001Okay. So, now we will go ahead and call our regular meeting to order. And could we all stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> I 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. At this time, we have to go into an executive session. Um, we will I need a motion to go into executive session to discuss a student discipline matter. >> So moved. >> Okay. Moved by Kirsten. >> Second by Paula. All in favor? >> I. Motion carried. So, can I have a motion for the approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of June 23rd and the reorganizational meeting of July 7th, 2025? >> So, move second. Second. >> Moved by Kirsten.
002>> Second by Paul HN. >> Yeah. >> All in favor? >> I motion's carried. >> President, can you turn your microphone, please? >> Okay. We do have um two additions to the agenda. The first is additional business to add a resolution for the miscellaneous to determine under the business miscellaneous business action item determine the appeal of a student discipline matter. And also you can update on page four human resources consent agenda E change the building for Daisy Rizzo to Bellamy instead of Ganzor. So four Rizzo >> felony instead of Gansport. >> So can I have a motion to accept the additional business and updates? >> So moved. >> Okay. Moved by John, >> Seconded by Paula. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion's carried. >> All right. Board recognition. We would like to take this
003opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation and kudos to all of the staff that worked so diligently to make the RFA graduation ceremony such a resounding fantastic success. Excuse me. >> Even with the threat of rain constantly in the forecast, it was their hard work to be sure things were kept on schedule, coming and going, wiping down all the chairs, getting additional items. There was some rugs they needed to get so people didn't slip. And I have to say they just did a great job getting everything all put together. Um, it was a great event. The music for the event was exceptional this year. It was very uh uplifting just as the ceremony should be and the winner guard did a great job. So, it was extremely interesting to watch and I'm so proud of everybody.
004Um, we'd also like to thank Madison and Nightabooseis so much for housing us for the past year after the tornado. Um, without their constant and help, it would have been a horrendous time going through this past year. So, we certainly want to extend our thanks to all of them. And we also would like to thank the facilities department for all of the moves that they've had to do for us. And we will probably try and tell them that this is the last one for a long time. So those are all of our board recognitions just to say thank you very much to each and every one of the staff and people who helped out. So do we have any public comment on agenda items? No. Superintendent report. My report is very quick tonight. It's summer,
005right? So, um, last week our district and building leaders spent three days at Beaches Manor engaged in a focused and energizing professional learning retreat centered on the theme of from spinning plates to purposeful practice. We anchored our time together in uh together in two key outcomes. First, we acknowledge the reality that our administrators are managing a multitude of daily responsibilities. The retreat provided a much needed opportunity for us to pause and reflect on which of those responsibilities are truly driving student learning and which may be consuming time without yielding meaningful impact. Leaders were encouraged to identify the many plates we're currently spinning. Use our strategic plan as a lens to determine what matters most. Eliminate or reduce low impact tasks and clearly articulate the support they need from central office to remain focused, effective, and
006well supported. This shift from doing it all to doing what matters most is essential not only to achieving the goals of our strategic plan, but also to promoting leadership sustainability and staff well-being. The second focus of the retreat was mapping out year one of our strategic plan, which I've talked about when I introduced the strategic plan with clarity and purpose. Together, last week, we identified the key actions and focus areas that will define the first year of implementation. And that work will continue this week. On Wednesday, we're spitting spending a whole day together to continue to work on that year one mapping out. And of course, the board will get a chance to see that because that will become our district priorities for the year. As we enter the 2526 school year, we do so
007with aligned priorities, shared ownership, and a collective commitment to moving from intention truly to impact. And we look forward to keeping all of the board and the community updated as this important work continues. Similarly, after we map out year one of that strategic plan in terms of what is our focus, the schools will have their own school annual action plan. Instead of calling them school improvement plan, they will be called school annual plan. And so that they can continue to also let the families know how we're moving things forward with our four pillars that you've seen in the strategic plan. And the first is going to really be centered continue to center on student learning and academic excellence. So any questions or and my teammates are here too because they all got a chance to
008experience that. So if you have any questions, we would love to talk with you. All right. The second part of my report is around um the next thing that the board will engage in isun policy. So we will be um refining and reviewing um the the the policy that we currently have that focus on devices. And so we will update that to reflect um the laws um of New York State so that we can bring them forth for your review and um subsequently adoption of this uh revised policy based on the new regulation. And um really you talked about kudos. Uh kudos to our director of secondary program Melissa Cisco who um from the office of instruction who is leading some of that work because it starts with middle school and high school but we're
