001Good evening everybody. Thanks for coming out tonight. It is 6:03 p.m. We will call to order a meeting of the Board of Education. Please silence electronic devices and stand for the pledge. >> I pledge allegiance 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. >> Do we have any additions or deletions to the agenda this evening? >> Only the resolutions that I sent to you guys before the meeting. >> All right, thank you, Sue. Is there a motion to accept the minutes of the May 20th regular meeting of the Board of Education? Motion by Pete, thank you. Second by Jenny. Any discussion on the minutes? All right, all in favor? I. All right, we have an
002exciting meeting tonight. We have spring athletics presentation, and we also have a special recognition for our retiring educators and some of our board members as well. So, to kick things off, we'll start with the athletic presentation. So, Mr. Visalli, welcome. >> Good evening everybody. Uh so, yeah, we had a great spring. Uh winter was great and and then we rolled into spring and we added a new team and the success was outstanding. We're going to highlight a lot of that right here just so you know, but our spring athletes represented RCS with tremendous pride, sportsmanship, uh dedication both on and off the field uh across all levels. Uh we continue to see strong participation, competitive success. Um I was talking with our our secretary one day in the athletic office and I said, "Man, there's
003something I think we got to do something for the middle school kids to kind of spruce it up, get our numbers up." And she said, "Why don't we do something like a sports fair?" And I said, "You know what? I love that idea." So, we did our first ever sports fair paired up with Denise at the middle school and we had 80 kids come over and work with all of our high school athletes for the fall. We focused on the fall sports and they got to do some putting and they got to do some different drills with our football staff and it was really great. So, kids walked out of that excited to try something new. We had kids, you know, talking bowling. It was it was outstanding. Uh, few highlights we want to go
004through the teams cuz they deserve to be spoke about. Varsity baseball finished 14 and 4 this year with one tie. Uh, earned a second place finish in the Colonial Council. Um, advanced to the sectional semi-finals over at Guilderland. I was able to attend that game. It was a tough loss. Uh, but the kids really did an outstanding job um, highlighting a couple of our baseball players because I think they deserved it to be announced tonight. Is, let's see here. That's flag. Hayden Sorce Sorensen threw a no-hitter against Cohoes. That's pretty hard to do. Uh, Dom LaBelle was the Colonial Council MVP. He's going on to play baseball in college. I love that. Joe Latter was our first team Colonial Council pitcher. Connor Howe, uh, Hayden Sorensen was a first team Colonial Council outfielder. Logan Nap,
005first team Colonial Council utility player. Connor Ryan, second team. Devin Cameron Cameron, honorable mention. Um, our varsity softball program had an outstanding season. Uh, they finished with 13 wins which uh, was more than the previous three seasons. Uh, and and those coaches do a great job, and they had some special players on there. I got to see a lot of softball this spring. And not only were they good at softball, just a phenomenal group of kids. Um, and uh, they were exciting to watch. Just to highlight a few of our softball girls, um, we had Autumn Leschack was named second team Colonial Council All-Star as a catcher, also played football, so how you do that is impressive. Um, Megan Vessoni was named our first team Colonial Council All-Star at third base. McKenzie Cross is just
006insane to watch, fun to watch, humble, quiet kid, and made no errors. I don't know how you do that, but her fielding percentage was a thousand. Um, and uh, in addition to McKenzie voted top four in the Colonial Council, named Section Two All-Star team. Uh, our boys tennis team had a good season. They finished eight and eight. They doubled their years uh, their year years wins totals this year from last year, earned our first sectional team win in over six years, had players advance on to the individual sectionals for RCS. Some of our tennis players' highlights um, included Brady Warner. He advanced to the third round of an individual sectionals, and that's the furthest that RCS players advanced to in close to six years. Um, which is was amazing. Uh, Coach Schumann's a a great
007guy. He does a great job with our kids. Um, varsity track and field had a great season, uh, competing in 13 meets and five invitationals, finishing with 233 personal records, two school records, four league championships, and three sectional championships. Some of our highlights for our track kids, uh, Mason Brzozowski, I'm sure we've heard that name several times. He uh he uh was two new school records and Piper Wedel, we've heard that name. She's outstanding and she one doesn't get to come back, but one does. So, we're happy that about that so we can continue to do that and see success. Um and our last sport that I want to highlight and it was really just it was fun to watch. We fired them up about a week before the season started just logistically. That's kind
008of how we did it. Uh coach Bill Brzezowski was was our head coach and he really has done a phenomenal job with our girls. The girls really listen to him and he he's a great teacher of the game. I was at a lot of practices. I was at a lot of games. I went to a sectional game in Bishop Gibbons. I was kind of sideline control because it's hard. He's by himself, but uh the girls really did a phenomenal job and I want you to know a few things that they did that I really think stood out was number one, they beat Bethlehem to start the year off and we love that. They beat Guilderland uh about two or three games later after that. They they beat Guilderland. So, you hear about things where we
009can't compete with double A schools. I'm going to disagree with you and it's going to continue to grow because it's not just the season. He's already he was in my office before this meeting for 45 minutes. We were talking about building up the the younger kids. So, uh couple highlights for our flag team. Let's see here. Um I mean, Hayden Wolf was outstanding. Hayden Wolf um first team offense, defense. Um Let's see here. We also had uh the season highlights at first ever sectional victory uh with a 28 to nothing dominant win. So, you know, to start a new program when a sectional game and have a chance to go to the championship is pretty impressive, but coach, a other highlights who else besides Hayden, what else we got? Reagan Wolf was a second team
010defense. And Juliana Demarest, so it was just outstanding and fun to watch. So, um I don't know if anybody has any questions. I know we have a big agenda, but I really wanted to kind of get through that and kind of highlight some of our kids. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> All right, next we'll roll into our retiree recognition. >> All right, good evening everybody. Very exciting, but also very sad for the district evening tonight. As we prepare to recognize our retirees, I am reminded that I am quite possibly the newest person in the room. I've had 1 year at RCS and a lot of the people that we're honoring tonight have been here for 20, 30, even 33 years. So, I'm not going to pretend that I've watched
