001America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Can I get a motion to go into executive session? Okay. Moved by Kirsten. >> Seconded by Jen. All in favor? I. And we are into executive. We'll see you shortly. >> I was >> I know. I know you are. >> Moving forward. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 16th, 2026? >> Moved by Kirsten. Second. >> Second by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Motion's carried. Uh, superintendent, are there any additions, deletions to the agenda? >> There are none. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Moving on to board recognition, achievements, and honors. Um, we had last week, this past Tuesday, I believe, a
002week ago, we went to two schools. We went to uh Stra and we also went to Denty. And John, would you like to comment? >> No. Okay. >> Um, I thought it was uh great to see the kids, see what the kids are doing. It's what probably one of my favorite times of year that as a district we get to kind of see the different uh layers um of the school district and uh see what these kids are up to and how excited they are to see us. And then again at this um last one uh students were extremely excited to see our superintendent. I could hear them in the hall. One of them was pointing. She's like that's our superintendent and she was so excited. So it was really uh great to see their
003enthusiasm and they were all very welcoming. So >> I also enjoyed um at Stra we went to um a science class where we were actually part of a a lab experiment. It was very interesting. We all had to play into the hole. They were trying to identify if there was who the >> natural selection. >> Yeah. Natural selection. So it was a very interesting time seeing it full scale and we enjoyed that. So, >> and you were in a bilingual class. >> Oh, yes. And we went to the Spanish class, which that was amazing. But I didn't really understand anything because I don't speak any Spanish at all. So, it was very, very good though. I mean, I really enjoyed learning all this and we really appreciate the efforts put in by the principles of
004the schools and our superintendent to bring that to us. Um, as board members, those are the things that really help us to understand. So, we thank them. um our HR and recruitment efforts. >> I can talk about that. >> Go right ahead. Um we really wanted to take the time even at the district level to really honor and give kudos to some of the other departments who are really working hard on our behalf. Um, one of the things we've talked about is really, um, making sure that from a human resources perspective that we really, um, brand our district so that people know that this is a great place to work and a great place to live. And our HR department has been doing that. So recently Kathy Groso and our assistant superintendent of HR traveled
005to Sunni Courtland. Um again because we have some positions such as psychologist other related services that we're really keen about making sure that we recruit and they were there at Courtland speaking to different colleges that has some of these programs and um when you see our table we take over and because our table is beautiful. Our black and orange really stand out. the HR has done a lot of branding and bring the branding material with them. Um, and so we want to give them kudos in particular to get Kathy Graco as well. And today, if you were at the fair at the high school, the career fair, we also had a table. So, our assistant superintendent, Dr. Sean Carney, is doing really a great job in making sure that we are visible at these places
006and also having conversation with colleges so that we can recruit the best of the best. So, kudos to that department. I'd like to also give kudos to our business office for all of the hard work they have been doing for our budget. Um, you have they have really presented a very comp completed they've gone through so many areas and explained I think your explanations are very transparent and you've really really tried to bring that out to the board so we understand. Um and we also recently had our um outside audit for our cash dispersements and it was a very positive audit which we will be voting on later on tonight. Um it was a very positive um audit of us and we really had no findings except a few that were not large. We the
007amount of corrections that were put through from a year ago to now is extraordinary. Um and I really would like to thank you Dr. Gonzalez for the hard work that you and your department have done. So thank you very much. >> May I add something we had last year? >> Yeah. at the risk audit meeting. As you know, we do have a community member that sits on that audit and there are times from within we know the amount of work that our team is lifting in the business department as well. And so for him to even notice because he's a constant um individual that's part of our audit from where we were last year to all of the corrective actions that has taken place and for the auditors to say that they're very pleased with
