001recording. >> Fantastic. Thank you all for joining us. We're going to call our meeting to order. It's the June 9th, 2026 meeting of the board of education. Uh we will see if there are any modifications to the agenda. Hearing none, we'll proceed with our agenda. The first item is public comment period. Agenda item 3.1. And I believe my colleague Dr. Bllelock has the list. Yes. I apologize in advance for any misprononunciations. Give Dr. Blocklock grace. >> I guarantee it. >> And please, if you should I apologize. >> Okay. Um I'll just speak here. Um, I'm a parent. I'm here to address uh the board's failure to fully implement the state cell phone ban. And I'd like to start with pointing out a few things. In March of this year, a jury in California found that
002Meta and YouTube were responsible for the mental mental health harms to a teenager, awarding a $6 million settlement. The jury found that the features of the social media apps were highly addictive, akin to cigarettes or online casinos. The jury even reviewed internal documents showing that company executives openly discussed the arms of the the harms of their products on young people. In 2024, the US surgeon general called for adding warning labels to social media apps, saying the mental health crisis of anxiety and depression among young people. It is an emergency. The parallels between this and the big tobacco sellments of the 90s are obvious. Social media is the new cigarette that hit. Last December, the entire country of Australia banned social media for children under 16. Research has connected the rise of anxiety and depression in
003our children to cell phone use. It has connected cell phones to attention fragmentation and the lowering of test scores. And it has shown that phones are addictive. Not only do we know this to be true from our lived experience, but the scientific research is so clear and substantive that last year New York State passed a bipartisan bill banning cell phones in sports. So, what did we do here? I think we wasted some money on the phone pouches and we said, "It's okay. Keep the phones on you. Just don't take them out." Even though we know these devices are addictive in these minds. I think the cell phone has been so badly the cell phone ban has been so badly implemented that a few weeks ago teachers had to come here to complain about it. And
004the cell phone ban is not the teacher's responsibility. It is the job of the leadership to make it work. I've noticed that over the years the district leadership has expressed it its desire to not feed the schoolto prison pipeline. And without a doubt that is a moral imperative. But it also seems to me that district leadership has confused discipline and accountability with punishment and shame. Discipline and punishment are not the same thing. So I think we can hold up behavioral standards, set firm boundaries and do it in a way that creates safety and compassion. And I think when you set that >> it is we'll let you finish your last. >> Okay. I just have a couple more times. >> Okay. In fact, when you set clear standards and boundaries, what you're actually doing is
005respecting and acknowledging the dignity dignity and agency of our students. So I think we need to get the phone lockers, set a firm boundary, clearly explain the reasons, outline the incentives and consequences and follow through. And let's teach accountability and show it ourselves. >> [clears throat] >> Britney. >> Hi, I'm Britant. I've met many of you. Um, I have a fifth grader at BJM. Um, I'm also a caregiver of a 20-year-old and a 15year-old and whoever happens to be in my house on any given day. Um, I'm an active member of the PTA and the PTA council and an engaged community member. Um, I'm just curious, how many of you know what the equity report card is? >> Yeah. Um, how many of you have seen or reviewed the 2025 data? This this data that
006just came out. How many of you are aware of the school suspension data in particular? Few. Um, so I just want to take a couple of minutes to share snippets of the data because I think it's important and valuable. Um, and I've been surprised by how little mention has been made of a specific aspect of the data, specific uh specifically suspensions. Um, uh, all of you, all of the board members have the equity report card data, which I started out with, um, all students. So, if you've been paying attention to the equity report card, you'll see that this year we've had the most suspensions ever in the history of the equity report card. This is the highest in the history of the equity report card. Um, and this, you know, as we know, this is
007the in the out of school suspensions that are counted, not the inschool suspensions or the unreported suspensions, the go home for the rest of the day. We we don't want to see you here until tomorrow. Um, and then obviously we all know this. When you start breaking it out by subgroup, the numbers go higher and higher and higher according to probably what you think is true. Um, it goes up when you click on the subgroup black and African-American students goes up to 13% of all students. Black and African-American students with disabilities, 20% of all students. Black and African-American male identifying students with disabilities, 22.5% of all students. Black and African-American male identifying students with disabilities who are eligible for free and reduced lunch, 25%. Um, in our community, I also think um, the multi-racial male
008identifying subgroup is is along the same lines, 24%. And then when you get to black and African-American male identifying students with disabilities who are eligible for free and reduced lunch, at the middle school level, it is 33%. At the high school level, it is 48%. I'm glad I'm hearing these responses. This feels significant to me that this information hasn't become this public. Um, so as someone who understands the chain of command and has consistent communication opportunities with building and district administrators, I've been sharing my concerns about suspensions all year long. I've been thoughtful and patient and solutionsoriented and that yet the suspension numbers are on the rise. I anticipate next year's data will show an increase. Um because that's what I'm seeing in the schools. That's what I'm hearing from parents. Um we know that
009suspension does not work. We have the data. We don't need more data. We also know that intervent inter interventions do work because we have seen as a school district that we've reduced these numbers. Um so I want to like latch on to some of these successes we've had historically and go back to them. We have an alltime. >> Can I just give you that last sentence with some positive exciting ideas? >> We have an excellent code of conduct that could be implemented. We have an amazing restorative justice program that was starting to work. My son really uh promoted that at his school and was really excited for it to happen this year when there was conflict and it did not get uh it got implemented once um as far as I know. And then we
010have access to excellent professional development and cultural competency trainings and models of differentiated instructions that could be utilized. Um, we know what works, we know what doesn't work, and it's up to all of us to choose which path we want to take as a community. That encompasses. >> Good evening. Katherine Cera, president of the Ithaca Teachers Association, here to recognize the hard work of the teachers and students who have developed the climate action plan and to declare the teachers of the ICSD stand in strong support of the resolution to adopt the ICSD climate action plan that is before you tonight. One of our core values in our work in the Ithaca Teachers Association is to engage in pro- labor, anti-racist, and socially just practices. Both the students and the teachers responsible for designing the climate
011action plan have gone to extensive lengths, to create a plan that acknowledges that climate change is real, that it disproportionately disenfranchises communities of color and poor communities, and that mitigating its negative effects requires strategic robust action towards systemic change. Investing in climate centered infrastructure, enhancing climate justice education, and enacting policies to create healthier, more sustainable schools is a strong vision, but one that will not just happen. Systemic changemaking requires a comprehensive action plan, investment in building the skills of educators, students, and the community at large, designated resources to ensure sustainability, and a system for holding ourselves accountable for monitoring progress towards our goals and doing better when we're missing the mark. Luckily, the climate action plan provides all of those things. For the past two years, the ITA the ITA has been advocating for the
012schools our students deserve under the banner that teacher working conditions are student learning nations. And yes, we as teachers will benefit directly from more healthy and sustainable schools, but so will all of our students and all of our community. For these reasons, the Ethic Teachers Association strongly supports this resolution and urges you all to vote to adopt the plan tonight. Thank you. Lang. >> Good evening everyone. I'm Moira Lang and I am here tonight to honor the extraordinary career of service and lengthy career of service to the Ithaca City School District of Dr. Sean Eversley Brandwell and >> why we're not supposed to be using names. [laughter] >> Uh much of what I'm going to say uh uh is in a letter that I submitted to the times, but tonight I get to speak to
013Shawn directly. So again, I don't say his name. just say a board member. >> a longstanding board member. I am so grateful to have served with you, this longstanding board member, for nine years on this board. I learned so much from you and grew so much by working and collaborating with you. You are the epitome of grace under pressure, >> but also of wisdom and empathy. My life has been forever enriched by working with you. >> I also would like to thank Maline Cardona for her service this past year. >> I'd like to thank an outgoing board member who has served for the past year. Um, I admire this person's willingness to step up twice to go through the rigorous process of running for the board. And I've been told by members of this board
014that this person worked tirelessly in her role and I regret the loss of her unique experience and perspective. Uh with these changes in the board, um I'm concerned about the sharp decline in the diversity of representation on this board, which once was a remarkable example. I ask all of you who will continue to sit at this table and those who will join you in a few meetings to remember the perspectives and the legacy of those who have gone before you as you do the work to serve all of the students of the city school district. Thank you. Thank you. Veryful. >> Good evening. My name is Barry Derel. I am a member of the community for 25 years. I'm here tonight uh to speak to a person of integrity, courage, compassion, and commitment. given 17
015years to the Ikson school district board of education all in the service of beloved community to quote Dr. king. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of an old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of people. As you know, the work is not done alone and it's not done by mythical heroes. It's done by people. Your service has been selfless, extending beyond your ego, your personal ambitions, and at times even your health. For 17 years, you provided oxygen and energy to the hopes and dreams of those who've come before and those with whom you have stood alongside.
