001Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Anvil Union Preschool District Combined Board Education Meeting January 21st, 2036. I am open to meeting at 5:41 p.m. And attendance at the meeting tonight is myself, the board president, Lisa Johnson, um my first vice president, I mean second vice president Chris Narren, trustees Leslie Preps, as well as trustee um Carol Seaw. It is anticipated that first vice president Juan Leon as well as trustee me will be attending the meeting. Also in attendance at the meeting tonight is our superintendent Dr. Dina Talbert, our assistant superintendent for construction, Larry Stevens, our director of human resources, Dr. Londal, and our inim assistant superintendent of business and finances, Mr. Snyder, as well as our legal counsel, um, John Shuing, is also in attendance at this point in time. Can I have
002a motion to enter into executive session for um particular person's employment history as well as update our grievances from the AAA and advice from council? So move >> second Carol office first Leslie Cretz is second. All those in favor I motion carries 40 is anticipated that we resume open at 7:30. Thank you for joining us. meeting January 21st, 2026. We are resuming open now at 7:47 and sorry for the um the delay in the opening. At this point in time, please note where the emergency exits are and there's no smoking on school grounds and if you can kindly silence your cell phone during the meeting will be appreciated. Please join the board of education in the pledge of allegiance. At this point in time, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Dr. Talbert. Thank
003you, President Johnson. And good evening to uh once again to our President Johnson trustees, balcony, staff, parents, and students, scholars, and members of the Amityville community. I am pleased to share several highlights from across the district. Ammonville Memorial High School recently hosted a very successful career fair for our seniors. Throughout the day, students engaged directly with professionals representing a wide range of industries. Career representatives shared their career journeys, discussed industry expectations, and answered students qu students questions. This experience provided our seniors with meaningful realworld exposure and helped them better envision their post-secary and career pathways. Recently, our eighth grade students participated in a field trip to Anne Frank. the exhibition. This powerful learning experience aligns with their curricular study of the diary of Anne Frank and supports the New York State Education Department's initiatives. At
004the elementary level, Park Elementary students explored the world of work during a field trip to Commerce Plaza in Levittown. This experience helps students make early connections between classroom learning and careers, reinforcing the importance of realworld applications. Instructionally, this this month, Miss Stevens, Dr. Kimler and I met with the high school leadership team to review progress on their action plan to build a strong culture of learning, one in which educators are encouraged to take thoughtful instructional risk. Our visit included classroom observations, a review of data, and a productive discussion of next steps to continue strengthening teaching and learning. In addition, our leadership team participated in instructional walkthroughs at Northwest Elementary School focusing on Danielson domains 2 and three classroom environment and instruction. Principles and directors engaged in a robust professional dialogue around their observations and collaboratively
005developed an action plan to support the wonderful work that is going on at Northwest. I would also like to commend our high school jazz band, which includes middle school scholars, for their outstanding performance at Monday's community hosted MLK program. Their musicianship added great meaning to the event. In other words, AMDville shined. Our student scholars performed exceptionally well. Congratulations as well to Mr. Abate who was recognized with an award for his exceptional musical leadership and service. Also, congratulations to Dr. Pauline Collins, principal of Northeast, who received a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. award this weekend in recognition of her dedication and service to the students and families of Amityville. Dr. Collins, if you're with us, would you please stand? This honor is welld deserved. And finally, region's examinations are ongoing this week at the high school
006as we support our students through testing. I want to congratulate our staff and students on notable academic gains from last year's regent exams, particularly in algebra 1, living environment, algebra 2, global history, earth science, and United States history. These improvements reflect the hard work of our students, teachers, and leaders. And last but not least, if you would like to join our community parent square group, you may do so by clicking on the link located on the homepage of our district website. Thank you. Thanks so much for joining us and for being here with us on this evening. And that concludes the superintendence report. At this time, I'll ask Miss Stevens to join me for our staff and student recognition. Tonight's recognition is one of the most favorite aspects of our work here in Amityville to
007celebrate our student scholars and our staff for going beyond the call of duty to showcase excellent role models to others. academic improvement, great character, and just making Amityville a delightful place to work and to learn. At this time, we are going to acknowledge those who have been selected by their respective buildings, and we want you to shout them out and celebrate them and make them feel really great about making Amityville a special place. At this time, Miss Stevens will do the acknowledgement. Thank you, Dr. Talbert. It is my privilege to announce the students and staff of the month. I do invite you to review the full nomination narratives on the handouts in the back of the room and join me as we honor their hard work and the positive impact they all make on our
008district. We begin tonight with our staff of the month starting at the high school. Rebecca Fhan consistently demonstrates exceptional hard work and dedication to our high school community. She goes above and beyond in supporting testing preparation, particularly in ensuring that students with special education needs and accommodations are thoughtfully and thoroughly supported. Miss Vanne is always willing to step in, assist wherever needed, and provide guidance to both staff and students. Her positive attitude, professionalism, and genuine commitment to helping others make her an invaluable member of our school staff. Congratulations, Miss Beham. There is a big check here for Miss BM. Man, From our middle school, Hyver Morales has transitioned to Miles seamlessly as a new staff member and has quickly become an invaluable part of the school community. He is a true team player who collaborates
009willingly with colleagues and consistently puts students first. Mr. Morales has built positive, meaningful relationships with both students and staff, creating a welcoming, supportive environment in his daily interactions. His dedication, flexibility, and genuine care for our students reflect the spirit and values of Miles, making him highly deserving of the staff of the month recognition. Congratulations, Mr. Morales. from the Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School. Sharon Gomez is more than a school monitor. She's a powerhouse who makes an extraordinary difference in the school community. Our students feel safe, valued, and supported each day because of her. When the bus returns a student after school, Miss Gomez handles it. When we need a float for homecoming, Miss Gomez handles it. Her work embodies our spirit. Congratulations, Miss Gomez. from the Northwest Elementary School, Axa Goolan. AXA is Northwest staff
010member of the month and she plays an instrumental role in our school community going far beyond the responsibilities of her role to ensure our students, families, and staff feel supported and valued. Whenever interpretation support is needed to communicate with a student's family, Miss Goolan hap happily steps in to assist. Her support strengthens relationships, builds trust, and helps ensure clear communication for all. Miss Goolan is truly a pleasure to work with and brings positivity and professionalism to everything she does. Congratulations, Miss Goolan from the Northeast Elementary School. Lisa Ionatada. Northeast commends Miss Ionatada for her outstanding dedication and service to the Amityville School District. Miss Ionata began her journey at Northeast as a student teacher and through commitment and excellence secured a position as a kindergarten teacher where she has continued to grow and thrive. With
011many years of experience and a strong commitment to personal and professional development, Miss Ayonata stands today as a master teacher and a leader among her peers. Congratulations, Miss Ayanata. And now for our students of the month, starting with the Ammedieval Memorial High School, Jeffrey Navarete. Jeffrey is a standout ninth grade student who is truly stepping into his role as a leader. He consistently demonstrates incredible school spirit and takes pride in being an active, positive presence in our school community. As a member of the marching band and the 9th grade class, Jeffrey shows commitment, teamwork, and responsibility both in and out of the classroom. His dedication to academics is equally impressive, as evidenced by his placement on the high honor role. Jeffrey is a wonderful asset to the school and his leadership potential continues to shine.
