001Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Adamville Union Free School District um Board of Education special meeting. Today's date is August 25th and I'm calling the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m. And the team to meet tonight is myself, President Lisa Johnson, first vice president Juan Leon, second vice president Chris Nering, as well as our trustee Megan Nesman. Our two trustees Harold Seabhawk and Leslie Cret will not be in attendance tonight. Also present our meeting tonight is our superintendent Dr. Kina Talbert, our assistant superintendent for curricular instruction, Mary Stevens, and our interim assistant superintendent for finance and operations, Mr. Snider, and also legal, um, John Sheing is here as well. Can I have a motion at 5:38 p.m. to enter into executive session for advice from legal counsel and any updates regarding the litigation?
002>> Yes. negotiations >> triple A >> with triple A. >> All right. So advice for legal counsel regarding fund history and update regarding negotiations for AA was first second. All those in favor I motion carries 4. We resume open at 7 p.m. Thank you for joining us for the open session. Good evening. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Amityville Union Free School District special session monthly meeting agenda. And today's date is August 25th, 2025. I'm calling the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Um, please note the emergency exits closest to where you are sitting. There's no smoking on school grounds. And please silence your cell phone doing the business of the board. And please join us in the pledge of allegiance. Dr. Telber, I'm going to turn the meeting over to you.
003Sure. Thank you, President Johnson. And good evening, Board of Education and community, faculty, and staff. Tonight during our special session, we will bring to you an update on the Covert bus configuration plan. As you know, the covert project on Merit Road will alter traffic patterns that will impact the Amityville Memorial High School. This will certainly impact the arrival and dismissal. Tonight we have our transportation coordinator who has been working most diligently with the high school principal and other accompanying members to present tonight's plan as to how we will configure transportation during the covert project period. So without further ado, I welcome Mr. Nathaniel Spence. Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> All right. So, we're going to quickly go over the Culvert plan for the high school. The covert project is going to alter the
004traffic pattern at the high school both during the arrival and the dismissal dismissal periods. We're going to have about 20 buses affected and also parent and pickup and drop off are going to be affected. To maintain reliable service, we're going to send 10 buses out of East Lake Drive through the back section by the uh football field. They're going to be able to use that during the uh morning and the afternoon period to avoid Merrick Road and the tightness that we're seeing in the Culver project area and to maintain student and staff safety. We're going to alter the traffic pattern at the high school which we've been working with uh the department of transportation, the principles at the high school and also Mr. Galina has been quite integral in getting this process done. So, we're
005going to have 10 buses go. You'll see in the north area, that's where East Lake Drive is. Uh, we're only able to use East Lake Drive because there are planters in that area. Um, we don't have to move the planters to be able to get in and out of there successfully. So, and excuse me, and then we're going to send another 10 buses out via Merrick Road. Uh some people had asked if we could use Bay View to have the buses enter and exit and we're not able to do that and I'll show you why on this next map. If you look on the south side where the circle is, it's a quite tight what would be a lefthand turn into the bus parking lot and buses cannot uh make that turn. They also would
006have a difficulty getting through the Bay View exit because it's really only designed to fit cars. So, in the morning, we generally see people arriving between 6:45 to 7:15. Like I said, the buses that serve the northern section of the district are going to use East Lake Drive and parents are going to arrive via Merrick Road to drop off in the designated areas. In the afternoon, from approximately 1:40 to 2:10, we have the same. The buses would exit via East Lake Drive to do the northern sections of the district and parents would arrive via Merrick Road to pick up in the afternoon and we'll send 10 buses out the Merrick Road exit to try to distribute them evenly. The logistics of this, the buses on East Lake Drive will be asked to operate at a
007reduced speed and be courteous in that area. We're going to be open to any feedback that the residents have. And as I said before, the planters do not have to be moved for the bus to be able to fit through there. We have le letters scheduled to go out by the end of the week. I wanted to try to do it this afternoon, but we have a lot of bus routing stuff that still needs to be tightened up, but they will be out in the next few days to the village residents, informing them of the plan that was approved by the village. This is going to remain in effect until the Colbert plan concludes, and we will adjust this as needed. Um, I'm going to be down there quite a bit. The first two weeks
008of school, they're going to have a DOT traffic representative there that's going to be uh having a flag person as well. So, they're going to be quite open to making sure that the students and the traffic in that area during those times are safe. As I said, we're adjusting the traffic plan. Uh, and the easiest way for me to show that to you is just to go on the map here. So, the east exit is actually on the top. The west exit is on the bottom. As you'll see, the west exit is where the traffic light is. Anybody that enters via that west exit, that is a parent picking up or dropping off will be required to do a oneway through the back of the building. and everybody's going to exit out of Bay View,
009which now has a designated right and lefthand turn instead of two-way traffic with this configuration. If you enter off of the east exit by where 7-Eleven is, you'll continue straight through the back. We do not want anybody other than staff and buses exiting back to Merrick Road. We're going to send out a parent square communication. And in this communication, we're going to be making a video to help people facilitate how to use the um pickup and drop off areas that we've designated and the new one-way traffic. And as always, this is going to take patience and cooperation from everyone. And please remember to give yourself extra time if you're picking up or dropping off at the high school. And this plan is going to ensure that we keep our students safe and we keep our
010staff safe and we keep all of the traffic in a safe configuration. Are there any questions? >> I do have one question. So when the buses come through East Lake Drive, right? So they come through, they drop the kids off, how will they depart? Are they going to circle around and go back out East Lake Drive? Yes, that is correct. They'll circle back around and they will exit back out. There will be a designated set that goes through the East Lake Drive and a designated set that will go through Merrick Drive. >> So, if I recall correctly, when the buses come in, there's a mechanism for the kind of for them to turn around. So, they'll be not turn around, but like make a kind of make a circle. >> We've checked it. It's tight,
011but we have a way to get the buses out of there safely and securely. >> All right. So when the buses are coming in from BA from Merrick Road, they're going to be making that same turnaround as well, but going well 10 buses will turn around and go out Merrick Road. The other 10 will turn and go um out East Drive. >> Yes, that is correct. So if you look on the map on the lower area, you can kind of see the small yellow circle with the crosshatch hatches. But go ahead. >> I can't see it. Okay. Thank Thank you. >> So, that's the area that the buses generally use to turn around. It's the same spacing down below. It's just going to take a little bit of logistics to get it right, but we
012will get it right. >> And how I know sometimes there's parking that that occurs in that that area as well. That's going to that's been taken into account. It's not going to affect the turnaround of the bus. It's definitely going to be a work in progress, but I assure you I will be down there every day until we get it right. >> Okay. And I think if I heard you correctly, so far the residents are not aware of this this taking place. The village has not informed them or anything. >> The village has approved the plan for the school district and they've asked us to provide letters stating the plan. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other board members have questions? >> Go ahead. >> Thank you. Mr. Spence, can you just show to the board
013and to the public where these planters are located on um East Lake and West Lake Drive? >> You might have to go up to the screen. Sorry. >> Yeah, no problem. >> You can bring the mic with you. It's >> maybe if you use your shadow. >> There we go. >> Okay. >> All right. So, the planters are right here. >> Okay. So, so there's no restricted access at all. It is full access from the east and west lake. >> That is correct. >> Excellent. So my my second question is this that there's complete access because >> you said from the east and what >> east and west lake. >> Oh, excuse me. No, I'm sorry. It's only accessible via east lake. The west lake part is blocked by the planters >> by the Okay.
014So it's blocked by >> the planters are just preventing from making a full circle around the lake. >> Okay. So is that going to be sufficient for our needs? >> For what we're sending through there now? I I would say yes. >> Okay. So, we're having buses come in and also turn around and go out the same way. >> Mhm. >> Yes, that is correct. >> Is there a possibility that buses coming in and going out are going to go across one another? >> They've all been instructed to make sure that they give themselves space and we know that it's going to be a little bit tight, but it is workable. >> Okay. Are there any issues that you're aware of with EMS? I know that as a district, we had a conversation a while
015ago that um that properties that are adjacent to the school district can't cut off road access. Um are there any issues with EMS getting in here with with uh with restricted access? Uh when we did talk to the village and some of the DOT representatives, one of the things that they suggested was during the school times if we did have an issue and we saw that that we could use emergency vehicles to come in through the back section of East Lake Drive, >> right? I don't think we need permission. I think we would just do that. Um okay. So, is is there a reason why is there any objection to the planters also being removed so that there could be full access? >> I could look into that >> at least at least temporarily just
016because I can picture buses coming in, buses going out, it's already a tight spot there. If if the buses coming in can come down uh one road and then exiting out the other road, I think would make a lot more sense. There is enough room for two vehicles to fit through there safely on the actual street itself. >> But I think Nate would one saying is like why are the buses that are coming off Merrick? Why why did did you look at them leaving East Lake rather than turning around in the parking lot? >> I'm trying to understand what you're saying. >> So you're saying like if they're coming off of Merrick Road now you're having them turn around in the parking lot to go back out Merrick. The ones in the ones that come
017in via Merrick Road will leave via Merrick Road. >> Right. Did you look at them going out East Lake Drive? >> So we were asked by the village to restrict the amount of buses going through there. That's why we changed it to 10 and 10 instead of >> 10 and 10, right? Like so you would have the 10 coming down East Lake go out Merrick and then the 10 coming off Merrick go out East Lake so that they're not turning around in the parking lot. Did you look at that? >> I I >> Is that going to complicate your routing? >> So, the way the buses pull in, they are still able to access the way that they get out via East Lake Drive without having to do a huge circle. >> Okay. >> So,
018I I would say let's let's see what happens. But I understand what you're saying. You're adding >> Yeah, I see what you're saying. You're saying come in from there and just go out East Lake. Yeah, that makes sense >> because they already have to turn around in that back lot to go to the traffic light already with the existing pattern. So, what they do? >> I see. >> Okay. So, they were already turning around. You're saying >> when the buses come in now, they come in this way and then they park diagonally and then when they leave, they have to swing back around and go down this way. So instead of swinging back around and going this way, those 10 buses will go out East Lake Drive. >> Excellent. So I I guess my my
019point is this. We have regularly used the back end the back exit already without a road project. So the plan right now really in my opinion is not providing relief in any sense because we always have the back open and we're always able to use it. in in my first year here, it has not been open at all. We don't use that to exit. >> It it's been it's been closed for a number of years. It's it's been accessible for emergency situations. And we used to be able to use both um the east and west drive, but for a number of years um both have been closed. But recently there's always been the ability in emergency that the pillars could come up and emergency vehicles can come in and out as well as buses and
020whatnot. >> Yeah. >> Right. I guess my point is in in an emergency I don't want to be pulling up pillars I guess. But my my other question is this. You spoke that you spoke of a flag person being on Merrick Road >> for the first two weeks. Yes. >> For the first two weeks. They're going to evaluate it for the first two weeks and to see if the need will be continued and if it is needed to be continued, the village has a plan to possibly bring a crossing guard down there. >> That was going to be my question. Has there been a discussion for a crossing guard? >> Yes. >> Is it happening? >> Not right now. We're going to observe the need and see if it's necessary for the first two weeks.
021>> Very good. >> I have some I have some more questions. >> Okay. Go ahead. And Chris, >> thank you, Nate. I um >> No problem. >> Every time you went to the next slide, you had my question covered, so I appreciate that. Um how I don't remember you saying how long the project was. I think I know, but could you just state it? >> About a year and a half to two years. >> A year and a half to two years. Thank you. Um the notices for the residents, super important. Um are you going to include your contact information? I guess >> yes, that's all on there. and if they have any issues, they're welcome to give me a call immediately. >> Okay. Uh the Walker safety, uh like Juan just spoke to, um
022I was wondering about the $40,000 that I guess New York State DOT is going to be giving us $40,000 in exchange for the use of our side. What I forget what the agreement was because of Go ahead. They're providing us with 43,000 to purchase that slice of land that they claimed under eminent domain. And we're waiting on the county's board approval of that and then it goes to the town and then the check will be cut. They're still estimating the end of September. >> And that's like right at the entrance at Merrick Road, that slice of land. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um, okay. So, that is in my mind because we're talking about potentially the need for a crossing guard or maybe something. We'll see what might be needed. Um, and as far as DOT,
023because I was in the health and safety committee meetings and we had DOT there a few times. Um, and this came up and at first the village was resistant to opening East Lake Drive. So, I'm glad that that's all of a sudden changed. Um, have you spoken to DOT about the timing of the light, the turning light at uh, Riverside and Merrick Road, >> or is there any adjustments that could be done to the light there to help ease the flow of traffic as well? >> I believe the flag person is being put in place for the first two weeks so they can do that traffic control observation >> to see what they need to do to change the timing of the light. >> Okay. because you had done that over at the middle school
024which was very helpful as well. >> Okay, thank you. >> No problem >> Chris. >> Uh two questions. Um will there be any control mechanism on Lake Drive to prevent parents from dropping off there or pulling into the parking lot? >> So the only preventative measure would be having security or someone like myself there trying to enforce the rules. Miss Rodriguez is absolutely f ph phenomenal down at that building. She's out there with a whistle and she's trying to get people to do the right thing. But unfortunately what we see with traffic safety is you get about 95% compliance and then 5% of the people just avoid that. >> So we have coordinated with security to have a security placed at the entry gate from East Lake. >> Okay. Thank you. And my other question,
025um, for the students that are entering on the east side of the building, this is probably more for Dr. Talbert, what entrance are they coming through? Because I know the students that getting dropped off and on the bus and enter through the um cafeteria. So, what door are the other students going through? >> So, Nate, can you go back to the slide on the east side? There's a a oneway on the east side. So, as the parents bring the students in from Merrick Road on the east side of the building, there's an entrance >> right where the red dot is. That's where the principles are asking that side to be dropped off and picked up at. >> Isn't that a garage for maintenance? Um, it's far enough down that we felt it would prevent people
026from backing up on Merrick Road because what we see is when people pull in, sometimes they don't want to pull out right away. They're watching their kids get to the door and we wanted enough wiggle room to make sure that we weren't going all the way out. Um, and there will be a person stationed there directing them to walk to the front of the building. >> So, they're going to go to the main entrance of the building. um >> in the front >> that I don't remember the specifics of I it was either the side up here. >> My understanding is it is the side. We'll certainly clarify that but conversations was entry would be on at the side uh entrance >> by the athletic office. >> Yes, that is correct. >> And then we'll
027have a station set up for the pouches. >> Yes. All of that is being coordinated. All right. That's all. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you so much. >> Um, it's unrelated to the Cobert project, but since Nate is here, can I ask another question about transportation? >> Go ahead. >> Okay. Um, I had um a community member reach out about St. Martin's busing. Um, you know, they're not exactly thrilled and I'm sure you're hearing that as well. There's a lot of different situations that we've had to try to enforce this year that are completely different that we've had to enforce before. So, >> right, >> we've been fielding a lot of phone calls. >> Okay. And when we were talking about this months ago, um correcting the mileage uh for those younger
028students, I guess, or the older students really at St. Martins's, um we did toss around maybe a central pickup point. Um, is that something that was further considered? >> I think for the St. Martin situation, we're not able to do that because it doesn't meet the criteria for a central pickup point >> because it's so close in proximity. >> Exactly. Yes. >> Okay. So, when we were talking about Luhigh and those other schools, >> that's because they were be over that mileage and we would have to find a central spot that's within the 17 miles now. >> Okay. And then are we doing that just out of curiosity for those beyond 17? >> Luckily everybody everybody has been within the 17 mile distance and has had to go to a central pickup point. >> Okay.
