001Allegian 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. >> Okay. turn it all over to you. >> Evening. Tonight we will be going over the budget hearing. Um, if you have not received a budget newsletter in the mail, they are on their way, but you are more than welcome to pick one up from up here. Um, thank you to everyone who has been able to make the budget forums. They were successful the last couple of weeks where we've been You guys can go ahead and have a seat. um where we've been discussing and having conversations with our community members regarding um things that are in the budget, how the budget has been um developed and
002how we're moving forward for the 26 27 year. So, thank you to the community for participation in those things. Um so, as I begin tonight, I will start off by saying the same things that I say normally about the budget and how we go about um actually creating that budget. Um, this year we've spent numerous months starting back in October putting together all of the numbers that we knew for sure. Anything that came from contracts, anything that came from insurance that we knew we were going to have those increases for, we built that budget. From there, we then um in December time frame started asking principles and directors to provide us with proposals of things that they needed, individuals that they may need added to the personnel side of things. And from there, we took
003those proposals and we compared that to our strategic plan and our four pillars. We wanted to make sure that as we built our budget, we built it with purpose and making sure that everything aligned. From there, the cabinet moved forward to determine um of those items, not only what matched with our strategic plan and with our four pillars, but what was a necessity versus what was a nice to have. And from there, we built this budget. Um, I'm proud to say that we are looking at approximately $165 million budget for next year with a 2.89% tax levy, but that includes so many more things than what we currently have. Um, the budget includes a um additional math teacher, an additional biology teacher, and includes unified sports. It includes um various security and personnel um for
004um our safety purposes. We did listen to not only the community but all of our staff when we were building this budget this year and that was one of the top priorities that we've heard across the unions across um all the buildings that they wanted to have more personnel here for those purposes. So, we did include um a number of things for um door hardening in order to secure our buildings um including if there was a lockdown or a lockown drill, we would be able to put um different shades on our doors to ensure that uh a threat would be less accessible to our students. We have a number of different things happening um in terms of um sa um our facilities that includes paving some of the um area behind RFA that includes a
005septic tank uh that needs a replacement up at Stokes. It includes some additional padding in our gymnasium at Bellamy. And so all of these things are being used with that taxpayer money for that increase up of 2.89%. Overall, um we also have on our proposal, the proposition this year has a um a bus proposition for two additional diesel buses, uh 66 passenger buses that will help to alleviate some of the stress of any potential mandate that we're going to be looking at for the 2728 school year for electric buses. If you're looking through the newsletter, um I also want to um stress that this year we have a um a budget that is approximately 80% of our programming. Um that means all of our budget is mostly going to our students to our instructional portion
006with only approximately um 9% in or I'm sorry 7% in administrative um which is huge for us. That means all of our students in our classrooms are receiving that $165 million. Overall, um the budget has not increased um drastically. If you look at the tax levy rates from year-over-year, we've stayed approximately between that 2.5 and 3%. Um we're not looking to go out as supermajority this year. Um, and if we continue with this mindset, we should not need to do that anytime in the next 3 to 5 years. Of course, we'll have more conversations about that this fall when we have our 5-year plan ready. Are there any questions by the public or by the board? Perfect. Thank you so much. And that will conclude our budget hearing. >> Thank you very much. Can I
007have a motion to adjourn the budget hearing? >> Moved by Paula. Can I have a second? Second by Jonathan. All in favor? I. >> Budget portion is closed. >> That was before. >> Okay, it's it's 5:30, so we'll go ahead and call our meeting to order. Could we all 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. Okay. Now, um, we have to go into here. So, could I go into >> Okay. Moved by Kirsten. >> Seconded by Nadia. >> Okay. Okay. Like to have a public comment. Would like a comment. We have cards up here you have to fill out. And if not, >> you want to
008give me the info? >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Okay. If not, we will move on. >> Hold on. >> Okay. Okay. Can I have a motion to approve? >> Let me let me turn on this mic. Hold on. >> See, I'm not technically savvy. >> Is it working? >> Hold on. supposed to. >> He might know. >> It's not on. >> I need technical assistance. >> An individualized educational program. >> As soon as it's all the way up in the middle. >> No, no. We have to give you some once more. I got you. first. It's June 1st. >> Have a party. >> Yeah, we come. >> Okay. >> All right. Our students wanted to be sure this wasn't their last night here. So, it is not. They will be here on June 1st.
009So, can I have a motion for the approval of our minutes of uh April 21st, 2026? >> Okay. Moved by Kirsten. >> Seconded by Nadia. Any questions, comments? All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. >> Um, superintendent, are there any additions or deletions to the agenda? >> Yes, we have an additional business under miscellaneous um to accept a resolution regarding a student discipline matter. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Okay. Can I have a motion to accept the additional business? >> Moved by Kirsten. Seconded by Paula or Nadia. Thank you. All in favor? Motion's carried. All right. Board recognition. Do you have anything to add that you wanted to? I will add that I recently went to a trackme out in um Utica Proctor and um every year that I've gone there, by the way,
010it's always rained. So, they definitely have kept up with that. But one thing that I want to recognize as a parent um that the parents should be very proud of their athletes as well as our school district. Not only did I see uh RFA helping out the proctor athletes, but vice versa. Whether it was helping them warm up or moving the hurdles, they were there for each other, they were collaborating with each other, it was true teamwork. Even though that they were competing against each other, that is something as a parent that moved me and made me very proud. And it wasn't just one student athlete or two, it was several from both teams. So that is something that I think should be recognized and something that as the athletic department, as a school district,
011as students and athletes, and as parents, we should all be very proud. >> Wanted to comment on the RFA musical. What a wonderful experience it was. And one of our student members was actually participant. >> Amazing. Yes. Mhm. Would you like to say a few words about it? >> Yes. >> It was so proud. >> I just want to thank everyone who went. I It It's a lot of fun and it was so fun to just see such a big crowd for my senior year and for everyone to be there supporting me. I seriously appreciate it so much. I love everyone to be able to see what I love doing. And thank you everyone who went, everyone. >> That was our three nights. And I just want to say, not only was the singing and
012the acting fantastic, but watching the set people and how much work, the artwork, and everything that goes into that encompasses so many individuals, it's really, really an exciting time. So, thank you very much for it. It was a great experience for people who got to watch it. And and I'll say that um with everything anything that we do when people give us feedback we take that feedback and make refinements along the way. So we heard a couple of students who were involved in the musical because you don't have the opportunity to watch yourself other people see the greatness that you do on stage and so we understand that in the past we used to be able to videotape um at least the show. So if we will be looking into that to make sure that
013we can videotape it so that you guys can also have it as a souvenir right like with the future in the future to come. So um great feedback and of course we'll work with um all of the adviserss to make sure that we're not distracting you on stage and things like that cuz I know the lighting depending on what what's going on. We want to be careful about that. But it is important that especially for you as a senior it would have been nice for you to have that as a memory that you can watch back. But all of you did an amazing job and of course I was proud of you. Your singing was spectacular. As we go forward to the end of the school year, there's many musicals um presentations by our elementary
014and other schools. So please partake in those as a community because they're wonderful to watch and it's very exciting time. And we did have some great information about the environ club. >> Yep. And share more. >> Yeah. And >> I'll share more information during my oral report. >> Okay. >> I have names. >> Okay. >> Moving on to the public comment portion. We have one speaker, Elena Reick. great idea about um being able to videotape because I have a daughter that was in foreplays that I never got to see outside of that. I did see you. You were fabulous. Uh Arwin. Okay. Um, I just had something that I wanted uh to say, so I'll make it as fast as possible. It's not that long. Um, good evening. Uh, my name is Elena Reic. I'm
