001Welcome to the Fenonia Central School Board of Education meeting for Tuesday, September 23rd. We begin every meeting with a pledge of allegiance. So, will you please join me? I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. [Music] Um, so before we uh begin the meeting, uh uh I would ask for a moment of silence for Jim Miller, a retired custodian, recently passed away. So please join me in silence. Thank you. Uh also before we uh uh approve our tonight's agenda, um I'm pleased uh to announce that uh we have uh two uh exeicio uh student board members that have been recently nominated for the 202526 school year. Uh one is absent tonight. He's playing soccer,
002I think, at right. Correct. So he's against a goal against Ducker. It's uh his name is Neshwan Arif. We do have in attendance tonight, Katherine Fortman. And uh we welcome you into your new role. And uh if you could please join us at the table as our new exeicio student board member. Uh and uh we we'll forgo any any further comments right now as Dr. Zilax is going to welcome Katherine Further in the superintendent report. So it'll be near the end of the week to welcome Katherine. Um so uh tonight we need to uh approve the agenda for the regular meeting of September 23rd, 2025. It includes uh consent for personnel but excludes A and D and also has consent for all new business. We have a motion to bring that to the table. So
003second motion and a second. Thank you. Uh is there anything anybody would like to all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Uh next uh we uh have our first uh session of hearing from the public. Uh the board has reserved this time to hear comments from the audience. Those wishing to address the board are asked to stand. give their name and address and please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less. Uh concerns and comments during this session uh should be directly related to anything that's on the agenda for tonight's meeting. We do have a second session near the end of the meeting or you can speak on items outside the agenda. But uh is there anybody that would like to speak on the agenda tonight? Welcome students. It's great to have all of you
004in attendance. Thank you. Uh we'll move right on and uh we next have to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of September 9th, 2025. Uh could I have a motion bring that to the table? >> So moved >> for a second. >> Second. >> Mr. Hart. Thank you. Uh any questions on those minutes? All in favor? >> Post. Okay. Move right into our financial treasures report. We do not have a treasures report tonight. So uh our first uh item under financial is to approve uh the educational services uh rental agreement uh believe this is lock motion to bring that to the table and Mr. Marshall uh Dr. Zoas Mr. Forbes, can you uh um give us further information? >> Yeah, I would just share. So, this uh what is it technically? Children's educational services
005aka Little Seeds. One of our partners at Wheelock. This is an annual contract. A couple years ago, they expanded their footprint at Wheelock um up to eight rooms. Um technically, it's a rental agreement. They're renting space from us, but they're also a great partner um and a really nice component of our early childhood center. We're happy to have them with us. Um they've been extremely cooperative and helpful um in our processes and they've really formed a nice collaboration and partnership um together. So we're glad to have them on for another year. Um this particular contract um is the same as it was last year. Um there was some maintenance work that they took responsibility for which kept um the contract level for this company. So happy to have the new seats on board. Any any
006further questions from it's it's a dayare students. >> Oh, and this is Piper. Yeah, >> it's actually an integrated preschool. Um so they have students with disabilities integrated with some students without disabilities. And a lot of our Fredonia students who are three go to that program and so they're able to get service there. And it's nice when they come to pre-K, they're very familiar with the building. they can just slide in. >> Great. Great partner. >> Very good transition. >> That's great. Um, so if there's no further questions, all in favor? >> I opposed. >> Uh, the next item is to approve a uh transportation contract. Motion that second Mr. >> Yeah. Obviously it's for a whole student regulations in the state we have the option to request the moment >> landing date should be
007June 26 >> June 26. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Yes. Uh so um any questions on the transportation contract? >> Can we do get the transportation aid against that? >> The Boseies at what 80 I think it's 81 right now. >> 81%. How long does these usually go? I mean >> that varies. >> It varies a lot. Sometimes it's just short and sometimes it's this student was late in the school year last year situation and that could be your result. Okay. Um, there's no further questions. All in favor? >> Opposed? >> Uh, next we need to approve a two-year agreement between Fredonia Central School District and People Incorporated to provide services as needed effective September 17, 2025. Got a motion to bring that to the table. >> So moved. Mr. Marshall second. Thank you.
