, they're making excellent progress and are on schedule to complete the work in time uh to be used for fall sports with some minor overlap and coordination with the athletic department and that happens. You know, there's some minor final tweaks. So, there's fencing, curving, and sidewalk work is ongoing. The amphitheater retaining wall blocks are being set as well. Um that looks really great. That's on the new

100turf field. We didn't want to put up like a metal um bleacher. So, we used um stones to create tears that people can observe uh and watch uh games, which is really great. Uh the masonry work at the north elevation of the north wing of the high school has begun and the middle school PA system included in this phase will be completed during the fall due to contractor manpower issues. So, they had to back off on that a little bit. Um let's see. need to capital improve middle school building work. The schedule for rebidding uh the work at the middle school was discussed. The bid opening will be on Tuesday uh uh 9:16 in order for the team to reach recommendation for the board meeting on 9:24. So we went through that schedule. So the

101bids are going to go out like uh mid August and then they'll take do a walk through about a week or so after with contractors and then it's due on the 16th so that we can um hopefully um uh vote on it on the 24th. So, we kind of worked on that schedule to make sure that that all works. Uh, let's see. Um, oh yeah, the masonry work at the high school at the north wing is fully closed out. Um, that's the capital outlay project. I have to say that that work looks really beautiful. They did an excellent job in terms of the the the quality and it was tough because we had so much rain. It really threw them off schedule. And with the capital outlay, Miss George and her group have to submit

102the final costs by June 30th or we lose out. And so they pulled it all together and made it happen. So it was really great and and the masonry work was complicated and it was more complicated than they originally thought. They did the extra work and they made it look really good. So it blended very nicely, which isn't easy to do because the grout colors are different and all that good stuff. So it looks very nice. Well done. Uh let's see. Um uh let's see. Oh, and the uh playground. Uh so um young and right now is in a holding pattern. Um, in regard to the playground, I know that uh Mhan, Miss Parker are working with our uh PTO uh fundraising team and so kind of get that back on track. So, you know,

103we're doing some things to um uh uh get it back on track. Let's just say that. So, um and that's about it. >> Great. Any questions? I was at that meeting the notes I had here to the superintendent covered but this is a complex project trying to trying to move the classrooms around and just the amount of effort and time the administrators and the superintendent putting in to address all these uh challenges I guess not only problems but challenges so it's not going to be easy um but Matt Brown seems to have a good handle on all the administrators athletic fields and how we're dealing with the tennis courts and handling unit was talked about the superintendent mentioned and the contractors working during open school operations all that be sorted out and the movements of

104the classroom. So all being addressed head on challenges but it was impressive listening to certainly a superintendent with the administrative group as well how they're all in on this like they know enough to do without something like this but it was pretty impressive meeting. Well, thanks for being >> anything. Great. >> Um, thank you uh for the update. Uh, we're going to move on to 14C, the 202526 committee and board committee uh assignments. Um, we all received these uh in in the agenda. Uh, and what I'd like to do is just go through them in order here. Um, and if you have interest in in departing or uh jumping on board with the committee, uh, uh, let us know. We have um five uh committee positions that uh are left vacant uh with uh Mrs.

105Oiler's departure and one alternate uh and we'll discuss those as we go through here. So going through this, does anybody else want to be the ad hoc representative as needed for No, I'm sorry. >> N that's me. >> I got it. You guys No, you can't. Um >> the board policy committee uh uh Mrs. Danu, myself and Ms. uh Arrest uh any desire to change? No. Anyone looking to get on board? Continue with that crew. Uh the budget and finance committee, Mr. Blau, Miss Armbbrust, and Mrs. Daniel with Mr. Brunson as the alternate. Mr. hours. Uh, are you have you you've stepped off of that committee and Mr. Brunson was filling in. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> And >> whatever way you want to leave is fine. >> Well, that's that's for everyone

106to I guess discuss and decide. Um, does I know that having three is I think when we originally were tuning our participation that was one where it was I think vital that we had three and so I'd say we we want to keep it at three. I'm just checking with the three who are on there that they want to stay on. >> Mr. uh uh Blowers, would you want to be on as the alternate? Yeah. >> So, we'll just maybe swap places with you and uh Mr. Brunson, >> I just say relating to all these committees, it would be helpful to me if whoever is chairing the committee could um develop a schedule well in advance for when the meetings are. I I'm much more likely to be able to attend if I know in