015a resident of Rome, and I'm quite sure most of you don't know me, but I'm also a former member of the Rome Board of Education. In fact, I'm one of the members responsible for bringing Miss Ansom to the district. And that is a decision that I am very proud of to this day. Um I remember feel like slow sorry. I remember when we were interviewing candidates to be our new superintendent. There were a couple of very fine choices but but when Miss Unsom walked into that room, she brought with her a light and a type of energy that none of us had experienced. She had also had this fire in her that was palpable in the room. So much so after she left the interview, one of our board members said he wanted to pick
016up a sword and follow her into battle. That is the effect she had on us. She cut her teeth in Rochester and was ready for something bigger and more challenging. She no doubt found it right here in Rome, New York. She was ready for us, but were we were we ready for her? We live in a world where you can do or say anything wrong and then have the audacity to get mad because you were called out on it. When you should have just taken responsibility for your actions and moved on. One of the things I hated about being a board member is not being able to defend yourself in a way that makes no mistake of where you stand. People are allowed to say whatever they want about you with absolutely no context except
017for so and so said blah blah blah and then whoever takes that and runs with it not having heard or even been there because it plays into whatever narrative they want to be true and unfortunately I see it playing out on social media with our new superintendent I've read and seen some of the vilest things about Miss Anzone disturbing things hateful things when you're on the board, you don't have a lot of power. Not that's why I was there, but it's true. The same goes for the superintendent. Contrary to popular belief, being a superintendent is not a one-man show. For virtually anything to happen, there are certain channels to go through and many rules and regulations that must be followed. For instance, you can't just fire someone if you don't like them. No superintendent has
018that kind of power. Not one. Is is Miss Unsome tough? Yes, as she should be, as any superintendent should be and have been in the past in this district. But please understand that holding someone accountable for their actions is quite different than having something to prove, which is another narrative I've seen floating around on social media. So my question is, why should she have something to prove? Make no mistake, on paper, Miss Anselm had all the education and certifications needed to perform this job at a very high level. regardless of the lies that are being told on social media. She was accomplished, smart, and experienced. And for the record, let me just say this. I was the only African-Amean on the board when Miss Uns was hired. And I'm quite sure one of the very
019few Democrats on the board, too. So, I can assure anyone who was wondering, she was not a DEI hireer. Now, maybe some people will say stuff about me now that isn't true. I wouldn't be surprised. What I'm hoping for is they will deem me as not important enough to care about. And I assure you that's quite true. I was just a concerned parent who wanted to try and make a difference. And anyone and everyone that I worked with during my time on the board will tell you the exact same thing. They cannot tell you any different. And I will be the first one to tell you. I was by no means the loudest or the most outspoken, but I was thoughtful because sometimes we had to make decisions that were not only difficult but sad
020at times and I thought it was important to go into those situations with a healthy amount of prudence because our decision our decision would affect the children and that's why I was happy to be one of the members responsible for bringing Miss Ansom to Rome because she was a very child- centered uh superintendent candidate and that was the most important thing the kids. So, why am I here tonight? I think it's clear. I'm very disturbed by what I'm seeing. Gloria Steinum once said, "Whenever one person stands up and says, "Wait a minute, this is wrong." It helps other people to do the same. Thank you very much. And now we will move on to the superintendence report if you can. I can. Tonight, we pause to honor the life and legacy of former Rome educator,
021Mrs. Dorothy Yerby, who recently passed away at the remarkable age of 100. Mrs. Yerby dedicated her life to education and to the service of others. A longtime first grade teacher, she touched the lives of countless children and families throughout our community. Many former students remembered her long after leaving her classroom, a true testament to the care, warmth, and lasting impact she had on generations of young people. We also learned that among the many students whose lives she influenced was Senator Joe Griffle, further reflecting the lasting reach of her work as an educator. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Yerby was deeply devoted to her faith and to her family. Her life reflected grace, humility, perseverance, and unwavering faith. On behalf of our entire Rome City School District, we extend our deepest condolences to the Yerby family and
022all those who knew and loved her, we are grateful for her service, her legacy, and again the countless lives she helped shape shape through the noble profession of teaching because teaching is definitely a noble profession. Each year, the district builds emergency closure days into the school calendar to account for unexpected circumstances such as weather related closures or other disruptions we might experience. At this point in the year, not all emergency closure days have been utilized and therefore the district will continue to retain one unused emergency days in June should it become necessary because we experienced something in June last year. As these days remain under district management as part of the approved annual calendar, a one-time adjustment to the 2526 school calendar has been authorized. And as a result, all district employees and students will
023have Friday, May 22nd, 2026 as a day off. Notification letters were sent to both families and staff on Friday notifying them of this adjustment. So for those you have received your letters right tonight. We are also proud to share that the Rome City School District has once again been recognized as one of the best communities for music education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation marking the 11th consecutive year our district has received this distinction. This recognition reflects the collective commitment of our music teachers, students, families, administrators, board of education, and community partners who continue to value and support music as an essential part of a well-rounded education. Our music program provides students with opportunities not only to develop their artistic talents, but also to build confidence, discipline, creativity, collaboration, and joy. From our
024elementary classrooms to our outstanding performances at the secondary level, music remains an important part of the educational experience in Rome. We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated music educators and proud of our students for the passion and excellence they bring to our schools each day. This continued recognition is a reflection of their hard work and their strong tradition of music education in our district and we will continue to be student centered and our students deserve the best. We are also pleased to recognize the outstanding achievements of our Rome Free Academy Inviathon club which recently competed in the 28th annual Onida County Envir Enviathon competition hosted at Udica Zoo and sponsored by the Onida County Soil and Water Conservation District. Our students competed against more than 15 teams from across Onidita County and represented our district
025with excellence. Three RFA teams participated in this rigorous environmental science competition demonstrating strong knowledge and collaboration across multiple categories. So, one team consisting of a Marshall, Taylor Wright, Riley, Lucia, Maddie Hayrick, and Ella Vesio earned first place in the wildlife category. A second team consisting consisting of Kaden Sakor, Elijah Pommelus, Molly Cole, Samuel Cole, and Allison McGarin earned first place in the soil and land use category. Most notably, for the third consecutive year, one of our RFA teams earned first place overall in the competition, delivering a winning presentation on this year's topic, nonpoint source pollution. It starts at home. Congratulations again to Kaden, Elijah, Molly, Samuel, and Allison for this outstanding accomplishment. As a result of their success, this team has earned the opportunity to advance to the New York State Inviathon competition this month
026at Sunni Courtland. And again, we are incredibly proud of all of our Enviathan students and advisers for their hard work, preparation, and continued excellence in representing Rome City Schools at the highest level. And lastly, we want to share a reminder that tomorrow evening at 6:30, the NAACP will be sponsoring and hosting the meet the candidates night at Rome Free Academy in the small auditorium. There are three available seats on the ballot and four candidates who are running. This events provide an opportunity for community members to hear directly from the candidates as they share their perspective and priorities. We encourage community members to attend, engage, and participate in this civic opportunity. And I thank you for coming here to say a few words on my behalf. Really appreciate it. You didn't have to, but you did.