011every one of their careers unfold. I certainly did not. But I have spent a year walking our buildings. And you can see and feel the work that they have put in to make this a really great place for people to send their children, a great place to live, and a great place to work. So, you have all made a tremendous difference. I did a little bit of math and together these retirees have given RCS 367 years of service combined. >> [applause] >> So, what we'll do now is recognize each of our retirees and when I call your name, uh we'll certainly take time to applaud each and every one of you. So feel free to hoot and holler and applaud. And if uh you're the retiree we're honoring, if you would come forward to receive
012your certificate. Uh now we do have some who are not present, uh not able to be present tonight, but we're going to celebrate those people as well and perhaps they're watching online. Uh so to begin, we have a technology teacher Shelley Bevin with 18 years of service. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Next up is bus driver Frank Bruno with 16 years of service. >> [applause] >> And I believe with us in the audience tonight, we have teaching assistant with 27 years of service, Lori Collins. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> [snorts] >> Uh next we have special education teacher Laura Lee Daniels with 20 years of service. >> [applause] >> And present with us tonight, we have reading teacher with 21 years of service. Congratulations, Kelly Doggett. >> [applause] [cheering] >> Next, uh as the secretary to
013the superintendent with five years of service, Robin Erickson. >> [applause] >> And present with us this evening with 26 years of service as an English teacher, congratulations, Gloria Foley. >> [applause] >> And our numbers are creeping up here with 32 years of service as an elementary teacher, Glenn Koblinzer. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. >> Thanks for getting the last name right there. >> I practiced. Uh next as a senior keyboard specialist with 28 years, Sandy Crane. >> [applause] >> And working in food service for 24 years, congratulations to Celia O'Brien. >> [applause] >> Uh next up with 33 years, head custodian Mary Ann Ortiz, congratulations. >> [applause] >> As a mechanic in our transportation department for 13 years, we congratulate Dave Provan. >> [applause] >> And I believe our next 33-year veteran is with us tonight,
014elementary teacher Lisa Travis. >> [applause and cheering] >> And next with 23 years of service as an elementary teacher and math specialist, Marissa Toutant, congratulations. >> Uh next and also with us tonight, uh bus driver for 16 years, Richard Williams. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> And last on our retiree list, but certainly not least, 32 years of service as an elementary teacher. Congratulations to Heather Wright. >> [applause] [applause] >> I can't get over the smiles on the faces of these retirees. And I don't think it's just for the certificate. Uh to every one of you, you are leaving behind very big shoes to fill. You're leaving behind a district that is genuinely better because you spent your career here. Retirement's described in many ways, but we seldom consider it a commencement. We tell graduates that the
015end of one thing is the start of the next, and tonight that is true for you. I hope your next thing is full of easy mornings, the people you love, and absolutely none of the things that you're glad to leave behind. Congratulations. Thank you. Go enjoy it. You have certainly earned every minute. >> [applause] [applause] >> And before we break for snacks, while I'm at the podium, we do have a couple of other recognitions. I would like to thank our student ex-officio board members for their very dedicated year of service. Uh they certainly added a welcome dynamic to our Board of Education and we're very thankful to have had them this past year. Ika Usmani and Owen Smith, congratulations. >> [applause] >> And last, uh retiring in a different sense, we do have a long-time
016Board of Education member. We're very, very thankful for his many years of service. And we've got a small gift and a certificate for Mr. Pete Ross. Thank you. >> [applause] >> There you go. >> Congratulations. >> And we've got a lot to celebrate, so let's take a break and uh have some desserts and some snacks. Thank you. >> All right, we are back on and we are going to proceed into the business consideration portion of the board meeting. Uh congratulations once again to all the retirees and families. We appreciate everything you've done for us over the years. So, for business considerations, tonight we have 6-1 through 6-32. I'm going to ask for a motion with respect to the business considerations. >> I'll make Can we Can we modify that? Can we We have a roll
017call, so can we motion for all but 27 through 30? >> Sure. >> I motion for that. >> All right. Jenny's got a motion for 61 through 632 with the exception of 627 through 630. >> I'll second. >> Second by Ed. Uh do we have any discussion? I'll start off first uh before we questions and just note the um 68 is a donation uh in the amount of the equivalent amount of $500 for the um donation of a Fender guitar um from Dan Palmer. And also later in the um agenda tonight under informational items, there's also a Fender amp worth $200 that uh Dan is also donating to the school. So, thank you very much uh >> Thank you. >> uh Dan for the guitar and amp. Uh beyond that, is there anything on the
018remaining business considerations? >> You're good. >> I was going to ask you first. Um on uh the OTPT uh I I we changed the number, so I lost which one it was. >> Let me see the updated one. >> But we have a thing to >> 620 >> go back out with our OTPT providers, that group. >> 620 >> Uh 620 >> 620, yeah. >> So, I know we've been doing this outside for years, but I just wonder if we could get at some point a report on what that cost us every year. Like, what do we actually spend for that each year? Um you know, that'd be something that maybe we maybe at some point in time we could bring back in house, you know, unless it's too cost averse. But, you know, it's
019been talked about for a lot of years, and I wasn't really sure. >> Oh, thank you. >> So, I can >> Apparently, it's in there. >> Yeah, it's in there. Only for Only for this this current school year, it's in there. >> All right, so we have that in our outlook. >> Where'd you find it? >> It's in the executive content. You're not signed in. >> I am signed in. >> You're in the public version. >> Oh my gosh. >> If you were signed in, it's >> See this blank on mine, so there's nothing in my executive content. >> you're not. You're not on the right thing. You've got to click on 620. >> That would help. >> Okay. >> What do I do with that, Jackie? >> with technology. [laughter] >> Just >> You
020wouldn't be able to find anything on your computer. >> it. This is just for the summertime, though, too. >> Okay. >> They're usually having it in the general >> Yeah, if we could even have it like last two year two years or whatever what what our total cost was for OT and PT. >> You got it. >> Um maybe for two years. And then he said that that's just summer, he said. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> But at least it's a baseline of information. >> Yes. Yeah, but just for summer. >> Yeah. No, but the the contract is just for the summer, right? The number on the bottom is for the school >> is what we pay during the school year. >> during the school year. >> Okay. >> That number is what we pay