029And then how many do you know roughly how many students ended up partaking in that beyond 15 mile? >> It was around 40 of them if not a little bit more. Off the top of my head. >> Okay. Understood. So off the top of your head. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> My pleasure. >> All right. So before we go to All right. So at this point, any committee input regarding board agenda items only? So, Marian, if you could just come off the um PowerPoint. All right. So, if there's no committee input regarding board agenda items only, I'm going to move forward. Can I have a motion for agenda item 2C1, please? >> Motion. >> Second. Chris N is first, Megan Bestman is second. Any questions regarding this agenda item? >> I don't
030have any questions, but um this came about because there were some five or so appointment um participants on the budget advisory committee last year that hadn't been reached before our previous meeting. So, this was one additional volunteer that was accepting to continue. That's my understanding. Is that correct? >> Correct. Yeah, that's correct. Thank you. >> All those in favor? >> I motion carries 4 Z. Can I have a motion for agenda item 2 C2, please? >> Motion. Megan Westman is first. I need a second. Someone >> second. >> Well, we own a second. Any questions regarding this agenda item? >> Um, I don't have any questions. Um, but we haven't had a chance to talk about it yet. Um, so with the vacancy of the board, um, that we have the option to hold a
031special election and I am particularly interested to do so so that the community has the opportunity to weigh in on who they'd like to see representing them on the board of education. Um, when I requested the resolution be drawn up, I was particularly interested in the timeline. Um, and John, I I know you had provided like a detailed timeline about the posting in the newspaper. It's all very similar to a regular May election. Um, is there any sensitivity to how quickly we would have to say, you know, is it 90 days from July 25th or whichever day it was that Caroline had submitted her resignation? Yeah, I believe it was the 27th actually. Yes, it would be 90 days from uh the 27th of July. >> Okay. So, that's what I hadn't really fully confirmed.
032>> Monday 28th. >> So, we would have to this process would start like next week. So, uh, the timeline would have to back out from 90 days, 45 days for, um, that's for advertisement of the legal notice. Uh, so that's a that's a 45day time period, uh, for the legal notice. Can I >> speak a little bit more into the mic? Thank And then uh there are other timelines in terms of nominating petitions and um other the timelines are all sort of like a waterfall. >> Right. Right. Right. I guess I just um it seems like we would have to do it like now or not at all. Uh just make the decision because 90 days is upon will be upon us. 45 days. >> There's a lot involved. Yes. There's the the notice, the
033advertisement of the notice, uh hiring poll watchers, um >> creating the ballots. It's Yeah, it's >> Yeah, it's everything that goes with Yep. Um and then just to clarify, this would be for a two-year seat or a one-year seat. >> It' be a two-year seat. >> That's what isn't it? It would just be Oh, if it goes to election, it would be for two-year seat. >> It would be for unexpired term, which I believe runs to 27. That's what And then would there be flexibility in that? Could Could it be that we >> No, there's no flexibility in that. >> No flexibility in that. So it would be So um the fact that it has so much time left on the seat is even more so why I would be interested in holding the election.
034Um so that the community because the trustee is not on for eight months. The trustee is on through uh June of 2027. Sure. I'd like to weigh in on this. So my my question is Dr. Talbert, do we have an estimated cost on what a special election would cost the district and the taxpayers? Last year as we were researching last May election was approximately 26 27,000 and the estimated cost for an election this year would be similar >> similar to 27,000 sir. >> Okay. So this this is my suggestion. My suggestion is that we wait until the next election cycle in May and at that time there will be four seats to fill and the people can have their choice. um which is probably which is definitely the most democratic way to fill this seat
035and that's what I support. I support that over um an appointment at this time and I support it over a special election because a price tag of $27,000 is not something I feel is justifiable at the moment. I I'd rather see $27,000 go into our classrooms to support our teachers, our students, not not on a special election at this time. Thank you. >> So, I'm not in support of a a special election at this time. I'm at a toss up of between either leaving the seat vacant until the next election in May or to do what we've done in the past, which is is a point. So, I think once we have the entire board here, we can make that final decision. Chris, do you have anything else you want to say? I know. >>
036Uh, I'm also not in support of the special election due the financial aspect that goes along with it and you know the possibility of how many times people are um filling these seats and then have to resign for different reasons where I definitely couldn't support spending all that money uh to then maybe have a person resign again. So, so I guess what I'm hearing is that >> Well, Chris, you didn't say whether or not you would be open to leaving it vacant or to a point. >> I'm not fully decided on that, but I definitely not in support of the special election. >> Um, so we have a seven person board on purpose so that we don't have ties when we go to vote on controversial issues. Uh so I think that having you know
037that odd seat is important or that odd vote. Um we do have a surplus in funds. Uh we are getting $2 million from the state again. Uh we just talked about $43,000 that we're getting this because we gave up a little corner of our sidewalk for the DOT project. Um, so when you think of a $120 million budget and a trustee seat that essentially has two years on it, the cost for a special election is really peanuts and it will allow the community to be part of the process. And I think that that's what we've been striving to do, incorporate the community more and more. I mean we have created committees where we have uh you know some 15 odd community members volunteering their time for a budget committee. We now have five or four
038um I forget what number it is that we landed on volunteering for the hiring committee. Um and I think we want the engagement with the community. Um, so I'm clearly for the election. >> I would be more in favor for filling the seat, just not the financial burden of the uh election. >> But filling the seat leaves it up to us hand selecting somebody. So, I think that what we should do is wait for the other two board members come in to find because we we're not going to make a decision tonight on how that seat's going to be filled. So, we have to we need the other two in here to have the discussion. So, um right now this is what's on the table. Is there any additional comments that anyone wants to make
039in regards to this? >> Well, I guess I guess Lisa to your point though and what I was trying to convey earlier is that to do it, we would have to make the decision tonight, >> right? So this is what So right, we're not we don't have to make a decision tonight on what we're going to do. We just have to make a decision tonight on this resolution whether or not we're going to do the election. >> Right. >> Any other comments regarding this item? >> All those in favor? >> I all those opposed? >> I I >> I motion fails three. So Megan Mess is one Chris Neran, Lisa Johnson and Juan Lehon. Going to agenda item 3A1. Can I have a motion for agenda 3A1, please? >> Motion. >> Chris Naring is first.
040>> Second. >> Juan Leon is second. Any questions regarding this agenda item? Hearing and seeing none. All those in favor? >> I motion carries 4 Z. Can I do agenda item 3B1 up to 3B42 alto together or does anyone need anything done separately? 3B1 to 3B42. >> Sounds good. >> All right. Have a motion for agenda item 3B1 to 3B42. >> Motion. >> Chris Nearing first. >> Second. >> Megan Mesman is second. Any questions regarding any of these items? Seeing here, none. All those in favor? >> I I >> I. Motion carries. 4 Z. >> I'm sorry. Can I have a motion to table agenda item 3B43, please? >> Motion. Second. >> Juan Leon is first. Chris Ner is second. All those in favor? >> I. Motion carries. 4 Z. Can I do agenda items
0413B44 through 3B 134 alto together? Does anyone need anything done separately? So 3B 444 to 3B 134. >> I think it's 132 >> 32. >> I'm sorry. >> Sorry. Thank you, Juan. 3B 44 to 3B 132 together. All right, Kevin. Motion for 3B 444 to 3B 132. >> Motion. >> Chris Nan is first. >> Second. >> Megan M is second. Any questions regarding any of these items? >> Um discussion. >> Go ahead. >> Item number 59 and 60. Can the superintendent please explain the reasoning for revised salary? Yes, revised stipen amounts um were incorrect on last month's agenda and it has been revised to reflect the contractual agreed upon stipen. >> Any other comments or questions regarding this? >> Nope. All those in favor? >> I motion carries 4. Can I have a motion to
042table agenda item 3B 133, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Chris Naran is first. Megan investment a second. And this was discussed in executive session. Um all those in favor? >> I motion carries 40. Can I have a motion for agenda item 3B 134? >> Motion. >> Juan Leon is first. >> Please, do we have to amend it? >> I'm going to once I >> Oh, okay. Uh second. >> Chris near in a second. So for this particular agenda item, um it may still stay on your item on your agenda as TBD, we're adding in the name of Charles Cohen. CNN is the last name. So that's >> John. That's fine. >> CN co Charles Cohen CN. Just adding the name because it was left TBD. So we're just adding that name in. Con. Sorry.
043>> So you moved and seconded without adding the name. Now you're adding the name. Yes. So you need to amend. >> Oh, thank you. person. So, I resend that motion. >> No, >> I just I'm going to amend the agenda. I'm going to amend the item. Amend 134. >> Just a just make a motion to amend. >> Have a motion to amend to add the name. >> Add the name. >> To add the name Charles Conn. >> Okay. >> Motion. Second. >> Chris Nering, Juan Leon. So that's the motion just to just to amend to add the name. You have that Marian. Okay. >> All in favor. >> Right. I'm just making my note. >> Sorry. >> All those in favor? >> I motion carries 40 just to add the name. Now going back to
044my original motion. So all those in favor of agenda item 134 with the name of Charles Khan in there. I >> I'm sorry. Did I miss the discussion portion? >> Oh, discussion. Go ahead. Sorry. >> Sure. So So my my question is a is a simple one. I saw on the backup that the salary is only $30,000. So this appears to be a part-time position. Um Dr. Calbert, are you able to describe to us the job that this gentleman does for $30,000? >> Yes. The home instruction coordinator is housed on site in the district and but oversees the home instruction program 5 days a week for approximately 3 hours a day at the end of the day. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments? All those in favor? >> I I >>
045I motion carries >> 4 Z. >> Can I have a motion for agenda item 3 F1, please? >> Motion. >> Chris Nan is first. >> Second. >> Juan Leo is second. Any questions regarding this agenda item? >> Yes. >> Go ahead. Um, I was there any changes made to this since the last meeting. >> I'll yield to Miss Stevens. >> Just the date on the front was added. >> Okay. Because I had um questions and I had noticed that it didn't change um the grade level pairings. I think you were going to adjust it on page seven that because it's because now prek and k are in the same building. >> Yes. >> So um and then I had also questioned if there was annual bur training John that maybe >> I I looked into
046that not a state requirement for furpa. There are districts that do require it. Ours currently does not our district does not require it, >> right? >> Is that something that we can just add here and then, you know, accept it as amended? There's other New York state districts that do this training that we are not doing. >> So there's there's no problem with adding FERPA training as part of the plan. It's at the admin. Is that a recommendation by administration? I mean, does that would that change the scope of the plan or any of the provisions in it? >> It would just add it to our scope of mandated trainings that we do every year. >> I think your mic may not be working too well. Go ahead. Say it again. >> It would add
047it to the scope of the trainings that we offer every year, the mandated trainings. So, is this something that what we can do? Can we have Dr. Talbot look into this a little bit more and then we can always amend it to add it in? So, if there's any more questions, anything that needs to be discussed with legal a little bit more, it can be discussed. Is that something that would >> that would certainly be my preference to dissect a little bit more of >> Go ahead. I'm sorry. >> Yeah, exactly. What would be required in the training? We do have variations of trainings that incorporate um FURPA. So, if we can have some time to further look into that, that would be appreciated. So, what does that mean? I guess a timeline for that
048because this is a two-year plan. So, um should we just and you need it approved tonight or can we bring this back on September 11th? I think is our next meeting. Right. So, I I think that um my recommendation is to maybe approve it with the the to make to approve it, but for us to follow back up at the next meeting in September to find out where we're at with any update for um for the furra. I think we're also at the opening of schools, so we may not they may not be able to get everything done by by the next meeting. So I would say let's follow up with Dr. Talbet. We can always send the email say where we're at. Can we put it on the agenda for September? Not to kick
049it down the line for another year or two, but just make sure that we continue to follow up to make sure that it can be addressed within the next couple of months and be placed into the plan. >> I um what I find it's really hard to track items and we're I'm constantly going back in emails if it's not a formal action on an agenda. It's like as though it's my responsibility to remember that I asked and I really just I asked this at the last meeting. There was I didn't get any followup. Um it's federal training. I don't see what the hardship is. Um, so I guess I would request that we just table it until our next meeting then so that it doesn't linger um and you know a good portion of the
050school year go by and we don't have it in the plan. So my preference is to to move forward with the plan as is and there's follow-up that that does occur. Sometimes for you it occurs in public. There's follow-up that does occur. Dr. Talbot has a checklist and different things that she does take care of. So my my pre preference is to go and approve it. I made a note um to make sure that we follow up as a board. I'll talk to my executive team in terms of followup is something that we did start before things are occurred with me to follow up on different items that that are brought up. So my recommendation is to approve it so there's something in place but we as a board can make sure that we do
051follow up that something is done within the next you know month or two. Let us get past the opening of school and then let this be be addressed. >> Sure. So, can I ask a question? And this is more directed towards our legal counsel. Um, is there any issue that you see with the board approving this tonight? Uh, no. There's no issues with the board approving this tonight. It's up to administratively. So in terms of the training and setting up the training and how long it would take the training if you want to get a head start on that then it may be administratively preferable to get approved tonight and then add the furer training. Um I'm look you know furer training u I'm looking there are modules that are available through the federal government
052and um so it may not be a big issue just added. No, I don't. Yeah, I don't think it's a big issue. >> Um, and it's the protection of students educational records. So, to require that staff is familiar with those requirements doesn't seem like a big lift. And other districts are doing it in New York State. >> And I not that I I don't disagree with you. I do agree, but I'm saying let's go ahead and move forward with the plan and then they can determine based on the um the furer training that's out that way which furer training they want to utilize for our district how will be implemented into the plan. So therefore it will be done in in the right way instead of delaying the professional learning plan. That's just my recommendation.