027And as I got a chance on Thursday to speak to a group of leaders in this community and also in church on Sunday, people usually ask me, "Why did you choose Rome?" I said I didn't know anything about Rome, but I know there was a purpose. It was a call-in. So Rome is a call-in for me. This is not a job. Cuz there are some people who apply for positions and for jobs. I applied because I wanted to be here. I called Rome home. Even when I was interviewing, I said, "This is home." And I I said to the board members, when I come here, that will be our theme. Rome is home. So I did not know anything about Rome. I felt led. I felt called. I don't go to places where I'm not
028called. And so I am still committed to our youngsters. I am committed to this district becoming the district of excellence that it deserves to be. We have many, many individuals across the district that works very hard. You hear of all of the accomplishments not only our of our students but also of the staff members who support them, who are with them, who serve as the adviserss, the administrators who come to work every single day given 110%. And so for that, I do not get discouraged. I get stronger because I know that I'm not standing alone. I have others, the entire board who are with me and I am continuing to work. I have my teammates who stand with me and so I stand strong. Yes, there are times opposition will come but we are here
029for this purpose and we are here for the students and we're going to continue to work hard on behalf of every child and every family. Thank you. >> Moving on to our student board member report. So, we're going to split it up because she's back with me this time. So, um, so the first thing I want to say is we do have our track senior night this week on Wednesday at 3:30 if you guys want to come, but there's going to be other sports senior nights the next couple of weeks for various different teams. I would check their social media. I'm not 100% sure about the times, but I know that a lot of people would love the support from the community. If anybody wants to show up for any of those things, there's a
030lot of information on their individual Instagram or Facebook pages. And then also we have the art expo on May 27th at I'm pretty sure 5:00 p.m. I'm in there too. I have a table for ceramics and it's going to be a great time. A lot of artwork from different grade levels K through 12. It's just a great experience. There'll be live ceramic demonstrations, tables and other things, concessions, stuff like that. >> RFA. >> At RFA. Yeah. In the big gym. Uh, like we have mentioned multiple times, the musical is now over. I know we're all grateful that I can be here on Back. Guys, moving on with the music department. Our last concerts are May 28th and June 2nd. May 28th will be um kind of like the senior night for concert choir kids. It'll
031be our last concert as seniors, and we'll even have some alumni coming back to perform a song with us, which will be really nice. And then June 2nd will be orchestra and band/con. So I'm sure they would also really enjoy the support along with the athletes if you guys want to come. Also, I did lie. The art expo is the 28th. I mixed up track sectionals in this, but it's the 20th. It's the same day as the concert. That's all. Thank you. >> Junior prom was this past Saturday, correct? >> When's the senior ball? >> Senior ball is June 6th. Can't wait. So, >> okay. >> So, I just wanted to add one two things to that. So, this week, if parents, please read your parent square. Um, seniors have a lot of stuff coming
032up that they need to make sure that they're on. Um, I wouldn't have even, you know, >> I'm hoping that she did it, like that she was on it. So, I did copy it and make sure I did talk to my senior. Um, also with that said, um, senior night softball, um, I have to put their plug in there today. There's seven seniors on softball. Six of the seven are going playing college softball. So, um, those girls also, um, have a senior night tomorrow. Um, I'm very proud of them. One of them being my child, but that's not the only reason. Um, baseball's is tonight actually, but seven seniors on a team is a lot um, to go. And then to have six of them actually going on to college and playing that sport is
033is a great great accomplishment. And thank you for all your hard work that you've been doing. And this isn't your last meeting. You still get another one with us >> to our workshop with >> Dr. Carney. >> Hello. and good evening. So, I'm going to go ahead and introduce you to Mrs. Kelly Nash, who's the assistant personnel director within the human resources department. So, she's going to walk you through our collaboration with our local civil service and how we go through and actually acquire, advertise, recruit, >> and officially appoint those through the civil service pathway. Okay, Mr. Yes, >> thank you very much. >> You just have to make sure that it's on the side. >> Oh, thank you. All right. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. I really appreciate the opportunity to
034be here tonight and to walk you through the civil service hiring process and specifically how the Rome City School District works with the Rome Civil Service Commission when we hire somebody in a non-instructional position. So my goal tonight is to give you a clear end toend picture from a vacancy being identified all the way through a candidate being approved and onboarded. Uh this is the road map for tonight's discussion. Um first I'll give you a quick overview of civil service and what role it plays for the Rome City School District. Next we'll talk about job classifications. There are four of them and this is important because this is how we uh distinguish if a position requires an exam. Then we'll talk a little bit about the hiring process all the way from a vacancy uh
035to BOE BOE approval and step by step. We'll go through some real examples that we have here tonight. We'll look at an exam announcement and an eligibles list and we'll also look at some Canvas forms. And lastly, we'll take a minute to discuss residency preference. This is something we can use if we require a candidate to live in close proximity to the district. Thank you. So before I go on with this slide, I just want to take a moment. Success in our HR department would not be possible without the support of the civil service commission. I'd like to thank the commission and their secretary for their tireless work behind the scenes. They do so much and most of it is behind the scenes. They manage our rosters. They certify our payroll. um they help us
036create positions as the district's needs evolve and they also uh review our provisional appointments. Um so their expertise allows us to focus on our mission of supporting students knowing that our administrative foundation is secure. So what is the civil service commission and why does the school district have to work with them? The commission is a body that administers civil service for the city of Rome and for the school district under New York State civil service law. The whole purpose of civil service is to make sure public hearing is based on merit and fitness that we're hiring qualified people through a fair and transparent process not through personal connections or political favors. So a few practical things to know about the commission. They have monthly meetings. It's the second Tuesday of every month. They do not
037meet in July or August. The three commissioners are listed up here. Dela Prey, who is the chairperson, Bryce Baldwin, and Richard Swan. Jonathan Sears is the secretary and he is appointed by the mayor. So, civil service governs all of our Rome civil service, I'm sorry, our Rome CSC competitive positions. um their their office, the personnel office is located at city hall on Washington Street in Rome. So these are the four job classifications. Each civil service position falls into one of these four classes. And this class, the the classification determines whether an exam is required for a position. The first one, which we're going to talk about heavily this evening, is competitive. This is where an exam is required and it is filled by ranked exam scores. You do have to meet minimum qualifications as per
038the job description and applications have to be approved by the civil service commission and the Rome CSD board of education. Some examples that we have that are competitive titles in the district are office specialist, custodian, maintenance supervisor, transportation supervisor, school lunch manager, and there are many more. The next classification is non-competitive. There is no exam. You must meet the minimum qualifications that are listed on the job description. And some examples for this are cook, custodial worker, bus driver, and teacher aid. We have exempt. There is no exam for exempt either. You must meet the minimum qualifications. And these are typically positions where um it isn't practical to have an exam. You should have you might need to have somebody with special skills or it's a highly confidential position. The two positions that we have in