021during the school year. The contract is just for the summer. >> Sorry about that. I did not read well on that. I I I own that. Um and then Jessica, just maybe just go over some of the reserve fund stuff. Uh 20 1 through 20 4. >> Yeah, so every year uh in the last board meeting, we need to set uh limits. And And what I mean by uh limits for reserves is the maximum amount we want to, if we have surplus funds, to put in certain reserves. Uh and if you remember uh back in January, the finance committee and myself uh developed a uh reserve plan uh and then brought it to the board uh for approval. So, we are using that reserve plan to um for these reserve amounts. >> All right. Thank
022you. I just wanted that I wanted that on camera so people understand what we're doing. >> Yep. >> Um and then but I do have two questions, right? 23, I think I understand. That's the capital reserve for the new project, right? This is 24 the new project. >> the that capital reserve is is the one we already have and and it the motion might be mislabeled. Um Um it's one we already have. Um so we have two uh capital reserves currently right now. One is already maxed out and what I mean by that was we put the max amount of money that we could put in that reserve. Um there's still a little bit of money in it, but we cannot put any more money into that reserve. The second one uh was I believe
023back in May 23, we developed a new one. Uh and this is giving authority to actually anything above the 4% um into that reserve. >> Okay. And now that Jackie showed me where to find the things I should be reading, um so my answer is it but also 621 talks about a motion to establish a retirement contribution reserve fund. That's something we also already have though, right? So it's not >> Yeah, so that again the motion the motion could have been worded a little bit better, but if you look inside the actual action is really explains it better. >> Right. >> Um and that is just setting uh you know, the max amount we can contribute. >> Again, I just cuz the way it reads and because not everybody else the community doesn't have the
024executive content. So questions came like why are we making all the What are we doing What are we doing this for? Right. So but I always want to make sure that was also on record. Appreciate it. >> So for the um capital reserve, we're not necessarily going to move all of the excess beyond 4% in, right? There's going to be some amount that'll be determined. >> Yeah, I mean that's something why I always like to have a finance committee meeting once we have our audit and we have surplus funds uh to discuss, "Hey, I'd like to do this because of this and all that kind of stuff." So I would never uh just say, "Hey, we're doing this." Um it's a discussion because this is you know, it's a it's something that we're planning for
025the future. So uh I would recommend that we start trying to build that up because I've mentioned in some of our other meetings that we are using all of it up. So to try to save and lower the local cost in the future, we'd like to see that build up a little bit if we have some extra funds this year. >> It's usually like around October, I think, right? >> With the audit, yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's right. >> we'll have the final in October. So, we'll probably do a, you know, finance committee in late September, mid to late September regarding the surplus stuff. >> Okay. >> Anyone else? >> Uh no, I had other ones, but I think the superintendent talked me out of that and the consultants for now. >> All right, you
026got it. >> Good. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Do you have anything else for now? >> No, not for these, no. >> Okay. Anyone else? >> [snorts] >> No. >> All right. Uh all in favor? >> Aye. >> That's unanimous. All right. So, now we need a motion for 627. >> I'll >> Motion to approve 627. >> All right. Thanks, Matt. >> Second by Dan. Any [snorts] discussion on this? All right, then Sue, we're going to roll call vote. >> Mr. Baker. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Callery. >> Aye. >> Mr. Benenati. >> Aye. >> Mr. Miller. >> Aye. >> Mr. DeLeo. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Molino. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Potter. >> Aye. >> Mr. Ross. >> Aye. >> All right. Now, we need a motion for 628. >> A motion for 628. >> Thanks,
027Jenny. >> I'll second. >> Second by Dan. Any discussion? All right. We'll roll call roll call vote this one. >> I'm going backwards. Mr. Ross. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Potter. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Molino. >> Aye. >> Mr. Miller. >> Aye. >> Mrs. Callery. >> Aye. >> Mr. Baker. >> Aye. >> Mr. Benenati. >> Aye. >> Mr. DeLeo. >> Aye. >> Okay. >> [snorts] >> Now, we need a motion for 629. >> Motion. >> All right. Thanks, Ed. >> Second by Dan. Any discussion? All right, [snorts] Sue. Let's vote. >> Mr. DeLeo. >> Aye. >> Mr. Benenati. >> Aye. >> Mr. Baker. >> Aye. >> Mrs. >> Hi. >> Mr. Miller. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Molino. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Potter. >> Hi. >> Mr. Ross. >> Hi. >> [laughter] >> All right, last up
0286:30. Motion 6:30. >> All right, thanks Matt. >> Second by Dan again. Any discussion? All right, let's vote. >> Last time. Mrs. Cowling. >> Hi. >> Mr. Benenati. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Molino. >> Hi. >> Mr. Baker. >> Hi. >> Mr. Miller. >> Hi. >> Mr. Dale. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Potter. >> Hi. >> Mr. Ross. >> [laughter] >> All right, personnel considerations 7-1 through 7-46. Is there a motion for one or more? >> A motion for all. >> All right, thanks Jackie. Do I hear a second? Stands on a roll. Second by Dan. >> [laughter] >> I'm just opening up the chart here, give me a moment, please. >> It's a big chart. >> It is a big chart. >> Mhm, tell me about it. >> [laughter] [snorts] >> Okay, uh do we have
029any items for discussion on the personnel considerations? Okay, all in favor? >> Hi. >> Anything on any informational items that anybody wants some discussion on? >> Is that Fender amp different from the other guitar? Is that the same guitar in this one? >> This is the amp. >> It's the amp that goes with the guitar, yeah. Yeah. >> I'm not a music guy, sorry. >> I would just emphasize in there there is at the high school level, if anyone read it, um and we've discussed it at the board level many times before. One of the concerns was the um, lack of [clears throat] CTE seats available. There's usually 15 to 20 students that are looking to go [clears throat] to CTE, but the spots aren't available at BOCES. So, yeah, maybe the possibility we've talked
030about before of sometimes in-house CTE program um, for certain things to make available for students cuz it seems like the interest is there. Um, what we could do, obviously welding or something like that we couldn't, but programming, things like that, um, maybe we could make available. So. >> It's a it's a little premature, but um, the uh, advisory council report did have some potential uh, requests to changes to attendance policy that I think I might have some concerns about, but we don't have the actual proposals yet. They're going to be worked on it this summer. >> Right. >> So, I'll just throw that out there that we should be looking at that carefully and make sure it's something that's useful when it comes out. But again, that was just an advisory part here and they