016All on behalf of the generations of children, grandchildren, and great children already here and those yet to come. Your service has genuinely supported and helped move forward the hopes and dreams of so many like Deborah Manning, Jeff Ferman, Ben Nichols, James Turner, Donald Bar, Dave Layman, Scott Perez, Audrey Cooper, Marsha Fort, Roberto Wall, John Baker, Bobby Sanders, Diane Kurthers, Ira Harris, Jackie Scott, David Billings, Joe Exanthis, Joanne Church, Lucy Brown, Kim Fontana, M Knight, Carl Graham, Lavel Brown, Lily Talput, Isaac, Sydney, Silus, Lisa and me, Annne Martin, Brenda [ __ ] Karen Freedomore, Cindy Kramer, Judy White, Leslie McBine, Clareborn, Chris Malcolm, Maryanne Grady Flores, Valerie Evans, Samantha Little, Sarah Hess, Karen Adams, Sophia Viennes, Marggo Hiddleman, Lily Clark, Seth Peacock, Dr. Haron, Malcolm, Fenon, Anne Rhodess, the multicultural resource center, the school issues group, the village
017at Ithaca, the ACS Bell Sherman Critical Friends Group, the MLK community bill, TFC Associates, Action, Jr. Claire, Mary Baker, Terzanio, Annne Burns, Thomas, Jean, Cton Johnson, Jeff Klouse, Carla Golden, Mia Nun, G Southside, Andy Yale, Gino Bush, Kofia Cree, Nancy Beriano, Sarah Bohowski, Splashbot, Denise Gomeber, Kirby Evans, Shelley Michelle Na, Laura Brona, Hal Walker, Karen Muer, Diane Sams, of course, the list like your impact goes on and on and on. So, thank you I'm both not supposed to be using names. The next speaker about that next speaker is Nicole Eversley Bradwell. I'm going to go outside. I'll be right back. [laughter] Well, I didn't know I'd have to go after Barry and I list of names you weren't supposed to say. Um, so good evening members of the board of education, Superintendent Brown, um, of
018course, our district leaders, educators, and community members. I'd like to take a moment to share what service to this district has meant to our family. I'm Nicole. many things in life. But tonight, I'm here as a spouse, a parent, a family member or students who have walked these halls, and someone who has spent many hours in this space listening, learning, and engaging. ICSD has been a part of our family's story for generations. I'm looking at my parents. We've celebrated We've celebrated milestones, navigated challenges, and grown alongside this district. I also spent over three decades in education myself and admission at Ithaca College. And for the past 17 years, I've had a front row seat at the board table, not as a member, but as a committed observer and partner at home. I've seen what this
019work takes. I've seen late nights, sacrifice, difficult decisions, and moments where there are no easy answers. I've seen leadership grounded in purpose, integrity, and courage. I've also seen deep care care for students, for education, for educators, and for the future of our community. I've watched policies take shape that will guide and protect students long after any one person's service ends. I've seen progress, especially in creating a district that strives to reflect equity, inclusion, and belonging for all students. moving from ideas to action and building something that is meant to last. Over time, that work that over time that work becomes more than policy. It becomes part of the foundation, part of how a district shows up for its students and for its community. And when that foundation is built with care and conviction, it endures.
020This is what service has meant in our home. It has meant believing in something bigger than any one meeting and one moment or any one person. It has meant showing up again and again with purpose even when the path forward isn't easy. And through it all, I've come to understand something simple but important. Service at this level is not just about governance. It's about stewardship. It's about holding steady even when the path forward isn't clear and continuing to center young people in every decision. To the current board, my hope is that you're that you continue this work with courage, respect, and shared commitment to moving forward together, even when it's hard because what you do here matters far beyond this room. On behalf of my family, thank you for the time, the care, and the
021dedication you give to this community. Thanks, We're close. Um, >> this is addressed to Dr. Board President. >> I'm here to express my gratitude to you for all the years and countless hours that you have given to support all our children. um in their educational journeys as well as educating your fellow board members about what matters. While you will be sorely missed, you deserve a break. You will leave a legacy behind in the policies you have helped to enact [clears throat] and the tone you have set for the board. Our community has been blessed by the commitment and leadership you have gifted us. Thank you. Seconds right behind me just so close. Good evening. My name is Elise Gonzalez. I'm a parent of an elementary and a middle school child in the district. Tonight, I'm
022speaking on behalf of my family on the impact of the outgoing um leadership of the board. [laughter] So I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to the outgoing schoolboard leadership for almost two decades of service district to our children to the teachers and staff of ICSD. My guess is that when the outgoing leadership decided to run for the school board all those years ago that they had no idea of what they were getting into. And that's often why we take on these roles. and because our elders and the people who came before us said it's time to step up and that they did. I think it is especially important for us to recognize the thankless and sometimes harassing nature of this work, the toll that it takes on families and bodies and
023people and generations to come. Particularly in this political climate, it can be easy to be distracted by all of the hate and the noise and to lose sight of why you do what you do. But you never did. The outgoing leadership never did. Um, this outgoing leadership has held steady to their unwavering dedication to equity. Conversations around equity and anti-racism and u, you know, the education of all students are never easy, but they were and to the rest of the board will continue to be necessary. Thank you for looking out for our children, for defending education and the rights of all students to learn in an environment where they see themselves and their futures reflected. Thank you for seeing possibility, talent, and hope where too many saw deficits and deficiencies. Thank you for choosing to
024spend your Tuesdays working for the betterment of our schools and community when you could have been home with your family or quite frankly anywhere else. Thank you for sticking through the difficult moments and reminding people to celebrate the wins and the accomplishments of our young people. What I have seen from this board of leadership is nothing short of extraordinary in terms of the focus on our children and on the well well-being of all students in ICSD. Your leadership will be missed. But I agree you do deserve a break. >> However, [laughter] I do look forward to seeing what extraordinary things you're going to do next. Thank you. Nobody ever want to follow Dr. Lisa Gonzalez. Good evening everyone. >> My name is Leon Holden and I am the chief equity and diversity officer for Tomkins
025County and tonight I am here just to show my gratitude. Uh there are times when leadership dictates impact but in your case impact always equals intent. These are not my words. Neither is the words of uh the late great web de boys. And I think it's fitting for tonight. In the past year, the work of the melanin hater has flourished in the land. Step by step, the defenders of the rights of American citizens have retreated. The work of stealing the black man's ballot have progressed, and the 50 and more representatives of the stolen votes still sit in the nation's capital. Discrimination in travel and public accommodation has so spread that some of our weaker brethren are actually afraid to thunder against color discrimination. As such and are simply whispering for ordinary decencies. Against this, the
026Niagara movement eternally protests. We will not be satisfied to take one jot or title less than our full manhood rights. We claim for ourselves every single right that belongs to a freeborn American, political, civil, and social. And until we get these rights, we will never cease to protect and assail the heirs of America. The ears of America, excuse me. The battle we wage is not for ourselves alone, but for all true Americans. It is a fight for ideals less this our common fatherland false to its founding become in truth the land of the thief and the home of the slave a by word and a hissing among the nations for its sounding pretentious pretentious and pitiful accomplishments. Never before in the modern age has a great and civilized folk threatened to adopt so cowardly a