008Uh, Mr. Bourb Dr. Zilox. further information on this? >> Yeah. So, um again, we appreciate the partnership with People Inc. They have a variety of services, but the one that we're tapping into currently is in moments. We have um individuals who might attend an event here. Could be a play, um um awards ceremony, um some other um event um that are in need of services. Um in this case, it is sign language interpreting. And this um automatically builds a contract in place and as needed um we're able to tap into that contract. So it is not for a set amount um it's as needed and we're thankful to them and obviously we want to provide all those services and make sure people who attend our events are comfortable and uh able to have what they
009need to enjoy the event. So >> any further questions? I'm just curious, how do you know in advance of an event that someone needs to say? >> So, our principles um are pretty in tune uh with our parent group. Um they're often aware or um people reach out and let us know um who might be attending and what their needs are and then we adjust and adapt based on those needs. So, any further questions on that? Uh Scott, um all in favor? opposed. And uh the last item under financial tonight is uh to approve the ratification of the contract between the superintendent of schools and Freonia teachers association for the period of July 1st, 2025 through uh June 30th, 2029. I have a motion to bring that to the table. >> So move on. Thank
010you. A second. >> Second. Thank you. Uh Dr. As some of you might know, we have four associations or unions uh that are associated with our school district. Each one of those unions has a contract um that outlines the arrangement between those employees and the district um and how we'll operate together and work together um in their different roles. Um one of them is the Philadelphia teachers association. Um at the end of last school year, a three-year agreement ended um and we've been working on a successor agreement um which will now be um four years. We're very pleased to announce we've come to an agreement. Um we appreciate the fact that the FTA the leadership their negotiating team um kept a very positive upbeat professional collegial mode um in these discussions and I feel like
011we've reached a fair agreement um that works for the association and also works at the district in our um Steven CVY language. We see this as a win-win. Um, and uh, we are working on the finalized language. Um, but we have a series of tenative agreements that we're technically approving tonight. Um, so we're excited to have this pretty much resolved and moving forward. And uh, thanks to everybody who was part of that process. Um, on our side uh, myself, Mr. Forbes, uh, Dr. Wright, Mrs. Fortna participated as well and Kim Bingenheimer also from the business office and also Brian Leeau um for Bosey's legal services was um assisting us along the way as he participates in a variety of negotiations um in the area. So he was certainly a great support and help to us
012and uh I know we've had a chance in executive session to review um all of the facets involved here. Mr. Lebanon was here last executive session to go through that. Um I'm not sure if there's any questions, but again, thank you to the FTA and thank you to everybody um who worked with the district. Um we're glad to have this on the agenda for tonight. >> Great. Any questions on contracting? >> I'm just curious when you say there's just little language that you're that you but it still is approved and in effect. It's just >> Yeah, I guess I I somewhat misspoke. So, we're taking the tenative agreements that the language is solid and we're making sure that the document reflects those tenative agreements. So, so there's really nothing unresolved or um in flux in
013any way. We're moving forward with the tenative agreements. >> Great. Any other questions? I'd like to echo uh Dr. Thank the negotiation team, Mr. Fora and the others, Mr. Forbes, Dr. Zelox and others that were on the negotiation. A lot of hours spent in doing that. So, thank you for representing us on the board on that. So, appreciate that. Um, okay. Well, that takes care Oh, I'm sorry. Small thing there, right? Uh, all in favor? opposed. Okay. All right. Well, I guess I was just too too excited to get to the tenure approvals here. So, uh we have two tenure approvals tonight. Uh the first is upon the recommendation of uh the superintendent Kayla Sullivan who has a professional certification in speech and language disabilities is hereby recommended for a tenure position in the speech
014tenure area. I have a motion to bring that to the table. the skull of Miss Fortnox. Oh, yeah. Before I turn it over to Mrs. Farrell, Mr. Drowinger, um from my perspective, again, all of the candidates that come before the board um and are approved for tenure have earned tenure. Um they put in the time, the effort, the dedication, the commitment to the district um to demonstrate um that they are in a position um and have earned tenure u from the board. Um we have conversations in executive session about each of the candidates. Um administrators are invited into that discussion um to make sure the board is fully um aware of the last several years with each of these individuals and uh we're very pleased to have both of them here tonight. Um from my
015perspective, Kayla, I really appreciate just her um positive energy, attitude, um very welcoming. um really goes out of her way um to have students feel comfortable um in her environment and uh just does a allaround great job. Mrs. Farah, >> well said. Thank you. Um I'm really grateful for the opportunity to highlight a faculty member whose strengths and professionalism have led them to this point. So um I'm fully confident and enthusiastic about Kayla's appointment tonight. She's been with us since the 22 23 school year. She came to us with several years of experience and background at preschool and school age levels. Um, I think the key to Kayla's success is her natural affinity for collaboration. She's kind, caring, approachable. She easily builds a rapport with everyone she interacts with. Um, Kayla's insightful. She's an advocate
016for her students. She's flexible and she is always willing to take on challenges and go the extra mile. She avails herself to professional learning, and she's always working to grow and hone her craft. So, like tonight, Kayla's often seen in the elementary building with Millie, her certified therapy dog. Um, she incorporates Millie into the therapy environment, creating a space that welcomes everyone and helps to ease the anxiety of students who struggle with speech, language, and communication skills. So, Kayla's also a graduate of Fredonia High School. She's a very well-known community member. She's fully invested in our school district, and I'm really honored to have her on our team and to talk about her tonight. So, congratulations, Kayla. >> Thank you. Um >> I don't know if Mr. Donalder wants to add anything to that. >>
017Sure. Um congratulations to Big Deal. And um like I've said before, some things that we look for when we're bringing someone forward for tenure is character and credibility. Uh character is I know that she's doing the right things with kids um even when I'm not around. And the way that she handles kids is just uh magical. Lot of love and care. Incredibility. I spoke about her. She's one of the most knowledgeable people that I've uh brought into meetings with me. she can run these tests and speak at a very high level about the work that you do. So, we're very proud to have you here tonight. >> Thank you so much. >> Great. Thank you. A very important position. Um, and before we congrat congratulate Kayla, we'll need to approve her. So, all in favor?