039the district that are exempt our district treasurer and the confidential secretary to the superintendent of schools. Last is our labor positions. Uh this is entry- levelvel labor positions. There is no exam and there's very minimal qualifications. The district is hire um able to appoint anybody that we select that's qualified. Some examples are school monitor, food service helper, and laborer. So I just want to take um a minute here and pause on why the process is structured this way. There are really three values built into the system. Merit, we are hiring based on objective criteria. We're using exam scores and minimum qualifications. It has there's no personal relationships or um political favors. Next is fairness. Every applicant goes through the same exact process. The system is designed to be transparent and fair and reviewable. Last required.
040So it is not an option for us. We must follow the civil service law and New York state civil service law. Um sometimes we are rushed to fill positions because of civil service. We have to take a moment and pause and f and completely fulfill the process that civil service requires. So this is the hiring process end to end. Um I just wanted to show you the nine steps up here so you can kind of see how they all connect. We're going to talk about the vacancy from the first time a vacancy is identified. uh we'll talk about an eligibles list and if there is no eligibles list then the district can transition to what's called a provisional hire. Number three, the exam is posted. Civil service will announce the exam applications. This is mainly
041for the general public. Applications are submitted by the general public when the exam is announced. for our provisional hires here in the district. Their application would have already been approved by the commission um and by the board of education. There is test day. So the test day comes along and all of our provisional hires and anybody that applied and met the minimum requirements sit for the exam. The eligibles list is created by the commission and then we here at the district receive the elig eligibles list. From there, we request a canvas. That is to find out who's still interested in the positions because there may be quite a time frame in between when the exam was given and when we get it back from when it was scored. Sometimes it's 6 months. So during that
042time frame, people can move. They may have gotten another position. That's why we canvas. At this time also, we can indicate if we want a residency preference. Next uh is the selection. So once we get the certified eligible list from the commission after Canvas, we then pass it to the administrator or the principal uh they do the interviewing and then after reference checks they recommend who they would like to hire to the HR department. Um the and we must hire from the certified eligible list one of the reachable candidates on that list. Okay. Last is the approval. This is where the board of education approves a probationary or permanent position. >> Quick question. You said reachable. >> Yes. >> So a reachable candidate once we get a certified eligible list, we have to take the
043top three highest scores on the list. Okay. So when we look at that and we'll see an eligible list a little bit further on. We do if there's a tie score, we do take the whole band of candidates that fall within that tie score, but it does have to be the top three highest ranked people. Um so we have steps one through three, the vacancy and the exam announcement. So first the vacancy is identified. Um, typically this is because somebody resigned, uh, somebody retired or maybe we created a new position in the district because our our needs have evolved. So, HR begins the process of determining what the classification is. Again, the classification determines whether or not the position requires an exam. If it's a competitive title, an exam is required and we notify civil
044service that we have a vacancy. At that point, civil service will give us an eligibles list if there is one for that competitive position. Now, if the eligibles list contains fewer than three candidates, it is not a mandatory list or if there is no eligibles list, the Rome CI city school district can then transition into what's called provisional hiring. These appointments are subject to the application approval by the commission and by the board of education. Next, we have the civil service announces the exam. So, the commission posts the public exam announcements. It lists the job opportunities, the minimum qualifications, salary ranges, there's a $15 fee, the test date will be on there, and the subjects covered within the exam. There's a few things here that the exam announcement um and its requirements. It needs to
045be posted at least 25 days before the exam date. It has to be posted publicly for 15 days. The deadline for application is at least 10 days before the exam. There is an application fee of $15. Veterans credits are available. Um, an additional application must be submitted to civil service for veteran credits. Next, so we'll get to what if there is no eligibles list. So when a competitive vacancy exists and there's no current eligible list or it has fewer than three people candidates on the list, we may transition into hiring a applicant on a provisional basis. They must meet the minimum qualific minimum qualifications listed in the job description. So by hiring provisionally, this allows us to keep operations running while we wait for New York State to release the exam and administer it. So
046the path from provisional to permanent. So here we get there is no eligibles list. Number one, we hire provisionally. The applicant meets the minimum qualifications. they are appointed to the position after they are approved by the commission and our Rome City School District Board of Education. Two, the provisional hire must sit for the exam. They have to sit for the exam just as anybody else would from the general public taking the exam. Um, if they do not take the exam, they're obviously their job is in jeopardy. So, a provisional hire must pass and be reachable on the eligibles list. After the exam, that's when we complete the canvas and the provisional must pass and be reachable on that eligible list to be appointed permanently. Okay, this is an example of an exam announcement. This is
047one that we had right here at the Rome City School District for office specialist. The test is actually this Saturday. I just wanted to point out a couple of things on the exam announcement. the application window. Um it's this exam was posted March 27th and the deadline to apply is April 24th with the test actually being May 16th. So up at the top you see that the position is for office specialist. We have a salary range there. There is a very big salary range because this one in particular is based on uh how many months you work and the hours per day that you work. Uh the minimum qualifications where we also find this on the job description. It's listed here as well. For an office specialist, you need to have two years of clerical
048experience as well as a high school diploma or an equivalency. Uh the test subjects, they list that there will be spelling, alphabetizing, recordkeeping, and clerical operations on this exam. And finally, I just wanted you to note that there is a residency note at the bottom of the um announcement and it's there is no residency required to apply, but the preference may be given to Rome City School District residents at appointment. Okay, this is allowing us to request residency preference at the time we canvas. Oh, I'm sorry. I missed that. I'm so sorry. Um, steps four to five application and test day. So, this is really involving the candidate. Rome City School District provisional candidates. They only need to submit the application fee of $15. Remember, they already had their application approved by the commission because
049they were hired on a provisional basis in the district. general applicants from the public. They do need to submit their application to the civil service commission directly and the commission will review their application and determine if they meet the minimum qualifications. If they are approved, they will uh be able to sit for the exam and they will be notified as well as our provisional hires will be notified at least 4 days in advance and that will have the location and time of where the exam will be held. If there is anybody that is disapproved by the commission as far as public applicants, they will also be notified that they were not approved and they will get their fee back of the $15. >> I just have a quick question. So, let's just say someone takes
