001I would like to call to order the June 16th regular meeting of the board of education district. [Music] Allegian to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The Phelps Clifton Springs Central School District Board of Education meets to publicly conduct its business in accordance with the law. The public is invited to observe these proceedings, but is not entitled to respond or disrupt them, especially when such disturbances run counter to the district's code of conduct and the welcoming spirit of our district. The public is reminded of the context of board meetings. Board members are volunteers. Audience members are visitors to school grounds and student and staff well-being is at the heart of board operations. Visitors are
002reminded of the courage it takes to speak up as members of our community and the importance of encouraging civic and civil engagement. Board strives to hear all community voices during its public meetings in a safe, respectful, and orderly manner. The behavior that we expect of all students in our classrooms is also expected from visitors at board meetings. In an effort to ensure that community members concerns are heard, the board reminds speakers to address the board in a civil manner, refrain from discussing specific personnel or students, limit outbursts, and limit unnecessary noise. Board encourages an atmosphere of respect and tolerance and strict adherence to its code of conduct. On to roll call. [Music] Lindseay Marino, board member. Mike Dor, board member. Board member. Goodman, board member. Carl Dash, business administrator. Nick Gansster, superintendent. Tracy Elman, board
003member. Can I get a motion for an executive session for the purpose of discussing matters leading to the appointment, employment, demotion, discipline, dismissal or removal of a particular person? So moved. Second. Thank you. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. I. All those opposed carried. There is objects. I'd like to I'd like to black items A, B, and C under approval of minutes. Can I get a motion to approve items A, B, and C? Approval of minutes as presented. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of items A, B, and C under three, approval of minutes, say I. I. I. All those opposed? Motion carries. Consent agenda items. Again, I'd like to block items A through F under consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve the
004consent agenda items as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of consent agenda items A through F say I. I. I. All those opposed. Motion carried. On to presentations. All [Music] right. Um, I don't think any of the people that I invited are here because I invited the boys lacrosse team and it's also the senior all-star night. So, as Titan as that group is, um, I'm sure they were all there um, cheering them on. and Aiden Bryant who I'll just read off my stuff, but and Aiden and Hayden have been here so much I don't think I see them here, so they're probably just used to it, but um I'll just start. Uh good evening. Um thank you for the board of education and our community for supporting
005our supporting our athletes. Um this spring we had 270 kids participating in spring sports um 7th through um 12th grade. Spring scholar athlete teams were girls outdoor track, girls lacrosse, and baseball. Uh spring is our lightest number of participants just because we don't have as many sports. Um fall is usually our biggest because that's when we have the most um sports to choose from. Um but I'd like to take the opportunity to recognize the boys varsacross team. The team set new program record this year with a 14-4 overall record capturing a Fingerlakes West championship. Um they played with energy and a sense of unity making them not only successful but also exciting and fun to watch. Their teamwork and dedication to each other was clear to see in every game. They ranked seventh in New
006York State in class D programs. They earned the number two seed in the sectionals and secured a home sectional victory here. They broke team records in goal scored points and assists. Um the following were recognized as West allstars. We had midi of the year James Sprag. Codefense player of the year Connor Trip. First team was Nate Leup, Brendan Baldwin, and Stuart Cuku. Um, second team we had Walker Lanscoot, Carter Casper, Teddy Alman, Kaden Gilliam, Nick Karan, Jake Middlebrook, and Duke Van Savage. Third team we had Rowan Cartwright. Uh, J John Hicks was coach of the year and Jordan Jarvis was assistant coach of the year. So, if we just want to give them a round of applause. We'd also like to recognize Hayden Wells. She's a multiple multiple sectional and league champion. She works really
007hard and was committed to improving herself in the pole vault this year and it really showed. Uh she's done an outstanding job of getting be better and become an expert bringing home a class C sectional title and she was also a Wayne Fingerlakes all-star first team. Um and Midlakes is proud of all her hard work and accomplishments. Finally, we'd like to recognize Aiden Bryant for his accomplishments in the triple and long jump where he's won multiple sectional titles, but this year he's won a sectional title. Um, he just captured two more state titles over this past weekend in Middletown, New York. Um, and he's also Wayne Fingerlakes's first team all-star. He ranked top in the nation, has set multiple league and section 5 records with the crazy distances where he's usually five or six feet
008ahead of his closest competition. And we would just like to say congratulations to Aiden Bright on his competition. Thank you again. Thank you, Mr. On to retirey recognition. I don't know who's going first. Okay. So, yeah, Leslie, you're first. But real quick, I wanted to point out to everyone here, um, right before we left for that executive session, I asked Carl to add up the total number of years of experience of all of our outgoing retirees. And, uh, that number is 374.29 years. So, when we look at all of our retirees who are are leaving us uh to to sail off into the sunset, so to speak, uh that's a lot of institutional wisdom and a lot of knowledge that goes along with them. And uh it's it's hard for me not to throw this
009out there to all of our retirees because I make it a point to say this to every single retiree and and Jeremy, I said this the other day to Larry, our retirees are our favorite substitute. So keep that in mind that later on uh when you're when you're thinking about work. All right. So Leslie 6 months off. I was just looking to see who I have. Oh, can you guys hear me? I mean, Hi, I'm Leslie Jones. I am the transportation director here at Midlakes. Um I technically don't need this. I have a bus driver voice so I can definitely uh project. Um today I am really sad to see so many of my wonderful drivers and monitors that are retiring. I have been at the district for a little over a year now and