008some a lot of the corrections that was made. He also made a comment. So that made us really feel good because we know the amount of work that they're lifting. But for a community member who sits on the audit to see the difference and being able to make a positive comment about like being so impressed with the number of things that we are able to correct in a short amount of time. So again kudos to you and your entire team. And now I can fully say HR is complete and business is complete. We have it is important um that folks understand when you have the right people in the right spaces and places begin to happen. So when we talk about this organization become e becoming excellence excellent that is the kind of excellence that
009we're talking about. Wanted to comment on the Denty play that they had last week. Um it was absolut I went Thursday to see during the day to see it and it was incredible to think that there are students who are 9 years old who participate in this and they did a fantastic job. So that was huge kudos to them for what they've done and we're looking forward now the next one will be with RFA. So that's exciting. And then I would also like to point out um we have a very nice little poster here thanking us the board of ed for helping and this came from the prek program here um Miss Luzoski and honestly they were when we went to their classrooms it was last week it was very very or a couple weeks
010ago it was very exciting and very acknowledging of hard work and the last thing I'd like to bring up is we have a proclamation from Assemblywoman Maryanne Badan and she's giving us in honor of the Rome City to us in honor of the Rome City School District for their best communities for music education designation. It's very our music programs here are well known throughout the area throughout the state and I would like to say we really appreciate getting noticed like that. That's very very exciting. So we thank Mary um Assemblywoman Mary Otan for that. And does anyone have anything else? Oh, I have one further one that I just wanted to bring up and that was um for an RFA senior Robin Thompson. And she was named a 2026 national winner in the Scholastic Art
011and Writing Awards for her piece, A Durge for Dried Flowers. Um, she is among the top national artists recognized for original skillful work with her art featured in the Alliance for Young Artist and Writers Online Gallery. So, congratulations to Miss Thompson. It's very exciting. And that concludes our board recognition. If let's know if someone else has something to add. No. Moving on to public comment. No one's here. So, that takes care of that. Superintendent's report. Sure. Um, tonight I would like to take a moment uh to honor the life and legacy of one of our beloved staff members, Christine Kgerro, or affectionately known as Mrs. Kyle. Since joining the district um in 2024, I had the opportunity to know Christine as someone deeply committed to our students, particularly through her work with the National Honor
012Society. Her love and passion for young people were evident not only in her classroom but far beyond it. She was an encourager, an inspiration and someone who consistently saw the potential in every student she encountered. And if you look at the Facebook page of things that we posted really um many people have expressed that sentiment. Christine dedicated over 40 years of her life to education, including more than three decades at Rome Free Academy. She was a New York State master teacher, an adjunct professor, and a respected leader in her field. But what stands out most is the profound impact she had on generation of students. Science may have been her subject, but we say teaching was truly her calling. Her commitment to children extended well beyond our district. She served on a board of education,
013volunteered in her community, and remained deeply great engaged in all that she did. Simply put, she lived a life of service. Christine passed away on March 26, surrounded by her family and the love they shared. While her loss is deeply felt, her legacy will live on through the countless students and colleagues she inspired over the years. I will share that National Honor Society ceremonies will not be the same without her presence. However, her spirit, her encouragement, her belief in students will continue to be felt in those moments and in the lives of all she touched. So on behalf of our district, we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. So this year, this is the second staff member who have passed on in a short
014amount of time. Um, in terms of April, we like to take a moment to recognize that April brings with it several important opportunities for us to reflect on who we are as a school community and what we value. First, April is Autism Acceptance Month, which is especially meaningful for us as a district. It's a time to not only raise awareness, but to deepen our commitment to inclusion, ensuring that every students feel seen, supported, and valued for who they are. This is work we prioritize every day, but April gives us an opportunity to also be even more intentional in how we celebrate and affirm our students. And I can share with the community that every school tomorrow will be acknowledging that and they are celebrating in ways and they are encouraging people to wear blue from