050the exam, right? we hire them >> and they don't wind up lasting for I don't know we'll say a couple months or so they only last and they decide to leave or whatever have how long is your te your actual test >> good for >> we'll get to that in a little bit on No that's okay to real quick to briefly answer it's on the eligibles list there is a duration that the commission um establishes for how long the list is good for so we'll get to that and you'll see that up front on the board. I just want to take one uh one quick second. The key note down there is HR cannot wave the minimum qualifications on a job description. If a general candidate does not meet it, they will not be on
051the eligible list. Uh test day, so candidates report to the assigned exam location. And typically, just so you all know, it's usually right here in the Rome Free Academy Library. Um most exams are held on Saturdays. So, if there's a religious observance or military leave makeups are available, um they can give you an alternate test date or if you have some type of emergency or documented circumstance, they will allow for an a different test date for you. So, tests, they're scored from 0 to 100. A score of 70 is the is a passing score. So, candidates who pass the exam earn placement on the eligibles list. Step six. So this is where the eligibles list is established. So when we receive an eligibles list, the commission determines the duration of of the eligibles list. Typically
052it's one to four years. Um reachable. So hiring from the top ranked band of reachable candidates that are willing to accept appointment. So remember, we get the eligibles list, then we canvas, then we get a certified eligibles list from the commission, and then we hire off that reachable certified list. It'll be the top three candidates or if there's a band of tied scores, those will also be included. Candidates that have a tie, like I just said, they are will also considered to be reachable if they fall within those top three. uh public record. So eligibles lists are open to the public for inspection at the commission's office. The names of the candidates who failed are not disclosed on the public notice. However, we here at Rome do have to see the full list because we
053may have provisional hires on that list and we do need to know if they did not pass the exam. So this is an example of an actual eligible eligible list that we received from the commission. You'll note that this um here the exam date was in January. The expiration date of this list, the list was established in February of 2025. And you'll notice that the the list expires in February of 2027. So this eligible list right here is good for two years. So that means this eligibles list may drive our timeline, our hiring pool for up to two years or until it's exhausted. So uh let's see also on the eligibles list I just want to point out the names are ranked by score. So you can see here there are several people that have
054tied scores and then there's a final score. If there were veteran credits that were issued, that would um that would come over into the final score column. Nobody here has any veteran credits. And then the reference numbers, those are simply there for commission reference. All right. Step seven, we have the canvas. So when we have the vacancy, uh we ask the commission to confirm who still is interested. This is called a canvas. So this is where I would reach out to the secretary. I would let him know we have a vacancy and I'd like you to canvas for this position. So the commission then contacts all of the candidates on the list and they send them a response form. The candidates must respond. There's a deadline. It's typically around 10 days. They can either confirm
055their interest or they can be taken off the list altogether. If they do not um want the salary if it's too low, there's a box for that and I'll actually show you that on the next slide. Also, the certified list is returned. Um, anybody willing to accept the appointment, we interview and hire from the top ranked reachable candidates. So, here we have this is an actual uh notification letter of a vacancy as well as the response form. And I just want to point out on the letter um it does say that this is not an actual appointment and they should not resign from their current job. Um on the right hand side is the actual form and this is where they can check if they are interested in the position that is the first box
056and then they would just move to sign date it and they would mail it in to the commission. Uh the rest of the boxes there if they do not like the location or shift if the salary is too low they would check that box and they can still remain on the eligible list. There is also if they are temporary un temp temporarily unavailable. If they are, they must submit the reason why they are temporarily unavailable. Uh if they only wanted if this was happened to be a part-time position and they wanted full-time, they could check that they only want full-time or they could choose to remove their name completely from the list. So steps eight and nine, this is where it all ties together. Once we get the um eligibles list, we canvas, we get
057that certified list in our hands. This will then go to the hiring administrator. It will probably be the principal um or supervisor who's hiring for that position. So, they schedule the interviews uh with the reachable candidates on the certified eligibles list. We check references. a hiring hiring recommendation is made to HR department only after the candidate has verbally accepted the position because we don't want to move anybody forward that hasn't verbally accepted the position and they changed their mind after all of that. Uh so step nine civil service approval and Rome City School District Board of Education approval. So competitive appointments these are the ones that require the exam. They are submitted to the civil service commission for review at their monthly meetings which are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Subsequently, they
058are presented to the Rome City School District Board of Education for approval. Now, I want to stop for a second because this is normally how it's supposed to go, but that doesn't always work out. Sometimes the commission will have a meeting after our board meeting, so we may have to flip this. And when we do flip that, you will notice on the board agenda that next to the candidates's name that we're hiring on a provisional basis, it will say this is contingent upon commission approval. That means that we are appointing them at this board of education meeting. However, the commission has not met yet. So provided when the commission has their meeting and the candidate meets the minimum qualifications, the commission would approve them and then this would make their appointment relevant here at the
059board of education meeting. That little asterct is just simply denoting that this appointment is not approved if they were not uh approved by the commission. Uh let's see. So following board of approval and onboarding an employee status is determined by their title classification. So competitive titles they may begin as provisional appointments as we talked about if the hire was not made from an eligibles list. Okay. The labor and non-competitive titles as well as the competitive hires made from an eligible list serve a sixth month probationary period before obtaining permanent status. So residency preference, I want to talk a little bit about this. The civil service law lets the district request an eligible list certified with preference given to candidates who live within the Rome City School District catchment area. Uh when we receive a residency
060preferred list, only the candidates that have lived in Rome CSD boundaries at the time of exam and for at least four months prior are certified to us first. If somebody moved into the district a week before the exam, they they they won't they won't be on the list. They have to have been here 4 months prior living in the district. So this matters. Residency preference matters. And if we have a position that requires a quick response getting to the district and they need to be local, we've had, everybody knows, we've had tornadoes, we've had a structure fire in the district. If there is any type of natural disaster, proximity is important. We need somebody local to get there as soon as possible. So, provisional, probationary, and permanent status. uh every original every civil service appointment