031have to work on it this summer. >> Then that would come to Then that would come to policy. >> It would have to come to policy. >> Come to policy, okay. So, I know they're going to work at it over the summer, but we only have one meeting in July, one meeting in August. So, in order for anything changes to be made realistically, it has to come before the policy committee before the August meeting. >> We We've worked it all out already. We We have that part set. But if you haven't I guess my point of saying that even now is for you know, the board members that hear that it you know, it's only for portion large. If you haven't really looked at it 8.2 yet, take a chance to look at it and
032particularly some of the the ideas they have for changing our attendance policy. >> All right. >> Is it also possible on that report just to see some of the more of the data of what our attendance looks like? I mean, obviously not down to the students, but um, you know, I mean, obviously it's noted where we have some concerns about attendance, but would it be possible to see a little bit more, you know, like by by building or by grade or something to see, you know, where the >> We We can give you by building, by grade, uh with certain demographics >> Okay. >> uh as well. Those are all things that we look at, so >> Yeah, sure. I figured it was available. It just helps wrap kind of my head around what we're
033looking at. Thank you. >> All right. Anything further on informational items? All right, Superintendent Chandler. >> Uh yeah, the only thing I have for tonight is just uh to acknowledge that I'm aware that there were many uh issues with the yearbook. Um it's unfortunate. Um we are looking into how those things happened. Uh you know, some of those are obviously our fault. Some of those are the vendor's fault. Um but um you know, we take it seriously. We're looking into why those things happened and also interested in trying our best to make it right for any students that were affected by them. >> Is it the high school yearbook? >> Yeah. >> What was the issue? Many students >> Uh some some different mistakes and such. >> All right. Uh we have nothing else from
034district office? >> No. >> All right. Owen? >> Student ex officio. >> Last meeting. What do you got for us? >> So, I just want to thank all you guys uh sitting at this table and everyone involved in the process for just making the transition from a student to student ex officio like as smooth as possible and for just being really easy to work with this whole time. Um and I'd also like to congratulate all the retirees again. Like I've had the pleasure of knowing a few of them here and I'm just like to say my congratulations. And to all the graduating seniors uh who will graduate next Thursday. And uh good luck to people or who have taken a Regents so far or are going to take a Regents uh in these Latin this
035this this next this next week. Uh and over the last uh since the last meeting there's been a few things like the senior walk-through yesterday which was or 2 days ago, sorry. Uh that was that was a success. It was fun, you know, seeing all the old teachers going through the old buildings. Uh like the nostalgia really hit, you know. Uh and um yeah, like I said earlier we have graduation coming up uh next week on Thursday uh as you all know. And but there's one more uh concern I would like to bring up uh that students have come to me with and that I've brought up here before uh which revolves bathrooms. And there's like two main concerns here. Uh I mean, I'm I'm assuming these concerns go to the other schools, but I
036just know specifically for the high school. Uh and the two issues there are revolve around paper towels {slash} like the hand dryers and um like the constant locking {slash} closing of the bathrooms throughout the day. And about the paper towels, there's the only bathroom that I'm aware of that has paper towels in the high school are the gender neutral ones in the library over here. Uh which can only have one student in at a time because there's one there's not like a stall. It's just like as you guys know. Um and the only way to dry your hands rather than like you like using like your pants or something like waving them in the air is the hand dryers which uh I don't know if you guys have used them, but they're not up to
037the standard I think that is in this like we're we're in 2026 and it takes uh on average like 2 minutes according to a group of students who tested them with a stopwatch. It takes about 2 minutes to dry a hand in the hand dryers which is I just find like >> Yeah, kudos for the Good job. >> People are passionate about these things. >> Okay. >> I love that. Good job. >> Um so that's an issue I have and I'll talk to more on like a solution or like a possible few solutions I have at the end. And then about the closing, I know obviously there's vandalism, there's hygiene issues that need to be dealt with throughout the day. And bathroom should be closed for that. There shouldn't be, you know, like if there's
038something going wrong in the bathroom, nobody should be going to the bathroom. Like it should be locked so the janitors can do their jobs. Completely understand and support that. Um I just think that there should at one at one point watching at one point multiple times throughout the school year in my four years in the high school, there have been days when every single boys bathroom has been closed. And it's like there's no access to a bathroom anywhere in the high school besides the gender neutral ones. But like I said earlier, there's only two of them and they can only shoot they can only uh like you can only have one person at a time. So it's just very limited. Um So the solutions I have for that which we had we did in the
039past. I think it was like freshman and sophomore year. I don't think we did last year. But having the hall aids sit outside the bathroom with a clipboard. Uh so you check in. That also cuts down the vandalism so we could go back to the paper towels cuz I know that's like the big issue with having the paper towels is that it's being used for vandalism a lot which I which I understand. And it's also uh harms the environment a little bit which I I'm also like I'm passionate about the environment. So I get that standpoint too. But having somebody sit outside the bathrooms with a clipboard for the sign in and sign out, you'll be able to pinpoint people who commit the acts of vandalism. And you'd just have better control over the people
040coming in and out of the bathroom so you can limit it to how many people can go in at once. I know right now there's a policy where the there's a sign out sheet in the each classroom. But that doesn't limit people from other classrooms communicating to go to the bathroom at the same time. Like it just doesn't really do anything in that regard. So having somebody sit out there uh like we did in the past. I'm not sure really why we stopped. It could be an issue with like staff like just having the numbers. Uh so if if it's that like I see why we can't do it anymore, but I think that will cut down on the vandalism and thus cutting down like the uh, times the bathrooms are locked, which is like
041going to the bathroom in my head is not a privilege. It's more of a right. Like, you need to be able to have a bathroom that you like go to the bathroom. And it's not fair to like the 80% of students who don't commit acts of vandalism to not have a place to go. So, but other than that, I have nothing else. I just like to say thank you again. It's been a great experience here and yeah, thank you. >> If you do have to use the bathrooms in here, can you come into the library on other periods to use them? >> Yeah, there are. Uh, >> Okay, so you can at least access them. I'm not saying it's the greatest solution. >> I know what you mean. >> But at least there is one