018>> Opposed? Congratulations, Kayla. Uh, any words, Kayla? >> Um, just thank you. Um, it's so much fun. I love coming to work every day. Um, Andrea is here, the OT I work with. We share a room. Um, collaboration is key. Um, and yeah, it's it's fun. I love what I do. Millie gets to come in and every day it's something new. So, thank you guys for the opportunity. >> Thank you very much. Congratulations. Uh our second uh tenure approval tonight upon the recommendation of the superintendent Amy Hoffner who has a professional certification in health education physical education is hereby recommended uh to tenure position in the health education physical education tenure area. Have a motion to bring that to the table. >> Mr. Marshall a second. >> Second. Thank you Dr. Williams. Yeah. So um
019before I turn it over to Mrs. Piper. Um, in terms of Amy, um, one of the things that I I see anytime I'm at Wheelock and one of the things we think about with our, um, instructional staff is the idea of engagement and active participation. And anytime I come by the gym, in fact, I can hear them as I'm coming, they are active, they're participating, they're on the go, they're engaged. Um, Amy has them um, operating, working um, and, uh, enjoying what they're doing in class. Um, but I know sometimes in our regular classrooms, you know, students do need to sit and listen. Um, and they really have an opportunity in physical education to be active um to participate and uh have some fun. So, thank you to her for that. Mrs. Fer. >> Yeah.
020Well said. Agree that can't say enough about Amy. Um, I don't know if everybody realizes that all of the students at our school have physical education every single day. So, all of the UPK students and all of the kindergarten students. So, Mrs. Hawker truly knows all of the kids that we lock and they love her. She walks down the hallway, they see her. Um, she's like she's a hero every day. She gets a lot of hugs and all the love. Um, and a couple of things that I really want to note about Amy. Amy has embraced the seven habits. She truly looks for win-win. She looks to seek to understand. Again, she has all of the students. So, some days in PE are a little bit easier than others, but she always asks questions. She
021collaborates with the teachers. She tries to always make sure that the kids have successful class in in PE. She meets their needs. She meets the kids where they're at positively. So, we're just thrilled she's part of our weak family. And um you just have to come by because she also embodies the age of our kids. So, some days there's Bluey, some days there's, you know, Spider-Man and there's the different She just is well aware of what the kids really love and ties it into the classes and makes them fun and engaging for the kids. So, I can't see her from here, but I know she's back there. Good job. Uh sorry, brain fart. Before we uh congratulating um we need to approve her. All in favor? >> Opposed? Congratulations. [Applause] >> Any comments? >> Um
022I just want to say thank you so much. And as Mrs. Piper says, um, I love the part that I love about my job is seeing the kids in the morning and some of them come up and hug me and they'll be like, I missed you so much. And I'll be like, well, I just saw you 12 hours ago. They just love coming in. And I do love getting down to their level and doing different things that they enjoy. And if they love a different character that I don't know about, I dive right into it. Um, this year is Demon Hunters. So I watch that on Netflix just to see what they've been talking about. So thank you for the opportunity. >> Great. >> And uh yeah, my brain fog is I was thinking reflecting
023back to my first year of teaching and uh I was a substitute teacher in the elementary uh physical education class and the kids are so energized out. They're running all over the place. had no no control of. So, God bless you. You do it. It's so important for kids to have educa physical education at that age. So, it's very important. So, thank you. >> And to both our candidates tonight, we understand you're busy at home as well as with work things beyond school hours. If you need to step out, we totally understand. You will not hurt our feelings. >> Great. Well, we'll move on with the agenda. Uh we have uh one more uh item under personnel. Uh we have to approve another contract or another we have to approve a contract and that is
024to approve a three-year employment contract between the Fredonia Central School District and Timothy Calamire, school safety advisor effective August August 26, 2025 through July 1st, 2021. I have a motion to bring that to the table. So move Marshall second. Thank you, Dr. Zilox. Yeah. Um we're happy to uh have Tim with us in general, but happy to have him um for another three years. Um a lot of you know his background, former United States Marine, um into a state trooper, and we were lucky enough to bring him on board here um prior to me coming on board as our school safety advisor. Um anybody who knows Tim know he wanted to be here tonight and anybody who knows him know that he's probably somewhere on a sports field. So, he's coaching football tonight um and
