Rome CSD BOE Meeting 2/9/26

001Flag 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. Just once more, since we have more people here than we normally do, if anyone would like to speak, you just have to fill out a card with our board clerk over there and you'll have the opportunity then. Okay. So, could I have a motion for the approval of our minutes of the regular meeting of January 26, 2026? >> Okay. Moved by Kirsten, >> second. Seconded by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. Are there any additions or deletions to the agenda? >> Yes, there is one that will be under human resources action item and that will become action item number eight and it's regarding a resolution

002to accept resignation. Okay. Can I have a motion to accept the additional >> Okay. Moved by Kirsten. >> Second. Seconded by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Motion's carried. Okay. Now we will move on to our board recognition, achievements, and honors. We'll start with Jonathan. >> Uh let's see. Athletic update. So indoor track, we have three section section three champions. Jacob sone, shot put, and weight throw. was our weight throw. Keon Mitchell weight throw. Girls volleyball was play will play a section semifinal game against Cartridge tomorrow, February 10th at Romeree Academy at 6 p.m. Wrestling had four athletes advance to the semifinals to Saturday at Anadaga Community College. Apologize in advance if I mess up the names. Damique Thompson, Khalif Smith, Jace Window, and Camille Capil Capotelli. Sorry, I said boys hockey

003will have a sectional quarter final game on February 19th at 7 p.m. at Kenya Arena. Uh the bonus is to be announced. Girl and girls bowling are the class A champion, section champions, which I did see today, which was great to hear. And that's it. And I would also like to say that I attended the Peter Pan um play at Stra last Thursday morning and I was lucky enough as a board member. It's one of those times where you really get to sit and enjoy I all of Denty school came and to watch those kids watch our students in that play. They were so engrossed and so excited. It really made me remember why it is we as board members really enjoy what we do 99.9% of the time and and it really really was

004inspiring. So I they the play itself was wonderful, the singing, the dancing, the everything about it was really exciting. I really really loved every minute of it. Madame President, I'd like to take some time to actually acknowledge our brilliant students who are here who are were on stage on Friday night when I attended Peter Pan and also the staff members who has accompanied them to be here. Um, and I would say the same thing like I am just very super proud. They know that I went backstage and I told them how proud I was of them. the music, the dancing, the speaking. I mean, every single individual did an amazing job and I was so proud and that's the brilliance of our students that I always talk about and that's what we got to celebrate.

005We have amazing students in this district. We hear how they are doing well on the field, in the classroom, and also at every grade level every year. We have an amazing show and Cinderella is coming up soon. Peter Pan, you know, did a great job. And so I, if you're okay with that, I'd like to open up the floor to have them if they have anything to say. Miss Peter Pan is here, too. She is here. Uh, you know, and the pirate is also here. So, I want to give them the floor and the staff members who support them, who does the makeup, all of the stuff that goes behind the scenes. So, come on up. Let people celebrate you and recognize you for all of THE GREAT WORK. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SAY? >>

006Just just thank you. It means a lot. >> Okay. >> Thank you for coming to see the show. It does mean a lot. We tried to work really hard to like invite as many people as we could. Um especially you to come see the show to see how hard everybody had worked at it and stuff. So yeah, thank you. >> Yeah. Uh, thank you for coming and enjoying the show. I made lots of new friends. Wasn't expecting to make as many. Um, all of us improved and I can't wait to do an RFA. >> Yes. And I just want to say what impressed me the most was it the number of students that we engage in this was just awesome. So, I mean, it isn't just all of you who your acting skills and your

007singing skills were incredible, but all the production staff and even the gentleman who was handing out the programs as you walked in the door, I had to tell him at one point he was so he was so excited about every adult that came in to hand him a program and he was talking in his pirate voice and I he was just awesome. So, congratulations to you all. You really really represented your school and the district very well. you do did great. So, thank you. >> And of course, some of the staff members are here. Don't be shy. We see some at the door. You all, you know, really help to put students on the map. We are very proud to have our students. They have the talent. But you know what? There's people behind the

008scenes like you who support them, who encourages them through the pain, through the tears, through the behind the scenes. We know that you are behind them 100%. So, please come up here. Whatever you want to say. We want to open the floor. Um, you know, um, well, um, I'm Miss Anderson, music teacher at Strow. And, um, so I, uh, I've had some of these, uh, little ones since they were in like first grade at Denty when I was there. So, I' I've um, watched them grow in many shows. Some are new to me. So, that that's wonderful. We did have a big crew. We had about a hundred students in it. And um the neat thing is is we've we've um this is my brother too, Mr. Patrick. He goes by Patrick Anderson. Um and

009uh we we've kind of created this studentrun production where we have um students from RFA come back and they're working the mics and the and this time I even gave up on the music. I mean I had students doing it all honestly. So it's really a studentrun show and we're really proud of um really proud of the production. So, thank you all for coming and thank you and we're so proud of our students and our student officers who took the time to come out here. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> And I also like the remix at the end. The Peter Pan remix was good cuz the students were dancing to it. I'm like, "Yeah, I want to join in." >> But I had to be a little bit more reserved. >>

010No, we totally understand. >> Thank you. Okay, moving on to um the other thing I would like to mention quickly is next week students are not in school and we wanted to be sure that uh everyone remembers that the family YTA star students can go to the family Y and participate in the programs and it is free for the students. So, I did want to make sure that was brought forward and everybody so everyone has something that they can do next week and enjoy it. So, besides the nice snow they can have fun with. >> You're not talking about snow. >> Okay, moving on to the superintendent's report. >> I have no re I have no report >> today. Can you believe that? I did a dissertation last time and definitely I know there are

011some transportation stuff. So, transportation is here. They're going to talk about that. Um um vehicle the the buses and and all of that um conversation will happen there. And there's other budget development things that I will leave it to the folks to talk about today and not me. We do have one um Yeah, I would take that. Yeah, we do have one individual who'd like to speak and rather than making you wait till the end, we thought we'd allow you now. So, Mr. Joe Poff. >> Yeah. Can you please come over? >> Good evening. Um, so my name is Joe Prada. I'm the local university development counselor for Grand Canyon University. So I'm here to speak today regarding our scholarships for New York State school district employees and specifically for the Rome school district. I

012reached out a few times to the district office and I've had some good conversations with people, but it really didn't go anywhere. So, I figured I'd come try with you guys. Uh, due to the teacher shortages across the state and the country, Grand Canyon University is offering 32% off tuition for bachelors and education programs for anyone who is an employee in a New York State school district. Uh, this has been extremely helpful in getting teachers assistants and substitute teachers converted to fully licensed full-time teachers. We're also offering 25% off masters and education for lensure programs and then 18% off tuition for any other like graduate certificate or anything like that. Uh these scholarships are reducing the cost of degrees so they're more affordable and we at Grand Canyon University are giving people the chance to

013change their lives for an affordable rate. Our college is designed for professional working adults. We have weekly start dates fully asynchronous. Our classes are anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. You finish one, you start the next and it's obviously all online. We even offer the option of doubling or tripling up if it works for our students. So, the model is perfect for someone who works full-time and has a family or someone who just doesn't have time to go in person to school. Uh, the reason I'm here is because we have had over 30 enrolles from the Rome City School District in the last few years. So, there's a lot of alumni in the buildings. Um, my concern is these employees are missing out on the scholarships because if they go to the website and sign

014up, they're just getting assigned a counselor in Phoenix, Arizona who doesn't really know what we're doing here and like I'm local to the area. So, just wanted to try and basically come in here and see, you know, um, sorry, uh, I enroll like all the people around here. I go to Utica, Bingmpington, Syracuse. So, they work with me one-on-one. I do financial aid, registration, everything they need until they graduate. Um, so over the last year, I've signed affiliations and agreements with numerous organizations, Basset Healthcare, MVHS, Rome Health. So, I've proven to be, you know, a commodity for everybody around here. I'm just asking for an opportunity to come into the schools. What I do is I bring lunch for all of the staff, even those who aren't interested. Um stay out of the way, share

015information on our programs and scholarships like during their lunch periods. And then um that's pretty much it. We also offer like partnerships and all that. That's a whole other thing. But we do have dual enrollment for high school students as well. So $52.50 a credit online. So for like juniors and seniors who are looking to kind of accelerate their path, we do that. So yeah, I appreciate you guys time. You guys got a good district. This is way more laid-back than the other boards I've been to. So appreciate it. >> So before you leave, can you do us a huge favor? >> Absolutely. >> Our wonderful assistant superintendent for HR is here. That is Dr. Carney over here. So please give him your card before you leave so that he may be in contact with

016you. >> All right. I appreciate that. Thank you very much. >> No problem. >> Have a good night. >> Thank you. I just wanted to add one more thing now as just as an update because as I'm your representative on the Boseies board um last week at our Boseies meeting they went through some interesting statistics that I thought I'd share. So in this past year um we had for our secondary programs we had 531 CTE students who completed the program and 87% of the eligible students earned their New York State technical endorsements which is a nationwide test that's given. So that was a really good percentage of kids who actually passed it. Um 203 students were inducted into the national technical honor society. And just a little update on students who actually left the Boseies.

01742% of the students pursuing postsec the graduating class of last year. 42% of the students are actually pursuing post-secary education including vocational and trade programs. 23% are employed in the field related to their CTE program. 27% are out there generally employed in our local dis our local area. 3% enlisted in the military and 5% are a mix of other including taking a gap year apprenticeships awaiting enrollments etc. So I just wanted to give some of the statistics around the BoseI students that we as a district send that included all of the students who go to Boseies from the nine component districts. But I always think it's interesting to find out what they actually are doing when they leave us. So I thought I'd bring that forward naturally because we are a larger district. We have

018many more students attending our CTE Boseies program. And in addition, the office of instruction and myself are working alongside Boseies and also MVCC to expand our career technical education offering right here in Rome. So, it's bacon. It's not fully baked. When it's fully baked, we'll provide more information to the community as to what's going to be expanded here in Rome. >> Thank you. Moving on to the student board member report. Okay. So, I have a few things. So, first thing is our Black History event that's tomorrow. Starts at 6:30, ends at 8:30. It's at RFA. So, there's going to be anformational presentation, fun refreshments, student music performance, and student read poetry, which is a really fun experience to have. I encourage everyone to come. Miss Anam's going to be there. I'm going to be there

019volunteering. So, it's just going to be a great event. Lots of lots of good food afterwards. So, I encourage you all to come. And then also um the entire one second. Oh, the entire art exhibit that's at Roart Community Center is going to be this entire month. It ends on February 26th. That's the closing ceremony. Make sure you guys go see my work and lots of other people's. And I had the opportunity to go to Scholastics field trip last week on Wednesday. I got to see my fellow students work, Julia, Lexi, and Robin. Amazing artists. A lot a lot of them won gold keys and silver keys. But seeing the artwork from a lot of students around the area and from my friends was amazing to see and I would love to share a little

020bit more about it, but I didn't take many pictures. I was really involved in the artwork, but that was a great thing to experience and see the talent. That's all. >> You said it's on until the 28th. >> The 26th. >> It's I'm not sure when the closing ceremonies exactly start, but I know it's on the 26th. Mhm. Okay. And moving on to our workshops. So we'll start with the strategic plan pillar 2 implementation. Jen, our assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction will lead us in that. Good evening. So this will be the second Whoa. Don't lean on that. Okay. So this is going to be our second part of going over the strategic plan, our annual action plan. So we already presented on pillar one. Um and this will be pillar two. And our

021director of student services, Amanda Jones, and also in combination with our director of school safety and security. Good timing. Um James Sojo will be presenting about pillar 2. more specifically um the 2.4. Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. Thanks for having us. We're excited to to present to you tonight on some of the work that we've been doing. Uh if you can move to the next slide. >> Oh, I do. Let me see the work. Oh, okay. Um I'm Amanda Jones, the director of student services. Um this is just a slide to give you a bit of an overview on pillar 2 and all of the um the breakdowns of that. So um I've been asked to speak on some of the particular projects that we've really focused in on quite a bit this year.

022This pillar has obviously a lot to it. We're really looking at u focusing on prioritizing the mental health supports for our students so that they can basically be ready to learn and focus on their academic pieces and the other pieces that they come to school ready to um to accomplish. One of the big projects that we've worked a lot on this year is the trauma illness and grief consortium or the TIG consortium. I'm just going to give you a brief overview of the initiative and then where we're at with everything. So this project starts with uh five full days of training by the coordinated care services incorporated the CCSI. We've been in touch with them. They've come in um and they've done some of the days of the trainings but not all of the trainings.