009also focusing on the elementary. And at our retreat she also led a um a discussion with the administrators truly to start mapping out the guidelines for how we're going to implement these things at all of the levels. And so really the kudos goes to her because she is the one lifting the work behind the scenes as well. That concludes um my report for tonight. >> Excellent. Okay, moving on to the consent agenda. Starting on page two and going to page nine. Uh can I have a motion to accept the consent agenda? >> Second. >> Okay. Moved by Paula. Move call second by >> seconded by Kirsten. Any discussion on any item? All in favor? >> I consent agenda's passed. There are no finance uh action items tonight except I would say that we're hoping to
010establish a finance meeting um hopefully on Thursday, August 14th um at about 7:30 in the morning. So, okay. So that'll be our next finance meeting. >> I want to be the first person that you get to deal with. [Laughter] >> Oh goodness. Okay. Now there is no action items for educational programs. So we'll move on to human resources. Action item. Resolution to accept retirement. Resolve that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby accepts with appreciation for years of service the retirement of the following individual. Laura Candela, teacher Stra Middle School, effective 712025. Laura Sharp, teacher assistant, Denty Elementary School, effective 912025. I move the resolution second. >> Seconded by Kirsten. All in favor? >> Motion's carried. Action item two, resolution to amend retirement date. Resolve that upon the recommendation
011of the superintendent of schools. The board of education hereby accepts with appreciation for years of service the amended retirement of the following individual. Robert Mesa, assistant superintendent for operations and management effective July 1st, 2025. I move the resolution. >> Seconded by Jen. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Motion's carried. Resolution for approval of rate of pay for substitute school counselors for summer school services. Whereas the board of education recognizes the necessity of engaging a substitute school counselor to perform summer duties during the absence of a regularly assigned school counselor. And where is the district has determined that a substitute school counselor at RFA is required from July 7th through approximately August 29th, 2025. And whereas the superintendent or designate has reviewed and recommended a reasonable rate of pay for the summer services of the substitute
012school counselor Michelle Scubitzky. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District hereby approves the rate of pay for Michelle Scabitzy in the amount of $400 for full day services rendered until August 29th, 2025. And be it further resolved that the superintendent or designate is authorized to make any necessary arrangements to process a payment as outlined in the district's budget and procedures. I move the resolution. Second, >> seconded by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Motion's carried. Uh, action item four, resolution to rename certain district administrative titles to better reflect the scope of work. Where is the Rome City School District recognizes the importance of clear and accurate administrative titles that reflect the scope, complexity, and responsibility of each role? And whereas current titles such as director
013of supported learning and cse chairpersons no longer adequate adequately represent the breath of duties assigned to these positions. And whereas the district seeks to align these titles with contemporary educational standards and practices to ensure clarity and transparency for staff, students, families, and the broader community. And whereas the proposed title changes are consistent with the current job descriptions and reflect the leadership and coordination functions outlined therein. And whereas the title director of special education is in alignment with applicable federal and state regulations governing special education administration. Now therefore, be it resolved that the title director of supported learning shall be changed to director of special education with no change in tenure area in order to clearly denote the leadership role in overseeing all aspects of special education programs and services in compliance with federal and state
014regul requirements. and be further resolved that the title CSE chairpersons shall be changed to coordinators of special education with no change in tenure area to more accurately reflect their vital role in coordinating special education programs and facilitating the individualized education programs IEP process within the district. And be it further resolved that these title changes shall take effect immediately following board approval. And be it further resolved that the superintendent is hereby authorized to take all necessary steps to implement these changes, including notifying staff in the community and updating all relevant district documentation. I move the resolution. >> Second by Jonathan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Motion's carried. >> Policy. Nothing today. Okay. >> Hold on. I got a question. So based on the superintendent's uh report that you just provided, so are you looking to
015have a policy meeting sometime very soon to to do the cell phone policy or is >> Yes, we will be contacting you for us to have a brief meeting after we draft something for the policy committee. >> So that has to be in place by the cell phone policy has to be in place by >> prior to ar well by August 1st. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Yeah. Most of the time it's just following the NISBA installments, >> right? Okay. It's in alignment. >> Yeah. >> Policy. >> Yeah. If we find we would like regul some changes to that policy based on actual how it's being implemented, we can just go back and change it. >> Bring it to policy committee again and um whatever refinement we needs to make because policies