015RFA to all of the elementary schools. So across the district we are doing that. April is also National ArabAmerican Heritage Month which allows us to recognize and honor the contributions, cultures and experiences of ArabAmericans across our community. In addition, it is the month of the military child where we acknowledge the resilience and strength of students whose families serve in the military. And we know we have a lot of military um men and women um in this community. While this may represent a smaller portion of our population, it's important that we recognize and support those experiences as part of our broader community. April also gives us an opportunity to celebrate student voice and learning in various ways. During National Poetry Month, we see creativity and expressions come to life in our classrooms. And through school library
016month, we are reminded of the vital role our libraries and librarians play in fostering curiosity, literacy, and a love for learning. It is also National Volunteer Month. We have a lot of volunteers in our community who comes to our schools to read to our children. And this provides us an opportunity to recognize the many families and community members who partner with us and support our students in various meaningful ways. And I also want to be very intentional about recognizing the incredible staff members who are highlighted throughout this month. We celebrate paraprofessionals appreciation day recognizing the essential role that our teaching assistants and support staff play in meeting the needs of our students every day. We also acknowledge national assistant principles week and the leadership balance and care that they bring to our buildings. We we
017also have administrative professional days that's happening also in um April and the individuals who keep our schools running smoothly. The secretaries know what's going on in those schools. Often they are the first point of contact for families and the steady presence that holds so much together. And lastly, on April 22nd, Earth Day will remind us of the importance of environmental stewardship and the role our students play in shaping a more sustainable future. When we look at all of these together, April really reflects the heart of our district. our commitment to inclusion, our appreciation for the many individuals who make our system work, and our focus on creating meaningful experiences for our students. This concludes my report. >> You very much. Um, moving on to our student board member report, but we did have the career
018fair today, which is really nice to go to. So, I did miss it first period, but I ended up going second period. It was really nice to see all the businesses there and kids getting good information from places to go right after school if they're not going to college. I saw a lot of students in my other classes have information pamphlets and other things. It was really nice to see that they could get that information. And also, the musical is coming up. I'm not in it, but Joanna is, and that's why she's not here. She's actually at rehearsal, but they've been working so hard. Most of my friends are in the musical, and they wanted me to invite all of you guys. I'm not sure if we have a meeting between then and there, but
019they wanted me to make sure you guys save the dates. It's the 23rd, 24th, and 25th. I'm 99% sure, but they told me to invite all of you guys. It's going to be a great show. It's Cinderella. Based off of them singing in my ear most of the time, it sounds very good. So, I hope you guys enjoy that. And that's really it, honestly. Question about the career fair. Um, are there opportunities for kids who want summer jobs at the career fair, too? But >> I didn't see anything specifically for summer jobs when I was there, but I also wasn't like fully looking at the businesses myself. I was really just looking around to see who was there, but it was a lot like American. There was a lot of banks there and stuff like
020that. I don't think there's anything specifically for the summer, though. >> I believe there was a few. >> Yeah, there was a few. And I only know that because the chamber sponsored it and of that. So yes, there were a few. >> Yeah, I wasn't 100% sure. I was there for a few minutes before trying to get scholarships, but yeah. >> Okay, now we're moving on to our workshop, our budget development. >> Evening. Tonight is the last official presentation that I will be presenting before the board accepts um the budget for the 2627 year. Um, so please if you have any questions, please stop me along the way. A lot of this you've heard multiple times throughout the last three or four months, but um, overall we're still looking at the same thing. So the
021recommended budget is slightly higher than the last time we talked, and this is mostly because they've done another pull um, in order to finish or finalize the state budget. So, the recommended budget that um is in front of the board of education tonight for the resolution is 165,561 086. Um that does represent a 2.89% tax levy. Um and there's a little bit of an increase on the foundation aid side. Um so overall, that's a 3.13% increase over last year's budget, which is just slightly over $5 million. Um this is just again uh a quick overview of the revenue projections. Um the overall expense um didn't change much but we did have a little more in Boseies um cost when um Mr. Pero and I went over the numbers and started looking at some of the