027creed in the treatment of its fellow citizens born and bred on its soil. Stripped of verbiage and subtrifuge and in its naked nastiness. The New American creed says, "Fear to let black men even try to rise lest they become the equals of the white." And this is the land that professes to follow Jesus Christ. The blasphemy of such a course is only matched by its cowardice. I am so grateful for the leadership of the board and I'm grateful to be here tonight. And for all of our outgoing members, thank you for your service and I appreciate you. >> I'm check. I don't know how many more. Well, that is the last thing. >> That is Yes. >> May I respond? >> Board responses. So, uh I recognize this is not the point in the agenda
028at which a motion is customarily introduced. However, after reviewing our policies and parliamentary procedure, I'm not aware of any provision that would preclude a board member being recognized by the chair, should he wish, from making a motion at this time, accordingly and with due respect, provoke our established practices and our governing rules. I move for the adoption of the following motion, if I may. Okay. Whereas Dr. Sean Eversley Bradwell has devoted over 17 years of exemplary service to the Ethica City School District Board of Education, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the children and families of this community. And whereas throughout his tenure, he has served with distinction as president and vice president of the board, earning the trust and respect of colleagues and community members alike through his thoughtful
029governance, principal decision-making, and steadfast dedication to equity and justice in education. And whereas his visionary leadership as chair of the policy committee has shaped and strengthened the framework through which the district advances student success, accountability, and continuous improvement. And whereas he guided the district through pivotal moments of transition and growth, including leading a comprehensive and inclusive superintendent search process and contributing to strong fiscal stewardship through his service on the audit committee. And whereas his influence has extended far beyond ETHA as he has shared his expertise with school boards across New York State and the nation elevating the practice of educational governance and advancing advancing equity centered leadership. And whereas during his tenure, the Ethica City School District has flourished as a high-erforming and forwardfocused educational system, earning sustained recognition for excellence in music education, achieving
030strong academic outcomes, expanding access to advanced coursework. broadening inclusive athletic opportunities and demonstrating exemplary financial stewardship. And whereas Dr. Eversley Bradwell has continues consistently championed transparency, community engagement, and a shared vision for educational excellence, strengthening trust and partnership between the district and community it serves. And whereas his service reflects a profound and enduring commitment to educational equity, inclusive excellence, and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Ethica City School District Board of Education hereby honors Dr. Sean Eversley Bradwell for his extraordinary service and laugh and contribution and expresses its deepest gratitude for his leadership and dedication. And be it further resolved that this board celebrates his legacy and extends its heartfelt best wishes for continued success and impact in all future endeavors.
031And be it further resolved that this resolution be entered into the official minutes of the board of education and presented as a lasting tribute to his service. procedally. We are out of order. >> We'll let it go. Is there debate, discussion, dialogue? [laughter] >> We will call all in favor. All opposed. >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> Then I want the official record of >> um additional board responses. >> Well, I'd like to the individual left, I think, who stated about the cell phone ban that we have a lot of information on our website. Um, and it's not that we did not fully implement the ban. The governor gave all school districts the right to tailor the cell phone ban the way they saw it and we said that we're collecting data on it. One thing
032I skated from two years ago when the governor started talking about the safe home. Um, we keep talking about community, but it's up to us as parents, caregivers, and adults. Are we giving these children cell phones to take to the schools as a distraction? I still stand by that that um even if sometimes students need cell phones in case of emergency medical issues and all, but if they don't need it for that, how can we withhold it as the adults in charge? So it takes a community that not only the school board having a policy implementing it but what are caregivers doing within the community too. And um thank you Katherine for um on behalf of the ITA climate action plan and um we await the vote. I was on the advisory council for the
033climate of action plan and I look forward to our robot and to our soon to be outgoing board president who is not outgoing yet but I'm I'm slowly just I as I said to someone I'm making sure the days to June 30th are slow. [laughter] It's been good under your leadership. Um, and yes, we most of us in this room know about the equity report card. So, I was a bit taken back by that question, but that's okay. Um, but this individual was in the first equity report card as a quote. Achievement equity is not only about the education of black, brown, or poor students. It is about who we believe ourselves to be. It is a reflection of how a community gives life to democratic ideals. And this individual has always stood up for
034equity for all of our students. This individual has talked about even to us on this board about community. It's not community members you're representing as board members are not only community members in our backyard, but it's also community members. all students, all caregivers, um parents and all who may not look like us, come from whatever ethnicity, background, whatever way of life, but this individual always talked and I thank you for someone saying beloved community >> and calling this the beloved community. >> I remember this indiv. I can't this individual going to name his name. >> Yeah. that um he was very instrumental in different community conversations, book discussions that there are several people here who are also involved in the equity report card whose names are on the equity report card representing different groups. I
035remember um one of the book reading and book discussion that we as a community had was where do we go from here? Chaos for communities. >> Where are we going? So get to say if we're going community, let's go community. That book is by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Another book discussion I recall was the new Jim Crow mass incarceration in the age of color blindness which we as a community had um and that was by Michelle Alexander. I thank you for your exemplary leadership, your parliamentary knowledge, your calm deliverance, your humility and your historical knowledge that I will definitely miss because all of us as board members I'm looking at my fellow colleagues and board colleagues historical knowledge we cannot proceed with any decision making without looking at the history like and what let's
036remember that as pursuit. I thank this individual for um you been I heard later on in the years that I've been here um referred to as Dr. SB, right? Because I had something on the hill that um stated how this individual was instrumental in her doing an education minor. So I thank this individual for for that and because she had taken two classes with him and I recall the equity strategic plan we we still have out there on online um talked about the importance of retaining staff within this district to make sure our students all of our students see themselves in the staff that um is represented here. And unfortunately my student did not seen that until they went to IC where at that time they had this individual as one of the professors as
037well as others that were instrumental in all. So I thank you for the influence you made and the impact you made and which I'm very grateful for and for this is definitely um appropriate for you and it's been a great learning experience. I've been on the board for four years now and it's been truly a beautiful learning experience to be under your so thank you. I keep seeing agenda to go. Any other boards respond? >> I I just want to add that um everyone sees what John does here. And um I think I'm more responsible I'm saying I don't know what's what's the rule because we don't know what to do when you're gone. >> [laughter] >> Um, but seriously, the leadership you see out here, that's everywhere. That's behind the scenes. It's in emails.