107advance. And if it's not on a day where I've already got some other big thing going on, you know, I'm I could go to the uh to the uh uh facilities committee meeting because um I already had arrangements for this uh the foundation and so the the foundation tends to meet the day before the school board and I don't know why we do that either, but that's so I'll do the best I can to uh to as long as I know in advance of when the meetings Yeah. Well, I think that that's a a a good call out that uh that we ought to be looking to try to do that. Maybe we can get those. Uh I know that Miss Casey has a Google calendar where she's keeping all sorts of things and then

108if we're all using that um then everybody can see when those are at least tentatively planned for. >> Yeah. So I guess that would be my my call out is for folks to uh you know on your individual committees some of them like the policy committee we meet as needed. Um but where where you know you're going to have meetings if if there's an opportunity to uh at least pencil them in. Um I I agree with Mr. Brunson that that would be helpful. Um moving on to the the audit committee. Uh we have of course our two community members, Mr. Cadet, Mr. Block, and then we have Mr. Flowers and Mr. Brunson. Any desired changes to that? >> We have so to Mr. Brunson's uh comment. We have >> Yes, I have already made the

109template different and I'm putting the community representatives on that column. And then we're going to put the East Aurora District representatives on it as well when we make it public. >> Okay. >> Have a lot more details on it. >> Great. Thank you. Um hearing no changes to audit committee uh curriculum and textbook review. Um uh Mrs. Oatler has uh stuffed off that committee. Um, and so, uh, I guess I'm opening it for changes. >> I definitely listen to his alternate. >> So, it would be that one would be um, Mrs. Danny. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> You want to remain as alternate? >> Yeah, that's fine. >> And Mrs. Whitel would step in. um facilities uh Mr. Brunson uh the replacement for uh Mrs. Ler and Mr. hours as alternate changes. >> That is

110one that tends to require some daytime availability, right? For the meetings that are >> Yes. >> And right now, I'd imagine that you're meeting quite a bit or is it monthly? Is it >> It's monthly right now, but that could change of course, but but they've they've scheduled the meetings ahead pretty pretty much now. There's one scheduled for August and and the other one was yesterday. >> Yep. Okay. >> Mr. Flowers, would you like to move in from alternate to >> Is there an opening? >> There is. >> Yes, I would. >> You would? Excellent. >> I would volunteer to be alternate. >> No, go ahead. You can do that. >> Just curious. >> Yeah. >> Out of curiosity. Um >> All right. So, why don't we uh move Mr. Blowers into the number two

111position and be your number one in our hearts. >> Yeah, I I I believe that. >> Um and we'll move Dr. alternate uh on deck. Um visitation committee uh we have a opening for that um uh to plan our building visits each year. somebody like to step into the position for that? >> I can go. I mean, if no one else wants it, >> I'll be the alternate to it. I'll do it. I can be the alternate. >> All right. >> Yeah, I'll be the alternate. You can move up to the first spot. I'll be >> I'll pay. >> Okay, great. >> One extra cookie for you. >> Thank you both. flowers for >> visitation. Yep. >> Um and then uh athletic advisory uh we want to keep the stay on there. >> I didn't

112know that. >> Yeah, I thought we were >> I just always we just both always go. >> Yeah, >> one the other did so it worked out. But yeah, I mean there's no saying you can't go as an alternate, but it's >> just a I think the the expectation was to >> bring those >> um community engagement. Uh I will stay on that Dr. Yeah. >> Um >> the uh district parent council we have a open spot. >> I'm happy to step into that unless you wanted. >> That's okay. We did the same thing like when we could both or the other go. You were the >> Why was I? >> You were the ultimate alternate when we couldn't go. >> I'm like why was I there too? I'm not even on the list. confused.