042option that you can utilize. >> I will say sometimes the library is closed in those the library is closed, you can't access these bathrooms either. I know we're doing like regions when there's regions in there during the school day, there's no access. You can't come in the library at all, so those bathrooms are again not not accessible Yeah. >> And there's got to be something at some point cuz that's by law. You have to have at least one open. >> know. I think there's a I think the nurse's the the nurse's office, I think, has a bathroom, so they that's >> want to clarify these ones were more accessible to them throughout the school day or if it was something different. >> Whether you have one accessible, if it's feasible, is another thing. >> That's
043fair. >> Absolutely. >> This hasn't been This has been brought up the past multiple years and the solution has always been to lock the bathrooms. I just think we have to figure out a way to find another solution because >> Yeah, I mean, I agree. >> Um, my [clears throat] kids have said it, too. Limiting the times and how far they have to travel and then they're late to class, so they don't bother to go. Is is really not we're not doing them a service by that. So, I think we really have to figure out a way, whether it's staffing or whatever, to make sure that the combinations are are there for people to be able to say if one's available isn't always practical, so. >> I have a silly question. Would they find other
044hand dryers that were more efficient acceptable, or are you really >> Yeah, I >> paper towels? >> Uh I personally see any uh a good, powerful, not taking 2 minutes hand dryer to be the best solution because the if not having paper towels will just like be able to cut down vandalism, and it will not harm the environment as much. The um I just feel like you're not going to be able to find or be able to feasibly get like the best like cream of the crop hand dryer with like this kind of a budget, too. Like cuz I know it's really tight this year. >> Okay. >> Uh so, I don't know if that's feasible, and I paper towels also are like like a standard hygiene like you need them like spills. >> I
045mean in public you have to have something to dry your hands in the bathroom. It's still legal. >> Yeah, yeah. >> So, you have to have >> And there's always spills in classrooms, and not every classroom has paper towels, so you need to be able to >> We'll say that those brown paper towels are not terribly absorbent or helpful, but they're better than nothing. >> They're better than yeah. They're better than those hand dryers in California, you know what I mean? >> Oh, I know. I I have them in my school, as well. They're not great. >> All right. >> Thank you for continuing to be an advocate for your fellow students despite the fact that you will never really have to deal with this issue again. I really like respect for continuing to advocate
046even though this is really no longer a you problem. I very much appreciate that. >> [snorts] >> Now, for somebody who will continue to be here, but will not be with us next year. >> I won't. Um I wanted to start off by saying that this has probably been one of my favorite years, even though I have experienced the worst sophomore slump ever. Um I definitely loved working with you guys. I remember the first time when me and Owen got sworn in here. It was so, I don't know. It was so weird, probably cuz I wasn't as open to everybody as I am now. Uh but it was nice getting to know everybody, um especially Owen, since his brother's in my grade and we're interacting every day. Um but other than that, this year has
047definitely been really memorable for me. Um not only as in being here and seeing every meeting, but also getting to be part of every little, you know, event that we've had so far. And you know, everybody just helping out like during the budgeting meeting when I didn't understand anything and you guys helped me. Um that was really helpful. You know, it helped me a lot. It made me feel more um welcomed. I feel like is the best word here. Um but other than that, you know, it was really it's really hard to say goodbye for another year. Um senior year is definitely my comeback. I definitely will try my best to be a part of you guys again. Um I definitely will stay in touch with many of you. Um you know, many a lot
048of thank yous for all of you guys. You guys definitely were a big part of my life this year. Um just navigating almost every single thing, especially with the board documents and everything. Um the June, I think was it? No, the August uh Nisbo thing that I went to. The event was amazing. You know, there's there's little moments that kind of you know, make me sad and not want to leave. But you know, we all can't have things we want in life. So it's definitely hard to say goodbye to Owen since he's not going to be here anymore. Um but you know, um I hope the next kids that come, the next student board officials, they definitely are really good kids, too. I'm really close friends with one of them and the other one, too,
049is also they're both really amazing kids. So I know that they will leave a really nice impact on the board again. Um you know, it felt it was like an honor to be here. Um it felt nice telling my parents every 2 weeks that can you guys go drop me off? I have a meeting today. That was definitely one of my favorite parts. Um and coming to sit here with all of you and getting to know you was the best part even if I had a midterm that day or if I had a regent, you know, you guys always still made me feel like I don't you know, it was an option like I had I didn't have to be here. Um, but I wanted to you know, savor those little moments. Um, Owen's graduating
050next week. Um, congratulations to all of the retirees. Um, one of them I actually know really well. Um, congratulations to the sports this year. The spring sports were amazing. Um, a lot of the people I know they did a really great job. Um, in in all it was just an amazing year for me. Um, so I can't wait to see Owen next week on graduation. Um, and then I can't wait to see you guys senior year. But I will definitely be here and there. [laughter] >> We look forward to you back at the same >> You both set a You both set a high bar. I just want to thank you for not just signing up to do this but really doing it, right? So, one of the reasons that we had two student board
051members is so that they could cover for one another because we anticipated that things would come up with school work and athletics and extracurriculars. But you have both been here almost every meeting. And if you haven't been able to be here, you've communicated with us about why you couldn't be there letting us know that you that you couldn't. So, you've gone above and beyond what our expectations were as the first student board members. So, I just want to thank you for you know, doing it having the initiative to do it but also sticking through and doing such a a great job throughout the year. >> It was really It was an amazing honor to be with you guys and sit with adults and talk about adult matters. Um, not that I do at home but
