Amityville BOE Mtg 2/4/26

001Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Annville East District Board education meeting. Today is February 4th, excuse me, 2026. I'm calling the meeting to order at 5:42 p.m. In attendance right now is myself and President Lisa Pickson, Russ Le Carol Seahawk, Leslie Pretz, and Megan Mesman. It is anticipated that birth vice president Leon Leon >> and second vice president Chris Daring will be arriving within five minutes. >> Also in attendance is our superintendent Dr. Talbot, our um assistant superintendent for construction, Mary Stevens, our director of human resources, Dr. Lando and our interim assistant superintendent of finance and operations of standard. At this point in time at 5:43 p.m., can I have a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of interviewing for candidates for the high school principal and for advice from

002council, John Sheen will be arriving here roughly about 6:5 for particular persons. Move second. Carol first second. All those in favor? >> I motion carries 42. We'll resume the approximate at 7:30 p.m. Thank you for joining. >> Um 8:09. At this point in time, please make sure that your cell phones are silenced and please join the board of education in the pledge of allegiance. At this point in time, I'm going to turn the meeting on to Talbert. >> Thank you, President Johnson. Tonight we do have a presentation uh which is a draft revenue budget. As you know we are beginning uh the 2627 budget planning season and tonight our interim super assistant superintendent for business and finance Mr. Richard Snder is going to present some estimations for us to consider, review up some tax cap

003calculations, walk us through some of the controllers fiscal stress numbers, and present some options for the board's consideration. Mr. Snder. Hey, good evening. Getting uh right into it. This is a a draft of our revenue budget, which is really the way I start the budgeting process because most of the revenue information comes in bursts. So, it sort of says how much money we have to work with. and we're now generating an expenditure budget, but the revenue really kind of locks us in because that's how much we have to stay with it. So here you have 23 24 actual 2425 budget to actual 25 budget and then the 26 27 draft. You can see on the local revenue side we're down you know 295,000. Most of that is coming from adjustments from oneshots from inter fund

004transfers and adjusting things like premiums on obligations and miscellaneous revenue and Medicaid to just align them more closely to actual costs and be a little more conservative in those estimates. We went through state aid at the last meeting. I will draw your attention to the 2526 number of 66.9 million. I'll be talking about that in on the next slide in terms of how the controllers's office views that number with the tax reserve that we have uh property I'm sorry I'm referring to property taxes to 66.9 million right we'll talk about that in a second overall we're at 1.77 which is pretty modest that's where we are now it'll change a little bit I could see it approaching 2% as we go through the budget process us. So, we looked at this calculation at the last

005meeting and I just want you to be aware that the controllers's office views our starting budget as 66.5 because they're discounting that 436,000 reserve that was related to the energy performance contract. It was put in our budget in the previous year. So if we look at that 66964 and go back here, you could see it down in the middle to the right, which is why for our revenue purposes, the increase is 1.5%. But what's going to get published in the newspapers is going to be, you know, 2.23 because they don't view the 436 as part of the base even though we have that money. So just be aware that the media controllers's office when these numbers get submitted on March 1st. We'll be saying 2.23, but in actuality the tax levy is only going up

0061.56. So we're going to have to talk about how to communicate that information during the budget process. Uh some information that was in your last transmitter. This comes from the controllers's office fiscal stress workbook. As you know, we are no longer on the fiscal stress watch list. To the left is the data that I've been talking about since I joined you. That shows you your fund balance and reserves as a percentage of your expenditures. You could see that we're still considerably lower than all schools in the state, Long Island in general, and comparable medium downstate school districts. I thought the chart to the right was also interesting because it shows our actual cash balances as a percentage of our monthly expenditures. And you can see that while our cash position has improved, we're still not

007where we need to be in terms of other Long Island districts and comparable downstate district. So getting into options for the surplus for 2425, it's just the way I see it. You have three options and you can do this in any combination you want. You can fund the reserves. You can fund capital projects with it and you can give it back to the taxpayers. We already have the guidance on funding the reserves. That would be a board uh resolution or policy discussion. And we're gathering information in the budget process on potential capital projects that are likely to be pretty modest and included in the budget. Showing you what giving back to the taxpayers looks like. The point I'm trying to get across here is that when you give money back to the taxpayers, it is

008a permanent reduction of a reoccurring revenue source. So the top box assumes that we give 1 million back of the tax levy in year one. And you can see how it compounds just at 1.5% over a fiveyear period where after five years that reoccurring revenue source you've lost $5 million and that would continue in perpetuity. to give back 10 million. Just to show you the extreme, it's just basically following the math. After five years, you would be down 51.5 million. The only way you get this money back should you decide to change courses to pierce the cap. And that is a very difficult thing to achieve in this day and age. So whatever you decide, my guidance to you is that remember you are lowering a reoccurring revenue source and you are lowering it forever.

009So every year if you gave back 1 million, you're giving it back and it compound. If you're looking for additional opinions to deliberate on, we have vendors that also specialize in this. You have Capital Markets which helps us with our bonds and TAN borrowings. You have Bill Jackson who is our lawyer that handles financing for us. Alan Yu and Maryanne Vanine are the auditors that work with the district that can also give you guidance should you want to reach out to them. That's it for today. >> Thank you. Does the board have any questions? >> Yes, I have a question. Um, did you go to the slide with the bar charts? This? No, the the blue chart. Yes, that one. So, the one on the right, cash as a percent of monthly expenditures. Could you

010explain what that what that means? The controllers's office has all of our expenditures. We submit it to them through a form called the ST3. They also have our cash balances. So, they do the math and create data and comparisons for every district. So they will take our average cash balance based on what we submit on the ST3s which is an audited document and then they divide it into the average monthly expenditure and come up with that ratio. So it's based on audited data that every school district submits to the controllers's office by September October 15th every year. So like ours our number is 114.4%. >> Mhm. Is that is that 100% what our expenditure is and then that 14% is the additional cash that we hold off and beyond what the expenditures are for the

011month. That's correct. >> So, and these other schools on Long Island are at 187%. >> Yes, sir. >> So, they're at almost 200% of their monthly expenditures. They're holding on to that additional cash. >> Yes. Or they have double the cash that we have. You can look at it the same day or close to it. Yeah, that's the way you view that. Thank you. I thought it was interesting that the state all school districts is 70, you know, somewhat percent higher than us. Also, >> I I have a a question. I apologize. Is and I I'm sorry I had to step out for a second. So, on the page that says options for the 2425 to 10.6 6 million surplus. >> Yes. >> Um, couple questions that I have and I think I came on

012the end when you said give money back to the taxpayer. That goes to the next slide and you're saying that you would lower um the amount by that you're giving examples here. >> Yes. >> Okay. So when you say fun our depleted reserve accounts then they're they're not depleted they're just lower than what we have. Just trying to clarify that statement for me. >> They're lower than what they should be based on audit recommendations and based on overall fiscal position. They're underfunded. the board has the option to take the surplus that is currently in the fund balance account and fund them or they have the option to use that surplus for capital project but for the three things I'm mentioning and I believe that came up in audit committee meetings also that she could fund

013your reserves with that money >> and so with the the capital projects that would have to be on the that had to be voted on by the we would have to identify what the money would be used for >> we can new capital projects through the budget by putting it on the transfer to capital line. It's typically going to be a relatively small amount of money. We're not talking about millions of dollars. But if you wanted to repair a softball field, which is something we're talking about price of $50,000, that's one thing, for example, that we're looking at fix in the budget. Then that excess in the fund balance part of that 10.6 six million could be used to that as an option. >> And in the last um question I had um if there's

014let's say for example I know a question came up at the last meeting um regarding summer programs. Let's just say if some of that money is used to do summer programs for this year could we do could the board consider doing something like that? So for the 26 in the summer starting July 1st 2026 because it will be after the budget had passed. Will we use any of that money for any type of summer programs for this summer? >> The general financing theory is that you shouldn't use oneshot revenue sources which is what this is to fund ongoing reoccurring expenditures which are the summer programs. It doesn't mean other districts haven't done that in the past, used a one shot in year one and then placed it in the budget in year two, which is

015what you're describing. But it's not advisable to use fund balance and reserves to fund oneot things in the budget. The fund balance and reserves are there to help you when you have deficits and to pay for things so that you have time to react to the deficit. the summer program is something you should talk about and plan in the room and place in the budget. But again, it doesn't mean you can't do that. It's just not the most advisable way to use a a one-time revenue source. >> More questions. So, I'm I'm going to start with what I said back on November 12th, which is the date that you gave you informed the board of the $10.6 million surplus, and that is what I would like to be what I would like to see done

016with this is number one, replenish our reserves, number two, a 0% tax levy increase, and number three, return any funds back to the taxpayers. So, we had this discussion on November 12th that the time had passed to be able to give checks back to the taxpayers because Nassau County, which is part of our school district, already had their budget completed and done by the third Monday in October. So by the time we received information that we had a surplus, there was no possibility or mechanism to put money back into the taxpayers's hands in a in a traditional sense. So I just wanted to say that that's number one. Number two, this would be the third I'm sorry, this would be a third week of September sort of plan that if you were contemplating giving back

017to the taxpayer, it would be in this next budget process. That's the intent of what I'm saying here. This will be uh I think it's actually the third week of September. I forgot what the date was, but so this is something you would plan to give back this coming September. >> Okay. So, why don't why don't you why don't you explain that a little bit further? Go ahead. If you wanted to lower the tax levy by x amount of dollars, we would have to make that decision by again I believe it's the third week of September when we submit the tax levy and then forward that information to the townships and they would collect the taxes at that lesser amount. >> Can I just ask for clarification on what you just stated? I think if

018I heard you correctly, you were saying that um write checks to give back to to the taxpayers. Did you say that? >> Well, in in the form of a tax rebate. >> You want me to address are we allowed to do can we give a check? >> I'm not aware of any mechanism where the school district can do that. I mean, there is no way for us to do that. Upstate New York, they can do it. If the school district or school board wanted to work with the townships, maybe there would be a way to do that. I just don't have any experience in that. But only the uh town of Babylon and town of Oyster Bay could issue oneshot rebate checks. >> Understood. So I I believe that our conversation prior and our our

019legal council was here and they said that the opportunity had already passed because Oyster Bay had already set theirs and they set it >> Yeah. >> for this year. for this year. So, you're talking about carrying $10.6 million, continuously carrying it to September of this coming. Yeah. Should that be the decision you're making? >> Is is there any reason why we we can't have a 0% tax rate increase? You ask me my opinion, Dorothy. It's your decision. Okay. But going out with a zero when the increase itself is 1.3 million, I'm sorry, 1.047 million. I don't think you get a lot of bang for your buck as a taxpayer with that amount of money. The district is big enough that they won't feel it. And if you recall the presentation about tax rates and equalization

020rates and how the tax rates are destabilized, there's no guarantee that going out at a zero or even in this case a 1.5%. Let's talk about 1.5%. There's no guarantee that where if you live in the town of Babylon, you're going to see 1.5%. You very well could see more than that and the town of Oyster Bay could see a cut. We went through those rates in a previous presentation. So because of the uniqueness of the litigation that is going on between Nassau County and town of Babylon and what it has done to the tax rates on the Oyster Bay and Babylon side of town, whatever levy we put up, there is no guarantee that that's what the taxpayers experience. In fact, this year the town of Oyster Bay was hit, I believe, with some

0217 8 9% increase and everybody in Babylon got a tax tax cut. >> So my and I respect >> my point is just not that stable for them to experience it. I'm sorry. >> No, no, understood. And and I respect your opinion, but just just so you know, and this this is your report. This is your Well, I'll I'll tell you what I'm getting at here. So back in 2020 2021 we had a 0% tax increase tax levy increase 0%. And the the surplus that we carried over was $4.7 million. So now we're carrying over 10.6 more than double. And you think it's not advisable to have a 0% tax levy increase? I think given the metrics on the screen, the district doesn't have enough money in its fund balancing reserves to weather future deficits.