061requires a probationary term becoming permanent. So we have the provisional hires here. Then they can move to probationary and then they move to permanent after the six months. And the probationary period is important because this allows the supervisor to observe the performance of the employee. And if the performance is satisfactory then they move to become a permanent employee after the six months. Uh permanent status does come with the full civil service protection. One second. There was one more after that. Um, in communication of results. So, the Rome City School District, we report everything to the civil service. Uh, status changes, promotion, leave of absences, transfers, that all reports back to the commission and they manage our rosters of everybody that has a non-instructional position in the district. They keep the official roster. So lastly, these
062are the key takeaways from the presentation tonight. Civil service is the framework. All of our non-instructional positions uh are through the Rome civil service and it's required by state law. It is not optional. Uh the process drives the timing. So as you all noticed, this can take a long time. Um the application is approved by the commission. The Rome CSD Board of Education has to approve it. An exam announcement is put out by the commission. Then there has to be the test, then an eligibles list, then we canvas, then we certify the list, then we hire and approve. So this is weeks if not months, it's not days. Uh we hire from the top reachable candidates as we already discussed on the list and again if there is a band we do take those in
063consideration. Eligibles list we discuss lasts one to four years and the commission decides the duration. We do uh we can consider residency preference po for positions that require somebody to live in close proximity to the district and probation does matter. Six month of probation um gives both the district and the employee um a chance to see if it's a good fit for permanent status before permanent status is given. So that um concludes my remarks and we are happy to take any questions. I'm just curious about how many positions within the district fall under this category of civil service. >> Um >> I mean, you know, just >> five four to 500, I would say. >> Wow. >> Yep. >> So during the summer when they're not in session, then >> that's have an impact since
064don't we do hiring come summer for fall? >> We are hiring non-stop. Yep. So retirements come through. we're posting for the position and we hire. So we do have an ongoing process and there are special circumstances for which the commission will meet during July and August but is not a standing meeting. >> It's tricky but we plan ahead and we try and make it work. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Say great job on the presentation. Thank you. >> I've learned a few things about civil service that I didn't know before. >> And one of the things the team would necessarily say, Mrs. Nash, >> loud enough for their mic to pick it up. One of the key things here to keep in mind is the timeliness associated with this process. This is not quick.
065So when changes happen admin and we need new positions this is a process this doesn't include the time associated with the development or the revision of positions all the applications run through Mrs. Nash and Jamie Ciserelli out of human resources. So when an applicant is interested in putting in an application to the commission, they meet with them most of the time in person if not digitally to review to revise and support them in their application process. Then we have the onboarding process with them actually joining the team actually meeting the human resources team. Kathy Groso, Michelle Vanslike, Jamie Ciserelli and Kelly Nash. So when it comes through the process of using and working with the civil service process and getting somebody from out in the community to actually working day in and day out in
066Rome, it is a very timely process. And depending on how long that takes and how quickly someone may depart, for example, let's say through a medical reason, that does cause a deficiency with that role in district. And it is very important for us to move through this timely and if it wasn't for the expertise of Kelly Nash and the human resource team. They just went through Kelly just did for a half an hour just a general overview not necessarily the communications the emails working with Mr. Sears so he is informed. This doesn't even include all the changes every time you see someone join the team or exit the team for retirement or other reasons that it has to be communicated with due diligence on Kelly's behalf over to Mr. serious to ensure all these records
067are accurate and accounted for. And one of the things that we noticed that when we joined the team is that previous records weren't necessarily accurate. And Kelly has spent a significant amount of time going through reviewing records, making changes with Mr. Sears, which has been a a very timely process in and of itself. So I appreciate the efforts of the HR team, Mrs. Nash in particular, make sure those things are accurate moving forward. Thank you. Okay, moving on to our consent agenda which goes from pages two through 10. So upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the consent agenda uh will be accepted by the board of education. Can I have a motion to approve? So move. >> Okay. Moved by Kirsten. Can I have a second? >> Seconded by Jen. Any discussion? All
068in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. There is, let's see, page 10. Okay. There is no action items for finance. The only thing I would add to that is we're looking hopefully to have an audit meeting on Thursday, June 11th in a finance committee at the same time. So, we would do them both. they would both be fairly quick but that will come as a an actual we'll have to that's just pre right now till we make sure the auditors are available so at the next meeting we will for the finance committee we'll confirm that okay moving on to human resources um I have a resolution to approve tenure resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools the board of education hereby approves tenure for the following individuals UAL and it is a lengthy
069list but I would like to read because this is a really important part for anybody who works within the district to have your tender appro tenure approved is really a very big accomplishment. Carol from Stra a teacher social studies effective date 912026. Alexis Hammock RFA teacher mathematics 912026. Amanda Cample, RFA, teacher, special education 912026. Andrew Dyson, teacher, special education from Strow, 912026. Ashley Vio, teacher, special education, Ridge Mills, 9120. Elizabeth Kickia, teacher, Denty, elementary education 91206. Emily Cowell, Denty, teacher, physical education, 912026. Isaac Stokes and Joy, he's a teacher, music 912026. Jessica Clawson, teacher, elementary education. Denty 912026. Katherine on 2026. Christy Boyison, RF um 96. Lauren Staten, Bellamy, library media specialist. 912026 Ryan Poor Stra teacher social studies Susan Lincoln Stra teacher English Parker Tulie teacher John Joy physical education 912026 in a Lisa
070Kine John Joy teacher special education 912026 can I have a motion to approve >> moved by Jim Seconded by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Motion's carried. Resolution to accept retirement. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools. The board of education hereby accepts with sincere appreciation for their long-standing dedication to the students, staff, and families of the Rome City School District the retirement of the following. Glenn school psychologist, 9:30 2026. and his date of hire was 111988. >> I have a motion. >> Moved by Jen, >> second by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? I motion's carried. Resolution to withdraw 3020A case. Acceptance of a letter of the tenure employee board authorizes the withdrawal CD K 46899. The board authorizes general counsel to notify the New York State Education Department via
071the teach electronic case management system of the withdrawal. Can I have a motion to approve? >> Moved by Jen. Seconded by Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? I motion's carried. Moving on to policy. >> Policy action item number one. Resolution to approve the second reading and adoption of the policies. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the second reading and adoption of the following policies. Number 0110.2e, sexual harassment in the workplace exhibit. Number 0111-E, sexual harassment grievance under title 9. Um, exhibit definitions. Number 0115, student harassment and bullying prevention and intervention. Number 0115-R, student harassment and bullying prevention and intervention regulation. Number 1740, relationships with non-public schools. Number 2210, board organizational meeting. Number 5680, student fees, fines, and charges. Number 8413, transportation for non-public school students.