052you know, it felt really nice to text Owen and be like, "Hey, you know, are you going to be there today?" And he'd be like, "No, I have a swim meet today." And then be like, "The next time I'd be, "Hey, I can't I have soccer." He'd be like, "Okay, that's fine." Um, and sending to you guys emails and stuff to let you know Um, I really love dedication especially when there's something that I have to do and if I have a role somewhere I feel like obligated to be there even if I am running late if you guys have seen but you know being here and present you know it just really it made me happy and I tried my best even if I maybe some meetings I didn't say anything or if I
053didn't have anything to say you know as a first student ex-officio being here and talking in front of many people is I love it but you know some things that just don't make sense I kind of you know calculated in my mind I'd be like no I don't think I should say that but you know they just I said it anyways but other than that I really loved it you know thank you guys I really appreciated it. >> You both set the standard so congrats once again hopefully hopefully carry something you know from this experience with you forward into college and school next year. >> Yeah you can run for the board next year by the way I just want to make sure you remember that you've had some practice [laughter] I'm just Okay well
054when you come in four years you can come back >> [laughter] >> we'll give you some time off just want to remind you you know once you're not a student anymore you're allowed to you know have a different seat at the table. You have a couple of years before you can run for the board. >> [laughter] >> Shoot I forgot. >> All right do we have any new business items for tonight? >> I have one. >> Yeah? >> The we received the email about the Quik'n Ezy Recycling Center proposal there's a public hearing coming up on that I don't know do we have any idea coming into that about what their plans are changing or what impact it might have on us as a school district? >> We did get a letter regarding it possibly
055having a pilot associated with it. >> Okay. >> So that's as much as I know at this point it's still early in the process. >> still early then? >> Yeah we got that maybe within the last week so >> But there's no no way it it it still has to go to hearing and all that kind of stuff. >> Yeah yeah. >> All right. Thank you. >> But we'll obviously pursue it if if it comes our direction. >> You there? Yeah. >> Absolutely. >> go to we have somebody at it or kind of thing? >> the public hearing? >> Yeah. >> We could Yeah, we could see if we could get there. Absolutely. >> Cuz I know the state is actually trying to some people around state-wise are trying to get us more involved in
056board being school boards, right? More involvement in those decision-makings with the IDAs give us more of an actual seat at the table cuz right now as you know, we whatever happens to us happens to us. They make decisions, we just get told to do what. >> Yeah. >> Hopefully we'll get to see it. >> Yeah, it's a pilot or no pilot at that point, yeah. >> Right. So. Okay. All right. >> Um the old business items, just so we can keep track where things are at with that. Um the athletic code of conduct is that still >> Still being reviewed. >> Oh, is it in the policy committee or is it >> It's still in policy committee with with Zach and Craig right now. >> Okay. >> Yeah, so um Zach actually just sent out
057a request today for uh members to uh kind of ad hoc group to review um you know, not not start completely over, >> Mhm. >> but take what's currently there, some of the issues that he's encountered throughout the year and ask for those people. So, he's got some uh >> Okay. >> parent volunteers and some coaches and some teachers >> And >> uh to participate in that. And they're planning to have recommendations to me before our meeting in August. >> Then it will go to Paul to Matt, right? >> Yeah, yeah. It's just I again, I think it's it's been there a long time, but you know, Zach started in October. We're letting him work back on that. >> something in place before fall sports start or >> Yes. >> Ideally. >> That's the idea.
058>> So, I I have a comment about that. We we went through it. There's a lot in there. The only thing that I would say and suggest is tone it down. There seems to be a lot of micromanaging in there that makes it almost impossible for the not only the coaches, but the athletic director to follow. Um we have to trust our coaches. We have to trust our athletic director, our principals, and our administration to make decisions. There's some things in there that are like it's this or that, and it's that doesn't work that way in the real world. So, I just hope that that input is there um because >> [clears throat] >> it's a pretty big document, it's pretty in-depth, and I think in some ways it handicaps our ability to send the
059right message and to um teach the kids not sportsmanship in in everything. So. >> As you and I think as you know what I'm sorry. >> No, go ahead. >> Some of that stuff happened in a meeting when you and I happened not to be there. >> not there. So, that stuff that I'm not I probably won't be on the I don't have a lot of time, but I'm just voicing my opinion because these are things that Matt and I had brought up when we were not in that meeting that one time. So, um >> Does it address who students can go home with it after away games? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, we >> your process? I appreciate you for [clears throat] it. >> Okay, well, then that means to be clearly communicated
060to all athletes. And if it's going to require multiple signatures, I you need to streamline it. It doesn't Okay. >> Okay, so to clarify that, the um we had issues what what the board had decided policy had decided that kids would should be able to go home with at a game a parent should be able to tell the coach or write a note we wanted it to be if they could go home with somebody. Um we checked with Ryan, Ryan said he had no problem with it if it was a note, and we had issues in in the beginning where it was like uh they the well, the student has to submit a request, has to get it signed, and get it all that. And it was no, that's not the way we envisioned it
061at all. It was that if a student even that day they could walk up to the coach and say, "Hey, I need to leave. My student is going to be going home. Give him a note. He's going to be riding home with Mrs. Such and such." And that was acceptable, and that was fine. And that's the way we really wanted it to run. So, and that's the way it was after that incident that >> Right, cuz like not for nothing my daughter can't be going around to the high school principal and to the athletic director to get them to sign off to ride home with the person that she can walk out the store to too. >> No, it can even be you can just you know even at that thing >> [clears throat] >>
062what the coach said like say you're in a way game and I'm the coach >> Right. >> and you know mom can't come get so and so we'd have the kid call like the parent make the parent call and say okay Mr. Miller my daughter can go home with so and so. We used to want to say just throw them into a car also. >> Right. >> saying throw them into a car but like especially the coach of the team that my daughter's on she knows that most of the girls on that team have been together for many years as a team and often give each other rides too. >> But you just you like to have that as coaches we like to have the verbal so we know that that parent knows that kid