022All right. Volatility of the surpluses in the deficits that we have discussed. Should you have another deficit only having 17%. Given some of the state aid issues that we know are coming, I think that you should have as much money in your fund balance and reserves so that you can hold on to your programs and weather those state aid storms that I believe are coming. >> Right. I I understand that. But also Tom Dapoli and the New York State controllers limit how much you can have. Right. It's a 4%. You can't just you can't just save. There's a limit on Yeah, there's 4% and then there's some limit on some of the reserves that I explained to you in that trans. >> So for my >> Okay, so my next my next question possibly my

023final question is what is the best way to identify as a board member this $10.6 million surplus in the in the financial documents that you give us. you I believe we went through that you would look at the final revenue and appropriation status and we kind of went through it in the presentation and you would look at the codes that have surpluses in them that far right column and the totals of those surpluses on the revenue and the expenditure side is $10.6 million. So one one of my concerns is this. If we overspend, just follow me for a second. Taxpayers approved a budget for 2526. There are excess funds scattered throughout various lines. If one of those lines were to go over but still have surplus funds, we would be depleting that 10.6. So of

024this year currently in this current year if we end the year in a deficit all codes after you do all that math and we're in a negative you would have to dip into that 10.6 to pay for that negative all code. I know you're saying if one code was but saying at the end of 2526 school year we have a deficit which we've had before you need the fund balance and reserves to pay for that deficit. >> Understood. And those 10.6 that 10.6 surplus is not in any one particular line item. Correct. >> It's in the one line item called undesated fund balance on the balance sheet in the audit report. Okay. All right. Very good. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> I just had one that's that's >> I should I should answer

025it's part of a the account the undesated unreserved fund balance is the account that that money is located in. And does it show $10.6 million? >> I believe it's off a little bit because some of the reserves were fed with interest and incumbrances, but it's close. >> Are you saying are you saying that it's in excess of that amount? >> I think it's below it, but still over the 4%. We allocated part of that overall 10.6 surplus. You have to be interested and incumbrances. So, it's not going to equal the fund balance exactly 10.6. I believe it's quite 8 to9 million which is still over >> right. So let me just ask you this get in my head right so we have the 10.6 but by the end our when our books are closed this

026year in June we might not have that 10.6 well that 10.6 2 million or 3 million could be used to close the books out of a you know if you do have a huge deficit. Mhm. >> Okay. Do are you predicting? >> No. My last transmitt to the board I see the the budget today and again it's very early. It's like predicting the weather. >> I I see a surplus of I think if we said two to four million, >> right? >> So the budget looks strong today >> and every month the last day of the month or that last Friday, you'll get another estimate from me. Okay. >> And the closer we get to April, the more confident I'm going to be in that estimate. Okay. >> Thank you. Can I go ahead? >>

027Um, okay. So, I am interested in not increasing the taxes and there's a few reasons. Um, we have 4 million over our 4% in our unassigned fund balance. We have 2.9 million in the appropriated fund balance. we have $7 million there. Um, and we really, what you're showing is that we really only need the $1 million in the taxpayer. So, we would be able to not claim or, you know, the million dollars in a tax levy increase and still put money into various reserves andor, like you said, the capital projects. So then I have questions about um your presentation that we've never really discussed your slides that you sent to us about all of the fund balance and the reserve accounts. >> So my questions are which of these reserves are required by law? >>

028So the first one is workers comp. >> Not required by law. not required. >> These are better questions for council, but I don't think any reserves outside of the incumbent's reserve are required for you to have. >> You're not required to have fund balance either, but that's a great way to be broke. >> Okay. So then um in here I was I think you mentioned it earlier. I just want to ask again or recommendations to a funding level. uh there's no necessarily like requirement that we have a certain or statute or any guideline that says like you're saying we're not even required to have all these various visitors >> if you do have them there are some rules about how much you can have in there and there's clearly controllers recommendations about policy which were

029in audit reports and you would have to do that >> but there's no legal requirement that you must have any of those reserves or even money in a fund balance Okay. So I think that what would be helpful for me uh and you know not sure about everyone else but to understand because what you've given us in these various fund balance like reserves is what we spent last year out of the reserves. So I think it would be helpful to see like the last five years and just kind of compare so that we because I you know based on one year I'm kind of like well in this reserve we have about two two and a half three years worth of reserve balance but I don't have a good understanding as to like the year-to-year

030fluctuation and what comes out of these various reserves >> each individual one. >> Yeah I I think that would be helpful to see. you put up on the screen your total fund balance and reserves in that big chart early on, >> right? >> So you have the total number, >> right? >> The actual balances in each of the reserves in the audit reports and we can give you the five-year history of each reserve and a transmitter. >> Yeah. Just kind of compile it so it's in one chain. >> Yeah. Yes. >> So that we can see what are we spending out of it. That's what I want to see. I want to see what >> Yeah. Or how much have we used to pay for deficits or how much have we funded with surpluses is

031what you're looking for. That's what that's what would change the reserve balance. >> Okay. Yeah. >> With that but I'd like to see that in order to >> understand if I agree with the recommended the recommended funding levels in each of these reserves. uh because we have a lot of money. And at the end of this slide, you say that you know um we have to move the excess funds out of the unappropriate fund balance by June 30th. >> Yes. >> So yeah, so we have to talk about this and make a decision as a board as far as where is this excess money gone. So I just want to >> Okay. Um so I think those five years that would be helpful to see uh the reserve for capital >> so we had that

032expire so I don't know what does that mean so we had money in this reserve and it's expired >> it's expired and that money will I think there's I'd have to look it's a small amount of money left over >> $40,000 >> in that account that will come over to the general fund as a miscellaneous revenue when we close the Okay. So that's additional surplus at the end of this year. >> It's just a oneshot small amount of revenue that will hit the general fund revenue account on June 30th because the reserve has in fact expired. >> Understood. I I it's not like huge money but it is money. Um uh so then I think you said two and a half to$4.5 million you're projecting right now for the year ends. >> Mhm. surf that

033we were going to have in excess. Um I let me take okay it would be helpful to understand where you're projecting that access in tabular form because it's just a number right now. Um and then my other question is at the end of January we still have $2 million unencumbered. So I what what do you think? What is that? What's that? Two I'm sorry $20 million unencumbered at the end of January. >> There's still purchase orders that need to go on for Boseies and some other codes and I'm taking that into account with my estimation that we will have two 2 and a half to four million left over by June 30th. But again, it's early. There's a lot of estimation going on there and a lot some of the POS have not been put

034on the system. >> Right. So you need the P. So you're not even you want the PO or you encumber because I was thinking like you pretty much were encumbering the rest of the spending for the second half of the school year. >> I'm looking at contracts for Boseis and commitments for Boseies and expenditure history and giving estimates and that's what that money is related to both. >> Okay. Um Okay. So, just going back to just like the concept of maybe not increasing the taxes, can you just show us what is our if we didn't add anything extra in the budget and you just took the budget and you just applied everyone's salary increases for next year, what what does that how does that land us in in the um whether or not we needed

035to go to the top of the tax cap. >> So, you're saying if we went out with a zero increase in property cap, too? >> No, no. I'm just I'm just talking about what do we need to run the school district >> for next year? >> Yes. >> Right now, you have 1.77% increase and we'll be done with the a draft expenditure budget a week from Friday. >> The one point. So that is just solely increases in salaries. Nothing else added in there because last year, you know, we added softwares and whatever else was in there, furniture, like just if you took this year's budget and you just dealt with like uh the um salaries. This is the revenue budget. So we're talking about how much money are we projecting that we will have to

036work with? And the answer is $122.9 million. And we're now developing the expenditure budget. >> I'm interested in the expenditure budget. I want to know what we actually need to run the school district. That's what I want to >> without adding to it. Okay. So that's what you're going to give us on Friday. >> That's a week from Friday is when the budget transmitter gets home. >> So it's not necessarily going to be an expenditure budget that takes us to the top of the tax cap. It's going to be an expenditure budget that is reflects what we actually need. >> Wherever it lands, then the answer is going to be this budget appears to be in a surplus or this budget appears to be in a deficit depending on where the expenditures went. >> But

037what we're comparing it to is 122.9 million. That's the that's the barometer for whether we have a projected budget surplus or deficit. I understand that concept. I But I Okay, you're saying we're going to see it on Friday. We're going to see what we actually need. >> A week from Friday, you will have the projections of the 26 27 draft superintendent. >> A week from Friday. Yes. You're saying the 13 >> before the recess? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Are there any other questions? Thank you. Um, at this point in time, if there's anything any input on the agenda items, so that would be any questions from this report, this presentation, and for the draft agenda for next week. Hello, Andy Castro. Um, that was >> Excuse me. Just hold on one second.

038We just need to change over the the time. Just hold on one second. >> Um, hold on one second. Hold on. Rachel, >> just go ahead. >> Okay. Um that presentation was uh not great. It was a lot of scare tactics. I'd encourage the board to do your homework. Um the the example of giving 10 back $10 million back over five years is again a distraction and fluff. It's not even relevant. Giving $1 million back for five years is irrelevant. We're talking about this year. This presentation was the sky is falling. Amityville is not a poor school district. You have a lot of money. As far as giving money back in a check, that doesn't happen. What they were talking about is if you applied within that time frame, taxes are paid by annually. The

039second half in January, um the taxes would have been reduced and that's a give back to the tpayers. Um, you talked like this scare tactic about what happens with state aid. Your own data shows for five years that the state aid went up. Um, you know, your job is to forecast. There was a great question that said, "How would you identify if there's a surplus?" Super important question. And he said you'd identify it through the appropriation status report. You guys haven't gotten one since October. Don't you think that's problematic as a board? It's problematic. Um, also you keep talking about it's only 1.5 1.56% tax levy, but the max is 2.233. So, put it in perspective. It is a lot. For your business official to say taxpayers won't really feel it is egregious. You represent

040the taxpayers. How dare you talk about my money that it's really insignificant. Every dollar is significant to me, especially since there was a surplus and you raised our taxes when there was a surplus. I'll remind the whole board taxes were raised through no fault of your own because I know the information you got cuz I got it too that there was a big gap and you had to raise the taxes only to find out that money was squirreled and there is a surplus. This is not a lot of money to give a 0% increase. you should all be doing. You represent taxpayers and students. That's who the board represents, taxpayers and students. I'm just going to keep hammering that in. Taxpayers and students. So, I just have a couple of questions. What is the emergency

041that we're facing that makes you feel that it's necessary to raise taxes? >> Well, we're going to hold on to the questions because we hold it. Let's hold the time. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Just >> Well, I see that it's still going. So, I just have a few questions. What's the emergency? Um, and also if some of this revenue doesn't go as planned, who's paying the difference? Mr. Snider doesn't seem to m care that it's on the taxpayers. I heard him at the last presentation also. I I'm just going to go over because you went you you were running it when when you stopped, but at the last presentation, he also said the taxpayers have to pay it. Taxpayers don't have to do anything. You guys decide that. And you're taxpayers, too. You are taxpayers.