038It's in all of our correspondents, just leading by example. And as Karen said, just absolutely exemplary. And it will be impossible to fill these extraordinarily stylish shoes that you >> I mean you'll be missed but I think many of us will still be in touch so [laughter] thank Yeah. >> I only have about 30 35 minutes for preparedness. >> Uh I want to do them in reverse order. I want to speak to the conversation about um the cell phone policy. And this is not in direct connection to any comment that was made. Um but I want to make sure forward that our community pays particular attention to how we implement a policy regarding a device that we continually call to be addictive. And my own experience with addiction is that outright bans do nothing more
039than criminalize behavior only. And so while people may not agree with the way in which the cell phone ban was implemented in the ICSD, I would prefer to heir on the side of not criminalizing young people and not re creating a regressive disciplined approach than I would whether or not a student checks to see if their parent has sent them a text message about what time I'm thinking about in practice. So if we're going to use words like addiction and addictive, then follow the best practices, which says zero tolerance policies do not work and criminalization does nothing more than create another form of school to prison pipeline as was addressed. That's not to say that things can't be improved or there shouldn't be a change. I'm not advocating that at all, but I'm saying be
040very judicious and especially given the way in which our discipline was clearly articulated that there is a clear equity imbalance of who gets policed and who gets surveiled when we create policies that require forms of continual forms of discipline. So to my fellow board colleagues who will be responsible for that, I would humbly ask that you keep that in mind. Again, not to say that there isn't room for change, but if you're going to use the words of addictive devices, then follow the best practices that we've learned from folks who have recovered from addiction, and it's not the way in which I've heard folks talk. The equity report card, let me say thank you. You are one of the primary drivers along with other folks in the room. Uh I know we're not supposed to
041use names. Barry Durle uh brought me to tears uh hearing the list of names, but more importantly bringing those names into this space. Elders, loved ones, mentors, um at times adversaries, you name it. Uh that is such a um what a warm way for me to think about 17 years of being on the board. And more importantly than that, for the audience at home, uh 32 years of being an Ethical President, this is my community. This is my home. Um as my uh grandbaby said to me this evening, um why don't you get paid for what you do? Said it a little bit more clearly than that, but I'll talk to Dr. Brown about that later on. Um, and the response I remember one of my colleagues telling me that being a board member is
042one of the greatest services you can do to a community because people cannot accuse you of doing it for pay, >> right? Either you're committed to the work or you're not committed to the work. Um, and I'm very much looking forward to being able to spend Tuesdays with this young one and this young one and my family here. So like that. Um I'll end by saying um that was quite possibly one of the most awkward experiences of >> my friends and family know that I have no problem uh teasing folks or talking about a certain NBA basketball team in the finals. I have no problem uh you know having conversations with folks um and yet beneath all that is I hope a visible form of humility where I will often times take the hit for
043other folks because it's just what's in the best interest of how we move things forward. So to hear the comments, to hear people uh demonstrate and show appreciation is um heartfelt. Did not think it'd bring me to tears. Um and uh it is an awkward experience to be given flowers while you're here to receive the flowers. I hope that part makes sense. So, thank you for those folks who have given me a couple hours and um thank to my board colleagues. You teach me hopefully as much as I try to teach you. Uh I enjoyed my experience. I've enjoyed my uh partnership and ability to work with Dr. Brown. Uh folks, uh it's not always an easy journey, but we know what we're committed to. And so, I'm greatly appreciative of that. and to my
044community who I see out here and will hopefully share a non-alcoholic beverage or an alcoholic beverage later on this evening. Um, thank you for showing up. It is um noted um it is recognized. I see you. I hear you not by your words. Thank you all very much. I am also going to break protocol and ask that we take a twominut break before we get [clears throat] to our student reports to let folks do whatever they're going to do now. Is that okay board? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> A two minute break and go ahead. assembly. You want Let's not relax. >> That's how I I mean, sorry other ways to number one. children. >> Yes. more seconds as you know. >> Really? Excellent. >> All right. Good folks. I've never wanted a recommendation. >>
045Um, we are going to continue on with our agenda. Again, thank you all very much. Uh we still have work to get done for the next program meeting. So student reps uh thank you for being with us. It is your turn. >> I'll start. Good evening everyone. First I would like to mention that all four of student raped this year including me Jing Lily and Judah. Second. >> Yeah. >> Second, I want to share that um both our girls and boys lacrosse team win their sectional final last not last month like yeah um yeah win their sectional final and this year this is our f first but the boys lacrosse team our first sectional title since 2018. So I just want to say that >> um lastly I just want to I just want to
046say thank you to one of our outstanding um for president for all he has done to improve our school district. So yeah thank you. >> I'll go second. Hi everyone. I'm so excited to see you again. Um so some school updates. So first of all um our graduation is all now in all like one section. So, a lot of the students are really happy about that and this is the first time that it's all been one graduation since um COVID. And then also another thing that's the first time that we've had since co is the pep rallies. So, we've held several pep rallies this year which have really um bolstered school spirit. So, we're very grateful to the people that have organized that and have um allowed our school to have these um things that
047we haven't had in a long time. And then also our boys tennis team was undefeated this season and won the uh southern tier athletic conference and we're also sending two boys to states. So um congratulations to those people. And then also since we all reelected we had a meeting and we were talking about things that we wanted to do uh better next year. And one of the things was have at least one rep attend every subcommittee meeting. And then also um include um students in every other meeting on Monday that we have with Miss Tan and um our principal so we can get more diverse student opinions and also um understand more about what is going on in the district. And also I would also like to thank our long-standing board member. Um, I've had
048the privilege to be with this member for three years and you have been a very helpful and welcoming presence for all the student reps and I was talking with the older reps that were already gone and in college and they said that they also really love this long-standing board member. So, we wish you all the best and thank you. >> Lac. >> Sure. Um at LACS as we come to the close of our year we have a few key things that we do. Um first as with every quarter we have our narrative evaluations especially in the last quarter they are a place to reflect on how the class went for each for each student uh your strengths your weaknesses and to grow and this allows our students to be a lot more in tune with
049their education. Uh secondly we have portfolios. Uh these are an assembly of assignments or other demonstrations of your learning and of that class course material. Depending on the teacher, a student can expect to revise an revise many assignments uh reflect on each of them individually and a variety of other methods. The portfolio is a final assembly of everything that the student does in a year. And I can speak anecdotally and say that it is somewhat magical to see everything kind of laid out in front of you in such a small like organization. Um, last but not least, I want to thank all of the staff that have worked tirelessly to support our community this year. Uh, every one of them has affected someone's life and made real change. We as students value more than everything,
050more than anything, what each and every person brings to our education. I especially want to thank the few community members that are retiring this year without naming names. These people have had an unquantifiable impact over their time with us and we truly appreciate that. Thank you all. >> Okay. Um I'm sick. I'm on so much daywell right now. Um but I had to come when I heard that you were outgoing. [laughter] Um yeah. Wow. I can't believe how beautiful this this whole meeting has been. Um and 17 years. I don't know if this is nice or mean that, but that's almost as long as I've been alive. So, thank you. [laughter] >> There you go. Uh, thank you for for many many years of of making this district a really beautiful place to grow up
051in. >> Um, all right, I got three things that I'm talking about now. First off, graduation, um, which is like barreling down on us faster than I ever expected it to. Um, we've got 8th grade promotion, um, which is always so sweet and worth seeing. It's on Monday, June 22nd, uh, from 4:30 to 7:30. So, you can see people's eighth grade projects, which are honestly usually a little more impressive than the senior projects. Um, and then they get to walk across the stage for the first time. Um, and high school graduation will be on Tuesday, June 23rd from 5:30 to 1000 p.m. Um, and you can see students senior projects. Um, and then we will graduate each with a speech from our teachers who who have gotten to know us and love us over sometimes
052as much as seven years. Um, and I don't know if we've actually nailed down the location for that. I think it will probably likely be at IC. Um, but that is I don't know. Um, another thing that happens for seniors at the end of the year are the senior meetings. Um, so these are little like a absolute nightmare to plan as I'm figuring out right now. I've got my tab open to when works or whatever trying to figure out like how I can get all the people I want there. But it is just a gathering of um people who mean a lot to us from our journey through LACS and in the community. um and just to sort of bring home and reflect on our time at school. Uh and I've been to two before