025couldn't make it, but sends his regards. I want everybody to know he appreciates the vote of confidence that he really enjoys um working at Fredonia schools and he is more than willing to help out with anything and everything. He just reminds people uh email, give him a call. Um he's more than willing to help out. Um he is a true asset to the district. Um very committed, very dedicated. uh really cares um about the Fredonia school community as well as just Fredonia in general. Um he does a great job. Um later on in the agenda, we'll approve a safety plan. Uh Tim is integral to all of those procedures and protocols that we use to keep everybody sta safe on a daily basis. Um really appreciate everything he brings to the table. Not sure if
026any other administrator would like to chime in. on Tim. >> This is my second go around with Tim here. Um, every time, every day, anything that you need, he's always willing. Um, he has a lot of connections that help us, too. Um, just in in local people that, you know, if you need to reach out, he he knows our families, he knows the kids and their activities. Um, and he makes connections in in a number of different ways. It's not just school safety advisor. Um, and I think that's a really important thing in that role. Um, regardless of what age group he's working with. So, um, it's really neat to see all of it come together. >> I would agree that he is a tremendous asset for our district. We rely on him and in
027doesn't matter what the role he's serving, whether it's a safety adviser, as a coach, presenting in different classrooms. He is genuinely committed to just raising humans, good humans, good people in the world. So, um, we I you know, we are so lucky to have him. I'm so grateful. >> Great. One of the things with um Tim is that you know he being district that does include wheel lock and the main campus and he just makes himself available um regardless of the situation. He's excellent in a deescalation situation be it with adults that are elevated be it with students that are elevated. He's great at mediating and um I think that he embodies the core beliefs and seven habits and in that role and that's not an easy thing when he's going into a situation you
028know that that may not be um you know obviously there are situations in he'll enter into that are are difficult or challenging and he handles them with professionalisms and embodying our core beliefs and I think that that's um huge in addition as Dr. said his experience as a US Marine and as a um state trooper really helps us to understand and look at things through that legal lens and that's very um I feel very confident when we reach out to him that that we have somebody with expertise. So >> great. Any further questions from board on this approval? >> No. All in favor? >> Opposed? I mean, he certainly puts in the time. I see him at a lot of events. So, so that's nice to have that. Uh, so that brings us to our
029second round of public comment. This the round of public comment could be on anything outside the agenda. I'll uh I'll shorten it and not read through the board, but uh is there anybody like to speak to the board the second round? If not, uh we'll move right into our superintendent report. Dr. Zilax. Yeah, a few things. Um, but we'll try to keep it rolling. Um, from the agenda, there was a couple things that weren't consent. I just wanted to touch on. Uh, number one, um, you might have noticed a resignation from Summer Clue, who was our middle school psychologist throughout the past year. This is sort of a delayed um, approval because we were waiting on a couple fine-tuning things with her letter of resignation. Um, but I just want to thank Summer for her
030hard work and dedication. She was a great asset um to the district and to the middle school and just did a really nice job and we hope she's doing well back in England. Um also want to recognize three aids that are moving from uh provisional to permanent. Again, that means they worked this past year or were given credit for work this past year um and demonstrated that they were effective and did a nice job for us and are now moving on to that designation. So we have CJ Barnett, uh Jolen Kriger, and also Nicole Kosco. So congratulations to all of them. It's also nice to see a healthy list of substitutes on our agenda tonight. Um we continue to encourage people to apply who might be interested in substitute work in a variety of positions
031and um we're appreciative of the people that you see on the agenda tonight. Also, you know, we talk a lot in the district about being innovative, dynamic, and global in what we do. And our our department um is stepping up to the plate, or I should say continues to step up to the blade plate in those areas. Um we um approved a overnight trip to Ireland and Scotland, which will happen during the spring break of 2028 um which is a really great, unique, and awesome opportunity for students. Um, students and families will be hearing more about this now that it's been approved and we really look forward to students taking advantage of that opportunity. Um, we also have on the agenda a district-wide school safety plan. Again, Mr. Kleer was critical um in that process.