012Congratulations Jeffrey. from the Edmund W. Miles Middle School. Carlos Escobar. Carlos was chosen as Miles Student of the Month in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement and positive contributions to our school community. Carlos is a high achieving student who consistently demonstrates dedication to his studies, particularly in algebra 1, where he willingly tutors and supports his classmates. He is a true team player, always patient and encouraging as he helps others build confidence and understanding. Congratulations, Carlos. from the Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School. Valyriia Leonardo Sagguero. Valyria is a kind, responsible, and motivated student who always puts forth her best effort. She is an active member of the Liberty Partnerships program, which supports students through mentoring and enrichment opportunities, and she is also involved in chorus because she loves singing and music. Math is her favorite subject,
013and she enjoys challenging herself and learning new skills. Valeria is always willing to help her classmates and shows genuine care for others, making her a positive role model in our school community. Congratulations, Valeria. from the Northwest Elementary School. Josani Viegas Bastidas. Jos Frani is the student of the month. She arrived in the United States about two years ago from Venezuela and has shown incredible dedication, perseverance, and enthusiasm as she adapts to a new language, new culture, and new lifestyle. Josani gives her best every day. She plays pays close attention, participates in all activities, and consistently demonstrates a positive attitude toward learning. She is a wonderful role model for her classmates. Josani has made remarkable progress in all academic areas and continues to grow in confidence and ability. We are extremely proud of her accomplishments and
014are certain she will continue to achieve great things. She truly embodies the spirit of determination and excellence that Northwest celebrates. Congratulations, Josani. from the Northeast Elementary School. Luca Kretz Luca is a cheerful prek student who walks into the classroom each day with a bright smile. He is kind and caring, always noticing when a friend needs help or comfort. He enjoys being a little teacher and happily shows classmates how to complete an activity. He uses friendly words and makes everyone feel welcome and included. Luca is conscientious and tries his best to follow classroom rules and routines. He listens carefully during lessons and takes pride in doing his work. Luca is excited to learn and loves discovering new things each day. He eagerly participates in songs, stories, and hands-on activities. He encourages his friends and celebrates their
015successes. His kindness, responsibility, and enthusiasm make the classroom a joyful place to be. Congratulations, Luca. our athletic scholar of the month. I am so honored to share a name with this beautiful young woman, Sage Stevens. Sage was recently named one of Long Island's top 50 cheerleaders. She is also an academic allcount recipient from the Suffach County Cheerleading Association. She is president of the senior class, a member of the National Honor Society, and the Black Student Union. Congratulations, Sage. Our fine and performing arts scholar is Caleb Rivera. Caleb is a very responsible young man. He consistently helps with many of our arts related programs, including assistance with the middle school drama productions and assistance at various evening music and art events. He is highly deserving of this honor based on his classwork and participation with our
016artistic school community. Congratulations, Caleb. If if the honores could come toward the screen, we'll take a photo with the board. Thank you everyone. once again on behalf of our board of education. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for being outstanding and making wonderful contributions to the Amityville Union Tree School District. So, at this time, Mr. Snider, our interim assistant superintendent for business finance, will clearly explain how the proposed tax levy was developed. what it supports and how it aligns with the district's recent progress toward financial stability. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Snder. >> You're okay with it being right here? Okay. Not as exciting. Absolutely. on here for us. >> Yeah. >> We'll we'll let the noise dissipate and wait until we're everybody's ready. Okay. Good evening. I'd like to take the board and
017the community through the tax levy cap calculation for 2627, go into some projections for 10 years for the tax levy, and I'll go into what the data is that supports that and then briefly talk about the state aid proposal that was published by the governor yesterday. So on the screen you see the calculation for the 2627 tax cap. most of the data is in. I would say there's some minor adjustments that might occur to that 2.23% that's there. You could see that, you know, it's called a 2% cap, but it's really not properly named. One of the variables this year in calculating the tax cap was 2% on inflation, and that's where the name came from, but that data figure hasn't always been 2%. and it just happens to be I think this is the
018third or fourth year where it has been 2%. What I draw your attention to is the tax base growth factor which is part of the overall formula at 38%. It's actually a healthy indicator for the community that there was $241,000 of new tax roles that came onto the district's um levy. It's actually a healthy sign would represent new business or vacant land that gets developed and it's those properties that actually pay that percentage. It's not the rest of the community. So inherently in saying 2.23% as the levy. It's conservative because 36 of it will be picked up by those properties responsible for the growth. that wouldn't be applicable to a regular household that had nothing to do with that growth index. This is the history of taxbased growth factors for Aonyville. Going back, you can
019see it averages 38% and I use that percentage in my projections. In terms of calculating the capital exemption, which is a major part of the tax cap, I went through this with the budget advisory committee in pretty extensive detail. I'm going to keep it very overview, but if you wanted to see where the district's building aid comes from and how to calculate it, you could simply Google Avenue bill UFSD state aid. You would arrive at that screenshot and you can click on that link and it would take you to a very lengthy report that looks like that, which would give you every single construction project that the district has and what the building aid is on it. the debt for the district. The district has two major bonds out there which the taxpayers have already
020approved for. You'll see in the far right column. Those numbers also come into play in terms of the net capital exemption. And you'll notice in 2031, the debt drops off a little bit. Later on in the school year when Dr. Tala and I start talking about capital planning. That little drop will be something we'll pay attention to because it presents financing opportunities for construction. A lot of numbers here. You could look at them on your own, but this is the actual calculation for the capital exclusion. What it represents simply stated is the total debt minus the building aid because that's the portion of the construction project that the taxpayer is responsible for. So again, just looking at 2627, you come down to that bottom line number of 2.4 million. That represents what the taxpayers of
021Aonyville are responsible for in terms of construction. And it's very simply the debt less the building aid. Looking at some of the assumptions for a 10-year projection, I use 38 for taxbased growth because that is the average. inflation. I just judgmentally, you know, put those figures up there. So, you could disagree or argue with it, but I made an assumption that there would be some relief from inflation and it would drop down. I also assume that pilot payments would remain at 2.1 million. Looking at the projections, I mean, this gives you the calculation that you can look at on your own. That's the first five years. That's the remaining five years. So 10 in total. I think what's more interesting is looking at it graphically. You could see that the levy remains and we've talked
022about this when we talked about tax rates. It remains fairly stable between 2.2% dropping again in that 30 31 year down to 1.4 and again these are projections. If the growth factor changes, if inflation is different, the shape of this graph will shift a little bit. But in general, that is what you're looking at because the debt and the building aid on the current project is already known data. So we'll talk about the 3031 school year and what could possibly be done there to present a smoother tax levy if you'll allow me to use that word. Perhaps keep everything right around 2% and there could be some construction that would take place there. uh published in News Day was the governor's state aid proposal. What you see up on the screen are the exact figures
023that the governor used in her proposal. She comes down to a 6.6% increase which again it seems like every year business officials stand up here and and talk about how these numbers are misleading because right off the bat it includes UPK figures and that's grant money to the district. It's not included in the taxpayer fund. So that large increase on the second line of $667,000 doesn't belong really in the state aid proposal. They've been doing it like this for years, but that's grant funding to the district. And some of the other numbers, foundation aid and transportation aid, we're going to have to take a closer look at once the details come out. And I think in the name of conservative budgeting, we'll probably lower those numbers. So after you remove the UPK and make some
024adjustments to transportation and foundation aid, I believe when you we talk about the district's budget for state aid, it'll land more around 3% when you look at the math. Nice quick presentation questions. >> Any board members have questions? >> Yes. Uh first off, thank you for the presentation. really appreciate it. Um, you know, with with so many variables, how, you know, how how useful is it to look out 10 years figuring figuring the the uncertainty of pilots, the uncertainty of if the average of 38% growth factors is less than that? And all and also is this assuming that no other debts are added to what we currently have? >> Yes to all of those. So >> okay. So within the next 10 years if if the school district and board decide that we need to
025do a bond >> then these figures change depending on the levels. And I that is something Dr. Calber and I will be discussing >> in capital planning as part of the overall goals of the district. But you're right, those tax based growth factors, I'm keeping it at 38 because that's the average. If it's a little higher or a little lower, it would alter the look of that graph. Inflation is capped at 2%. That's the way the formula works. So I think even if it comes in a little bit below it, it likely, sir, is not going to change the shape of that graph. it would change the numbers but the overall appearance of it I think is reasonable in terms of a projection and we we being business officials are required to provide tax levy
026projection so certainly the data that I'm using is open for criticism because it's judgmental but we already know the current debt this calculation here we know how much building aid is coming over the next 10 years we know what our debt payments are. So a major portion of the tax levy calculation is known data. But your point about those other variables could be wrong or could change especially the pilot payments. I would agree with you. >> Right. And and I mean also too we have to also consider political climate. It also depends on who's in power in New York State and if that has any kind of changes on anything. If somebody changed the building aid formula, which hasn't happened, that would certainly alter these numbers. It hasn't happened yet, but you're correct. If somebody
027wanted to change that formula, that would alter these numbers dramatically. >> Okay. And then final question, can you go back to that bar graph which was in blue? Can can you just uh take me through your simulated 2030 2031 and how what factors went into that as opposed to the other ones? How did you come up with that? >> In 3031 there's a piece of debt that expires and becomes fully paid off a portion of a bond. And I believe I showed it to you right there. If you look at the far right column, the district's debt service goes from 5 million 148 to 4,622. That's what's responsible for the debt. >> I I have a quick question. um with the state aid proposal, right? The numbers and I know you put it down here
028for UPK foundation aid and transportation aid. These numbers are have increased significantly, but also could mean that it it can go down. It does not mean that we're guaranteed. These are just proposed. >> They're based on estimates that the state uses in their own formulas. Some of the estimates are based on data that the district submits, but they are based on estimates. Some of them, the transportation number, for example, we're projecting in 2627 what we're going to spend. And again, remember the large increase in the transportation bid. So we're projecting out what we're going to spend with that increase and that is what is responsible for that 24.8% increase in transportation. Our estimates could be off. The state estimates could be off. The actual costs could vary differently. We're certainly heading for an increase in
029transportation aid. We know that. But is it going to be 1 million? I would tell you in the name of conservative budgeting, and we spoke about this in terms of the surplus, I would say we should we should probably lower that number. And that would be what I would recommend to the superintendent. And the same goes for foundation aid. And >> there's a significant change with the UPK. Yeah, something to investigate why that number went up so much. We don't have the detailed runs behind the formulas and why that happened, but certainly it'll be interesting why UPK increased dramatically for us. It's a it's good news, >> right? >> It's good news for the district in terms of the services, but it doesn't really belong in the general fund taxpayer voted budget. >> Thank you.