113I just decided >> there was >> always very helpful overachiever. Um all right. Uh so that will be uh uh Mrs. Whitel and uh Dr. Proto will remain as the alternate then. Yes. And keep going anyhow. >> Um cool. Uh health uh curriculum and advisory committee. Uh >> we I think we had to do something once. >> Yeah. >> So if that comes up, I'm happy to continue in the same I think we both attended that meeting, too. >> All right. Awesome. >> You know how Mrs. Daniel is. >> We have the district-wide safety committee. We have an open open spot. Uh Mrs. Daniel, you are the alternate. >> Yeah. And I actually usually attend that. So I would like to stay on that. >> No, I'd like to withdraw from that one. >> You'd

114like to withdraw? Okay. Um, so we have uh then Mr. Damio, are you good with going on to full-fledged? >> Yes, >> I can be an alternate. >> Okay, so anyone else as a member? I would be happy to join that one. uh in the absence hearing. None. I will step into that one. Uh the building emergency does not have us listed. >> Says board president. >> Board present. Right. That is on the beach. >> That is me. um sustainability committee. Um I don't think we >> we did that. That's one that was on our goals for this year to make sure we figure out how to coordinate with. >> Yeah. So >> and and perhaps that'll become a meeting based on our presentation tonight that we'll have keep the keep the members for that.

115>> Um we're on to the county, state, and local associations. Um I'll state on the delegate assembly but I would like to have somebody as an alternate because I will say even though it's three meetings a year past two years I have met missed one each year and this is a wer like to pick that up as >> oh you want to yeah >> is that what it is okay I could do the alternate for that >> if you if unless someone I want to take if someone else wants to do that. It's it's um it's an it's an evening meeting. It's interesting to hear about the other school districts what they're doing. So I you know if someone else is interested in doing that it's um I >> was going to suggest that might

116be something for Mrs. Wel to consider at some point. It is very informative to get to sit at the table with other school districts. any of the ECASP things give you that opportunity because there's always a round robin. >> Yeah, it's good. So, so what I might suggest is it we've already got the uh calendar for the year. You can certainly uh join me at one if you're free and want to go and just be a fly on the wall. Um it's I do I I appreciate going to those and uh and hearing and sharing with our peers. Um legislative team for uh ECASB flowers. Keep going with that. >> Yeah. Five years of it. >> You have good reports from it, too. >> Yeah, >> you do. >> Excellent. Um >> happy service >>

117as an alternate. >> I have an alternate. >> You do? >> Okay. You You'll probably be going to all of them. >> No. You want to be the lead number one chief? >> I'm good on being alternative. I go >> alter. Okay. >> I think that's a great plan. Uh we have do have an opening on the budget finance committee for the ECAS. Any takers? >> Just for so people understand what that is. That's the That's the Erie County Association's budget for their operations. So, it's the money that they have to pay their employees. They have two, I think. And uh and so it's a it has nothing to do with the budgets of the school districts or financing of education. It's simply the the mechanism for paying their bills. And so, they come up

118with a budget each year. and uh and so it's so don't don't sign up for it if you think it has to do with finance and budgeting general >> and I uh I am our de facto member and stepped in this past year as president >> and it's a very brief commitment. >> It is. >> Yeah, it is. >> I'm happy to just uh take that same um Uh the Erie 2 Boseies. Uh Mr. Brunson. >> Sure. >> Excellent. Um I'm gonna just set the stage for all you. Imagine an October evening, uh say late afternoon, say 4:00, you're looking for something to do for the next eight hours. This is the one for you. It's the annual uh meeting for the uh for NISBA. >> Is it right before? >> It is right before

119it is virtual and it is right before that with um 700 plus of you friends talking through dozens and dozens of resolutions. >> Score scores even >> scores in. >> Well, they do it virtually now. >> Yes. >> Oh, that's that's good because they won't notice when you doze up. >> Yeah. Well, the one year, not this past year, year before, we got down to like within one from having a quorum with like five left >> and uh Jay was was reading fast. I will tell you that. But uh no, I will do that uh again uh and Mr. Brunson uh legisl legislatively his vote. All right. Awesome. Did anybody uh not get a chance or did I miss anything? Anybody any comments, questions, concern people? >> There are uh just two of us, right?

120>> Yeah. So, you could make it two plus an alternate. >> Well, it is an alternate. It's it's one plus an alternate. right now. >> Yes. >> Oh, I see. So, you're saying >> it's my original background, so put me as the alterate. >> No, you're the you're the you're the member. No, you're just going to show up in >> I'll just put a number two. >> Yeah, >> showing up with things. Um, all right. Great. Uh, AC, any questions? You got all that? >> The finance short for AC. Do I just leave it blank or >> just put me? Yeah, just make it easy on this. I'll send it out for a check over before we make it public. >> Thank you all for uh your time and commitment to >> we are going

121to move on to uh item 15 legislation. Any legislation? >> Um no. Yeah. No at this time. Uh with that we are at the consensus items. Um are there any board members who wish to withdraw any specific items from the consensus agenda item? >> Yes, please. Item 23. That is the approved the renewal of participation in the national school lunch and special milk program. We will move that to >> What's that? >> 25. >> Um >> 25. >> We will move to 25. >> We'll move to 25. Uh H Um, great. Thank you, Mr. Brunson. Anyone else hearing? None. Uh, would anyone like to add anything uh to the uh consensus agenda? Hearing none. May I have a motion to approve the consensus agenda? >> So moved. >> Moved by Ms. Armbra. Second. Any discussion?

