001I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Happy New Year, sir. is awesome. >> Okay, >> I'll tell you something. >> In the interest of the weather being turning kind of bad if anybody >> Mike >> is here to speak. We are going to let you go ahead and do it very shortly. We won't make you wait till the end of our meeting, okay? Just want to make sure everybody's safe. We're required to be here. You're here out of your community spirit. So before we begin the meeting though, I would like to um on behalf of the board read a statement to the public. Dear members of the Rome City School
002District community, the Rome City School District Board of Education is committed to fostering a school environment grounded in the well-being and education of every student in our care. We recognize that decisions regarding school safety and district operations are deeply personal to our families and can often spark debate. We welcome constructive dialogue and diverse perspectives and have always emphasize that feedback from the community is helpful to refine and advance the district moving forward. However, it is essential that interactions, whether in person, in writing, or on social media, particularly around issues that affect our children, staff, and community where strong emotions and opinions exist, remain respectful, constructive, and professional. Disagreement is a healthy part of our district. It brings forward differing beliefs and ideas. Respectful communication allows us to hear your concerns clearly and work towards a
003resolution. Personal attacks or disrespectful behavior told toward Rome City School District administrative staff are counterproductive and do not reflect the values of character in and integrity. We emphasize and encourage to our students. Our administration team is tasked with making complex decisions based on data, legal and state mandates and collaboration with other agencies. The board wishes to state publicly that we have confidence and trust in our superintendent and the administrative leadership team to make these decisions rooted in our shared goal, keeping our school community a safe, thriving environment for learning. Thank you for your partnership in maintaining a positive and respectful school community. By modeling professionalism and respect, we set an example for our students and strengthen the foundation of trust that supports their learning and growth. Sincerely, the board of education. >> Thank you, sir.
004>> Okay, moving on. Can I have an approval of our minutes from the regular meeting of December 8th? >> So, >> okay. Okay. Moved by Kirsten. >> Seconded by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. No one's opposed. Superintendent, are there any additions or deletions to the agenda? >> Yes, madame president. Under human resources, uh, we have one action item to add. It will be under number five, resolution to accept resignation. >> Sorry. Um, human resources page five. >> No, it's an additional You got it's right there. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> No problem. >> Okay. >> And also uh there's an item number four under finance resolution to approve agreement. >> Okay. Can I have a motion to amend the agenda to approve the additions that we've been brought? >> Moved by
005Kirsten, >> seconded by Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Motion's carried. Okay. Board recognition, achievements, and honors. Okay, so I have several um sporting teams to recognize. Uh starting off with the girls basketball team. They are off to a great start. They're currently 5 and three. Haley Bostwick scored her 1,00 1,000th point on Monday, December 29th vers Bishop Loen. And there was a nice article in the paper about that. There are several undefeated teams we have in the district. The boys ice hockey is currently undefeated and they ranked fourth in the state. Jacob Bruno secured his 100th point on Saturday, January 3rd. Uh, girls bowling and bo boys bowling are both undefeated with a record of 6-0. Boys swimming/diving is undefeated in the league with a 3-0 record. Girls volleyball is currently undefeated with
006an 8-0 record. And then on top of that, let me see, pull up that email. Uh looks like um the RFA field hockey team, which was the section 3 champion champions, uh they have been invited by the Onidita County Board of Legislators um to be honored at their January 21st meeting. The recognition will take place at 2:00 in the board chambers at the Onidita County Office Building located at 800 Park Avenue, 10th floor, Udica, New York. So congratulations to all the teams and and good job and keep up the good work. >> Boys moved up to three. The hockey team moved up to third since we did our whole thing. >> Yeah. So just so that no one get just on agenda items. If anyone would like to speak public comment, you just have to
007fill out a sheet, a slip with our board clerk over here. And if you want to pass those over. Okay. Mr. Gino Malachi, >> could you please? >> Good evening. Um, my name is Gino Malachi. I'm a Forber board member years and years ago. Um, I live at 1308 North Madison Street. I have a son who's in seventh grade and attend Strow and that's basically why I'm here. Um, initially um, we were informed that there was no busing from my residence to his uh, school. So I would wake up in the morning, bring him there, and then I arranged with another parent to have him picked up and brought home. Well, that parent moved away. So, uh, I'm in a dilemma of getting him home. Um, I'm not here to play Monday morning quarterback or
008nor criticize anybody. I have no animosity towards anyone. I just wanted to bring this to the board's attention as far as the problem. Um uh I first I contacted the the school district regarding a bus and they said that I don't know if it's within a mile and a quarter or mile and a 7 uh 75 that there's no busing um provided. But if you come from Madison Street and you turn right onto Sycamore, you got the stadium support there and it's the basically there's no sidewalk and it's covered with snow and so the a student would have to walk in the street to get to turn road. Now, once you get to Turn Road, you got really high um snow banks and a student would have to literally step in the street to see
009if a car is coming in order for it to um be safe enough to to cross that street. Um so, it's a problem and uh I'm just wondering how much money the district actually saves by not providing a bus for kids that only have to go a mile and a half, whatever the the district requirement is. I contacted the the school district and I I spoke I spoke with I think it was Jeff and he told me that the man the school mandates um even though a student um has to walk on the street it's it's not required by the school district to provide a bus um and uh so I contacted the the senator's office and he said that the basically a mandate is just basically a guide that the school district can go
010beyond those uh guidelines and uh institute whatever they they need to to make sure that these kids get to school safely. Um I also contacted First Student and First Student obviously says, "Well, you know, the school district that's all I have to do is let us know and we'll provide a bus for him." So, um, graciously Sue Carvelli and I had a nice talk this this afternoon and she brought a lot of things to my to my attention and and I appreciate her time and and uh I just hope that we can come together and and and uh come up with a solution to address this this situation because it these kids are are are walking in very cold temperatures. I mean, they have to leave their house by probably quarter after 6, 6:30 with
011a backpack in those snowy conditions, you know, no sidewalks. It it's it's a really dangerous situation. If if at least we can provide a bus during the winter months would be awesome, you know, so I appreciate you listening to me tonight and thank you, >> Mr. Malachi. Uh, next is Jessica Delaney. >> Hi, I'm Jessica Delaney. I'm calling or um here for my daughter Currin. Same thing, busing issue. Um, our we live on Nwood Circle, which is off of Stokes Western Road, right before Kettle Hill. They've changed the route. Originally they were saying that it was property damage. Um but now they were keep assessing it saying it's not safe for um the buses to get out of the development without crossing into the other road. But the problem is they have the elementary school