032The thing that he is extremely helpful with is that he reaches out um to local law enforcement agencies with this plan. Um gets feedback from them about anything that might have changed or sudden or subtle shifts in how certain situations are handled. So it keeps us state-of-the-art, cutting edge and up to date on any of the new developments in school safety. Um this is something that is required at the state level. Um, this is not a document that would be available to everyone because it does contain certain procedures and protocols that we don't necessarily want everyone or anyone to be aware of. There will eventually be over the next week a shortened revised plan that will go on our school website um as per regulations as well. So if you're interested, you could see that
033on our website and you can see our plan from last year's um there um presently. Um also just wanted to mention um that we are excited to um have both of our student reps on board. We had a small reception at the beginning of our meeting tonight about quarter of six uh to welcome not only um Nashwan but also Katherine. Um we have an application process and an interview process um and then there's a selection made on who would be the best students um for this role. Um this year this was extremely difficult. We had a number of really qualified highlevel candidates. The interviews were unbelievable. Um, I have been telling people if anybody has lost faith in public education, we should have videotaped these interviews because that would not be an issue after listening
034to um our students speak um to things that concern our district. And I also feel like if anybody is concerned about what's happening here in terms of education in Fredonia itself, this would also been a a great reason to put any concerns to rest because um again the conversations were great um very high level, very detailed uh about the perceptions of the students. Um a couple of the questions I'm going to ask uh Katherine to speak to tonight. Um, one of the things we just wanted to know is a little bit about um, the things they participate in the school district, whether they're in the classroom or beyond. Um, we also asked about a learning experience that took place in Fredonia that's meaningful to them. And then we also asked them what skills or attributes
035do they have that they think make them a good candidate to be a student board representative. So, welcome again, Katherine. We're really happy to have you on board. Um, congratulations and uh, we appreciate you being interested and willing to get involved and um, I was hoping you could speak to those those questions real quick. >> Absolutely. I just want to thank you guys for this opportunity. I am truly grateful to be sitting here today. Um, as for clubs and things I am in, I am senior class president. I am Interact Club co-president. I am co-editor and chief of our spectator at the high school. I'm also a member of the unified club, Big Buddies. I'm in Triam, NHS. Um, I'm on the volleyball team, the golf team. So, with music, too. I'm in the musicals
036and try honor society with that as well. So, I'm definitely involved in a lot of different um aspects of our school. Uh, my learning experience that I shared during my interview and I'd like to share today comes from the unified club. Um, when I first came to the high school freshman year, um, Unified was definitely a well-established club, but it is nowhere near the the club it is now. The impact has been so wide, and I've seen how helpful it has been for students, not only, you know, in Miss Thomasesky's class, but the rest of the school as well. And I just honestly like seeing how all the students coming together, the teachers coming together, the community coming together and making this positive change has really been a learning experience for me. Seeing what good
037can come from everyone working together. And now with the new music therapy program that started as well, it's just amazing to see what has been done for that club at the high school. and why I think I would be a good fit here. Um, I'm very outgoing. I can talk all day long to just about anybody. Um, and I think being a member of all those clubs, I interact with so many different people and different groups of people every single day and all throughout the year. And I think that's really beneficial as a member here because while I'm sitting here and it's, you know, my voice, it's really the opinions and what is most meaningful to the entire student body. And I'm just really excited to work hard and get every voice and every concern
038about the uh student experience at Fredonia High School brought to this table and hopefully get some solutions with all of you that can benefit everybody. Thank you. >> And just on Katherine's last comments, then that that is really the purpose um of having a student representative on the board is to get the student voice, the voice of the student body here at the table as we're discussing, as we're thinking about um how we best move forward, as we're ultimately making decisions um to have um one or two individuals um who are students participating and leading part of that. Um, I would encourage everybody, one of the things that we're going to be asking both Cath Katherine and Neshwan to do is reach out um to the student body, interact with the student body. Um, whether
039that's in person, through surveys, through some other vehicle to get input. Um, I would just ask everybody to participate, be part of that. Um we are really interested in what you have to say, your perceptions, your feelings, how you view um our school, how you view your experience um in our school. Um and all of that will put us in a better place to make decisions and hopefully ultimately make Fredonia a better place to be for everybody. So we are excited about that. Mrs. Tom has volunteered to mentor um our two board student board reps. Um we appreciate her stepping into that role. I don't know if there's anything you wanted to share with the group tonight. >> Uh no, I'm just excited about it. I I think all of the board members as well
040as the administration is looking forward to hearing more about the student um experience and opinions because let's face it, that's why we're all here. um that's our reason to serve and we just look forward to delivering a better experience. So, thank you. >> And again, Neshwan felt bad that he could not attend tonight, but um hopefully we're maybe I don't know what time they started actually. Hopefully, we're winning already. Um but um the next meeting he can attend, which I'm hoping will be the next meeting on October 7th, um he'll have a chance to share some of his responses and participate in the discussion a little bit at that time. So he sends his regards as well and just generally was um excited and looking forward to being part of this process. Great. Um again
041just wanted to thank um FTA um very um positive development to have the contract off the table. We continue to be in process with um SSSA which is another association in the district for our support staff. We have another meeting with them on October 7th before our board meeting. We're hoping to have uh their group on our agenda very shortly for the approval of their contract as well. Lastly, I just want to touch on this as an awareness. Um through our health insurance, um there is uh availability of what's called flex spending in which employees can put some money aside that can later be used to offset some of their health insurance. And we've had um some issues with our vendor um and we are in the process of working uh with the FTA leadership
042also with Mr. Forbes also with Mr. Thing and I know also with Dr. Wright um to shift that vendor um and get to a better place. We've had some glitches over the summer into the beginning of the school year. Um and at this point we're going to need to make an adjustment and uh shift from one vendor to another midyear which is a little unusual. Um, but I just wanted to bring that forward as an awareness. >> Great. Thank you. That wraps it up. >> Any further questions, thoughts on the superintendent reports? Um, but again, it's so encouraging that we had so many strong candidates that wanted to take this role. And so, you had some pretty stiff competition. So, welcome and congratulations to you again. >> Thank you. Um so uh we move right
043on. The next uh the next um regular meeting of the board of education will be Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6 p.m. here in the high school library. Um before we move on to administrators, any other general comments from the board tonight? >> I just want to mention I'm out of town on October 7th. I know people are traveling and stuff. >> Okay, thanks. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, if anybody else is, you know, gives give us a heads up if you know what you're going to be away for a meeting. So, that's great. And uh maybe at the sometime between now and next meeting, I'll be uh emailing the board about potential dates for Boseies. You know, each of us can take a turn like last year. uh BOSI's really recognized it last year.