023We have had to reschedule one of the days due to weather and that's coming up in March. But um this training uh we they've trained to a multidisciplinary team. So, we've got um our nurse practitioner um Jim Soja and I we've got a couple folks from connected community schools. We have district um administration, building administration, school counselors, school social workers, um a good mix of um medical folks. We have a nurse that comes as well. So, we have like a really good mix of people um being trained. They're training us on trauma, illness, and grief, giving us the overview of those impacts in a school setting. We specifically have been trained and certified in critical incident stress management and how to respond to incidents um systemically in a group. So that there's a very purposeful

024way on how we respond to those things. um ensuring that the the stress is kept low and the impact is kept low as to really minimize the trauma impacts for individuals that may be involved in these sit these different scenarios. Um we also have a full day with the trainer once we've gone through all of the five days of training. We are going to be sitting with a subsection of the team and really refining and developing a program that is specific to Rome. How are we going to respond? who are the individuals that we're going to lean on and what is it going to look like? I've also been in touch with because obviously the the vision of a consortium is that we can lean on others, right? So, if we as a district are

025experiencing a traumatic event, we would be able to reach out to some of our neighboring districts or some of our community partners and have them assist us because when you're in the middle of trauma or something um that you're that you're kind of dealing with grief or you're dealing with something traumatic yourself, it's hard to manage a big level project while you're dealing with your own. So, the idea is to expand this and have us not be the only ones trained. So, I have reached out to um the Onidita County Office of Mental Health uh commissioner. I've also reached out to um Boseies and I've been in touch with some folks who are really interested in the potential to expand this beyond just the Rome City School District. So, that's where we're at with the

026TIG. Can I add something to that? >> Sure. Um, you know, this is an initiative that is near and dear to our hearts because when I came here last year, um, we had unfortunately a student who passed away right on Black River Road and so I asked what is the response and there wasn't a coordinated kind of response that was consistent in practice. So it is important that we have those type of responses cuz as we know we just lost the teacher. So these things when trauma, illness or grief happens, it's not a matter of if, it's when. And how do we make sure if multiple buildings are impacted that they we have a process that we go through to ensure that we're taking care of our students, we're taking care of our staff who

027are impacted. And sometimes you can have one incident that impacts multiple buildings. And you want to make sure that there are people who are trained who are going to respond in a proactive way and also provide the support to our community as much as possible. And because we experienced that and u many of these individuals have already got most of the training although they're not done I can tell you the principal shared with me in dealing with this that it was nice to have a group of people who can rally and really went through a process to make sure that we didn't miss anything at all. So that is the power of having a trauma illness grief team and of course we want to expand it to other district because when you all are consortium

028you know at any time anything can happen in a district and you want to be able to be helpful um especially when it impacts multiple buildings. So I'm really thankful for you. who I want to name that in public because when I brought that to you, you were like, "Okay." And we connected you with the folks who really do the training and you took that and ran with it. And I appreciate that you're moving forward with also making sure that collectively across this region that we started here in Rome. We want to be known for good things that we're starting and at the same time we're also trying to expand it to other people so we can have a collaborative uh effort when it comes to those things. So, thank you for that, Amanda. We

029really appreciate you on that. >> Thank you. And I and I do want to just echo that exactly. You know, you brought this to us um and we we've really taken it the and and we're we're taking every opportunity we can to put in practice the skills that we are learning. So, we had that recent loss and we as a team, we got a few of us together. We we went through what we learned. We sat with the folks at the school. We developed the plan. We executed the plan. Was it perfect? probably not. But now we have uh uh some notes. We have a system that we that we implemented and we'll be able to take that when we meet with the trainer and really refine it and develop it into a more step-by-step

030process that's going to work across the board. And it was really nice, I think, too, because especially um the most recent situation that you mentioned that building um there were a lot of people that were deeply impacted and to really um you know, expect that building principal to handle all of that. that would have been been fair. And we saw it ourselves. You know, there were some staff that had felt like they could handle speaking in front of a group of students or a group of adults and they really had a hard time. Um, and so that to have other folks be there at the ready to step in and support them in the moment, it's it happened seamlessly. And you wouldn't have even known that there was any kind of a you know that

031this was the plan all along, right? because we um we were able to be there for each other. So, I I welcome the opportunity. Really excited about it. See where it's going to go. >> Now, I just had one question with that. Now, is there someone in each building besides the principal um in each school, we'll say, and building that is part of this, or is it just a specific team and not someone in every single building? Because, god forbid we ever did have something that was districtwide, you know, or is there multiple people that we could Yeah. So when when we developed the team, I made sure that we had at least one or two people from every building in the district. And then we also have, like I said, the folks from connected

032community schools who service multiple districts. And if you can recall, um there was a tornado that hit Rome that was a big communitywide impact. And so it would be really great to have folks like from connected community schools or from the county offices that are trained in how to respond to in some of these ways. not necessarily just a school response, but a community response. And so that's why we wanted to invite some of them to be at the table because they may if they see value like we do, they may take this and do this um more systemically in the other schools where they are are um embedded. So, >> so the idea Kristen as we continue to have more people trained every single year is to have a TIG team in each of

033the buildings consisting of multiple people such as she mentioned the nurses, the mental health professionals and maybe TAs who want to be involved. And then the next level will be to have a district-wide team that includes our director of safety who focuses on district-wide cuz what happens you can have something concentrated in a building. So you have the TIG team who's going to take care of it, who's going to go through the similar processes, but then you use the district TIG team when multiple buildings are impacted or when we have something in the community that impacts many more of our students, you have a coordinated effort, but they all would have had the same training and then we would know what to do. And then there's also, you know, we get into, you know, how

034do you reach out? So when when a case like similar that happened, you have to make sure that you get permission from the family because sometimes people may see a different response, but they have to know that there's a process because not everybody's comfortable with sharing certain information and other people might say yes, we want the district to send something out. So sometimes we'll have different responses based on first you got to respect the family. So they teach you all of that and all of us have the same training. >> So >> I have one question as well. Um you mentioned that sometimes the teachers had a difficult you know time explaining things to the students. Um, now the teachers are trained in this and what if the students want to go to their teacher.

035Are they allowed to I'm sure it's different with every scenario, but you know, maybe Kristen's my teacher and I feel comfortable being like, you know, I'm having difficulty. Is she allowed to talk to me about this or do you kind of in this program have the students that are affected go somewhere else like to a counselor within the district? So we've been able to have those conversations on an individual basis, right? And so there may be some teachers, for example, that really are not comfortable um having those conversations because they themselves are not ready. Those students um can go whoever they to whomever they like um if they need to kind of digest things or talk about things or whatever. But what we did was we just had um we had a a very scripted

036processing type of a conversation with smaller groups of students and then from there we left an activity that they could do when they wanted if they wanted uh to continue to process. Um and this was an elementary school so it might look a bit different at a different level but they could do that in the classroom on their own. They could do it in the classroom um with a friend. They could do it at home. Um it's uh we kind of had that conversation with the team to see what what people were comfortable with doing and um who the point people would be if if there was an adult that kind of felt like, you know, I'm just not able to to do this right now. Um who to warm hand off to. Yeah. Yeah,

037that's a great question. Any other questions about TIG? Okay. The next big initiative this year is our multi-tered system of support or our MTSS. This year we are really uh focusing big on tier one. So tier one means what support do we have in our buildings for every student. We have to focus here as a starting point because if we don't have a strong foundation, we cannot build from it because we have to be able to lean on a really strong foundation. So, one of the things that we're doing this year a is making sure that our teachers and staff, not just our teachers, but all of our staff are trained on particular topics related to mental health and social emotional learning and how to best support students in those ways. So, we've been looking

038at we've been offering restorative practices trainings by empowered pathways. They're one of our partners from the community. Um the partnership has come in and done some trainings on functionbased thinking. They specifically um pulled out some folks and they had that training recently. They've also been working with PBIS with some of our buildings. Um multi-tered systems of support. Uh our consultant K um Kelly from KB Educational Consulting has been pushing into buildings and has also offered larger um trainings for staff. and our MOSI's um staff development office has been doing trainings um related to these topics as well but also on the dignity act for our our dignity act coordinators in the buildings. So those are just some of the topics specifically for building our tier one capacity in our buildings. We also have building level

039committees. So each school has a building level committee that's focusing on their MTSS. So they've worked a lot with resource mapping. So what resources do we have in our school? Where are the gaps? What do we need to do to build um upon what we have and fill those gaps if we notice them? We have a district level committee that meets um twice a month and we are develop we have developed a framework for the building level teams to plug into and the building level teams are um setting goals um and then as they're achieving those goals they're rolling out new goals. So that's their goal their um work this year is all on tier one. There's three areas that they're focusing on. They're focusing on student facing mental health and social emotional supports. So

040all of them should be working on one goal focusing on that at a time. Family and community engagement. So there's a goal that they're working on related to that. And then also staff wellness. So at any given time, each of the buildings are working in those areas on just small bite-sized pieces um working toward improving in those three main areas. We did a roll out back in July of the framework. It's kind of a big document um because it does go through all of the tiers, but we went through um and Kelly uh met with uh virtually with a whole bunch of admins and recorded a video. It's about 45ish minutes. Um but she walked through the framework and really broke it down for them. instead of handing them a 19 20 page document and

041saying here you go, she really was able to break it down and answer their question so that they could understand exactly what the framework um was intended for. And then she also gave them a template on how to come up with those goals for each of those pieces for this school year. So they have that template, they have the framework and they're they're running with it. We're also looking at the universal screener for mental health. Um our district level has been um doing a lot of work looking at different um screeners. We've done we were able to u meet with um Mrs. Anselm's uh student group and got their feedback. I heard that went really well. Um they were very engaged with the activity. They really um gave us some really really great feedback and

042we've talked about that at the district level committee as well. And we're currently um developing um the tool to that we're going to be rolling out for building level feedback on what they're looking for in a universal screener so that we can then take that back and really um decide which universal screener we're going to be using. And we're looking to do that pretty quickly. I'd say in the next month questions about MTSS. >> What is uh PBIS? >> Positive behavior interventions and supports system. It's another tiered model. It's specific for positive behaviors in schools. >> Positive behavior. What was >> interventions and supports? >> Piggy back off of what Jeeoff just asked. I think it's very important not this situ in every situation districtwide. We stop using a lot of these abbreviations because people

043don't know and people don't ask and I'm not ple it just happened to come up at the right time. I'm not saying this. I wouldn't know. he didn't know. I mean, and and a lot of people are embarrassed to ask. So, with that said, I think districtwide, we use this a lot. A lot of places, a lot of um communication we use, we use these verbiage and we use this jargon that is it's not we shouldn't be doing cuz a lot of people aren't going to know if they're not in it. Um aren't going to know. And like I said, a lot of people would be embarrassed to ask. So, I think it's important going forward that on everything that we use, we don't use that abbreviations on those things. Yeah. And PBIS in and

044of itself, I think people get um somewhat confused about a lot. They think it's like a they hear like one thing and they grab on to it like, oh, it's just like a token system. Like whenever you catch a kid being good, you give them a prize and that's all it is. And it's so much more than that. And so really um digging into what is that framework and how can it also complement restorative practices because in some camps people believe those things are oppositional to each other, but they aren't necessarily. So really trying to figure out what of each of those frameworks can we bring together and plug into in Rome that's going to work for our schools and for our students. >> Question. >> Yeah. >> Um because uh the team and a

045lot of people are behind the scenes doing a lot of this great work. One of the things to Kristen point is being able to inform parents. You know, parents need to know what are the mental health supports whether they go to Denty, whether they go to Ridge Mills, whether they go to RFA, what are the things at tier one that they can expect no matter which building they are in. You might be already your office might be already be working on that because part of the multi-tiered systems of support is to be able to articulate at tier one. what can parents expect that at least 80% of their students will receive and then those who need a different level at tier 2 and then tier three. So I I if you're not working on that

046already, I would say that is a next step to really be able to articulate for parents those systems of support that they can expect so that no matter what building they are in, they can say my child needs this and I understand that you provide it in every building. Um, and so that would be an immediate next step and for us to post that everywhere and we have a segment now called did you know. So this would be a good thing to be able to let Eugenia know that this is did you know XYZ and then post that one pager of here are the things you can expect to get in any building that you attend in terms of support for your child. So that that is it's a question but yet it's also if