053and they were really meaningful. Um and lastly, Julian and I were at the seal of civic readiness roundt conversation this morning. Um so we are really pleased to be among um the first I guess eight first eight students in ICSD to um go for that. Uh so that's exciting. Um all right thanks. >> I guess I'll start out by thanking the board member for his service. Emily stole my joke of being of dedicating your not as many Tuesdays as I've been alive to this this institution and for that I think a heartfelt thank you is in order. Um, I want to also thank the board this year. This role as a representative and moving into the exeicio role, help helping that that transition along has been a little bit of everything, but I've really enjoyed
054working with everybody and and hopefully providing value to you guys on how decisions get made on the school board. Um, I want to shout out a few things that have happened at LS over this past weeks, these past few weeks, including two students in our middle school journalism class having their letters featured in the Ithaca voice, sorry, Times. You can read those online now, one on the cost of living and one on a problem that's near and dear to my heart's uh, potholes. [laughter] We recently hosted our theater production above of above sorry above of in and below Ithaca's waters. Um a show that is both about climate change sorry >> kaugas lake specifically for climate change generally. It's written in collaboration with the with ls students. It's really a lot of fun. Um I
055also want to talk about Steuart Park. I'm sure the board member will not be named as well that uh but traditionally as our last day of school, we bring the entire school to Steuart Park for one final day of community and really a release from the stress of this the past month or month and a half of finishing up the school year. We have meals. We run around. We play whole school. Um I know we played soccer. We played kickball. We played volleyball even. Um occasionally rugby. It's really really fun. It's again an LCS twist on something a lot of schools do at field day. But it's always been one of my favorite days. always especially finally I want to I want to make sure the board is aware of our support for the climate
056action LACS has been deeply involved in the development of the climate action plan from the get-go and today we want to express to the board the stu the students of LAS's strong support for this plan supports the needs of our students our staff and our district with real attainable goals for our community our Schools are pillars of our neighborhoods and cities and it should already be a critical goal of this board to keep our schools healthy and sustainable as was already stated tonight. The LAC students stand for and support the climate action plan and we ask that you pass this plan tonight is brought before you. With that, thank you for the privilege of and for of sitting at this table for these Tuesdays and happy retirements. >> Thank you. Student reps board responses. >>
057Uh I'll say thank you for the thank yous. [laughter] Um and um one of the things as board presidents that uh you have to do that people don't know is hand sign uh 400 plus diplomas including other certificates that folks have earned. And so today I spent my afternoon signing LACS uh diplomas. And what a joy it was to make sure as you read people's names that you but face the names and know that you're signing their diploma and their graduation. So congratulations. It brought big smile to my face as well. And I I am disappointed that I will not be signing your diplomas but uh someone will will be doing. So, thank you all for um all that you've done for us and thank you to our student reps for helping us think more
058clearly and more deeply about the exficial roles, how we move forward. Um it's been uh a great conversation for us to have um and a lot of learning that's taking place. So, thank you very much. >> Any other board responses? >> Congratulations to IHS students for returning the continuity. Thank you very much for running again and and as you um seek to make some adjustments by um getting other students involved like I know a couple weeks ago the um superintendent's advisory council some students came to speak to us about that too. So thank for opening that up and thank you for the moment and congratulations to LS for the seal of servicefulness and what we are doing and continue to do and I will definitely check out the two students articles in the times and
059did your election happen as of yet as return the ballots have been counted right now you've probably seen you know about this back this All right. Short still? >> No. This is the end of today. We're not there. >> Fantastic. All right, board members. We will continue on. And that brings us to our consent agenda and we will entertain motions. >> I move to approve all consent agenda items listed in the consent agenda. Personnel reports students attendance of previous meetings. >> Second. >> Moved by Adam, second by Jacobs. Discussion, conversation, debates. I will for everything else except the 7.2 from that. >> All right, hearing none. We'll call the question. All in favor? Motion passes unanimously from the board to hear. Thank you very much. Uh that brings us to the superintendent report. Dr. Brown.
060Oh, >> one of the last times. Thank you for the opportunity. Uh two quick announcements and uh two quotes. Uh the first one retire we're going to be honoring retirees here on June 30 part of the regular board meeting. So I heard retirees mention all the folks hopefully will be here where we can literally give them blouts. Um so June 30th we're going to have celebrate different and new for us. Also a shout out to the uh junior in the middle school band program led by Mr. Parker um at the 2026 Hershey Park Festival. They received the the highest score of all, you know, some pretty and a cool trophy is on the way to us right now. So when that arrive, we're going to make sure we bring that. So a shout out to
061those folks and I hope everybody can tune in on the 30th for the time of celebration. And then these two quotes and I've I've shared these two quotes in this meeting um in the past and you know them well. The first one you when you get this job and the president of porno university and the job of being president at the college I didn't notice at the time but there's a special person who comes to you and sits outside of your office it's sort of like in one of those movies those conspiracy theories that sits outside the president's office of the secret bag there is a person and I won't say that person's name they come and they sit outside of one of those offices every time there's a transition of leadership and point five
062presidents since I've been here and four at the health and then it's in me and and that person they only have one thing to say and I have one quote for you and uh the quoted um this community expects excellence but will never recognize it when we get it >> and then they walk off and they were they got down to this end of the hallway here and I I was southern gentleman who knew here oh what's never and he said I identify with him. I don't know, man. I'm changing my thinking because I've had to sit in this room thinking about that quite a lot and we do the work and knowing that it will never be recognized as excellent. Um, but tonight being here, this is the first time in my time and
063I'm going to call the person tomorrow like I want you to watch the video. >> You've been excellent, bro. and uh the community recognized it tonight. Which brings me to my second quote um from Lucille. She said, as she defined for me and my brother, abolitionism, she said, "An abolitionist fight for something they never will see. And even though they know they will never see it, they keep fighting anyway." And I'm thinking about you and I'm thinking about some things that were said here tonight. you talk about equity report card and just for the let's correct that I studied the equity report card in admin school in central Virginia so it goes back well beyond 2014 it's almost about 20 years old now and you said uh in 2014 as we had shifted the data
064particularly around suspension so significantly it was hard to compare from year to year but we were in the thousands when it came to referrals and suspensions at one point and that number dropped 99% and you said let's Stop comparing us to 10 years ago. Let's create a new benchmark. So I want people to be so thoughtful in our language and how we listen to people talk about the work tonight. People talking about all students and but it was never mentioned the raw number and the same energy that was here tonight when talking about this course extension was the same energy we had in the room when we were talking about thousands. That's powerful bro. That's because of you. what she finished with is uh even though you will never see the stuff you're fighting for,
065I hope you inspire somebody to take your place on God. What I saw tonight when we leave here, people going to still fight for that same work even those numbers are significantly different. We could have rested on having numbers that are identifiable. You saw we didn't talk about numbers because it's identifiable now versus thousands. But that same energy exists. That's abolitionism. I've never seen that sit in a government seat, bro. I love Thank you. >> Folks who know me know that I love silence. That'll bring us on to our next agenda item, uh, district business, and we have agenda item 9.1, which is a resolution to adopt the EPA city school district climate action plan to entertain motions and then engage in discussion. I move to approve the resolution adopting the IFA city district climate
066action. Second move by Adam, second by Jacob. Discussion, conversation, questions, debates. >> The motion in board doc says there's lies on it action plan. our paper copy which doesn't have the plots because it was brought forth a couple weeks ago. >> Well, it was a it's a revision from the original one was adopted last year. >> That was not adopted last year. >> My apologies, >> right? >> That was [snorts] invented. Other questions, comments? Uh, I'll go and say I'm in full support of the revised climate action plan. I'm in full support of the work of board members who helps uh sit on that committee. full support of the teachers, students, uh community members, uh staff who helped uh create a vision and um I hope folks uh understood when I said we should have
067a climate action advisor, a climate plan advisory council that the goal was trying to think about how we implement the plan as well as how we have a blueprint for what to take place. And so, uh, all that labor leading up to this moment, um, brings great joy to me and, uh, I hope my fellow board members support this revised plan as well. Additional comments, questions, hearing none, and let's call the question. Um, all in favor, it passes unanimously. Congratulations. As you all know, the now begins. >> Fantastic. Congratulations. Thank you all for your work. Um, agenda item 9.2, policy 160, naming of facilities and dedication of spaces. This is a policy up for a second reading and adoption this evening. Um if it it will be the will of the board. Let's entertain motions
068and then we can discuss dialogue debate afterwards. >> Move to approve the resolution for the second reading and adoption of the draft policy titled 1600 naming of facilities and dedication of spaces. >> Moved by Adam, second by Jacob. Questions, conversation, debates, clarifications, dialogue, etc. the legal mandate. Is that still in committee or >> what's the legal mandate? >> Um like the that there's a to the naming of a facility after a current public still >> that is still being by the state. >> I support the policy. I also just support that. So I would advocate for adding it to our language regardless of New York state pass it should facilities public I'm not sure I made the um great uh fortuitous mistake of leaving my laptop at home and so I do not have a