122All in favor? >> I >> opposed mentions. That's passed 70. >> 24 uh 24A. Uh the superintendent recommends the board of education review uh and will perform a first reading and wave the second reading on the following policies listed below. I have a motion >> moved by Mandy. Second >> second armrest discussion and just do a refresher on that. So, um, certain policies by law either have to be reviewed or reappointed or readopted by the board annually. Um, these are those policies. I believe there's two for review and five or six for readoption. We wanted even though you are about to read the whole manual, we wanted to be clear that we were aware of the regulation. So, we pulled them out. You're going to adopt them in your very next act. You're going to

123adopt them again. Um, but this puts in the record that we did u meet the requirement for those those particular laws. >> Thank you, Mr. May. >> Thank you so much for all of your work to get us >> right. Discussion none. All in favor? I >> I >> opposed extensions B. The superintendent recommends board of education readopt the story unit preschool district board of education policy manual in its entirety waving the second reading man. So move >> moved by Mrs. Daniel second by Miss Armbrust. discussion >> just to be clear in all of these where we're waving >> sorry >> blessing um there are no changes to any of the policies so it's just a a aun not prepun but a process so if there were actual changes we would have a second reading

124>> thank you Mr. All in favor? >> I >> opposed abstensions. That's pass 70. Uh item C. Uh the superintendent recommends the board of education perform a second reading to adopt a revised EA uh 6070.04 policy as detailed below. May I have a motion? >> Miss Armbrust. Second. >> Second. Second by Mrs. Danu. Uh discussion. >> This this is what Mr. Brown was talking about earlier. With the adoption of this, we're able to pull out A and B of section seven of the code of conduct and what will be public tomorrow will reflect that this is now current policy of the board. Um and it just brings that all that. >> Excellent. Thank you. Uh all in favor? >> Opposed? abstensions and that's passed 70. Um we are on to uh item 25A. Uh the

125superintendent recommends board of education designate Mnt Bank as the district's lead bank and the follow and the banks listed below uh as depositories for the district money. Um may I have a motion? >> So moved by Mr. Blau second. >> second by Mr. Brunson. Discussion. All in favor? >> I >> opposed extensions. I will be esteemed. And that is pass 601. Uh item uh 25B. The superintendent recommends board of education appoints Sue Kramer as the executive secretary to the superintendent of schools uh slashpublic relations representative effective July 1st 2025 through June 30th 2026 as detailed in the agenda. May I have a motion? So moved >> moved >> by Ms. Armbro. Second. >> Second >> by Mr. Witzel. Discussion. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Extensions. And that's pass 70. See, uh, the superintendent recommends

126board of education appoint Julie Nagel as district treasurer for the 20 or 2025 2026 school year. effective July 1, 2025 as D. And may I have a motion? >> Move >> by Mr. Blau. Second. >> Second by Dr. Discussion. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? >> Abstensions. Pass 70. Indeed, the superintendent recommends the board of education approve uh salaries for con confidential managerial um employees uh listed below effective for the 202526 school year. Uh may I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Uh moved by Miss Arrow, second by Mrs. Whitel. Uh discussion. All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstensions. That's 70. Uh item E, the uh superintendent recommends the board of education approve the $100,000 capital outlay uh contract between the district and Young and Wright. I have a motion moved >> by Mr. Daniel.

127Second. >> Second by Miss Blau's. Discussion. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. >> Abstensions. That is passed. Wait a minute. Superintendent recommends the board of education approve amendment one dated June 25, 2025 between the district in Buffalo Construction. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Dr. Proa to second. >> Second by Mrs. Danu. Discussion. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Abstensions. That's pass 70. Item G, superintendent recommends the board of education declare the technology uh declare the technology items instructional te text, musical instruments, and library books listed on the attached memo. uh as surplus and obsolete per uh board policy uh outlined in the agenda. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by MRO. Second >> second by Mrs. Whitel. Oh discussion. All in favor?

