Canastota Central School Regular Board Of Education Meeting - January 13th 2026

0012026 and I'd like to publicly wish my wife a happy birthday. [laughter] >> Uh if you all please uh rise for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Okay. Uh, routine matters. Um, resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board does hereby approve the following routine matters. Board of education minutes for December 9th, 2025. Treasures report dated November 2025. the appropriation status reports uh dated November 2025 and the CSSE recommendations according to the dates listed on the agenda. Do I have a motion? >> Make that motion. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Uh all those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. >> Uh presentations. [clears

002throat] We're going to start off with a presentation on the district strategic plan update. >> All right. Take your time. Go ahead and shift to where you can see. I'll wander around a little bit. First test is I make sure I can actually operate the clicker. All right. So, we're good. So, uh, looking forward to giving a little bit of an update on something we've been talking about for the last year in the district. And so, uh, just to relive a little bit of what has led us to this point. About a year ago, um, we were, uh, heavily involved with having, u several meetings. We actually ended up having three community meetings, open invitation. Anybody in our school community who was interested in participating help us start the process of framing out what is

003success in the district look like? What do we aspire to and not just in one area but across the board and the school is a lot of things right? We're academic performance, we're extracurricular uh activities, we have to maintain our our facilities and infrastructure. So there's a lot that goes into the overall operation of a school district. So this is a big process. So last year with the help of for the most part we probably had 30 to 40 people I think at our most of those sessions. We were able to solicit uh feedback. What are things that people are thinking about? We tried to start whittling down how can we organize around certain themes and try to find that right spot of organization structure but flexibility to adapt and and really create something that

004had meaning. So first and foremost, what's important to us is to create again create something that's meaningful because in education a lot of times sometimes we're forced to do things right create a document, a plan and quite frankly there's not a lot of utility to it. Sometimes you wonder why are we doing this? How is this making us better? This is truly something that we're creating that's going to make us better because it's going to be a reflection of what we say is important. And so the challenge is going to be to continue that in the coming years. We said this was really a five-year we used a 5-year window where we said if we look if we if we think of what we wanted to be in 2030 for example what do we look

005like in the different areas of the district operation. So with the help of those uh canota community members who participated in that process that was comprised of you know employees um parents business leaders community members um we then over the summer and then into the fall our leadership team took a step back tried to take the feedback that we we got both the nuts and bolts the content the things that people actually were talking about but we tried to or how do we organize it because [snorts] There's no one way to do a strategic plan. If you Google strategic plan, you'll see a million different versions of what it is. So, what we want to run through today is just a sort of an overview of where we've landed now heading into the new year.

006Um, how are we able to organize ourselves around uh this process as we look forward over to the next five years and beyond? Uh this is a a line that I've used in typically when I talk to alumni groups or uh end of year uh gatherings or celebrations of honor site those types of things. This is a term that we use a lot and that uh we aspire to have a tradition of innovation and that traditions are important things that people attach meaning to historically that's important but we also need to evolve and get better. So our tradition needs to be being innovative, being problem solvers and making ourselves better. And so that was the the the frame uh of mind that we entered this process in. So we have our our uh what has

007become five categories. I think you'd be pretty hardressed to if you picked anything anything at all that if we were to start taking suggestions, what's something that jumps to the top of the of your mind of what's important for the school, we could probably put them in one of of these categories. Okay. Um so to to really make it simple uh that first category increase student proficiency monitor student proficiency that's about our our our assessments right our performance when when it's time to show what our students know understand or can do. This is what those results say. All right. So this is a pretty uh pretty defined and actually we're going to be talking a little bit about this in the next presentation about that first category of how is how are we we performing

008what is our trend been um in terms of our three through eight assessments or we talked about regent exams at our previous meeting and so on. Second category is a little bit broader in that we also know that learning is not just about assessment. That's a part of it. And we're never going to shy away from the fact that we're not going to be the school. I'm never going to be the superintendent who says tests don't have meaning. It's not realistic because that's a part of the puzzle. Not all of them, but it's a part of the puzzle. Those assessments are a reflection of the standards and we want to show that our students are attaching meaning to those standards and can demonstrate it. So it is important and we do want to be competitive