042I mean, stop buying into this. Your hair is on fire. >> We gave you some additional time. >> Okay, we have we have good questions and then we'll we'll get the responses back. >> Questions are relevant to this presentation. Why wouldn't those questions be answered now? >> So, I'm just trying to if if if they're a if the answers are going to be able to provide it, we'll provide them now. If not, then we'll get the >> answer. The question is >> we have we have the questions. >> Okay. But I just asked the questions. But why are you going on to the next person and not answering my question >> because I'm I'm giving everyone else an opportunity if if no one else wants to come up then you can answer your questions or

043some of the answer questions. >> But what happens Lisa is the questions get lost when you go to one person and the next >> we have your question if if there's no one else that wants to come up then we can answer we can answer your question. Okay. Is any is that >> I don't think that's normally how >> is there any other community input? But if there's no other community input, then we can answer the question. It's not I'm not we're not not going to answer. If there's no, you know, we'll just see if there's no community input. We have the questions and then we can go from there. Hold on a second. Emry, can you just reset the time? Thank you. Ready? Yes. Thank hi Margaret Avenue bill. So my question is regarding

044the presentation I mind blowing railing but um so for the options so I do this every time for the options for the 10.6 surplus you had mentioned uh Wisconsin regarding a summer program to the dip into the surplus for summer programs etc etc. So my question is a like what would be the average program that you would that if if it's top of mind on a summer program or x amount of summer programs what would be that expenditure to input these quote summer programs and if we do have this huge surplus why does it have to only be and I agree entirely that you don't just put money that you have and put it into one year but if we have 10 million.6 six right now and why can't we fund that summer like just

045say it's a summer program it doesn't have to be for one year a portion it out for the next five years why does it have to be just that year and there's and of all three things you with the 10.6 6 million. You could actually do all three. Number three, give me back to the taxpayer by a zero tax levy and no increase. That's giving back to the taxpayer right off the cuff. Then you do your capital projects. It's called a budget. If you have 10.6 million, you can figure a cushion. You can maybe start with eight. All right, eight. X amount of million goes to capital projects. X amount of million go to the summer programs that are portioned out the next five years or at least it gives some fund balance some for

046the summer programs. You're not just doing one year, you're doing it for five years. At least you're getting five years out of this surplus that occurred. And my other question is a is it is it a possibility to take x amount of million and aortion it out for the next five years for earmarked for summer programs and keep it only for summer programs. Yes or no? >> Let me just say the other question that you have as well and then want to answer all the questions at one time. People need to come back and come back. >> Okay. just and um so if the budget relies on this these revenue streams that you described, what is to say that they these revenue streams will occur again and then you're into a deficit on the budget?

047So maybe how much of the budget relies on the revenue stream that may not exist in the future? >> Those are the two questions that you have. And then I'm I'm I'm stressing that there is no stress like the controller. I just want to make sure that we really have a surplus. So I don't feel like we're in a very stressful situation. So I don't understand how the commentary here seems like we're in dire straits and yet I don't feel the 10.6 million it could possibly be in dates. >> All right. Thank you. So we have the questions from Miss Kestro. Is is any other um committee in import? Because what I'm going to do, we'll do all the we'll answer all the questions. >> Okay. >> Do you have any additional questions? >> Not

048at this. >> Okay. >> Hi. Um a huge red flag went up and I hope it went up for all of you when he said you may be in a deficit at the end of this budget. If you remember, that's what got you guys in trouble in 2223. You are required to operate within the voter approved budget. You have no authority to go above that. None. Red flag, guys. Also, the word depleting all of your reserves is inflammatory. I doubt very much that any of you would deplete all of your reserves. Um, let me just zoom it out. Um, as for the pilot, the revenue jumps from 1.77 million to 2.1 million. What specific agreements support that that increase? Do you have agreements that makes you think that you're going to get more? And if

049those and are those pilot amounts guaranteed or are there projections? because if he's over projecting and there's no agreements, there's no guarantee that you're going to have that. So that becomes a problem with forecasting and um it really seems like the notion is to raise taxes just because you can, not because it's a necessity. Um, and I just I just come back to, you know, we have all these millions of dollars and you're going back. I've only heard two trustees say that they they want a 0% tax increase. I can't believe it. You have 10.6 million. So, just over a million dollars. Like, I I don't even know why nobody else is weighing in. I am interested in what the other trustees if they want a 0% tax increase or not. the the voter the

050your constituents deserve to know that there's only two people that that are speaking about that that this is a nothing more than a scare tactic presentation with a lot of fluff and projections year out. Um, and really it's quite a mess. And in any other district, taxpayers would be storming a a board meeting and sending you emails. But just so you know, none of your emails are on the website anymore. So you can't even hear from the public. Those have been wiped clean. Central administration emails wiped clean. Foil information wiped clean. DASA information for parents and DASA forms wiped clean. you guys should start digging into what's happening over here. >> Thank you. So, we're going to answer um the questions. So, Dr. Questions that were provided in the beginning um for Miss Kesco, can

051we provide any responses to those questions please? So the first question if I understood it correctly was regarding what is the emergency to raise taxes is framed as an emergency emergency whereas it has been presented Mr. Snder as um a recommendation. Would you take a moment just to expound on that? Just as I'm looking at the page with the yellow highlights that talks about one of the options if there was 1.5% with the million dollar give back. If that was to continue on for year two or three, what would that mean for staffing in the district that scenario cumulative loss of $2 million in taxpayer funding. >> Every year you would lose a million dollars and it would continue on in perpetuity. The point of that slide was to point out that it's not a

052oneshot give back. spoke about rebate checks and how we can't do that. And you know, that would certainly be a more favorable way if the board wanted to give money back to the taxpayer that we can do a one-time check. But lowering a tax levy, there's there's no way to get that money back except for Pearson. So, you're giving it back and you're giving it back every year. And the purpose of that slide is to show at least make it clear that this is a cumulative effect that will go on forever. Can I can I ask a question? But that's that's also let's let's be fair. That's also you can say that about every single district on Long Island that does not go right up to the tax levy max. Is that correct? >> So

053every single school district that does not tax to the max will probably cumulative cumulatively lose X amount of dollars. Yes. This isn't unique to Hamilton though. But they have do they have a larger um >> the difference is Amity Amityville is at 15% fund balance and reserves as a percentage of the budget and the average Long Island district is now at 25%. So the average Long Island district has much much more of a higher threshold to absorb future deficits should you have them than Ammy. We've experienced that here over the past 15 years where you have had deficits You did not have enough money in your fund balance and reserves to absorb the deficits and had a very low fiscal position. Had very weak cash, had a fiscal monitor who came in to watch you.

05415% 17% is not strong. It's not strong. Not when the rest of Long Island is at 28%. What it's saying is that your rainy day funds, which are called fund balance and reserves, savings accounts, are not as high as they should be relative to other Long Island districts. So that if you ultimately have future operating deficits, which could very well happen, look at your history. You're not that strong to absorb them at 15% compared to other Long Island visions. That's what that's saying, >> right? But in also and I and I respect that opinion, but in all fairness, after coming back from just about back-to back deficits, 15% is fairly reasonable. That's a fairly that's a fairly all right position to be at figuring what we've been through. That's a good point to rebuild. So

055still not safe. >> I guess that's why I'm I'm asking what do we really need to run the district instead of just >> that percentage? >> Yes. Like do we like do we actually need that? I I want to see it it it comes down to budgeting, right? It comes down to really having a a strong understanding of what all the expenditures are in each category and that's why I asked about what's our fund our projections year end because I want to see where did we build too much potentially too much money in right and then you know one to your point of like being in a good position I agree with you I I agree with you whenever when we were in negotiations last year rejecting out because you know teachers salaries or a

056huge percentage of the um you know budget. It was always presented as though we were going to be refunding the unassigned fund balance slowly, but all of a sudden it was like we have $8 million in excess. Like that was never. So it's like what did we actually need to ask the taxpayers for? Because it wasn't that. And so, you know, it does seem scary to say, okay, well, if you give back this money now, every year thereafter, you can't ask for more from the taxpayer. You're limited because the tax cap is limited to your prior year's budget. And that's what this is showing. But again, what do we actually need to run the district? And that's where I that's why I asked months ago, what's our year-end projection? Where do we potentially see if

057they're short balls or uh >> No, I know. I'm I'm just saying like you gave us you gave us two and a half to four and a half million dollars like but you didn't give us like an understanding of where that is in the budget. >> I but you must know, right? So I'm saying we're the board trustees. So you can show us where do you right now see that there is contingency. That's what I'm asking for as a board trustee as we approach getting a draft budget from you for the first time because otherwise how do we how do we know where we need where we need to start if we don't know what we actually needed for this year and we don't know what we needed for the prior year either because we

058ended up with $8 million in excess. So, does that make sense? I see some some confused faces. I I if that doesn't make sense, we can talk about it some more. >> Do you follow what? >> I I understand what you're saying. >> You have to speak more. >> No, no, I'm saying that. Yeah. But now >> we want him to >> So, you have you want um Mr. Schneider to project and hopefully they're close to >> I understand. Listen, I understand it's a you're projecting. It's a projection, but as board trustees at the beginning of a budget season, we should know which category we may have two and a half to four.5 million in excess. We know that. But anybody else think that is it? Go ahead. then build a budget on top of

059it if we don't know where this year's access lies. >> But I for for me for me personally, I I don't disagree with what you're saying, but as we go along, that's what I want to see in the in the budget process. I want to I want to be able to see what are all of my options to one of the questions that were asked in terms of the summer program instead of being a oneshot deal. Is there any way that summer pro programs could be placed in the budget over the next five years? So therefore, the the school district knows that they have I'm just throwing out a number $200,000 to run summer programs. So that that's that's how I look at it. But I think also what I'm looking to see, so when

060we talk about the 0% tax cap, I want to be able to see, okay, right now we have this amount of money. Right now we have um this amount of money that's incumbent. This is amount of money that has we've already done the expenditures for this. We know that we exactly have this amount that's left. I need to be able to see if I do 0% it means that. If I do um 1% it means that. I need to see all my options. I need to see that transportation we know it's going to be this amount for this year. We know that like with um the health insurance that we got this really great thing that it was only 0% that we just found out. Now for next year we found out in January that

061I think it's like 8% for for this year. So I need to see everything. So I'm not saying that I've made a decision. Yes or no in regarding what in terms of task tap I need to see all my information be informed and that way I can make that not not I but I can be part of the process to make that particular decision. So that that's where I'm out that's where I'm at at this point in time. So >> So I but what are you asking for? Because I I so I clearly ask for what do we actually need in our budget for next year? Like I don't want a budget that shows anything like extra. I don't want anything extra in it. Like I just want to know what do we actually need

062in the budget for next year. >> And to your point when I say and you're saying what's actually needed. I want to know when it when it comes to transportation. If we know transportation is going to cost us $2 million hypothetically because it's not going to change over the next couple years. If we know already that right now we've been given 8% for health insurance. We know that's a known fact. What we don't know is in December of 2026, we'll be told again what the health insurance is going to be for 2027. So last year when we found out that it was going to be 0%, that was totally unexpected. So are we going to get another 0%? Do we plan for 0% or no? Or do we plan again for another 8% for January

0632027? So when we're asking for the bare budget, the bare basic budget, >> yes, >> when we're asking for that information, it should include, in my opinion, when I'm looking at my decision that we expect or we think, because we don't know, I'm just using health insurance as an example, that it was 8% in December 2025. So we think it's going to be another 8% in 2026 or we think it may go back up to 10%. Just hypothetically >> understood Lisa so that the assumptions can be stated and we can verify if we agree with the assumption or if we want the assumption to be more. >> Correct. >> Completely agreed but the bare bones budget is where you start. >> Correct. >> And you tack on from there. >> Right. I think we I

064think we're saying the same thing. >> I think we are too. I think we are too. >> And I did want to talk like I brought up the summer programs last meeting so I know you mentioned it. I didn't think that we can just use are we going to the questions because they ask >> yeah that was one of the things I want just go back to the questions so we so um one of the questions with the as I already mentioned summer program I had just stated because it mentioned last week about summer programs so my question was and it was brought not question but I mentioned that but it was brought up as a question can it be planned for the next three to five years hypothetically in terms of summer programs what

065would be the course to run a summer program what type of summer programs so we would have to look at I guess the type of summer programs and the and the cost. So is that something that can be looked at and provided to the board so we will know that if we run a summer program it'll be for these grade levels and this is what we could offer different variations of just a couple >> the budget gets rolled over and things like materials and supplies and other BOI services get frozen. >> Okay. >> Because we did freeze them. Yeah. >> And then anything new will be clearly identified on a slide should we have the ability to afford it given what I've just disclosed as I read. So we are doing well or I do

066I roll the budget over as a bare bones. What are we required to do? >> Same as last year. Then what is new in the budget is always very interesting because it's it's good marketing material. So, if we can afford a budget, a uh summer program in the budget, it will be right up there with the cost. What I am not in favor of is using fund balance and reserves to fund it. >> What I think part of the question, why not use the surplus and the funds to fund it? >> It's bad finance. >> That was my question. >> Can I and so we didn't start with a bare bones budget last year. So >> I don't I don't >> I just so well to clarify I guess what my what I would like

067to see so that I it helps me as a board trustee. I just that's why I wanted to speak about that. So if that's your intention then great. And the other question that was asked was how um how much revenue stream do we do we rely on? No, there was was how much revenue Go ahead. What do you have? There was a question about re revenue stream. Can you just come back to to the mic for me was about the revenue stream. >> Yeah. How much of the budget relies on revenue stream? Yeah. So we that we have a question. Go ahead. So is that something that can be answered >> that will not occur in the future? >> Is that what the last part of that question? How much do not budgeting is estimating.