047you're not already doing it a next appropriate step for your office to be thinking about >> because a lot of people wouldn't know >> like I love that. >> Do you know because there's so many things that we don't know and as a parent I don't care how involved you are. Okay. I'm very involved. I would never have known that there was you know if I wasn't on the board. Um and like you said it's not because of you not doing your doing it. It's there. It's just to get it out one more way and that that do you know is very important. >> Yeah, we actually just talked about this at the last meeting about um the universal screener specifically as well on how um how we're going to let families know like what

048is this, what is it not, you know, um kind of some myth busting or you know, things like that. And so we did talk about exactly what you're talking about. You know, how can we roll things out to families so that they, you know, it's in family, you know, language and so that they can understand what it is we're doing. Um, and it may look a little different from building to building cuz buildings um have different capacities. They have different flavors and it kind of might roll out differently in a in one way in one building and it looks a little bit different but it's the same support. Um, so how do we communicate that with families in the best way? Okay. And I know you've just started a parent group and so we might

049be um looking at them for some suggestions on refining how this is going to look and how can we best get that message out to families. How do they like to interpret that? How do they like to ingest the information? So yes, it's on our radar. >> Be nice. >> I I can provide some help with that too. >> Thank you. >> Other questions? >> One comment. Um, and I will say this every time you talk about MTSS, which is our multi-tered support system, just so we can hear the words again. Um, mental health is such a huge thing. And I think it commonly goes um by the wayside and overlooked and I am so proud of this district for focusing on it. when we went to New York City for um schoolboard stuff, I

050made sure to attend sessions like this. Um and I can't thank you enough for making sure that this is seen, that we're discussing it today, that it's going to be, you know, brought up to families even more because mental health is something very serious not only in our community and in our schools, but in the country as a whole. and I couldn't be more proud that we are, you know, doing this for our area. So, thank you. Thank you for saying that. We have a pretty robust team in this district and some folks that um I'm really proud that we were able to bring on board because they come from such diverse backgrounds and different places. is, you know, we have folks that are really coming from having expertise in hospice, folks that are coming

051from um expertise and experience in foster care, some folks that have been working um with veterans and veterans um assistance. Like just the um the scope of experiences that people have come to this district with have really it is just so robust and we can lean on each other and really refine and bring all of that experience together to be able to best serve our families. I think it's great. that we have capacity to do that. Thank you. Anything else on this piece? Okay. Lastly, um I'm just going to touch a little bit on threat assessment and then I'm going to bring up um Mr. Soja to talk a bit more and dig into this a bit more deeply, but um just a general overview. We uh recently myself um and Jim Soja um and

052another uh Dela Prey, we attended a threat evaluation and reporting course training from the Department of Homeland Security. It was a 3-day training. It was pretty intensive. Um and it basically talked about how do you evaluate threats, big scale threats and we did a lot of work um delving into threats that have occurred in various um places in the community, not just in schools. Um we have a partnership with Onidita County that I know that Jim's going to speak about. There's a tiered assess there are tiered assessment teams. So we are looking at establishing teams internally as well as through the county level is another level of that tier and Jim will talk about that and we were able to explore what is the role of mental health and how does it play in threat

053assessment. Um when I went to this training what I learned was uh what they taught us was that um it's not something that you pull out and do over to the side. Mental health is really a part of all of the threat assessments that we do and it's shouldn't just be done in isolation. It should be um the mental health team, the law enforcement team and someone that knows about the particular situation and the details and at least those three people coming together to talk about what we're seeing, what are the fact findings, and then evaluating it together. It shouldn't be done with just one person doing an evaluation or an assessment. It should be a team effort. So I'll invite Jim to give a bit more details and then we'll both be available to

054answer questions. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> So I'll add while he's coming up, the reason why the these processes are important for us to have is because threats are going to be made. Sometimes it's verbal, sometimes it's you know it it presents itself in other ways. So it is important that the community know that we take every threat very seriously and the team is working on procedures and processes to ensure that we evaluated. We can't make an assumption that something is not serious. We take everything seriously and we have to evaluate it appropriately using researchbased threat assessment protocols and that is why we're putting these things in place and as she said it's an coordinated effort because there are times where we do have students who struggle with mental health issues and therefore

055sometimes threats come from that. So it's not an isolated thing. We have to look at it as a coordinated effort and look at the student holistically. So that's why we want to make sure folks know what we're doing when these things happen. We don't just sweep them under the rug. >> Thank you. And thank you for having me today. I apologize. Uh I got a touch of the sniffles I've just come down with. So uh I'll just uh quickly get into what we're looking at here. Our partnership with Onidita County, the Onidita County threat assessment uh management team. Um that had to do with the training that we went to. Um that multidisciplinary training that we went to. the three of us had went to and I'm looking at expanding that districtwide. So, Nida County

056has a has a partnership that uh it's through county mental health. You guys can can read through that. I'll just paraphrase. Um night county mental health, the sheriff's department, county executive is involved in this. It's dedicated to ena enhancing public safety um identifying, assessing, and managing potential threats and targets, violence, domestic terrorism. So, this team is goal is working throughout the the entire county. Um we're going to look at collaborating, problem solving, coordinating cases. Um we're we have stakeholders. Um it's going to be a team support. Things are going to be unified. We're going to inform one another and if we have issues that take place here and somebody's transient, we can pass that information on. Um there's all kinds of legal stuff that's been done to share that information. So for the sake of

057time, that's that's all in place. I will sit on that executive team with the county um and help them and and give my input on how that's managed. Um you know the the TAM's mission statement is to say excuse me the community and uh proactively identify assessing uh and managing potential threats uh targets of violence. So what I've done here in concert with working with Amanda when we talk about TIG in grief and in the whole mental health piece in order for us to really comprehensively look at a threat that comes through I've created a behavioral threat assessment team a BTA team for the Rome City School District. Um so we know that I have building level safety teams that operate regularly. So all nine school buildings have a team that meets about any all

058the safety issues in regards to those buildings. So um our multidisciplinary team um in our district again will do the same thing. We're going to assess manage behaviors that may pose any uh risk of violence or harm to students, staff, and our school community. Uh our team is we're going to investigate intervene early when uh some behavior is brought to our attention. And it's about prevention, not punishment. That's the biggest thing. uh we want to prevent these and that's with the connection to the followup to some of these cases that I think is really important that we have eyes on any kid that maybe makes a statement or says something and we know how it blows up in the community and and we want to assure everyone that once we identify that that threat is

059not going to be something that that that will take place how do we follow up and give the supports needed for these for these individuals. So uh the team is overseen by me. Um it's made up of administrators, counselors, psychologists, teachers, a resource officer. Onidita County TA CAM will sit on that and then mental health professionals. Um we will review reports uh with concerning behavior statements and situation. We evaluate uh levels of risk using evidence-based practices. We develop intervention and support plans. That's the biggest thing that I was saying. Those support plans, counseling, monitoring, family engagements, referrals, and safety planning are huge because anything that comes our way uh for anybody in our district that may say something like this, how do we support them on the back end? Um we want to focus on

060reducing risk and supporting students well-being. And again, it's not a it's not a disciplinary, we don't have a disciplinary function in this and the county level team does it. We may have to take some of these cases to the next level legally. And if we have to do that, me being involved in that, we'll be able to monitor that through the court process, I can be in that court process. And if a student does at some point return to district, we're going to have plans in place to monitor that um and again protect uh our community, protect that student, and just make uh again everything as good as we can. Uh in that case, u our purpose is to prevent violence and harm by addressing the problems. uh before they escalate. And I think that's

061a huge thing. There's a lot of things that get said, there's a lot of information that gets pushed out. We want to deal with that before it escalates. So, our goals as as we uh put this into place, our goals here, uh I want to have two to three people in every school building trained in uh threat evaluation, that Turk course. Um I think it's important that they go through that. We can get people through a one day or a three-day. if they go through the 3-day, that's the really advanced tabletop uh course, which led to Amanda's point, that's really going to dive into to cases nationally, local cases to to really look at and kind of rule out all the stuff that people say about a case that they don't really know, right? We

062we get misinformation out of there. We there that class is really good at studying what really happened in some of those cases. Um, we uh are going to this will help support our already established building level safety teams and our partnerships with TAM. So again, we we will be essentially a level one. TAM will be a level two, but everything will be coordinated. So again, there's there's no information that doesn't get shared. Um, we're gonna we I want here in the Rome City School District, I want to lead the way by using a comprehensive plan to swiftly address these threats um that could affect our district, but also lead the way in a sense that other school districts can look at us as a model. Um, I think with this being new in Onidita County,

063um, you know, we have a very good opportunity here in Rome to put something in place that other schools can take a look at. So, you know, the model that I've I've showed you, it's it's we're putting it out there. Um we've worked on some things currently and in the past. I mean nothing current current, but we've dealt with some things. It seemed to be um put us in a very good position to solve these issues. And I wanted I want us to lead countywide. Um and we want to train all staff in situational awareness and threat assessment recognition. So again, just if it that means we can give I can get powerpoints out. I can um there's there's multiple videos and trainings that I can do online for staff. I just want to make

064everybody aware and and I'm not um opposed to looking at how we generate that district-wide. Um so if someone is interested in joining the team and and we have turnover, we have people trained and they have the mindset for situational awareness and safety. So I think that's what I got. So thank you. >> Mine's not a question. Mine's just to um reiterate a couple things. cuz I have to say I'm on the safety pandate with James and um work very closely on a couple situations that had come up about some other things that were handled very well. Also, I have to say now I've been in the district, I know people get invited to meetings all the time. Okay, people get in meet invited I've never seen the actual support that we get from every

065single agency in this county. I'm talking from mental health to social services to every police department all through the county. And they sit here and they engage. They don't just sit here show up and not and I've heard them multiply times say, you know, they they are so happy to be involved in this with us and work this closely with us and they hope that other districts do this as well. They are look working really close with them to find um the right way to go about these things. And I have to say um knowing that I sit in this and I know people just say but I feel very safe knowing that and it's you know now in a place where he can make that phone. I I he can make the phone call.

066I've seen the guys sit here that come to these meetings that interact in these meetings and the women that tell us call and they and they they're sitting here saying, "Oh yeah, we know just what you're talking about. We were just getting on this. We were just working on this thing." Everything from students crossing a street to the way people are parking, things that you wouldn't think that they really even are thinking about with us, they were already working on before James even spoke to them about. And they come to these meetings and they are they're very informative meetings. Um there's, like I said, everyone from mental health down to, you know, to the police departments, the sheriff's department. I mean, we have a couple of the state troopers barracks that are different ones that

067are here, you know, that come and um everyone has been great. like they they want to help us. So I think it's very important to know that we are moving forward on a lot of these things where you know you wish we didn't have to but I feel safe in saying when I know something's coming up that it's being handled and the way that it's being handled and the resources that we have literally literally telling I mean they're there for us he can make that phone call. So I just wanted to you know reiterate on that. I think it's coming. It's taken some time, you know, like anything else, but it's coming along. It is. It's It's very important that the parents know I really feel that your children are safe. You don't You think

068that we see things and hear things and that they don't always feel like things they're being taken care of. I mean, they really are. >> Kirsten, that district safety committee, how many times do they meet a month >> when you're talking about the extended? I know for the public. >> So, we meet once a month for us. So that's James meeting with our safety committee which is not I don't want to say it's not private but it's like who's on the list for inviting. So you're talking all these organizations that I'm discussing plus um someone from a building but he also and I know this because I've spoke to him and I've had to call him while he's in some of these meetings before um has someone at every school. So he meets at a

069school. So say, you know, Sy's in charge of Denty, you know, he's meeting with Sandy and her team to follow up with the things that are going on and what we discussed though. So like we decided when we started this new way, it's not where it's a huge open thing because then nothing's really going to get solved, right? We're not going to find, you know, where there's certain pertinent information that not everyone needs to know. So he gives that information now to her and her team. she passes on that information where and then next and and so it's not like it's just a free-for-all, you know, we get somewhere in these meetings. We really do. We really get somewhere. And I feel that it's um very very informative things like and again some things that