022things that are going to happen for next year. We had some additional increases in Boseies. Um so that is essentially where that increase has gone um based on the um foundation aid that we received. So overall, our balance between our revenue and our expenditures equal out, which is exactly what you want for a balanced budget. So again, the tax levy um we're proposing 2.89. I know there were some questions about when I originally suggested 2.75 before we knew what the tax cap could be, um what that would look like and what that increase really was. So I wanted to be able to show that to the public and to the board of education tonight. Um, with the 2.75% increase, it's approximately $966,000. With the 2.89%, it's just over a million, which is a difference of
023roughly $49,000. That equates for a household of $100,000 that um of value, $1.24 more on your tax levy. Um, if you were to $300,000, it's $3.72. Again, you can keep extrapolating that based on your value of your home. um even at a million dollars, we're not looking at much more than $10. Um so just so that you have that in mind as you come to vote for the budget. Um and so I wanted to show it another way just in case because I did originally show what it was like for $100,000. The overall tax levy compared to last year would go up by about $48 on a 2.89% tax levy. If the um board decided to go at 2.75, it would be $46.76 instead. So, it's a small difference, but it's there in case um
024you have questions about it or you want to discuss it further. Overall, no surprise, our three-part budget um 80 almost 81% of it is in our programs. We are an educational institution and that is where we will continue to um put most of our funding as we continue to increase growth and so forth over the next several years. Um, we do have approximately 7 and 12% in administrative cost and about 12% in our capital. And just a reminder, capital is not our capital projects. Capital is our facilities, maintenance of our operations, all those types of things and some of our bonds. Um, and administrative is exactly what it sounds like. It's mostly the business office. It's um the district office and those expenses that are associated with that. Where would insurance that we pay as
025a district fall within the categories? >> Yep. Insurance is actually split um let me rephrase. Are you talking about benefit insurance like health insurance or you're talking about So that would actually fall out under administrative because that's part of a board of education and a district number. >> So I just wanted to bring that up because I'm in sure I'm sure our insurance costs given >> the industry itself right now that you're seeing increased. So that is part of the 7.53% increase. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Thank you. >> No problem. >> Um just a reminder, the um budget that we are proposing will include these several um things. It includes a workforce liaison director. We're still figuring out exactly what that name is going to be, but that's essentially what that is. We have continued
026recruitment initiatives, um new software that we're looking at, new platforms that we're um planning on um putting out there for the different positions, unified sports, we're still looking at um an AIS math teacher, biology teacher. These are in addition to the positions that we currently have. So, this is extra support at the RFA. Additionally, we're looking at um a change in position, but we wanted to make sure that it was notified um noticed in here that it's a social worker instead of a counselor at Ridge. and then also an addition of a teacher assistant. We also have um supported um with the student chairs and desks and different furniture both shroud and RFA and we're actually putting in place a replacement plan over the next several years so that we continue to purchase those things
027instead of one time and then you don't do anything for 5 years. It's a continual increase. We also are looking at student calculators. We do plan on purchasing those through Boseies. So there will be an 86% return on that the following year. And then we do have some supply increases in both technology and our family consumer science. Um we have some equipment that is outdated that we need to replace. And then just the cost of goods in general um has increased um tremendously over the ne last year or so. And so we want to make sure that they continue to have the ability to go and buy the groceries and everything else that they need in order to move forward with those classes. And then in addition to that, we also wanted to show what
028it looked like on the capital side. Um we are looking at two additional security personnel. We have not assigned those to specific buildings at this point. We want to be able to have that um flow to be able to use them at RFA or stra or as necessary also in the elementary buildings. As we've discussed, we also want to have the ability to put in some of the door hardening, some of the shades on the doors. Um, and that's part of a $35,000 safe um, reimbursement that we pay for one year and we get the full reimbursement the following year. So, this is an investment that we expect to recoup year after year moving forward. We have some wall padding at Bellamy that um, is in their gymnasium that has been tearing away. And from