044It's good for us and it's good for them. >> So, I'll get that out to you. And also, I've been looking into a um another board retreat uh on the budget. Um having a little difficulty with that to find an expert from this one to come in and talk to us about the budget, but uh they're still they're still working on it. So, I'll further information to you. So, uh we'll move on to our administrators. Mr. Tanelli. >> Sure. Um, I'd like to congratulate Katherine and Newan as well. Um, I was lucky enough to sit in on the interviews and and hear their responses. And I think once all the kids left the room, I told Dr. Wright and and Dr. Zoax as a senior in high school, if anybody would have asked me what
045does the board of education do, I probably would have answered with what is a board of education? Um, and they had um their answers lined up and and they all it's a testament to their families and just keeping them in the know. So, I think it's it's awesome to see that. It's wonderful. Um I do want to congratulate every week I share out with our staff uh just a quick newsletter of upcoming events and this week in our congratulations section I wanted to share with the board also um our congratulations to Claire McMurray Damato uh and Grant Abby who uh Claire for for viol being a violinist Grant Abby for basis uh Claire was accepted as a member of uh the conference all state string orchestra who will perform at the Eastman School of Music
046in Rochester and Grant was selected to perform as a member of the All State Symphony Orchestra. Both students received one a score of 100 on their level six solos at NISMA this past year. Uh and then our orchestra teacher, Kristen Terrari, her proposal was accepted and she'll be presenting as well. So just a quick congratulations to our music department uh for that. Uh and then most importantly, this is homecoming week here at Fredonia High School. Um so we're advertising all our sports going on this week. Um we have dress up days every day this week. Friday's festivities include our pep rally, 9th period. Uh we have a parade at 6 pm. Uh game at 7, the football game uh and with a bonfire following. Um Saturday, our dance uh doing a little bit differently this
047year. 6:30 we open up the high school in the courtyard for pictures and then the dance will be from 7 to 9:30. And I know that our kids are going to not My biggest pet peeve is that we put all this work into a dance and then by 7:45 they're waving goodbye and going home. So we're going to stay a little longer hopefully this year. Um, and then we're gonna leave it to our football players to win their game on Friday as well. Right, boys? And, um, I just want to also thank our student council, both faculty and student members of that student council who put so much time and energy and effort into homecoming. There's a ton of planning. I have a standing meeting with our student council president. Every Monday we meet. He
048tells me all about the things they're planning. We make sure they have everything in order that they need to have. Um and then of course our maintenance team for the setup of the bonfire, the the school for the dance itself and the cleanup from all the events. So give them a thanks as well. >> Great. >> Thanks, Mr. Tinelli. Miss Paul. >> Yes. So we've um just recently started our I reading diagnostic with our ELA diagnostic last week and math this week. We delayed it just a little bit because of the first eight days lessons that we had committed to throughout the building. and we wanted to make sure we had ample time to um commit to the diagnostics so then future data talks can happen at later in the month. Um our attendance I
049think I shared that we were incentivizing it with a game board type of a theme with first period class teachers hoping to hit the 95% threshold which is where the state has um that's the target that the state has hit. So students are motivating their friends to get to school and to get to school on time. they're cheering when they come in. So when they hit the 95% they put a star on their game board and then kind of at different increments they can win prizes, you know, small things, eating outside and so on and so forth. So that's been very motivating and I think teachers are noticing some improvements in attendance, too. So we're hoping to hit the ground running, getting that those good habits of getting to school every day and on time.