128>> I >> opposed abstensions. Yes. 7 to signed uh 25H. Superintendent recommends uh the board approve the renewal of participation in the national school lunch, breakfast, and special milk program for the 202526 school year uh with the established prices noted in the agenda. May I have a motion? >> So moved by Mrs. Daniel, second by Ms. Armbrust. Discussion. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. Well, every year I ask whether the price of milk has increased and I see it hasn't. So, that's good. Okay. Kids should be able to get a container of milk at a reasonable price. Uh, but that's not my point this time. There you have a note there that says u uh should say this. This would be the cost of a second breakfast or lunch after the first initial meals provided

129by the New York State this year. So, I'd just like to know from from the superintendent how we're doing on this. You we haven't talked about it recently, but as of uh the start of the school year, every child is supposed to be out of school for a free breakfast and a free lunch. And I'm just wondering if uh there's any uh problems implementing this. So, is there paperwork that needs to be completed? is uh uh are we reasonably sure that this will be in place as of September 1? >> Yep. Yeah. So u this student ready and uh Yep. They're they're ready to go. Uh food service provider is ready to be able to provide u our students with free breakfast and lunch. Uh and then if they would like a second that's what

130that standard. So it's and milk comes with that too. So it's they get free milk at lunch. breakfast at free at um at lunch as well. So um yeah, they're ready to go. >> All the paperwork's been filed. >> Thank you. >> With child nutrition, >> you will see for what you will see a policy change. So the the issue speaking very high level is there's a federal free and reduced program. The state is supplementing it to pay for that. So we have to a set a rate so that there's a reimbursement mechanism that the state pays in the f. So that's why the rates there even for the first meal even though we won't charge it nothing that's going to impact the kids experience. We will have to talk about how there's three things

131in play. The federal pol the federal program the state law and then the state um lunch shaming piece and they're they're they have to catch up to each other. So we're working hard at the next board meeting you'll see a policy that reflects everything that you're talking about. So Miss George is taking care of the paperwork piece. I'm working on the policy piece. As the law catches up to itself, none of that will impact the student experience. >> Thank you. I I wonder uh have you uh I'm sure you have. Uh the principles I would think would be involved in a a program of u helping parents and students to understand this. Yep. >> You know, I I mean it's the money's coming through. I'm sure you've taken care of the paperwork and the money.

132in the back in their back to school communication and probably once we have the guidance on >> again the law has to catch up to itself because it's a there'll probably be a a district-wide communication and then the principles um just just like with the cell phone they're back to school education both the students and parents will roll out. So we're just we're not quite there yet because the laws not everything is caught up to itself yet. >> Yeah. you have a little experience with with regard to the the feeding that occurred during the pandemic. So I I I assume that will help you you with >> we're not doing it on school buses. So it can only delivering bags to people's >> our food trucks food trucks are out of business. So yeah, >>

133it'll the student experience is not an issue. We just some of the behind the scenes things need to come up. >> Yeah, that's great. We're >> on top of it. I'm sure there are parents who would still expect children to have their breakfast at home and would provide them with lunch, but but I just want to be sure they they all know that there's another option here and that the kids have an adequate amount of time when they get to school to be able to know they have enough time at lunch because they have a schedule. Uh but >> since you brought it up just off and I know we're going on a tangent, but it's going to be a really important one. Everyone is still highly encouraged to apply for the free and reduced

134federal free and reduced program because those numbers drive a lot of our federal grants. >> In the past, the carrot and stick of that was if you applied, you got the free lunch. We now have an issue and the state is trying to recognize this on a state level that whether you apply or not, you're still getting the free lunch. Yet, our free and reduced number is the number that the federal government uses for most of its grant allocations and there's no real incentive for folks to fill that paperwork out anymore. Um, so there speaking of the communication piece which you spoke of, we still are going to send the mailings out and highly encourage folks to fill that out because that number is a magic number in a lot of other formulas. Um, but