070you wouldn't think about or that you don't see one way, but you know, I have to say it's been going great. It really has. >> Thank you, Mrs. Safe. And I appreciate that. And I just wanted to bring some of this down to the very lowest level because a lot of our community watches our board meetings tomorrow when it's online here. So when a parent recognizes or hears that there's a threat, >> even though they call 911 or they call the police department, could you then just explain how it then gets to you so they're knowing, our public knows that behind the scenes there's all kinds of things going on. So >> yeah, absolutely. So anything that happens outside of the school district, it has to be a 911 call. um you know if if

071it happens during the school day on one of our buses or in a situation where we're in operation then they can come directly to me uh we or they can we can contact the police and in real time if it's outside if it's at night they need to contact the police that threat has to be taken seriously once that information is given to an administrator or it gets passed on in some way uh the team goes into action now this is new and and we're we're learning muscle memory here on these cases is when they come through. But we have a great administrative team here. We have great people in place that we had dealt with things late at night when a situation did take place. And that's the partnership that we have with law

072enforcement that we can screen out. Are there weapons in that residence? Do does this individual have access to weapons? Um, you know, how credible is the threat? Is that target actually going to come into the building the next day? Um, you know, so we look into all of this. You know what we can't control all the time is imaginations and and and here's the thing. I I absolutely believe as a parent we have to be as safe as possible. But we we look into this um and we really want to take this information as serious as possible. So the bottom line is when it comes to me we get right into action and we really tried to screen this out. So >> to add to that, when it happens in the evening and parents call

073911 or a community member call 911, if it's related to the school, remember we have SRO's who are in our schools who work for RPD who communicates with him or communicate with the leaders of that particular building to say, "Hey, I want you to be aware." So immediately you we are working in tandem with them. So as long as a 911 call is made, they contact us. we are on it. Um, an incident occurred recently and on Sunday night between the principal at Stra with James, they were already working on it with RPD unbeknownst to the community. So to your point, Kirsten, it is important that the community know there's a lot that happens behind the scenes and at times you have to keep that stuff confidential um because it is part of the law

074and at the same time you don't want to show your hand either and tell people what you do to protect but you you we are working behind the scenes. >> And the other thing that I'm not going to get into at this point, but moving forward we're going to use some technologies to really secure our buildings. I mean that's that's >> the other thing I was gonna discuss and I'm not going to bring any you know there's a lot of things that as a parent I had asked prior about you know and we've been trying trying a lot of these things are going to come into f fruition you're going to see where we're in a time now unfortunately in the world that we have to start accepting this is the world that we live

075in and take the proper steps to make sure that everyone's like and like I said with the whole thing with I I mean my child doesn't go to I would have felt safe sending my child to school. We like you said there's a lot of things that no one legally you can't say what is going to happen you know that that's the truth I mean and it's unfortunate but know that you could send your child to school and feel safe in that situ especially then that was the best time to send your kid to school there was no one getting in those buildings you know what I mean at that point I mean they were in but again I mean I want to thank you because it it does make a difference and this is

076one of those did you know we have somebody now that is in charge of safety for our students, our staff and our buildings. >> Okay, we have that now. And I I believe that, you know, these buildings are within our control. We are taking care of what we can >> and and that's the thing with the next day to your point, we were prepared. Uh and it was it was I thank the law enforcement agents that worked with us. I thank the administration that worked with us. the following day, we were prepared um if if if someone was going to come into that school and they weren't going to get into into the school. So, the like I said, the reality of it is we have some technological things coming in the future. Um I

077want to secure all our buildings. I want to secure our events. I want to secure everything that um we do to make it as safe as possible for our community and our students. So, >> thank you. >> Okay. Okay, moving on to budget. >> The other two >> development continues, right? So under Georgia, I won't ask any questions. >> It's okay. >> Okay. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Okay. It's all yours. All right. Good evening. Tonight we're going to talk a little bit about the revenue side of the budget. The governor's run did come out um about two weeks ago. Before we get started, some of the considerations that we're thinking about this year. Um it's not just for this year, but as you know, we're progressing through the next

078three to five years. Um we're not expecting foundation aid to stay as well off as it is this year. Um this year um due to various political reasons, we believe that we received financial aid or the foundation aid um but we've been told by various senators, various people at the state levels that we were not going to continue getting this level of uh revenue. In addition to that, um you know, piggybacking off of the safety piece, we are looking at different safety avenues. Um, with James SOA being here this year, we have come up with things that we haven't thought about in the past. And so that means that we're going to have to put some of those finances into our budget for those safety purposes. Um, as well as maintaining the academic standards that

079we are putting in place. um Jender Perno and her team have put a lot of things um out there for our students to make sure that we are receiving that academic stellar and we want to make sure that we maintain that and that sustainability is important to us as we continue through all of our pillars and our strategic planning. We also have capital project considerations that we're thinking about, including the um renovation and the addition here at CL, but also starting to maintain our buildings better and making sure that we're fixing things that are problems before they become bigger problems. Um, and that takes planning. That requires us to put money aside for those things. And capital projects also include the purchases of busing. So, we're going to have um a small discussion here in

080a little bit about electric buses and what that looks like and the cost of those things as well. Um right now we're looking at a tax levy um potentially a cap of about 2.75%. We will have that number in March uh March 2nd. I'll have the cap and then we'll have a discussion about if we want to go out at that level or a different number. So, we've received the first governor's run, as I mentioned. The second one usually comes out at the beginning to middle part of March. Right now, um I have received approximately 90% of the different proposals from our administrators. There's a few still trickling in, but um I've been able to either meet with most of our principles at this point or um had discussions with them at least about what

081they're planning on doing. Um I met with three of our directors as well and right now I have over 70% of our budget planned for um for next year. Um most of that falls into one of four categories which is either salaries, benefits, boseies or insuranceances. So as we look at the revenue side of things, um I did send on the governor's run, but this year we um are looking at approximately a $4.8 8 million increase based on the governor's run. Our property taxes, again, if we do go out at what I believe to be the cap for this year at about 2.75%. Um, we'll see just under a million dollar increase overall for the property taxes. STAR, because of some of the changes that have happened over the last couple of years, we'll see

082a small decrease in that number. And then we've had pilots that have come into the um district for Javani um and so forth. So, we'll see a small uptick in that. And as we had a discussion at the finance committee meeting the other day, um due to the Federal Reserves and so forth, you're going to see possibly a small decrease. Um our interest rate for banking was approximately 4% back in July and August. And right now it says somewhere between 3.6 and 3.7. So, we're imagining that that number will stay pretty consistent and be a slight decrease overall. Some of our other revenues um include um you know admissions uh billing for other transportation, some of those types of things. And so we expect that to stay right about the same give or take. Um

083and then our fund balance this year, we used fund balance from last year to help fund this year and we will look to do more or less the same thing for next year. Um we're going to go from approximately 9.4 million down to about 8 million. And part of that reason is because some of that fund balance we're hoping to put more into a capital reserve for next year. We are going to use reserves. Um part of that will be approximately 300,000 in unemployment reserves and about 500,000 in ELAR which is the employee liability reserve. If you recall we had these conversations back in October, November when we were going over the reserve management program or plan that we were uh looking at. And so that will help offset some of that cost from the

084fund balance. So overall, we're looking at approximately a $4.8 million increase in our revenue budget, which will also be applied to our expense budget. Um, and overall, that's just about 3%. Last year it was about 2%, but again, we have contracts that we have to sustain. We have um approximately 10% in healthcare um consortium increases for um you know, our employees having health benefits. Um, we're also expecting between an 8 and 9% increase in our insurance liability. Um, so all of those things are high costs and therefore will play a bigger part in our revenue for next year. Um, so this just gives us a rough idea of what we're looking at from this year and what this will kind of look like going into next year. So currently, and this is as of the

085end of January, we have spent approximately 73 million of our $160 million budget. um that's just a little bit more than last year um comparatively, but we have um less in spent in encumbered. So, what that says to me is that we had monies in covered last year and hadn't actually expended it and this year our bills are paid up a little more in advance and therefore overall we're about the same place that we were last year. We also had almost $19 million in carryover from last year, which helps to offset some of um our revenue and and what our expenses look like this year with approximately $43 million as of right now that has not been spent over our budget. Again, we are looking at trying to make sure that we have funds to

086be able to roll over, but also funds that we're going to put towards next year's revenue and towards our capital reserves. Um, we're still looking, like I said, approximately 5% of our overall budget is what we're looking to move into our fund balance. Um, we're hoping for at least 3 million from this reserve, uh, from this year to be able to put towards next year, which would give us a healthy capital reserve of 6.3 million that we will then use to help offset some of the cost when we get ready to do the addition on this building this year. Um for 202526 as you might remember we had a capital outlay project with some digital signs. We are planning to do two more buildings next year and we'll also use another 100,000. Now what happens

087with these capital reserves uh capital outlay projects is we spend out the 100,000 the first year and we get approximately 96% of that back. So we'll use that money that's returned to us and we will then put that into that 100,000. So really, it's just an additional $4,000 cost out of our actual um budget. Because of some of the safety concerns and safety things that we're trying to do moving forward, we're also going to put $35,000 into what's called nice. That is um a fully reimburseable amount. So we pay it this first year and we get the full thing back the following year. Once we start that process and we have that money in, we'll continue that. And that allows um James to use that for door hardening, which includes cameras, includes badge systems. It

088includes the um screens that go over the windows. Um anything that might help with safety or security within our buildings. So on March 2nd, some of the things that I'll be bringing to the table in our presentation will include um the final or at least the draft of the 2627 appropriations and expenses. I will have the tax cap for us, including what that tax impact is at 100,000, 200,000, and 300,000 for homes. I'll also include some of the budget trends and what that's looking like um not just in our district, but I think it's important to start looking at what other districts are starting to experience as well. And then on March 16th, we will have the final numbers for revenue and appropriations. And I will have the breakdown of the three-part budget. Um the

089goal would be that um on April 6th, the board would be able to move forward with approving the budget. Um but that will depend on if the governor's run comes out on time, which I believe it will. Fingers crossed it's it's going well so far this year. I just wanted to include some of the bigger ticket items that we are experiencing with the proposed um plans that have come into us so far from all different departments. These are not things that I've necessarily determined that we're going to put into the budget or that the um executive team from the cabinet has decided that's going to be in there, but these are some of the things that people are asking about. Um there is a question about an additional security guard. Um, we have discussed the

090need for two diesel buses to help offset some of those things for future electric buses. Um, we're looking at safety equipment and some devices for not only um, a couple of our buildings, but also for events. Um, a CTE director, a maintenance truck. We're actually looking to retire one of our older vehicles that's approximately 10 years old and purchase a new one. Um, we're also looking at the leasing of another building for our prek. And then, as I mentioned, we're talking about 10% health insurance increases and 8% insurance liability increases. So, I I'm asking if there's anything additional that you'd like to know about or if you have any questions about tonight's presentation. >> She can ask questions. I was going to say she can ask questions if she wants. I had them coming but

091I said no. >> It's okay. I'll ask I'll answer any questions you have. >> Well, I I'm sorry guys. Two second one. So, are you going to keep will um safety stay under facilities and maintenance that area will they're not going to go off, right? >> Okay, that's that was it. Quick. And I did just want to remind the board that we right now we are planning on having three budget forums out into the community and they will be on March 26, 27th, >> April, >> I'm sorry, >> April 26th, 27th, and 28th. So if we could start just planning for those going forward um as a board because we would like as many people as possible to be because the budget is ours that we're bringing forward to the community. So, >> and just

092to follow up on that real quick, um last year we had a one-pager uh with information about the budget and some um key points and I will make sure that that's available for all board members again. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay, on to our next workshop. Uh electronic vehicle study and next steps. I won't leave. Um, so tonight we're actually going to have uh Mr. Thomas Waldrin who is our director of transportation. He's going to present a little bit on what's been going on in the transportation department overall. And then we will invite Christine Gusens u from Leonard Buses to come in and discuss a little bit more about our fleet electrification plan and what that looks like over the next couple of years for the Rome City School District. Would you like

093me to stand up here with you just in case? >> Sure. All right. Am I on? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. The first thing I want to discuss I I need to get something off my chest um with this morning's um lateness of buses and things of that nature. I I just want to give everybody a timeline on how how this works. uh on my end of it this morning um you know I'm up 3:304 to 4 in the morning and uh and I look at temperatures I I look at all various different things uh maps uh weather maps uh and uh actually I I was looking at it on Sunday this past Sunday uh early afternoon and with that being said um I spoke with uh our partner uh first student and This

094was Sunday that I spoke with them and uh they were going over to start all the buses uh on Sunday, yesterday, yesterday afternoon. So uh first dude responded back uh Sunday afternoon and uh said they started all their buses. So all the buses started on Sunday. This morning again the timeline quarter to 4:00 this morning. I reach out to first student. Um check on them. Um the contract manager was on his way to first student and uh so I asked them, you know, just let me know because he's going to go and start starting buses and things of that nature. So quarter after 5, I reached back out to first student and uh talked to them over there. And at that at that time um buses were starting and they had they had an issue

095with one of the buses which the contract manager was going to get the jump pack and start it. So so I asked him I says well what are you thinking with with the rest of the buses you how how do you think you're going to make out? So he said we should be fine. So this this was uh again quarter after 4 4:30. Then at that time at 4:30 um I reach out with Dr. Gonzalez and uh and let her know what I have learned um at this point in time. So again, I I'm still on it. I'm still calling and you know4 to 5 5:00 I'm saying how are we doing? And uh now this was at 5:00 this morning and again I was assured we're doing okay. We we shouldn't have any issues.