072Number 9240, recruiting and hiring. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Paula. >> Second by Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> So carried. The next meeting is going to be June 3rd, 2026 at 4:45 at 266 West Dominic Street. And there is no committee report at this time. Moving on to miscellaneous business. Resolution for appointment of election inspectors, assistant pole clerks. resolved that the following individuals are appointed as election inspectors assistant poll clerks for the 10 school district elections which shall align with the city of Rome election budget vote to be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 or on any legally authorized date thereafter and that they be paid for this service with the superintendent of schools or their designate being authorized to fill any vacancies and
073make location assignments. Linda Elmer and Robert Bet. Can I get a motion to approve? >> Moved by Jonathan. >> Seconded by >> Jonath. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. Uh resolution to approve poll supervisors, election ward supervisors. It's resolved that the following individuals are appointed as poll supervisors, election ward supervisors for the 10 school election districts, which shall align with the city of Rome election wards be appointed for the Rome City School District Board of Education election budget vote to be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, or on any legally authorized date thereafter, and that they be paid for the service with the superintendent of schools or designate being authorized to fill any vacancies and make location assignments. Molly Mitech, Tracy Aor, Monica Dearmore, James Soga, Sarah TR Trunfio, Trunfio, Shayen
074Hook, Timothy Saffin, Melissa Cisco, and Martha Sheller. Can I >> I would like to recuse myself from this one. >> Okay. Is can I get a motion to approve? >> Moved by Jonathan. >> Second by Nadia. Uh Kirsten will recuse herself. So every is there any other discussion? All in favor? >> I motion's carried with one resol with one recusal resolution to clarify the time for the public hearing. Whereas on March 2nd, 2026, the board adopted a resolution to approve of matters related to the 2026 annual meeting and general election. And whereas the time of the public hearing on the 2026 fiscal year budget will be 5:15 p.m. on May 11th and not 5:30 p.m. as originally indicated in the resolution. Now therefore, the board resolves that the time of the public hearing for the
0752026 fiscal year budget will be and was 5:15 p.m. on May 11, 2026. The board notes that the legal notice for the annual meeting and general election currently stated the time at 5:15 p.m. and the correct date and time are listed on the district's website. Can I get a motion to approve? >> Moved by Kirsten. Have a second. >> Seconded by Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Motion's carried. Number four, student. Can I have a resolution to determine the appeal of a student discipline matter? Where is the board of education of the Rome City School District? The board received a written appeal from a student disciplinary matter arising under the district's code of conduct policy. And whereas the board has considered the manner in executive session to protect the privacy of a student's education
076records and personally identifiable information under federal and state law pursuant to a motion made and approved under public law officers law 108-3 during the regular business meeting of the board on May 11th, 2026. And now therefore, be it resolved that having heard the appeal presented by a parent, guardian, person, and parental relationship of a student, in the response of the administration, and due deliberation having been had, the appeal is denied, and the decisions of the building administration and the superintendent of schools are affirmed. And it is further resolved that the president of the board of education or the district clerk as designate of the president is hereby authorized to prepare a letter consistent with this resolution and with the deliberations and executive session to be prepared, signed and mailed to the appealant appallet and to
077include in that letter language appropriate to inform the appelllet of the time and manner in which an agreved party may file an appeal of this decision with the New York State Commissioner of Education. And it is further resolved that this resolution shall take effect immediately. Can I have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Moved by Jen. Have a second. >> Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. All right. Discussion items. Upcoming events. As noted, the CA meet the candidates night hosted by the NAACP will be tomorrow at 6:30 Rome Free Academy Saw auditorium. Election day is May 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. And I believe the election sites are noted both in our book that was ma newsletter that was mailed and probably also on our website. Um
078tenure recognition will be May 20th at 4 PM at Rome Free Academy Library and the retirement recognition will be June 9th at 5:30 in the Rome Free Academy Library. And I do want to mention one thing which I think is very important that we acknowledge was the other night the school sponsored Strow had it I believe. >> Yes, I can speak to that. >> The sixth grade dance. >> Yes. >> So go ahead. >> Yes. Yes. Yes, there was a sixth grade dance. We always talk about how we want our students since last year, um the administrative team, the principles in particular, we have been talking about how it is important that we bring students earlier together as we talked about transitions right before they get to Stra. And as we were talking about that
079for a whole year, we also talked about that we have nine buildings, but we are one one Rome City School District. We're not divided, we're one. And so as we started having that conversation, it appears that some of the PTG groups were also interested in having some of the same conversations. So it was while we were here at a superintendent student leadership council, the parents who were out there started talking about it and we were like, "Wow, the principles wanted it, the PTG was interested in it." So they came together and put together for the first time a sixth grade dance for the sixth graders at Stra. And of course, Tracy was just like, I will open up my space because I have an interest since I want them to be together and get to
080know each other and start collaborating with each other before they even come to me in seventh grade. Um, and so Tracy, I don't know if you want to say anything about that, but today I asked the principles cuz I had to pick up my little one from college. He's not so little, so I couldn't attend. So I asked them, "How was the sixth grade dance?" They all said it went really well and even the adult joined in to dance. So Tracy, I don't want to put you on the spot, but I think since you opened up your doors and collaborated with the elementary principles to put this together and the community foundation gave us some donation for that. So just a collaboration >> I would just say um again uh really it was a collaborative
081effort by parents, the administrators um and the staff that came to Chaperon. There was a lot of people involved. I thought the event went very very well. Uh it was adjusted for their time frame. It was 6 to 8. So uh the kids came, they had a great time. So again, I think this is just another opportunity to bring the kids together as they as they come into seventh grade. So I think there was a lot of work put into this. Miss Maron took leadership on the administrative team and uh just want to compliment her and and the team for putting it together. So >> I think that's >> awesome. Like so I really think that that is a great thing and I think that we should obviously continue doing that and look and when