069way to view the where that would be in Um, >> I where would we put it in the policy is what I'm I'm saying. And uh I'm intrigued. Can I ask a question about why we wouldn't consider naming something after a currently or current sitting elected official? Was that the language? >> That's the Yeah, that's what New York State is discussing. Um I I I wonder if it came about because of things happening at the federal level. I just think that generally that makes sense to, you know, lots of people always to recognize and remember doing it for people who are in currently in public service and just creates a a strange dynamic. >> Thoughts, questions? Is this an official motion to amend the policy as written, Jacob, or is this >> Sure. Yeah, it's
070a motion to amend the policy to include the language to like the board will not name a public facility after a current public officer while they are still serving the office. >> Might be parliamentarily annoying. There's a motion that be withdrawn. >> That's why I respect you so much. >> Well, before we even go there, it's has legal mandates. There is language in here that says there's a there's currently a bill in committee. It's in the policy. So do you have to It says none though, right? So when I look at legal mandate, right? Things can be in committee. >> Well, I think two things would take place. one, if it is out of committee and passes, there would be no need for that language in the policy because it would supersede district policy. But
071if I'm understanding correctly, you would still like to add that anyway. >> Yeah. >> I um I don't I felt though in the end I don't think the board was supposed to do that anyway. I just wanted to mention it, but I thought it would be Yeah. I think like if we had the opportunity to like uh to think about all the people that we the kind of goals that we might want to exclude from this like I feel like that in my head I'm like oh man or if we're going to extend that group why are we excluding that group I don't know just raises a lot for me and I think that because the because it the policy already [clears throat] is putting the onus on us to be selecting somebody who we
072think like it's in line with like the ethnos district. I'm less concerned about like it's something out there. I mean a lot of a group of leaders across the country right now. Um and so because of that I feel like that is a little maybe otherwise we're just kind of maybe one one group without really given a time circle about all the others. I'm not sure there's like local benefits. >> Other thoughts, reactions, comments, >> what is anything said about renaming dedicated spaces? I mean, so if a group names a space and another group rename the space as they see fit or once the space is named dedicated, it's >> I mean, we reserve provided support to be able to name at any time. So, and again it's like not group like groups are only
073>> applying or whatever to like to make a proposal about it but it's still up to on the board is going is committing to align it with the values on the go. Part of our discussion was should there be like a I'm going to get back to Jacob's point in a second, right? Part of the conversation was about should there be sort of a moratorum of time, right? Like no space can be renamed within three years of changing its name. And so what we ended up doing as a policy committee is having the conversation that sense the authority to name and or rename spaces lies with the board then the board would have to address that and to not sort of constrain a board or against and one of the things that conversations we have
074is in this current this current climate and I won't say political climate just say climate um sometimes things happen that are unexpected where that we in fact may want to rename something and so we thought well maybe we don't want to put it in writing that would lock us in that said we couldn't do that. >> If we could bring up the form, I know that was created um with some input from uh Dan Briman. Um but Casey is I think the main person who created the form. Um the form is borrowed from another school district which asks a long list of questions including information explaining why. Um, and even on that form, it says the board reserves the right to request additional information and or hold public hearings. And so that was part of
075our thought that if there was something that came up that was potentially contentious, then the board can still hold a public hearing. They could ask for additional information. But um at this point in time I think and please policy committee members correct me if I'm wrong that we thought that as written it's better than not having a policy at all. And so that's why we're saying let's go forward with this sort of pilot it. If it doesn't work then we change it or add some different language to it. But since we don't have a current approach um and we've been asked multiple times to name things that this at least gave some clarity to the community about what the process could be and what it would look like and then ultimately the board of education
076would by majority vote approve or disapprove of naming of a space or a classroom or a library or playground or whatever it may be. So, Jacob, to your point, I agree and I think I would hold off on that in case we needed it at some point in time because the board still has the authority [clears throat] to say no and offer that reason as you're saying like maybe there is a >> possible conflict of interest for an elected a current elected official or if the law changes then the policy should change as as well. >> That resonates. Additional thoughts, comments? This is up for a second reading and adoption. So, this would become the sort of the way moving forward for the for the board of the school district. >> They second. Yeah. >>
077Unless I'm hearing additional conversations, we'll call the question. All in favor for approving of a second reading and for adoption this evening. Policy passes unanimously. Thank you very much. Um that brings us to agenda item 9.3 which is policy 2111.1 school visits by school board members. Uh I know that we received uh an email. So I don't know if we want to entertain. Well, let's entertain motions because there could be any motion. Move to approve the resolution for the second reading and adoption of the draft policy title 2111.1 school visits by board members. Moved by uh Adam, second by Jacob. Discussion, debate, questions, conversations. >> Yeah, I could I can I have a few concerns about this policy. There just a few parts of language that I would like to see different. um partially made
078in response to some communication that we got from the community. Um one one part of the language uh says any questions, observations or concerns shall be communicated with the superintendent or design. Um which I agree is reasonable in most cases, but I can think of some situations where somebody might reach out to the board or board member. um a board member goes to visit a school uh you know based on some information that they get um and then I'd want to feel like I could follow up with that person and say something not that I don't think that the information should go through the superintendent but I wouldn't want to be bound by the policy where I feel like I couldn't write back or like communicate some afterthought that I had after I after I
079went and visited the school. like even if I just say thank you so much for letting me know about this thing that you brought to my attention that you know with discussion from the board it was agreed upon that that we go to the school and uh you know I saw XYZ or thank you so much um so that was just one question that I had and I had one more but maybe we can just start with that or I could say >> if you're okay let's do one at a time yeah sure >> thoughts reactions additions questions I honestly don't understand the question and what you're asking to be changed. >> Yeah. So the so the language that says any questions, observations or concerns shall be communicated through the superintendent or designate. So if
080I go to a school and I observe something and I want to communicate something according to the policy it would be sort of like I shouldn't do that because it says that any even observations um would be communicated through the superintendent or designate. I'm afraid that it would bind a board member from being able to say anything after the visit uh because it would be in violation of the policy the way that it's written. So that's my that's my concern about it. Not that not that I don't think we should be collaborative with with leadership and the superintendent and work together and that it's ultimately the job of the superintendent to respond. That I don't disagree with that. Um I just want to be I don't want to feel that I couldn't you know like
081again like write an email make a phone call just say like hey thanks so much I went I went and I checked things out and we'll be addressing it as a board and as a school district. >> But that's not a question of observation or concern. That's just saying thank you. I mean, I just I think what I see when I read what you're concerned about. I mean, this isn't about the policy. This is about very defined roles as board members where we're not supposed to be doing what you're suggesting. Thank you. Sure. Or I'll pass this along. Sure. But anything more than that is totally out of bounds for us to do. >> No, I don't agree. Like if somebody says please come check out something and we talk about it as a board
082and agree and I go and check it out and then I want to say I checked it out and I see what you're seeing. Thank you for telling me then I feel like I just reported an observation. Um you know it's not the whole story but just me even saying yes thank you I saw what you're talking about is an observation and according to the policy that shouldn't be communicated through me. It's it's very um nuanced and it's very you know words smmithy but I I just >> we don't do word smithing in policy. So >> yeah. So so yeah I mean it's it's not the spirit of it. It's more like in practice what you know how a board member could get stuck or feel that they can't communicate something because of >> well
083I think you want to go >> I think the part of that statement is to make sure that the board is in compliance with contractual language which states that if there is ever a concern regarding a couple of folks that if there's a particular line of communication that must be observed. And so the idea wasn't stopping board members from engaging in those dialogues or conversations. It was in some regards trying to say let's make sure that we keep in that we're in line with what our contractual language is particular with the superintendent andor central office and if other folks including some bargaining units as well. Yeah. >> Out of curiosity, the contract language that you're referring to, is that for observations, questions, and concern? I guess my uh my understanding was that it was for