050Um, and of course we are also participating in spirit week. a few different themes throughout the week, but lots of participation um you know throughout the building. It's a wide range. So, that's great to see both staff and students participating. Um you neglected to mention the overalls that we wear for the hoping you have just making sure. >> Great. Thank you. It's great that you're uh working on the attendance this year. That's a focus of the board and uh we'll be having some reports I think throughout the year on attendance. And I should say that that's a testament to the attendance committee that we started um and met a couple of times over the summer and we'll continue to meet. So that's been sort of a collaborative effort um you know to try to figure
051out the best way to communicate some things and incentivize it. >> So important Mr. >> Yeah. Um with our students this Friday we have an assembly where we're kicking off our schoolwide incentive program with the Billies. We're going to do some live uh raffle drawings and reward some good behaviors. We're going to work on our schoolwide vision, our schoolwide uh quiet signal, which is the use of a harmonica, which is interesting. Um, but it's really kind of nice. It's it's really peaceful actually. Um, and then to support our teachers, um, we just kind of started with this UFly. It's kind of like uh direct instruction of like the foundations of reading phonics. Um, next week on Thursday, we have somebody from Boseis. Bose is coming in to meet with the teachers during their teen time
052to continue professional learning along those new things. And then with our parents, um, uh, next board meeting, I I won't be here as well, but we're hosting a parent lecture evening where we're going to have a professional come in and talk to parents about what the science of reading is and what they can do at home to help uh, teach reading through the this new science of reading. It was kind of cool. And uh, thanks to John Forbes and his leadership with the the grounds crew in particular. There was a parent that stopped me in the parent drop off line this morning and complimented the grounds and they've really looked good lately. So it's been good. So thanks for that. >> But the grounds no news is good news. >> Yeah. Good to hear this
053girl. >> Thanks. Um welcome Catherine. Happy to have you here. You know I don't have a ton of new things. I we really I have spent a lot of time since we last met working to ensure that we have our students in the appropriate placement. So, it's a lot of fine-tuning, a lot of kind of just monitoring and making sure and making some changes and um you know, as new families transfer in and transfer out, there's really a lot of working with some new individuals, new parents, new students to help them transition successfully and to really welcome them warmly to our district and make sure that their special ed students have the right support. So, >> thanks M. Oh, welcome Katherine. I think I still have a picture up on my door that Katherine drew
054me into blowing my mind. Kind of probably predicted this though. Congratulations. Um, we're also starting our fast bridge assessments at um kindergarten level. We assess all of students which screening in both early literacy and early numeracy. We have to screen all of our kids in prek and kindergarten as part of state regulations. So, we're starting their prek giving them a little bit more time. They're still acting like a little bit to school, but it's been a great start. Um, a shout out to Mrs. Pharaoh. She spent some time yesterday at Welock with family and in some of the classrooms and um was just helpful to really again sit and chat with her and do some organization and really figuring out the needs of the kids. So, thank you for that. Um, last week we were
055able to host at WEAC the preschool special ed directors. um came in, met with Tammy and Sweeney from state ed as well as Denise Nichols from the county and just talked about new regulations and requirements that are um happening around the state for all of our preschool students with special needs. So, that was really helpful. But it was also nice to show off we lock a little bit, show them what our our you know, very special place looks like and they were impressed. Especially the outdoor classroom, that's always a big hit. Um we did get notification from Quality Stars. If you recall, we got our provisional rating last spring of a fourstar. Um, and they actually come out and observe our pre kindergarten classrooms. Um, they'll spend about three hours in each classroom. Um, ensuring
056that the standards are being met, that the students are having the interactions as we reported. Um, everything that we stated to them, they come and just ensure that that's all happening. So, we're pretty excited about that. a little nerve-wracking, a little scary to think about somebody coming in and spending three hours watching you and listening to you and documenting, but it's actually a good thing. So proud of our staff. They work hard. They're very good at what they do. So, um, I'm excited. Probably not as much as they're nervous, but that'll be great. >> Great. Kudos for bringing an outside to do that. So, that's fantastic. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. >> Thank you. Well, I can tell you that if you haven't been to the outdoor classroom, they are the tallest sunflowers you
057will ever see walking by and they're like Jack and the Beantock. Um, so I just want to give a shout out to all of our building administrators. Um, if you walk around the halls, school has not been in session that long. You would think that we are in like, you know, March. It is just like the kids are in the routine. Um, they're happy. They're happy to be there. It just, um, you know, one of the things I do is is with Mr. Forbes, we manage the grants that have to do with all the previous COVID funding. We're still working through that process, but to go back through and look at some of the things that we were spending money on, such as Second Step and PAX and Leader and Me and things of that,
058not PAX, excuse me, Leader Me, um, things like that that because of working through helping students transition from that, you know, COVID closure and to walk the halls now and to see it's just, it truly is amazing. So just kudos to everybody here who who makes that happen. So thank you. Um a shout out to Katherine and Eshwan. Thank you. And as soon as uh they were notified and you know board approved I reached right out to say hey there's this thing for these title grants but they'll include student um consultation and collaboration. Could I meet with you guys? And they right away of course and so they've already uh been doing some official duties of you know so appreciation for that. And finally um and I'm going to read so I don't misrepresent anything.