068It's not accounting. There's two different things we do in the business office. We account for what has happened in the past which is an exact science. >> The question is of the revenue streams that we currently are basing this budget ex revenue budget on. Do you know of anything that's not going to happen again? Simple. Yes. >> Right now, no. But could some of these revenue streams not happen? Absolutely. >> What would be an example of that? >> An example of it could be Medicaid. Given the political environment for Medicaid, if you look at that slide, if you have it, we have a budget there 325,000. and I lowered it to 75,000 judgmentally because I don't exactly trust some of the dialogue going on between the feds and the state and I think that Medicaid

069could get cut. So, I lowered the budget. >> When you when you do your estimations, do you base your estimations on any of your co like the co the climate of the schools of Long Island? Like are you just pulling this out of your hat and saying I have a long history of what's actually been earned in each code? So use >> what's happened in the past and I look at five years >> okay >> and then I look at basic information and then I make an estimation >> right and to get back to your comment saying having um the fund balance she used for say something like a summer program or what have you is that these kids have done without for quite some time it seems like and they've always cutting for the

070kids. So, I'm I'm using the summer programs and things of that sort as an example that's going to go back to the kids, but you're saying you're saying that it's not a good idea and it's not good finance. Well, we I don't think in my my existence in this school district, I don't think we've ever seen a 10.6 million surplus ever. So I think in reality when if you can bring ourselves into some type of reality here, I think we can assess the fact that maybe taking some of that surplus even though it's not good finance. We've never seen that ever and say, you know what, the kids deserve a summer program. >> So I'm just going to I just we just need to move this. >> And the question was, can it be if

071you took $3 million? If you're going to answer my question, you're going to take million >> We got the question. No, you didn't. No, you didn't answer my question because my question was if you took 3 million of the 10.6 million as a figurative figure for summer programs, not for just one year, and aortioned it out, could you basically take that money and aortion it out for at least five years to give those kids something that we can grasp on for five years? So we we yes or no. We we have the question and I think the response was it would have to be planned out in the budget to see what that looks like. So it's something that we're not saying no and we're not saying yes. But there's a couple of factors behind

072that. Number one is what will the summer programs be and how much will they cost? Right. So once that's known and that was the question that that was passed that were so it's something that will be looked at when we go to develop the budget. So we're not saying yes or no. >> So what will be looked at >> but not for one year you >> right? We're saying not for one year >> air market the next x amount of years. >> And there was another question about um what was specific agreements that support the pilots. Are there any specific agreements that support the pilots? >> There are no agreements that support the pilot that have been transmitted to the district. The IDA is responsible to provide us that information and they don't. It's a

073known issue in the town of Avalon. The revenue budget of 2.1 million is based on a five-year history. You see the actuals right up on the screen. 2425 2,150,000. We're on track for 2.3 million this year based on payments we've received. 2.1 million is a pretty conservative budget given where we are today, but there's no guarantees when we don't have the actual legislative agreements provided to us. >> Thank you. So there's no way we can get these agreements that were made with these pilot facil these pilot projects. >> I've been asking for them since I began working in the town of Babylon with the state at Wind. They wanted to see them too. We never got them from the IDA. >> It came up also in budget advisory committee where there was a gentleman there.

074I'm sorry I forget his name, but he had a contact in town of Babylon and he was going to see if he can get them booked. Is that not something that's spoilable? Like it's a contract with the fac like it's a contract with this developer. Like why is that? >> That doesn't make any sense to me that we wouldn't have >> but every school district in Babylon is not getting information about the foil. So the budgeting tactic is to lag it >> pilot. Not getting information about the pilots, not the >> pilots. I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong? >> You said foil. >> Oh, so we lag it. That's the only thing you can. >> So it's based is it like based on how many students are housed in those developments then? So we

075just get money from the pilot and we don't know and you're just projecting what the net money will be for next year. >> Revenue from what I received this year. >> We have there must be some other way to go about this. >> Can I ask um how much how much of a lag so to speak is that or near? So, I'm assuming you've seen something for the previous year. >> Yeah, it's up on 2,150 is what was earned in 2425. Okay. >> We're on track to earn a little bit more than that this year based on payments we received. It should have the agreements. There's no argument there. The controllers's office was working on it with me and couldn't get them. >> All right. So, what what I'm going to do, I know that

076there was one question from Miss Cones that wasn't answered, but what I'm going to do when it goes to the agenda, when it's time for the input on non-aggenda items, I'll just ask you to repeat that that question again. Okay. So, I'll I'll let you I'll give you that that time and I'll So, just come back to the mic for one second. So what what h I thought the question had been written down and the question had not been written down. So that's why so if you just give us the question one more time please then >> yeah no problem. My question is if the revenues don't come in as planned and you're short who where is the money coming from? Is it coming from taxpayers or is it coming from the reserves? Who's picking

077up that tab? So one more time anyone got everyone got the question? >> For this year for example what you're saying in 2526 if we don't get all the revenues that you saw on the screen budgeted and then we wind up spending the budget you would have yourself a deficit and then you would need fund balance and reserve accounts to pay for that deficit. >> Mr. Cider, you have to the voters approve a budget. You have to operate within that budget. You don't have any authority to spend $1 more than that budget. But that wasn't your question. Your question is if the revenues don't come in and you're short, >> then I responded, okay, so now I have a deficit on the revenue side. If I fully spend my money on the expenditure side, then

078I have a deficit to end the year and I need fund balance and reserves to pay for that. >> So the answer is reserves. >> Fund balance or reserves or both. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, we're going to move over to review of the agenda for February 11th and we will start with Can I just say ask one question? I know you want to move on, but go ahead. Summer programs were funded through grants. Are there any other programs that were funded by grants in the past that we can uh use some of this money for other than the summer program? I I'm just wondering if there's other programs that we have had sustained by a grant and now we have lost them or will lose them. >> There are a few

079I'm sure that we can explore. Uh well, summer programs have previously been funded by um leaders of tomorrow grant and uh refunds and as we shared they are expiring with no indication that they will be funded moving forward. We have had several conversations about uh summer school planning, summer program design with our administrators who are also talking with educators. Uh and we do have some uh thoughts about how to design a summer program based on the data that we've been reviewing. and that is yet to be determined if funding will be available for that at this time and we are in the process of beginning to price that out. Would you like to add any additional details? So, going to the February 11th agenda, um any comments regarding the the minutes? I know that for

080December the 10th, we're going to have to we got advice from council. So, we have to add the the mass the wording from the resolution on to the agenda for the um for for the minutes for it was the November minutes that had the the resolution in it. So, >> uh December 10th. So, it's December, this is December 10th meeting, but on the December 10th meeting, there was the >> um November minutes if I remember correctly. There was something with the minutes there that was jumbled up and I still can't make sense of it. And I would say that if we could just not amend minutes and and accept them like amending with a vote, that would be helpful. you know, our documentation process going forward. But there was the mascot resolution on December 10th

081that right we changed during public discussion. >> Yes. >> And we need um we need to include the entire resolution. >> Right. The wording the wording for that resolution has to go into the agenda and so that needs to be added there. And does anyone have anything else for December 10th minutes or the January 21st minutes? So the biggest thing is the adding of the wording of the resolution that was amended and the minutes go from the November 19th minute and that's where that's coming from. It's um on page three. It's 2 C1 of the December 10 minutes. >> I'm sorry. Sorry. Yeah. Yes. said that we the wording for the resolution has to be replaced. >> But you keep mentioning the in November meetings. So I just was trying to clarify. I wasn't sure

082what he meant by that. >> Oh, I see what you're saying. >> Okay. Okay. >> My that was my error. >> November has that boxed up. I don't know what it is up there. >> So yes. So and listen back to it. So what it was was that there was for those minutes and I think that's where I was getting. So for the for the November 19th minutes which were on the December 10th minutes there was a motion that was done and then there was a discussion and in that discussion there was a motion to approve those minutes as amended and the amendment item was that um item 282 to to be removed to say one yes which was you and then five no. So that's if you listen to the audio, that's what that's

083for. >> I I listened and it still didn't make sense. So I'm just saying if we could just not amend minutes like this, just >> but I mean >> go back, fix the word file and then bring it rather than have like a vote to amend it. Any that would be my preference because that doesn't really make sense. >> But I mean I maybe we need to listen together because that's what what I heard, you know what I mean? For for that partic and that's how that got cleaned up. So um >> Okay. >> Sure. >> Any other things on on the minutes? All right. So 3A1 was already discussed in executive session. We're going down to 3B1 through H. The only question I have is for the the TBDs. Will we be getting any

084additional information on the TBDs? That's I mean for all the TBDs. So, some some >> just speak into the mic for us. >> Sorry. Some may be removed because we haven't had candidates apply. Uh, art teachers are doing demo lessons tomorrow and we've already asked them to provide references. Brock, is it not on? >> Yeah, just be closer to the mic. >> Sorry. Uh, our teacher demonstration lessons are tomorrow and we've already asked each of the finalists for that the references so that we're making sure that that moves forward. Um uh there are other items that yes I believe will be filled in uh that's discussed by the board during the executive session tonight. Um so we are looking to fill them in. The rec should be filled in u >> and and the rec

085are the remaining part connected to that um to the grant. >> That's correct. >> What is that? What is a Can we speak about it? Did we tell you the grants itself or the program that they're going the program? >> Oops. So, um, the buildings looked at their data to determine which students would benefit most from filling in the gaps of the learning loss. And so, there are two different types of programs running. There's going to be after school programs for the buildings uh where they're providing um regions support at the secondary level and then filling the gaps at the middle and elementary levels. On Saturdays, part of the the learning loss is the understanding as parents about the value of attendance and ways that you can support students. So, there's going to be a

086Saturday parent program running as well as programs for students. Um, so they will be running for each of the buildings um for the end of February through the beginning of May. >> Thank you. Um, so is that that's federal a federal money or that's state money as well? >> No, that uh it's we get it through the state. I don't know if they follow it. And so and Okay, great. Thank >> All right. So that's Thank you. 3V 1 A through H um 2 A and then 3 A all the way down to triple K on page three. Any questions regard to those areas? Any questions regarding There's nothing for four and five. Anything regarding 6A. Any questions regarding that? I'm on page three and then 7 A through 7M. Any questions regarding those particular

087air readings at all? Right. 8 A and 8 8 A 9A. Any questions on 8A or 9A? All right. 10 A down 10 I. Any questions? Any questions on 3C one and two? >> Yes, I have something with donations. uh what is this foundation that is very generous with their donation for our students and um >> uh thank you Mary Stevens can you give them the update on the foundation it's a wonderful opportunity for our students >> the Gary Si Foundation actually has a number of different programs but this particular one provides opportunities for students to learn about US history um through various field trips. They're currently working with um local school districts to be able to visit the 911 memorial and learn um about 911. They do sponsor trips in other parts of the