016can be changed anytime or refine anytime. So yes, >> Anytime during the year. Correct. >> Okay. >> So is there time between now and August 1st to have a first reading, a second reading and get it approved? Yeah, they well we'll talk. >> Okay. >> Yeah, >> draft and I think uh the draft is what we can submit as well until we finalize everything. So, yeah, cuz time is we're in a time crunch >> district. >> Yes. >> I just want to point that out. >> Agreed. >> So, moving on to miscellaneous business on page 13. Resolution to update safety committee members resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District approves of the removal of board of education member Mrs. Saffron from the district safety committee. I move the resolution. >>
017Seconded by Jen. All in favor? I. Motion's correct. >> We totally understand that. Um number two, resolution to approve member for the school counseling advisory committee. Council resolved that the board of education of the Rome City School District approves Mrs. Miss is Nadia Rashid to be the board representative on the school counseling advisory council. I move the resolution. >> Seconded by Kristen. All in favor? >> I motion's carried. Transportation contract resolution. Whereas the board of education of the Rome City School District recognizes the need for the provision of student transportation services for special education, vocational and or other educational programs in coordination with the Madison United Board of Cooperative Educational Services, BOSIES. And whereas Madison Boseies has the capacity and expertise to provide such transportation services in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective manner to meet
018the needs of the district. And whereas the district has reviewed the proposed contract and finds it to be in the best interest of the district and its students. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education hereby approves the transportation contract with Madison and Night of Boseis for the provision of student transportation services for the 2526 school year in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement. >> I move the resolution and Paula seconds. Really quick on that whole um other note with our um committees before I forget. Do we have to have it approved to start the >> sport one? >> Let's let's a vote on this one. All in favor? >> Oh, sorry. I >> I motion's carried. >> And now back to Kristen was wondering about the the
019booster club. >> The booster. The booster is not a recognized one. So although you have been serving in that, you can continue to. It doesn't need to be recognized. It's not a recognized um >> so sports altogether. Are we going to do a committee to work with sports should be size booster? >> Oh, it's not in the plans. >> Is that what that Okay, I mis booster. It was just the booster clubs. Working with um >> working with booster clubs. Gotcha. That's fine. Booster is similar to like the parent. >> Yes. Gotcha. Okay. Okay. That's fine. I apologize. I was miss No, that's a great question though. Yeah. And I would say one thing about sports boosters is making the boost or is it just the the the ones that we I'm asking the I'm
020sorry. Um the question that always comes up in finance committee is the clubs and how are they taken care of as far as reporting because we always have a portion of our audit deals with that. So I guess Dr. Gonzalez maybe you could explain that's not actually the booster clubs that's the >> extracurricular. So school clubs are established by the school and they have an adviser and so we take care of them in an extracurricular classroom um way. We have a treasurer who maintains that and they work with the adviserss to make sure that all students are pertaining to the balance sheets and profit and loss statements and so forth. So that goes through my office on that end. Um and booster club is not one of those established clubs. >> Okay. Because they're outside
021the correct >> school district. Okay. I just thought we'd clarify that especially for me. Okay. Number four, under miscellaneous business, emergency project resolution. Whereas the school district has become aware of issues related to the operation of compressors which are part of the chiller and HVAC system located at Stout Middle School. And whereas the school district has obtained the advice of its architect that failure of the compressors and the chiller are threat to the health and safety of students and staff and present a risk of damage to district property. And where is the school district's architect by summary report dated April 9th, 2025 has submitted information to the board of education describing the recommended scope of work for removal and replacement of the failed equipment to ensure the safety of students and staff and the protection
022of school district property which includes one immediate replacement of the compressor for circuit one of the York aircooled chiller installed in 2017 and all related demolition, removal, infrastructure work, equipment installation, refrigerant handling, construction construction and commissioning and two potential replacement of the compressor for circuit two of the York aircooled chiller installed in 2017 and all related demolition removal and for structure work equipment installation refrigerant handling construction and commissioning the emergency project and where is the district architect has confirmed that the New York State Education Department's office of facilities planning that the emergency project may proceed following the board of education adoption of this resolution and Whereas the board of education has reviewed information from the district's architect regarding the necessity for the emergency project. And whereas the board of education has determined that the emergency
023project is required to preserve the health and safety of the students and staff and for protection of school district property. And whereas the board of education previously reviewed the emergency project under the state environmental quality review act and determine it to be a type two action with no need for further review. Now therefore, be it resolved as follows. The board of education pursuant to New York State Education Law and related regulations of the New York State Education Department hereby determines that the emergency project qualifies as an emergency project necessary to preserve the health and safety of students and staff and for the protection of school district property. The board of education further finds that the cost of the emergency project qualifies as an ordinary contingent expense. The maximum cost of the emergency project as determined