135this is it's not an East Aurora problem. It's a statewide problem and they are working on that. But um on the public end of things, a big part is everyone is still going to be highly encouraged to fill out the free and red federal free and reduced paperwork even though you're approved whether you do or not. And that's a very tricky messaging piece that we have to get ahead of because the trickle effect of that is significant as it comes to the federal funding which is already perilous at best. Um so and again this is those unintended consequence of good actions and laws not catching up to themselves yet. That's the That's the biggest wrinkle we're worried about right now, but we're on it. >> Sounds like you're on top. >> Well, we're trying. Thank

136you for your encouragement. >> Thank you. And thanks to the board to allow me to take this little subjur off to the side. >> Absolutely. Something at the Rotary meeting this week, a member of the Boys and Girls Club spoke and they do give out scholarships uh basically free. Some students in need can come there free of charge. as a scholarship and it's automatic if they're on the free and reduced list at the school that they will get that scholarship to join the Boys and Girls Club. Not we probably couldn't sell that but I thought it was a unique part of what >> those are the types of things that we have to promote because there are other benefits of qualifying for the program. >> I understand that right when they spoke at the meeting

137the other day. >> Yeah. So there are those type of local things, >> you know, because that's an incentive to get them to, >> right? Like so there's local benefits beyond the meal, but there's also organizational benefits to push our participation and accurately capture those that are eligible in our community, >> about 14% of our kids >> approximately. Thanks for calling that up. >> Let's just say this. Um, surprisingly, um, of all the things that have changed, this has run particularly smoothly. So, like the paperwork is one thing, but actually being prepared, um, it's been kind of um, yeah, it's been easy. They're ready to go. They're ready to serve the food and kids are going to get food and all the rest of it'll take care of itself. So, I mean, it's a really

138positive thing. It's um it's a great benefit for our community, the kids across New York State, and you know, it's just moving on very nicely. I would encourage our board when we have our visitation uh in the fall to maybe think about having lunch or breakfast in one of those schools uh with the kids. >> Okay. Sure. I'm going to start. Great. All right. Uh so uh all in favor >> I we'll pay the 224. >> Yes. >> Opposed abstensions passed 70. Um we on 26A. The superintendent recommends board of education approve uh the adoption of the disaster recovery and incident uh response plans for the 2025 2026 school year is detailed in the attachments. Um may I have a motion? >> It was detailed so >> moved by Mr. Blau second by Miss Armbro.

139Discussion all in favor. Opposed abstensions that's passed 70 uh 26. Uh superintendent recommends board of education approve of chairperson uh prom list for the 202526 uh school year is detailed on the attachment pending any changes made at the meeting. May I have a motion? So moved >> moved by Dr. Emproa, seconded by Ms. Armbrust. Discussion >> hearing none. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed abstensions. See, the superintendent recommends board of education adopt a schedule of board of education dates and times for the 202526 school year as detailed in the attachment and accept any revisions made during this meeting. I have a motion moved by Mrs. Danny. Second >> second by Miss Mrs. Whitel discussion. So um if you would all bring up your copy of the proposed dates um as per our past

140few years we like to go through them. Um, and I am going to start with the first uh conflict being in the August 20th date. Um, I'm wondering if uh if we might be able to move that so I can attend it. Um, I will not be in town. Um that following day happens to be the aforementioned back to school dinner for Erie County Board of Association at which uh Mr. Brunson will be receiving an award. Uh so that Thursday I would advise against. Um I don't know that we have any conflicts on Monday. on Tuesday >> for the whole you're out of town for the whole week. So you're you're off of this one alto together unless we move it to a different week. >> Uh let's start with Monday. Anyone have a conflict

141with Monday? >> Monday what? >> The 18th. I have to come to >> I am also good >> at 4:00 19 >> Monday the 18th. >> We've had an evening Monday meeting since I joined. >> Set it up. >> Um Thank you all for that. Um, so now I will just uh open it up. We have uh well, we'll just keep going. September uh conflicts for the September 24th. >> I have a conflict. I do too, >> Mr. Flowers. Others, >> it's not great. >> What' you say? It's not great. >> It's not great. >> What? Uh um Okay. So, let's look at um that week. >> I'll be out that whole week. >> You're out that whole week? >> Yeah. >> Mr. Flowers is off that one. Um >> I can do Tuesday or