096So okay. So quarter after 5, call him back. He says, "We have two buses that aren't that aren't starting." I says, "Okay. Um, give me a call back. Let me know, you know, if you get these buses started and if there's any more issues to 6, reached back out and come to find out, they have numerous buses that aren't starting." So again, this is quarter to 6, 6:00. Um, and already our time is already because our first kiddos are picked up 5:25 in the morning um, for the North Country and things of that nature. Um, so with that being said, you know, again, you know, I was told that we were going to be fine. Um, but I just want to let you know also that our buses, the Rome City buses, we didn't have

097no issues. We don't have no issues. Um, last week we had an issue with them, their buses not starting. And so I met with them and I've been doing this for 35 years. I know all the mechanical mechanics of these buses and how they run in sub degrees uh weather. So I gave them pointers. I said, "You need to start the buses early, which which they did do that on Sunday. They started the buses today. I feel they could have came in earlier and started the buses. The other thing I told them to do was they need to take their diesel fuel. They have diesel fuel on premises. They have a bulk tank. They need to cut that. They need to cut that and put additives in that. It it's a cut. It's a blend.

098It's a It's called a winter blend. So I instructed them, you know, to do that. And also I instructed them there's an additive that you can put in the diesel buses. Each individual bus that's that's a diesel bus they put is called like a 911. It's an additive that you put in the buses. So I told them to do that as well. Um but again you know this morning as you know what happened but I just wanted to give you a timeline. Um but with that being said um we are meeting with them this Thursday to all the powers to be with first student because not with only this situation but there was a couple other things too that we're going to go over. One of them I'll mention later in my presentation. So, I

099just wanted to get that off my chest and let you guys know that >> and I just want to thank you because it was a very trying experience for everyone and I your honesty and your transparency right now is really appreciated. Thank you very much for that. >> Thank you >> again. Thank the um and this is just a question um for you. So, with um that said and it's it's out of our hands. Okay. So, with the app, um, would parents have gotten a notification that the bus was, well, I know they get the notification it's late right now. Do they know how long it's going to be till? >> That is where my team does a parent square. >> Okay. So what happens is, and this is another thing that we got to

100discuss on Thursday, is communication where they need to tell us if there's buses on the side of road, if they're jelled up, if they're running over 15 minutes late. So we in turn, my team goes to parent square and gives all that information. You probably notice a lot of parent squares this morning, >> right? >> Um because we as soon as we know the information, we send it right out. So what I'm asking though, so now not getting it now I don't have but I don't have the 911 whatever the app. I didn't mean to say 911. I'm sorry. I don't have the app. So if I was a parent that had the child, it just said late bus. >> Correct. For for whatever school. Yes. >> For whatever number bus it is. Right. Correct.

101Right. That's what I got. So now you wouldn't know how late or what was going on. Correct. We >> as a parent you would send your child to the bus stop as well. >> Yeah, we we can put we can put in the parent square of approximately how late that bus is going. Like we we said, you know, they're running an hour late or they just left the yard and say your pickup is at 6:15. Okay. So, if we put on parent app RFA and bus number, the bus just left the yard. So, if your pickup is 6:15, well, okay. So, 6:15 the bus just left the yard, so maybe you won't be picked up till 7 or 645, >> right? So, what I'm saying though, as a mom, and I'm just playing devil's, I'm

102not placing blame on anybody. >> I'm just saying for what I know people are saying also. So, the first one that went out didn't give a time. So your first the first initial parent square that went out this morning and I'm again not placing blame said bus 15 whatever D >> is late that was it 35 minute I can actually go through I'm not going to but like 35 minutes later bus 9 just left the yard so I don't what I'm saying is the first initial it's late I don't know how late right so my kids I wouldn't have sent them but I don't know who did or didn't send their child Then they kept coming in, coming in, coming in. Then it's an hour and 10 minutes late. So when you got that first

103initial bus 9 is late, it was still half an hour later before we knew what time bus 9 was, what was going on with nine. You know what I'm saying? As a parent, you wouldn't know. Was your child was any My point is is that I don't want to see any child outside waiting. Again, this is not on you. It's on all of us that was waiting out there in any degree weather >> or any length of time. Correct. So that's where I don't know how to do better or different. And I I know you're doing everything you can. I'm not saying you are not. Believe me, I know. >> I do know that we do um update. So once again, there's a communication thing once they tell us either when the bus leaves the

104yard. >> Mhm. >> And we need that communication piece. That's one of the things that we're striving on talking about on Thursdays because yes, to your point, a parent doesn't know. I mean, if the bus is leaving the yard, okay, what time is this bus going to be at my stop? That's what they need to know. >> Right. Right. Because it's not like actual and I get it. It's not real time and we don't have that ability. I'm sorry. You know, I don't know how that ability is. And again, if you're not using the app, if the app is the only way that you should be doing, you know what I mean? As a parent, should we be telling the parents the app is the only thing really you should be be the be all

105end all? that's where your, you know, real time everything is. Cuz again, I don't know about the app. I know nothing about the app. Um, but we need to be able to tell these parents because I had multiple calls from parents and I don't know what to tell them. I'm like, >> right, I can't answer. >> We do use we do use the parent square. So all the information that we're updated on, we send that right out. >> The app you're talking about, >> which is in my presentation, is first view app. That's a first student app. >> Oh, it's a first student. >> Yes, that's a correct. That's a first student app. So, that app will tell a parent if that bus is is indeed on a road and where it is on the

106map. Okay. So, that's helpful when it works. >> Correct. Thank you. So, that but I'm I wanted you to that's what I needed. >> Correct. >> It's not our Rome city school. >> No, we we have an app. Okay. >> Called here comes the bus. Now, unfortunately, we can't mesh with first students >> electronics and ours. Our buses, our 13 buses have here comes the bus and we have no issues. Parents love it. >> That's your >> That's ours. That's >> ours. School district bus only. >> Correct. Correct. Correct. Yes. I wish there was a time that we could >> well we should just buy our own bus. >> But that's that's to you answer your question. That's how that works. >> Okay. Thank you. So again, that's very important that people realize too. >>

107Mhm. >> Sorry. That's very important that the parents realize that, you know, you're getting we're getting the you know, I have a student in a school, so I'm just getting what that school is, you know, no matter what. um you're getting that but it's not going to it's it's a first for students app to begin with. >> So and if if it's working and it's on point it that's a whole another thing. So to that we and Sue and I had a long discussion today about this cuz I mean when everyone believes we don't like again Sue has no stake in the game of a bus. Okay. and Sue was on the phone with me talking about this and what you know we could all you know do because we were all getting calls or

108emails or saw things and you know it is important to us again my daughter doesn't get on the bus but it's still I felt you know it was something dear to me that I did I felt bad that there was people out there and you know I think that's a piece that we have to tie in right um so the calls that you were getting was regarding why we didn't call a two-hour delay you've heard him say beginning at 3:30 30 we assess various situation meaning that there are several members of the team including myself in Georgia who are up to be able to pose these questions to say are we ready to roll so that's why today because we knew it was cold once we knew they told us everything was fine there was

109no reason for me to call a 2-hour delay now if they had said we have about 10 to 15 buses like around 4:30 5:00 we could have said let us give you time and so on and so forth. But if you're going to tell us things are fine and when it's 6:00 then you're telling us things are not fine. That's where we have the problem. So when parents are calling and saying superintendent, why didn't you call a 2-hour delay? There are reasons for that. It's not because we don't want to call out a 2-hour delay. We get our information and what we're trying to make sure that we talk to every individual. We got to connect the dot. That is one of the reasons why you heard him say we're going to talk about the

110app because we have heard from some parents that the first view is it called first view the first view app through first student sometimes does not work and last year we made it clear to them that cannot happen. You can't have technology that you can't ensure especially when we're telling parents for your child's safety we want you to know where the bus is at and you're not making sure it works. That's number one. Number two, if you're going to encounter a problem, cuz what I like to do is for people to tell me the truth. Because when I communicate to the community and I say something, I want to make sure it's the absolute truth. If people are going to have issues, I don't mind that they tell me the issues. Cuz if you tell

111me the issues up front, then I can make a different decision. When I'm being crucified, right, for a decision that I made based on information that I receive that was supposed to be accurate and later on I'm finding that it's not fully accurate. It becomes a problem. It becomes a problem for me and I I hold myself accountable because I always said to all of you on this table, the good, the bad, the ugly, I will own it, but I will make sure that I work behind the scenes, whoever is involved that it doesn't get repeated. And that's what we about to do. Sorry, I talk with passion when I want to make >> Oh, wait. Oh, you I know you weren't yelling at me. No, >> but the passion comes up because when people

112are saying we don't care about kids and that is not the truth, I just want to make sure that we say it emphatically. >> Okay. So, as Kirsten was speaking, I was looking through my emails from this morning that, you know, a whole bunch that went out and there's several of them, I don't know, three, four, five that said, you know, something like RFA 8 has left the yard and will begin picking up students in 10 minutes. So, as a parent, that would not help me cuz I don't know what that means. >> No, but no, no, hold on. I'm just saying there's a bunch of these emails that just said, "Hey, it just left the yard." It's going to start picking students up. But as a parent, that would not help me cuz I

113don't know where I am in line. >> So, what I think would be better is to say, okay, if it left the yard and it's leaving the yard in 10 minutes and it is running 30 minutes late, that is going to be more helpful to a parent because they can do that math >> as opposed to not knowing when what that means if it's starting pickup in 10 minutes. >> Yep. And I get that. Yeah. And I just want to add one last thing to this is because again the community was very upset because it was very cold this morning about walkers. We have instituted a new policy where our buses are picking up the students who previously walked. >> So I did want to just get that out there. We're doing everything that we

114can. We do listen to the community. We are being as proactive as we can possibly be. And I even heard many parents tell me today they felt very sorry because he's sitting here for Mr. AOR who was standing outside in the freezing cold waiting for all the students for the buses that were late. So my only question to that is students are not put in a bad situation if their bus comes late. Correct. They're not marked as >> no >> absent. Does that count to them? it. So this morning and I can tell you I'll let Tracy talk, but the same thing at RFA and I've clarified. So when students are late because sometimes it's cold, sometimes they have to drive slower because we know we live in central New York, things are going to

115happen, especially with this season. So I can tell you this morning I was there when the principal was making the announcement to tell all teachers, do not take attendance until about 8:00 because we know that some buses were late. So which gives the students time to come in the same time the same thing when it was snowy and the students had to drive a little slow. He also made sure and I know Tracy has done the same thing at um a stra to be able to say do not take attendance until about a certain time to give students time to come in into the building. Thank you. Because that's never been that way before. So everyone needs to realize that. And I did tell someone when they asked me today. So I I spoke wrong.