029a safety perspective, we feel that this is a need to replace as well as the uh, septic repair over at Stokes. Um, we have in the technology space, we have an oil water separator that needs to be replaced um, in order to avoid any issues with DEC um, because it it's going into the ground. Um, and then we had the roadway behind RFA. If you've driven back there recently, um, you know that some cars are being swallowed. So, we wanted to make sure that we fix that before something happens with any vehicles. Um, and then we have a utility van that we'd like to replace. Um, and I wanted to to note that this year we did the digital signs both at Ganzavore and Bellamy or we're in the process of working on them. And
030then Denty and Stokes will be part of the $100,000 project that we use next year as well as the two 66 passenger diesel buses that was already approved to be on the ballot for this year. >> Speak with a utility van. Is that another something that goes through a B a Boseis consortium contract? >> That actually is done by a bid. we will go through that process. Um, typically what we do is we reach out to Boseis to help us with that and then if there's a vehicle that meets our our needs that's on their um bid then we will accept that. >> Okay. Thank you. And so the two main um propositions that will be on the ballot in May are both the two uh 66 passenger diesel buses at um I think at
031the actual ballot says 420,000 but we're expecting to pay only about 400,000. We've made it a little bit larger in case the numbers come back. Um we don't want to have to go back out to the voters a second time. Um we do expect it to be approximately 90% state aid. The second proposition will be for the 2.89% tax levy, assuming that the board um is approving of that tonight at approximately the $165 million. And just a reminder, we do have three budget forums that we are moving forward with at the end of this month. Um they will be April 27th, 28th, and 29th um at Lee Center, Jervis Library, and the Ganzavore Gymnasium. And they will start at 5:30. We will also have our budget hearing on May 11th, which is right before the
032board meeting at 5:15. And so if anyone from the public wants to come and ask their questions, they can do so at any of those worms or at the budget hearing. Are there any questions? Any discussion that we'd like to have? Okay. Thank you. Okay. Okay, moving on to our consent agenda which flows from pages 2 through 7. Can I have a motion to approve? >> Moved by Paula. >> Seconded by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Consent agenda passes. Okay. Moving on to our finance action items. Resolution to approve the risk assessment audit. Whereas MMBNC has completed independent risk audit for the 24-25 school year for the Rome City School District. And whereas the board of education has reviewed and discussed the findings, conclusions, and recommendations presented in the risk assessment report
033conducted by MMBNC. Uh therefore, be it resolved that the board of education formally accepts the risk assessment as completed and presented by MMB and company. Can I get a motion to approve? Moved by Jonathan, >> seconded by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Motion's per carried. Resolution to approve the corrective action plan for the risk assessment. Where is a risk assessment audit was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the district's internal controls, operational procedures, and financial safeguards for the 2425 school year. And where has the audit identified certain findings and recommendations requiring corrective action to strengthen internal controls and reduce risk exposure? And whereas the administration has developed a comprehensive correct corrective action plan to address the findings and recommendations outlined in the audit report. And whereas the board of education has reviewed
034the proposed corrective action plan and finds it to be responsive, appropriate, and align with the best practices in governance and risk management. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves a corrective action plan as presented, and be it further resolved that the superintendent of schools or their designate is authorized and directed to implement the corrected action plan in a timely and effective manage manner. Can I get a motion to approve? >> Moved by Jen. >> Second by Kirsten. Any discussion? Uh I just have one question. Um, after this is approved, this will be posted up on our website as well as maybe a copy given to Jervis Library and available at the district if someone wanted it again. >> Um, I don't have official um, finals. I can request some from
035MMB. Um, but we will definitely have it on our website as early as Tuesday or Wednesday next week. And then um, we will also have the corrective action plan on there as well. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. Um, can I get a motion or we had a motion? Can I All in favor? >> Motion's approved. Okay, moving on to number three. Board resolution to accept the treasures reports. Whereas the treasur has pre prepared financial reports for the months of January 2026 and February 2026. And whereas the board of directors has reviewed the treasures report for January 2026 and February 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby accepts and approves the treasures report for the January 2026 and February 26 months as presented. Can I have a motion to approve? Move.