088country and they are hoping to someday expand to have other parts of the country come to New York. Their uh offer to us was very generous. they are fully funding a trip for our juniors to be able to go. >> Um, I just wanted to say I'm I I do have some famili familiar uhity with the Gary Cise Foundation. I know that he does a lot of work with veterans. Um, I know that, uh, a lot of times he's involved with like Honor Flight where they send veterans, World War II veterans down to, uh, DC and things like that. And he does all kinds of stuff like pay off mortgages and things like that or surviving spouses of veterans. For for those that don't know who Gary Senise is, if you ever seen the movie

089Forest Gump, it's Lieutenant Dan. That's Gary Senise. Any other questions? So 3D >> just got sorry one question I'm not sure if you said it. Did they did we reach out to that foundation or did they contact us? >> Dr. Cardone through his contacts um with other principles on Long Island found out about the program uh and was able to make contact with them. >> Thank you. Anything regarding um 3D one or two? >> Yes. >> That was Chris. Was that you? >> That was Chris. >> Um revisiting custodial overtime. >> Which which one are you on? >> Uh the appropriation status report. >> November December one. >> Uh December. Okay. Um >> which is this is on page three I believe it was. Page three. >> Yeah, page three. Um, this subject that I've

090brought up a number of times. So, you can see custodial overtime in the last column where it's showing available. We already have overtime in Northeast. The middle school and the high school is now in the negative. And that combined category where it's negative 15,000. Um, and I was looking at what our budget for the year is compared to the previous two school years. Oh, so our budget for this year is 77,500 for the all the uh buildings uh compared to last last year was 153,000. The year before was 173,000. So currently we've expensed over the past 6 months 93,000 and if this trend continues we're going to be at 186,000 which is blowing way past our current budget or previous budget or blowing past the current what's currently budgeted and the previous budgets. The current

091budget was cut without a plan by my predecessor to you and I think you spoken about that >> right it was just cut in half. It's very difficult to control this when you talk about the facility use and some of it is absenteeism and if you look at the substitute line you can see that pretty clearly also it's equally a problem when you look down at the custodial subs >> right then like I know that with the compared to the overall budget this is lack of a better term a drop in the bucket but my concern is this is just what I'm able to see Now, you know, looking at these pages and of lines, um, and it's might I'm wonder I'm concerned that there's other areas of the budget that are soon going to

092be showing similar issues. >> Well, certainly the overtime is a problem. The budget, as I told you in the transmitt today, looks strong. Two to four million surplus. That doesn't mean things can't change. To your point, you know, because there's still a long ways to go. It's a very early prediction and the earlier you make it, the more it's going to be wrong, but there are there are problems with the overtime code. There's there's no doubt about it. And then there's some situations that are going on with facility use as we mentioned before and absenteeism that are causing these codes to spike. Are there any specific lines in the budget that you know barring any emergency that you're just if we just continue on a normal school year where you're currently looking at it where

093it's possible that you're going to be running into a similar issue or surplus or uh oh no um deficit. >> I'd have to go back and look at my computer sir when I did the projection. There were certain codes that I thought were going to go red. Nothing to the extent of what we're seeing in overtime, but I was more concerned about the codes that were in surplus because that's what I was looking at. And you know, to sort of give you a hint to it, a lot of the surplus is coming out of OSUS from what I'm seeing. And I'm a little bit on the revenue side, but overtime is is a problem. And we'll have to see what happens with health benefits. Looks strong, but it's a pretty volatile code. workers comp is

094always a problem. Always a problem. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I I I do have a question in looking at the reports and and there's a number of areas in terms of available where it is negative, right? So my my biggest concern is what we went through previously. So how do we when will those negatives become positive? So, you know what I mean? So, we encumbered a certain amount and we only have X available left, but there's a number of ne which are pretty there a couple that are pretty high numbers and that's that stood out to me. So, >> things we talked about like if you look at administrative salary, you see a very large negative there and then a very large surplus below it. A lot of the negatives that you see, a

095good portion of them are just because where things were budgeted and where staff gets transferred to or who where they're getting paid from is different. So you have to sort of look at codes sometimes altogether and clearly the overtime altogether is a problem. But when you look at certain salary codes that are negative and if you look right below it and you see surpluses that that just typically means that the staff member was in one code last year and is in another code this year or the budget was just off. They budgeted for a person in at Northeast and they went to Northwest. So as my my question is so the next appropriation status report that we re that we look at if someone was incorrectly placed in a certain code where that is that

096going to change will that >> uh typically we do that I do that in February they're working on it now so when you get a February report a lot of this will get cleaned up then a lot of it did get cleaned up in December if you notice it it's better than November >> but I do a large round of budget transfers in February. >> So for next for the next meeting, you're going to ask us to approve the budget transfers. >> Uh it would probably be after the reset. >> Okay. >> Because it's kind of helpful in the budget planning, right, to see it and actually so that you almost like leave it as is. >> Um two schools of thought on it. leave it and track the deficit and then if you cover

097it, it goes away. Then you're not paying attention to it, >> right? >> I like to do budget trans big transfers twice a year, but I'm always tracking it. >> I tend to disregard budget transfers when I'm projecting and use the original budget just to give you a little inside baseball. But I cover the transfers when I'm comfortable that I have codes that are in a surplus because I don't want to undo a transfer because it's just I want to be forecasting correctly and there's a an accounting to and then there's an art to it. You know, I want to make sure the codes that I'm taking money out of are going to end in surpluses, >> right? >> And that's why I like to wait because the longer you wait, the more confidence you

098have that you're doing the right thing. But overall the entire budget looks like it's in a surplus position predominantly because of Bose. Madam President, I have I have a quick question. So with with a projection of two to four million that's what you're projecting surplus even like what um second vice president Chris Naring brought up that already in February we have we have busted the the budget on certain line items uh overtime being one of them. I think another one is has to do with um facility usage right and and uh if I'm incorrect tell me facility usage along with right in the context of overtime when it comes to forecasting and and you might know more than I do it's it's probably ideal to have a budget that's very very close to what we

099think we're going to spend so okay so for us to be in February It's better to have a budget that is over what you think you're going to spend because we want surplus. Right. We'll be honest. >> Right. Right. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. So, but >> but in this case, something happened with the overtime budgeting, you know, a year ago and in my forecasting, I am accounting for overtime to keep trending the way it is. And when I arrived at that 2 to four million, I am looking at overtime as if it is going to keep tracking the way it's tracking. Now to answer your question, so I'm accounting okay >> for that code going negative. I'm looking at health insurance as if it's going to come in where it's paid certain special education students are

100going to remain here in my conversations and that utilities are going to track at a higher rate than perhaps they I'm trying to be conservative in those estimates so that maybe it's closer to four million and not two million. >> So my question is are are we and this is really a question for the board as well. Are we doing anything to try to curb this trend? If we know that it's already busted, we can't have this go go go out of control. We can either restore the budget codes back to a more reasonable level, which is what we're doing with the 2627 budget or we have to talk about cuts to certain programs. And then there's normal absenteeism that happens. You know, maybe normal is the wrong word, but there's custodial absenteeism that we

101have to take into account, but without addressing sports, facility use, music, and all that, you know, a lot of the overtime is being generated there. So, >> okay. So, you you do plan on giving the board, I see here, a budget update at our next meeting on February 11th, correct? At the says it right here. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I I missed the question. Okay. Oh, I'm going to give you a budget projection at the end of fe a surplus or deficit projection at the on the February 28 transmitt. Yes. >> Okay. So, my question here is >> February 28th and February >> whatever that Friday is >> February 13th. >> What I said is at the last transmitter of every month I will continue to update you on a projection. >> So, let's clarify

102it. >> Yeah. I think earlier it may have been said the Friday from >> before recess, >> but I know the plans to come together over the break. Two >> different things. >> Yeah. >> I'm going to give the board a a an expenditure budget projection on where I think the expenditure budget is on the Friday before the recess, >> the 13th. >> The Yes. The next surplus projection comes at the end of February and then at the end of March. Talk about two separate. >> Understood. So what what I'm getting at is this. You are making a presentation to us on February 11th, a budget presentation. >> Yes. Okay. Okay. And and I and I hope that for me, and I'll speak for myself, that you you will be able to dive a little

103bit deeper into some of these budget line items that are already expended and in the negative and what our plan is to shift funds because you said you said that you will do you will ask the board for several transfers. So, can you give us a little sneak peek maybe on February 11th on how you make some of those budget line items whole and sustainable for the rest of the year? >> I mean, can can you do that? >> On the 13th, you'll get an expenditure budget overview similar to what you saw on the revenue side. Then in March, we'll dive more into detail and then we have that um line by line meeting where you'll have a detailed budget line by line. But are you talking about a 2526 projection or a 2627 budget?

104I >> I'm talking about the 2526 budget in which certain line items are already expended and in the red and in the negative. some kind of prelim preliminary plan as how do we make that poll sustainable for the rest of the 2526 school year through budget transfer. >> I yeah I know that >> but you're asking for a presentation to summarize like okay custodial overtime needs money and I'm going to take it out of here. >> I yes something along those lines but >> right but Right. But what I'm asking is where are they coming from? That's not not for right now. What I'm asking for for February 11th, can you think about that? >> You don't know. >> Any other questions regarding >> Can I So what is the presentation? >> So what is

105the planned presentation for next Wednesday? Just speak speak a little closer to microphone >> similar to what you saw today but the expenditures >> okay >> same type of format and then in March it's detail >> funh okay any other questions on the two treasury reports being none let's go to um 3e any questions regarding the contracts 3F. Any questions regarding approval of conferences? I'm seeing none any older new business that anyone wants to bring up at this Oh, no. At this point in time, we're going to go back to sorry, going to go back to the February 4th agenda. So, from the February 4th agenda, we'll go back from there. Is there any new or old business that any board members would like to bring up? >> I just have a a quick question

106for Mr. Snder in regard to our discussion with revenues, the pilots within the village of Amityville. Wouldn't you be able to get copies of the agreements from the village directly? I'm not sure what pilots the village of Avenueville controls. Pardon my ignorance on that one. I believe that the town of Babylon and the town of Oster Bay control the pilots through administrative agencies referred to as the IDA, the industrial development agency. And the problem with getting communication from the IDA is they point to towns and the towns point to the IDA. Whether or not the village itself can award pilots, I'm not sure of that. I think this is the first >> I think they might have agreement. >> This is the first incorporated village I've worked in, so I'm not sure what kind of

107authority they have on. So, it's a good question. >> I'll give you the context, >> please. Do you have a resolution for the board's consideration? Go ahead. for the board's consideration resolution reopening the assistant superintendent of finance position. I would like to add that to the agenda for consideration, >> but it's already been reopened. It hasn't isn't there a post that's gone up for the position, Dr. Talba? >> Uh the posting has gone up. The first round interviews have been conducted for assistant superintendent >> second. >> No, it's already it's already up. It's already want to hear the resolution. I feel like you're pausing. >> So So here, let me let me give you some context. >> Well, I mean, what what is the resolution? Because the what is the resolution that you're that you're

108>> sure? Sure. I I I I would like the board to consider opening up the position for a wider search. So, the position was posted from January 15th until January 28th, which is less than two weeks, less than two weeks at the end of January to fill a critical position. So, I I think my question is more towards the superintendent. >> So, my question is more towards superintendent. Dr. Talbert, um, do you believe that opening this position for less than two weeks at the end of January is the best way to find the most qualified candidate for this position? >> Uh, Dr. Lando, how many applicants did we have? Approximately, >> there were approximately 10 applications for the position. >> So, this position is a hard to fill position across the district. Had the posting

109remained open for 3 weeks, you may not have gotten many more than the applicants that you have received. Going out in January late is already late. These are positions that are normally posted earlier in January and we're closing them out in February. Did you have another comment? that this is a position that every district this is a position that every district struggles to fill. And part of the reason that they struggle to fill is that the types of uh that many of the applicants for these positions are not actually certified andor have no business office experience. Um the that has been my experience not only in Amityville. Um the the idea of a shorter timeline to post is to try to move more quickly than other districts. And I am I am genuinely fearful that