012going through and allowing them to do it. This bus run has been something that's been established like years. My son went through the development over 10 years and then I've got my brother-in-laws. They graduated in 2010, 2011 and they had bus routes there. Um we had um actually um someone dive right at that intersection cuz there's blind spots going up and down. There's no lighting at the end of the um circle. So you're literally in the dark, no street lights even on Stokes Western Railroad. So it's a huge safety concern for them. And if it's safe for the elementary school, then it should be safe for the Stokes. And we've even talked to the bus driver that drive um drives the first student for RFA. They think it's silly. The only issue is Rome City
013School District bus that runs for the Strow. They're the ones that have made a complaint. The elementary school is run through first student. They have no problem running that that route. Um, I don't know if this bus driver for Rome City needs to maybe go different route that they feel more comfortable with. I don't know. But it's not a new run, but it's a safety issue for these kids. La uh the last one is Alisa and I'm sorry I can't read the last name. Yuria. >> Yuri. Thank you. Hi, Alyssa. Um, I'm actually next door neighbors with Jess, so I'm here to piggyback off of her with um the transportation um issue as well. Um, and we've, um, this bus driver is is not new to this area. Um, we had actually, my husband and
014I had addressed a concern we had a couple years ago with, um, it was the same bus driver. No fault on the bus driver, but it was a concern about I don't know if you're familiar with the area, but his bus when he was in Stra. Um, there was a student that lived at the bottom of Gford Hill. So, the corner of Gford Hill and 46, she lived right at the bottom. So the bus would turn on to Gford Hill, drop her off, and then it would proceed to go all the way up the hill just to turn around to come back down. Now my husband and my son actually went off of Gford Hill into the ditch in the winter. So we personally, that is not a safe road for us. we um you
015know we avoided at all costs and we just said you know is there a way you know to drop this student off at the corner because it it didn't make sense to have a bus go all the way up a hill full of students to just to turn around and come back down. that wasn't, you know, we didn't feel that was that was safe. And we were just simply told that they needed to provide um that transportation, that student needed to be dropped off at their house for for safety concerns. And it was an experienced driver who was very, you know, very cautious of it. But now the same driver they're saying isn't going to go through our our circle that we've been driving through for for years and we're just trying to figure out
016why and if if it was a property damage issue then why are we still allowing why is it okay for other buses? Is it only one bus that you know that this is a you know posing to? So we're just we're just looking out for you know everyone involved. They wouldn't change the route then for this student, but now they're telling us that our kids can't get dropped off at our driveway and we have to be unsafe on the main road. Thank you. You want to say something or no? Okay. >> I thank everyone for your comments. Um, now moving forward, a superintendent report. So, I'll just add um most of you wrote on your card that you are expecting a call back. You can definitely expect a call back because we do follow through
017on what we say so that we can understand the issue directly so that we can problem solve. You can expect to hear from our assistant superintendent of business and operation, Dr. Georgia Gonzalez, tomorrow. Okay. So, um thank you, Madam President. It is time for me to do my oral report. So I am going to at first I thought about whether I wanted to address the weather related school closures decision and also um you know some of the busing situation and I decided that I was going to address it head on. I want to begin by addressing concerns that were raised following the recent snowy day when schools remained opened. I want to be clear. The safety of our student and staff is and will always be our top priority. Decisions related to weather are never
018taken lightly and they follow a careful multi-step process that includes weather forecasts, road conditions, input from our director of transportation and first student, our facilities department and surrounding districts who are part of the Madison Boseies which we are part of as well as ongoing monitoring overnight and early in the morning. In this particular situation that occurred, the weather shifted significantly from what was originally forecasted, resulting in more snowfall than anticipated. That change understandably created frustration and concern for families. I also want to acknowledge the emotions behind those concerns. When families send their children to us, they are trusting us with what matters most to them and we take that responsibility seriously. When I moved into this district and Rome City Schools where I live, I made that very clear that students and staff were always
019going to be at the forefront of every decision that we make. While I understand that some perceptions emerge suggesting a lack of care or concern, I want to state clearly that nothing could be further from the truth. Every situation, however, also provides us with opportunities for reflection and refinement. As we anticipate that this weather pattern may continue, we will be working very closely with our transportation team to review current practices as was mentioned by Mr. Malachi and identify any additional steps we can take to further support student safety, particularly for our walkers in areas where sidewalk conditions may present challenges. So moving forward, we will continue to A prioritize student and staff safety above all else. B use each experience as an opportunity for continuous improvement. C collaborate closely with our transportation team and our
020facilities department. Communate continue to communicate as clearly and transparently as possible. something that we take very seriously and recognize that with every careful planning, conditions can change rapidly. I appreciate and my team appreciate our community's passion for our children and we ask that we continue to engage with one another with trust, respect, and a shared purpose. Thank you. The second part of my report, um, it's about honoring always the legacy of Rome. Um, since I got here, I made it clear that I wanted to understand the history because when you understand your history, you know what you want to continue to honor and also can really envision where you want to go. So, I also want to take an opportunity or moment really truly to honor the life and legacy of a woman that I've
021learned recently about, Mrs. Florence Barnett. I understand that she was Rome's first black principal who passed away on December 23rd. Mrs. Barnett served the Rome City School District with distinction at Fort Stanwick Elementary and Bellamy. She is remembered as a trailblazer, a civic leader, a mentor, a role model, and a tireless advocate for students and families. While many of us may not have had the opportunity to know Mrs. Barnett personally or worked alongside her. Her impact on this community is undeniable. She opened doors, lifted others, and helped shape the educational and civic fabric of Rome in meaningful and lasting ways. We honor her not only for the positions she held, but for the lives she touched and the example she set. Her legacy lives on through the students she served, the educators she mentored, and
022the barriers she helped break. On behalf of our district, we extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Barnett's family, loved ones, and all who were impacted by her remarkable life. Lastly, this is another sad one. We also want to acknowledge the passing of a first student bus driver who served our students with care and dedication. While he was not a direct employee of the Rome City School District, he was a valued member of our extended school community. Each day he played a critical role in safely transporting our students from Ganzerort and also our students who go to Boseis to and from school. a responsibility that requires consistency, care, and commitment. He will be deeply deeply missed by the students who counted on him, the families he greeted each day, and the colleagues who worked alongside him.