116um it's always been you're that's your mark. >> They're not going to get penalized. So, and this the same thing. It's like as soon as we found out transportation was the first student was going to run, I know that he's he was in touch with uh Trace. I also sent Trace a text and then he told me that transportation had already told him. Again, we work in coordination so that again, we're not in the business of punishing students. We understand that sometimes they have to take it a little slow. It's okay. That's why we take time. We say take some few minutes at a certain time take attendance but don't penalize students. >> Yes. >> Okay. So I me and about like 75 other kids have late arrival. Is that the same thing like cuz

117I come in second period or is it different? >> It's different. Okay. >> Yeah. It's for these students who normally would have been in the building by like 7:30 for first period class. But if we know that it's snowing, some of them are driving, they want to take it slow or the bus is late because the bus has to go slower. We're saying we understand especially when multiple like what happened last Wednesday and today when multiple buses are late, that's when the principles are like don't take attendance first thing because there's still students trickling in. >> Okay. So that was different for like if we come in second period then attendance is at normal time. >> Correct. Exactly. I'm sorry we took so much time away from your presentation. I want everybody to you know

118realize um so again um meeting Thursday with first do you know with with expectation winter plans first view app communication. Okay. >> All right. So, I just want to touch base. Um, I mean, a little bit different than last year. A couple numbers have changed. Um, this is our operations. Um, our busing staff. Um, we have, uh, eight full-time bus drivers. We have full five full-time bus monitors. Um, two full-time dispatchers/bus drivers, so that you can do both because they're licensed. And myself, the director of transportation. our current bus fleet. We have five 66 passenger diesel buses. Um that counts um the five we have the new one was just delivered a couple weeks ago. It's up at Boseies. Um getting a 2-way radio put into it. Um but we did receive the new bus.

119Um and we're 1326. Uh we were retiring. Um it's got 166,000 miles on it and it needs a lot of body work because of rot. Um, we have uh four 66 passenger gasoline buses. They're full-size buses. We have three 35 passenger SL3. That what that means is there are three wheelchair stansions in in those buses. So, we have three of those and we have two seven passenger suburbans. Um our routes we have uh 8 am secondary and uh then obviously as you know we have our T1s and T2s. We do our straw, we do our RFA, then we do our elementary runs after that. So it's a two-tier um run situation. We do have our uh midday shuttles, our CTE shuttles um at our middays and we have uh again back in the afternoon 2:00

120we have the secondary then u elementary runs. Um the difference on this slide from last year is we had last year we had six full-time bus drivers. Um this year we were up to eight. We have eight bus drivers and uh the transportation office wants to say thank you for um letting us get uh two more drivers cuz that for one it helps um with the drivers count from first student and um it it's and also a benefit for uh cost. So we save on cost by having our own drivers for that. >> Um can I ask you a question? >> Yes. So you have 66 passenger both diesel and gasoline buses. So is there like a one scenario that you'd use one versus the other? What's is there a benefit of one versus the

121other or the only the really benefit is gasoline buses are now in this type of weather um because you don't have to worry about the diesel. Um but uh the 566 passengers a couple spares um with that. But we have we have our diesels on the road. Um so if there's a number a higher number, those those are spares. We do have a few spares. Um and the wheelchair buses, I mean, we do um special needs uh transportation, but one of those is a a sub bus because you got to have it because of wheelchair. Um then obviously, as you know, we have the two Suburbans. >> Are those four wheels? >> They are. They are. That's another thing for Thursday that we're going to be discussing. >> Follow up, Mike. So, if if you

122needed a bus, like what would make you choose a diesel versus a gasoline or how are you? >> The the bus is currently um my drivers, they they are signed a bus. So, they use the same bus every day. Um if their bus has to go for service up to Boseis, um then they'll use a different bus. Um well, they'll probably the gasoline buses are a little newer buses. They're like 19 2020 21. So the only thing with the gasoline buses and the driver will probably tell you well I'd rather take a diesel bus because gas the gas bus eats a little more gas than a diesel bus. So they're prone to go to the service the gas station quicker. But it's just preference. So, when you're thinking about replacement, I think that's what Jeff

123is getting at. I'm sorry. >> Like he's like, "You have 566 diesel and 466 gasoline." So, when we have to replace them. So, which one? >> Diesel. >> There you go. Okay. >> Yes. Diesel. Diesel. Because I don't think we can get uh gasoline buses. >> Not at this time. But um engine is step up. >> Yeah, sure. So obviously we had uh PSI gas engines um which you guys were recipients of and then um now uh Cumins is developing an octane engine that should be released um towards uh like fourth quarter this year uh in production. So we're um just waiting on Cummins to um allow us to incorporate that in our builds. Um, but diesels have always been a workhorse uh for everybody and um you know again it's preference obviously in this

124cold snap that we've had which is like honestly it's been over 50 years since we've experienced something like this. This is very um stressful on all equipment these days. So, um, but we will have gasoline and, you know, we can talk about that at a later date. >> Thank you. >> No. All right. So, I'll go on the first student operation side. Um, currently they have 47 full-time bus drivers. They are we are utilizing eight UDICA drivers uh from the Udica terminal that's that comes here every day. Um they have 40 full-time bus monitors. They have one full-time small bus driver which means uh small a small bus like a 15 16 passenger small bus. Um, and I put McKin Vento cuz that's that's the runs they do along with the five full-time band drivers.

125So, if you see a lot of first student uh bands, that's basically what they're doing is all our Mckin Ventos, which is all over the United States. Um, they have one full-time dispatcher in the office. They have a safety manager which um can drive a large bus. the uh dispatcher actually um can drive a van. That's that's only uh license that uh vehicle she can drive is a van. Um they have a contract manager um which he is a non-bus driver. Um so the first student routes 56 a.m. secondary runs of T1's um and these include out of districts. Um what I mean by olive districts like your uh house of good sheeperd your um UCPs um we go out to anida for north broad that's um counting all of those um then the 55

126a.m. elementary runs or T2s again including out of district they do 10 midday runs the CTE shuttles um they do Mrs. Z's are going up to uh Boseies as well. 57. Uh, and now this is the afternoon the T1s they have 57 including out of district and then uh 55 elementary runs the T2s the uh their fleet they have 50 72 passenger diesel buses they have nine wheelchair diesel buses seven small buses which are gas um they're like uh 16 20 pass 21 passenger They have four. Those are the minivans I was talking about. And they do have one Suburban non four-wheel drive. Okay. So, the structure of the routes currently, the district policy for walkers K through six is the one mile. I put in there the state regulation. They they're they regulate it

127to 2.0. As you can see, the district uh we do the one and same with 7 through 12. Um the district is 1.25. State regulation is 3 miles. So we're way under that. And again for the winter, you know, we we pick up the kids for school. Um we set all our routes um every every summer to pick up students door side of the bus in hightra roads. So if we have roads 45 55 miles an hour, we pick up Doorside. Door side is the pass the passenger side. Um we do that with Eerie Boulevard. We do that with uh Black River Boulevard. Anything that's hightra areas, we set up all the routes so they're door side because we don't want to cross kids across uh highways, things of that nature. Um this is ongoing.

128We use we use safe routes. Um what safe routes? Safe stops. It it's it's a procedure manual that we use when we route our students. Um there's like pages in there that we look at for corner stops, traffic lights, um different areas, again, hightra areas, lighted areas, sidewalks. We put all of that in in the effect. And there's also a uh county if you are driving in the district or in the country you ever see signs you know bus stop ahead we have to do that on the yearly basis. So if there's new students um moving into the district we take that information we give it to the county and they set up signs. So if there's over the hill say there's a bus over the hill. So before we get to the top of

129the hill we have to put a sign bus stop ahead. So, so we we do all of that. Okay. The apps. Um the first student app, we discussed that. Um we're going to be talking about that on Thursday. The Rome City app. Now, this Rome City app is infoinder I which we put in place last year. What that is is that years ago, if you guys remember, we used to have like postcards and things like that where we would tell parents of different routes. This is on our website and all they've got to do is is um go on to that and uh put their information in their house in there and it tells you what buses are in there in that area and stuff. So, it's very helpful to parents knowing >> infoinder I.

130Yes, that's right on our district. It gives you a map and we're you just put the information in and it tells you what school, what bus it will be. It's all right there. >> Is it under the transportation uh tab or >> or is it just on the website >> or is it a drop down? >> Um do you know? >> Yeah, we'll find out soon. I thought it was right on the >> Yes. Okay. Um, so the other app which we talked about, the Ran city app, here comes the bus. So we talked about that. So that's that's an app for our buses. Um, also there's apps that school use, schools, buildings use, the viewfinder, uh, where buildings have access to all our routing schedules for all the students in their buildings. Um again,

131these apps are always updated daily. They they uh talk with uh um school tools. Uh Tripfinder, Tripfinder has been going all of this year. It's something we implemented last year. Um what that is is is everybody remembers, we used to have a three-page field trip form. So, we got rid of that and we put it on tripfinder which all the buildings have access to the secretaries and all your field trips and everything go in there and the approval process is it's a lot easier and better and keep track of everything. Um, school bus driver requirements. I put this on there just kind of go over it real quick. Uh cuz a school bus driver has to go through a lot of uh training. Um they have to uh go to refreshers every year. They have

132to be 21 years of age. They go through a yearly physical. They have to have a CDL with a P and S endorsement. Um they have to have a 30-hour training course within one year of being a a school bus driver. Um they have to pass certification exams. a like written exam which is every two years, a physical performance test which is every two years, a skills test and uh before we hire a school bus driver, they go through a background check, they go through fingerprinting and uh medical exams and behind the wheels and things of that nature. So, it's very it's a lot of requirements for a school bus driver. A lot of people, you know, wouldn't think, you know, but there's a lot of information and requirements for a school bus driver. So,

133I always like to put that up there. Okay. This year, account accomplishments. So, like I discussed earlier this year, we added two bus driver positions to our department, which thank you for that. Uh the transportation department, thanks for for the two positions. Okay. Last year, I'm going to talk a little bit about stop arm cameras. So, all our buses have stop arm cameras uh retrofitted by the county. They pay for it. It's all funded by them. No cost to us. Um but this 2425 um Rome, the city of Rome, 77 citations were handed out for uh illegal passing the school bus while the reds are on. Um so let's see. The district uh okay the we received a grant from NARTA. The grant paid Cornis technology um and Cornis has uh put together a fleet

134electrification plan for the district. The red um folders that I passed around has all the information on the electric bus. So we could have you take a look at that. And we were going to have uh Josh Robin here today. He's from Cornis, but uh he come down with strep throat and we don't want him here. And um so while you're looking at that, I'm just going to go through this last slide. Uh so we'll talk about safety drills. We conducted two safety drills this year. Um the first within seven days of school. That's instruction on uh emergency exits and things like that with this on the school bus and all students um get this um information because we go to all individual schools and uh we we go through with all the kids walkers

135kids that drive. So because it could be any point in time a student rides on a bus so at least they'll get instruction on what they need to do in emergency situation. Um they our buses have seating assignments. Um not only does this help the students finding their seats, it helps bus management, helps the driver learn the names of students, and also helps with seating charts if needed if an accident happens. Okay, in closing, no pun intended, again, this is what I went over this morning of what what I do in the morning. And again, our top priority is to make sure that our students receive a safe, friendly way to school, ready to learn each and every day. >> So where the website is, uh, >> okay, >> if you are on our district

136website at the Romecsd.org and you go to the transportation portion of it under business and operations, scroll down to the bottom, you'll see a black box that says bus route search. And if you click on that, that will take you to the infoinder eye. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Um I just had one quick question on um and again, no none of us have any control over this. I'm just one quick question for the new um electric bus, the mandate that's going to come out. Um, I was just wondering has is has there been a uh pilot program in an area as this with the temperatures as high and as low as ours go in this area? Excuse me. >> What I'm going to do is I am done with

137my presentation. I am going to have >> Sorry, you don't even want to know me today. >> I'm going to have No, you're you're you're fine. I just want to have Christine come up. She's from Leonard Bus that's here on the base and she's got all the knowledge. But if there's something you have a question on with electric buses, we will put that information those questions on a paper and get a hold of Josh. And >> there's I have one one additional question for you though. Yes. So, if a parent now has someone who is was a walker but now can be bus during the inclement weather for winter and they haven't heard from the district yet, can they just call the transportation office? >> Yes, they can. >> Okay. >> Yes, they can. >>

138Thank you. >> Yep. For sure. fill out the paperwork cuz there was a >> so there's a form that went out to all parents who had walkers and those forms went out and we asked parents because you just don't want to place cuz a parent might say I don't need it. My child live across from Stra, right? And so we asked them to complete the paperwork. Everybody who returned that paperwork who are K12, let me just make sure we say K12. There were 90 people who opted into that and so we've been servicing 90 students. So the last time we reported that Friday when we first sent it out immediately we got 75. Now we have 90 who have been put on buses. There are no longer walkers and this will continue. This is not