053>> Um >> so what's a reasonable timeline for this to be added to the plan? So, if we were to just, you know, back up a moment, we do have some statemandated online trainings that are already scheduled for our staff. We usually like to work with our administrators to incorporate them during their faculty meetings um to give staff some time to be able to get acclimated to the trainings. So, we do have a number of them lined up with timelines that we've already given them. Furper can certainly be incorporated. We'd like to see if it's a part of our global compliance network or if we have to go outside to another module. Um and then we also have to just take some steps to ensure that our technology team is on board that people are
054onboarded properly to the module. So we just need a little time to look into that. we can come back September 10th and give you an update and we can give you a timeline as to when it could be incorporated if the board is okay with that. >> So I would I would just prefer to table it and talk just bring it back on September 10th. >> Okay. So, right now we have a motion on the table to um approve this item. So, I'm going to stay with that motion. If it does not pass, then it doesn't pass and it ends up being table. >> There's a one one one more question. So, if we don't approve this now, does that delay training? >> No, it's already started. >> We're able to move forward um with
055our training. Um it would not necessarily delay training. Is there any other components in here that would be stalled as a result of it not being approved tonight? >> Started already. >> Not necessarily. >> Okay. >> All right. So, I'm just going to call for the vote. If the vote doesn't pass, then All right. So, any other discussion on this particular item? So, we've had a discussion on the item and there's been a motion to a recommendation to table this particular item. So, can I have a motion to table agenda item 3F1, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Megan Mesman is first. Chris Narren is second. All those in favor? >> I I >> And I'm opposed. Motion fails. All right. Can I have a motion for agenda item 3F2, please? >> Motion. >> Chris
056Neran is first. >> Second. >> Megan Mesman is second. Right. Any discussion on this agenda item? >> No. Seeing and hearing none. Oops. All those in favor? >> I motion carries 4 Z. So now we're up to old business and new business. So we have one here, superintendent evaluation tool. And that's going to I think we're looking at the the NISBA. We're looking at the NISBA tool. And I know that the superintendent goals, if I if I recall correctly, have to be um they were discussed, but they have to be approved. And just please correct me because I think there was information that went out on that, John, or something in regards to the superintendent goals that has to be part of a resolution. I think I saw if I remember correctly. >> So they
057should be they should be approved. Yes. >> That came up at our last meeting. So I guess I was surprised when they weren't on the agenda for formal action. Um so as old and I thought that John you had advised us that we needed to formally vote to accept the evaluation tool with the superintendent goals included in the tool so that we could file it on time for early September. >> That was my recommendation. Yes. >> Okay. So now it's August 25th. So, if we do that on September 10th, >> are we late? >> No, we're still good. >> Or September 11th. Or >> September 10th. You're still good. September 10th. >> Okay. It's due by what day? >> September 10th. >> And you've got district cler. >> Is that the date of our meeting
058or is it for some reason I keep thinking it's the 11th? Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. So, I I made a note to put that for the agenda for next time. >> Um, I guess unfortunately though since we keep kicking the goals down the road, we're in the same predicament that the goals have already been communicated with the building level leaders and the school year would have commenced and the board of education didn't actually discuss the superintendent's proposed goals. I started to discuss them last time and I was told I was being ridiculous and I was going on and on. Uh I was the only one that was speaking about the superintendent's goals with some feedback. Um I specifically asked for you know smart measurable defined goal on the academics in particular. I really didn't
059get past that one goal um because I started to be attacked by fellow board members. Um so but now we're not even talking about it. It's not on this agenda. Um, and we if we're going to be talking about it the day it's due to be filed with the state. >> If if I can also add to that, um, I am also in favor of adding some measurable goals, particularly in the academic field. Um, I think goals that are too general um don't really allow us to um I I I guess achieve what what it is that we're trying to achieve. So my my small input I would appreciate some measurable goals as well. I would recommend that the entire board look at the goals that were prevent were presented and therefore u be prepared
060to make a final decision or discussion on it at our next meeting on September the 10th. Um yeah, I mean in that vein, we didn't really close last year's evaluation because we when we met in June, we didn't have the end of the year test results. Um so that was the complication, right? It was like how do you do that? How do you define um a percentage increase in assessment performance in math and ELA and still meet this timeline for the superintendent's review? However, every district is doing it. So, there must be a way to do it and we just refuse to have a discussion about it. So, that's where we got >> So, I I don't think that's I I take offense to saying that we refuse to have a discussion on it. I
061think that um to say that every district does it. There may be some districts that do it and some districts that don't do it. I think we have to find out what works best for us in this district. We are we are concerned about making sure that whatever goals that we do have that they are measurable and attainable. And so with that in mind, whatever goals there's decision that Dr. Talba has provided, we can review it, discuss it, and we we can go from there. There are certain things like for example with graduation rates just using as example that the final graduation rates are not available truly until August when all the individuals have graduated we can have an idea of what the graduation rate is for that particular June but it does not give
062a final number when it comes to test scores if the test scores are in and if we're able to get the results then yes we can make that part of it so I think we need to look at what are we looking at that's going to be that we're going to utilize as a um part of the superintendent's um evaluation. If it's going to be look at if we're looking at test scores, like what are we going to look at? What test scores are we going to look at? When do they come in? So therefore, if it's part of the goals, then it's something is information that will be able to be attainable. And to me, that's what's going to be most important as we move down the line. >> Um okay. Um fine. I
063So, but again, we're going to talk about it on the day it's due. Um and you know we were just we received a transmitter with the end of the year scores and there was no appreciable improvement. Uh whereas last year we did you know Dr. Tabbert did come out and say let's target a 5% increase in uh you know performance on these assessments. Um we didn't see that. That doesn't tell mean don't set a goal because you need to set a goal regardless of if you get there or not. We should be setting a goal. We should be meeting and with appropriate entities in the district and dissecting it and figuring out how can we bring those bottom those kids at the bottom up and how can we keep moving those kids at the top
064up and not just saying we're going to close the gap, but we want to keep striving. we keep want to keep raising the bar and to you know to bring some of that discussion and thought process to the board of education would be very appreciated. Uh so that we know that in accepting these goals we are truly trying to push these students along and up to achieve their their best potential. So what I would like to see and hear from Dr. Talvet and not tonight, but to be able to know what what will be provided to the board that would be measurable and attainable that can be used in part of the superintendent evaluation. So whatever that may be, I think we need to because when we look at the NISBA tool, there's different things
065they recommend that can be utilized as part of the evaluation tool. There can be other things that we can add. So I think those are the things that if there's something that a board member is thinking about then it's something that should be sent to Dr. Tala to say that these are the things that we want to be utilized in terms of the evaluation process with the superintendent evaluation. There's the superintendent goals that's being utilized, but there's also in the evaluation tool, there's different things that we can utilize in each section, in each standard that can help each board member determine if that superintendent has met. So, we have the superintendent goals and then we have the standards with different um >> different types of I'm saying resour. So, I think we need to also
066look at those two things as well. Okay. And so one of the other goals um is about the roll out of using AI in the classroom this year. Um and I had in previous meetings just mentioned that I really felt that we should be creating a committee. I called it disruptive technology committee. I don't really mind if we call it a technology committee. I don't mind if we call it an AI committee, but I called it disruptive technology because we also have to observe and learn from this first year of a cell phone u regulation roll out and have a working body of individuals that are dedicated to taking that feedback and you know figuring out where we need to shift and go. And you know, I've seen and I've read other districts in other
067states in New York State when they're looking at rolling out AI, it's like a multi-year process. It's not just direct to the students. It's, you know, let's figure out how we're how we're going to use it. Let's have this, you know, group of individuals working to figure out how we're going to roll it out. And it and that way the teachers the teachers have the tools and the support that they need so that we're not maybe you know giving something to the students that is not quite there yet. We haven't quite defined our guidelines for the use of it fully. So one of the things that and maybe Dr. Tala can answer the question on this. When it comes to um to AI, is there a certain plan that you have that you're thinking about
068in terms of the roll out or is something that's still being worked on? Because with AI, it is you are correct and I'm sure Dr. Talbot has looked at it. You are correct in terms of making sure that it's it's multi levels. What you do at the high school level may be different that what you're going to do at the middle school or even here at Park Avenue. And what will be the role that a teacher would have? What will be the role administrator would have in terms of AI? And how can they utilize it effectively in the classroom setting if they're utilizing? How can they teach the student at the middle school and high school level to use AI effectively, more importantly and correctly. So therefore, they're learning from it and they're not taking
069they're not utilizing that AI as a source of of best information. So um so I'm Dr. Tal, but I'm going to just go go to you one second because I'm not too sure what your thought process was with this. >> So, as we talk about the progress that has been made in the district, um I do want to say we shared with the board of education some embargoed information regarding student assessments and when that information can be released publicly, we will certainly share it. I do want to say there's been marked improvement on a majority of the region's exams that were exemplified and there's been marked improvement in 3 through 8 in various grade levels across the board. When it comes to student growth and achievement, we were looking at artificial intelligence integration for learning
070and teaching. And my goal is centered around designing and launching. key words, designing and launching a district-wide initiative to introduce artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. And so, one, we want to build a foundational knowledge and two, an ethical awareness of AIS tools. The board has recently approved an AI policy. We are administratively looking at a regulation to bring to the board on September 29th at the next policy meeting. Out of that would be birth the professional development getting participation getting feedback those who have been integral in the development our prof of our professional development plan drafting these AI guidelines looking at skill struck which is one of the curricular tools we have been analyzing and look to pilot. So there has been much traction behind the scenes in terms of speaking with stakeholders and
071pre-planning to design and launch a district-wide initiative. We do understand that this initiative must come with the development of personnel before it is rolled out effectively to our student scholars. So yes, artificial intelligence is one of the goals that we are looking to move forward with. We have been in discussion with our administrative team who in turn uh have been in discussion with some of their teaching staff so that we can come together and utilize this year to design and launch a district-wide initiative toward addressing AI. Thank you for that um additional information, Dr. Talbert. I um I guess to my concern if we committed to designing this initiative and establishing the guideline and you know dealing with all the stakeholders as to how we would roll it out that maybe it would be launched
072the following year. When do you envision launching? So, of course, we want to draft some safe and development developmentally appropriate AI guidelines that's going to govern what we're doing. We don't anticipate that it will take the entire year to do that. So, we do want to begin to pilot AI literacy curriculum which has for some time now been under discussion and um so we do want to be able to emphasize ethical use, emphasize digital decisionm, emphasize media literacy and we're looking to target that in grades 5 through 8 with an a pilot there first. I know that an AI is constantly evolving and changing constantly. So what may be started today may have to be changed in in the next couple of months. So I I I look forward to see what the thought process
073is going to be and what they're potentially going to try to do here um in in the district. I I just know at the collegiate level where I work, it's constantly changing. Um there's things that they give out to us as faculty. there's training that they do at that's been ongoing for about um two years now and just when we think that we're doing one thing, we get notification that that is changing. So I I know here in our district, it's going to it's going to be the beginning process and what we start out with may be something that's going to have to be changed as we go forward. >> Okay. So would the board be open to the concept of creating a committee that would be open and you could involve parents then at
074each level and be able to get the feedback from the parents as to again the cell phone roll out and the um you know weighing in on just understanding how this will be launched the incorporation of AI in the classroom. I'm not I'm not opposed to having an AI committee, but I believe first we need to see some of the initial information that comes back to us and from that point then look at um establish an AI committee and that way we'll be able to better determine what will be the roles and responsibility of that AI committee. Is it going to be an AI committee that's going to be boardappointed? And if that's the case, we're going to have to charge them with certain things to do. If it's not going to be a board
075committee, but it's going to be something that is coming from Dr. Talbot or a cabinet, then it's it's it's something that we're not going to charge it with. So, I'm not opposed to it, but I want to be able to see what it's going to take transpire first and then from that point, let's look at from what Dr. Tabot puts together with Mary Stevens, what will be the best thing? You know, do we want a committee that's going to include students? Do we want a committee that's just going to be teachers? Do, you know, do we want a committee that's going to be parents? So, I think we need more information before we establish committee. That's just my perspective on it. >> Um, I don't know. Wana or Chris, do you have anything on >>
076No. >> Um, >> well, could we just I mean, I can make a motion to ask for a charge to be developed for a technology committee. It would be inclusive of AI and the cell phone feedback. Why don't we why don't we wait to see what they they come up with at least give it a month or two and then come back and say because we're going to charge them with doing a committee. What will be the charge? What are we going to charge that committee to do? Just just understand what the design and the implementation just have that working committee to get the feedback and the involvement and the engagement. One of our goals for always is to improve engagement. >> And I don't disagree. I do agree with you. I I'm fine with
077having a committee. I think a committee would be great, but we're just in the beginning stages of the process. So, why are we going to um call for a resolution? Why are we going to call to have any type of committee when we don't even know what the next steps are going to be? At least give it a month and have Dr. Talba provide feedback to us as a board and then from that point if we want a committee then we can say Dr. Talbet you know can we have a committee that's just that's just my recommendation once again I'm not opposed to it but allow her the opportunity to get it going to give us feedback then from that point we can decide we can say Dr. But can we have a a committee
078that does whatever x y and z? That's just my my perspective on it. So why why charge or why direct it with something when we don't even know what the direction >> it would be to give the d the action item would be to give thought to what the value of this committee and what you can gain from having a group of stakeholders that are committed in investing in discussing AI rollout and the cell phone policy roll out. Okay. >> All right. So it it's something um so Megan has made made a request is does anyone want to propose a resolution to put on the agenda now to to have the have one of these committees? >> So at this at this point in time >> you guys don't I mean it doesn't seem like
079anyone would back it. I don't you're you're kind of opposing it. So >> I'm at Let me Let's make that clear. Let's make it clear. >> You want to wait. I'm not I'm not opposed to I'm not opposed to the committee. I'm just I'm just waiting for Dr. Talbert and Mary Stevens to at least start the initial process of it. Give it like a month or two and then I can circle back. I made a note here. Where are we at? What you know, is it time for a committee come in? We want a committee. Whatever it may be, just allow the process to take place. That's all I'm saying. Right. >> Um All right. I You know what? I I am just going to call the motion. I hear you, Lisa, but I'm just
080going to call the motion because I have said it a few times and I do feel like there's a lot of value in it. So, I go ahead. I move to request that the superintendent or her designate formulate a concept and a charge to create a uh technology committee that will you know be engaged in the process of an AI roll out and the cell phone policy roll out. >> Did you write that down or just >> No, I didn't write it down but it's on video. >> Yeah. Right. So that that sound okay? >> You have to speak into the mic. >> Yeah, you have to just speak into the mic. So we >> So you you do need it written, right? >> Um because it it does seem like actually two, >> right?