063is going home with that parent tonight you know so that there's not a confusion like I didn't know they're going home with them tonight. >> Well we had like a sheet we all had to sign like when we picked them kids up we would sign like that we were taking them so I would sign for my daughter's friends if I was taking them. >> But it is in there yes. >> I I would just add I'll second Ed's statement. Um we have to follow the policy. >> Mhm. >> Right. I mean that's one of one of my biggest gripes is we worked hard you guys worked hard and we know in the past it was never followed and there was no consistency around the policy. So if we're going to do it I think you
064guys are doing a great job it just needs to be followed and there needs to be consistency cuz there hasn't been. >> Yeah. >> Ed was there right down there. >> We we had ADs principals and coaches right? >> Absolutely we've had plenty of discussions around this. So. >> Right. >> Well that's why we wanted >> Yes. >> to look at it and give his input and then run through it so. >> Okay. >> Uh it's going to be hard for Craig and I to go to that public hearing. It's uh June 25th at 6:00. >> [laughter] >> So we'll we'll figure out how to get the meeting minutes but I understand that that's something we should be attending in the future. >> All right yeah if we can find somebody that's not available. >>
065Find somebody that's not available maybe yeah. >> It's impossible for any of us. >> James I think James is available that >> I don't think he's available. >> No nobody is that night right? >> Nobody is that night. >> could probably find out more information. >> I think they're they're putting up two new buildings in the industrial park, so >> The question is what the impact's going to be on us financially, fiscally. >> I don't think there's going to be any impact on us. >> They asked for >> Well >> tax breaks >> Well, if they do a pilot >> If they do a pilot, yeah. >> If they do a pilot, so we just have to wait and see. >> Right. >> Okay. >> All right. We'll get more information. I'll get information for
066you, Justin. >> Thanks. >> On the SRO night shift report, is there anything we're waiting on at this point? What what are we tracking on here for old business? Or is that resolved? >> Well, Mike and I I know I brought it up a long time ago. So as with Mike Cohen, you know, we were talking about what we're going to do differently. We I don't know, did we ever come I don't recall coming to >> I gave the board the the new job description. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. That's the plan we're moving we're planning to move forward with. >> Well, cuz there was also I know Cohen was talking about this the other day and he was not here tonight. So I don't want to totally [clears throat] speak for him. But there were
067requests from some people about extending it to the elementary schools and he wanted to have an answer on that. That's that's not me, that's Mike. I'm just reporting for Mike. We had a bunch of people write to us. A couple of people write to us. They need to have SROs regularly in all the buildings. >> Oh, sure. They go between buildings. >> That's That's growing. >> Yeah, we talked about it. >> Well, I support it and I don't support it. That's That's what Mike was trying to get at. This is night shift, but he I know he was talking about the SRO program in general. >> That would be a budget for next year, right? >> Yes, yes. That would have to be something we would talk about. >> Oh, I hear you. I just
068Again, that's me, that's Mike. >> No, no, I hear you. I hear you. >> Can we remove SRO night shift report from old business? There's nothing further to track on there, right? >> Right. >> I don't think so. >> All right, so we'll take that one off. >> [laughter] >> Sorry, the other one's got to stay. >> We have have policies done. >> We have three We have two policies for a reading tonight. And then we have three that are up for second read and approval. >> The on the code of conduct one, isn't that one that also has to be put there for 2 weeks for the public to >> It will eventually. >> After the after the first reading, yes. >> Okay. >> Yep. They'll be a public 30-day takes you 30-day we
069think public hearing. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we have But also plan to have that in place by September 2nd. So, we're going to it's time to have it in have it for the August meeting for the second read. So, it's ready for the school year. >> So, after we do this, I have just some comments but in general but let's do this first. >> Yeah. So, just my quick report. I just want to say one thing actually not so much about the the deals. I think Ed, you might have been the one to start it process of trying to switch over from our old book to a Nisba policy manual [clears throat] which is not as simple as saying we'll take that one. You have to go item by item, look at theirs, look at
070ours, see what matches, then there's all connecting policies. It's a it's a nightmare. It really is. So, I just wanted to have in this doing my second year doing this. I think we're making some really good progress now. But in particular, I wanted to thank Sue Star last year and EC Sample this year for helping organize all that for us. You know, it's been all Jesse and and Greg know how it's a it's a bear to try to follow all the different policies. As a matter of fact, we went into one last night where they're proposing a new policy that had the same number as the old policy. So, which which 2210 were you talking about? So, yeah, so it was really crazy. So, thanks to them for all their efforts on trying to keep
071that all together. And you know, Greg, myself, and Jackie being on it just battling through it. And I always say this like it's not an insult at all Jesse like I don't know how the business administrator gets pulled into this poor thing. Right? I don't know how he all the policy but he is. I don't know why but he is. And he does a ton of work though preparing, you know, making the changes we need to make on all this stuff. So, it's a big undertaking. We're not there yet but I wanted to thank those five six people really that have been working on this the last 2 years because it is so much and we're trying trying trying Um but we're getting closer and easy just told me when we came in it might
072have been update today on our board docks so the old stuff might be gone and new stuff might be I haven't seen it yet so but so that's good we're getting there. You do have two first reads tonight and already pointed out the code of conduct will go to a 30 day hearing shortly right after these guys will post it we'll be able to look at it again with any comments from you guys and from the public and pass it at our August meeting so it's ready for September. Same thing with the visitors to the school policy please take a good look at it. We have brought some of that stuff to you already some of the change in both of these the community should look at it as well there's some some significant additions
073to this but that will also be hopefully approved in August and ready for September and leaves time for the administration to communicate a lot of those changes to the public but it's there take a look at it people. And then the three second reads if anybody has any questions on those tonight but they'll become policy otherwise. So that we made changes [clears throat] you know that Yeah yeah many people have asked we made the changes and Lizbell look at it and make sure what was in there was correct and they should be good to go. >> All right great thank you. With that said then is there a motion for sorry is there a motion for 13 three 13 13 four and or 13 five? >> I'll make the motion for 13 three 13 five.