030Any other questions or comment from the board? Go ahead. >> So the net capital exclusion is only for capital projects facil for facilities the projects for facilities and and it has nothing to do with programs or anything like that. Okay. So operation okay projects and again if you look up at that second line it says perspective on middle school project. That's the >> right >> I'm giving you my projection there on what the building aid will be on that project. So again, to trust Leon's point, I'm giving you my estimate of what the building aid will be on that project. >> Thank you. >> But it is all actual construction. >> Any other questions or comments from uh Sure. Um, thank you, Mr. Schneider. I, you know, it was quick, so I'm sitting here and
031I have some more general questions because I'm kind of going, you know, why why are we going through this and how does this relate to, you know, what we want or what or what the projected budget is going to be for 2627. 55% of the district's funding comes from the tax levy and that is >> the tax levy will go up 2.23%. >> The taxpayers have to absorb that. >> That's a major piece of what you know they're voting on. So >> I think it's appropriate to show the calculation how we arrive at 2.23%. and for me to give you a projection of what the tax levy looks like going forward because strategic planning is something the superintendent and I talk about that we can't just budget year after year in a vacuum. We have
032to sort of have an idea of how we think the tax levy is going to land. Again, I'll stand by the shape of that graph and the way it looks so there's no surprises. There's certainly estimates that we've discussed, but providing tax levy projections is something I'm required to do. >> So, I guess it just seems okay. I understand that you're required to do it. It just seems a little out of order um as far as like, you know, what our budget is this year, what do we need the budget to be next year, and then to look at this calculation. Um and then on top and the state aid, right? So 68 >> million for the tax cap, 48 million projected in the state aid. >> Yes. >> 116 million, but this year's budget
033is 120 million, right? >> Well, you round numbers. >> Yeah. So you have two major components of the revenue budget. You have the projected tax levy, >> right? >> And we have a governor's state a proposal. So again, we have to wait till April for the legislature to decide it. But uh in this presentation, you have two major factors of our funding. >> We have to design a budget that stays within that funding. And we will be talking about preliminary budget estimates likely at the um February meeting. >> Okay. So if I just can keep going then. >> Sure. So, okay, we're going to talk about our preliminary budget estimate, but we didn't talk about the potential to use some of the um unassigned fund balance that we have in excess of our 4% to
034offset the taxes. >> Correct. >> Right. We haven't talked about that yet. Um Okay. And then I thought, and I guess maybe that's why I'm also a little bit confused because I thought in January you were going to be giving us our year-end projections. >> I will be and it's >> Oh, okay. I was thinking it was part of this meeting that we would have gotten so we could have it. >> No, I mean by the end of January, absolutely. I will give you a projection on how I believe the 2526 year will end, >> whether it's a surplus or deficit. And the numbers published by the governor for 2526 was a key piece of data I was waiting on. And there's the number right there. So the governor is telling me she's projecting we'll
035get 45.5 million. That's a a major piece of data that I need to provide you that projection. >> Um okay. Okay. So because I guess I was also surprised that we didn't have a treasurer's report in this January meeting. So, we haven't seen the board has not seen the appropriations report since October then. Um, so it's just okay. I guess this is good information that it just feels like I can't really use the information right now. And I think that the board we do we should talk about what are we doing with the excess unassigned fund balance and wouldn't that require board discussion and board approval as far as where that excess of the four mill 4% which is what like $4 million if I'm remembering hands. Well, >> okay. Okay. So, this is just
036the beginning stages. >> Um and also, Madam President, to to um to add to that, too. Back in back in 20 for the 2020 2021 um school year, the board I know you weren't here. I'm just making a statement. The board of education proposed and passed a 0% tax levy and there was no $10.6 million surplus from the year before. So this is just really up for discussion. Passing a 0% tax levy is very possible. It's possible. Um other other than that I also echo the um sentiment of my fellow board member and that um in December we saw financials for October. Here we are in January. We haven't seen November, December. So we are lagging further behind. The board does not know how these funds are performing at the moment and I don't like
037that. I have November's treasury report on my desk. I'm reviewing it. >> Okay. >> It will go home shortly. December is still open. Books are still open. So, you likely won't see a December's Treasury report until again the end of February because we're typically a month behind. >> Well, as as soon as it becomes available, I I mean, I'll speak for myself. I I would appreciate seeing you. >> Any other questions or comments? Thank you, Mr. At this point in time, there will be um community input regarding board agenda items only. It's It's going to be the 15minute one. >> Hi, good evening. Thank you, Margaret Shuff. A family bill. So, thank you for the presentation on the tax levy information. and it was one probably one of the better reports I've seen laid out
038and displayed. But I do have uh commentary regarding having a 10-year outlook is a little beyond the scope that we probably need. We probably need something that's a little closer to the belt, maybe two two years, three years out, but going all this fluff, moving all the numbers out to 10 years, it's great. It's good, but it's really not necessary at this point. I think we're looking for more of a current day and where we're going to be and where we're going to land. The um question for me is to second and applaud Mr. Leon's not uh commentary regarding the zero I'm sorry I lose my voice. Excuse me about the zero tax levy. I think it's very achievable since we do have a a surplus and that really should be a really big bullet
039point that everyone should be discussing and that the community should be aware of and I just want to point that out. And regarding the superintendent report, I just wanted to ask a quick question regarding the regent exams. You said they were improving but I just there was no elaboration on that. There was no numbers of good, better or best or how however that was. It was just a general statement of improvement, but you didn't display how they were improved. I didn't I didn't understand that. Sorry. Comment and the other thing. So, I don't know if you want to respond to that. Do I just keep going? >> Okay. And um I was glad to hear in the superintendent's report that there was field trips, the AntFrank, the Commerce Park, the jazz band, all of those
040great things. That's I applaud that that happened because it was I remember we were talking budget there was no field trips what have you. I'm glad that happened. So congratulations on that. And on the agenda also I have a question is if you can define for me what a noncertified substitute teacher is. Dr. Talbert. >> Sure. A non-certified substitute teacher is one who is degreed but is not certified in a content area um by New York State Department of Education. Okay. What would possess you not you general what's what's the benefit in that? Why would you get somebody who's in the field to be a permanent sub or whatever the case may be? Why would you pick someone who's non certified >> out of scope? Yeah. Like why wouldn't you apply the subject matter to
041a sub? >> Sure. So I'll ask Mr. Lando to add on to what I'm going to say, but >> I mean I didn't convey that correctly, but >> no, we understand >> I'm trying to say why wouldn't you pick someone in the subject matter and I have one more question after that, but go >> you can you can go ahead. So, so there is a dramatic shortage of PDM substitutes everywhere and in every district and the state has allowed us now to for up to 40 days per year hire people as substitute teachers who um are not certified or licensed educators. They also extend the number of days that those people can serve if they are can serve if they are already enrolled in at least six credits of education classes. And the those that
042we tend to hire tend to be enrolled in six credits of education classes working towards a master's degree in education. >> Okay. So they're on the scope of getting there to be a teacher, a full-fledged teacher. >> We absolutely want people who are pursuing the field of education >> and um and are looking for quality substitutes. >> Okay. So treat them royally so they follow the path. That would be a good thing. And my last thing is with all the resignations and retirements that are on this agenda, is it going to be a onetoone backfill? How do you approach the back fill on the resignations and the retirees? So for some of the retirements, uh the retirees will certainly be replaced. Um, and the resignations that I'm looking at here will be replaced unless there's
043any additional commentary on that. >> The the those that are retiring during this school year will be replaced for this school year because we need them to complete the school year. >> Right. Because I didn't want to have a see a deficit in any regard. Okay. >> And and again with the approval of the board and the superintendent. However, I believe that that's the direction that they're going. um the those that are not those are the retirements at the end of the year. We need to look at staffing. We need to look at enrollments. We need to look at section sizes etc. to determine staffing needs with the superintendent, with the board, with the assistant superintendent for business. And that's a decision that that's made in putting together the entire budget. >> Okay. Thank you.
044Thank you. Any other committee input on agenda items? >> If I could just respond, I do have some of the information regarding the regions. The algebra 1 regions um increased by 2%, the living environment in regions increased by 11%. The algebra 2 regions increased by 12% and the global history by 7% and the US history by over 14%. >> That percentage over people who last time last year is it? >> Yes. From last year >> to this year. >> Just go to the mic. >> 14% 11%. >> Is that what you're saying? There's a there's a 14% increase in the amount of students that took it over last year >> in the proficiency rate. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other agenda item question? >> Um hi. Yeah, I have a couple of agenda item.
045Um I noticed that on several things on the agenda, these retroactive Um really retroactive should be like in emergency situations I on uh let me see if these pages are numbered my three 3B1 it's effective 82725 that's last year that's a whole year on um 3B5A retroactive 2125 on 3B 9 A through 9 C. These are all retroactive. 82725. Why is that? You You really shouldn't be. It It's all um if I'm allowed to to speak on it, it's all things that that had to take place. So um it wasn't like anyone missed anything or anything like that. These are all things that had to have to take place. >> Okay. Um also um several other things. So by this presentation the state aid is going up 6.6% which is great, right? The district's getting
046more money. I'm happy to see that. But I think what Mr. Snider presented is a 2 I don't have a 2.23 2.2 point. What was it? 2.23% tax increase, right? Is that what you're proposing? Is that correct? What was it? 2.23. >> I have to tell you there's a $10.6 million overage. We have more than 4% in our unassigned fund balance. That's egregious. We're not a profit for school and we're not a profit um organization. We're here to educate children and maintain our facilities. All of you should be shocked by that. I appreciate Trustee Leon talking about a 0% tax increase. You're getting more state aid. You're sitting on a huge lump of money that should be to offset any increase. This is on this is you're overburdening the taxpayers. We're not cash cows. You
047represent the taxpayers at the end of the day and the students. You are supposed to be our voice. When that comes out, I would expect six of you to come out and say, "Hold on a minute. We're not going to do that." Instead, I only heard one trustee say that and a second trustee question these things. Um, so that's upsetting. And then um I just wanted to ask one other thing about that uh about the text. I'm sorry. Let me just just Oh, okay. I ran out of time. That's fine. Um I did notice that my public um portion where I filled out the form was passed around the table, but the speaker before me, their public comment card was not passed around the table. That certainly seems biased and targeted towards me. I just
048want to point that out to anybody listening or anybody in the audience. I just note that the last speaker took the comment card back because we're not >> Chris Pville. Okay. just want to say uh two things. Okay. Um with a $10.6 million fund balance, you know, um I certainly would agree with the proposal for a 0% tax cap. >> Okay, that that would just make sense at least certainly for one year. >> And the second is how are we balancing you know I mean we have a fund balance like you know that big. Okay. And most of that should be going toward the uh students. You know, this doesn't work like an account that Chase Manhattan. Okay. I'll I'll let you guys answer that in part. >> Thank you. Any other agenda questions? >>