010I've been able to um meet and grow with these wonderful people. So no matter how much I can interchange the praise I give them, the thanks that I have for them and the the family that I've started to gain with them, I can interchange all that, but I can't replace the people that are actually leaving me. They're all individuals that are going to truly be missed. And um like we were just talking, I will welcome any of you guys back. I doesn't have a problem. Um, our first one on my list, and I'm sorry, but I gotta My list is bigger than everyone else's. You guys got to deal with me for a few minutes. Um, our first one is Bill Broomfield. Um, he did retire at the beginning of the school year um with
01112 years. Sorry, it's old. I don't can't see you guys. I can see you when it's on. Can't see the paper when it's on. So, getting old. um he has 12 years with the district. I didn't get to work with Bill as long as some of the other retirees here tonight cuz some of them are still with me until the end of the school year. But Bill was awesome. He was very helpful. Um he definitely brightened up our bus garage, our um our break room and stuff to hear the laughter and the joking and um stuff and that part of the break room just right up in between runs. Um, he also loved his sports. All the sports teams loved to be with him and go anywhere. He was up for, hey, let's go to
012the ice cream shop or let's go and get some food. He was always up for that. So, he definitely um was a little bit of a um sad removal at the beginning of the school year with his retirement, but we do wish him the best and we do see him here and there. I know some of our drivers do go out to breakfast with them every so often. So, very much missed. Um, our next person I'd like to talk about is Miss Brenda um Nor. I have Why don't you come up or stand up or do something? Bring her up. Bring her up. So, she is one of my monitors, has been with the district for 18 years. Um, we have been able to get to know each other with the little bit of time
013that she comes in early and um crochets and knits and all the other stuff that goes on in our in our um break room. And while everyone's off and gone and um not coming in, you know, we have a few talks and have to have a good time. So, you are going to be very much missed and we will get together. Mhm. So, here. Thank you. I'm giving you Friday. Come on. Hand Thursday. Okay. The next person on our list is um Carol Stafford. Can you please come up? [Music] Carol has been with the district for 24.5 years and I don't know how I could be doing or knowing so much about this district without you. Um, she is my go-to girl when it comes to Leslie, someone called in, get on the bus and
014I say, "Oh, Carol, where are you at? She knows the district and doesn't matter what part of the district." Um, maybe not all the kids and stuff. I got another driver who knows that, but um to be able to help and and get me through some of those scary moments at um 6:00 in the morning on a winter's day going, "Um, where is where are we going? What road?" Um, you guys have a big district. It's been something I've had to learn very quickly. But without Carol, I could not do it and I'm very much going to miss you and knowing that she will jump on any bus for me, go anywhere, help out any driver, and I truly will miss that. And she makes great turtle crochet stuff. [Laughter] And the next person I'd
015like to ask to come up is Donna Vanlike. Can you do a run for me? Sure. and that is her go-to answer for all the times I've asked her to do something for me. She has 25 years in the district and we do a great job at trying to spread the wealth for lack of other words, giving um work throughout the seniority list and making sure that everyone gets a little bit of anything. But when it comes to Donna, if I need something and something's in a rush or if she's the next one on the list, I am almost 99.9% guaranteed that she is going to say yes for me. Um, so I appreciate that on a level that is just amazing. Thank you. Thank you. So, luckily my list or my stack of uh
016awards have come really down low. So, I'm happy to see that. But Celeste Lanscu, can you please come up? 28.5 years with the district. That is amazing. and very very much all of you guys for how many years you've been here is amazing and should be very proud for the loyalty that you guys have shown to a a employer in this day and age where a a new job is right around the corner. Um I think with Celeste I got a little bit of a kinship with you because of being able to drive your run so many times and we have understanding with the students. they uh understand when she's on and and how they're supposed to act and how I expect them to act, too. So, um I even think one of the one
017of the uh students, high school students, was like, "Oh, my favorite subd driver." And I'm like, "Yeah, okay. I don't want to sub anymore." But um your run has been a good training for me to be in this district and what the district how how it works, who's been doing what, what I'm expecting from the students and stuff and you show all that and stuff and I am so proud of you and I'm going to miss you. And if for any reason you want to sub, Donna, you know, if any reason you guys want to sub, my doors are open. So, thank you so much and you are going to be a doctor. Thank you. And that's my list, guys. Now, we're going to have uh Mr. Tilberg come up and recognize some of our
018facilities departments. Thank you. Hi everyone. Tonight I want to honor two individuals who have been key members of our facilities department. Both individuals started as night cleaners in our school district and worked their way up to retire as a laborer and a custodian with many dedicated years of service to Midlakes. The first individual could not be here tonight. He has to tend to his mother. That's Dan O'Neal. So, I want to talk about Dan and then we can all congratulate him together. Dan was hired here at Midlakes on January 14, 2002. He started as a night cleaner and worked his way up to a laborer in 2021 until he retired just a few months ago. If you didn't see him in the halls of our middle high school, you could often find him on the
019sidelines showing his school pride. He had a connection with many students and staff and became a face they look forward to seeing every day. He enjoyed everything about Midlakes, including his job on most days. Dan cares about Midlakes so much that he has since returned to the halls as a as a substitute so he can contribute even beyond his retirement. I wish Dan the best of luck in his future endeavors and I know he will come to find me when the Browns finally have a successful season. Please help me congratulate Dan O'Neal aka Dano. Before I call up our next retiree, I would like to invite Mr. Jeremy Matune to please come join me. Jeremy Matun is our current custodian of our elementary and has a very special relationship with this next person we're going
020to honor which is Larry Galens. Larry, can you come on up? [Applause] Larry has been a staple of our facilities department for over 20 years. Also starting as a night cleaner in 2003, he eventually became a custodian in 2007 and truly set the bar for what the position encompasses. From early early mornings to late nights, he always made sure the buildings was was safe, clean, and the best possible environment for students to learn in and staff to work in. He is reliable, punctual, hardworking, and always goes above and beyond to get the job done. Just these past few months, he has put in extra hours to make sure our ground stay mode and looking nice, often staying well past his normal shift end time. This is the norm for Larry and a testament to his