081Two different committees. >> It seems like it's two different committees and two different it had one part was AI and then it said and >> cell phone. >> Yeah. Technology committee. What is the purpose of technology can be connected to AI? That AI is is not technology. It's not you're utilizing AI as a source for information, but it's not technology in sense of technology. It's two separate things AI and cell phone. So if you want to make it a separate motion and make it clear so therefore um people know what they are voting for. >> Okay. I I'll think about it. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Thank you. That's fine. All right. Um go ahead. Um Juan, do you have something you want to talk about? >> Um yes, Madame President. I do have a
082couple of items I would like to add to the agenda. Um, just so the audience knows, my fellow board members are aware of them. Um, just because of the odd timeline of this meeting, we don't usually have a meeting on Monday. So, we received our, um, agendas on Thursday, um, reviewed them over the weekend and it just wasn't enough time to add add some of these things to the agenda. So, Madame President, I do have one, two, three, four items. I am asking uh to be added to the agenda. Items three, I'm sorry, items F, 4, 3, 4, and five also have accompanying resolutions. I'm asking um I'm proposing a motion to amend the agenda to add agenda items F4, three. >> Wait one second. Which one? Three F was three F1 and two. So
083you're are you looking to add 3F3? >> Correct. 3F3 which is Northwest Plaque. 3F4 which is vending machine contracts. Uh let's see. And then five would be correction action plan. And number six does not have an accompanying resolution. It's more of a discussion on property that we're all aware of on the board uh that was um has gone missing, not in our possession. So, we can discuss that. So, that's my motion and I'm seeking a second to add it to the agenda. >> So, um just for clarification, so when you when you sent the email, I don't think it was the these were just old business items or new business items that you were adding. So now you want to add it as part of the agenda and not because you were you want to
084talk about as old business and new business. So the Northwest plaque, what is what is that resolution? Is a resolution you have for Northwest CLA? >> Um, sure. I I mean I I do have a resolution on the table to amend the agenda to add these things. I figured that the discussion portion would go during the discussion portion. >> Right. So, can can we do each one separately? So, for the Northwest Black, let's do three F3. >> Okay. All right. So, all right. Do >> you said under board action like >> And I I think that's why I just I want you to discuss it just a little bit because it's board action. It's not It's not under. >> Yeah. It's Yeah. So, just once you discuss it and once we discuss it, we can
085then determine >> if we need to amend it to put in as a resolution. So, go ahead with Northwest Pla. What is your discussion on that? >> Okay. So, with with regard to the plaque, on June 5th, the board of education approved a resolution directing the superintendent of schools to restore a plaque at Amityville Memorial High School. The plaque that had been removed signified the completion of the new wing at the Amnville Memorial High School. That plaque was restored. Thank you, Dr. Talbert. My resolution did not mention restoring a similar plaque at Northwest Elementary School because I was unaware it had ever been removed. In July, I mentioned the possibility of introducing another resolution directing the superintendent of schools to also restore the plaque at Northwest Elementary School. I was assured by the superintendent that
086a resolution was not required and all I had to do was ask. So, I made the ask. This past Friday, the board of education toured our schools prior to their opening in September. And while to while touring the new wing at Northwest Elementary School, no plaque could be found. It was never restored. I am now introducing the resolution I sought to introduce in July. And the resolution reads, "Whereas the Amityville Union Free School District affixed and an additions and alterations plaque to the interior wall of of the Northwest Elementary School signifying the completion of the bond referendum work. Whereas the addition and alterations plaque has been removed and placed in storage. Be it resolved that the board of education hereby directs the superintendent of schools to reaffix the previously removed additions and alterations plaque to
087its original location in Northwest Elementary School no later than September 30th, 2025. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Well, well, I'm sorry. Let me let me rephrase that motion to amend the agenda to add agenda item. >> Hold on a second. It's agenda item >> two. It will be 2 C3. >> Okay. >> So, go ahead. >> We're going to amend the agenda item. Amend the agenda to add agenda item 2 C3, which is a resolution to restore the plaque at Northwest. So, it's a resolution to restore the plaque at Northwest. So, we're that's a motion to amend the agenda to add agenda item 2C3, which is a resolution to restore the plaque at Northwest. So, um Juan Leon, are you first? >> Yes. Motion. >> Chris Ner is second. All right. So just
088discussion on it. Um I think Dr. Talbert wanted to say something on this. Sure. So uh trustee Leon uh do be mindful that your request did not fall upon deaf ears. The uh instructions were given to our building and grounds crew. It has been scheduled to be uh uh mounted installed prior to the end of September. However, during the walkth through on Friday, um it was not up. We knew it was not up. The plaque is at Northwest. It is not in storage. um from talking with building and grounds. We are in the process of opening school and they have some priority items that they're working on. So I want you to be aware that the plaque is housed at Northwest and has not been installed, but the calendar for my discussions is that it
089was going to be installed prior to September 30th. And from my discussions today, I know they are looking to see how they can move that process up. So I do want you to know that it was communicated and that they are aware. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So all those in favor of amending the agenda, >> I all those in favor of agenda item 2 C3. Well, >> I'm sorry. Have a motion for agenda item 2 C3. Yep. Motion. Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries 4 Z. >> Thank you, Madame President. >> I would also like to make a motion to amend the agenda for agenda item two. Now, I'm getting mixed up. >> 2C4. >> So, what is it in regards to the vending machine so we can make
090sure it's in the right spot? >> Sure. 2C4 regarding vending machine contracts. So, well, first, hold on. Before we move any f further, what I'm going to do is I have copies of my resolution. >> Thank you. >> Which I will give to >> give it to >> the board president. And I have two here. One for legal, one for our clerk. If we can pass that down as well. >> Oh, this is the this is the um 2C. >> That's that's the previous one which we just >> Okay. so our clerk can have a copy and as well as legal. So, regarding vending machine contracts, the resolution reads, "Whereas the Amityville Union Free School District has several vending machines located throughout the district and there is no record of a contract in place approved
091by the board of education. Whereas, the business official cannot verify any proceeds from the sales generated from these vending machines. There is no apparent benefit to the school district from these vending machines. Be it resolved that the board of education hereby directs the superintendent of schools to notify the owner of these vending machines by certified mail no later than September 1st, 2025. and they must remove their property, meaning vending machines, from the grounds of the Amityville Union Free School District no later than October 1st, 2025. If the owner of these vending machines would like to propose a contract to the Amityville Union Free School District, it must be received by the Amityville Union Free School BIS District Business Office later than October I'm sorry, no later than September 15, 2025 to be considered at the
092September 17, 2025 board of education meeting. That is my resolution. Ma'am, >> do do you have a copy of this? Sure. Copies of everything. >> Perfect. Just pass it down. Just pass it down to legal so that way legal can take a look at it. Thank you. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> So motion to amend the agenda to add agenda item. Please assist me. >> So that's what I'm trying to let let take a look at it. I'm not too sure if it's board action, >> additional board action recommend. I think that's where where it goes and not on the So, >> doesn't matter to me where it goes on. >> Yeah, I'm just want to make sure it goes in the right spot. I believe it is under 2C. It'll be 2C4. I just
093want to confirm. Hold on one second, please. Mhm. Right. That's the problem. There are a number of legal issues with this resolution that I would ask the board an opportunity to investigate before we put this resolution forward. Uh, I don't know if these vending machines are under contract by the district in any shape or form. So, I would ask for an opportunity to investigate this before um we move on this. >> Just speak a little bit more to the mic because one more time. Sorry. >> Yeah, I'm I'm kind of >> Gotcha. intentionally. >> Okay. Trying >> to the board that I'd ask for an opportunity to review this resolution. >> Okay. >> So, as of right now, what we should do is not not amend the agenda to accept this resolution at this point
094in time. >> I I would ask to give understood. Okay. I I I understand that. But also know that this has been an ongoing discussion with our business official. It's my understanding that our business official has tried very very hard to reach out to the owners of these vending machines. >> So let let's legal legal is requesting just a to >> I have some ideas. >> Okay. All right. Very good. >> All right. >> So I I I I withdraw my motion. >> Motion withdraw. >> Okay. Next agenda item is corrective action plan resolution. Whereas a risk assessment has been completed by RS Abrams and Company LLP on July 18th, 2025 for the period of July 1st, 2024 through April 30th, 2025. Whereas the purpose of this assessment was to make recommendations to the internal
095controls of business processes, identify risks that could inhibit the district in achieving its goals, review board policies to determine if all legal requirement, all legally required policies have been adopted, and to identify key areas that can be strengthened. Whereas it is ultimately the district's responsibility to review and resolve the 23 recommendations outlined in the internal risk assessment report. Be it resolved that the board of education hereby directs the superintendent of schools to present a corrective action plan to the board of education prior to the prior to September 10th, 2025, which is our next board meeting. Is that a motion to amend? >> Motion to amend the agenda to add agenda item >> two C4. >> 2C4. >> Second. >> So amen. We're amending the agenda to add agenda item 2C4 which is a resolution for
096corrective action P plan. second. >> All right. Leon is first. Uh Megan is is >> second. >> Megan Mman is second. I'm sorry about that to C4. So we're making a motion to amend the agenda to add this to. So all those in favor? >> I I motion carries. 4 Z. Can I have a motion? Can I have a motion for agenda item 2 C4, which is a resolution for corrective action plan? >> Motion. >> Chris N is first. >> Second. >> Juan Leon is second. Any discussion on this item? >> Yes, Madam President. Even though I did introduce the resolution, I do want to say that this is in the works in a sense, but we were not going to be given a corrective action plan until midocctober, which is 90 days. And with
097the history of finances in this district, I think we need to get on top of these things immediately. This for me takes a top priority. So that's why I would like this plan before mid-occtober. I'm asking for the next board meeting and then we still have to fix these 23 deficiencies. So and these these all have to do with finances. I think we would benefit from this and that's why I'm trying to really speed this up. >> Right. So um for me I I know that there's different aspects of this correction action plan that's there's different things that's being worked on from from the orders report that has come out and I believe waiting into midocctober would be beneficial to all of us. There's things that are already starting to be corrected that we already
098have started to address. Um so I'm I'm okay. I think putting this deadline as September 10th is a pretty tight deadline, especially with the opening of schools. So, we have the opening of schools. We don't have a um director of HR. We're still trying to get that person in and get them on boarded. So, we're down a person. Um Mrs. Stevens is is picking up Mary Stevens picking up a lot of stuff as well as Dr. Talbot and Mr. Snder in order to get things done open for school. So, I'm just saying I'm not I'm not in support of that deadline of September 10th. I'm more in support of waiting to the deadline that would take us into October um and and whatnot. So, that's just my perspective. Dr. Talbert or anyone else want to
099say anything? >> I um so I did um mentioned this at the last meeting as well and Inguan, you weren't here. So we talked about how there were some actions being that were being able to be taken now and others that were take longer. But I am in support of this because the board we can have an update then a written update of where things stand. So just what are we doing for each of those deficits and whether or not I mean things might still be in flux but it's just again just an action item so we can come back see how we're addressing the issues. Um, so we can move things forward. Chris, anything? >> And with the understanding that not everything would be completed, an update would be would be certainly helpful. >>
100Mhm. >> Correct. I think it's what it is. Right. >> Right. And Madam President, I'm not asking for these items to be corrected. What I'm really asking for is >> Right. What are we going to do? Give me a timeline. Give me a plan. I I have the report right here. Some of these things I consider to be very serious um serious issues with controls. >> Um I'm looking at one budget transfer budget transfer permissions. >> Um we noted that two employees who had access to budget transfer permissions that were not consistent with their respective roles and responsibilities. That's that's just one of them. There's 23 recommendations in here. I'm not saying they all will be or must be completed by September 10th, but on September 10th, show me what you've done so far. Show
101me where we are and show me how long it's going to take to finish the rest of these. >> That's what I'm asking. >> Okay, Dr. Tell it as it pertains to the corrective action plan. It's for an internal risk assessment, not an audit. The items identified are rated as low to moderate. And I'm not minimizing any of the recognitions of those. anyone identified with user permissions that has been corrected and it was not utilized uh during that open window. We have been diligently reviewing the recommendations to have a report by September 10th is ambitious. We do have uh Mr. Snder had stated that in 90 days he would provide the board with a corrective action plan and then throughout the course of the year you would receive progress monitored updates as to where we
102are. Um Mr. Snder, I ask if you would weigh in. I think that is an ambitious request um to be able to produce it to in the fashion that would be representative of what we would like. We are um invested in successfully opening the school year in many facets and the October timeline that was given would certainly allow us the time to produce for the board. Um what you could appreciate in terms of accuracy and excellence, but please do weigh in. Sir, >> as trustee mentioned, this came up at um the previous board meeting. We had spoken about um risk assessments don't legally require a corrective action plan, but I had stated publicly that I was going to do one because it is a lengthy report and these things need to be addressed. >> I
103I think >> just kind of continue speaking to Mike. >> Sorry. >> I think that September 10th is an aggressive timeline to turn it around. I committed it publicly to the second in October >> because I want to give realistic timelines for when things can be corrected and have enough research behind me with my staff to develop a corrective action plan that can be implemented. I could come up with something on the 10th, but I don't know if it's going to be as good of a corrective action plan as if I have a little bit more time to draft one given some of the findings. You mentioned the budget transfers. I know that that's an internal control weakness, but nobody utilized it. Now, I haven't gone through each one of those permission accesses to confirm