082you're working with them see if there's anything else that they would like to do like even in the you know their other times where they can meet because I think the transition is very difficult um at that level of age of everyone's personality you know at that age is a hard one and to come together in a place where it's fun it's not just learning and you get to meet people and you wouldn't necessarily even met. Even if you were in school together, you wouldn't have gotten to talk to or hang out with, I think is great because a lot of kids who aren't involved in sports or extracurricular activities aren't given the opportunity to meet other kids from other schools. And I think that that's very very important. like to say that I had
083a sixth grader go. Um, and one of the things that I loved is it was very similar to uh filling out the paperwork for middle school dances and the high school dances, which was great because it already got them in that feel of this is my responsibility now. I'm responsible for my ticket. It needs to come with me. I have to have this good behavior. This is the agreement I'm signing with my parent. And so, I thought that was great. It was nice to see uh the development not just from my own child from that night, but from other kids who were a little bit nervous going into it and shy to maybe step into those doors, but then as soon as they saw one or two friends, they lit up. The change in demeanor
084from seeing some of those kids go into the school versus coming out. They were wired when they came out. They were so excited, so happy. It was a fantastic idea. I hope that it continues going forward. I've had some parents say to me that they wish that their older kids would have had that opportunity and they hope that stuff like this continues. So, good job. >> It does. All right. And that concludes >> what you said. >> Oh, go ahead. Sean. Sean, you have to say something. >> Were you there, Sean? >> Uh, in spirit. come and tell us you were in the meeting. >> We don't require new hires to join uh that is joining the Rome team to be here in person. But I just wanted to acknowledge that Mr. Michael Stelteri, >>
085yes, >> is going to be our new dean of students for John Joy Elementary and he has previously served the students and families here in Rome >> and uh went on to join Frank for Skyler and has retired and is now coming back and he's going to be joining the team and I wanted to say thank you Mr. Stalter for coming this evening. >> Welcome. >> Absolutely. >> You're welcome. >> Nice to meet you. I just have to say you were board president. >> Now, do we get that on record? >> I wasn't going to go there, but that is correct. >> Oh, wow. >> She was my age back then there. >> Yeah. No. And I think the the last thing I want to just mention is um last Friday I did attend the
086Anida County uh county executives state of the county >> and I want to say that he is bringing forward some new initiatives for youth in within the county that they're very interested in. But the exciting thing was some of the initiatives that he brought up we have already had in place. So, I thought it was a really really interesting concept where he's putting together a youth council and we already have our youth council for second grades through 12th. Correct. >> Yep. Our student leadership council. >> Our student leadership council. It's the same idea. Exactly. He's also talked about some of the new um for we have James Soldier that we hired and the safety element of it. we've already implemented so many of the things that they were talking about. So I just want to
087point out that those are the kind of progressive things this past year we have put into place. Um he talked about more health issues for youth be as they go through. We just started our healthy um smiles that we have going forward. >> Yep. With our nurse practitioner who we added this year. Remember we added our director of district safety and our nurse practitioner who's bringing all of these initiative to the schools and all of the principles have supported that effort by making sure that they send it constantly under parent square because it is important that students have good dental care and that is an effort that our nurse practitioner worked on on day one when she entered the district. With that said, also with our safety, I wanted to just point out, I've read
088a couple places where it was in, you know, maybe not correct. Um, and I want to reiterate, we didn't have a safety m safety meeting yet this month. It's coming up, so I didn't have a report, but no, again, I will reiterate by next start of the school year, the high school will have the metal detectors that everyone thinks that we're not, you know, we're really working hard. None of this happens overnight. You know, James has been working very hard with um Dr. Gonzalez and the safety committee. We will have wands. Our schools are already safe. We will be even safer. Um there will be places that if there is not one of those machines will move. So if we cannot get the mobile machine somewhere, they will have wands. Um, and they are working
089very very hard on these things to make sure that we do have them because I've read a couple places where people feel we should we are we're on it and I I promise you >> and some of the safety measures that Dr. Gonzalez talked about. I'm glad that you mentioned that that is part of our budget that she talked about at the budget hearing. So when we when we hear those safety measures, those are included already in the budget. So thank you Kristen for bringing that up. And the final comment I just want to make is and I do thank our speaker for bringing up the parts about social media and some of the information that's out there. There's a lot of things that are put on social media and I will have to say
090and I can speak for myself but for most of the board none of us respond to what we see on social media but most a lot of what you read on social media and this is definitely to go out to the public is not accurate. A lot of it is blown up in ways that are not actual facts of what goes on. If you if a person in the public has a question on something because it looks very strange, our emails for all the board members are out there on our website. All you have to do is email any one of us and we'd be happy to reply to you. Obviously, there's privacy issues. there's things we cannot say to you because there's legal requirements about that. But if it's a general question, certainly ask
091us the question because there's all kinds of things and it's upsetting to me when they start talking about things like that we don't do anything with the stadium and we're not doing anything with Staley. We are doing all those things. It's just there's a process that it has to go through. We have outlined it in numerous board meetings. We've had our architects come, our consultants come, they've presented, and yet somehow the public, it's said that we're not coming and being transparent about it all. We certainly are. And if anyone has a question, like I said, every single one of us would answer a question that you have. So, I just wanted to put that out there. And with that, >> so move, >> but we're going into executive session. Oh, >> so the regular meeting
092agenda. Can I have a motion to go out of our regular meeting agenda? >> Okay. Second. >> Second of Nadia. And we are making Can I have a motion to go into executive session >> to discuss matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, and or removal of a particular person or corporation? >> Second. >> Okay. Moved by Nadia, seconded by Car Kirsten. Thank you. >> Good night, everyone. >> Good night. >> I have a very quick question.