142Thursday that week. What is the park period on Thursday? >> Tuesday, >> Thursday the 25th of September. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Can I just That is the for what the Parkdale parent information night the Thursday the 25th >> or open house basically. Yeah. >> Park Parkdale open house. Have we have we avoided those for administrator's sake or for parents? >> We try we try to avoid them for community participation sake. It's not always possible with the number of evening. I I only brought it up as a point of order. I'm not >> Yeah, I appreciate it because I don't have that. I don't have those. So um >> we try we try not to schedule meetings on other meeting nights so that like they don't have a conflict between attending the board meetings. >>

143So >> but we do have we do have our park tail crew who has been cut but um >> we have we have overlapped with events we try to we try to avoid and we have overlap five to seven. So it wouldn't necessarily >> overlap. So we're happy to make sure everyone gets out at 700 to get to the board meeting. >> Minus Miss Kentoa and I >> for no other reason. >> Yes. >> Understood. Um so Thursday, September 25th is what I'm hearing. >> Excellent. >> Thank you all. Uh we're into October. Uh the 22nd >> viol would be the same standing conflict. >> Understood. >> Um Miss Arrest, >> I'm out of town that whole week. >> Out of town that whole week. >> And that's the week also of the NISBA. So

144I don't know when people are thinking which I didn't realize this trip. >> Nisba starts have to be there on Thursday. Yes. >> But don't you have to do that? No, it's virtual. I get to do that on the tele. >> But but what days is it usually? >> I've got it somewhere. >> Like so Tuesday or something. >> Oh, okay. It's not Wednesday. >> Yeah. No, it won't it so October, shall we? Um so let's look at the beginning of that week. Uh because the of the conference that begins Yeah. Monday uh the 20th, Tuesday the 21st. >> I'm open the 20th. >> I'm sorry. >> You're open on Monday the 20th. >> Yep. >> Monday the 20th. >> Missing. >> Well, you're off all week. >> Anyone else have to miss? >> No.

145Yes. Somebody. Yes. Um >> Okay. I was >> So, we got these two down here. You're offel. >> I can do the 20th. >> 20th. 20th. Uh, we are going to go with another Monday meeting. Look at us. >> Um, >> Monday, October 20th. >> They can see the whole entire year. >> All right, moving on to November. Aside from uh Miss Armbrust, uh does anyone else have a uh conflict on November 19th? >> I would suggest we leave that one as is. Yes, >> everyone else is doing it. >> Doing that. Excellent. Um into December. December 17th. Aside from his arms, >> you good? >> I'm good. You carry on. >> We shall >> ask for a free pass. >> We're not interfering with any like concerts or anything like that in December. >>

146Well, funny you said that. It does appear to be the middle school band concert that day. by >> which we normally don't schedule on a Wednesday, but it is. But >> December, >> the board meeting. >> All right. Well, let's look at the week of December 17th. >> These are just draft dates right now. >> Yeah. >> Well, they might move it to a Monday and then you could keep it. >> Never mind. >> If we keep it on the 17th, can you move the concert to the 18th? >> I would rather move a concert than this Monday Night Football. playing that week. But yes, >> in all in all honesty, not to interrupt, but the everything that Mr. Frank is saying, we've all put our first draft of concerts and calendar >> and then

147what happens is it come back, it comes back, we have to adjust and move. So these are all tentative dates at this point that we can be flexible with. >> I do have the bill schedule up. We have >> the bills aren't playing. Well, I no I that I that was my first thing to check your >> I would have let you know that one >> Thursday the 18th, but it sounds like everything could slide anyway >> if you can move it out of the way. >> What's that? >> If you want to keep the 17th, you can keep it clear. >> Well, let's see. I mean, let's see. Would anybody object to us for doing it on Thursday the 18th and >> 18th? Oh, the face. You look so sad. >> Oh, come on.

148I think I've had seven on I don't know how the math works. I don't know. Leap beer or something. I swear I've had more birthdays on board meetings than not. Not that I'm recommending it. Carry on. Keep it on the Keep it on Wednesday. >> You'll save me having two meetings on >> Thursday. That's fine. >> Oh, no. Keep it Keep it on the 17th. We'll keep it on the 17th. >> Okay, good. >> Thank you. There you go. >> So, why should you give us Daniel a cake anyway? >> We're into January, believe it or not. Um, January 17th or 14th. Any conflicts? Anybody? Starting down this way. No. No. No. >> Mr. Brunson, you good? >> No, I'm good. >> Excellent. Thank you. Um, February 11th, >> also clear. >> Go once. Go