104that they haven't been utilized, but I think that's important information in a document that will be established here in public to say that while certain individuals had access to do budget transfers, I already know that they didn't. There are other findings similar to that in the report that I'm still working through to say the permission was there, but the access was never utilized. And I that's the sort of information I'd like to have time to develop. And the vending machines are part of that. There's there's a couple of moving parts to that that I'd like to give a a thorough and thoughtful response about how we're going to proceed, but I'll you know, I'll I'll abide by the board's wishes. >> Well, thank you, Mr. Snider. I'm not I'm not inferring or suggesting that anyone
105has gone in there and done a budget transfer, >> nor do I think you did, sir. >> Okay. So, all all I am doing is I am reading the risk assessment report. We hire these people. These people come in, you know, with, you know, they come in to look at how we run things, our internal finances or our processes. and they identified areas that stuck out to them that don't seem 100% right and they're trying to let us know that it's in their best it's in our best interest and it's best practice to correct these that that's that's what I'm saying up until this point the board is unaware of any kind of corrections that may have been made this report was completed on um when when was it here? >> I think we accepted
106it. >> July July 18th. So from July 18th, 30 days have passed. I I don't know if any of this stuff has been looked at, addressed, and and I'm just taking into account the financial history of this district. To me, I'll say it again, this has to take precedence. I'm speaking for myself, not any other board member, but we have to make sure that this is correct to give the community um you know a a sense of whatever you want to call it that that that you know that the right thing is going on. >> Any other comments? >> Right. I'm sorry. Yes. To give the community confidence. >> It is confidence. Our number one responsibility is confidence in the business office. >> Right. >> Any other comments on this on this item? Would it
107be reasonable to ask to just have an update on the items that have been completed and what's still openending? >> I have I I would love to give the board in your weekly update on September >> 3rd talking to the mic a draft of where I am, but there's going to be gaping things that I haven't addressed at this point. >> Okay. I I'm sorry if you I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but if you're offering to give us a draft on the 3, a week later is when we're asking for the report, >> but what what you already stated was already stated is that Go ahead. >> I'm sorry, I'm looking at the wrong date, sir. I could come with again that draft a report on the 10th. It's just not going to be
108okay as detailed of a plan as if I have the standard >> 90 days to draft the plan. I I'd want to be able to tell the board and the community 90 days from when the report was accepted that many of these items have been addressed. The other items I have to provide timelines and who's responsible for implementation and there is there's work to do there. >> All right. Any other discussion on this particular item? Right. So what's on the table is agenda item 2 C4 resolution for corrective action plan. All those in favor? >> I >> All those opposed. I >> I >> Motion fails. >> Okay. >> What else do we >> Thank you, Madam President. The only other issue I have is uh more of a discussion and it has to do
109with um I'll pass it to you Dr. Talbert, but I know um Mr. Schneider has been um kind of discussing it with us that we had a piece of uh machinery that was loaned out um for service and then while in the possession of the vendor, it was stolen. So, I'm just kind of looking for an update on this. >> The last I left off with our director of facilities. The vendor has offered us another piece of equipment that we're very interested in. We believe that we're receiving really good value with this piece of equipment in that it's providing us with a snow package, which is something we don't have. So, we can do some snow plowing internally. We think that the cost of what was stolen versus the cost of what we're receiving. >>
110I'm sorry. Uh c can you just describe the piece of equipment? >> I'm sorry. It's a John Deere tractor that the facilities uh crew use for any number of things. And our the tractor that was stolen in possession of the vendor did not have a snow plow package on it. And the one they're offering us as compensation for our loss does. So that had our attention. the dollar values that we're we've researched versus what was stolen versus what they're offering seem reasonable. Uh the latest I had left off with Mr. Galina's we had asked them to deliver this John Deere tractor to us so that we can expect it and try it out and if that is acceptable to Mr. Galina and his crew I would make a recommendation to the superintendent that we accept
111it. >> Thank you. So at this point no one's interested. So um we have prepared an agreement uh on behalf of the district so to ensure that you have if you're accepting a piece of equipment uh that it become it comes with the warranties uh as as new. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> So at this point no one in the district has physically inspected it. That's happening for the first time when it's delivered to us. >> Unsure whether we were at the vendor's location looking at it. I'm not aware if it's in district yet. I'd have to speak to Mr. Galina, but I had the email of the offer from the vendor with detailed pictures and I informed Mr. Galina to go ahead and have it delivered and try it out
112and let me know what he thinks and then we were going to speak to the superintendent and ultimately to council. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Any other um I'm sorry. Any other old business? >> Well, Madame President, I'm sorry. I did I did want to and this should have gone earlier in the agenda discuss the hiring committee appointment. Um ba basically earlier this month one of the selected candidates for the hiring committee resigned due to personal reasons and I think we need to select another candidate from the pool of those that were not selected because we did pass a resolution to have five community members and right now we have four because one dropped out. So thoughts? >> I agree. >> I also agree. >> I'm sorry. I don't have a problem with
113it. >> Okay. So, um I believe I believe our clerk I I did send an email and I asked in advance >> she's able to have those names. >> Yeah. Do you have the names? If if not then she we can >> Okay. And if it's all right. Oh, I guess she she just left. Last time we had our student representative pick. Um so I guess we'll have to pick a new person to pick. Um [Laughter] >> all right. Um you want to put it >> Well, yeah. >> Names and >> Right. So we did say the names last time of who was um the candidates that had the availability. So, just just to be clear, there should be four names going into the pile, and those are the four that were available, but were
114not selected at random. Um, those four names should be, Madame President, if you can just confirm as I read them, I would appreciate that. >> Um, it should be Miss Stephanie Andrews. Okay. It should be Miss Kayla Cooper. It should be Miss Donnell Cronin. and it should be Miss Jodi Runfola. Okay, so those those were the four that were not selected. Um and just just at random, no no rhyme or rhythm. So we would like to fill that open spot with one of these other community members. And I believe I need to make um a resolution to amend the agenda to go forward. Right. We should have someone neutral pick. Um I I think probably the district clerk would be best because in schoolboard elections um she can serve as a designate, >> right? And
115is just to be clear, this is there's no pressure because it's not a paying job. >> We we welcome the community input. Okay. And our clerk selected Donnell Cronin. So now what we can do is we will amend the agenda to add agenda item 2C which is the appointment of an additional a new person for the hiring committee. No because we had four but that failed. Yeah. So now it's 2C5 which is the Yes. Just going to make sure I'm using the the right language. All right. Um resolve the board education um is going to add to the hiring committee Dell Cronin. So, can I have a motion to amend the agenda for a resolution to add a new member to the hiring committee? >> Motion to approve. Motion to amend the agenda. >> Yeah,
116let's amend first. >> Second. >> That's Juan Leon, Chris Narren. All those in favor? >> I I motion carries 40. Okay. Have a motion for agenda item 2C5, which is the appointment of Donnell Cronin to the hiring committee. >> Motion. Second >> Chris Ner is first. Juan Leon the second. All those in favor I >> I. Motion carries 4 Z. >> Madame President. >> Those are all the extras I have for tonight. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Yes. >> Um I guess just going off and thank you Miss Cron and Jenn. She's not here but thank you for everyone that volunteers on the hiring committee and any of our committees. Um, and with regards to the um, RS Abrams report, I was looking for it and it I just want to make sure that
117it gets posted on the website because we did accept it um, on July 23rd. Um, I'm getting it. Okay, looks >> I'll make sure it's up on the website now. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank Thank you for mentioning that because I I looked at the website today and I didn't see it. I don't. But then again, the website's under construction, >> so I'll get that done. >> Okay, let's make sure it's posted. >> Thank you. Um, we had I had previously asked a few times to understand the operating cost per building. Um, this came up early in the budget season and then we also discussed when you came on board so that you become acquainted with everything and I just wanted to understand where you stand with developing that. Yeah, I I have notes
118on that conversation, ma'am. I said when we start the budget process in November that I would provide the board with the best estimates I have at that point about operating costs per building based on last year's data 2425. >> Okay. And then we had previously discussed I going off memory that we were going to start our budget process in November this year. >> Okay. Um we last time I had questions of vendor um that provides food for the district and you had followed up with vendor file and I just want to note that the vendor file doesn't match the W9 and the business address was a residential address. So, you know, this was only just one entity that sort of jumped out and I'm just concerned with the due diligence and our vendor uh checking
119Dr. Sorry, Dr. Talbert, I'll give it to you. >> So, the address the vendor has given doesn't match the >> does it Yeah. match the address on the W9, >> right? And then the um the residential address is the same as the business address. So, it's a food vendor. So, I don't believe that that's acceptable. So, it was just >> I want to bring it up so that it can be looked into. >> Okay. Um >> I I recall looking at the articles of incorporation on the state's website and see I believe that they did but I'd have to review what I sent to the board. >> Oh you went on on the website. Okay. >> Yeah. I believe I provided you with the vendor file from our accounting system the W9 and then the
120articles incorporation from New York State's website. But I I'll look at it again. You'll look at it again. >> Given you're saying with a food service vendor that the address can't >> Yeah, it was. Yeah. Was that KJ's Deli? >> Was it Washington Avenue if I'm remembering correct? >> I am not sure that I don't know. >> Catch. >> Well, it was >> was the new address. I don't >> Oh, no. Yeah. >> I'll have a discussion with council over it. >> Okay. Thank you. Um um we have I had requested by email um an understanding of all of our committees. Um and I have yet to I just want to understand when I can expect you know a summary of all the committees um because I understand this is a busy time of the
121year um but with the list of the committees the participants and the charge um that's it I just want to understand where that stands >> are you asking for the board committees >> just any No just the board committees is just any committee that you have like you have the curriculum advisory committee u other committees are mentioned and I'm I'm not fully aware of how many committees that we have operating and just want to understand who's on the committees how frequently we're you know looking into involving others on the committees and what the charge of each committee is. >> Okay, we're we're making note of that. We'll >> we'll get back to you on that. >> All right. Thank you. Um I had uh mentioned we actually I'm sorry. We had gotten an update about
122the foil open foils. So we have some open foils for many months now. Are they all closed out at this point? >> No. No, ma'am. There are still open foils that we're working. >> Okay. Don't we have like a aren't we like sort of legally required to close these out in a certain time frame? >> I don't know, John. >> You know, in the original communications on some of them, timelines were given that we weren't able to comply with, you know, we're we're getting to them as quickly as we can. >> Okay. So you're and then I guess you're giving the ink the um >> so there's a there's a a process uh for the foils and uh there is a as a set basis for uh why you can extend a foil. >> Uh
123some foils are very voluminous uh require uh a great deal of review and redaction. Uh so that uh and uh so there is a there's a basis by which you can extend a foil and uh those that basis is reviewed and foils are extended as necessary given the uh extent of the foils and um how much has to be redacted. >> Okay. So I can take from that that you're responding to the community members with extensions. >> So that I I there was a a a gap in there between foil office officers. Uh there was a time period where I don't believe there was a foil officer records access officer. >> Uh so there was a period of catchup. >> Okay. And so, uh, my understanding is, uh, there's now a list and a a
124way to systematically get that down. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. Um, last year we started off the year with a like family engagement survey or I I I forget what you called it. Um, I assume we're going to do that again this year. Um, so I'm looking for confirmation of that and the timelining of that. Um because I had also recommended in in previous discussion that consideration be given to um exit surveys since we do have students that leave the district. uh we see it in our numbers of our students going to charter schools and um in particular. Uh so at this point in time to you know try to get that feedback of you know the thoughts of and why um students were leaving or families were choosing to leave. >> So there has
125been some follow-up conversation regarding the exit surveys of students. Um, we've been in communication with the central registration and we're actually sort of revamping where that official withdrawal would come from so that we can ensure that some procedures are in place properly. So, as we are doing that, we are looking to see where the exit survey would take place. So, we're in discussion about that now. Uh, Miss Stevens, do you have any further updates? We need a little more time before we can put that into place based on where we are. >> I don't really have any updates. Um, but we did think for families exiting with more than one child, it was easier to do that withdrawal in a central location, which lends itself to our ability to speak to those families or have
126them complete surveys. So, this is making me think back to like a seback recommendation. I think they they talked about doing like a census of who of how many students there are in each building. And do we have the intention of doing that? I feel like that was a recommendation that came out of the from the citizens advisory committee like a census of the ex the exact number of students in each building. I think they have they have that information of >> you have that. Okay. I thought I it just came to my mind when I was um I thought that had come up from that committee. Um we I also in our policy committee meetings I had asked that we give consideration to having the students sign off on the code of conduct. the
127code of conduct now has a cell phone regulation inherent to it. Um, and then additionally, I would wonder if we're having the staff sign off on our policies. So students um staff do sign off on their staff handbooks and some of those handbooks are digitally. Um in the parent square component in a review of the analytics there is an ability to have parents sign documents in parent square. So in our administrative meetings, we've been talking about having signatures acquired through that avenue. So it's in the works. It may be multiple processes in the beginning, but through Parent Square, we're looking to obtain signatures. >> Okay. And then the um Chromebook agreement had been updated to address the cell phone pouches or had that not happened or do we have a similar agreement? It's separate. Yeah.