049So, moving on. We're going to close now. >> I I do have a question. I don't think I act Did you actually answer the question about retroactive? Why Why we're going back over a year? Um, >> you just said things had to be done, but what does that mean? >> So, go ahead. >> The one that you're referring to with the start date of February 1st, the February 1st was approved last February 29th. It's adding an end date to that particular leave. >> Okay, thank you. And what about all the other ones where like there was a it looked like a >> pay adjustments due to onetoone aids needed for special education IEP services. the employees were all appointed effective August 27th. There is a slight adjustment by half hour each uh that is being
050made at this point to make sure that we're meeting the IEP uh requirements for those students. >> But but it was retroactive by over a year, right? Wasn't it August 25? I think it was the last page if you want me to grab it. >> August 25 is >> August 25. Okay. But you're still retroacting it by like five months. Why didn't we catch that then? You were I don't think you were Were you here? I'm not even sure if you were here. >> I came in at the end of September. >> Okay. So, why wasn't that caught ahead of time? Why didn't we Why are we retroacting five months? >> I think is when it was when he came in and he realized >> Dr. Lando, you caught that. >> It's I'm going to
051call it a team effort to find him. Correct. >> Thank you, Dr. Lando, for finding that. Hi, >> just re reset it. Emily, please. >> Marggo Howard, vice president of the Amityville Teachers Association. Um, I just wanted to say thank you for rectifying the appointments for our members. Um, and for catching that, Dr. Lando. Um, I do have a question about the 0% increase for 2019 through 2021. And while I certainly don't want to discredit the efforts of anyone, um would somebody be able to elaborate to what extent that was the result of a pandemic and the fact that there were no after school activities or busing or field trips or additional expenditures during that time. >> Mr. Snder, I mean, none of us were here. We really can't speak to the facts as to
052the allocations of funding. >> Um um >> a lot of variables there that we are not really qualified to see. >> Well, I certainly think it's worth being applauded. I do think there were other variables at play. Um, my other question is about the I I keep hearing that there is a $10 million surplus, but that wasn't quite what was related in your budget proposal last time. Can you just clarify um I know we're no longer on the New York State Controllers list in terms of fiscal duress and I do think that should be applauded as well. Can you clarify typically how much of that money is placed in reserve funds to show a healthy balance for a district? Are we doing what's typical in other districts? >> I think as I >> seem to
053have an excess in reserves compared to everyone else. >> Uh no and I think we've done that presentation here in public that there was in fact a $10.6 $6 million surplus to end the 2425 year and that goes into our fund balance account and we're now up to I believe there was five in there now. And now we're at total of about 17 or 18. Again, I don't have those numbers in front of me, but the common metric used by the controller that was used to remove us from that fiscal stress list is they take the total amount of your fund balance and reserves and divide it into your expenditures and they come up with a ratio. And I presented those ratios here in public and Amityville is still in the lowest 25th percentile in
054terms of that. So I would tell you and our external auditors also agree that our reserves are underfunded and require more funding but I also acknowledge that as a board of ed decision. >> Thank you. >> I just wanted to correct one thing I said I believe I had said 0% tax cap before I meant to say tax levy. That's all. >> Thank you. Any other any other additional questions regarding agenda items only at this time? >> Yes, I'm sorry. Just one quick question. Margaret shop Bill, I can add it to my list if I need to. So on agenda item 3C-2, the change order for Seafford Plumbing and I see it says the original contra contract sum was $336,000 and I'm looking that there was a saving it looks like a savings of $45,000
055and there's a new total of $291,000. What constituted the savings of four $45,000? Was it a mistake? Was it a forethought to say maybe we don't need something and we're going to tighten the belt? What was the reason for that savings? >> Mr. Snder can elaborate on that. >> On all public construction projects, architects asked for contractors to build allowances into their bids. It's money that sits on the side to help us deal with problems on the construction sites. >> Okay. In Seafford's case, they didn't need the allowance, so they want it credited back to them. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> This is quick. I know we only have a minute. Um, I just heard you say that we're well underfunded. I have personally spoken with the New York State Controller. We have We are
056more than overfunded in our unassigned fund balance. We should only have the 4%. We're over eight% and that is coming from Ira McCracken who is a New York state controller. >> Any other questions regarding agenda items? >> Moving along. Can I have a motion for agenda item 2 A1, please? >> Motion. >> Chris Nan is first. >> Second. >> Um Carol is second. Any questions regarding this agenda item? >> Um yes, madame president. But you have a question. >> Are you? >> Um, sure. So, this is just um a question because I haven't seen this on minutes previously, but the minutes under items F, which is curriculum and instruction, Four and five, old business and new business. It says see video at at a certain time. So I I've just never seen that before. I
057for some reason I thought that board minutes should be able to stand on their own in case someone doesn't have access to a video. But um can I ask legal for their opinion on that >> um on page five? >> Right. So for the Yeah, I bet new business old business. It says see video. So the unabbridged video may be used as minutes. Uh and your policy uh provides for on a bridge that unbridgeidge video uh constituting minutes. So it it is specifically permissible under the opening. So, could I ask a follow-up question, which is I I guess this is all right if no board action was taken. But what if board action is taken? >> But there's no board action that takes place in old business and new business. If it's it's a board
058action, then we'll go we would amend the agenda to add it to the board action section of the board. >> Well, even actually even if board action was taken, it's it's permissible by law, right? So, uh, and it's consistent in the policy. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Any other questions regarding the minutes? >> Um, yes. I It's 2 A3. A motion to approve agenda item 2 A2 is amended. It's the statement doesn't is missing something there to remove. um fails one to five, but then we approve it 6. So something doesn't seem right there. Um and then also on 2C1, we modified the resolution and we approved the resolution. So I believe the resolution should be included in the agenda because it's not in the I'm sorry, this says agenda at the top
059of the page. It's saying minutes. Um, so we need to include the modified resolution in these minutes. >> I know you've told me not to that you were not going to include one of my resolutions that fails, but we really should be appro including resolutions that get passed. >> I don't think the the resolutions go in the minutes. I think it goes attached to the agendas. to your point with the change the top for the minute that needs to be changed and >> we do have some minutes. We have been approving minutes with resolutions built into the minutes um if we're passing resolutions during the meeting, right? We've talked about this multiple times like we're not going back and updating the agenda. So, right now we're not documenting what that resolution is. Um and then
060I do have that comment above too. >> All right. So we have minutes >> we can look at 3C no two A3. >> Okay. And Juan, to your point on under new business and old business, we also have been approving minutes that like at least identify the topics that were discussed under the old business, new business. Um, rather than just see the video. Um, and I thought we were kind of tagging it like see the video like one hour in because the video doesn't say 8:45. >> Okay. So, we have the note. Typically what um I think what Emry's been doing is look listening to the minutes looking at the time that it occurs and putting the time down. So we have the the notes the fact that it didn't be changed to minutes to
061a three um she can listen to again to make sure that there's nothing missing there. And then it was one in regards to the resolution to refer to. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> See and then also the old business and new business. >> Any other comments on the minutes? So, do we want to table the minutes or do we want to >> Yes. >> All right. Can I have a um can I amend the motion? Can I cancel that the last motion? Now, can I have a motion to table agenda item 2 A1, please? >> Second Maryman to table. All those in favor? I >> I. >> Motion carries 6. Okay. Have a motion for agenda item 2B1, please. >> Motion. >> Chris Ner is first. Lizzie Kretz is second. Any discussion on this
062agenda item? >> Yes, I have some discussion. Um, so thank you for bringing this. I wrote it up in the December 10th meeting. So, thank you. Um, I guess I just was questioning I'm questioning a couple things. So, when we just sort of have the principles, assistant principles, teachers, building level leaders kind of tied together like that, is that reflective of the chain of commands as well or should it be kind of like you know, does the building level leaders is that correct? Building level leaders report to teachers then reports their system. Is that intended by that how it's tied together? >> Um, no. So, when we look at building level leaders, >> it will come all the way out and go up and all the way to report to the principles >> and then
063teachers assistants would do the same and so would assistants. >> Okay. Um, when I started Thank you. So when I started looking at this, I was questioning so the home instruction lead um should that should that we didn't interview for that position. Um so this kind of brought that to my attention. Um if that should be part of our hiring committee and interview process to the board of education. The policy I believe refers to administrative positions. >> Okay. So we could So that's up to the board then I guess. >> So the home instruction coordinator >> reports to the director for pupil personnel services. >> Right. Okay. Um, I thought that when we looked at this in June, you also had um confidential secretaries on there, but is that just because this was just the
064policy version and maybe the version you brought to our meeting in June had more detail? So the meeting in June asked for the organizational chart for central office and so that entailed the cabinet. >> Okay. >> And clerical >> support personnel. >> This is the table of organization for the district districtwide. >> Okay. So when I brought it up then Thank you. So when I mentioned in December, I was hoping to see the org chart for the central office. So because I So this is fine, I guess, because we have this change, right? We you we're bringing this to us because of the director of human resources change, >> right? So the only change to this is the change in title from assistant superintendent for human resources to director and it's on the front and
065back page. >> Right. Okay. Okay, thank you. So, um I would be interested to see I guess the organizational chart for central administration that we looked at in June. Not necessarily as a board item, but you know, just Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions on this particular agenda item? >> No. All those in favor? >> I. Motion carries six um zero. Can I do agenda items 2 C one A and B 2 C 2 3 4 Oh no. I'll do 2 C 1 A and B and 2 C two all together. Is that okay? >> Yes. Can have a motion for agenda items 2 C 1 A and B and 2C2 >> second >> Carol Seoff is first Narin is second any discussion on these items seeing and hearing none all those
066in favor >> I motion carries so now we are up to um the selection of candidates for the hiring committee. So based on the responses that that we did receive, we did that. Yes, >> I did 2C1 A and B and 2C2 again. All right. So there are one, two, three, four. There are four names that are going to the hat um from the from the board previously. Um there was the board had stated that if someone was or already on a committee when we did the last time for the selection of the hiring committee that we weren't going to have them on a second committee if we're going to stick to that and that means there's only four names that would go into the hat. So, I just I just need to hear um
067the board's um >> consensus on this because the last time that we did it, if someone was on the any other committee like the CBAC committee for example, we did not put their names in the hat for the hiring committee. So, the question is, do we want to stick with what we previously did or are we going to do something different? So, I just need to know so I know what names need to go in here. >> I am open to including all five names. uh whether or not they volunteer on the CBAC. Uh we've already had volunteers pull out due to scheduling or whatever their reasons are for having to not be able to continue participation. So if somebody is willing and available to participate, I would be open to including all five names