023We stand united with First Student during this difficult time and have offered our support in whatever ways they believe are most helpful. And lastly, you know, I always want to acknowledge the educational observances every month. As we move through the month of January, I would also like to acknowledge several important educational observances. Martha Luther King Jr. Day will be upon us very soon. National Mentoring Month is this month. School Bud Recognition Month is also this month. And of course, something that is uh really a part of our the fabric of our community is poverty. So, poverty awareness month is this month. It is important to keep in mind that not all have um and so we need to support each other. So, these observances, the reason why we always make sure that we put them
024at the forefront is because they reflect our shared values and our continued commitment to equity, service, and opportunities for all students. That concludes the end of my report, Madame President. Thank you. Thank you. Moving on to our student board member reports. What you got for us? It is so lovely to be back and to be seeing all of our students back again with what we have seen today from the community. A lot of the students that I have asked expressed the same concerns regarding the snow, which is of course understandable. They mostly are concerned with the hill leading up to RFA since it is the way a lot of us start and end our day. I think just seeing more care be put into salting it, shoveling it. I know only so much can be
025done, especially what happens overnight is not always so predictable, but I think a lot just want to feel seen in the way that they do not want to get injured. I do also just want to say how much I appreciate you, Miss Superintendent, you taking on this problem head on and speaking on it. With a lot of the language that I saw circulating on social media, it was frankly disgusting. And I can understand how I personally would be scared seeing that. And I just really so do respect you being able to talk talk about it so directly and um I just think it is you have my utmost respect for that and I am sorry for what you have had to read and go through because even reading it myself was just horrible. But I
026really hope as you gave your response more people are able to understand that you have reasons for what you do. hard one to follow, but I do agree with the hill um safety concerns. As a student driver myself, walking up and down, I know there's a lot of shortage of janitors. It's completely reasonable. It is just difficult, especially because of late arrival students. We come in different times. So, I know one of the times um I came I come in at 8:15 every day. You come in around like 7:30 when school starts. And in between the hours of 7:30, I talked to people who came in. It wasn't shoveled then. And by the time I got there, it wasn't shoveled either. So, it was about up to my knees when I was walking into school.
027Um, and I had to walk through that way, which completely reasonable. I get it. It's so many things are going on. But I definitely agree with that. Um, also on a positive note, we do have some sporting events coming up on Friday the 9th. We actually have three games going on. So, our girls varsity volleyball, who are undefeated, are playing at 7 PM at Stra. Boys varsity basketball are playing at 7 PM at the RFA main gym. And boys varsity ice hockey is playing at JFK Arena at 7:00 p.m. Um, I've seen a lot of school spirit in the student sections at these games. It's been great to be around. Um especially coming off of break it I saw a lot of people really excited to go to these games post social media posts everything
028like that great to see um as a person who tries to include school spirit and we also started including these games on our calendar in school I just wrote the calendar today and I passing by a lot of people are oh nice that's the that's the time I'll go to that one it was great to be able to communicate that with people without having to go out and say go to this game go to this game so I'm glad that that's spreading and also So, oh, okay. Um, heat diffusion. Everyone's really excited for that. That's going to be sometime in March. Everyone's very, very excited. I've been trying to spread the word about that. And yeah, that's really all. >> I have one question for you. So, I do know that the um for your
029during your lunch periods at RFA, the Rome Chamber is starting to offer some businesses are coming in to talk to students about employment opportunities or what their businesses in the local area do. I wondered if if that's being circulated to the students very well. I mean, how's that going over? >> So, I've seen a few of the booths walking to lunch because there's really only one way to go to the cafeteria. So, it's definitely being shown. I'm not there for the announcements, but because I come in the second period, but >> I I do the announcements. Uh I didn't do them yesterday. From what I've personally read, I haven't seen anything about that. I will definitely ask around and try to get that on the announcements because I didn't know that was something that we
030did. But I do know a lot of of our organizations in school are putting more care into our students future. I know even the music program is bringing back alumni who have went to college for music for any students that have any questions during lunch period and I just I think it's really positive but I will push to get it on the announcements because I think that's very important >> just to let you know Sue too too. So we do get it on parent square um that has been done which I thought was great because I didn't realize it was going on and neither did my daughter. So I had said there's business, you know, and they said, "Oh, you know, yes, we saw it." But yeah, like you said, I don't think it was
031mentioned on the announce, but it did go through honest um through the districtwide >> and it's on the website. I think it was on our um our thing our um >> Facebook when they post that way, but I definitely know that it was sent out to all the parents. >> Yeah, they were lined up. They have these little tables. They're lined up. I know America was there, the Turning Stone was there, and one other business was there, too. And they a lot of students were around those tables, too. They had fun little freebies to give out. It was really nice to see. >> Thank you. Excellent to see. >> Can I say something? >> Thank you, Joanna. I really appreciated um your comment. It was heartfelt. It was received and I really appreciate you stepping
032up and really um indicating that we need to continue to be respectful of each other. Um and in addition, some of the things that you brought up are really around facilities. And um what I can say to you, I don't say things that I don't mean. When I say that we're going to be paying attention to those facilities, we will be paying attention. There's no reason why we shouldn't be shoveling and salulting and making sure that those areas are free from any ice as much as possible so that people are not falling. So points well taken. And I can tell you my assistant superintendent of business and I actually both of both of these things in terms of transportation and facilities are hers. she will be on it with the team tomorrow because like you
033said there there's no excuses for that. >> And Joan, I'll follow up with that. So um just so you know anytime there any day of the week at RFA that that is not done. My daughter goes RFA too and she walks that hill. So, believe you me, it they know and and and they they take it ser, you know, she comes, she makes a call, we can't have her phone, but as soon as she gets home, >> if it wasn't done, you know, and and and they're really trying hard and it is a hard spot. And I'm not making any excuses for anybody because it's very and that hill is awful. >> But trust me, it's it's it's being heard very loudly. So, you guys are, you know, they know by then, but it shouldn't