128Technology department is working on an acceptable use um form for the cell phone pouches. So, how are we going to do that? Cuz the students are set to retreat like be given a pouch next Wednesday. There is a rollout plan in each of the the middle and high school to distribute the pouches. Mr. Iino is working on those um agreements for us that will be distributed. Uh so the building administrators are going to go into classrooms, distribute those agreements, distribute pouches, and make sure that students um have their pouches at the beginning. So I guess >> well I guess we just had the orientations right and I know that the Chromebook agreements were signed right and collected. Okay. So I'm not I'm not understanding how we're going to get these sort of agreements back on
129the cell phone pouches. So because the pouches are new, right, Chromebooks are are they've done every year, >> right? >> The administrators felt that it was important to have conversations with students about the policy, about the roll out, about what they were agreeing to. So they are going to do that in classes in smaller groups instead of in the auditorium setting. And then they're going to go home with a paper agreement. They are. Yes. Um, I had so I know that Juan and Lisa want to jump in, but I was curious about the because when we did the building walkth through on Friday, we were learning that the middle school is going to handle things differently than the high school, which was um I guess okay, but then I'm hearing that the middle school was
130telling parents that, you know, they have the pouch, but they have to leave the cell phone in the locker. And that kind of goes >> that was kind of not the intent. >> Yeah. >> Um so I don't know if you had heard that difference. >> No, I did not. I I did want to clarify though as far as the procedures. It's just I I think what you're saying is just the placement of the magnets, right? Where the magnets will be >> right. So at the high school they're going to be outside. At the middle school, they're going to be inside, right? So, at the high school, there will be some mounted outside and then there will be uh a magnet, at least one on a rolling cart. And then, I guess to Nate's presentation
131earlier, it looked like students can come in on either side of the high school. So, we were looking at a location on the west side of the high school for the magnets to be outside, but we're going to have them on both sides of the high school. now covered with the building principal. >> So yes, both sides >> the building principal had has a plan for how those unlocking carts are going to be rolled out for where the students enter the building. >> Okay, so there would be carts on that side of the building and the fixed magnets are only going to be on the west side of the building. I'd have to see the exact plan of where the building administrators wanted them, but it was their they were included in the implementation meetings
132and they decided with the vendors where things were going. >> So my my question is this. Um when we when we decided to do pouches, I thought that the pouches would stay um in the possession of the district and students would come and um an administrator would visually see them put their device in the pouch and then close it. That's the way I thought it was going to work. So now we're learning that the way it's going to work is that each student will be assigned a pouch. it will go home with them. We hope it comes back and we hope that they put their actual cell phone in there, not a decoy. For me, at that point, there's no difference between that and their lockers. >> We had talked about that. Um, and there
133was drawbacks for book for either direction. You could have it where they're use throwing it in the bin at the end of the day. But >> well, one student damages the pouch, it gets thrown in the bin, and then the next day another student pulls out that damaged pouch, who's responsible for it? But if they have possession of their pouch, and they come to school the next day and their pouch is damaged or they don't have it, then they lose possession of their phone throughout the school day. >> I I I understand that, but I I also don't want this law to become a logistical nightmare for for for our staff. >> But I I think it's something not not I think it is something that will continue to require revision as as we go
134along because it may work and it may not work and if it doesn't work we're going to have to make changes. So I know we we did have a long discussion about it um when we had the um the forum and there were there were pros and cons connected to it like Chris already mentioned. So I think we have to allow it to be rolled out into the schools knowing that there will be changes that will take place along the way. Um I and I think even like with the pouches if we give the pouch to the kid I kind of look at it with the Chromebook. We give the Chromebook to the kid they're responsible for it. if they lose it, they're responsible for it. They have to look for replacement. So, I just
135feel that we need to take a look to see what's going to work best in each building. We get feedback from the kids, from the parents. We have student members that are on the board and those student members will be able to also provide some, I think, valuable feedback to us that will help us make any revisions as we go along. That's just my thought process on it. >> Yeah, I I mean I agree, Juan. That's what my understanding was. I thought the pouches were staying within the district. They weren't going home. Um, and I know it's not cost comparable to a Chromebook, but still I really thought that we were going to have had a sign off on the pouch and so an understanding of what the expectation was as far as um damaged
136um pouches and replacement u prior to the school year opening. Um I am so we did do the gy the walkthrough of the district buildings on Friday. Um they're you know the district things are in motion. Um it's exciting. I think the gym floors look beautiful. Uh, in particular, I know it's sad to remove the Warrior logo, but I thought that the floors look really nice. Um, I did follow up. I I I am concerned uh with the middle school, and I had expressed my concerns during the walkthrough. Um, there's a lot of work that needs to be done between now and next Tuesday. Um, so I did want to follow up and just get reassurance. I asked for the construction schedule um and an actual construction progress meeting update uh uh uh meeting minutes
137um to feel reassured that the bathrooms are going to be ready for the students come next Wednesday. Um you know, are the contractors working this weekend if they have to? The contractors have already given us assurances that the bathrooms will be turned over on time and that information I believe was communicated this morning, but we will get you a full update including the construction meeting minutes uh this for this Friday. >> Okay. Thank you. Because right because then there's just the dust too. Just there's a lot of dust. >> It comes together very quickly. I can tell you from experience, but right now the GC is communicating a high level of confidence. >> Okay. You want to >> Yeah. I mean to second to second uh Miss Mesman's point, um I was also there on
138the tour and again we saw things coming together. Um the bathroom seems to be a area of focus because it's under construction. Um you know, you walk in there, we're not seeing a finished product. We're hoping for a finished product. We know once it's finished it's going to be beautiful. It's going to be usable. Um I think the main concern is we just really really hope it's ready for day one. I think that's the main that's the main concern. >> Um I'm sorry. I'll just keep going. I um today I thought we were going to be seeing the candidates for the director of HR. Um and I know that other things took precedence in the executive session. Um but I guess I'm I am concerned that we went through the process. We had you know
139our hiring committee involved. We they scanned the resumeumés. They interviewed they sc you know selected down and now we are not we don't have we have like two weeks is that what we're proposing that would be between that we would actually meet these candidates. So the process finished um late last week the resumeumés were rated. The top five candidates will be coming to meet with the cabinet. They are being scheduled this week. We had a very ambitious timeline. We were hoping to meet because we wanted to have someone in place prior to the opening of school, but the manpower could only produce so much. And so those interviews are being um tomorrow uh tomorrow and a couple of days thereafter. Um so by the end of the week, I hope we will have been able
140to see the five candidates and we'll be prepared to bring them before the board September 10th. >> Okay. And there's um I mean would the board want to entertain seeing them the week the first week of school? So that that we don't lose these candidates. The question for the board. >> I was just looking at my calendar. >> No, I just wanted to clarify that I I didn't know if I truly made it sound like a question. >> I thought I thought you were asking the board would they >> I am. I'm asking I you know if you know we if there's candidates in there and we've gone through this whole process, I'd hate to lose them. >> Right. to to to your point, I would like to interview and hire a qualified HR director
141as soon as possible. >> If we if I'm okay if we have candidates and we want to do it before the um the 10th, I'm I'm fine with that. >> Okay. So, we won't pick a day right now or Chris, I don't know who you're going to weigh in. >> I'll pick a day. September >> September 4th. I I I I'm only stammering because I don't have my other calendar here. So, I don't I can say a particular date, but I'm not too sure. >> I believe the superintendent and the cabinet still have to meet with interviews first. So, maybe that will dictate the timeline. >> If we could communicate that to you because there's continued vetting, reference checks, and a number of things that must take place um >> throughout the process. So, we
142wish we could bring them before September 10th. If we uh are at a place where we feel we can, we'll certainly communicate. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Um I So, I just I did ask this by email, too. Um I was trying to clarify our involvement with the library project. Um, and I just want to ask Dr. Talbert if if you're aware of any change orders at the library. >> You go ahead. >> Yeah, there are there not we're not aware of any change orders by at the library. That correct, Mr. Steiner? >> There haven't been any change orders processed to date. whether they're contemplating one over there. I'd have to speak to the director. Again, I have been talking to him about this whole issue about, you know, what the board
143the school board's role is on this one, but I can't recall off the top of my head if he told me that change orders were being contemplated. >> So, the change order process is managed by SED and SED has for each project the change orders listed. So what SED will do is for each change order that's issued, there has a form that has to be signed off on by the superintendent of schools that attests to the change order meeting certain legal standards and that has to be processed by the superintendent of schools of the school district and then processed up by SED. So there are no no change orders listed with SED for the project and that's and that's a double check by SED. They have to sign off on the change order as well.