068for consideration. I think for me personally is that if we are selecting um two additional names for tonight and we have four people that can fill the seat then um we go from those four names and then as we move forward if someone backs out and we're down to the last two people no three people then and if it's someone that's another committee then then I would say leave the name in there. So just to be consistent what we did before I just think it's only fair to remain consistent. Um, Madame President, also another idea for consideration. Um, since we have lost other members in the past for various reasons, I wouldn't be opposed to assigning two more people to fill the vacant seats than having the other three as alternates. I I would be
069open to that idea >> rather than coming back again to pull names. You mean? >> Sure. >> Right. Like, is that what you mean? >> Right. Or if one of them can't make it, but an alternate could. >> Yeah, >> I would be okay with that. I'd say like with the two alternates, whichever name gets picked first this time, they would be the first one called. >> Okay. if the alternate is needed. >> I I think that for me I would I'm fine with that. But what I'd rather do for the first time around is for those to be consistent with what the practice that we did the last time, which was if someone was already on another committee, then their name was removed from the the hiring committee process. Once we select those two
070names, then we put all the names back in, even if someone was on another committee. And then from that, we do an alternate list just to be consistent. That's just my only feeling on it. >> I I agree with you, Lisa. I think for the sake of equity and opportunity for community members, we should keep it that way. >> But we have to remember that a lot of people have bowed out. So, >> yeah, >> I kind of agree with Megan on this one a little bit. You know, that that I feel that >> if they're willing to to come on a committee and put up, you know, take their time out from work or family or whatever and want to help with interviewing, I don't see why we can't have the five and then
071leave the other three for alternates. So, that's I'm >> So, I mean, >> so I'll put all the names in the hat and the cup is Okay, we have a better bag or something better cup. >> I would recommend having our >> Should we read the names or or does it matter? We didn't tell anybody. Oh. Um, the names are um Stephanie Andrews, Diane Eglina, John McWain, um Pat Rickenbacher, and Kayla Foopa. And those are the fine five names that are going into the half. >> Just just to reiterate, if I heard you correctly, two will be selected to fill the vacant seats and the others will be held as alternates. But we'll dance. All right. So, the two that will be go tonight will be um Diane Eglina and Patricia Rick and Bacher. That's
072two people there. And then the alternate lists will be, if I heard you correctly, um, McWain, Cooper, and then Andrews. All right. So, let me just get my little sheet here. Do we have to add the alternates to the resolution, John, or is it fine? Right. So at the end um So John just for um clarification where it says whereas there are two vacant seats right for the period of January January 22nd 2026 to June 30th 2026 and that their two vacancies shall be filled by the appointment of the following individuals. So, do we we we need to add something on to here? If you can provide me with the proper language that recognizes the alternates for these positions, I would appreciate it. Right. So what I'm going to add to it um now therefore
073be resolved that the two vacant seat shall be filled by the appointment of the following individuals. Patricia Rickenbacher and Diane Eglinger. It is further resolved that the following individuals shall serve as the alternates and the first alternate is John Mwain. The second alternate is Kayla Coopra and the third alternate is Stephanie Andrews. And I have a motion for agenda item 2C3. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. That's Juan Leon is first. Chris Narren is second. All those in favor? >> I motion carries 6. And I do agenda items 2 C4 and five together. >> Yes. >> Have a motion for agenda item 2 C4. >> Motion >> and 2C5. So I got Carol Seahawk is first, Chris Narren is second. Any discussion on these items occurred in executive session. Right. So there all those in
074favor for agenda items 2C4 and 2C5. >> I motion carries 6. Okay. I have a motion for agenda item 3 A1, please. >> Motion to approve. >> Juan Leon is first. >> Second. >> Leslie Cretz is second. Any discussion on this item? Seeing in here, no discussion on the count on this uh agenda item on 3A1. Can I have a All those in favor? Agenda item 3 A1. >> I motion carries 6. Can I do agenda items 3B1 A through E and 3B2 all together or does anyone need anything done separately? Madam President, I have no objection, but I do have discussion points for A and B, but we can do it together. >> Okay, I have a motion for agenda items 3B 1 A through E and 2 3B 2A. >> So, >> Chris
075Nearing Leslie Chris discussion on this item. >> Uh, yes, Madam President. This is a question for Dr. Talbert, but it very well may be an HR question with regards to 3B 1A and 1B in structural appointment. I this might be nitpicking, but effective date. Um, it says a date and then it says or return of incumbent. So that can go either way. Uh yes. >> So >> it could go either way and that's the structure that we've discussed regarding the resolutions so that it doesn't have to return. Like to elaborate >> and employees sometimes have the opportunity or choose to return from a leave earlier, especially when it's a an FMLA leave. they have the right to do that and rather than have the board vote to terminate a leave or make another adjustment, this
076allows us to do that and inform the board of that uh via the transmit. Understood. But if we if we look at for a second in structural appointment update 3B1E 1E and you look at and you look at the effective date, the the wording is a little bit different. It says or earlier return of incumbent. I will look to make that consistent in all future board agendas. >> That's that's what I'm getting at because my my point is this. Say say we're looking at 3B1 um I'm sorry. If we're looking at for argument sake 3B1A effective date January 22nd until May 4th or return of incumbent that incumbent returns uh September or October of next school year, this covers them towards that. I I I think the spirit is if if they come earlier to
077terminate it. Yes. >> Not not to extend. I think that's the the spirit. >> That's correct. And one can expect the consistent language in the future of a terminal date no way later than the end of the school year with or earlier return of income. >> Okay. So, Madame President, now we have that corrected. Would would would it be all right to amend the agenda for 3B 1A and also 1B to be consistent with 3B1E and the wording is or earlier return of incumbent. Would that suffice only if the dates on the earlier two were extended? We have some that have indicated an earlier return which is I believe reflected in the uh backup. And so if they've already indicated a return prior to the end of the year just then they then we wouldn't
078want to have to do this. On the other hand, if someone were to extend their leave, we also wouldn't want to do it. Changing language along the lines of no later than a return of incumbent up to June 30th would be appropriate in the first two, whereas it's different in the third. and then you'll make the corrections on >> and I will keep the board informed and any person that is appointed as a leading placement there is that would be through the end of the school year we need to make determinations for next year next year which would require an additional >> there there was a language it was done this way because each situation was was different and it had to be worded this way for circumstances related to the individual in the position
079or other individuals that were covering the position. That's why it was >> I I I understand that. I just wanted I just wanted to make sure that we weren't leaving anything open-ended because it says or return which could span past days. >> Would it be more acceptable to say uh a return of incumbent by June 30th? I I think the way Mr. >> way Mr. Lando said was would would suffice if you if you would like to repeat that. So for the first two or or return of incumbent up to June 30th >> yes >> 2026. Thank all for the suggestions. >> So Madam President, I'm calling for a motion to amend the agenda. 3B 1A and 3B 1B to amend it to the effective date. We're striking out or return of incumbent and we're
080adding in Mr. Lando. >> No, the language was >> we're keeping or return incumbent up to June 30th 6:30, 2006. Okay. >> Right. So there's another motion on the table. So I'm going to resend that last motion. Have a motion to resend that last motion. That's 3B one. Just just amend it. >> Okay. Sorry about that. So >> second. >> Hold on. Wish we got the motion to amend to add language. And then where you get this as well for 3B 1 A and 3B 1B up to return of uncoverment up to June 30th, 2026. So one was first was second. So all those in favor of the motion to amend to add the language 3B 1A and 3B 1A and 3B 1B and also for agenda items 3 B 1 C D E and
0812 A. >> Motion to approve. >> So War is first, Chris second. All those in favor >> I motion carries 6. Have a motion for agenda item 3B. Well, >> yeah, we got Thank you. Have a motion. Have a motion for the amended motion of 3B 1 A and 1B as well as other items 3B 1 C D E and 2 A. >> Second Carol Seahhoff, Juan Leon. All those in favor. I motion carries 6. Can I do agenda items 3B 4 A B C 5 A 6 A and B 7 A and 8 A and B all together or does anyone need anything done separately >> together? Motion to approve. Motion to approve agenda items three B or A and B, 5 A, 6 A and B, 7 A, and 8 A and B.
082I heard Juan Leon as a first, Carol Sehoff as a second. Any discussion on any of these items? Seeing and hearing none. All those in favor? I >> I motion carries 6. And I have a motion to amend the agenda to add agenda item 3B8C, which is for the retirement of the school nurse, Margaret Brower, effective August 31st, 2026. >> Motion to approve. Second. >> Wo is first. Chris near a second. All those in favor? I >> I motion carry 6. Now can I have a motion for the agenda item 3B8C please? >> Motion to approve. >> Secondly first Chris near a second. All those in favor. >> I motion carries 6. >> Can I do agenda items 9 A through E all together or does anyone need anything done separately? >> Okay. I have
083a motion for agenda item 9A through 9E. >> Lizzie Critz is first. >> Second. >> Chris Narin is second. Any discussion on this item? >> Yes, Madam President. My question is for Dr. Talbert. Can you please explain this change? My understanding is that these are all personnel at Edwin W. Miles Middle School. This is going retroactive. Um I believe one of them to October, one to December. And they are one-on-one aids. They were previously at 6 hours being increased to 6.5 hours. Can you please explain the change? >> Yes. The change is based upon meeting the needs of the IEP of the students that they are assigned to. These particular aids work at the middle school where it is equivalent to 6.5 hours. So based on the school that you are assigned to, that could
084also um determine the hours that you work as well as the IEP requirements of the students. So this resolution is being brought back to make these individuals whole based upon the assignments that is tied to the IEPs of the students they are providing one-to-one services for. >> Okay. So Dr. Talbert, I guess my my question is this. Were we not aware that due to their IEPs and whatever the situation is that they required 6.5 hours instead of six at the beginning of the year? So initially when the aids were brought um before these particular onetoone aids should not have been a part of the listing that was originally adjusted to 6 hours. They should have remained their six and a half hours. And so this is brought back to make uh the appropriate adjustment. >>
085Thank you Dr. Talbert. And my final question just for my understanding are are we saying that they have not been working 6.5 hours and now will be working 6.5 hours or they have been working 6.5 hours but getting paid for six? I'm trying to understand it better. >> And so there is a combination of that. Um some were working six hours, some were working the 6.5 hours. When the meeting was had and the information was clear, it was determined which one should be brought back so that the modification and adjustment could take place. >> Thank you. >> Any other discussion on these items? All those in favor? >> I I motion carries 6. Can I do agenda items 3C 1 through three all together? Does anyone need anything done separately? Have a motion for agenda
086items 3 C 1 2 3 C3 please. >> Motion to approve. >> Juan Leon is first. >> Second. Um, Carol, a second. Any discussion on any of these items? >> Yeah, I know you said you did, too. >> Sure. >> Um, so I'll make it real quick with C1 health service contracts. Um, this is a thank you um to Mr. Schneider. I saw that there were invoices enclosed in there uh from other school districts. I had never seen that before. I I'm appreciative of that. Thank you for that. That's number one. Um, with C2, change order, Seafford Plumbing. Um, I know we went over this during agenda review and I just want to make sure I I understand this change order of $45,000, which I I'm going to tell you my understanding of it and
087then you can just correct me if need be. That the $45,000 was a contingency fund. That's that's my first understanding. It's a contingency fund that was not used for the project, but we are not getting that back. The company, Miss Seafford Plumbing, wants that money, but I'm not sure for what works. So, may I'm sorry, Dr. Talbert, maybe you can explain that or if you want to hand it over to someone, that's fine. Um, as I had mentioned earlier, all public construction contracts include contingencies. They're actually called allowances, but it means the same thing. In this case, Seepird's bid required them to carry $45,000 in allowances just in case there were any problems on the job. We could use the allowances to solve those problems. There were no problems on the middle school construction project.