021dedication and work ethic. The pride he has in his job is rare to see and something that we all admire. I actually think that's one of the best things about him. He has inspired all of us, including myself, to care for Midlakes like it's our own home because this is what Larry did for his whole career. I wish him nothing but the best in his retirement. I know he's looking forward to spending time with his family. Jeremy and I have always joked that he has a second home and one of our air handling units on the roof because he was so attached to this place. I truly wouldn't be surprised if I saw him swinging from a hammock up there on a nice summer day. Please help me congratulate Larry Gayen on a fantast fantastic
022career here at Midlex. Thank you. Mrs. Thyman, come on down. H way too quiet. Make you nervous. Stop. You get to win retirement. That's what you win. We're not going to even spin a wheel. Michelle has been working at Midlakes for 29 and a half wonderful years. Before coming to Midlakes, she began her career as a school nurse working for Happiness House and the Victor Central School District. Thankfully, she found her way to Phelps Clifton Springs. During her time as a Mid School nurse, she worked at the South Street building, Bant Street, and her current role in the MEES building. During that time, she has worked for six different principles, right? Her favorite grades to work with were UPK through second grade. And her most favorite memories are from her years working at the South
023Street South Street building with Head Start in kindergarten. Michelle ranks very high as one of the best school nurses I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Even before we shifted the mees to one central ner nurse's office, I would find myself in Michelle's office seeking her professional advice. She is always professional and somehow always manages to keep herself up to date with medical regulations and everything else going on in an elementary building. Michelle D deserves a special medal for being the district point person during the pandemic. Her leadership was indispensable. The role of an elementary school nurse is never ending and requires an abundance of patience and love, especially working with the principal. It is so much more than handing out band-aids and ice packs. It even includes, she knows what it includes,
024being the per principal's personal medical adviser. Her usual question to me is, "Chris, what have you done now?" And then when I tell her, you just hear and she shakes her head and takes care of whatever I happen to have done. Most recently breaking my nose. Michelle, you are a wonderful school nurse and a great friend. We wish you a relaxing retirement. You'll be missed more than words can express. Uh, I just got to know Michelle a little bit around about five years ago when I started in this role here. But, um, I just want to thank everybody to be here to recognize someone special and and she's been incredibly steady, compassionate, and knowledgeable here at Midlakes. Michelle's retiring from our elementary as from the school nurse, and we um well, we are happy for
025her. This is a well-deserved accomplishment, and we know she will be missed. Michelle has been a true leader in the department. When I took the role overseeing school nurses as part of my responsibility as physical education, athletics, and health director, Michelle was the one who patiently guided me through the ins and outs of school nursing. She didn't just answer questions. She made sure I understand the who, what, where, and why. And I'm incredibly grateful for that. I truly leaned on her during the most exhausting time in education, the CO9 pandemic. There was no road maps, and every day brought a new set of questions. So, those questions were usually around 5:00 in the morning. It was usually a spin-off of the game of 6° of Kevin Bacon. Am I allowed to come to work? And
026if I can't come to work, how many days do I have to lock myself in my room? Um, but Michelle was a pro at that game and knew how to keep everyone at ease. She stayed calm, collective, and focused and a person of reason. Together, we worked through the how to keep our students safe and our staff safe, following every changing CDC guideline, and constantly adjusting to make things work. Michelle's guidance and leadership was a voice that was invaluable during that time. She's been a quiet the quiet engine behind so much of what was has worked well here in this district. Her depths of knowledge, her ability to stay level-headed under pressure, and her compassion for the kids and colleagues alike have set the standards we've all counted on here at Midlakes. She has a
027way of making every student feel cared for and safe even when they're feeling when they're not feeling their best. Whether it was a scraped knee, upset stomach, or just a kid who needed a little extra attention. Michelle approached them with the same calm kindness and her relationship with her staff um were just as strong as with his children. She's um was someone everyone could rely on both professionally and personally. Now she's getting ready for her next adventure in retirement. Michelle is looking forward to spending time with her grandkids and her family. And honestly, after she's given so much to the school community, there couldn't be a more deserving way to spend her time. Michelle, thank you for everything, your leadership, your patience, and your unwavering dedication to Midlakes. You've made a lasting impact here. Um,
028and while we and we send you off on your next journey, um, your presence will not be forgotten here. Congratulations on your retirement. You've earned it. [Music] It's going to go. All right. Good evening, everyone. I'm excited and honored to be here to honor to honor our um retirees from the middle high school this year. And I'm going to start with Miss Katie Herman. You got to come up though, Katie. [Music] Katie started with us in uh 2014 and brought the real world skills to Mid Lake students. She brought life skills, laughter, and a genuine appreciation of her students. Whether it was guiding students through their first stitches and sewing, teaching them how to prepare a meal, or helping them understand responsibilities of adulthood, Katie's classroom was a space where learning was always relevant, engaging,
029and hands-on. She had a way of working with kids in relevant activities, helping them build confidence through every project, recipe, or budget plan. And outside of the classroom, Katie gave generously of her time and talents, helping with school events, and contributing to our school community in countless ways. in particular. Uh Katie helped to organize the end of the year breakfast to celebrate retirees from the past year, which I think this is the first year you're not doing that right. So Katie, as you step into retirement, I hope your days are filled with joy, rest, and the freedom to enjoy the things that you've earned. I've really missed catching up with you and uh keeping tabs on your all of your home improvement projects. Um but we've certainly missed you since you've um gone into retirement.