024by the district architect is not to exceed $350,000. The funding source for the emergency project will be the general or unassigned fund balance refund of prior year's expenses and or the maximum ex and or to the maximum extent possible any eligible state building aid available insurance proceeds and or available federal or state grant funding or is designated and approved by the board of education. The for superintendent of schools and all officers and employees of the school district are hereby authorized and directed to take all actions necessary or appropriate to complete the emergency project and carry out the intent of this resolution, including but not limited to entering contracts and or issuing purchase orders for work related to the emergency project in compliance with all applicable law, regulations, and codes not to exceed the maximum cost
025authorized by this resolution. And upon board of education approval, this resolution shall take effect immediately. I move the resolution. >> Seconded by Kirsten. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Motion's carried. >> Madam President, can I say something? >> Certainly. >> Um, this one is for Stra. And I know a good question came from the board. What about uh Stose? Because Sto is another building that we have been looking at. The reason why Stose is not mentioned is because it was a already part of a capital improvement project. So, we already had that on the books and both Stokes and Stra with this resolution will be um worked on as well for the same reasons. >> Okay. Again, thank you Georgia for handling a lot of those hard email and questions. Well, I appreciate it. Thank
026you. >> I just had one question. So if the previous one was done in 2017, have we gone back? Was there any guarant warranties related to that? Good question. >> Look back to see what warranties we may may have had. Unfortunately, they are usually only about 5 years. Um, but luckily we do have some extra funding in the 2022 project and so we are going to put it under that building aid so we will receive some of that back without it actually impacting our general fund. Okay, discussion items. We are up to upcoming events. Just as the administration went and did a very healthy professional development, the board is having our retreat on July 30th from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. here at Bell Road. Um, we are having NISSBA is coming to present on the
027roles and responsibilities of board members just to keep us all on the straight and narrow. And we're also doing some information on the um uh social media and how we handle social media in today's environment. And we are also going to have a presentation done on AI that I believe Boseies Mob Boseies is going to be doing with us. So they will be showing us some interesting I've seen it through them once before. Um, it just shows the advantages of using certain things with AI within a classroom setting and it was very interesting and really really amazing when you think about it. So, we will be doing that like I said on July 30th. Um, and also I believe um I'm also going to be attending Jonathan's going with me. We're attending the Fibonacci the
028speaker that they're having and also we are there is a NISBA webinar that's set up now based on the federal the the of the state education the I'm sorry the federal education department and how that is going to affect the state. So I'm going to be listening to that webinar. It's for an hour and I believe that is on July 30th if I'm not mistaken. But we all would have gotten that information from NISBA. Is there a tree? >> Oh, I'm sorry. Then it isn't cuz it's this Friday then. So we all we all would have gotten that information. So you just have to sign up online. It's just a webinar. And we also have to do one last thing here under our regular agenda. Miscellaneous business resolution determine the appeal of a student discipline
029matter. Whereas the board of education of the Rome City School District, the board received a written appeal from a from a student discipline disciplinary matter arising under the district's code of conduct policy. And whereas the board has considered the matter in executive session to protect the privacy of a student's education records and personally identifiable information under federal and state law pursuant to a motion made and approved under public officers law number 108-3 during the regular business meeting of the board on July 21st, 2025. And now therefore be it resolved that having heard the appeal presented by a parent guardian person and parental relationship of a student in the response of the administration and due deliberations having been had. The appeal is denied and the decisions of the building administration and the superintendent of schools are
030affirmed. And it is further resolved that the president of the board of education or the district clerk as designate of the president is hereby authorized to prepare a letter consistent with this resolution and with the deliberations in executive session to be prepared, signed and mailed to the appellet and to include in that letter language appropriate to inform the appellet of the time and manner in which an agrieved party may file an appeal of this decision with the New York State Commissioner of Education. And it is further resolved that this resolution shall take effect immediately. I move the resolution. >> seconded by Jen, all in favor. >> Motion's carried. And since we have no old business and no public comment on agenda items, >> okay, I have a motion to adjurnn. >> Moved by Kirsten. Second.
031>> Seconded by Paula. All in favor? >> I. >> And that's a wrap. Yeah. Uh, but not anything. >> What?