036Okay, Kirsten moved. Can I get a second? >> Second by Jonathan. Any discussion? >> This should say board of education. >> Okay. Can we have a correction to that? I was going to should have caught that. Um, under the second item there where it said the board of directors, can I have a motion to correct that to say the board of education? >> Okay. Moved by Paula. >> Seconded by Jen for the correction. Um, all in favor of the correction. >> I Okay. Now, can I have a motion? We had the motion and a second for the actual um resolution. So, all in favor of that? I motion's carried. Resolution to accept a donation. Whereas the board of education is committed to enhancing educational opportunities for all students and whereas the district has received a
037donation in the amount of 55 $540 from Hannerford Help Schools and $500 from RT Federal Credit Union for the Stra Middle School Science Fair. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby accepts the donation of $540 from Hannerford Help Schools and $500 from RT Federal Credit Union and directs that the funds be utilized to support the middle school science fair. And be it further resolved that the board of education extends its sincere appreciation to Hannerford Health Schools and the RT Federal Credit Union for their generosity and continued support for the district science program. Can I get a motion to move? Moved by Jen. >> Seconded by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Motion's carried. Resolution to adopt the 2627 budget. Where is the board of education of the Rome City School
038District has developed a proposed budget for the operations of the school district for the 2627 school year? And where is the final amount of the proposed budget developed for the 2627 school year is 165,561,86. And whereas attached to the 2627 proposed budget is the school district's property tax report card for the 2627 school year. And whereas the budget hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for May 11, 2026. And whereas the annual meeting to vote upon the proposed budget is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th, 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board hereby approves the proposed budget developed for the 2627 school year in the amount of 165,561,86 along with the property tax report card attached thereto. And be it further resolved that the following proposition be placed before the voters on Tuesday, May
03919th, 2026, shall the board of education of the Rome City School District be authorized to expend the amount of $165,561,86 as a general fund appropriation for the 2627 school year and to levy the necessary tax therefore upon the taxable property of the district. Can I get a motion to move? Moved by Kirsten, second. >> Seconded by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Motion's carried. Resolution for renewal of participation in the summer food service program. Whereas the board of education recognizes the importance of ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session. And whereas a summer food service program provides an opportunity for the district to offer free, healthy meals to eligible children in the community. And whereas the administration has reviewed the requirements and benefits
040of continued participation in this program. Now therefore, be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby authorizes the renewal of the district's participation in the summer food service program for the period commencing June 29th, 2026 and concluding August 21st, 2026. Can I get a motion to move? >> Moved by Jonathan. >> Seconded by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Motion's carried. Resolution to increase a summer food service proposed rates. The board of education. Whereas the board of education supports a continued operation of the summer food source program to provide nutritious meals to students during the summer months. And whereas the district employs cooks, managers, and food service helpers to ensure the effective operation of the program. And whereas it is necessary to periodically review and adjust
041compensation rates to remain competitive and reflect increased costs. And whereas the administration has recommended a 4% increase in hourly rates for summer food service program staff for the summer of 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves a 4% increase in hourly rates for summer food service program positions for the summer of 2026 as follows. A cook manager from 2392 per hour to 24.88 per hour. A food service helper from 2080 per hour to 2163 per hour. Can I get a motion to move? >> Moved by Paula. >> Seconded by Jen. Any discussion? I have a question. Georgia. Is the food service self-funded? School lunch program and the summer program are all self-funded. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. All in favor? I
042motion's carried. Resolution to amend an agreement with CABV for vision services teacher of the visually impaired consultation whereas the district has previously entered into a contract with the central association for the blind and visually impaired CABI to provide vision services for the 2025 school year. And now there and we're missing a line I believe there. Now therefore be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves and authorizes an amendment to the existing agreement with CAVI to include services for one additional student at a cost not to exceed $75 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $49,075 for services and mileage for the 2526 school year. Can I get a motion to move it? >> Moved by Jonathan. Second. >> Second by Paul. Any discussion. All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. Um,