030I wanted to say thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and the difference that you've made in so many people's lives. Thank you, Katie. I don't think our next retiree is here, but over the course of 27 years, Paula Hann has made significant contributions to both the academic and extracurricular life of Midlakes High School. As a special education teacher at Midlakes, she spent 14 years supporting students with diverse learning needs. Her work in this role reflected a strong commitment to helping every student succeed. Paula has also served as a math teacher where she consistently brought clarity and structure to a subject that challenges many. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Paula was actively involved in student life. She served as the varsity cheerleading coach for several years, promoting school spirit and teamwork. As the senior
031class adviser, she played a key role in organizing events and guiding students through important milestones in their final year. Throughout her career, Paula built strong connections with students and colleagues alike. Her presence in the building has been steady and reliable, and her contributions have helped shape the Midlakes experience for many. We thank Paula for her years of service and wish her the best in retirement. And the last retiree from the middle high school is Mr. Joe Godfrey. And Joe, you said you were going to sing or play something. All right. So, uh, Mr. Joe Godfrey started with us in 1993 and has an impact on and has had an many I'm sorry and has had many impacts on many students as they went through the band and music program. In talking to Joe, you quickly
032realize that uh he loves what he does. He loves to inspire students not just to play music uh but to find confidence and joy in it. Um kids in the middle school grow tremendously from when they enter the building through their eighth grade spring concert. The improvement from uh day one to the last day in the program uh is amazing. And over the years, Joe built and continues to build a music program uh that we're extremely proud of. He directed countless concerts, bands, parades, and pit orchestras. And he served in his role as auditorium audio supervisor as well. Uh beyond the music room, Joe's a steady and positive presence. Uh a colleague always willing to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer support. His commitment to teamwork and community makes him a wonderful colleague
033and a wonderful person to just be around. Joe, as you move into this next chapter, we hope you find as many uh as much harmony and joy in retirement as you gave to your students and fellow educators. You see what I did, right? All right. Thank you, Joe, for the music, the memories, and the belief in what young people can achieve. Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you, Mids. Yeah, you're up. Oh, okay. Might as well. All right, hold on. Got to think through these. All right, Jill Merritt, come on up. Okay, it looks long, but it's not. It's really large font and it's like triple spaced. Just giving you a heads up here. So, I'll start before Jill gets up here. For 30 years, Jill Merritt has been a dedicated educator at Midlakes. I'm not
034going to cry, but what many may not realize is just how deeply she embodies the spirit of black and blue. Jill, I told you I wouldn't cry. Her connection to Midlakes runs deep. Back to 1985, when the school adopted the eagle as its mascot, regions exams became a graduation requirement. Jill proudly walked across the stage as a Midlakes grad. Why am I crying and you're consoling me? Case is like cheerleading all over again. As a student, Jill was a standout on the tennis court. A 5-year varsity player, she held the first singles position every year and went undefeated for four consecutive seasons. She was the section 5 class B champion during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Her talents took her to St. John Fischer College where she competed on the national level. In 2004,
035her achievements were honored with an induction to the Midlakes Athletic Hall of Fame. Jill earned her BA in psychology with a minor in elementary education in 1989, followed by an MS in special education from Nazareth College. She began her teaching career at St. Mary's in Waterlue, where she taught third grade for 5 years before returning home to Midlakes. over the next three decades. Sorry. Jill taught special special education, third grade, and AIS reading and math, spending 10 years in each role. She also coached the boys and girls tennis teams, served as a third grade department chair, where she led the fundraisers for the Ugandan Water Project. Thanks to her leadership, Midlakes third graders raised over $10,000 to provide clean drinking water to communities in Africa. Jill may come across as soft-spoken and reserved in meetings,
036and her classroom style is one of quiet leadership. She doesn't raise her voice or use a harsh tone. She leads with compassion, always advocating for her students and supporting her colleagues. But beneath that calm exterior lies a sharp wit and fiercely loyal heart. Jill often says that teaching third grade was her favorite, but I know her favorite years were the three we spent team teaching. Jill's been Jill has been more than a colleague. She's a mentor, a role model, and a big sister. We've now advocated life's highs and lows together, grown as educators, and always been each had each other's backs. Jill, thank you for teaching me the importance of good mascara, the wisdom of knowing who's related to whom in a small town. I finally understand why pajama day wasn't your thing. I'll never
037forget the day our entire class missed the bus at Tuft Dav or the time we gave all of our students Captain Underpants names. And thank you for taking the chance on that loud 23-year-old when you were volunttoled to co-e with her. Congratulations on your well- earned retirement. Midlakes won't be the same without you. You've left a legacy that will be felt for years to come. Thanks. [Music] Hello again. So that you'll notice the first person on our list is Julie Bakus. However, Julie really retired. if you want to. We did all of our celebrating for Julie at the end of last year. She came back just for the beginning of the year to get the number of years. So, I'm not going to stand here. We do miss Julie terribly and she's living a wonderful
038life of retirement um working as a librarian um in Canondeua. Um but I know Julie very well and that's about all she's going to want me to say in in this kind of instance. But we did do a wonderful celebration for her at the end of last year as a building. Um, next on our list is Mrs. Carrie Smart. Carrie Smart has been a Midlakes Screaming Eagle for the past 32 years. During this time, Carrie has worked at all the elementary grade grade levels K through six. She also spent time working with secondary students during summer programming. Carrie started her career at the Bant Street building and has been in the MEES building since it opened. During her years teaching, her favorite grades have been K and first grade, and she managed to survive five