110um a delaying of the process and and this is this is me as your director of human resources and this is me as uh experienced in my experiences in education. I am genuinely concerned that any delay in trying to move forward uh with with candidates that may have been identified may result in candidates receiving offers from other districts and may even make the pool smaller than it already is. >> And and when when do we hope to fill this position starting when? >> The the position was posted for a July 1st start. So, we had January, we have February, March, April, May. >> Correct me if I'm wrong on this one. And >> I mean, we we can laugh, but I I don't I don't know any other position that's been open for less than

111two weeks. And that's a very critical position. >> It is a critical position. And the longer we wait, the less candidates who have to apply. if you try to go out March, April and May there there are very few applicants who will even be available at that time. So I I actually have similar notes here. I noticed that it was less than two weeks and we had specifically as a board talked about a month at a minimum and the board also didn't meet before the posting was put up. So we didn't discuss the salary range and there was a very small salary range that was posted on the job opening. So I would be open I tend to agree with you. I don't I thought that last summer although we didn't get any of the

112backup that I tried to pull a resolution for that there was seemingly dozens of applicants and that was in June I guess May June so I don't know if I'm following the concern with it being January and the position is for July start um So, >> no. I I mean, so you're calling a resolution to go post again for a longer duration? >> Yes. I I would say 30 days, >> right? So, there's been a first and there's been a second. >> And also, if I if I if I may add, Madam President, the inter so the interviewing began yesterday, a day before we even had this meeting. So we it's really shuffling the law. Well, go ahead. There's a motion on the table. First and second. >> Okay. >> So would we meet like

113before the postit gets posted again so that we can talk about the salary range as well? >> I hope so. So there's a motion that's on the table to extend the time frame for this position where the posting closed out and they started doing their interview process yesterday. So I guess reviewer applicants yesterday. So the question so this is the motion about extending. So all those in favor of extending which means that they would stop all the interviews at this point in time. So all those in favor of extending the um the time frame putting it posting back up again and extending it for instead of two weeks for for 30 days. So go ahead. >> What are we we looking to discuss this an executive next next week to discuss the range and then

114iron out when the posting would go up. >> Yeah. And then so say we post say we post it back up next Thursday, it'll be up through the middle of March and then they'd be conducting the the search basically from the middle of March and then how long is the actual vetting process? I would seek to on behalf of the superintendent of the board, I would seek to ex expedite the vetting process. Uh given that delay, I I I shared I shared my my professional concern and I share it again. Um conducting interviews in March um gives me great concern as to even some of the candidates that we've already seen as to whether or not they would be available. And that said, I will honor whatever the board asks and at such time as

115the uh there was a decision made. I would look to expedite it. My suggestion might be given that it was posted for two weeks. My suggestion might be to should the board reach a a decision on elements of that posting with the superintendent, my suggestion would be to perhaps consider shorter than a full month for that because that delay I understand I understand me. I also understand that there are positions that have been posted and I know that there are other districts I know that there are other districts that are filling their spots very quickly. Understood. But also, Dr. Lando, if if the if the if the terms of the posting would change, for instance, salary, I I I don't think we can I don't think that that can just be a continuation of what

116was posted already. I understand it. And perhaps there are things that um would be appropriate for conversation in executive session regarding this next week. >> Very good. Thank you. But I do want it duly noted that the board was informed that this posting was coming out and the salary at which it was coming out. There was a conversation and you were informed. >> The post the the draft posting was in a Friday transmitt. The board was informed prior to the post team going out that it would be going out and the salary at which it would be going out. There was an agreement. >> That's understood, Dr. Talbert. But going along with past practice, especially hiring an assistant superintendent, traditionally we we do sit down and discuss it and that that hasn't that >> the

117conversation was had. It was brought to the board's attention. No one had any additional conversation or concerns articulated at that time. So we had the clearance to move forward. Now that we are where we are, we are pulling back on this process. Just understand we're putting ourselves in a position to not have it filled at all. So I'm going back to what was already there. There was a resolution that was read. There was a first by Juan Leon and a second by um Megan Mesman. So the question is um actually the first question is really to amend the agenda to add this item that that's that's what we're doing. So that's the motion to amend the agenda to add it to agenda item 2C 2. So add agenda item 2C2 which is the resolution and

118I just need the exact wording one. So therefore it's it's going to be put in. So just read it one more time. >> Sure. >> Well I have a copy which I will also send to you. >> Okay. Yeah. Just please send it to >> resolution reads as such. Resolution reopening posting for assistant superintendent. Slow down. Res. Go ahead. Keep going. resolution reopen posting for assistant superintendent of finance. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Would you like me to >> Thank you. Be it resolved that the Amityville Board of Education directs the Superintendent of Schools to reopen the posting or the position of assistant superintendent of FIN. finance with a new closing date of whatever the board would like. >> So, we have a first for that amendment. >> Well, what is what is the date

119that we would like? Well, if we're going to finalize it next week on the 11th, then it's not going to get posted 13 get posted. So, hopefully it's posted. So, >> so you're you're talking about um with the closing date of say March 13th, a month later for >> Yes. >> March 13, 1326. Can I have a first for this amendment to the agenda? >> First one is first. Second. Megan is second. All those in favor >> I. >> So we have Chris W. Megan is yes. Just to add it to the agenda. I'm fine for adding to the agenda right now. LJ all opposed. >> Well, I'm fine with you know >> adding it. Okay. >> Absolutely. >> Can I ask a question? >> Wait a second. Carol, are you do you want to

120add it or not add it? >> We can add it. >> Carol see. So, it's six. Yes. To add it to the agenda. So, now any additional discussions on this item? >> I'd like to ask Dr. Lando a question. Do you think that in all honesty do you think that we going to lose the 10 candidates at least that we have now if you postpone and move on there is extending the search runs the risk of losing candidates that are are stronger and do I think we will lose them I I can't say no I I >> do you feel that the 10 out of the 10 there are strong candidates that that have a Yes. >> Can I ask out of the 10 candidates, how many are qualified? >> Are we able to say

121that right now? Not really. Oh, go ahead. Sorry. >> I believe that I believe that this this part of the conversation having to be personnel is appropriate for executive session. >> So, I got one another question. So based on history, is there a certain time of year where you'll get quality candidates based on, you know, the school year ends and people looking for what they're doing next year? In my experience, when looking for leadership positions, the earlier in the school year that one searches for any leadership position, the better off one is. So that would apply to to this position. It would apply to building leadership positions. to the private district specifically. The earlier the better. >> Okay. So, obviously there's no guarantee that we wouldn't get a good candidate if we opened it up,

122but on based on your history, the better pool of candidates is >> what we just had the application open for. I I'm going to say that I think that we should discuss this in executive session because there there are elements that it would be better to share in that field than I think inappropriate to share in public set personnel matter. >> Okay. >> Please I'm sorry putting a personnel matter aside just put in general terms in general terms as our HR director which month tends to be the best month for hire. I'm not talking about anyone in particular >> at least >> or it's really any month. >> It it's leadership positions. It is better to hire early in the year. There is a reason that that takes place is that uh and it is

123a reason that in my experience um there are things that are structured in contracts where administrators tend to give their uh retirement notices etc. typically sometime in January for to be able to post and and conduct searches early in the year. Uh teaching positions tend to be more active in March and April as students are moving through and graduating from college when you're looking for that with us uh teachers. Um and again the earlier that one knows of for instance retirements from any particular pool of candidates the better the broader the field one has to choose from. And then there's also the luck of the draw with regard to who happens to be looking at a particular point in time when for something. Um, however, the position in question is one in which in my

124experience for every school district there is a an extreme shortage of qualified candidates. >> So now can I have a motion for agenda item 2C2? >> Motion to approve. Juan Leon is first second member is second. So all those in favor of agenda item 2C2 which is a resolution that has been read. >> I have one heard Carol. Was it Carol? >> Yes. Uh, Megan Leslie, Chris. >> Chris. >> Oh, it >> I'm joking. I'm joking. Come on. >> And I'm going to go with the nose though. So, we have two nose. We have It passes one five Z 552. >> No, four or two. even pass. Sorry about that. 42. Yes, it's 42. >> I'm sorry. Who was was the other no? >> Me. >> Got it. >> Yep. >> And madame uh Madame

125President, I do have one more resolution >> for the board's consideration. >> Hold on one second. I'm going to get a piece of paper >> and I promise this is it. >> Okay. Go ahead. Motion to amend the agenda to add 3A2 which is a resolution to re I'm sorry I'm sorry uh two to 2C3 resolution for appointment of superintendent search firm And >> you would like for me to read it in its entirety. I can >> for superintendent search. >> So you have a copy that you can >> I do and I left I I made physical copies. I left them in my printer but I uh I will send these over. So the resolution reads resolution appointment of superintendent search firm. Whereas on January 4th, 2025, the Amnivville Board of Education passed a

126resolution stating the board does not intend >> January 4th or June. >> June 4th. It's been eight months. >> No, I know. I know. But I just said January. >> Let's Let's restart. >> Yeah, that's on December. Whereas on June 4th, 2025, the Amityville Board of Education passed a resolution stating that the board does not intend on extending our current superintendent's contract past the date of June 30th, 2026. Be it resolved that the Amnivville Board of Education directs its legal council to draft an RFP for the purpose of soliciting the services of a superintendent search firm. We have uh Juan Leon was a first. >> Megan M is a second. All those in favor of amending the agenda to add this resolution. >> I that's Megan Mman and Juan Leon. All those opposed to adding

127this resolution opposed. Carol Seo Naring le Flex Mr. Johnson lo fails 24. >> That's all I have m president. >> Thank you. Any other um new or old business? Any new or old business? >> Yes. >> Um yes. So it's this is the middle school first floor bathrooms. I believe in the Friday transmitter there was um you've included the cost estimate for the first four bathrooms of like $200,000 and there was also an understanding that there was likely enough allowance in the existing contract. So, if that's the case, I guess I would ask that the board that on the next meeting agenda that we have a resolution for the board to consider adding an and authorizing that work. >> Oh, sorry. Okay. So, that's one. Um, and then >> we've talked about the senior class

128trip a little bit. I is that resolved? Is a senior class trip booked and there's no issue with whether or not we need to authorize anything at the board level. >> Is that a question? >> That's a question. Is a senior class trip booked and like set and everything? >> You want to give us the update on where we are? >> Uh the senior class is still working on a trip. They have not booked anything yet. There were no buses available for their desired location. They are looking for a different location. Okay. So, but there's nothing that's needed at the board level, right? Not at this point. Will there be? >> Once their plans are solidified, then they will communicate their needs, >> but they have not as of this time. >> Okay. Thank you.

129Any other excuse me any other new or old business? >> One one thing we were talking about the summer program you're looking to the scope program and Stephen should have a preliminary update for us. She's been in conversation with scope representatives. >> I have been talking to the scope representatives. We've also been talking about some of the programs that we might be able to run. Um, so it would be able to provide options for families if we're able to, but basically the families would have to pay it. It would be a statement. Thank you. >> Any other Yes, madam president. Um, so I I was contacted today. I'm sure other board members were too about um an issue that we we may be having with regards to retired teachers receiving their Medicaid reimbursement check in

130a timely manner and some >> Medicare in a timely manner. Um, from what I from what I'm hearing, there are a bunch of there's a bunch of red tape that individuals have to come, you know, cut through to get this. And I'm also looking for confirmation. One, are we aware of this? But also two, if if we are sending out paper checks to them in this quarterly benefit, is it possible to send direct deposits? Dr. Talbert. >> So, the Medicare checks, it's been a long-standing issue and um our district has more of a regular mailing out than other districts that we are aware of. So, we're talking about um duration time and perhaps some reconsiderations. But to answer your question, is direct deposit an option? I'm not sure. I'd have to yield to Mr. Snider.