043we presently won't have an audit committee meeting probably until May or June. So, that's still to be decided. And finance committee meeting. We're doing all our budget forums. So, that pretty much takes care of that. And that concludes finance. We have no educational programs agenda action items tonight. Um Miss Rashid unfortunately is not with us tonight to do a parent partnership council committee report. Would you like to >> Sure. >> Um the last parent partnership council meeting that we had, we had invited our director of secondary programs to talk about CTE pathways, how we're planning to expand that for um next year. and parents had some great questions about the CTV pathways and in particular we talked about the agricultural piece as well. So they were really impressed. Um and one comment that we received
044was that um one individual said when we bring things to the district they do respond because that was one of the individuals who really brought the agricultural piece to our forefront and we have been working on it. So parents are really pleased about that. Um, and I had an opportunity to really uh two of of the parents had uh talked about um having the opportunity to address quote unquote rumors. And so I think it was important to take some time to talk about like my leadership journey so that they get to know me as an individual, not just as the superintendent, but also understand where our values and beliefs lies and where we will never compromise um you know opportunities for students. And so we had an opportunity to engage in that. It's been really
045good. We've had a lot of parents participation and as we talked about there's representative from every single building. Um and so it's been going well. And again just as a reminder the reason why this parent partnership council was formed is because parents had expressed an interest in really engaging with the district to understand more of all of the programs and services that are available to their children. but at the same time being able to dialogue in terms of overall things that are going well but also opportunities for refinement. And so we have bylaws. Um we will be engaging in making sure that they choose officers as well so that it is really in collaboration with the district that it's parentled and also them asking us what they want to learn more about. So it's educational
046piece but yet having an opportunity to give us feedback on great things but also things where we need to do work because you can't improve if you don't know what you need to improve. So it's been going well right Dr. Carney Dr. Carney um co-f facilitate this parent partnership council right now with me. >> I have one question it's been asked >> um of me. Are additional parents able to join? Is there a specific time period when they should be doing that or >> I will let our um board clerk uh let you know a little bit about the process and how we've been allowing individuals to come in. >> Sure. If anyone would still like to join, they can just send me an email at sa russell romecsd.org. Um we have had new parents
047show um every every meeting so far. We've we've added at least one new parent um to the council. It's not a uh show up for one meeting type of thing. We we appreciate everybody's input and we want them to continue to come to continue to learn and see the process and everything that we're going to go through and be a valuable part of the committee. you say as well is um we will create or we have created a spot on our district website under the parent where we post the minutes the agendas um so that if anyone wants to see the discussion or a summary of what was uh what took place they have the opportunity our bylaws will be there too so that parents understand that it's not just okay let me come and
048share my personal issue it's really about how do you help make sure that our district continues to move in an excellent way. Um, and so yeah, so all of that will be posted online as well. So, >> thank you. >> Our district safety committee report with Miss Safeen. >> So, we met on the 19th. Um, we're working with and getting um metal detectors. So, they we're hoping to be able to launch it for September. Um, these metal detectors are um able to be moved also. So, with that said, we we're going to be able to take them to sporting events. So, if we need to rem, you know, take it out and bring it to the football games, they'll be able to be brought there. Plus, they are also um getting the wands. So, if
049there isn't, per se, a um metal detector there, they can use the wands. They went and um watched Proctor bring in their students for the day. They had um I believe they said there was 30 though. They have 30 people on staff. Whether it is the everyone from security to officers, two um administrators at the doors. They check their bags. They go through the metal detector they want them. They all come in through two different entrances and they do it in a very they were they were saying it was very impressive how they are able to do that. Um they also um we met with the threat assessment um team that's TAM and then that's through Onida County. So they were there. We went over some things with them. Um we're having some problems in