034be any school. It's hard >> when we ask for opinions from our classmates about what they want us to bring up at these meetings. A lot of them are about the hill. Not even just the conditions that anybody can avoid, but in cold weather walking up the hill. Everyone it's it's horrible. No, there's nothing we can do to avoid that. >> But maybe we could put ropes up like and you could hang on. >> Why don't we use it? >> Oh yes. Oh, I have one question though and I don't please don't take this the wrong way but you know sometimes students and I had kids they very rarely wore boots. I mean I'm not I don't mean that >> and then they wear sneakers. >> So I guess my only question might be >>
035you know sometimes it's a little more slippery if you're trying to walk up a steep hill >> and there's a little bit of ice and you don't have the proper attire. And I understand that but I just wanted to >> Yeah. point that out. >> It's almost like the wind comes at you. >> Yeah. The snow comes sideways. >> Um Yeah. But I we feel your pain. >> But guess what? Keep driving to school because none of your parents want to wait in that whole >> Yeah. No. Yeah. I mean, I've seen people who walk up in just hoodies and sneakers. And I'm like, you know, >> in their shorts, you know, they're still wearing their shorts. >> Okay. Moving on to our workshop uh program and service review based budget building budget and if
036anyone would like to leave because this is the real part of it. We understand be careful driving >> be careful everyone. Thank you. >> Yeah, I know. >> What do you mean you hold the rope? >> Yeah, I went to Alice, it's all up to you. Is that better? >> Y. >> All right, we'll start over. Round two. Um, so this is the beginning of our whole budget season. And with that, we typically go through the base budget overview um to start us off with um the next four months of presentations that you'll receive. Um tonight, I want to start off a little differently than I have um last year compared to last year. I want to do a brief exercise just discussing um the tax levy and why it's important that we go out
037at the tax cap. >> No. There we go. Um, so what I did is came up with some numbers. Um, and I used some round numbers just to start us off for the 21 22 year. This is pretty close to what our tax levy was um, at that time with using um, the tax base growth for five years in a row, the same amount. And kind of showing like if we left some money on the table the first year instead of going out at the tax cap, what that really compounds as. So if in we decided that down at the bottom you'll see the tax cap could have been 2.31%. If instead we decided we were going to go out at 1.99 which is only a difference of about a third of a percentage point.
038We would have left $130,000 on the table for that year. Taxpayers would have been very happy. However, the following year you can't make that money back. you can't somehow collect that difference. So when we come into 2223, that number not only compounds to be $130,000, but then there's a $2,000 bump on top of that, even if we left everything else the same and continue to go out at the tax cap. And as you see, we continue on over the five years and it goes from being 130 to 132, 134, 136, 139. And what we get to is after just a short period of time, which is five years, we actually have gone from 130 to $140,000 that we are no longer able to collect back unless we go out at a super supermajority, which requires
03960% of voter approval instead of the typical 50%. And that's important for us to recognize as we're going through this budget process for taxpayers and the board of education to remember um because we're going to see some numbers that look like, hey, revenue-wise, we're going to be okay this year. But we also have dollars and cents that we're trying to put into reserves for capital projects that we're moving forward with. We also know that in a couple of years, the federal government and even the state government may not be financially in a position to continue some of the foundation aid. So we need to start putting that money into reserves now to prepare for our future and to be prepared for maintenance and different facility usage that we may have to have that is outside
040of the koff um support that we're we're providing right now. So I say that with the anticipation that as we move through this we're going to have some taxpayers that ask why don't we go out at a lesser amount. So this is just to summarize. Um we see that we had that continued loss every year year-over-year. And if you added up all those just that five years, we actually would have lost almost um threequarters of a million dollars over a 5year period, which is significant. Um when you're talking about $130, that's the equivalent equivalent to two or three teachers um including benefits. So with that in mind, we go into the base budget. Our base budget is m um a basis of our fixed cost, which includes all of our salaries, our utilities, insurance, benefits,
041bonds, all those things that we have to have in order to run a school district. We also have operational costs, which includes our supplies, um some maintenance costs, contractual cost, and that goes for programming and um different things for like facilities. some of our maintenance for HVAC and so forth. And then you have your core program cost um which includes everything under Mr. Pero's um curriculum and instruction, general ed, um special ed, library, technology in all of our athletics. Um this does not include any new initiatives, any new positions that we may be looking to add or any new technology or equipment. So for instance, we're looking at potentially adding two buses for next year. that does not include that. That would be an addition, not part of our base budget. Then for our revenue
042sources, um this is not just our school district, but most school districts have state aid, which includes all of our foundation aid, our building aid, transportation, boseies, special ed, categorical, and that number usually comes through governor's run uh primary in um February, and then we get another one typically sometime the end of March, beginning part of April. Then you have your local revenue which is which is state taxes. That's the the tax levy and all of our pilots. We have our federal aid which is not typically part of general um funding but it is part of what helps to supplement in some cases for salaries and so forth for teachers some of our materials some of our um curriculum and usually those include all of our title grants that include 611 619 and outside of
043our federal programming all of our child nutrition which is our um school lunch program. We also have our miscellaneous revenue which is our interest revenue um prior year refunds especially from Boseies and our Medicare reimbursement where we build a state back or the the county back for um certain costs especially for special education. And then we have our fund balance and our reserves where we um allocate certain funds from the current year to help offset balances for next year. Some of the costs that we're looking at for the 2627 school year currently would include our salaries, which would be approximately $69 million. Of that, we're expecting roughly 6 million in grants to go towards that. That's based on how we've allocated grant money from this year. Um, we do have grant writers that will determine