039principles, including this one, and five superintendent during her career. Carrie was one of the first teachers to request a one-to-one meeting during my first summer as principal. Actually, I think you were the first. I knew immediately that she was a force to be reckoned with and that we would become friends. One of Car's best qualities is that you don't need to guess what's on her mind or how she feels about something. I have always appreciated this honest approach. I also appreciate her friendship and dedication to our students and community. Carrie, our students and families are lucky to have had such a dedicated and caring teacher working for them for the past 32 years. Hopefully, you won't forget about us, and you enjoy your well-deserved retirement. We all wish you a happy retirement, and you will
040be missed. I also have the pleasure about speaking about you tonight. Chris did a great job, but uh I just wanted to loop in the past few years that I've been able to work with you, Carrie. Um special education is not an easy position here to to fulfill. Um but you have done so not only with deep instructional knowledge, but you are also you also display an extraordinary level of patience, which is needed on a daily basis, creativity, and heart. You brought all of that and more to your classroom each and every day. Throughout your career, you have worked with some of our most uh vulnerable learners, ensuring that every student, regardless of their ability, is seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Colleagues have described you as someone who is always willing to share resources,
041brainstorm strategies, and lend a listening ear. Your influence will be felt for years to come, not only through the students that you've taught, but also the professional standards that you have set and the example that you have provided. You will be truly missed in our hallways. We are grateful for your dedication and the heart that you've poured into our school community. Please join me in thanking Miss Carrie Smart. I had asked Carrie earlier today if she wanted her husband to come up and say a few words when she resounded with a quick no. Mrs. Ms. Excuse me, Morris. Lynn, I do promise to keep this short. If you haven't been around very often, I do pick on my friend quite a bit about our height differences. Lynn Morris has been employed as a music teacher
042at Midlakes for the past 36 years. That means she started in 1989 when Ronald Reagan was still president of the United States and I was in junior high school. Excuse me, a junior in high school, not junior high school. Lynn wrote me a wonderful note saying that this has been the happiest 36 years of her life. True. During that time, she has worked at the Bantis Street and Teft Avenue buildings, both the middle and high schools, and her current position at the MAS building. My favorite. We know that. We can always tell. Lynn has taught everything from general music to high school band lessons and she's going to continue to teach this summer for us. Her favorite position has been as the band and instrumental teacher at the Midlakes MEES building. Now, I had told
043you I had written some stuff for the concert, but I chose not to do it after playing the cowbell for you because it it just didn't seem like the right time with everything else going on. But every now and then, you're fortunate fortunate enough to work with a person who is completely devoted to their craft and their students. Lynn Morris is one of these people. Her love and devotion for her students and their love for her is unmatched. Yes, at times she made me crazy because of her wish to make everything perfect for her students and the music program. We were always able to find common ground and good solutions. Our community and students have been blessed that Lynn chose to spend her career here teaching and inspiring our young musicians. Lynn, you may be
044small and stretcher, but your impact has been that of a giant. You are my liyucian friend. Thank you. I had to say it. I'm so glad and you will be missed by us all. We wish you a wonderful retirement. I don't think you should say that. There might hurt might hurt feelings. Well, you can hurt their feelings. Go ahead. You're my favorite principal ever. Oh, I forgot your gift. All the surprises, too. All the surprises, too. Yeah, that's right. about both of them. Okay. Um I'm not going to stand up because I do better if I sit down. So but um Mr. Gansster and I would just like to recognize Mike and Lindsay for your service on the board. Um I know um I've appreciated having your perspectives. um your knowledge, everything that you bring
045um to the board, to our discussions. Um so, thank you for the time you invested for our students and for our community. Um I think we all come in thinking, oh, this isn't going to take all that much time and then we get here and we realize how much time it takes. So, um I appreciate the the time, the contributions, the perspectives, um the discussions, um and everything that you've uh given to our team. I think our board has been consistently growing in a positive direction and that's in large part um because we've had you guys as as part of our team. So, thank you for your years of service. Um and if you're ever, you know, looking for something to do on a Monday night and you want to come hang out with us,
046we we welcome you to come and and uh and observe and join. So, um, our schedule, you know, obviously is posted in all the regular places, so it won't be hard to find where we are, uh, on House Monday nights. So, if you'd both come on up. [Music] better. My turn. [Music] All right. And we're did you want to say we'll take a Oh, we'll take a break. Yep. We're going to take a brief break. There's some refreshments over there. And uh congratulations to our our retirees, uh our spring athletes that were recognized even though they're not here. I forgot about that for a second. And thank you to Lindsay and Mike. So enjoy. I'm on the wrong screen to our superintendent report. All right. So I have um several updates, so just bear with
047me. Uh the first one, board members, you'll see that you have a draft calendar for next year's board meetings. Um we essentially work through the school year um using the third Monday of the month as our target for board meetings. That works for most months, but there are a handful that um it doesn't work for. Um and there are a couple months October um and August that have two meetings. uh August we run two meetings because uh personnel appointments are critical that time of year uh to get the school year open fully staffed. So we want to make sure that we're appointing um personnel uh at the appropriate time. So there's two meetings in August and then we have two meetings in October um primarily because at that very first meeting there's a a timing
048with accepting uh the audits that we have to do uh for the school. So that first Monday meeting uh in October, October 6th is centered around the audits and then uh we progress through the year looking at those third Mondays. Um we used to have two meetings in April. Um and the reason we used to have two meetings in April was because the timing of the approval of the state budget put us in a really good position in early April to deliver um a fairly confident budget presentation leading to the budget vote. However, over the last few years, we've realized that um the the legislative uh the interaction between our legislature and governor has created a scenario where our state budget is um approved very very late. In fact, over the last couple years, at