088Seafford, unlike the rest of the other contractors, wants a credit change order so that they don't have to pay that because they honestly don't want to carry the bonding and insurance. It's really just a financial move on their part. Should we in the very near future decide to go forward with the additional work that we had discussed on the first floor, we're going to have to do another change order procedure to take the $45,000 back. Okay. So, does that answer your question? >> Uh, somewhat. So, that's that's where the confusion is. The confusion for me, it's it's essentially a credit for future work. >> It's it's money that the district never collected from them. Should we have wanted Seaffort to do work on the first floor, that $45,000 would have been used up to help
089pay for the work on the first floor. They want to be closed out to use the proper expression so that they can drop the insurance and the bonding until such time as we want to go forward with the work and then they'll have to pick it up again. I, you know, resisted it a little bit because I just, you know, it's a lot of paperwork, but, you know, the architect said, "You basically have to credit them back and should we award additional work, we will process another change order for the $45,000 on that seafood, do the plumbing work on the first floor." >> So, it's a credit to the district. >> Yeah, it's a we're not going to collect. We're not going to pay the $45,000 to Seafford. It's a credit back to them so
090that they can be closed out and dropped the insurance. And >> the $45,000 is credited back to the district. >> Yes. >> Comes off their bottom line. >> Correct. >> Okay. That's where the confusion came from. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. It's the most obvious thing. I'm sorry that >> um Well, >> it's a credit back to us. We're we're not paying that. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Not yet. But again, if we are going to proceed with the work on the first floor, we're going to have to do a positive change order and then we will be paying seer this month. >> So that's where my question lies. So I understood the credit. I understood that we weren't authorizing that work right now, but we did I mean I had asked and I
091think others on the board were also interested in renovating the first floor bathrooms that were not in the the original scope. Um, can you remind me what that change order would cost to include those bathrooms? >> I believe we have alternates for that if I remember correctly. I'd have to look at it again. >> No, it was not. It wasn't its own standalone. >> I'd have to look at it, ma'am, and report back to it. But I remember discussing this. It came up in this discussion, >> right? >> That we believe we have enough money to proceed with the first floor. we just you know >> so wouldn't it so okay so then why would we go through the paperwork process to give them back to reduce their upper limit if we think we want
092to proceed with the first four bathrooms >> because Seafford in this case does not want to carry the performance bonding and the insurance they want to drop it and then should we award to them in the summer they'll pick it back up again it's a financial move for them >> I understand it's for them. But for us, doesn't that make it more challenging? Do we have to go out to public bid again? Because if we're closing the contract with the plumber now, we can't. It's to reopen it. Wouldn't you have to go to public bid? >> No. >> Why is that? >> Because we still we would pro we would then process a positive change order. >> So you you're closing the contract. You're letting them close their bonds. If I'm explaining it correctly for
093John and for council, the reason Seafford wants this is because they don't want to carry insurance from now until July 1st when they don't have to. >> So they're they're carrying the bond is based upon 100% of the contract cost. >> Uh the 100% of the contract cost includes an allowance, right? >> So they're taking they want the allowance to come off the top. So they can reduce the cost of their bonds. >> The contract will still be open >> and available for a change order in >> Oh, the contract is remaining open. >> Yes, >> they just they're just take they're just removing the allowance at this time. >> Why is the contract remaining open? I just because it's not >> Why are we keeping the contract open? If we want to award the
094first floor work, they they still have a bid with us and we can still use them and award the work under that bid under GM 103. >> Okay. I mean, I don't I've not I don't we don't keep construction contracts open and then bring them. I just I'm having a hard time with that. How do you let them >> I'll do the I'll speak with Schneider. >> Oh, you're going to follow up on that? >> I'll follow up. So, are we approving this? Um, >> this is just this is just a credit, >> but okay. But I'm questioning is the contract still open. Then >> we still can utilize Seafford for the work in the summer. They have agreed that they want the work. >> Of course they do. We're just is that >> we're
095just gonna have to process more paperwork to bring them back in and you're going to see another change order processing a positive $45,000 for them to do the work. >> Okay. Can you just um get the change order price for just the bathrooms then? >> Yeah, >> I'll provide the board in the transmitt analysis of what that first floor >> and then just the just the first floor. >> Just the first. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Um Oh, I did have a question on the donations. I understand that there's five $20 gift cards being donated. And I was just Is that my is that the correct understanding? Okay. I was just kind of questioning how do we do that? Because I thought all the money needs to kind of come into the district and then
096out like how do you what do you do with a gift card? So I'll ask Miss Stephen to sort of explain how this is being utilized. But oftentimes we will receive donations of gift cards and they are held until they are approved and disseminated to the families or the students for the purposes therein. >> So it doesn't actually we're just holding gift cards. >> Yeah. >> No, we don't disperse until the donation >> and it's just so small money. It's just $100. So, we're not actually depositing into an account and then dispersing it. Is that No, I think Dr. Talbert pretty much covered it, but our social workers um would have access to this for families in need based on an incidental event where they might need something or continued need. They would be able
097to disperse to families discreetly. >> Okay. Okay. I guess Okay. Okay. I We have a donation policy with Okay. I guess we're It's not explicitly defined who it's going to and then who's going to figure out who it's going to and that sort of thing. Um so >> this would be dispersed through our >> thing >> pupil personnel office, >> right? who would have the confidential information as it pertains to families that are in need. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Any other discussion on these items? >> All those in favor? >> I motion carries 6. Have a motion for agenda item 3 E one through D. >> 1 A one through one D. Sorry. Second. >> Chris Naring is first. Carol Seahhoff is second. Any discussion on these items? All those in
098favor? >> I. Motion carry 6. Have a motion for agenda item 3 F1. Please. >> Motion. >> Chris Ner is first. Leslie Cretz is second. Any discussion on this item? All those in favor I >> I motion carries 6. Is there any old business that anyone wants to discuss? >> Maybe. Um okay. So I understand that um I think Chris you had brought this up in December questioning the inter mural sports roll out. Um is there an update because I don't know that families have received an update. I know maybe there was inquiries sent out as to what sports maybe their kids would be interested in but then where are we with the roll out of inter mural sports? So, a parent square notification was sent out shortly after we discussed making sure that we
099publicize it. >> And do you have an update as to where we are now that we could share? >> I don't have an update on that. Um, the parent square message did include information on who to contact for the various sports. I'm not sure what update I could help I could provide next time for you. >> Okay. Okay. I guess I'm just wondering when they're going to start. >> So, they have different start times based on the sports. Um, so the parents were a message just let you know who to contact so that you would know when meetings were being held for the interviews. >> Okay. I'm not sure if all parents know that if they have to do some other action. So maybe it rec maybe we should look into it a little bit.
100Let's make sure it's going and people are aware even if they expressed interest that you know when it might roll out. Okay. Thank you. Um okay I so I am interested in the timeline um that would make sense to if we needed to put a proposition on the ballot for the spring. Um, I know we don't have a budget when we're in the early stages of that. Um, but one item that keeps coming up or during my tenure here on the board is that we have money in the capital money funds um with projects that are just open that we never closed. Uh, and then we have projects with overruns. Um, so I thought that maybe uh Alan Yu was here and we were talking about, you know, a proposition to the voters to sort
101of clean that up in the sense that of moving money around in there to close out the historical projects and just, you know, only have like more recent active contracts open. Um, so I guess I would be interested to as a refresher, I don't need it right this minute. And I know we have a little bit of time, but just like when the board would have to decide of that proposition and um I guess the board's opinion on that. >> Okay. And nobody has an opinion right now. Um I just want I would just want to have the information refreshed for me and then I can give an opinion on it. So I I'm definitely interested in having the information what what would be on the proposition, what we would need to do. So yes,
102I am interested in getting more information. >> Okay. Okay. because it could like if there's money in there and we have an open construction contract, there is potential that you could maybe use more money now because we have >> you just showed us our debt services for 10 years. And >> it was what was it 2030 that maybe we would want to maybe consider another capital project, but there's money in the capital funds and there's issues, right? Uh we just had the there was an issue with the boiler in the high school with the gas leak recently. Uh or or whatever it was. So I don't know if it was a leak or I guess it was a leak. Um so you know maybe that's something that we should be investigating in the imminent future.