044how much of that goes to salaries, but if we stay consistent with uh our past practice, that's what that would look like. We have utilities um and facilities costs that are just shy of 5 million. Um our insurance benefits we expect to be 43 million. That's a slight increase and that's based currently on a 7% increase. Um it may be a little less than that but those are the numbers that we're currently hearing um coming from our insurance consortium. Of that approximately 2.5 million will come from grants and again that's based on how we've allocated our grants so far um in the last couple of years. Then we have bonding um for all of our capital projects and so forth that we've had to pay and we're expecting that to be approximately 8.3 million for
045the 26 27 year. Our operational costs are marginally increased between four and 5% and those um are somewhere between 1.2 million for supplies um approximately 10 million for contractual cost and then approximately 3.5 million for maintenance. Then we have our core programs. Um, and again, this is pretty much a straight increase of roughly 4% across the board. Um, special ed might be slightly higher depending on what the needs are. And we always, um, have some contingency in there because you never know what students may or may not move into the district. Um, so we're expecting our total expense cost for base to be approximately $160 million, which is just shy of what we currently um have this year for revenue and expenses. With all that being said, we expect these to be the revenues for
046um the 26 27 year um state aid. We're expecting to stay pretty consistent with what it is this year. We're not expecting huge increases. Um that may change as the governor run comes out in February, but right now I'm being conservative in our revenue assumptions. Um local revenue, again, we're assuming approximately um a 2.5% increase. Um I'll be able to do some of that math here in the next couple of weeks for our next presentation to be able to give us a good number as to what that tax cap would look like. federal aid. Um, this is a good estimate based on what our prior grants have been and it's approximately 8.6 million. Um, miscellaneous revenue is sitting right around 1.8 million and that is mostly coming from the interest revenue that we receive off
047off of our funds being in some of the savings accounts we have. And this year we're expecting to um balance the rest of our um general fund revenue with fund balance of approximately seven million. This year for the 2526 year we balanced it with approximately 13 million. So we're looking to slowly reduce that fund balance and that way we can start putting more of that into our reserves. Um so when you look at the 2627 total estimate budget, we're expecting the actual cost to be about 154 million um with 162 of million of that um including our grant which is that 8.6 million. We're expecting um revenues to be approximately 155 million with 164 in grants. So you'll see we're expecting revenue to be slightly higher than that of our um our budget cost once
048you factor in some of the other things outside of the base budget. With that being said, anything that we have excess, we expect to put into our capital reserves and we're going to start planning for that with the finance committee over the next couple of months so that we know um with some fidelity what we think we'll have in our capital reserves as we move into our phase two of the 56 um grade building. So, I just want to summarize um what this really means for Rome financially. Overall, this means that we're in a good financial situation. Um we are not fiscally stressed by any means. Um we know that we have a capital reserve of up to $10 million. We put 3.3 million into that um by your approval um a month or so
049ago. and we are expecting to um put another three to four million into that to help offset any local share when we get ready to finance um for the fifth grade side of that building. We also are expecting um insurance costs to go up like I said about um 7%. Um we went forward with predicting some of these costs based on our contracts that we currently have. Um right now we don't expect um any huge changes for next year. We have finalized all of our um contract obligations this year. Um thanks to Dr. Carney. Um we don't have any new negotiations occurring between now in June um of 2026. Um we are expecting the state aid again to remain flat and um we want to make sure that we're maximizing that tax cap to the
050fullest so that way we're not leaving money on the table for future years um to to have to try and come up with. Um overall, you know, at this point, we have um just a couple things that we're waiting on. We have the governor's run that we expect in February. Um I'm working with our staff today. Um we actually sent out the new link for proposals for the budget. Um they're going to have those in by the end of January. The cabinet will start looking through those proposals to build our preliminary budget for the finance committee to start reviewing. Um, in the meantime, I do have um consistent uh salary and insurance numbers and some board of education codes that we're going to look at next week with the finance committee and then um we
051will have some good numbers to start looking at in February. Are there any questions on what the next steps are or how we're moving forward? >> Yeah, the question based on that first slide. Um, so are you saying that the district is going to do the max tax, whatever the max tax allowable for this year and then kind of indefinitely going forward? That's what I heard. >> That would be my recommendation. Obviously, it's up to the board of education as to how you move forward. But in order to alleviate um any fiscal stress or potential fiscal stress in in the future, it's recommended that you go out at whatever the tax cap is so that way you don't leave money on the table and then have to try and recoup it later on. >> Last
052year did we purchased a new bus, correct? >> We did. >> Okay. So right now, are we okay on those in that area or are we looking to possibly do something in the future? Is that something we haven't decided yet? >> So right now we know that we have an electric mandate that is coming out. We've um we're actually working with our um transportation study um consultant next week. They're going to provide us with the recommendations. we are able to get a waiver based on that study for the next three years and we are looking to move forward with that um because we do not have the infrastructure or the capacity at this point to be able to go with a full electric fleet. So the recommendation at this point um outside of that bus
053which we're receiving at the end of January would be to move forward with two new diesel buses. Um, in that way half of our fleet, you know, we have roughly 14 buses. That gives us a third of our fleet is brand new. Um, and possibly purchase two more in the 27 28 year while we are in the process of looking at whether electrifying all of our buses makes sense. Um, there's some concern or question regarding for student and how many of their buses they can move towards electrifying since they are our main vendor and they're the ones who drive most of our buses. So, um, we're working with both NAERTA and First Student to determine the best options as we move forward over the next three to five years. >> Questions? Okay. Thank you very
054much. And we will move forward to our consent agenda. Okay. From page two, through page eight. Uh, excuse me, page nine. So, can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Okay. Moved by Jen, >> second by Nadia. Any discussion? >> I just had one question really quick. Um, and I'm sorry to ask this. I I should have asked this prior. um with these peer specialists um personnel that we're doing for the approval on this part. What would what is a peer sorry what is a peer specialist and don't leave after that one question because I have one one backup of that too. I'm sorry. I apologize. >> No, that's good. >> So the peer specialist came out of our resource allocation grant. Um so basically what we're looking at is in instruction