049least twice, the board of education has had to approve a budget uh without an approved state budget. So we eliminated the early April meeting um in order to have just one meeting and it's our only Wednesday meeting of the year. It's a Wednesday because we double dip on our responsibilities that night. Um that Wednesday we have to approve the Bosey's budget and it has to be on that specific Wednesday and we feel like we have better information for a more confident and accurate budget presentation uh that time of year. So, um, here are draft meeting dates, and we hope to approve them at our meeting in July. All right. Next, um, I received a thank you note from Sarah Reynolds. She's our elementary ENL teacher. So, our ENL students, um, had a breakfast fundraiser where
050they sold yogurt, cheesesticks, apples, oranges, and, uh, donuts um, before school started. And um I just want to read a couple things from the thank you note. Um she's she's writing a thank you to the board of ed. So I thought it was important to share this. But uh some of the things that students said were, "Can I buy one and deliver it to my teacher? Can I buy one for my dad? It's his birthday today. Can I give this to my sister or friend? Uh you can donate the change." So there were students that were leaving their change for donations uh from teachers. That was so sweet to get something from the students that made my day. This will help me through the day. This is so great for kids. They're doing a great
051job. Wow, what mathematicians. Um, and there's a couple others, but the whole impetus behind the ENL fundraiser that Sarah does each year is to find a cause, have the students um, sell the items, and then donate to that cause. And this year they were donating they donated $1,634 to the American Red Cross to help the survivors of the uh California wildfires earlier this year. So philanthropic good for the kids and we thank Sarah for for doing that. So I have this thank you note and some other things from the kids and I can pass that around a little bit later. All right. All right. Uh now I there's one more award to give out. Tracy, I don't know if you know about this award, but it's to you. Um, so out of the blue, we
052got a letter from the New York State School Board Association, uh, who is recognizing Tracy. Um, it's a board achievement award, and it's because she has earned, uh, 75 points for ongoing uh, professional development through NISSBA. So, there you go. You're moving along in in NISBA's uh, achievement system there. So, thank you for all that you do as our president and and your service to the board and thanks for continuing your your learning about policy and government governance with NISSBA. Thank you. Yeah, I'm going to keep track of my points. I don't even know. There you go. Yeah. Pretty cool. All right. Um I wanted to update everybody on the pool project. So about a year ago, it was a little over a year ago, we set aside uh a sizable chunk of money uh
053$2.5 million to refurbish the pool. Um there were safety issues with the pool in terms of uh the surface uh chipping away and it was well over it was about 20 years old and it was just time to um take a look at that pool and and spruce it up. So, um the board did uh declare the pool uh as an emergency safety project. Uh and along with that, we were able to combine um not only the chipping of the floor, but a failing dehumidification unit that regulates air quality in the space and an aging filtration system that ensures that the water is clean and sanitary for the students. Um we were able to fold all of that into a single project. Uh, and I'm happy to report that the project is essentially finished. So,
054um, new tiles for the lane line, so they're bright and shiny. Brand new Mars site throughout the entire pool. Uh, the filtration room. Some of the issues in there is that the the plumbing and infrastructure for the fil filter was actually down in this trench. So, anytime it needed to be serviced, our maintenance crew had to crawl down in there. some some unlucky person uh on the maintenance crew had to crawl down in there to take care of whatever was going on. All of that infrastructure was brought up to ground level to make it more easily accessible. In addition to that, um we moved from a sandbased filtration unit to a um perlite filtration um uh substrate, I guess you would call it. And what's nice about that is uh the the the paracity or
055or what it actually filters out. It's it's a better filtering material. Uh and it doesn't require us to do a lot of what they call backwashing of the system. Anytime you backwash the system, you actually lose uh gallons and gallons and gallons of water. This system does not require that. So, it's actually more efficient and and and we use less water as a result. Um, and uh, to round out the project, new starting blocks and a new diving board were installed. So, uh, just today I saw the cleaning trucks out there. So, we have cleaners on site um, essentially restoring the property as far as the dirtiness uh, because of construction back to normal. And uh, we're on track to um, reopen the pool. We're going to do a what I call a soft reopen
056for our summer um, swim programs. and then we'll do something a little more substantial as we open the school year um probably with with the switch. So, uh we're excited. Uh we don't quite have all of the financial information yet. It'll take a couple months before we have um the district's all-in number. Um we did set aside um substantially more than we needed. So, you know, I hope that um when we look at the all-in total of that project um that we're not at that $2.5 million mark. So hopefully we have some uh to put back essentially uh to the general fund. All right. Um graduation, school celebrations, and safety. Um I'm making it a point every single year to point this out, but our our secondary school does um organize a DWI crash simulation.
057It happens at the Phelps Fire Department. And what we do is we bring over all of our members of the graduating class to the fire department. There is a simulated um DWI crash that does feature um a fatality. What it ends up being is it's also a drill response for our EMTs and fire department and and police. So they're on site treating it like a drill, but they are working through the problem as if it is a real thing. our students are witnessing it and it's narrated by one of our SRO's and um after the crash part then the students are um brought into the fire hall and they experience three different scenes. One of the scenes is what it would look like at the hospital after the accident. Another scene is what it would