103Is there a way to handle that um through the capital money? Yeah, I would just like it. Like I said, I'm interested in getting all the information again and then that way we can make an informed decision as a board in terms of what we want on that proposition. So, yes, I am interested. >> Um, yeah, sure. >> Yep. Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to cut you off, but I have a question that's very similar to that, and it might need some uh legal guidance as well, and it goes back to the the surplus that we have, um, $10.6 6 million and I'm I'm fairly certain that that amount would be enough to fund our reserves at 4% and I do believe it could easily cover a 2% tax levy. But my question, listen,
104we can debate that, but the question really is surplus funds, they should go into a special a special account. Does that have to be with does that have to be approved by the voters and does it need to have a specific function like does it have to be to pay for something? John, can you elaborate on that a little bit? So there are different reserve funds and they they all have different requirements. Um some require voter approval. Uh some you have existing already and may be funded uh by resolution uh at the end of the school year without voter approval. U so it I my recommendation would be to look at uh that money within the context of your budget because it's it's although it it is in unassigned fund balance it's really part of
105the budget overall. Uh so uh what's going and Mr. Ste said it it's dependent on the projections for your fund balance at the end of the current school year is going to dictate what money is left for um either placement in rever in reserves or use for capital funding. So whether it whether it is capital funds that are left over from uh projects that were overfunded um or you're you're looking at uh funds in your budget that you're going to use pursuant to a transfer to capital. Uh it, you know, my recommendation to look at that at your budget overall and see uh what money you have uh for u voter approved uh uses uh that are over and above uh your base budget. Uh and typically those those resolutions, those propositions are included in
106your legal notice. So that's 45 days prior to uh the date of the election. that be included in your legal notice. >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. I'm not trying to steal your time, but I have a quick follow-up question which pertains to finances. I'll ask Dr. Talbert and if she wants to pass it off, that's fine. Um my question is this and it's because we haven't seen finance reports um past October and I think um second vice president Nearing pointed out that we were over spent in certain areas already. My question is this. Do we anticipate running a operational deficit? Meaning, do we plan on pulling from reserves to make this school year whole? That's my question. >> So, we are currently reviewing where we are with that. Um, Mr. Snider did reiterate the
107volatility of the uh finances of Amityville. Um he went back over 15 years. We are concerned about the volatility. Um there are line items that are overbudgeted. Of course, overtime in various departments being one of those. And we know that overtime was cut drastically when we were cutting the final $2 million from last year's budget. and he will be I think he did provide the board with a projection of the overtime in the transmitt as well. Um would you like to add any commentary to that? >> That I had agreed previously to provide the board with a projection for how I believe the 2526 school year will end by the end of January. And I'm working on it. As I I believe I said earlier that the state aid proposal contained a 2526 projection right
108there. That was a major component that I was waiting on. It's very early to do a projection like that. But if you recall previous public meetings I think it's necessary that we try to do a projection for 2526 to see whether we are thinking we have a deficit or thinking we have a surplus. I see codes that look like they're very healthy and then as Trusty Naring pointed out, the overtime looks like they're going to be short. What that all looks like once we add it all together and then look at all the revenue, I'm I'm not prepared to say publicly yet. >> So, yeah, I'm super interested in seeing this. I was asking for it, too, before the new year. Um the state aid that you just referenced that you got yesterday, did it
109change from what we projected when we budget we created the budget >> little bit? >> Yeah. >> How how did it change? >> I'd have to have that in front of me. But again, it doesn't also include the $2 million grant that was secured by the board. So that's not in there. So I'd have to look at it, but it never comes in exactly as budgeted. >> Is it up or down? I'd have to look at it, ma'am. In combination with the 2 million, I think our state aid is going to do very well. But without the 2 million, because that wasn't up on the screen, I'd have to look at it, man. >> Okay. Um, can you please send today's Wednesday in the Friday package? Is it okay that the board receive or can
110the board please receive the appropriations report? No, the not the projections, just an appropriations report since we haven't seen the appropriations report since October. Then >> have to see if all the accounting corrections are done. >> I can't promise it. >> Is it? Well, the board we've had these discussions and the board isn't understanding that it it's in flux. >> Um, >> you just you want appropriation status as of Friday. >> Sure. >> Just Yes. >> Yes. >> Absolutely. I didn't realize what you were asking. >> Thank you. >> Um, any other old business? So, I was talking about um the gas in the high school and I tied it to the capital project and I I in the district-wide safety plan, there's a district-wide safety team. Uh, when will that team be meeting? >>
111So, as it pertains to the high school, there was not a gas leak in the high school. Yeah, >> it was a defective part on the boiler. >> National Grid was called out and was not able to detect a gas leak. >> Um there is an emergency response team that each school has intact. Um just a few days ago we discussed reconvening those teams and checking in with the schools to see um where we are in terms of meeting recently. So that's the emergency response team. >> That's a little bit different though. But in the front of the district-wide safety plan is also a team. >> There's also >> which may have some of those same representatives >> very well could. So, when does that team meet? >> The safety teams um we'll have to
112get back to you on the dates, but um buildings should be meeting with their safety team. Those are building based teams, >> but there's board members on there, not the building level, the districtwide. >> Okay. Okay. We'll get back on that. >> Um Okay. So, I became aware um that the some of the track team traveled by the Long Island Railroad um to a meet in Manhattan and that um the notification of this travel was by a print out uh the day before. Uh, and I just, you know, I guess I was surprised um that we were allowing that um from, I guess, like a liability standpoint, just having our students travel by the Long Island Railroad, but then also just the way it was communicated. Um, so this might be something that requires followup
113as well. Um, I became aware uh from a concerned parents that there was a handout the day before. We don't have a bus, but we're still going. We're going to take the train. Um, so that was kind of surprising to me and the parent was concerned um that that was the avenue that we were taking to get the teen to the to the meet. >> Sure. will follow up on that. Um I do know that from time to time in the past teams have taken the Long Island Railroad to along with chaperones coaches. >> Sure. >> Um to various events, but we'll follow up and report back to you. >> Okay. And thank you. I >> They did have a bus on the ride back. >> Yes. Yes. I guess somehow the bus fell through
114the last minute. there was the timing that they needed to leave in order to get to to the event where there were no buses available. Um okay. Um I also had some parents reaching out to me wondering about the summer program. So, this is just kind of the time of year where parents are signing up for summer camps and just planning what are they going to do. Um, so is there a a preliminary plan as to what will be offered and when will the preliminary plan be communicated um with the community? So summer programming would depend upon funding and I am sure as of this date there's no indication of funding. Do you want to further comment on that? >> That's correct. So currently um the grants that we were using to fund summer programs
115have run out. We continue to look for other opportunities for funding. Um, we are hoping that New York State does offer some grants that will replace the ones that are ending, but there has been nothing posted that would meet the needs of our Okay. So, and we're just So, can we do anything without a grant? Because I think that our community and our think we need the offerings for the summer. Uh, is it scope? Is it I don't know is it partial can parents pay I mean do other districts pay for contribute to the summer program is there how can we do this how can we think creatively I guess to ensure that we can offer something in the absence of maybe not obtaining a grant. So there are services like scope that are uh
116parents would have to pay something for those services. Yeah, >> we have looked into those before. Um we can look into that again for summer. Um and see where we are. >> Okay. Yeah, that would be great. I think it's I think it's a need. Um, so and that like I said, you know, everyone starts planning now what to do and is there going to be anything offered through the district is a big question mark and being that it begins after July 1. Um, it's based on budgeting for us right now and we heard Snider say we're not quite sure exactly where we're going to land. So maybe after the projection is done and we have a better sense um we can begin to move forward a little bit and see where we may land.
117>> Right. >> But he's holding our hands really tight. >> So no I know I and listen I get it like it's in flux right but it just so that we see it too and we can better understand what the flux is uh and not feel surprised. Um I the clerk time sheets. Um Lisa, thank you for uploading them. Um I did sort of question there was two things just like rolling over the time and then was there a recommend are we allowed to discuss this or yes or no? It's a time sheet about the time sheet. >> Well, it's just want to make sure. >> I mean, it's done planning history time sheets. >> Okay. Tracking. I Yeah, I'm just It's just the tracking. >> Yeah. >> Um and then I just I don't
118know if you've seen them, John, but just to see how we're um carrying time from time sheet to time sheet. And then um I think I don't know remember which firm it was but there was a recommendation to have two signatures I believe on time sheets. Am I mistaken? >> So uh for the district clerk the district clerk is an employee of the board. >> Okay. So that would be up to >> So it it would there's typically just just one. >> Okay. So it's different because different because it there's there's no direct supervisor and then a check >> because you're the board and you're the you're the top. >> So there's really just one. >> Okay. Um so I would I guess appreciate you taking a look at where they stand. Um and I
119think that the high school senior class trip bus is something that is going to remain open for right now. But if they the is the board going to consider will the board need to be involved if funding is needed to help finalize the senior class trip. So I think that does go back to the conversation about supporting school clubs and how will we do that equitably based on the needs. Um, if a club is asking for money to be contributed that they did not raise, I think it would be wise for us to discuss it and perhaps have a board decision as to >> board vote on okay. >> It may not be necessary. I'm not sure John but uh while we are in transition on where we're going to stand with that >> also
120your the policy on this 4531 provides for travel dependent on the event. Mhm. >> So whatever the event is uh would have to fall within the classification under that policy and that policy obviously delegates that to the superintendent of schools. Um, but the board could always look at that policy if they wanted to change the policy and have the the board determining the amounts or putting some equity criteria into the policy. Presently, it's delegated to the superintendent of schools. >> Okay. Thank you. So that's within the concerns of the budget, right? Because this is a this is a a budget item, >> right? Right. Sure. Um, thank you. So, and that's the same policy that we have earmarked for the policy meeting on Monday 4531. >> Yeah. >> I don't think that policy that policy
121speaks of overnight. Correct. This trip would not be overnight. Am I correct? >> Oh, it's only overnight that policy covers. >> Well, maybe we'll still just take a look at it. >> Well, I thought travel. >> Okay. Well, we we'll we'll take another look then. >> Sure. Can I just ask a quick follow-up question? Has Has anyone had any discussion with the cost of transportation for this senior class trip? Does anybody know? Is it 3,000? Is it something else? >> They don't know whether they're going to Kalahari. >> Right. So, we did share with the board the original uh quote was closer to 5,000. >> What? >> I don't know. Leslie's confused. No, it was um in in news and notes, we got information that it was roughly about $5,000 for California. >> Right. Right.