055also with behavior um graduation specialists. So their teachers, their peers that are stepping up and um eventually going to lead into our PLC's as well where they're going around and looking at each other's um classrooms and leading the way and being the go-to people in their building to help out in those areas. So what had happened in the beginning was we had that grant through December and it was such a hit with the staff and they're super super excited about it that they wanted to be able to continue and so we built it into our title side of the grants and so we were able to continue this work into June and we're looking to potentially continue that into next year with the built-in stipens that we have through grant money. >> Awesome. Now with
056that also now with that said um because I read in there also was the behavioral are they do they specialize in that grade level of behavioral issue or >> it's building wide. >> Okay. >> It's building wide. So it's whatever teachers decided to step forward to be able to give that assistance and give some um pointers and things that are working in the different classrooms. and they're highlighting each other's uh classrooms and what's working and building upon that um toolbox within the actual schools. >> Oh, awesome. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> And you said that's grant funded. >> It is grant funded. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, we had a motion and a second. Any more discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Consent agenda is passed. Okay. Moving on to the finance
057action items. Number one, resolution to accept a donation from Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Whereas the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has generously offered a donation of $5,000 to support educational programs at John Joy Elementary School. And whereas this grant reflects the foundation's commitment to promoting literacy and educational achievement, as well as the strong support of the community for literacy initiatives. and whereas the board of education hereby recognizes the value of community partnerships and enhancing student learning and supporting school programs. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District hereby gratefully accepts a donation of $5,000 from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for John Joy Elementary School and expresses its appreciation for the foundation's generosity and support of literacy in our schools. And be it further resolved that the superintendent
058or her designate is authorized to take all necessary steps to accept and utilize the donation in accordance with the foundation's guidelines in the best interests of the students. I have a motion. >> Okay. Moved by Kirsten, >> seconded by Nadia. All in favor? >> I. Motion's carried. >> Number two, resolution to accept donation from Rome Community Foundation. Whereas the board of directors of the Rome Community Foundation has generously offered a donation of $7,500 from the Stevens Kingsley Fund to support the first annual steam punketics program at Rome Free Academy. And whereas the donation will be used to provide supplies and materials necessary for the successful implementation of the program. And whereas the board of education recognizes the community partnerships and philanthropy philanth philanthropic >> philanthropic. Thank you. Support our vital and enhancing innovative learning opportunities
059for students. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District hereby gratefully accepts a donation of $7500 from the Rome Community Foundation for the Steam Punkinetics program at RFA and expresses its appreciation to the foundation and the Stevens Kingsley Fund for their general support. Be it further resolved that the superintendent or her designate is authorized to take all necessary actions to accept and apply the donation towards supplies and materials for the program in accordance with the foundation's guidelines in the best interest of the students. I have a motion. >> Moved by Jonathan, >> seconded by Jen. All in favor? >> Motion's carried. Number three, resolution to approve classroom lease agreement with Mob Boseis Strow Middle School evenings only 2025 2026 school year. Where is the board of education
060of the Rome City School District recognizes the value of adult and continuing education programs for the community? And whereas the Madison and United Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Mobosis, has requested to lease classroom space at Strow Middle School during evening hours for the purpose of providing adult and continuing education courses. And whereas the pri parties have agreed that the lease shall commence on August 1st, 2025 and terminate on June 30th, 2026. And whereas for the entire term of the lease, Madison Boseis shall pay the district a total of $2,953.50 with payment to be invoiced in due no later than June 30th, 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby authorizes the superintendent of schools to execute a classroom lease agreement with Mobosis for the use of classroom space at Stra Middle
061School during evenings only for the 2526 school year under the terms outlined above. And be it further resolved that Mobosi shall be responsible for payment of $2,953.50 for the lease term with the invoice payable to the district by June 30th, 2026. Can I get a motion? Moved by Kirsten. Can I get a second? Seconded by Nadia. All in favor? >> Motion's carried. We have one additional one. Number four, resolution to approve agreement. Whereas the board of education recognizes the need to provide occupational therapy services to support students enrolled in the district's early childhood program. And whereas Lisa Gratch Gilmore is qualified to provide occupational therapy treatment services to eligible students. And whereas such services are required during the period from November 10th, 2025 through June 26, 2026. And whereas the services will be provided at
062the following approved locations. Kluff School, 409 Bell Road, Rome, New York 13440. Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, Head Start, 276 Brookkeley Road, Rome, New York 13440. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves the provision of occupational therapy treatment services by Lisa Gratch Gilmore for students in the early childhood program for the period of November 10th, 2025 through June 26, 2026 and be further resolved that compensation for said services shall be at the rate of $53 per individual halfhour sessions and $30 per child per group halfhour session. And be it further resolved that the superintendent of schools or designate is authorized to take any and all actions necessary into to implement this resolution including the execution of any required agreements consistent with these terms. Can I have a motion? >> Moved
063by Paula, >> second by Nadia. All in favor? I. Motion's carried. Okay. We do not have to have an audit committee meeting until probably March or April of this year. Um the finance committee is meeting Thursday, January 15th at 3:30 right here in this room. So we're all aware and that we haven't had a a meeting a committee previously. So, we're all set. >> Under educational programs action item number one, resolution to approve comprehensive school counseling program. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the comprehensive school counseling program for the 2025 2026 school year. >> Is that it? >> Yeah, I guess. Okay. Just making sure I didn't miss anything. Can I get >> moved by Kirsten? Can I get a second? >> Second by Jonathan.