058look like uh for the driver being arraigned in court. And then the third scene um is probably the most hard-hitting is where um parents are at the funeral home. So it's it's pretty intense. However, the lesson is delivered um to our graduating seniors. Um and I just want to, you know, implore all of our our graduating seniors. Um you know, the season of celebration is is here. We have graduation and then a summer filled with graduation parties. Be safe. Call a family member. do what you need to do to stay safe. Um because we want to make sure that uh you're able to celebrate and have a long and fruitful life. Uh that being said, graduation is the 2 uh 8th and that is at 7 p.m. Right. Saturday the 28th. I don't know why
059I'm all right. Just want to make sure that's correct. Saturday the 28th, 7 p.m. Board members who are participating be there at about 6:40 p.m. to uh get ready. Main office. Yes. main office. All right. So, um I'm going to do this for the rest of the summer, give you a staffing update at each of our meetings. So, our our secondary and elementary um building level leaders at this point have filled a total of five positions. So, that's four teaching positions and a nurse position. Uh as you can see tonight, we have a lot of retirees, which means we have a lot of positions to fill. Um, so we we're actually at this point we filled five of them. So that's it's really um good news for us. We still have um at the elementary
060a special education teacher opening. We're well into the process, I believe, reference checking at this point. Uh we have an open speech language pathologist position. Uh we have an elementary school counselor. Um and we have an LTS for physical education. and we expect to be able to fill uh hopefully all of those uh by the end of the summer. I'll tell you now, the speech language pathologist one is probably going to be the most challenging one to um and at the secondary building at this point, we're only looking for a math teacher and I know that we're close to the end of that process as well. Uh in transportation, we're still looking to fill four bus driver positions, dispatcher, and two monitors. We did have a glimmer of hope recently in that um we on
061tonight's agenda were approving a bus driver trainee. So, we were able to fill at least one of those positions and um we're going to keep pushing um to be fully staffed down there. All right. Uh on tonight's agenda, you're going to see um I guess some fruits of the policy committee's labors. Um there are three non-resident students uh on tonight's agenda for approval to be Midlake students. But there's a catch. They're not non-resident tuition paying students because we did discontinue that process uh through a policy revision, but they are three non-resident students who are the children of full-time Midlakes employees. So um I put that right on the back end of our staffing list because uh one of the new incentives for full-time employees here in Midlakes is that if if they so choose, they
062can enroll their children here. see that as a a fringe benefit to to filling uh our position. So, I'm happy to be able to do that. And it's it's only three and coincidentally, they're all kindergarteners, so young ones. All right. Uh I'm also pleased to announce that um you know thanks to Dan and his team at the secondary uh after uh some um nominations from peers and a voting process we've been able to um nail down who our exeicio student board member will be. So uh this board will grow by one non- voting member who is a a member of the class of 2026 and that's uh Jonathan Caposi. So we'll be onboarding him and he will be president with us uh to the maximum extent possible over the next year. Yeah. So that's pretty
063cool. Uh let's see. I'm still going. All right. Yep. So we had uh through the process of the budget approval at the state level uh that that budgetary process is uh each year linked to some legislative issues. Um, and one of those issues was actually uh a new law um which outlines a bell-to-bell ban on internet enabled devices in school. So, we as a board need to um draft and adopt policy by August 1st. We are going to miss that deadline just by a couple days um because our first meeting is August 6th. Um, but what we're going to do is is we're running a focus group on Wednesday, June 25th. Uh, at this point, we have uh 26 folks signed up for that, which is a combination of staff and parents, and it's about
06450/50. Waited a little bit in the direction of the parents, but that's a nice cross-section of of parents and staff to be able to talk through some of the specifics that we're going to need for that policy. Um our policy committee did meet earlier uh just last week actually um to to review two draft policies one through Erie one Boseies and one through um the school boards association uh and they're they're very similar uh so really it's going to be the details that we need to hammer out. So, we're looking to gather input from those folks on the 25th and we'll bring uh a draft policy for a first read at our July uh regular business meeting which coincidentally is the same day as a reorg meeting because we run those back to back. All
065right. So, that is it for my update. So, thank you. Any questions on any of that? We have a new one. Yeah. Asking about it. Yep. Nice. So, thanks to Dan and his team for putting that process together. I embarrassed him with a nice welcome baseball. Oh, cool. Last week, too. So, awesome. All right. On to board discussion. So, um committee reports. I have an update from Lynn from the good um from the legislative committee. Um so there's going to be they annual survey that they send out to boards. It's going to be done a little differently this next year. Um in the past they've sent it just to Pam and then she forwards it to me and then we talk about it. But this year it's going to go to all board members. Um
066so be on the lookout this summer. It'll probably come out in July or August um for that survey just asking like what are your thoughts about what what we should be advocating for. Um so ways state legislators can help our district, top three things legislative committee should be advocating for, any positions that are no longer a priority priority. Um and are there topics our district would like advocated for at the federal level? Um so that survey will be coming up. Keep keep your eyes out for that. Um, in the past too, it's kind of been hard to complete, but they're going to try to send it in a survey monkey format just to make it easier this year. So, um, along with the survey, Heather Heather Zeers um, from Mural Schools Association will be sending
067a summary of updates and changes at the federal level which are impacting our districts like cuts impacting Medicaid, agriculture, agricultural, library funding, and mental health. um and she is more than willing to come and meet with our uh board of ed to give us updates and offer opportunity for questions. Um Lynn suggests that given all the things that are changing u might be good to have her uh coming come in and meet with our our board. Um, so we may be um scheduling something for her to come and talk with us. And they are opening up the mandated fiscal governance training and the mandated financial um trainings. They're opening those up to all board members. So if you want a refresher, you can go free of charge for that refresher on either of those trainings.