050schools with where people may see um you're seeing the fire department being sent to the schools. It's not necessarily um a fire. Um, this is a lot of unfortunately vaping, which they're really trying to work on in the high schools. That's why they have their bathroom scheduled the way they're doing those things. And they are getting better, but those do set the alarms off. Also, um, they went to a traffic study. So, for Ridge, Stokes, and John Joy, there's been a traffic study done. They are working with signage, getting signages done. They're also working um with the state police also over there for Stokes trying to figure out the best way to have parent safely to have parent pickup and drop off. Um and they're working really closely with them and also trying to get
051the speed limit reduced. So those are um actually state roads on those schools. So it's it's very hard to get that. Um, we also were doing one more thing. Let me see. Oh, they were going to also start um doing health and safety national health and safety council training. So, there's a lot of things that are being offered um that they're going to start with the safety team working with. also getting um more people CPR trained and trained in the AEDs hopefully with the budget getting those extra security. Um and that was really it. Um they're looking at a lot of different things in order to make things go a lot more smoothly and for everyone else just to feel more safe at our schools and to make sure that there is no safety issues
052coming up. So we are working. So people are saying and it does take time. So you have to remember you know just to buy a a metal detector isn't cheap, you know. So it takes time and then to get it and and then start training on them and stuff. So hopefully I'm praying. Um so by next school year we'll be up and running and we'll have all that and our ne he hasn't given me it'll be to be determined for the next meeting. He'll be sending it out probably in the next week. I would think that for things like the wands, the metal detectors and the wands, there must be grant programs. So, >> there is um for some of it, but not all of it. So, um thankfully um Mrs. Gonzalez is working with
053him um in um finding money and getting it taken care of um and finding other ways so that we can get more. So it might not, you know, like I think they were able to what was it? Nine wands maybe. I think something, you know, so they were only going to be able to afford to do so many, but now and also these things too, we have to remember these things weren't ever budgeted for or, you know, for years till recently, you know. Um, so now, I mean, she's been doing a great job helping them find the money for it and getting this stuff All right. Under human resources action item number one, resolution to approve tenure. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves tenure for
054the following individual. Joanne Jandrew, special education teacher, tenure area special education effective date 41826. And the other is Faith >> Srono >> Sfrano um special education teacher tenure area special education and effective date for 2026. Joanne is from Gansv and Faith Johny. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Paula. >> Second by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried and that is all from oh policy. Okay, I'm doing policy. Um action action item number one resolution to approve the first reading of policies. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the first reading of the following policies. Number 5011E naming of district facilities petition exhibit. Number 5040, student religious expression. Number 5225, student personal expression. Number 8130, school safety
055plans and teams. Number 8131, pandemic planning. Number 8140, unsafe school transfer choice number 9101, employee religious expression. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? Moved by Jonathan, >> Second by Kristen. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Okay. The next uh committee meeting is April 13th, 2026 at 4:45 at 266 West Dominic Street. And um that is all that we currently have. miscellaneous business. And the only thing I would like to bring up here is if there's anyone in the community interested in running for the school board, there are three seats that are open this year. Um, anyone in the community is welcome to email. Our board emails are all out on our website. you're certainly welcome to email any one of us um if you'd like to set up a time to
056meet with us, one of the board members to discuss what it really entails to be on a board um because it is a a time of a commitment and I just wanted to reinforce that. So, um if anyone's interested in doing that, we're certainly available to always do that. Um, moving up to our discussion items. Um, if anyone is interested in attending the from the board, our an Bosey's annual meeting on April 15th at 6 p.m. Um, we need to let Sandy know so she can RSVP for us. Our athletic fields ribbon cutting ceremony is April 16th at 3:45 at RFA. Our community budget forums were already put out there. Um, again though, April 27th, Lee Town Hall, April 28th, Jervis Library, April 29th at Ganszvort, and those are all at 5:30. Meet the candidates
057night for those of us who are running for the board is May 12th at 6:30 at the right here in this building. Um, the school election is May 19th at 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Um, and you can always find where you would vote will be on will be on our website. >> Yep. And in the budget newsletter. >> In our budget newsletter and on the website. >> Um, our tenure recognition ceremony will be May 20th at 4:30 at Romeree Academy Library. And our retirement recognition will be June 9th. Does anyone have any old business they'd like to bring up? If not, can I have a >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Seconded by Paula. All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. Back too much.