144>> Okay. So the library board wouldn't approve a change order without it coming to the superintendent of board of education first. So the the library board may approve a change order but but SED won't approve the change order unless that sign it that that form is signed off on. >> Okay. >> And that sign and that form has to be signed off on by the superintendent. So regardless of whether the the library board approves a change order or not, that process ends with SED because SED records every change order for every project. >> Okay. Then I guess um we should definitely talk to the director of the library because in their minutes in July they have two change orders that they approved. >> So they may be approving it but it's it's not the final
145process. >> Okay. Because they had that uh water treatment process that they needed to pay for. >> Right. So that we did have a water treatment process but that wasn't a change order for existing project. There was a there was a water changer a water uh project permit that was signed off by the superintendent school some time ago, but I haven't seen a change order for that. >> Right. That was a permit, but this is like they found like high levels of zinc in the groundwater. So, they now have like some $150,000 change order. >> So, we'll follow up with that to to um make sure that uh that process is being followed. >> Okay. I just, you know, I um I mean, you guys know I'm this is what I'm familiar with. Uh so
146when you see a construction project sitting there for 12, 14 months, it's really hard to think that there's no change order for the time extension alone with the union labor rates going up. So that's why I asked the question and I know that the district holds the title of the property. So that's how we're involved. That's my understanding. Yeah. So, it's not it's not just the title, but it's that uh the the district is the funding source, >> right? >> Um and it has and it has the substantial completion and sign off and those final cost reports are approved by the district. So, there are specific u benchmarks as a project goes through that has to be signed off by the school district. >> Yep. Otherwise, it's, you know, the day-to-day operations within the scope
147of the >> Understood. >> The library. Yeah. Yes. Understood. Thank you. >> I just had two more really quick. I'd be very interested to see our budget to actuals for the logo removal. Uh we talked about um you were kind of mentioning where may you know maybe had some savings here and there. So, I'd love to see the budget to actuals for the Warrior logo removal efforts. Um, and then also the annual I think the acronym changed. It used to be the Vader report, the incident report, Vader. Um, I forget what it's called this year. >> It's Fader, but it's something with the students climate. Can you >> S. Yes. Oh, okay. Okay. Thank you. um to do we formally accept that the board or did we just ask for that last year as like
148an FYI? >> No, the board does not formally accept it. And did we provide it to the board or I think it was requested prior to the submission deadline. >> Okay. So, it wasn't ready at the time, but it's been completed now. Okay. So, I'm just I guess asking for that again. Yes, we can provide that. >> All right. Thank you. >> I think I I think that's it, Lisa. >> No, I'm just I was just saying that we I have the AC turned off, you know. >> Oh. >> Um any other old and new business? >> Yes, I have one. Um Dr. Dr. Tabbert, I had previously asked for a a list of booster clubs and organizations that are working with the district. So, just wondering about the status on that. >> So, in
149terms of booster clubs, uh to our knowledge, there's only the Amityville booster club, which our very own uh Trusty Leon is a part of. There are no other booster clubs who have reached out to us to make us aware that they would like to partner with us to produce any outcomes for our students, athletes of the sort. >> And any other organizations that are working with the district in any similar type of capacity? >> Of course. Um the PTA has made us aware that they are forming an elementary PTA and a secondary PTA. We've had um actually a meeting today with the sports hall of fame who was interested in doing their uh acknowledgement dinner uh in October on October the 3. in terms of boosters or organizations similar to that. Those are the only
150ones who have had conversations with us to my knowledge. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any anything else for new or old business? >> Okay. Oh. um use use of facility use of facilities parking lot usage. I'm not too sure who Oh, what about Miss Stevens? Would you like to give the update regarding the request? Uh the request from the police department was that we consider waving the current insurance practices uh so that they could submit a use for the administrative parking lot at the end of their raga muffin parade. >> So I guess something that >> So it wasn't it wasn't an entitle it wasn't the entire insurance, right? There's only one specific insurance. >> Correct. It was the umbrella excess liability. >> So >> excuse me. We're trying our best. I will let I
151will remind them. Thank you. >> Excuse me. Uh so my understanding there was the policy states is a minimum of 1 million for the umbrella excess. Uh and that's what the the police department was proposing for use of the lot at the end of the parade. And uh so uh it's my opinion that it is within the board's discretion within that policy. It states that's the board's discretion as to whether or not uh the policy would the facilities use would provide the insurance as written or you could provide a minimum of $1 million um for the umbrella excess liability. >> Right. So this is something that will just be coming to the it'll be coming to the agenda use of facilities and then you we just have to make the decision as a board if
152we're willing to accept. >> Correct. When when is the event? >> Yeah. So it would be coming to that would be coming to >> Okay. And just give us a reminder on it. So therefore thank you. >> All right. Um, if there's no more new or old business at this point in time, we will take community input on non-aggenda items. >> Hi, Margaret Shopville. Hold on one second. I just want to make sure that our district clerk is ready. Are you ready, Marian? Go ahead, please. >> Hi, Hold on a second. >> Yeah, that one. Perfect. >> I'll give you the clock now. >> I will I will give you a little bit more time. Go ahead. >> So, um, sitting here listening to this meeting and and and I wrote down some buzzwords here
153because it's all I keep hearing. I applaud the left side of the table here for their energy and what they brought to the meeting this evening because it was logical, thoughtful, and impressive. But yet, as a main theme, I what words came to me was lethargy, delay, slowm moving, passing the buck and um Miss Johnson, I'd like you to bring your calendar every time you have a meeting now so that we don't forget and you can, >> you know, Miss Shop, I'm just in for a second, please. Can you just pause it for a second, please? Thank you. Right. I I have no problem taking questions and taking comments. >> We can comment. >> Excuse me. Taking questions and taking comments, >> but if you're going to be rude, >> it was a friendly reminder.
154>> Excuse me. If you're going to be rude >> and disrespectful, then your time at the mic will be over. So, I'm asking you to be to provide constructive >> I'm asking you to provide if you have a question for us to provide a question for us. I I have no problem with that. Right. So, I'm just asking as we start a new year that we that we be respectful. I'm respectful when you come to the mic. So, I'm asking you to be respectful when you come to the mic. >> There's a there's a thing called constructive. >> So, and I'm asking for community members, excuse me, I'm not talking to you. I'm asking for community members to refrain from any comments, any applause or anything like that. someone comes to the mic, they have
155a right to speak, but also in our board policy, we do have the right to stop any comments or anything that's going to be inappropriate. So, thank you. Go ahead. >> Fair enough. So, regarding I'm sorry, >> I was talking to Maryanne. >> Regarding the goals, I I just don't understand in any business climate and any corporation, there's always measurable goals and I just can't understand how you're waiting on information to make the goals. So, measurable, there's matrix that you have to follow. there's increases to use generalizations as increase and improve and all these little, you know, adjective to make it improve. You you you have to give it a number and you have to do it. So I don't understand how President Johnson was it's it's kind of incredulous that you support this because
156as as your role I would wish that you would demand it and that's why it really is quite bothersome and I just had to comment that because goals are measured on forecast. They're measured on history. They're measured on ideals and all of these things should be measured and it shouldn't be and it shouldn't be anything new. you're in this role for how long? I just can't believe that it's been so mely mouthed and and and brushed over so glossily like it's glossed over that you just don't have this nailed down at this point at this point in your career. And the other question I have I have a question now unrelated is how many students withdrew from Amityville this this year to date. >> So we'll have your question and we'll get back to you.
157I'll make a note of it right now. >> Okay. Okay. Delay. And how many are enrolled in the charter school for this year? >> That's not that's the second part of the question. >> So hold on. How many students >> enrolled for the charter school that left that >> enrolled for charter school? >> Right. >> And how many have left the district? >> Correct. >> I don't know. >> So by the next meeting or maybe you can email me. You have it on file. I'm sure >> how many have left district >> and my other commentary is regarding AI and when when is the launch planned for this AI? >> I believe once Dr. Talbot has the the information for us, she'll give it to the board and give it to everyone as well. >>
158Well, you talked you talked about it tonight. So, obviously there's a launch. You you're talking about design and everything else, but when is when is the mindset for this launch of AI? >> So, Dr. tell do you have a set date or not yet? >> If not yet, then we'll get information back to you. >> Is it this year? >> The process has already begun. >> But when my ask my question to you is when do you plan I I get the process has started. Thank God for small favors. But my question is when when is your when is your goal to launch it? >> This school year. >> Okay. So in in view of the the phone cell phone situation and the packet and everything else, I think at this time if you're starting
159the process, if ever you ever leaned on your fellow peers, you look for tutorials, you look for forums, now is the time you I know you have like a superintendent probably quarterly meeting, monthly meeting, whatever it is, it's time to lean on others to to get this program in set because AI is way above everybody because if you can't get a cell phone thing going on this AI I think is going to be way >> all right. So your time is up and I gave you extended time. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> And um perhaps maybe um the president shouldn't always have to speak for the superintendent. You're supposed to for us. >> Next person, please. Thank you. >> Jacqueline Stevenson. So, I just wanted clarification on the uh discussion that you had today
160about replacing the board member. Um, so have have you decided officially today that you're not going to be holding an election? Is that what was voted on? >> So, a as of right now, uh, no, we're not going to be holding an an election. >> Okay. So, you have the ability to appoint someone. Is that what was stated? You can appoint someone. It could be there by a special election which tonight didn't pass. There could be the board could appoint someone or the board could leave the seat vacant. So those are three options that the board could do. >> So in appointing someone I think I heard you say you in appointing someone you could follow what you've done in the past. Correct. >> That could be one way the board could do it. Yes.
161>> Okay. Or you can just appoint someone. You can have a discussion and appoint. You don't have to interview. Correct. >> Correct. It's up to the board. >> It's up to the board. So, uh, I just wanted to talk about my experience that I had last year because I was one of the ones that applied. >> I, you know, I I don't complain much. You know, I come up here, ask my questions, but I just wanted to um let everyone know how I felt about the process. I I I didn't agree with how the process went. There was some loopholes, um, some things that went on that I felt uh was not uh professional. Uh, for one, the board insisted on having um the interviews and and filling the spot prior to the new candidates
162coming on board. Uh, even though many community members asked if if you all could wait, but you wanted to have that process done because Mr. Leon and Miss Santos were on the board at the time. The problem I have with that is Mr. Leon was not informed about my interview. He was not in on my interview. I don't know about anyone else. I can only speak for myself. I have I have it. It's on video because I asked this question at one of one of the um meetings and he was not he was involved in the first proc not involved in the first process but he could have been involved in the process of interviewing. So I that was one issue. Another issue was I received a letter after my interview stating that a a
163decision had been made only to then receive another letter that a decision had not been made because the board hadn't met. And also um again I don't complain much but during the day or meeting when a decision was made uh trustee Kestro voiced her opinion about several of the candidates myself being included and while she was stating why she felt I was qualified one of the other board members murmured something about her having a relationship with these people which to me was a slap in the face like I'm I'm not qualified. you you think I'm not qualified because um Miss Kestro is is stating her feelings about me or how how she felt why she felt I should be picked or why I was qualified. I'm sorry. Um so I feel like if you're going
164to appoint someone, bypass that process, just appoint whoever the next person you just had an election. Um Mr. Leon had over 800 votes. Naring had over 700. Mr. Papil voila had 525. Appoint him. The community already voted. Um if he declines, if he declines, Mr. Martin was next with 452. Offer it to him. The community already voted. So just so that you don't put anyone else through that whole process. That's my suggestion. And my time is up. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Good evening, Peppa Martin. I just wanted to say thank you. Hold on a second. We have to reset, Pepper. Just like the season. I just wanted to say um be encouraged. This these are arduous times. All districts are really going through the hair um pulling and hair raising um I would say
165very very arduous um time of really trying to accommodate the cell phone requirement by our governor. We understand why it was implemented. There are so many scientific studies that have shown that it has had a tremendous um negative impact on student learning attention spans and so subsequently that was the main motivator behind making the decision. However, all districts are really um discussing still how this is going to work. there's a lot of anxiety not just because of the actual physical logistics but also the SEO component. So I just wanted to offer um some recommendations on what we are doing. We have recently um gotten a new platform called called Thought Exchange which is a platform that is um specifically designed for superintendent and central administrative staff. And on that platform, it allows you to speak
166with a litany of your colleagues um at the equal level to talk about trending topics. And the two topics that are trending now is the blue ribbon commission and the cell phone policy. And that may give you instead of having to work in isolation, that may give you some support to be able to see what are they doing in other parts of New York that may work for Amityville and that can be amended to fit the needs. And lastly, I also want to just also um give another um modicum of support is to also consider the SEAL component. Um, students do have real addictions in some cases, even staff members, adults. Um, this is scientifically proven. So, you may want to, um, while there is a need to definitely focus on the pouch and where
167it's going to be located, you may want to just be open and render some grace because you have you're going to have to try different ways even throughout the school year to see what gives the best result. But I'd want to offer that you may want to also consider an SEAL plan around it. Should someone start to have some difficulty with separating from their device, you want to put a PPS team together to maybe have something in place to address the anxiety that may or may not be present once they realize the impact of not having access to their phone during the day. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. And job well done so far. >> Thank you. >> Hi Wendy Canestra. >> Hold on a second. Please >> go ahead. >> Um, first, the
168board is allowed to be criticized. The attorney might want to inform you about New York Times versus Sullivan. You can't tell people they can't criticize you. You're elected officials. It comes with the territory. >> So, excuse me, Miss Kenstro. Just kind of pause it for a second. So according to our policy that we have on the book, there's certain things that it states in our policy about community in input regarding agenda non-aggenda items. So according to the policy, there's certain things in there that as a board we do not have to accept. So just review that policy. Go ahead. >> That's actually the law. So the law supersedes Amityville's policy. >> I will double check that with legal. But >> sure, you double check that. But I will say as people screamed racist from the
169audience, not once did you speak up. So, as I said it before, if I heard it, I would address it. Go ahead. >> It happened multiple multiple multiple multiple times. >> Go ahead. >> Okay. Um, I uh would like to ask why when a trustee asks the questions to the superintendent, you answer it. She's asking the educational leader a question and you answer it time and time again. >> Go ahead. >> Do you want me to just go on and then you're going to answer? Are you going to answer or No, >> I will see if I answer. Go ahead. >> Okay. You had a lovely student who sat here the entire meeting who did not speak. The point of the student being here is to be engaged and to hear comm input. >> The
170student was not supposed to be here else we would have had her engaged and be involved. Thank you. >> The student was appointed in July and she's supposed to >> was not going to be attending the meeting tonight >> but she was but she was here so you just don't accommodate her. Shame on all of you for that. >> Thank you. >> Um let's see. Uh policies were read. that there was a first reading. There were amendments. All the board was involved. There were amendments. I know that I sent the amendments to the board. Um there's been no second readings. I've sent an email board president like you haven't answered me, but you said you were going to answer me. There's a board policy for that. Um where are the second readings? No answer. Perfect.