131>> The answer is no. >> Why wouldn't you? >> Because they're vendor. They actually get process. It's like a vendor. It's not a payroll related item and we don't wire transfers for vending except for that thing. >> And so is this this matter is being looked at and being addressed then? We're we're talking about a posted calendar to the retirees so that they know the deadline for us to cut and process the checks and we're also talking about doing it twice a year rather than four times which is more normal and less burdensome. But at a minimum I'll try to get some agreement with the staff about a calendar to commit for the four check a year process. And then >> you mean for the two check year >> for the four >> if we

132were to go to a two check thing I want to roll that out slowly and >> just speak more to the bank. >> If we're going to move to a two check a year system I want to communicate that effectively with the retirees so that they can budget accordingly. >> Right. >> So to me I see us sticking to a four check system realistically through next December. have the proper communication to say with only a few checks and give them the deadlines for when they're mailed. >> Just just to get a better understanding because I I don't know. Do do we pay anyone via direct deposit or is it all paper hard copy checks for this specific issue? >> Salaries salaries are direct deposit. Yeah, there there's still some people that like their paper uh

133pays, but most of the employees are on direct deposit. >> Okay. So, >> but the vendors are not with the exception of debt service payments. They require wire transfers for these Wall Street firms, but other than that, there's very little wires going up for vendor related claim, which is nothing. >> Okay. I guess keep us keep us posted. >> Juan, can I ask you mentioned red tape? What kind of red tape are you? >> Well, if we want to open the discussion up more, I mean, all right. All right. Red tape. Red tape. Um, checks not going out on time because we don't have an accurate address or um someone in the business office doesn't want a request by email but wants it by certified mail. That kind of red tape. if there's any way

134to kind of streamline that because retirees in any profession are are counting on this money and in a timely fashion. So, is there any way to cut through some of that red tape and try to streamline this so that they can get their money that they've earned in a timely fashion? I don't know if I'd agree if it's red tape, but I know that there are requirements from audit and from the federal government and from state that we need to see original documents on this one. So, we we typically would take a scan of order original. I'd have to check that, but we're not going to take photo copies or incomplete documents. That didn't happen in this case. All of the checks to all the retirees were mailed out. I think some of them maybe

135just jumped the gun a little bit and were a little impatient, but I agree that they need to know when these checks are being mailed out because for some of them it's important the budgeting and that's why moving to two checks I'm a little I just want to be careful with that because they likely won't like it. >> I mean they they might and certainly easy for us. >> It is I've never encountered four times a year. That doesn't mean other districts go through it, but it is it is burdensome. Okay. >> Any other new or old business? At this point in time, I'm going go to community input on nonboard dinner items only. Stephanie. >> Yes, it is. >> I can't hear Stephanie Avenue. Um, I actually have a few questions. Some of them

136should be pretty short. Also, Mr. Schneider has mentioned he made a comment specifically workers comp is always a problem. Could you explain what you mean by that briefly? Go ahead. >> It's it's volatile. You just never know who's going to go out, how much the expense is going to be. It's a difficult code to budget for because if you look at the history of it, it's it's up and down. >> The workers comp is based on a schedule that what they're they can get. So you telling me that >> workers comp based on injuries, >> right? But it's b the money they gave is they're given is based on a schedule and are you telling me we have an exorbitant amount of people that are being injured on the job from year to year? I

137mean I'm not saying nobody would get injured, but I would find it odd or should be investigated if we're having numerous people one year another year we're not. seems kind of odd to you, but okay. >> I don't think that's odd. >> Um, as far as the um the search reposting, um I'm it's my understanding. >> Yes. No, I think it's coming to us. >> Gave no answer. I said it had to be brief. >> It's it's coming to the board. Go ahead. >> It had to be b It had to be brief. So it's my understanding as far as the search firm uh there was a search done about I don't know eight year eight months ago months ago for the similar position that was just recently posted and I don't know how many

138candidates were applied back then um clearly when it's a one position and you get numerous candidate doesn't mean everybody else was not good one person was your choice were those people contacted and requested if they're still interested, they should reapply because that would be a normal process in any business at that level of a position because they might be under the impression that they didn't qualify at all. That that's not necessarily true. Just because you didn't get picked doesn't mean you weren't good. >> So, what I would say is that um for the last search that was conducted, it was a previous >> was about eight months ago. the previous um HR person. So, I'm not too sure if Mr. Landell has that. Dr. Land. >> Well, you would have that on file. >> No,

139what I'm saying is that I'm not too sure if he has it in the forefront of his mind. So, >> Oh, I don't I don't >> So, he has the question. So, we we can >> But he would know for this search if anybody was contacted before. >> Okay. I don't do you know I don't I don't know from the last search. Do you know if anyone was contacted from the last search for this for the position assistant? there would there was not a direct outreach from my office to people from a previous search. >> Okay. In this particular case and uh I will discuss that recommendation with the board and with the superintendent as we move forward. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Uh thank you. Um also um I know you

140just spoke about uh four years four times a year that you're paying that Medicare reimbursement to employees who are retired. the there was no requirement that it be done four times a year. Now, if it's automated and electronic, I guess it doesn't matter. But if it requires manh hours, I would think the district would want to go down to once and Suffach County only does it once a year. And in addition to that, are we requiring as a district that the retiree fills out a form that they attest to the fact that they're still eligible to receive that and are not getting that reimbursement from any other source? Do we do that yearly or at all? I'm going to have to refer over to Mr. Snider. answer is they do have to attest that they're

141not receiving these reimbursements from >> and there's a documented form that is signed by them >> that I'm not aware if it's every twice a year or once a year but it is >> once a year I think is yeah I'm talking about the form where they have to swear to they >> they are not entitled >> I've seen the form yeah I'm not aware but freaking >> and they provide okay that's fine um let's see I believe That's it for now. >> No, that's it. Thank you. >> I think Mr. Snider wanted just to add something to the workers comp. >> Ma'am, I just for the board, I've never said that workers comp is exorbitant. In fact, for a $120 million budget and the size of the staff, the expenditure ranges anywhere from 3

142to 600,000 makes it a difficult target to budget. When it's 300,000, it's great. when it's 600,000 it hits its budget mark because that's typically where we budget it, but that's not exorbitant for a $120 million budget. >> I I think I think part of the question was that also um do we have a lot of people within the district >> who who are injured or the injuries are they going up >> and that's why that that amount may be going up or is it sort of a steady? >> It is variable. The injuries go up one month then they come off a workers comp and it drops the next month. It's not a ratable like expenditure where you could say, well, this individual is injured and is receiving X amount of dollars this month and

143he's going to get it next month because they're constantly going for medical reviews. It is the very definition of a variable expenditure and it has ranged between 300 to 600,000 over the past 5 years. >> Okay, >> we budgeted at the 600,000 and hope that it comes in lower. But even at 600,000, I would never say that's an exorbitant expenditure given the size of the district. >> Thank you. I I I don't think I ever tried to ever imply it was exorbitant. I was referring to the number of workers comp cases in any industry. There's an average amount that happens. Of course, it's a once in a while spike, but that would be a red flag for a district to look into why all of a sudden we getting a big pace of injuries. >>

144Is there something that needs to be fixed? And are we investigating them or we're just just sending it over to nicer to pay it? >> I hear you. Thank you. There you go. Wendy Kestro workers compensation. When there's claims, they give a reserve. So, you're aware of what the reserves are? Okay. So, we know that. We know what the reserves are. It's not an unknown cost. Um, a couple of things. Ironically, >> that's not what a reserve is. A reserve is an estimate of what it would cost to settle all workers comp claims as of a certain date. It's not a measure of what the expense is. Every >> It's a reserve to measure what the claim will come in. Thank you. I'm an insurance broker. I know that. Um, Juan, thank you for mentioning

145June 4th. Ironically, those are the only minutes that aren't on the website. Where are the minutes to June 4th? Kind of like the video disappeared from uh that last meeting, too. So, board members, you have no minutes for June 4th. You have no central administrator emails. You have no board emails. You have no foil information and no form. You have no DASA information for parents. and you have no data form. You do have it under teachers but not under parents. Problematic a way to control information not getting to you maybe. Um Mr. Snider would be helpful if you brought a laptop. Meeting after meeting you can't seem to answer questions from the board. Um as far as the learning gap grant went, I thought it was interesting. 59 appointments and you said it's to help

146with learning gaps. I see a lot of them are Saturday. Great. Some of them are after school, but it is by contract that we have to provide after school learning, extra help. Wouldn't that be in there? Why would we be paying out of a grant if we have extra help? That's contractual. I'll just keep going. Nobody. >> So So you're you're asking I'm sorry. Yes. Kind of just kind of pause it for one second. Yeah. >> Yeah. Because it's I just want to think bunch of my seconds just went away. >> Yeah. is so your question that's being posed is if there's extra help that's already being provided why is the recub needed >> for after school Stevens can elaborate the recubs is a grant that was awarded to the district for the purpose of

147learning loss addressing learning loss and so there are specific purposes for which it can be used >> no no I understand that it's not that I don't understand it, but they already get extra help that's contractual. Why are we using that grant money for those after school days during the week? Use it for something else. Maybe there's something else you could use it for. It's it's a double. We're already getting that service. Go ahead. >> So, the extra help doesn't take place with uh every day and it is only for the one-hour period after school. So this allows us to do extended work with students. Uh we can run full programs that target their specific needs. >> But how is it different from extra help? >> So extra help is offered there. They're like office

148hours where students can come and get help on assignments as opposed to a targeted program. >> Okay, that's it. first. Um, one second. I I swear I heard the the assistant superintendent in business talk about uh, you know, you have to worry about you you definitely want a surplus because then if there's a deficit, you'd have to cut programs and things. Um, I have to say that there's a lot of red flags here and I hope that the board is paying attention. First of all, the whole budget process is backwards. The board should be meeting to talk about what your priorities are for next year and that drives the budget. What is contractual? What is operational? And then what is it that you want to see in a budget? So, I haven't witnessed those conversations.

149That would be an open session. You guys should be paying attention to this. So, you should be starting that. The superintendent should be presenting you with a balanced budget day one. And then you work backwards. You're seeing a a screenshot of revenues without seeing a screenshot of expenditures. You're all in the dark. All of you are in the dark. You're asking questions about expenditures, but they'll give it to you next week, but it's not side to side. You know, when I when I've been I've been doing board of ed stuff for more than 30 years. I have never in my life heard a business official say there is no way to control overtime. Overtime can be viewed as a perk for, you know, for some line items to get extra money. Um, it should be

150a red flag. I I I think that you passed it that that resolution is going to go on to extend the business official. Is that right? Okay, that's great news because you aren't even through this budget season and so far the presentations are not great and um oh the oneshot deal we keep talking about the the money to the to the taxpayers is like going to compound year after year. Like I I I was in a district that gave 0%. I don't know what kind of garbage answers these are, but they are. And I just hope that you pay attention. you know, probably contractually you're probably at like 83 84%, you know, with operations and then you have this little leeway, but you're working you're working blindly and it's up to you to rein this

151in. You they work for you, not the other way around. And you're so reliant on them. Even saying, "I'm fearful we won't get anybody." Like, honest to God, let's let's get a grip here. We had plenty of applicants. Yes, there might be a shortage. People are going to apply. They need a job. And if you if you need the leadership positions filled sooner, you should be filling the superintendent position. We vote on June. Oh, you're gonna cut me off right when I say this. >> No, no, no, no. What I'm saying to you, I've given you an additional minute, >> okay, >> of your time. So, I'm just make if there's no one else that's coming up, then you can come back and and finish. But I'm just saying I gave you an additional minute

152of your time. >> Can I just say something? She said that the June 4th minutes, not on the June 4th minutes are on the website. Go ahead. >> Barber shop bill. Hold on. Hold on one second. You have to reset the the time. Okay. Two basic things. I I can't stress enough how concerning it is when the budget uh finance official says, "I always budget up so that we get a surplus." So the goal is to be realistic. We've already we've already experienced a ridiculous slashing of the budgets that made this 10 plus 10.6 million budget surplus as it is. You killed overtime, which is your biggest mistake possible. You you think you were doing something good, but it's like, "Yeah, we're going to cut overtime. We're going to get the uh time sheets. We're

153going to have controls. We're gonna get the time sheet signed, you know, this that the other thing. And the overtime is a nightmare evidently because that the line item is way out of bounds. You totally slashed it ridiculously beyond compare. So, so nobody's thinking. Everyone thinks they're doing a great thing like slashing heads, slashing budgets. So, you slash the crap out of it and then all of a sudden you have 10.6 million. That's not a good thing. That's pathetic. That's that's means that nobody's thinking. Nobody's thinking outside the box. Nobody's doing the homework. Nobody's foreseeing anything. I just don't understand how you can think that having a 10.6 budget a surplus is a good thing. It's really not. It's it's smoking mirrors thinking you did something good. It's not good. It should be closer to

154the belt to the budget and everything else. And when the business official says that he proposes budgets above so that there's a surplus, how much surplus can you want? And I don't re and I'm really going to be hardressed and I'll do my homework and check at these 28% uh surpluses when the state recommends it should be at 4%. I don't buy that for a second. Long story short, then the other thing is um you just tried to get a a resolution passed on the RFP for a search firm. June 4th was when this was all recognized that nobody wants to go forward with the superintendent. God bless you. But anyway, it's now it's February. What? The resolution came before you. You decide not to go with it. What the hell are you waiting for?