149twice. We're booked for February 11th. Uh, >> the February break is that following week. Is that right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> March 4th. >> Good. >> Hearing nothing. We're going to keep that one on March 4th. March 18th. Good. And we're keeping that. Uh, April Fool's Day. That's cool. We're keeping it. Uh, then Tuesday, April 21st, where we will uh adopt Uh the budget and property tax report card. >> Yeah, I'll be at that meeting. >> You won't be. Okay. Anyone else? >> Skip that. Um the public hearing on May 6th has to stay. >> has to stay. >> We're keeping it. >> Uh you'll notice uh the second May meeting, which is the date of the election and budget vote. Uh we are proposing that uh we only meet at 900 p.m. that

150evening to um adopt or to accept the uh the results of the election in the budget vote as opposed to prior years where we've had a meeting. we've um been getting done and uh recessing while we wait an hour or so uh and then uh adopt it. Uh the discussion has been that we would shift to uh the earlier May meeting uh some things in the uh uh June meeting things like the uh uh superintendent's art collection. Any comments, questions, concerns about doing that? >> I like it. >> Makes sense. >> Do it right at 9 because that's when the polls close. You won't have the results. No, but we would uh get here at 9 and then I mean I don't know that we want to >> get here later. I'll be asleep and

151someone will have to wake me up on the couch. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um so hearing uh no concerns about that, we'll we'll switch to that uh in May. And if we have something in terms of that we need to meet for executive session or something, we could always make it >> Yep. >> Keep that. >> Yeah, we can. Yeah, we can insert those any any special meetings as as as need be or Yeah. >> Um June 3rd. Uh any uh conflicts? >> Say not yet. >> Yeah. >> All right, we're going to keep it. uh July 8th for the organizational meeting. All right, we made it. >> Great. We only move >> August, September, October. Yeah. >> Okay. >> It's not too shabby. Thank you all for uh >> I like Mr. Daniel's

152comment about executive sessions. It seemed like months of April and May. time to set. >> Yeah. And and and it may be and it may be that we do want to set that meeting earlier when we actually set it >> um >> to uh seven or something. >> Yeah. Just just to come in and and have a longer more relaxed uh >> So yeah, we'll I think we'll we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. uh determine what we need and and set the time uh at appropriate >> early executive sessions. >> Nearly impossible. >> That's true. >> Um okay, great. So with that, uh we have a motion and and we that includes any revisions made during the meeting which we have just made. Uh any further discussion? All in favor? >> I

153>> opposed. Abstensions. S70. Ground item D. Um, >> I see. So this is uh the superintendent recommends board of education approve the resolution uh in time for the organizational meeting as detailed in the agenda. May I have a motion? >> What's that? >> First seat. Do we accept it? >> Yes. I got a 70. >> Okay. >> Mr. Blas motion. May I have a second? Second >> by Miss Dan, Mrs. Danu. Uh discussion. Um so this meeting we just approve the date for that meeting and now we're approving the date for that meeting. >> Yeah. >> Huh. >> Because it's the re >> because we have to do that. >> The reorder. >> We have to do that. And the current law is that it has to be the first Tuesday in July uh unless

154it's a legal holiday. uh in which case that is not board may decide to do it anytime first 15 days in July. >> I think is anybody everybody okay with the July 8th? >> Sure. >> Excellent. Uh all in favor >> opposed abstensions >> 70. Thank you. Oh, you >> um look at that. We're on to uh new items. Do any board members have any new items? Hearing none. We're moving on to 28. Uh there's a list of uh upcoming meetings, workshops, and conferences. Um, I had to point out that next week on the 17th is the ECASB board and brews. Believe that's at the Hamburg brewery. Uh, there's no charge for board members uh and a guest to attend. I will be out of town, but uh from what I've heard at delegate assembly

155meetings, it's a nice place to uh meet folks and um >> what's that? If anybody is planning on going, let me know. >> If you're planning on going, uh, please let Miss Casey know. And also on there is that back to school dinner. Uh, also, >> uh, item B is our next regularly scheduled board meeting, which is now Monday, August 18th. Item 29. May I have a motion to adjurnn? Moved >> by M. Arbo, second by Mrs. Duo. Discussion. >> Thank you all for your efforts tonight. Uh, all in favor? >> I opposed abstensions zero. We are returned. Thank you again.