084concern specifically. So, I guess I understand the language around concerns, but not so much questions or observations. >> So, I Yes. And right. So, yes, it's clearly about concerns or but there are other parts of the language as well. Um what would be the reason not this is a just a question what would be the reason not to go superintendent if there's questions who would we be getting information from? Oh yeah. No, I think it would. So like I would I would just reward it like any questions, observations or concerns shall be communicated in collaboration with the superintendent or designate in that the superintendent would certainly be included or the designate would certainly be included, but that the the observer, you know, was also free to to say some words. >> Absolutely. >> I want
085to go on record and say um and maybe I'm this is me speaking for you. You don't like this policy. You want nothing to do with this policy, right? At least that's the conversation we've had. And so, um, this is something that's come up in other places. I want to make sure we say that. >> Adam, to your point, I would have no objection to that language that you just said. Um, the idea is to keep lines of communication open. And so, the idea of in collaboration with the superintendent seems perfectly again, the goal is not to stop dialogue. The goal is to make sure that we're clearly articulating what a process. Can I add detail? Again, it want nothing to do with this policy. And I've had the council of four of my colleagues
086in four different states this last week on a similar policy shift or change just like this. And I will suggest to the board to consult legal counsel because what we're talking about is there's case law all around. And the case law actually speaks to doing exact opposite of what you suggested Dr. Mrs. He's bigger than me, bigger than any superintendent. There's case law about what board can and are allowed to talk about with staff and that's in protection of the board members waiting more so than the administrator. >> And to that point, I will say legal counsel has vetted this policy. There has been conversation with legal counsel about this and in fact their response backward this response back to us is that the policy language isn't strong as that came back to us. came
087back to me >> and currently we do not have a policy. Correct. >> That is correct. >> I'm just curious in the absence of that policy, what does that mean? >> Means we continually violate people's contracts. >> Oh, technically. And um that's my question. >> And we have gone against what our legal council has recommended board members to do. I'm fairly sure and I think let me I don't think [clears throat] We received communication about this is all said. All board members have received that communication. So with all that being said, I mean I So where does this leave us with with point number one >> assume to change but I I don't know what other >> I mean it's it sounds like if we're talking about legal implications and clearly our council feels like
088there should be additional language if there's a concern I think that's something that should be fed up and I don't think that this is one of those things that we should rush. sound like we're you know I don't want to do this by a second date. So if we're going to do it we should do it right. I think we take another month and bring up the uh concerns of council. Um, let's just out of if we I'm just thinking about what you said with the the last policy that we looked at, like we can revise a policy at any >> So, wouldn't it be beneficial to have a moderately legally compable policy than no policy at all? That would be my recommendation, Jacob and I, which would be that we can always change the
089policy at any point in time. Again, council has looked at this policy. And if you go scroll to the bottom, if I can ask you, Emily, um there are additional examples of the policy through a multiple no multiple school districts, including NISBA's own language, which again is a little bit more strict than what we we've done. a number I I've made mention this before so I'm appreciative of the time. We've also been talking about this for six months. So at some point in time from my perspective we have to move a policy forward. Um some school districts require a majority vote of the board for a single board member to visit a school board a school in their official board capacity. We should be very clear about that. You're going to see your child's production.
090You're visiting. You're doing whatever. That's vastly different if you're going as a board member. That's what this policy is trying to address. Um, some school districts recommend that people have a background check. Uh, they go that route as well. Uh, some school districts recommend that no single school board member can do it by themselves unless there's a group of three under a quorum, but more than one. And so, if you go through and read the variety of them, um, people may not always agree with all the language and all that's there. My recommendation would be that we move forward with a policy that's been vetted by legal counsel. If there are some slight language changes, then we can consider those and at any point in time of any member of the board can always change
091the policy at any point in time. Um, but this has been something we've been discussing for months. >> Oh, sorry. And I just like us to remember too that um um our responsibility as board members is executive oversight. That sometimes we may muddle in the water and go into a school and think we can do something. I visited a school last year several times um went to their um PTA meeting and all and there was an issue and a concern. I did not say to the parents I will resolve this or to the staff. I contacted the superintendent and one of his administrators who is present in this room. Right. I always make sure I just let them know the issue and hands off because as board members we're not to be um managing the
092day-to-day operations of any school and and and if it and from the email that I saw I I think that there was some concerns from an individual where I I go back to the policies that talk about personnel and if you have any concerns within the school that you work there's like this chain of command and the protocol and communication just like we have a communication protocol for caregivers. All right, speak to your supervisor. Your supervisor is not listening you go to the next person. So I think um sometimes we have to be very careful that people do not um pull the board members in to try to um get us to side with them when it is not our responsibility to do that. Other comments about this? We'll come back. I'm not going to
093I'm not saying it's resolved. We want to hear Adam's second point unless other folks have things to say. >> Uh I would just jump in to say I I personally advocate just not um resolving this tonight. I think um and I have been on the policy committee and working on this. Um I don't actually feel like we've talked about it all that often. more important to me is I know that we in my time on the board, I have heard from legal legal counsel generally about their thoughts on um on uh board members entering school buildings. I have not personally gotten feedback from our legal counsel about this language. I didn't know that they had seen this. And so I would love to hear from them um to understand what that feedback is to understand
094whether we're not doing enough or whether we're doing too much or or whatever. >> You have received the the response when we've asked should board members be visiting schools and it was >> for sure >> a fairly detailed message that was fairly small. >> I think that this language specifically I have not gotten any feedback from legal counsel about. Um, so I would be interested in hearing that. And in addition to that, I I have heard from close to a dozen teachers who expressed concern. And while I'm about different pieces of language in here and while I am not uh indicating that I even necessarily um agree with their the interpretations that I heard, hearing from that many people, it makes me uh feel like um I would like to be responsive to the community
095enough to be able to kind of better understand what those concerns are, even if we continue with the exact same policy, even if it just requires kind of um education. And because this is there I don't feel any kind of urgency specifically especially at the end of the year if this could be the first policy that we picked up um afterwards. I just don't feel the urgency to do it right today. >> I know I say this adnauseium it's not the community. You heard from some parts though >> for what it just context from me I I was very excited to see policy. I also have a couple of questions, tweaks in language that I'm interested in. But for context, like when I started on the board, I wanted to visit all the schools. I
096was like that would seems appropriate because I haven't been to most of the schools. I talked to Dr. Brown who said go for it, you know, like you know, like it's like very open about um visits and then I was sort of by a board member and counseledled by legal counselor to say stop doing that. So I think there's a disconnect between what some faculty and staff might perceive as like what we can do and what we're supposed to do. So the reason I am more supportive of this policy is because I see it as something that would immediately increase my accessibility to see schools like to be a presence not as like an investigator or an evaluator to Karen's point. Um so I just wanted to share that context. Um, like I haven't been
097in schools because I pretty much been told don't go to schools. This policy. >> You can name me at this point. I was the board member that council >> not to do that. Maybe I'm one of the board members that >> No, you were the I didn't [laughter] It was a private conversation between us, so I didn't want to. >> No, no. I'm perfectly fine, Jacob. And it was going off of again the legal legal counsel that we received. So, um I understand um Emily's uh point. I am still in favor of passing a policy tonight and the first thing the next policy committee can do is change it if they feel that the language is not in tune but I do think it provides a pathway as opposed to a lack of uh process
098which has prevented board members from visiting schools actually hasn't present right we've been finding some other workarounds be it through instruction hours or whatever it may be um but I I do think it's a policy that's worth um our at least exploring or at least is holding a vote. Uh but let's hear the second um uh concern as well. Adams again. >> Uh yeah. So my second concern um was also in response to some emails that I got where the language says board members wishing to visit a school in their official capacity shall coordinate their visit with the board clips office in consultation with the superintendent which I don't disagree with that I you know we would do that. Um, and I think the language uh was looking to some people like like that the