139a oneandone. This is every winter. That's what's going to happen now. >> And and we have left that Google form open for the remainder of the school year. So if you know somebody after today realizes that they do want to add their child, they can do that and we will still um sign them up. Next year we plan to do this in October before the inclement weather and that way parents have that time between October, November to be able to get signed up so that we have rostering on all of our buses in case there is ever a situation where we need to know who's on those buses. >> And does that go till April or when does that because you said winter. What is >> Yep. We're going to keep it open until April

14030th. We're hoping by then that the weather will be over. >> Fingers crossed. But you know, it is not lasting for April or I will be very angry. >> We wanted to make sure that they were fully covered for the whole winter period though. >> Okay. Electric buses. >> Don't be so excited now. >> Sorry. >> No, no, no worries. Um, so first of all, I want to thank you all for having me tonight. I want to thank uh Dr. Gonzalez and Mr. Waldron for inviting me here. So, I really appreciate your time. Um, we are a uh family-owned business, Leonard Bus Sales. Um, and we are your neighbors and we are navigating this whole electrification just like you guys are. So, please remember that we are here to help. um and uh you know

141hopefully reciprocate uh feedback and information as well um from from you all just um as much as we can offer information to you. So first off I'd like to say um as I've been in the room tonight um there's a lot of caring and passionate folks here and you guys have some talented it sounds like very talented students. So, um, we are really proud to be part of this community at Rome City School District. So, thank you for all the work that you're doing. Um, I was asked to well, first of all, like the fleet electrification plan that is Cornis technology. They do own that. Um, I can help decipher some of the information. Um, you know, obviously we have to uh work with that. That was a fleet electrification plan as you guys probably

142already know is is how do you move forward? You know, you open up to year one. What does year one look like? Um we we provide obviously the bus and we will say the bus is probably the easy part as far as electrification goes. Um we will provide um help with um any available funding that's out there and guide you through that. Um there is a NISSBIT program through NAERTA that um is pretty much the only uh program out there right now because there used to be an EPA funded program uh that has gone away. Uh so with that being said uh you know I will talk a little bit about um timing on that. uh the the the funding for uh NISBIP, New York State uh bus incentive program is basically the acronyms, right?

143I'm defining that um for you. So um NAERTA has a couple programs for the bus itself, which is the NISBIP, and then obviously um for the fleet electrification plan, which you guys took advantage of, that was encouraged through New York State to do. And then also for the a charging program as well. And because you have the fleet electrification plan, it opens you up for more money for the charging station. So um right now, as we know today, there is a mandate for zero emission buses. Uh in order to purchase a bus in 2027, that would be um after July 1st, 2027, it has to be zero emissions. Uh so there is a waiver that's out there right now currently. Um you're probably aware of that. There's going to be two two-year waiverss to get

144you an extension uh to purchase uh diesel buses until you're fully ready uh to for infrastructure for voter support uh and and everything that uh encompasses a bus purchase, right? So, um the waiver uh if you is is encouraged that you not not by us, but just there's um there's an organization called NYAP. I don't know if you're familiar with NIAP, but that's um uh New York Association for Pupil Transportation. They have recommended that every district um uh apply for the waiver to kind of give you a little bit of breathing room um to get all your ducks in a row and to follow the fleet electrification plan and to continue b purchasing buses and keep your rotation your fleet rotation um as um as it is today. You are still able to utilize those

145ga uh the gas and diesel buses until 2035. So it is encouraged that you keep your fleet fairly fresh because we like to put salt on the roads and there are corrosion challenges um with any vehicle uh out there um as it ages. So if you think today is uh you know 2026 and 2035 you know that's that's um that's enough time for for corrosion to happen. But it is encouraged that um number one, you do fill out that waiver application. Uh any questions, you know, please uh utilize me to um help you fill that form out. It is a fairly easy form for the district to fill out. Um, so from a dealer standpoint, if you think about it going into this fall budget discussion, if you don't have that waiver in hand, it's

146very hard for us to justify an order um that is not EV because as a dealer, we need to know that you can purchase that bus and have it on the ground and in your fleet and get state aid. and and all that uh for for that particular bus. So, it's very important for us to know that you have that. Um there a little I'm not sure if you're familiar with the NISBIP funding, but timing is critical on that. So, um I've had multiple discussions with districts. Some have said, well, um, and and it's just a handful of districts that are looking um to apply for this in in the upcoming months, but some want to apply ahead of the vote to make sure that they have funds in hand um going into the vote,

147and some want to wait until after the vote, uh, putting an EV up for vote to say, well, we have the community support now. we're going to um get funding. The reason why is because that NISBIP application once you're approved, you have 15 months to use the money. So that funding uh there there is a an extension that is uh offered um through that program and it's a six-month extension, but that is based on like infrastructure or production issues, hiccups. So, um, you have to realize that once you're approved for that, the clock starts ticking on on having to spend that money. So, you have to understand what your fleet electrification plan says, um, how long that's going to uh, take for for year one and and what that looks like. Do you have any

148questions? Is there anything? >> Kirstston, you asked an important question. So I do know of um a district that from for years years ago they they went out and started the electric experience and around weather like this they have a lot of problems and in addition what we are noticing is that other districts that has also gone out for voter support the voters have voted it down. So in many communities, I wouldn't say many, but in some communities where they did put out sometimes twice for voter support, the voters are like, "No." And in addition, the other pause that I have right now, you just heard Tom talk about how we in Rome have 13 buses. If it was only us that was doing it with 13 buses, probably feasible, but at the same time,

149it can only get you so far, right? And then you have to charge them again. That's number one. But number two, most of our fleet is through First Student. And First Student has fleets all over the United States. It's not only in New York, they're all over. So, an important question we're going to also be asking on Thursday to kind of see how are they planning, what are they thinking, if this is going to come to fruition as of 2035, like what are they thinking, how are they planning for it? cuz at the end of the day, we have a contract, right? And because we service about 53 5200 give or take students, the reality is we're still going to need some form of additional transportation. So, we need to know what is their planning

150as a contractor or any contractor frankly um who provides transportation for students, what is their plan? And that's the bigger concern for me is the number of fleet that they have whether they can change switch that around to all electric and plus we know some of the electrics have given problems over time just because I know of districts who have done it. >> So with that said that's where I was confused at like so if we did put it out for voter approval and they say no right they say move forward >> we can't but but we need them >> to go a different route. >> Okay that's what I was Okay. And then so here's my other and I mean this is probably not even a question but say we buy these and we

151don't even wind up going that route. Are we better off waiting till the possible end? >> You remember with the other presentations like TIG and threat assessment and how we say we want to be kind of like the lead. >> Those things are important. I wouldn't want us to be the lead in this area on this because I don't I I really have a hard time still wrapping my brain in terms of how we are going to make this happen across New York, especially when it it requires voter approval and I know of a district that went twice out and the voters said no. And in addition with all of the problems with electrical busing because you can go from here from let's say here to stra and then the bus stops and then you

152have to plug it in again. So those are the experiences especially doing the cold. So those are the experiences. That's why we're saying we're going to take this one slow plus we have until 2035. So as she was saying as many times they give us the opportunity to fill out a waiver we are going to take the advantage. Does that make sense too? >> I got you. That's okay. Thank you. >> I have a question just in general. Um, so what is our just so everybody knows, what is our area like mileage wise? And then how what is the average that these electric buses go? Like you know like >> it is a very large area and I don't know if there's another area as large as ours. >> If I remember correctly, Tom, correct

153me. 99 square miles. Correct. Okay. We are 99. So we all, like you said, we go all over God's green earth. Um and so we do. And in terms of the vehicles, the um the vehicle, you know, that's something that I need help with cuz I don't know. >> So, so the fleet electrification plan probably summarizes all of that. Um but as far as um range goes, right? So range uh with under perfect conditions is about 130 mi. So obviously um what draws the battery during weather like this is providing heat for the interior of the bus. Um, and if you have a route that is about 25 miles, that is fine during this type of weather. And during the summertime, you can go even a little farther. Um, so you know, I did review

154your fleet electrification plan and saw that there are some situations where an electric bus just cannot do what you're asking the bus to do in that particular day. Um, so until battery technology gets better within uh the bus world, uh there are going to be limitations and challenges for sure. So that's thank you. That's a good point. I believe and if I'm not mistaken um Camden had and I don't know the bus company that came and did a trial run with them. It was probably two years ago at least now. >> And I do have to say what they said was it was during wintertime and it was they have very hilly roads and they're very it was a very slushy time. So they said the bus did not even go half of the distance

155that they had anticipated that it was going to actually go. And again, it was just a trial. There wasn't kids on it or anything, but I I'm almost positive that's what we were told through my Boseies. I serve on the Boseies board. >> So just as a out there, so >> again, none of us are looking to jump on the bandwagon right now, but >> Sure. Un understood. The um the hills are are interesting because uh there is regenerative braking. So you have an opportunity to get power back into the battery. So when you go up, you must go down. So when you're going down, the driver actually wouldn't even be utilizing the brake necessarily. If they didn't have to, the um the bus would pretty much stop on its own. And the power that's

156being generated by going downhill is going um gaining back into the battery for usage >> because it was snowy. >> Yes. >> So he that's why they explained it. So >> yeah, >> I'm not familiar with that Camden study. Utilize the bus properly in their training. So >> Sure. Yeah. >> Thank you. If there's anything else, um, you know, feel free to funnel the questions, uh, to Dr. Gonzalez or Mr. Waldron. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate. Thank you. >> Can you get to see us for the two hours before you got >> Tom? Thank you. Great presentation. >> Stay warm. >> Okay. And I think we all should be sure to mention to the community if they look at our video our uh showing of this tomorrow if so many people it's about the

157six 650 time frame where they can see the information about busing. >> I think it's very important for the community to understand it is all out there. So I tried to take the time down when we did it. >> Thank you sir. That was a good idea. So, not that they wouldn't enjoy our entire meeting, but >> okay, we're moving on to our consent agenda. Beginning on page two and going slow. >> Going through page seven. Okay. Can I have a motion to approve? >> Okay. Moved by Kirsten, seconded by Jim. >> You said page seven. >> Yeah. >> Any discussion? All in favor? I. Motion's carried. I'm just making sure because Jeff stepped out. So, we do have a quorum. >> Yes. Okay. Moving on to page eight in the U finance action items.

158Number one, resolution to accept a donation. Whereas, the board of education of the Rome City School District encourages and supports community partnerships and enhance educational opportunities for students. And whereas Hannerford helps schools help schools has generously offered a donation in the amount of $390 to support programming activities at Rome Free Academy. And whereas this donation will be used for the benefit of students at Rome Free Academy in accordance with district policies and applicable laws. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education to the Rome City School District hereby accepts a donation of $390 from Hannerford Help Schools for Rome Free Academy. And be it further resolved that the board of education expresses its sincere appreciation to Hannerford Health Schools for its generosity and continued support of the district and its students. Can I

159get a motion to move? >> Moved by Paula. Can I get seconded by Jonathan? All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. Resolution to approve real property tax refund. Whereas the review of the real property tax records for the 2526 school year has determined that a refund is due to Richard and Veronica Peterson. And whereas the refund is the result of an adjustment, correction, or determination made in accordance with applicable New York State real property tax law and district procedures. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves real property tax refund in the amount of $2,41322 to Richard and Veronica Peterson for the 2526 school year. And be it further resolved that the appropriate district officials are authorized and directed to take all necessary actions to process and issue said refund in

160a timely manner. Can I get a motion to move? >> Moved by Kirsten, seconded by Jen. All in favor? I. Motion's carried. Number three, 2526 capital outlay project state environmental quality review seeker resolution. Where is the board of education of the Rome City School District? The board has considered the impacts to the environment of the proposed 2526 capital outlay project. The project shall include but not be limited to the installation of two digital display signs, one at the Francis Bellamy Elementary School and the other at the Gansord Elementary School. Whereas the board has reviewed the scope of the project and has further received and considered the advice of its architects with respect to the potential for environmental impacts resulting from the proposed action. And whereas the board has reviewed the proposed action with respect to

161type 2 criteria set forth in six NYCRR part 6175 parenthesy C. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board as follows. proposed action does not exceed threshold established under 6NYCR part 617 of the state environmental quality review act seeker two the board hereby determines the proposed action as a type two action in accordance with the seeker res regulations no further review of the proposed action is required under SEC and this resolution shall be effective immediately can I get a motion to move >> moved by Jen can I get a second >> seconded by All all in favor? Motion's carried. Number four, 2627 capital outlay project state environmental quality review seeker resolution. Whereas the board of education of the Rome City School District, the board has considered the impacts of the environment to the environment of