155Some of that is personnel and we can't I can't Some of it is personal, >> but I asked the question last time at the podium and I said, "Has an RFP gone out?" >> Like I said, right? So, soon as we're able to do it, we will we'll do it. >> Well, I don't know what you're waiting for because it's a detriment. It's it's a detriment. It's it speaks volumes that you're sitting on your hands doing absolutely nothing. You're not you're not moving this district forward. You're just making it stagnant. You're not thinking outside the box. And we see it week and month after month. The stats aren't going up. Things aren't being done. Overtime's a disaster. The budget is a disaster. It's time to reel it all in. It's time to think about what

156you're doing and get it done. >> And starting at the top would be a big help. Thank you. >> Um any other community input on non-aggenda items? Um, madame president just to >> but let me just let before we is there any other community input on non-aggenda items? >> Any other community input on non-aggenda items? >> Hi Marggo Howard, vice president of the book teachers association. Um, two things very quickly. One is not a question. And I just wanted to um thank the district for applying for the reclubs grant and for finding creative ways to provide regent review and um additional support to our students. I've sought regent for years and uh there's a huge difference um in scores. Um the data speaks for itself when we have those opportunities. It's it does it goes

157beyond extra help and our students do benefit from extended time and you know they're definitely struggling with reading longer texts and writing especially with these new formats of the exam. So we really appreciate that opportunity. We've been asking for regent view for years. I'm sorry we've been so annoying about it but I'm so glad that you found a creative way to make that work. Uh my other question is is there any way that in addition to all the calculations you're making um is there any way that we would be able to see what reserve funds look like in other districts what their percentage of reserve funds would be in districts that have had 0% increase if we I mean I'm a taxpayer too. I think a 0% increase would be fantastic, but is there any

158way to see how many districts are doing that and exactly what their reserve funds look like so we can get a better idea? I don't expect an answer on that now, but to Dr. Tal you or anyone >> go ahead. Yeah, >> I think ASBO has data that way of reserve that certainly exists, but whether or not they have had a history of going out with zeros or less than what the tax cap permits, I'd have I don't know. I'd have to look at that. But certainly, we've displayed here on the screen all Long Island districts and their fund balancing reserves as a percentage of the budget and the controllers's office puts it in their fiscal stress workbooks for each district. But I'm not sure about those districts that go out with zeros and ultimately

159what their percentages are. I'd have to look at that. >> Hi again. Um, Freeport goes out >> Hold on one second. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Freeport goes out with zeros year after year after year. I would just recommend you look at Freeport. Um just to get back to this June 4th there's a resolution not to extend the superintendent. Um unfortunately my experience coming to these meetings is decisions are based on emotions and not facts. The facts provide that we need different leadership um not passing. Well what was the resolution? And the resolution is you didn't agree to put on the resolution for superintendent search firm or was it that you just said no to the superintendent search firm? Which was it? >> It was no to I think it was RFP. >> It was

160the development of an RFP. >> So you declined to do an RFP for a superintendent search firm. I hope everybody listening out there because we have thousands and thousands of listeners realize that four trustees Johnson Cretzhoff and voted no to a superintendent attendant search firm which can only assume that they're going to be reversing the superintendent which is a detriment to the students to the taxpayers and the staff. It was under Dr. Talbert that we were taxed when we had a surplus, that there were dozens of of teachers cut, that special education was cut, that services had pulled, due process wasn't followed, and the four of you, I don't know what you're doing. You're up for reelection. And I'm so excited for this this this this election that there is a chance to flip this

161board because you're not representing taxpayers and you're not representing kids and and and the the you're you're so used to Amityville and have no other experience that you're complacent with underperforming. You're play complacent with toxity. If you have different leadership and a great administration and a strong board that's fiscally intelligent, there is the the world is your oyster. You you could do anything. The kids will have so much. But instead, you're stagnant. Oh, by the way, I did see on the on the website that one of the board members kids was highlighted. Ah, interesting. >> Thank you. Any other community input on non-aggenda items? Good evening. Nikia Wolf, president Emityville Teachers Association. Um, so I don't know exactly where it is that I want to start with this, but I can definitely start from a

162place of frustration. I can start from a place of frustration mainly because um, we hear a lot of information about facts, but then the facts are actually not articulated. So, um, we really want to get some things clear. I do believe that a decision should have been made by now. That is something that I am strongly in favor of irrespective to whatever direction it is that you were going to. There should have been something that that that's been done. I think we we are waiting way too long to make the final determination on where we're moving forward as a district. But let's go back to what the actual facts were. The facts were that when I've never seen a superintendent welcome the way that this superintendent was welcomed into this school district. I have never

163seen a superintendent that has been welcomed into a school district that already had a deficit that was charged with trying to figure it out with not being welcomed into the school by segments of the community. Um, and I think it's very important to acknowledge that it's segments of the community, not all of the community. And everybody is entitled to their opinion irrespective to whether it is that you agree with it or not. Um, a deficit contracts that were not settled, um, achievement scores that needed uh to be raised and to be lifted. Um, it's interesting to me that none of this came up during predecessors that were here before when there were constant years of poor achievement, but I guess there's different requirements for different people. Um, nonetheless, uh, absolutely difficult to do. Nonetheless, I

164find it also interesting that when we keep on talking about this deficit, there are people who were currently sitting on this board, some who have um taken accountability for what transpired during that time and others who still have not as if they weren't there. Uh what are we actually doing? Are we going to be making a decision where it is that we're moving the board forward, moving the district forward, or are we still going back to these tickytack back and forth about people trying to use either authority or gain authority through use of power? Um, I think that what you probably should do if you're so concerned about whether or not your community supports you or not is get out there and find out. Find out from your community whether or not they believe that

165this is the superintendent that can move the district forward. Find out from your staff whether or not you believe that's the case. As a board, you have the ability to do so. Um, thank >> you. Any other committee input on non-aggenda items? >> Madame President, um, can I ask the speaker a uh question? Can we can we this this is this is the time for community input on non-aggend items. So I'm going to I I need to leave it for the community to have the opportunity to speak at this point in time. >> That's fine. I'll make a comment at the end. >> Yeah, at the end. Thanks. I would just like to dispel the previous speaker regarding not having any accountability to any previous administrations. That is completely false. I stood here at the

166same podium uh speaking of Dr. uh the Dr. to fail which was a big fail and in that administration. So it was very much voiced and it has been for years and the thing about having it for years is that nothing changes. So nothing changes with my complaint about Dr. Fail and nothing is and I'm still going to complain because nothing has changed. Thank you. Any other committee input on non-aggenda items? All right. So go ahead, Miss Leon. Just at this point in time, community input is now closed. So there's no more community input. Mr. Leon, if you want to say something right quick. >> Yes. Yes. Just um just three quick points. Number one, um the June 4th minutes are in fact uploaded. They were uploaded. So I'm not sure if that was a

167mistake by a previous speaker. >> All right. So um just keep going, Mr. Leon. >> Yeah, I'm not I'm not stopping. Go ahead. Number number two. Uh number two, it sounded like there was some confusion on what exactly my motion was to make sure that's very very clear. The motion that I called for regarding the superintendent search which failed for uh two four the request was for the board of education to give direction to our legal council to draft the RFP. So for the board's consideration so that we can look at it and if we are going to go in that direction we are ready. So it wasn't it wasn't saying yes we're starting the search today or tomorrow it was getting it was the preparation. Um so that's number two and then number three

168with regards to Mr. Wolf and his statement. I know you said if if you are encouraging us to go out to our community and the staff and the teachers, you are representing the teachers union tonight. Is that correct? Or are you >> So just go ahead and make your statement to that. Go ahead. >> Would you like to share the settlement of the teachers? >> He he's saying to Go ahead. >> Would you like to share the teachers? >> At this point in time, he input is closed. So do do does the board want to hear his respon does the board want to hear her response to Mr. um was Vice President Leon's question. What are the the sentiments of the of the >> I don't think this is supposed to be a back and

169forth at this point. Right. >> The board of education can ask any question of any speaker that comes before them. >> I just asked the board of education if they would like to hear a response from to your question from Mr. Well, >> okay. So, who >> So, I'm just asking the board education. >> Who's saying no? I want to know. I'm just I'm let me finish. I'm asking the board of education I'm asking the board of education would you like to hear a response to the question that Mr. Wolf has presented. So I have no problem hearing response to the question that first press Leon stated to Mr. Wolf in terms of what are the sentiments of the teachers within the district. I have no problem hearing response. if he wants to speak on

170it. Sure. >> Yeah. >> The teachers association would like the following for the school district to move forward with bringing somebody in or keeping individuals who fit the qualifications for moving our district forward. That is anybody who is capable of moving us from one position to the other. I think that the board needs to identify and figure out what it thinks is successful and what it thinks is not. I don't know what your barometer of success is because it doesn't seem to um align with progress or improvement. Um I don't know what you call going from a deficit to not going into a deficit. I don't know what you call making any type of improvements in academic um whether that's successful or not successful. We don't know what it is that the board is looking

171for as a community. What I do know that the ATA is looking for is that at some point in time we would love to have stability. At some point in time, we would love to see a plan actually go be seen through from beginning to end. We would like to see that a board is standing behind someone if they are making progress as opposed to anything personal. Now, as how that applies to this, we've been here forever. So, we've been here for the last couple of years. So, you could see that for yourself. So, speaking from the ATA, that's what it is that we are looking for. And we look towards leadership to provide role models of such. You guys have constituents and you can decide to either go with them if their uh viewpoint

172aligns with yours or you could decide to do something different. That is your decision. Everyone has their opinion based off of whether they are on the outside or the inside. But you have to make a determination as to whether what is successful to you um and what is making a decision that is not based off of those factors. So that's what we are looking for. Understood. That's a very different second tone than from than the first time. The first >> Yes, sir. >> What? Why was it ladies? I mean, let's let's not go let's not let's not go back and forth. So, go ahead and make your statement and then let's let's go. >> Sure. Well, the first >> Thank you for coming to the mic. >> Thank you. >> Oh, by the way, I

173presented facts, >> not not everything you said, sir, was factual. Not everything you said was factual. And I know that because I was here. >> Okay. So l gentlemen gentlemen gentlemen so Mr. Leon got you know he's talked to so >> that's right we can talk on the side. >> Yeah. >> Any other thing from the board? If not can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:45. >> Second. >> Leslie Quz is first. Juan Leon is second. All those in favor. >> I motion carries 6.