064Go ahead, >> Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> That motion's carried. >> Moving on to educ human resources. >> Human resources. Action item number one. Uh resolution to approve tenure. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves tenure for the following individuals. Jody Maron, Fel, principal, administration, effective date, January 2nd, 2026. And Rachel Rosto Rito, teacher at John Joy Elementary Education effective date is December 29th, 2025. Can I get a motion to >> Thanks. >> Okay. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I Motion carried. >> Resolution uh action item number two, resolution to comply with New York state minimum wage increase. Whereas the state of New York has enacted a legislation mandating an increase in the minimum wage to $16 effective January 1st, 2026. And whereas
065the Rome City School District Board of Education is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws, including ensuring equitable and fair compensation for all employees. and whereas the proposed wage increase affects certain hourly employees of the district and whereas the financial implications of the wage increase have been reviewed and accounted for within the district's current budget planning. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District hereby approves compliance with the New York State minimum wage increase effective January 1st, 2026 for all applicable district employees. And be it further resolved that the superintendent of schools or designate is directed to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution including but not limited to adjustments in payroll systems, employee notifications and updates to district policies as
066needed. Can I get a motion to move the resolution by Nadia? >> Moved by Nadia and a second. >> Second by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? I Motion's carried. Action item number three, resolution to accept affiliation agreement. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby accepts the affiliation agreement between Rome City School District and Hen University. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> So moved. >> Moved by Kristen. Second. >> Give it to Jonathan. That was like a tie. Any discussion? All in favor? I. >> Motion's carried. Action item number four, resolution to approve the modification of job description, director of student services. Whereas the board of education of the Rome City School District is committed to ensuring that administrative roles and responsibilities align
067with the evolving needs of students, families, and the district. And whereas the position of the director of student services plays a critical role in supporting student success, equity, compliance, and the coordination of services that address students academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. And whereas the superintendent has recommended modifications to the existing job description for a current administrator serving in the role of director of student services to more accurately reflect current duties, responsibilities, and alignment with the 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 support effective performance and accountability. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves the updated
068job description for the position of director of student services as presented by the superintendent, and be it further resolved that the superintendent or designate is authorized to implement the updated job description and take any actions necessary to ensure its inclusion in district personnel records and administrative documentation effectively immediately. Can I get a motion to move? Moved by Jonathan. Second. >> Second by Nadia. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> And >> special thank you to Kirkton for bringing that up the last time. It's because you brought it up. That's why we had it in here. The job description. >> Yeah. Remember? >> Yes. >> Mhm. >> And then action item number five, resolution to accept accept resignation. and resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves
069the resignation of Melissa Childers's teacher assistant effective the end of the business day on January 5th, 2026. Can I get a motion to move the resolution? >> Moved by N. >> Where's that? Where'd you find all that? >> It was on the other. >> Thank you. Nadia moved it. >> N moved it. Can I get a second? >> Second. Second by Sue. Any discussion? >> Carried. Oh. All in favor? >> I motion's carried. >> Moving on to policy. >> Okay. 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 6700, purchasing. number 6700-R purchasing regulation and 6710 purchasing authority I move to resolution >> second
070move by Cursman second by Nia discussion all in favor >> action item number two resolution to approve the first reading of policies resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools the board of education hereby approve approves the first reading of the following policies. Number 0, non-discrimination and equal opportunity. Number 0110, sexual harassment. Number 0110.2, sexual harassment in the workplace. Number 8520, free and reduced price meal services. Number 9260, conditional appointment and emergency conditional appointment student safety. I move to resolution. >> I >> and the next meeting is tomorrow at the district office at 4:45 >> if you just if we have something that's different within our district per se. I know we follow NISSBA, you know, when you do these readings and everything. Are are we a able to ever add something to
071anything if we needed to >> should come to a policy meeting to find out. >> I used to do policy sir but um I can't come to another meeting. I'm sorry. Um >> yes. So if we you know what I'm saying? So like when I did policy but I only had to do it for a really short time so I didn't get to do any or adopt any or >> so so normally when the policies come for review there are certain sections that are highlighted that like we have some um ability to adjust or edit and then for the most part most of them are just hey this is what the state says you should do. So there is some some play in there where we can >> there is some Okay. All right. Thank
072you. >> Have no miscellaneous business under discussion items. We have dates for school visits. >> Yeah. >> Recall last year when we talked about district priorities. We had an opportunity to visit four buildings together as a group to see some of our instructional practices in action and for you to be able to see like what we talk about at this table is actually occurring. So we visited uh last year the early childhood program um Bellamy Elementary School, RFA and there was one more and Stra. And so again I uh when we talked at this table in terms of our strategic plan year one of our action plan where we are aligning everything from the district level to the school building. We want to offer you that opportunity. I think one of you in particular had