074>> All three or Matt? >> I second. >> Jackie. >> I Jackie. >> Is there any discussion on any of those policies? All right. All in favor? >> I I >> [clears throat] >> You something you want to say add after? >> Yeah I so it's as we we work through the code of conduct for the fall I just want to bring something up. Um in and how we how we handle it there's different procedures at different buildings and some of them go above and beyond what the intention was of the policy. Um in regard it's it we had an issue happen last year and and things when the code of the athletic code of conduct was originally the athletic code of conduct and extracurricular activities was was started. And what happened was after the
075committee had worked on it for a year and it went to policy, it realized it didn't work because how we how were you going to match up with one to four and say as you get okay, now you can attend certain amount of prac- practice for drama and things like that. So, the board decided to take out the extracurriculars, have athletics, and have the building principals deal with um the extracurriculars, but the intention was never to go above and beyond the athletic code of conduct. And some things are specific- specifically with attendance. For example, the the only attendance policy in athletics which has been there, if you play football on a Friday night, you can be out Monday through through Thursday. If you're in school for half that day on Friday or at the discretion
076of the principal, you can still play. That was the intention even for extracurriculars. Some buildings have policies where if you are absent from school in between this period and this period for one or three or four days, you can't go on this field trip or you can attend this dance. That was never the intention of separating them out of the board policy. Um so, >> [clears throat] >> I would say that we have to either look at the procedures at the school levels and have them adjust it or we may have to talk about it and bring it into policy because, you know, if you're absent if you're failing three or more classes, then it would make sense that you can't go on that field trip or you can't, you know, um uh attend a
077dance. But there is there was never to go above and beyond and set a uh you have an attendance policy to be able to do that. It was more of a disciplin- disciplinary policy for the administrators saying that, you know, if something happened at school and there was a dance coming up and they did something and they were warned that if they did it again, they could have said, "Now, you can't attend the dance." That was it. It was never set a building policy. So, and I know procedure that happened last year, they created problems at the end of the year for us. Um so, I would suggest ask that the administration go back to the building leaders and look at the buildings and make sure that the procedures do not exceed the policy. >>
078Mhm. >> That we had in place. >> And that they're consistent across buildings because that has become a big problem, also. >> Right. Right. So, I just wanted to put it out there. That was never the intent when the board separated to to have that happen, but that has. So, it can either be corrected procedurally or we can incorporate into policy. So, I just wanted to put that out there for everybody. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you. >> [laughter] >> All right. Uh upcoming activities. No school and businesses closed on Friday. And then next Thursday, of course, is graduation. Many of us will be there in various different capacities. Um and July I have my glasses on here. There's July 8th is the reorg uh meeting. We'll get back together. We'll welcome our new board
079member. >> [clears throat] >> And swear you in and our new student board members will be there that evening, too. So, is the is the plan? All right. Have Has there been outreach yet with the student board members? >> Uh we will reach out to them again and make sure that they're planning on attending. >> Okay. Um we should probably reach out to Ed just to >> Right. >> get that communication started. >> Yep. >> [clears throat] >> So, we'll do that after this meeting. Um does anybody have anything else before we motion for executive? >> Yeah, one quick one quick thing. Um we have what you know, we we did talk about this and I spoke with Mel the other day and that's why I'm bringing it up. Um the months that we have
080one meetings one meeting. I know we set our schedule. We we may want to think about going back to two meetings every month. The reason being is it's not fair to parents if they want to appeal something and it's the month that we have only two months, it's going to take place within a two-week time period, which sometimes is may seem long, but it's acceptable. In the months that we have a one month the parents have to wait four weeks. And we can't hold a special meeting emergency meeting every single time for something. So I I I just want to entertain that we can think about it. May be better to go back and schedule two meetings a month. Um just for those instances because if anyone wants to appeal, they have to wait a
081whole month and sometimes that's a long time to wait. >> I've always been in in favor of two maybe just because I did it for so many years that way, you know, it's been that way. I know it's harder on the the clerks cuz you know, they got to get stuff constantly process that? >> No. >> But it also takes, you know, most of the people here are coming from jobs and those when you get a big agenda and you're here really late, you know, you lose focus, concentration, patience. >> We can cut down on the length of the meeting. >> Yeah, the meetings theoretically hopefully would be shorter and you wouldn't have to have six, you know, three presentations in a night and say for, you know, C&I and couple other things. So theoretically
082would make those meetings >> So that's what I'm asking here. Would it be beneficial to go back to scheduling two meetings? >> We need them in the summer months? >> No, no, not necessarily the summer months. But so So usually what happens in the fall, we still have one >> We only have October and November. So >> Yeah. Which is those two months. >> Just those two months. So maybe going back to >> I'll do a calendar [clears throat] and I'll give it to you. >> okay with everybody. >> And June also? I think June is typically one. >> June is typically one. August used to be two. Now this year it's one. I guess we can see how it plays out, but I do know last August and August before we did need two
083meetings because we had not we don't have one this year, but last year I think the year before we had appeals that we had here. And so I don't know. I guess we see how this August goes, but I guess for next year those two [snorts] months if everybody's okay, I suggest we schedule two meetings in October and two meetings in September. >> The calendar is going to be coming back probably at the next meeting anyways because BOCES changed their budget vote till a Tuesday. I forget the date April whatever that sec third week is instead of it being a Wednesday like I had it. They sent me the email yesterday telling me it moved to a Tuesday. So I can work with Craig and we'll configure a new calendar. >> Well, I was going
084to bring it up. Is is it is everybody in favor of that? >> I mean we only have like looking back at the calendar, there's only a couple of months that we don't. October we have two meetings. November we only have one, but fitting that in with the holidays and the same thing with December is going to be hard. I I don't think that we need to add almost every month we have two meetings. >> When is the one in the When is the meeting in November? What day is it? >> 18th. >> And what is the meeting in December? >> The 16th. They're four weeks apart, but that includes Thanksgiving. >> And then it's all the Christmas concerts. That's what I always did. >> I I don't think my vote would be no. My
085vote would be keep it as is. >> Okay. And you're right, there's two weeks that I guess I guess so we could look at it if that's the only month that is and if there was an appeal that we wanted to hear, we could do an emergency meeting if if need be. If it was something serious. I guess we just leave it that way. That way we don't have to schedule it. It would be up to our discretion, correct? >> That's that's our >> Right. Yeah, I mean we we can always schedule special meetings, but I mean looking at the calendar as we have it set up. Like I don't think that No, it looks like September we have two, October two, November and December there's just one, but again there's a lot of like
086breaks and stuff in there. January, February, March, April, and May are all two, and then it's just June, July, and August that are >> Budget workshops and different things will start in January. >> Okay. So, all right. I was thinking it was more than that. >> Okay. >> Sometimes we'll have a depending on how it falls a lot of times, I look at like you were talking about August 12th and then September 16th, these guys may need a special meeting >> Right. >> before school starts or right after school starts cuz there's so many late appointments that they need to get done. >> Right. We've done that a few times. Yeah. >> We've done that a few times. >> Just just bring that up. >> Well, this is the first time we don't have two
087meetings scheduled in August. So, it wasn't a problem because we always had two meetings in August. >> Yeah. >> So, people are aware. Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Anything else? All right. Then I'm going to ask for a motion to enter into executive session to discuss for for discussions regarding potential litigation, collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law, and matters relating to the employment of a particular person. >> I first. >> Motion by Ed. Second by Mel. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Is there a Pete Rosa Memorial Executive Session? >> What's that? >> Pete Rosa Memorial Executive Session. >> Don't worry.