059I wanted to share um from Mr. Bennett who is the instructional leader for music on behalf of the entire music department. Um he said that some great news came this weekend and he was hoping it could be shared with the board of education. Uh last spring he completed an application for the NISMA presidential citation award for the district. It's the highest and most competitive award NISMA has. NISMA chooses one district a year to receive it and some years they've declined to honor any. The NISMA presidential citation requires districts that provide a well-rounded music program at all educational levels, demonstrate a strong commitment to participation beyond the classroom, including community engagement and public performances, serve as a model school district for music education in the in New York State. He said it was the most in-depth
060application he's ever completed with sections on demographics, enrollments, sample lesson plans, rubrics, curriculum units, and a lot more. Um this past weekend he received a phone call from the president of NISMA to let them know that the Fredonia Central School District has earned this recognition. [Applause] Shout out to Mr. Bennett and the entire music department. And I believe I see a member of that department over there right there. So shout out. Um and again only one district is recognized with this each year. Amazing. Um, so he uh went on to say that the president shared that the application Mr. Bennett submitted was among the best he's ever seen. No surprise there, of course. Um, and that we should all be very proud of our program and that uh the program the community has built. Um,
061he said it's to have received this in the first year of applying is also a coup. So those are all from the president of NISMA to Mr. Bennett that he wanted to share. So, they will be honoring um the entire Fredonia music department in Rochester, New York on December 4th at 8 o'clock in their winter conference opening night concert in front of hundreds of music teachers from across the state. So, again, um if you want to travel to Rochester on December 4th at 8 p.m. We're going to hold our, you know, hands up and uh fingers crossed it's good weather for traveling on the throughway between Fredonia and Rochester. Um so, anyway, I wanted to make sure and share that and thank you for letting me read that. I didn't want to misrepresent anything or
062misquote anything. So, um, he was you very excited to share that news co. So, kudos again to the entire music department for all that they provide for so many students. >> So, that's absolutely brilliant news and uh, you know, number one in the state in the newspaper, right? Spectator now number one in music over 600 schools in New York State. So, it's not that's that's that's a lot of school districts and uh, you know, a lot of work by Mr. Bennett for all all the application. Thank you to Mr. Bennett for all the work he did on that and for our music staff who are uh best best in the field. So thank you. Thank you so much. >> Uh Mr. Forbes, anything else tonight, Miss Morrison? >> All good. Okay. >> Yes. >> I
063wish I could say that I hate to toot my own horn, but I do. I want you to I want you to mention yes that I have been selected to be the new um member of the Shiakwa County School Board Association. >> Oh wow. Congratulations. >> And I don't I tried to go back and see when Fredonia last had a representative and I can't find it but I'm sure there has been one. Um, but and the real reason I'm bringing it up is because if we can have a quorum without me on October 7th, our assoc our board is meeting with the state commissioner of education and the president of the board thought it's a good opportunity to promote the Fredonia school district. >> Absolutely. Thank you for doing that. >> Thanks. Thanks for stepping
064up on that and it's great to have a representative at the table and somebody that you know can come back and give us all the information that's going on at that level. So thank you for your time with that. Thanks for I forgot about that. So I'm glad you brought um okay well let's see I got to navigate this now. I thought there was executive but there's no executive right so no executive tonight. So we do have a training with Dr. Wright. >> I know. Sorry. >> Half an hour or less. So >> Oh yeah. >> And and I guess the other the rest of the staff has to undergo this training annually. So >> yes. Yes. Actually um that all the we did that on the opening and service day. It is um the
065child abuse in the educational setting and that was required to extend that training. the law has existed but to extend that training to all members of a school district. Um and that means every single employee of a school district um including all administrators board of education while not employed you represent the district and including coaches who may not be employees of the district. So, I do want to say uh say thank you very much to Nick Bertrando, our athletic director, um for his partnership and reaching out to all of the coaches who are not employees of the district um who had to come here and attend this training as well. Um so, we achieved that and thank you to the coaches who um you know, arranged their schedules to be able to do that. So,
066yeah. >> Okay, great. Uh so, we can wrap up the regular session for tonight. Um could I have a motion to uh close the meeting? So many a multitude that want to close it. So >> all in favor? >> Thank you students. Anybody can uh sign up. I think we did pretty well tonight.