162the proposed 2627 capital outlay project. This project shall include and not limited to the installation of two digital display signs, one at Lewis V. Denty Elementary School and the other at Stokes Elementary School. Whereas the board has reviewed the scope of the project and has further received and considered the advice of its architects with respect to the potential for environmental impacts resulting from the proposed action. And whereas the board has reviewed the proposed action with respect to the type 2 criteria set forth in six NYCRR part 67-5 forc. Now therefore be it resolved by the board as follows. The proposed action does not exceed thresholds established under 6NYCRR part 617 of the state environmental quality review seeker. The board hereby determines the proposed action as type 2 action in accordance with the seeker regulations. No

163further review of the proposed action is required under seeker. This resolution shall be effective immediately. Can I get a motion to move? >> Moved by Jonathan. Seconded by Jen. All in favor? I. Number five, board resolution to accept treasures reports. Whereas the treasur has prepared financial reports for the months of June 2025 and July 2025. And whereas the board of education has reviewed the treasury reports for June 2025 and July 2025. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby accepts and approves the treasures reports for the months of June 2025 and July 2025 as presented. Can I get a motion to move? >> Moved by Kirsten. Seconded by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? Motion's carried. Resolution to amend agreement with SABV for orientation and mobility vision and occupational therapy services. Whereas

164the district had previously entered into a contract with the central association for the blind and visually impaired, SAPV, to provide vision therapy and occupational therapy services for the 2025 2026 school year. And whereas the district has identified an additional student in need of vision therapy and or occupational therapy services to provided by CAPFY. And whereas a district has identified an additional student in need of orientation and mobility vision therapy and/or occupational therapy services. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves and authorizes an amendment to the existing agreement with CAPV to include services for two additional students at a cost not to exceed $4,350 for the revised contract amount not to exceed $49,000 for services or mileage for the 2526 school year. Can I get a motion to move? >> Moved

165by Jen. >> Seconded by Jonathan. All in favor? >> Motion's carried. um an audit committee meeting. We're still waiting at this time, I believe, to set that up. And the finance committee meeting, we did have a meeting recently. And just quickly, a couple of the things that we went through where this year our business office is being very proactive. Um, we only have right now 160 POS that are waiting for approval and as of April 30th, no new POS for this current school year will be issued. Um, and for our 26 27 June 1st we're starting to accept then. Um, we also discussed the fact that Stokes this year will be totally airond conditioned because the chiller will be taken care of. We we hope. Yeah, yeah, you better not say better. Yeah, >> supposedly

166that's going through. And I believe Strow was already taken care of, so we're all set with that one. So, air conditioning will be a welcome relief from snow. >> Welcome relief in Georgia. >> Yes. Um, and we also discussed that the bids will be going out on March 6th for our capital project here at Clefft. And we are certainly hoping that costs come in right at what we targeted. So, that takes care of my committee report. And our next finance committee meeting, we have not set a date and time just yet. We're still looking because I believe we were going to skip the month of February given the fact that we're all going to be going through the budget and give Georgia time to really work on that and then we will have another committee

167meeting in the early part of March um early part of March. >> I have to uh recuse myself from the next um action item just so we're all aware. I will not be >> okay. I am a chaperone on this also. Um and my daughter is part of that. Under educational programs action item number one, resolution to approve overnight field trip resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the varsity softball team field trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to depart on April 6th, 2026 and return on April 10th, 2026 under the coordination of Emila Cowell. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Jonathan. Sorry. Second. >> Second by Sue. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Carried. Any opposed? I thought

168I was supposed to ask that too. Sorry. Okay, it's carried. Action item number two, resolution to approve overnight field trip. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the Wintergard field trip to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to depart on March 21st, 2026 and return on March 23rd, 2026 under the coordination of Lindseay Durham. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Kirsten, >> second by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Okay, motion's carried. Resolution to approve overnight field trip resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the Wintergard field trip to Salem, Massachusetts to depart on February 13th, 2026 and return on February 15th under the coordination 2026 under the coordination of Lindsey Durham.

169Can I get a motion to move the resolution >> by Jonathan? Can I get a second? >> Second by Kristen. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Under human resources action item number one, resolution to approve administrative leave. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools that an SEIU employee be placed on paid administrative leave effective January 28th, 2026. Uh January 29th, 2026 and January 30th, 2026. The superintendent is authorized to return the employee to active duty at her discretion. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Paula. A second. >> Second by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion's carried. Number two. Resolution to accept separation agreement resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of

170education hereby accepts the separation agreement and general release between the Rome City School District, SEIU, and an employee. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Jonathan. Can I get a second? >> Second by Paula. Any discussion? All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Motion's carried. Resolution number three is uh resolution to accept resignation for purpose of retirement resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent schools. The board of education hereby approves the retirement of Curtis Smith custodial worker effective March 1st, 2026 with 13 years of completed service. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Kirsten. Can I get a second? >> Second by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion's carried. Number four, resolution to approve tenure. Resolve that upon the recommendation

171of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves a tenure for the following individual. Rebecca Roberts, school counselor uh tenure area school counselor effective date uh March 1st, 2026. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Sue. I got a second. >> Second by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? So carried. Uh number five, 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 student, staff, and families of the Rome City School District the retirement of the following. Carla Carleta, RFA, Office Specialist, effective at date 8226. Date of hire 8/19 2016. Karine Tedman RFA psychologist uh 712026 was her effect is her effective date of

172hire was 624 2003. Jill Carley RF Coroli RFA psychologist July 1st 2026 of the effective date and the hire date was uh September 1st 1996. Katrina Seldon, district office, senior office specialist. Effective date July 30th, 2026. Date of hire September 21st, 2000. Janelle Greer Bellamy, elementary teacher. Effective date July 1st, 2026. Date of hire September 20th, 1999. Sheila Fieldman, RFA, cook manager. Effective date September 1st, 2026, and date of hire was October 3rd, 2021. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Kirsten. I get a second. >> Second by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? Any opposed? Carried. Action item number six. Resolution to accept me accept memorandum of agreement. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent schools, the board of education hereby approves a memorandum of agreement between the

173Rome City School District and the Rome administrators association for for coordinators of special education. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Jonathan. Second. >> Second by Paula. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion's carried. Number seven, modification to job description coordinator of the in district centralized tutoring program grades 7 through 12. Whereas the board of education of the Rome City School District is committed to ensuring that the administrative roles and responsibilities align with the evolving needs of students, families, and the district. And where is the position of coordinator of the IND district centralized tutoring program grades 7 through 12 is central to student success serving as the coordinating link between tutoring staff, homechools, families, and district supports to ensure students receive highquality instruction, social emotional support, and a

174clear pathway back to their school setting. Whereas the superintendent has recommended modifications to the existing job description for a current administrator serving in the role of coordinator of the in district centralized tutoring program grades 7 through 12 to more accurately reflect current duties, responsibilities, and alignment with district strategic priorities, applicable laws and regulations. And whereas the proposed job description update does not constitute the creation of a new position, nor does it change the individual currently serving in the role, but rather clarifies and formalizes expectations to serve effective performance and accountability. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves the updated job description for the position of coordinator of the IND district centralized tutoring program grades 7 through 12 as presented by the superintendent. And be it further resolved, the superintendent or

175designate is authorized to implement the updated job description and take any actions necessary to ensure its inclusion in district personnel records and administrative documentation effective immediately. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by Sue. Second. >> Second. Well, >> I don't know who got that one first. Doesn't matter. Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Motion's carried. Action item number eight, resolution to accept resignation resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent schools, the board of education hereby accepts the resignation of Kristen Dibble, computer specialist training, effective the end of the day of business on February 6, 2026. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? Moved by Sue. Can I get a second? >> Second by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Sorry. >> Any

176opposed? Motion's carried drink. >> Sorry. >> Go ahead. >> Oh, okay. Y uh policy action item number one, resolution to approve the second reading and adoption of 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 5710, school safety and educational climate reporting. Number 6830, expense reimbursement. Number 6830-R, expense reimbursement regulation. Number 7500, naming of district facilities. Number 8636, artificial intelligence. and number 9645 disclosure of wrongful conduct. I move to resolution. >> So move. >> Oh, sorry. You move a second. >> Okay. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. So moved. >> That was a hard one. >> Yep. Uh, next committee meeting is uh, March 11th, 2026 at 4:45 p.m. at the district

177office on Dominic Street. >> We have a good time, right? >> We do have a good time. >> March 11th, so you guys get a long break, huh? >> Well, we already had it. >> We already had it this month. >> That's why we just had it last week. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Sue, don't give us more work. >> And Jeff is leading us next year, too. >> That's right. Okay. >> He just smiles. >> He doesn't say anything. >> Do you have any other committee report? I mean, is there anything else you want to say? >> Okay. Moving on to miscellaneous business. Resolution to approve conference. Resolved that the board of education hereby approves the following conference for the superintendent of schools, Mohawk Regional Association of School District Administrators, Winter Conference, Saratoga Springs, New

178York, February 5th and 6th, 2026. cost is not to exceed $1,500. Can I get a motion? Move. >> Moved by Jen. Can I get a second? >> Second by Kirsten. All in favor? >> Can I ask a question? >> So, is this right? It's this already happened. This passed. >> Yes. I asked for permission first, but we always like to be we always like to be transparent with the public. So, that's why I put it on there. So, I did get permission from all of you. Y >> um and so we wanted to make sure we approve it. >> And that way we put it in the board minutes. That's right. So, okay. All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. Okay. Discussion items. So, we all know about for the celebrating black history tomorrow at

179RFA at 6:30. And if we are going, do we need to RSVP to you, Sandy? >> Just show up. Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. The student. Um, and again, if you're going to be going to the Empowering Futures event on February 24th at 4:30 at MVCC Rome campus, we need to sign up with Sandy. So, please, it would be a wonderful night for us all to learn all about the fantastic adventures for the future for our students. >> So, you think? No. And just to keep it in your radar, Bosey's annual meeting will be April April 15th at 6 p.m. at Boseis out in Verona. Um, and we had the board had requested visits to buildings. So now these are pretty much going to be set now on March 12th if we're going

180to be it's from 8 to 9:30 at Rome Free Academy and then we'll be moving right on at 10:00 to 11:30 at KF and either we'll either be doing Denty or Ridge at 1 to 2:30. So on that on that and as we get closer I'll just remind can you guys notifi I won't be able to make the first two but I'll definitely be in the afternoon part so just wherever we're going just text me. Yeah >> let you know where we are. >> I'm sorry. >> So that's part of the question that you guys have to decide which way you would like to go. Um based on the feedback I got from the schools. We can either do two morning sessions and hit one of those elementary schools um on the 24th or you

181could do a full day on the 12th, hit an elementary school and then either choose to hit a second elementary school on March 24th or maybe you just do two morning sessions. Um, so we would be based on March 12th at RFA Kluff and then you can decide to do that afternoon at 1 with either Denty or Ridge. Or you could choose to just do the morning session and do denty. >> I mean, if you guys can do one part either of those days in the afternoon, I'd like to because I I won't be able to make a morning, but an afternoon one I could. >> Do you care which >> I honestly like I love visiting the schools. I like to see what the schools have to offer. So, I'm okay, like me personally,

182my preference is I would like to hit Ridge in the afternoon and then on the 24th also hit Denty. Like that's my personal preference. >> Okay, Paula, do you think >> this is okay with me? >> So, you're okay with the way you want it? >> Okay, Jonathan. >> Okay, so we all set. So I will do RFA 8 to 9:30, KLF 10 to 11:30, and then Ridge from 1 to 2:30 on the 12th. And then on the 24th, we will do Stra from 8 to 9:30 and then Denty from 10 to 11:30. >> Perfect. >> Is that okay? >> What day? What day is the 12th? >> I don't know. >> Thursday. >> I'll let you know. I'll let you know about that. But for sure I would like to make at least one

183of the element one two of the elementary. >> Okay, >> that's great. >> Okay, so those were justformational. >> Thank you. >> We have no old business and we have no more public comment. >> So can I have a motion to >> So moved. >> Moved by Kirsten. Can I have a second? >> Seconded by John. >> All in favor? I >> Okay, here we are. >> I even wrote I on my paper. Um, no executive