099superintendent could deny a request. You know, in other words, that it had to it had to go through the office of the superintendent. Um, and so I I wanted to bring attention to that language as well. And obviously, uh, it doesn't just mean that that's what would ever happen. Um but the language is such that it's in consultation with the superintendent which again it would be in consultation because nobody would be going in. Um but I'm surp I guess I feel like there's language about the superintendent but there's not really language about the board um in the sense of um you know in consult it's not in consultation with the board. It's in consultation with the superintendent. So, so just going back to what you were saying about the way other policies are written and
100um and you know I don't have all the answers to it but that was just a part of the policy that I had a question about the wording about and that others did as well. So I was just bringing that up. >> Would it change if number one said rather than request for a visit but plans for a visit? Uh I was going to say because >> so it's not necessarily a request. I mean I think the expectation is that it'd be granted. >> No superintendent would super a superintendent would be foolish to be like no you >> but I understand the way in which it's written that may seem like there's an opportunity to say no and that's not the intent of >> intentional is logistical. >> There can be an opportunity to say
101no. Let's say the superintendent is aware of a school that they're doing tests or something's happening right now. We don't have that schedule but yet the superintendent of schools has that schedule. Therefore >> that individual has a right to say not this week. >> I agree with that too that you know >> so that's that's why like in in cons did you change your consultation? So the consultation with the superintendent it's like um because we shouldn't take the ownership on ourselves to just discuss as a board but because the superintendent reports to the board. So the superintendent has their tentacles out right there. They should be not tent. >> I I think we can wait until school picks up because I don't know if anyone on the board is planning on going to schools in
102the next couple of months to like do any of these things, but like it's like we're solving a problem that does exist. What this does, it provide guard rails for the future. So to me, it's like if you're going to provide the guard rails, do it right. I don't see the harm in waiting. And I also feel like once you pass a policy, likelihood of like picking it back off and changing it, I think is a lot more difficult than tableling it and then finishing the job. That's just personal. >> Yeah. And obviously I have a difference of opinion that um I have not I received one email from both. We all have different networks and different connections. This has been again been discussed multiple times. So to raise these concerns now at a second
103reading when it's been we've already made some changes. Uh I'm I'm in support of moving forward at least for the vote and seeing the vote slim. >> I mean you provided new information like saying that Kate reviewed this risk and that she has concerns about it. That to me is like >> I did not >> that there's not enough strong language. Kate would like us to use the official NISBO language which would require again a majority vote um may require some other things and we as a policy committee decided that that was way too stringent and that actually was a way to stop board members from entering schools and that wasn't what we were trying to accomplish. So um and I would dare say respectfully uh I I'll use a different name. If we had
104ESNK review all of our policies, there would be significant revisions to every not just BS and K any leading firm would go through and say this is wrong. Don't do this. Do this. So it it just is it is what it is. additional comments, questions. So, I don't know if this is there is a change that's currently here. Um, before [clears throat] we move forward, uh, I know this is out of procedural, right, practice. Um, but is Adam a able to say that it's a friendly amendment if he made the motion? >> Uh, you could. Yeah, could amend his motion to be um motion to approve it as revised instead of as presented. That's assuming the board wants to accept this >> the language >> in collaboration with >> this part right here that's highlighted
105>> okay so what do I need to do >> amend >> make a friendly amendment to my uh >> previous motion >> my previous motion >> then to include the language that >> okay well then I then I could say uh I amend my original motion and revise it to uh motion to approve the resolution for the second reading and adoption of the draft policy titled 2111.1 school board visits sorry school visits by board members with the slight modification second >> oh right do I second >> no we we do >> okay >> so we've heard some folks have some things that we should wait there's a motion on the table. My recommendation would be that the board vote and proceed from there to see how it works. We're in procedural compliance at this point
106in time. >> So, [laughter] I think make sure you're all getting the full Roberts rule, not the bridge first. Um, additional comments, questions. Yes, please. >> I'm sorry. I I guess I I just don't have a question though about our first my first question because change anything with that um slip that which was >> the revised motion that you just made I thought was partially addressing your first question. We did not address your second question. I could be off about that. Oh, sorry. My first one. [snorts] So, sorry. Uh, right. In collaboration, that's right. It didn't address the second. Okay, fine. >> I'm gonna accept the change. >> So, the second one is still highlighted. >> You uh you can remove my note. That was just a reminder of board members to take a look
107at some of the additional policies where they would advocate a different process. Um my first my my first one was any questions, observations or concerns shall be communicated in collab uh in collaboration with >> because it was through. It was not my first. Okay. >> This was your second year. >> That's one. >> Well, I don't First of all, one of those best words of all time. flunks. >> I'm flung. Okay. Yeah, I'll just we can >> for what it's worth, I plan on voting yes on the policy as it is. I do think it would be worth revisiting. One thing I think about this, I think just like back on my experience as a principle like policy should also be grounded thinking about the potential for for lack of a better term like bad
108actors, right? like I do worry about like you know there's a board member that's like I have it out for this school or this person um this gates unlimited opportunities for that person to do so without clear and while I don't anticipate the region of that on this board um I was [clears throat] yeah it's interesting I I think there's I think there's more work to do but I also think that this is much better than nothing and I thank everyone who worked on I'm going to call a question. All in favor of a second reading and adoption this all opposed abstensions. Fantastic. Thank you very much. Uh next agenda item is 9.4 for revisions of policy 9520.7 will entertain motions. This is for first reading. >> Uh um 9.4 I move to approve the
109resolution for the first reading of the draft revisions to policy titled 9520.7 for breast and prostate cancer screen. >> Uh >> yep moved by Adam, second by Jacob. Um additional um context. This was brought to us by uh Katherine, what is the name of the subcommittee of the leadership? >> The health and safety committee of the ITA was reviewing policies recognized that our policy is actually out of compliance with New York state law. Um there was an additional request from the health and safety committee which was to extend the amount of time uh the board uh not the board uh Emily Tracy Arm went through and made sure our policy is in keeping with New York state law at this point in time changing names removing you know the gendered notion of what the policy
110was. Um, it has not addressed the time constraints um because New York State law has said this time though I imagine that would be a topic of conversation for future negotiations with multiple unit and or other discussions. But for right now, the first reading was simply to make sure that the policy was updated to what the new state regulations were. Um, and that's the language that you see before you. So, thank you Emily for doing all that labor and pulling the language directly as well. So, this is what you see here. this be for a first reading. Um the next version of the policy committee could take would have to take it up for a second reading and adoption afterwards. But discussion, conversation, debate, dialogue. >> So so the subject title as as it was
111stated but when we went into the revised draft, this subject title will change to just state leave for cancer speech. That's correct. So, in our second reading, are we changing that title there or >> uh that's a great question, but I don't believe the title's been changed on our agenda because the the current policy has the title that you see. Once it's been adopted, we'll change the title to the more appropriate um language that is mandated by law. >> Did I answer your question? >> Yes. But yet I'd like to see somewhere in parenthesis that the new title will be forensive screening. So >> it is >> it's it's here. But if someone were if anyone from the community is looking on um our agenda without linking >> I can update it on sorry >>
112without linking to the policy. >> Yeah. >> Additional questions comments. >> All right we'll call a question. All in favor of uh approving for a first reading. Is everyone who's in the room? Fantastic. Um we have uh some notes of other business here. Folks can take a look. There's a lot happening. Uh we have graduation ceremonies. We have moving up ceremonies. Uh we have our retirement going take place on uh June 30th. Um and so please uh come out and support our young people as we celebrate their end of the year. Uh you can see all the dates that are listed here as well. Um at this point in time, we'll entertain motions, but the board anticipates going into the executive session. Um so let's entertain motions. And I may want to add one before
113we do. Uh I want to add a section that talks about discussed matters regarding students if anyone is willing to move. >> It is. Thank you very much. Yep. >> Is that connected to >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So the language is accurate as listed here. >> Oh, I can read it. I did all Okay. Motion that the board enter into executive session pursuant to New York public officers law 1051A and F to discuss matters to the appointment and appointment motion to motion discipline suspension removal persons including the eligibility of specific collective bargaining negotiation article 14 service law matters made confidential by federal state law including information relating to an identifiable student protected from disclosure under the family educational rights and privacy Before we get a second, can I add a friendly amendment and ask
114as well as the superintendent evaluation? >> Yeah. Yes. >> Can we get a second? >> Second by Matt. Question, debate, conversation. All in favor? This will conclude the business meeting of the board this evening. We'll come back simply to close the meeting, but no other additional items of this item will be. Mr.