122As as of right now, they were looking at Kalahari. >> Right. But as of right now, that's what they're trying. >> Right. Right now, that's what we're looking at. That was the approximate cost, but if it can't take place, then they'll be looking at a different location. The cost of the bus may be different. >> Okay. Thank you. Another quick question. Have Have we funded this trip before? Is there a precedence for this? >> I think Miss Steven said that um two years ago there was some assistance provided for busing. >> Okay. So again, that has to go into the bigger scope of equity. Okay. >> Any other old business and new business? Anyone else? >> You're welcome. At this point in time, um, community input on non-aggenda items only. Um, we just need to
123reset. Log back in again. Just give us one second so we can log back in again, please. just and we just reset um the top one back to three and we're going to be working from the bottom one up to 30. Yep. Thank you. Go ahead. Hi, I just have several things. Wendy Canestra, um the hiring committee, I heard the discussion. I was glad to see that everybody was thrown in. I know there was discussion that you wanted to preclude people that were on the budget committee, but on your application to the community, there was nothing that precluded anybody from another committee. So, that was very arbitrary. I think you need to be aware of that. But again, the outcome I'm glad you worked that out. Was the AAA contract settled. >> Can you stop
124it when I'm asking a question? >> Just hold on a second. Um >> cuz now I lost a bunch of seconds. >> I'm I'm watch I'm watching the time as well. So, >> okay. Because it keeps going back. >> I I know, but I watch it and then I make sure if it goes off I give people a little bit more time. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, um is that >> AAA contract settled? Um, then why were all the administrators leaving when they're required to be here at board meetings? >> You want to hold them? We just wait for that. It's up to you if you want to hold. We can we can wait stand for the questions. I'm to answer the questions that way. >> But sometimes you lose the questions I'm asking
125or other people are. >> Would you like me to continue? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um I actually heard about that track um meet also um in speaking to several parents and there was no permission slip and the flyer sent home to parents did not it was not on district letter head that is a tremendous liability to the district um I hope you do look into that that is not proper lastly I just want to talk to the board members everybody in general you have no treasures report no appropriation appropriation status report generated. It takes one click of a button to have real time appropriation status report. I really I'm guessing you don't really maybe understand the role. You are fiduciaries. You are stewards of the taxpayers's money. You took an o an oath for New
126York State Constitution. You are required to know the finances. You're required. That's your job. you I remember Mr. Daring said about the overspending overtime. It was great that he pointed that out. You have no idea of what's going on in your budget. I was on the board last year and we were two months behind on appropriation status reports. Perhaps if we got them in real time, we would have been able to catch that there was so much under spending. Think about this. Three months and you don't have appropriation status. You represent every single taxpayer. That's your job. And this is unacceptable. You don't have a treasures report. When the when a when the state controller comes into a school district and they do an audit, I don't know if you're aware of this. They usually
127interview the board president. I was a president in my past district. One of the very first questions they ask is, "Are you receiving your treasurer's report and all that information monthly?" The answer is no. And I'm going to do y'all a favor and I'm going to let the controller know that you're not getting it. It's a huge violation. Know your rights and do your jobs and protect the taxpayers. Um, let me just see anything else. Oh, and by the way, the fact that the word word deficit is coming up is crazy. You are sitting on $10.6 million and there may be a deficit at the end of the year. Get your financials, okay? And um that's really it. I mean, guys, I hope you're searching for a new um business official. Thank you. >> Thank
128you. Any other non-aggenda items? >> Good evening. Nikia Wolf, uh Emityville Teachers Association President. Uh first and foremost, um happy new year. Seems like it's been a while. Uh hopefully everybody is doing okay. Um definitely hoping that when we return back for a new year, for the second half of the year, um that we would have uh some more positivity. This actually hasn't been too bad as it relates to the board. We've been nice to each other, so that's nice. Um, I would like to say thank you for the fact that we had uh the board made a decision upon the recommendation of the uh superintendent to um provide um additional time for an employee to uh prove that the uh faith that the district had in them is going to be warranted and giving
129them an opportunity to um extend their probationary appointment. This is not something that is taken lightly. Um the not only is the uh person appreciative but also the district is um it's one of the mechanisms that it is that you have where it is that you can see the potential value in someone um and give them the opportunity to make corrective action. So um I want to thank you guys for that opportunity. Um the other piece is is that there are some issues that you tend to run into due to a lack of institutional knowledge. Um and that is further impacted by transiency. A decision had been made by uh by the board at some point in time relative to the status of the superintendent of schools. I don't know what your plans are completely
130and totally obviously your decision. Uh but at some point in time you need to make a move because every single staff member whether it's a teacher or anybody else who is impacted by that they need to know how it is that we are moving forward. We're hoping that we can finally get to a point um irrespective of your decision um that we can get some stability here because that's something that we need. Constantly making these changes is what has led us to the position that we've been in. So, uh, I I'm hoping that you are in the process of making some form of decision because our our district has an opportunity to move forward. Um, and this is just something that could potentially derail us. Um, if you know, depending on what decision you're making,
131also not knowing how that could potentially impact the rest of your sitting cabinet. Uh, thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions on input on non-aggenda items? >> Good evening, Caroline Fanning. I have a question. Um, the conversation that the board was having about state aid projections and whether they're up or down, I'm not sure if I heard correctly, but I thought I heard business officials say with the 2 million um, it could be very good. Am I Did I hear that correctly? And should I interpret that to mean that we're hoping for another two million for a third year? No. >> No. Mr. Shotty, would you like to clarify what you said >> for 2526? The projections on the screen did not include the $2 million. >> Okay. So, I misheard. Um, thanks for
132the clarification. And then regarding the uh 10 million surplus, for the past three years, the district has spent rough roughly $700,000 in interest on tax anticipation notices notes. And these are short-term payday loans that districts take out when they're having cash flow issues. So my question is, now that we're suddenly flushed with cash, can a district find a way to apply some of that surplus to the budget so that we are not paying interest on payday loans, 700,000 superintendent, multiple administrators. It just seems crazy to me that a district that suddenly has all this cash is, you know, acting like a cash strapped and paying handsomely for it. >> So, it's it's a question that we have on them that if they're able to respond, then I'll I'll have them respond. Um, so if not,
133we can always get back because I have your question here. >> I'll take a response off the cuff. Doesn't have to be official. >> The district decreased their tan borrowing this year. I think it went from 25 down to 16 because of the surplus. >> But I I would love to avoid tans alto together, but that's out of the district's control. That's just the way Suffach County pays us our tax levels. >> Yeah. But the district controls how it alloc how it spends the funding through the year. You know, twice a year you get your CAN's money. So you have to, you know, structure your spending accordingly. I received all the TAN funding once when I borrow it and this year we borrowed less because we had a surplus. >> But I'm saying get yourself
134into a position where you don't need tans at all. >> So you don't have to pay interest on it. You suddenly have an extra 4 million to play with. >> I don't know if any I don't know if any district goes without a can in Sepan. >> When I was on the board, I did ask around and they do exist. I know plenty of districts have them, but there are also districts that don't. And I would add to this that three years ago, our TAN's interest was um $425,000. So, we've not doubled it, but almost doubled it um in recent history. So, >> I would I would say that's caused by the fiscal position which I presented here. When you have 15% fund balance and reserves as a percentage of your budget, your cash flow
135in September and October is going to be tight enough that you can't avoid having a tenant. >> Well, we have more money now to play with. >> We do. >> Thank you. >> Can I just clarify? you said. So I that was the first time I heard that um that we reduced our borrowing from 25 million to 16 million after the surplus came to fruition. Is that >> okay? I didn't >> borrow less >> on the tan for 2526 than we did for 2425. >> Thank you. Nope, not today. Not this time. Thank you. Hi, Morgan Chuck. A familyville. Um, I'd like to know what the status is and has an RFP gone out for any search firms in obtaining a new superintendent search? No. What's your timeline for that? The board has not decided.
136>> Okay. Well, hitting February. I I would think that would be on the top of the list to get moving on that because we all know that things lag around here and um a lot of this budget stuff is getting kind of uh muddy to say the least with regard to uh it's it's it's simple budgeting. You have money, you spend it to pay the bills. It's like a normal household. I bring up this whole regular household thing all the time when it comes to budgeting. If you have bills to pay, you pay them. If it's if it's causing a problem monthly or whatever, you try to get rid of the worst offenders. What uh this previous speaker just spoke about makes absolutely perfect sense. And to say that you every school budget has a
137those loans and such, it makes no sense whatsoever. And a lot of the projections, everything else, just stick with the plan. stick with maybe a two-year lookout and get it right. Stop all the fluff. It's messy. It's distraction and it's too much. Just get to the bottom of the numbers and get it right. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions or comments on non-aggenda items? >> I just realized I didn't get an answer to my question. If the AAA contract was settled, why are the administrators leaving if they're required to be at a board meeting? Administrators are required to attend one board meeting a month and they are to remain until 900 p.m. The contract says till 9:00 p.m. There's no contractual obligation of time. Administrators usually stay till a full board meeting in
138districts. I mean we're really loosening the controls. Um, every district does not have a TANS, so everybody understands that. And also with this like 10-year projection, I hope you guys realize it's just a distraction of what's going on now. 10 years. I mean, what is going on, guys? I I really hope you're paying attention. I do appreciate um the board members that are pushing and are trying to be transparent with things, but I have to tell you um the board voted to not extend the superintendent's contract. You are obligated to search for a new superintendent. There's been nothing from that. The community is expecting that. That happened in June. I mean, this seems intentional to try and push this off as a waiting game to say, "Oh, there's no time. You uh you know, Dr.
139Talbert, I appreciate your time here. Um you're a nice woman, but uh you know, the district has to go in a different direction. The uh the that you have 10.6 million, you should definitely give it back to the taxpayers by lowering the levy to a zero. And how about investing it in students? How about giving them support? How about giving them enrichment? We never talk about students. Wouldn't that be nice? Thank you. Any other non-aggenda items? Seeing and hearing none. And I have a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:19. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Chris is first. Carol Seahhawk is second. All those in favor? I thank you for coming out.