068Um, I'm going to try to make it to the financial one because in your first year, you don't understand half of what they're talking about and then once you live it for a while, you can. So, I'm I'm considering going to that one as long as I'm available. Come join me if you'd like. Um, or even the governance training. Um, I think Pam left the flyer for that right at everybody's spot so you have those dates. Um, so that's it from legislative committee and um updated strategic plan. So, we're we're I'm real I've been realizing for a couple months and finally mentioned something to Nick. Our strategic plan will be will be entering our final year of strategic plan um year five. So, we this next year upcoming um excitingly we'll get to uh go
069through that strategic plan process again to come up with a new plan um that will direct our efforts for the next five years. So forward to that and um oh uh for county is also looking to do a student member training as well which I think will be helpful for our student members connect with Jonathan and and once they have that date right um we'll get him on board and oh and Um, other Mike and Deb attended the honor society induction ceremonies uh for the elementary and high school or I did high school and elementary elementary, right? Um, so those are always funding times. Anything you want to share about those? Only that my daughter I was at the middle school one actually. Middle school. My daughter was mortified to have me there, but other
070than that, it was very inspirational. Yeah. I think it's always fun to um celebrate their Yeah, it's they accomplished so much in such a little time. Yeah. And it's beyond just their academics, their volunteer service and I mean, just the the amazing um young students that were growing in our community. It's exciting. What really struck me is how they've grown up together. I mean, that's the thing that's kind of cool about this community. You know, they they start out, you know, they're really little and then they're still best friends in high school. It's really cool. And um Mike and I attended the 4ount um SBA annual meeting and the 50-year celebration. I had to leave early to get to a lacrosse game, but I was able to hear the Geneva musicians. They had the Geneva
071High School had a um I think there was five student group, right? Um they were called the sea students. Um they did some like Bob Dylan some Journey. Um, it was awesome because here they are, you know, 17 Leonard Skard 17, 18 year olds and they're talking to a crowd of, you know, adults who are old enough to have like lived this when these bands and and singers were um new and uh just their perspective on it. They're like, "Oh, you know, we're hoping some of you might know some of this music." And everybody in the crowd was like, "Yeah, this is our stuff." So, um it was fun and then the the 50-year celebration that happened after um anything you want to share about that? Uh well, it was kind of neat because they
072had former board members from all through the region um who and so there's time to network with them and and uh they were just kind of going down memory lane about things, you know, key key decisions that they were there for, they were part of. A lot of history there. It was neat. All right, I think that's all I have. Anybody else have anything I usually lot's been happening? Okay, on to public comment. The Phelps Clifton Springs Central School District Board of Education invites public comment at this time to those who have been who have signed up in advance with the district clerk. Please limit your comments to two minutes or less. Written remarks may be provided to the board if time expires before a speaker completes their remarks. We ask individuals to state their
073name prior to comments and to provide the district clerk with their contact information for the purposes of follow-up. Although the board will not respond directly to individual comments at this time, items items brought to the attention of the board may be taken under consideration for future response action or follow-up with the speaker. Issues related to specific district students, whether positive, negative, or neutral, must be brought to the attention of the superintendent of schools privately, in order to safeguard student privacy. The board reserves the right to terminate a speaker's comments if their comments are in excess of two minutes, are repetitive, or are not appropriate for discussion in an open public forum. All visitors are reminded to abide by the district code of conduct, and to be respectful and courteous both as speakers and as audience
074members. We are a community focused on bettering public education for our students, some of whom may be present. And we will have one. Thank you. Public comment. On to new business items. [Music] Item A, Board of Educational Organizational Meeting. Is there a motion to approve July 10th, 2025 as the board of education reorganizational meeting date? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of July 10th is our board of education reorganizational meeting date, say I. I. All those opposed. Motion. Item. The student exofficial board member. Yay. Is there a motion to approve the appointment of a student exopicial board member as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of the approval of the appointment of a student exopicial board member as presented say
075I. I. I. All those opposed. Motion carries. Congratulations John. All right. If there are no objections, I'd like to block items C, D, and E. So, budget transfers transfer to capital projects fund fund balance resolution. Is there a motion to approve items C through E as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of items C through E as presented say I. I. All those opposed? Motion carried. Item F, annual statement of salary and benefits. Is there a motion to approve the individual annual statements of salary and benefits as presented for July 1, 2025 through June 30th, 2026? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? It's only next year. All those in favor of item F as presented say I. I. All those opposed motion carried. Uh
076item G, contracts and agreements. Is there a motion to approve numbers 1 through 15 the contracts and agreements as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Gee, seven Okay. And I'm abstaining from number seven. Yeah. Um motion for Heather, would you like to make a motion? Okay, Lindsay. Second. Second. All right. Any other discussion? All those in favor of where am I? Item G, contracts and agreements 1 through 15 as presented say I. I. I. All those opposed motion carries. Item H, memor memorandum of understanding. Is there a motion to approve the memorandum of understanding as so moved? Very second. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of item H as presented say I. I. I. All those opposed motion carried. Item I, the memorandum of agreement. Is there a motion to
077approve the RN MOA between the Phelps Clifton Springs Central School District and the Phelps Clifton Springs Employees Association effective May 23rd, 2025? So moved. Very second. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of item I the MOA say I I. All those opposed motion. All right. Record of resolution. Is there a motion to approve the record of resolution for the particular employee is presented? So moved. There a second. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of item J say I. I. I. All those opposed? Motion carries. Item K, pilot program non-resident student admissions that Nick mentioned earlier. Is there a motion to approve the following resolution regarding the admission of children of non-resident district employees to the district for the 202526 school year? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in
078favor of item K as presented say I. I. All those opposed. Motion carried. Okay. Some things I think we can block. If there's no objections, I would like to block items L through P. So items for disposal, scholarship amendments, fundraisers, field trips, donations. Is there a motion to approve items L through P as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? I move from P. Good call. [Applause] Okay. Um, all those in favor of items L through P as presented, say I. I. I. All those opposed? Motion carried. All right. On to personnel. There's a lot here. Okay. Um, item A, appointments. Is there a motion to approve the appointments as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of item A, the appointments as presented, say
079I. I. All those opposed. Motion carried. All right. If there are no objections, I'd like to block items B through F. So, substitute appointments, summer appointments, appendix F appointments, mentors, and coaching appointments. Is there a motion to approve items B through F as presented? So move. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of items B through F as presented say I. I. All those opposed. Motion carries. And there are no objections. I'd like to block items G and H. Unpaid leave and resignations. Is there a motion to approve G and H as presented? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? All those in favor of items G and H as presented say I. I. I. Those opposed. Motion carried. On to adjournment. So is there a motion to adjourn
080the regular board meeting for the purpose of entering into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters leading to the appointment, employment, discipline, dismissal, or removal of a particular person, discussion involving pending or current litigation and contract negotiation. So moved. There a second. Second. Any discussion? Those in favor of adjournment say I. I. I. All those opposed motion carries are. Thank you everyone. [Applause]