073asked if we were going to do that again and the answer is yes. What we would be looking for from you is an opportunity to kind of let us know which buildings you like to visit. You know what we try to do is make sure that you see the whole gamut from an early intervention all the way to the high school. If you want to continue to visit Stra and RFA again, that's okay, too. But if you would like to visit a different elementary school such as maybe Bridge or Stokes, that way you get a flavor for the west side and east side of the district. Ganzort last year. >> We didn't do Ganszvort last year. We did Bellamy and early childhood because what we didn't want to do is overwhelm um the the staff
074so much because we were lifting so much and we're still lifting a lot. So if you want to visit at least four, we can make that happen. Just kind of give us a sense around what month would be better so that we give the principles a heads up and um what you would like to see if you want to see early childhood again as well cuz some of you did not get a chance to see it. it would be okay. Um, but we definitely want to make sure we have a mixture of buildings and you're not going to be able to do all nine. So, I suggest four, but if you wanted to see more, we are open to that as well. So, whatever it is that you decide, give us a month and we
075can work out some dates. >> The only issue I would have is we're already into January, so I don't know. Forward might be difficult only because of the break they have in February and then the break they have in April. >> Yeah. But many of us are shaking our heads. >> So we can do March. >> Many of us are shaking our heads. Yes, we would like to. And I would definitely like to see another elementary school. >> I would love to go. Some of them are harder for me because of my schedule. Um I would definitely love to at least make one. >> And I guess I mean what would other board members what other buildings might >> early childhood last year for some reason? I'd like to a fun one. The kids are
076very interactive. >> You know, like when >> Well, we wanted to kind of get a sense from what month >> and then obviously if you still want to see ECP decisions. >> Okay. So, we'll start with KFT. So, I'm here in KFT, another elementary outside of Bellamy. So if we pick one this year, maybe Rachel Stokes and then um you still want to do straw and RFA because it's good to see the whole gamut. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Yeah. One of each. >> Right. Would you agree? All right. Thanks, D. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I love that. >> Surprise attack. We're going up the hill and everything. >> March. >> I just want to add please march just from an instructional standpoint. I on the I know I'm not on the thing right now
077just from instruction March please because of testing in April and May >> so don't do March April and May oh okay March April okay got you good that's good to know >> so we have the month of March and four schools >> okay thank you >> Y >> okay and we are as a board having our special meeting um twice a year we actually review the superintendent's um evaluation. So, we will have the board meeting next Monday. We've all agreed to. So, 5:30 here in this room, we will be meeting >> executive session. >> It is right. It's an executive session. So, just so everyone is aware, we do that. No, you guys >> want to make sure so that the it's not public forum. >> Okay. So, next Monday, >> Monday 5:30 >> 5:30
078here, just to bear that in mind. And just so everyone's aware, they did reschedu the meeting that was cancelled last night for our regent manion for this school board's institute and it is on Thursday evening the 22nd. So again, it's at the same time. So if anyone's interested in attending, we need to let them know by the 20th. So you have to get back to Sandy if anyone can do it. Okay. I will be going. >> Oh, Jonathan already did. >> Probably not. >> So, well, anyway, if you're interested, we'll get back to Sandy, right? Okay. And I did want to remind all the board that we are supposed to be for the superintendent's evaluation. You have to get into super eval in order to look at what we had all agreed to for the
079upcoming year. Yes. So if you have an issue getting into it, I had to reset my password. >> I do too. >> But we do go to it's on the NISSBA web page is where you go to get into it. So just so if you could all do that before Monday night, it would be appreciated. >> And there's lots of beautiful reading. I completed my reflection for you. >> Yeah, there's a lot out there. >> Can you send that in an email? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> I'll send it out to everybody. >> Do we have to go in and fill out the complete evaluation before Monday? No, we don't put anything in. It's a discussion. Nurlan put in >> Okay. >> You could just >> portions our reading as hers and then when
080we get together then we discuss it. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Remember last year we couldn't get on that whole thing. >> Yeah. >> So if you need to change it's very easy to change your password on it if you forgot which again. >> Okay. >> Under there you will just hit annual goals. you will see all of the goals that we had collectively agreed on that you voted that those are my goals for the year. Under reflection, I've added my reflection pieces and evidence to that for your review. That way, you have an opportunity to read it thoroughly before you have your discussions. >> Okay. >> All right. >> I don't believe there's any additional public comment. Okay. So now >> she's holding it. >> Okay, we're going into an executive session. And
081it is anticipated there will be a motion to go into an executive session to discuss collective negotiations pursuant to Tailor Law, matters regarding an appeal for a dignity for all students determination and matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation. We will not be coming back out into a public session once we are finished. So >> HR is all we need >> normal portion. >> So move and second. >> You need a motion. >> Yes. >> So can I have a motion to go into executive session? >> So moved. >> Okay. Moved by Jen. Can I have a second? >> Seconded by Kirsten. All in favor? >> I. Okay. >> Yeah. Please be careful.