171Okay. Um let's see. Uh, you always say you when a trustee wants to do a resolution, you're always trying to stop the trustee from doing a resolution. I've said this at the mic before for all of you. Stop asking permission to call a resolution and call the resolution. She has one vote just like the rest of you. She has no more power than the rest of you. Call the resolution. Know know what your rights are or read up on Robert's rules if you don't. Um a perfect example is the code of conduct. There was a wellness policy. The wellness committee, the expert from Boseies actually gave the suggestions to the board um that recess is not to be used as a punishment. Instead of the board adopting the policy, you allowed the superintendent to talk
172you into we'll review it at a later date. We'll send it back to the policy for them to review. They sent it to you. What I mean the fact that you go along with this nonsense of kicking things down the road. I will compliment you, Juan and Megan. I thought you did an excellent job today. You raised great points, but you have to be push harder. You represent the community. You represent the taxpayers. You represent the students and you represent the parents. Stop being walked all over. Um, as far as the learning plan, you called a motion to table it. It failed 3-1 and then you voted to approve it. All you had to do, one person had to vote no and you would have it would have been on at the next meeting. You
173don't have to wait for other trustees to have a discussion. You either show up or you're part of the discussion or you're not. If you have a quorum, you you finish business. Stop going along with this nonsense that happens here. Um, as far as a correction action plan, you should have what? 90 days for your business official to give it back to you. You're going to have a draft on on September 3rd from a report given to you at the end of July. and you're going to accept that. When the board wants something, you say, "Okay." I mean, what in the world goes on here? This is not normal. This does not happen in other districts. This is why you cannot get >> Miss Keshestro, your time is up. I let you go a little
174bit longer. Then I'll Thank you. >> Oh, John. John, just hold on a second. This comes >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Andrew Iodi 24 IRA court. >> You have to start the the timer. Go ahead. Go ahead. >> Uh, first and foremost, I want to send my love and condolences to you and your family, Miss Lisa, for your uh your loss. Uh, definitely send my love. Um, secondly, I wanted to speak about the phone situation that they was talking about. I just wanted to give you guys a heads up. It's a local organization around here, LCCV, that specializes in that. It's called digital dependency. And I think it would be good a local organization. I could get you guys the um information to tap in with that cuz that's a big thing. It's a
175burgeoning thing going on across the world. So, it was good to hear that you guys tapped in with that. And last of all, I just want to wish everybody good luck um this year and the school board. I've been seeing uh most of you guys tapped in to the community. So, I'm excited about the year. The community is excited about the year. I hope it's some uh transparency with the appointment situation and we kind of get some clarity on that. But other than that, I really want to wish you guys good luck on this upcoming year and um best of luck with everything. Thank you. Thank you, >> Wendy Canestra. I just want to finish. You didn't actually answer my questions. >> I don't have an answer right now, Wendy. >> Great. Okay. Um, as
176far as the new plaque, you wouldn't think that the trustee would have to spell out that you want both plaques up. Um, this was asked in July. You said you didn't need a resolution. You would do it. And now there's a ton of excuses why it can't happen now because it's the beginning of school and it's understandable the beginning of school is busy. But it could have happened in July and it didn't. As far as a trustee asking for furpa training that is not legally mandated, but a lot of school districts do. Shame on all y'all. Again, FURPA is to protect student records. You are supposed to be advocates for students. Why was this a hard task? Again, tons of excuses. Your council said you could add it to the plan and then, you know,
177you could you could go um roll it out for the training, but instead you allowed the superintendent, by the way, who works for you. You're about the superintendent, she answers to you, to walk all over you. The board president continues to hold on to status quo. Will always say, "Let's just wait." I agree with you. I I I agree with you, but let's just wait. She is not the decider of the board of education. She is one of all of you. I I I I don't know if like all y'all need training again or something, but it sounds like you might. Um, as far as the evaluation tool for the superintendent and the goals, Miss Mesman was 100% correct. Other districts do this. It isn't a big deal, but you're going to wait the 11th
178hour on the day it's due to have this conversation. Um, it is problematic that that keeps happening. Um, as far as Mr. Leon bringing up the vending machine, I appreciate that. Who actually owns the vending machine? >> It's going to be looked until we'll get an update. >> Nobody has an answer. >> Not at this time. >> Okay. Weird. Um, a tractor just goes missing. Um, was there a police report filed? Were the keys given to them? like did you was there a chain of custody um from the district to >> everything was investigated and we have a report about everything >> okay great um the 23 recommen oh oh you know somebody one of I can't remember who said it I was going to ask if the internal audit report is online it's not
179on there but in general like listen I could go on and on in here I have like 5,000 notes but here's the thing and this is what the board needs to understand You are the oversight of superintendent. She oversees everybody else. Like you guys are very reactive and not proactive for anything. Why wasn't the internal order to report up? Why why is the evaluation tool kicked down the road? Everything is reactive. Everything is last minute. If you want progress, you have to strive and demand excellence. It's up to you, the board. >> Thank you. But then again, it took away all accountability. So, >> thank you. >> Um, we have about 8 minutes left to to um give me input. So, please keep your comments so more people can can come up. Thank you. Jacqueline
180Stevenson, I don't know if it was mentioned tonight, but regarding the middle school and the cell phone, I guess they're called stations. How many are there or will there be within the building? >> Um, where where will we just kind of pause it for a second? Pause both of them. I'm not I'm not sure if Dr. Tala is able to answer that question. when you refer to his stations, you're you're speaking of the >> to unlock >> the the magnetic unlocks. Yeah. We don't have the diagram before us, but they're in strategic places um around the entrances and exits of the building. >> Okay. Because when I went to orientation, it didn't seem like they had a solid plan as far as my concern was when the students have to leave that there may be
181a delay getting on the bus. So that's why I was asking how many are there and where where they would be located. >> They do they do have a plan and I know one of those options is the moving cart which will which will allow more flexibility but the middle school has laid out their plan. We'll follow up and if you have some questions we'll make sure you have your answers. Thank you. Thank you. So, Emory, I'm gonna Emry, I'm going to tell you to kind of hold off in starting the actual total time. So, I'll let him start and then I'll tell you when to start it the other one. Okay. Go ahead. >> Go ahead. Yeah. >> Nikia Wolf, 100 Appalon Court. Melville. >> Start his. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Go ahead. >>
182Uh, good evening everyone. Um, first and foremost, just want to um extend my uh thanks to um the board and the school district who uh was very instrumental in partnering uh with the Amadevel Teachers Association and with community organizations for a backpack giveaway that it is that we uh had this past weekend. Um thank you for your responsiveness. um I didn't have to wait for anything in terms of uh getting information and resources for you that helped us to make the event successful. Um I thank um and specifically central office. Um I think like to thank uh uh Barbara Hunt who also received a probationary appointment. She was instrumental in making sure that we were able to uh um get supplies that were donated from the district. So in a time where it is that
183we sometimes don't focus on our actual children and the fact that it is that we had outreach from the entire Amityville committee community didn't matter whether you were from North Amityville, South Amityville, East Masipua um it was a collaborative effort uh effort and it actually shows what can happen when we actually take time and have conversations together and we actually work towards a common goal which is um our students and hopefully we can carry that on uh moving forward. forward. Um, a lot of these personal things that are happening, it's not really moving our district forward. Um, maybe one of the things that would help us is to make sure that we actually adhere to the policies that it is that we have so people don't think that we don't have them. Um, so that
184would probably be beneficial for us moving forward so that um, we could actually start showing some transparency. Uh, maybe we can actually move forward as a community because um, these meetings uh, take forever. Um, and a lot of these things don't have anything to do with our school district moving forward. So hopefully we can make that change going into the next school year uh and beyond. Thank you. >> Hi Chris, Amityville. Okay. Um, a lot of these guys, you know, actually said what I wanted to uh say and that's fine. I'm not going to repeat them. Okay. But the thing about uh metrics You know, it's not just the superintendent who should have metrics. Everybody who has a paid position in the Amityville School District should be evaluated. There should be a common set of
185goals, you know, some set by the uh you know, the employee themselves and some that they the higher up gives you, you know, so nobody should be immune from scrutinization and you know, and if you do that, you know, you you're you're doing the district a disservice. That's number one. Okay. Number two, the um there shouldn't be an appointment for that position. You know, I I actually I mean I knew that Megan's, you know, that Megan's plan was going to get rejected. I actually kind of uh like Juan kind of meets it halfway. Let the election let let the seat be vacant until May, you know? I mean, if you're not going to do a special election, but it should not ever be an appointment ever. Okay, that just it's just not going to go
186very well. And about the cell phone pouches, I think I have a plan for what you guys can uh do with them. Okay, give them back to the get them give them back to the manufacturer. There's so many workarounds to these things. And now that you find out, okay, they're going to go home, you know, they're not going to stay on school property. I mean, you're just going to keep wind up, you know, buying these things. I have a real novel solution. You know, instead of making the school responsible for people having cell phones on the property, make the parents responsible. Okay? You you your kid goes into class with a cell phone, you send them home. Does it again, you send them home for three days. Does it again, send them home for five
187days. And and I tell you what, when a parent is sick and tired of having to miss work to watch their kid, these cell phones will be out of the building. And that's really all I have to say. Oh, yeah. One more thing. Okay. Um, you guys really get, you know, as a group, you know, you you can't keep kicking the can down the road. You know, I like the proactive thing better than the reactive. You know, I see these two are actually doing what they're supposed to be doing, asking questions and trying to get the hard answers. Okay, that's what everybody needs to do. And thank you. Have a good evening. >> Thank you, >> Wendy Kestro. As far as foils, if the district didn't have somebody to do the foils, that's not on
188the people who foiled. That becomes a destructive denial if the deadline wasn't met. Um, as far as foils, I know that I foiled something and I got a letter today saying the documents don't exist except for I was on the board of education and I know for a fact the documents exist. I already spoke to legal about that. Um, as far as uh the pouches, 19 out of 126 districts did not do the pouches. They are opted to stay in the locker. In fact, on June 26, we had a board meeting where we spent two hours talking about the cell phone policy, making amendments. I had amended all the policies and gave it to anyone. And the only one I didn't do was the cell phone policy because it was four pages. I thought you
189guys Lisa could definitely do that except for when I listened to the next policy meeting, she lost all the notes. So, she didn't have any of those notes for the cell phone policy. As far as the election, oh, and just for the comment that these meetings are too long and it has nothing to do with students. First of all, I think everybody's here to that wants the district to advance, wants excellence, wants better for the students. This is a board of education business meeting. This meeting is for the board. It's not for the community. We're here to listen and if they're nice enough, they let us speak. So, that's that. If if you think it's for us, it's not. The last thing is the election. I wholeheartedly disagree that the seat should be vacant. If
190it's vacant too long, the Boseie superintendent will appoint somebody. When you don't have that seventh voice, that is a seventh voice taken away from the community. The community deserves the policy calls for this district calls for seven voices to represent the community. As far as last um turnaround for you guys to say, "Let's do that again." I can tell you sitting in the interview process, part of the emails, the whole thing was an entire sham. Sham. People were not treated equally. Questions and standards were not held for the same. People that were highly qualified. There was hostility towards some of the of the candidates because some of the trustees cannot act professional and took it out on them. Then an email went out two interviews deep that we already appointed somebody. I mean, how does
191that happen? Oh, it was a mistake after the point. Um, the one woman sent us an email saying, "Why did I get this?" I had to ask her to send it to me. I had no idea. I was horrified. So, I will just let the entire community know. It was a complete sham. They knew who they were picking. The deliberations were a joke. When we came into public, the five other trustees had nothing to say. Couldn't say one reason why they were picking that candidate. By the way, and when we talk about diversity, they were two black applicants. I voted for the two black applicants to be trustees. And the other five people is up on the mic. Thank you. >> So, our community input time is now over. Um, Rose, hold on a second.
192Committee in time is not over. Do we want to allow this one last person to come to the mic? >> Yes. >> Go ahead. So, this will be the last person. Thank you. >> No. Okay. So, you're the last person. Thank you. >> Good evening. Rose to Torres, 19 South Toronto Drive, Amityville. However, I'm here to speak for my president of the my union. Okay. Christina Romanelli Seals. Unfortunately, she could not be here today. Good evening to you, Dr. Talbert, and to the rest of the board members. I have a major concern with administration not responding to any of my emails I have sent since July. As a board president, it is big concern to fear not one person cares about anything I have questioned or request and my union is just pushed aside once
193again. placements should have been given out by now and no one knows exactly where they are going um for this upcoming school year. Only a um selective few one-on-one aids were told by word of mouth by Mrs. Connor, it's disappointing to know how so many emails are ignored and never answered at all or we get the runaround and never a direct answer no matter what the situation is. One of my union members has been exiting for a meeting since July and just another email that's been ignored on our behalf. I can understand that people are busy at times, but when seeing multiple emails being sent out to the district, there is no reason my emails are not read or respond to or or are you reading them and just ignoring it when my question when
194I'm questioned or needed for things. I give you my courtesy to either show up or to answer your emails. I would like the same respect. Thank you for your time. We all matter in our district, not a selective few. Have a good evening. >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. I have another one that's from my president. Now, this is for myself, please. >> Okay. Just make it You're We're running to the end, so just wrap up what you want to say. >> Okay. Um I just want to know because I didn't say anything at the beginning about questions on our your agenda for tonight. However, I would like to know why are you tableabling Okay. um 3B number 43 when the problem was his appointment was um passed from the that's a that's a person
195matter that I can't respond to >> in August 13th. Okay. I can't I'm sorry. I can't I can't let you go. Yeah. I can't. Sorry. >> Well, I understand why he's not approved. >> Sorry. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:58? >> Motion. >> I need a second person. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I motion carries. Thank you for joining us.