009and we do want to have our students have the opportunity to show that they're learning and improving and getting better. This category little again a little bit broader. These are things that aren't maybe assessed in the same way. Uh but think of the amount of things that we've we've been working on and need to continue to work on like the credentiing process, learning relevant skills attached to community organizations or local or regional businesses. That's important too. Um community sustainability is important. And so those are things the portrait of a graduate opens up some new opportunities where we can now meet state standards in a more creative way. That's where that one comes in. this this category this expanded uh category of learning opportunities is really where we're going to do a lot of work related

010to portrait of a graduate and again we're going to get into some examples momentarily. Uh third one's pretty straightforward and simple extracurriculars. We know that a lot of kids why do they love school or why can will they sometimes tolerate school? It's because of some of the other opportunities they can get involved with. Right? So, how do we continue to make sure that we are offering what is what kids want, right? And what gets them excited and really helps round out that day, that experience, not just about sitting in a classroom. It's about getting involved with a wide range of things. Fourth, okay, these these fourth and fifth items aren't directly related to what happens in the classroom. They're not we're not talking about curriculum and instruction. These are the things that allow learning to

011happen. All right. So, first our maintenance in infrastructure and operations, our transportation, our food service, uh all of the things that have to be in place in order to have a good instructional program. And one of the things I learned about years ago was, you know, [clears throat] we think of them as is as is as different. Well, guess what? If you don't have a good operation, good facilities, a good budget, if I'm looking at Tracy, good financial plan, then your academic program suffers, you know, and so that's a priority because this is the support that we need to have the programs we need and the learning to happen. And then finally, student last but certainly not least because we are have invested and will continue to invest heavily in this fifth area of student

012support services. And again, we're going to look at examples of this. Um, so, um, the things a wide range of supports that support not only the student, in many cases their families as well, which again, we're going to get into some specifics of that. My goal is not to read to you, so I'm going to pick out some of these pieces and just highlight it so it gives you, you know, some examples and a frame of reference. The process was good that we went through because we spent a lot of time wrestling with how do we organize oursel and the categories that I just sort of walked through those five areas um was where we landed. But there were some things that we can assume to be universal across the board because they come up

013in every conversation. One is is um f the financial piece is always got to be a question, right? So every goal that we talk about whether it's an infrastructure goal, a straight academic goal, every piece of every one of those goal areas has a financial component. So that's assumed, right? That's just assumed. It has to be a part of that any action steps or uh a part of what we're measuring in that category. Uh communication, how many times we talk about that there? We always can can aspire to be better communicators, better distributors, receivers of information across the board, right? So, communication right off the bat, we're saying everything that we do under these goal areas and action items is going to have a communication component that's that that makes us forces us to say,

014how are we explaining this, communicating this to people? How are we getting feedback to people? So that is also one of the three assumed areas. And then the final one we're calling professional development. How do we make it happen? Because we need to make sure that we have the capacity, the learning, the the understanding to make that goal or action item a reality. So those were three things. So with those five categories, and I think you can plug pretty much anything we do under one of those. And then with these three categories, uh, that's sort of how we're we're we're trying to frame it and say that those three qualities are are woven into every every part of this bigger plan. So again, just going to highlight a couple. Now there are you you see

015this the common structure goal area, right? Then the action items. This is just a partial list. This is going to be a living document. So what's there today could be different tomorrow. as the state imposes due requirements or as we decide as a school community that something is important. So we have to have in order to do this process justice and make it relevant, it has to be adaptable, it has to be uh changeable based on circumstances. All right. Um and then um and then the measurement of how of what we're measuring is going to from time to time also change. Um so that's why a key part of this whole process is um internally in the school we're dealing with these things every day but we also are going to consciously be providing reports

016to the larger school community of where are we on some of these things. Okay. So, we're going to have regular public reports that may be in in a setting like the board meeting, but it also could be through uh written updates uh or through video clips sort of showing you or or engaging our community with here we are. We said this was important 6 months ago. This is where we are now. And sometimes it's going to be good news and sometimes it's going to be bad news, but it's going to be honest and real. We don't want fluff. We don't want stuff that just is making us feel good, but it maybe it's not an accurate reflection of of where we are with things. So, it's going to be a mix. A real plan should

017be a mix of the good, the bad, and and somewhere in between. But when we're not where we want to be, that's where our action steps or measurements will sometimes change because we're going to say we're not where we want to be. How can we? What's our pathway to becoming the school that we want to be? We're struggling in this area. Well, let's not just say, geez, we don't like it. What are we going to do about it? Okay, so again, practical. One thing we just highlight, which is a presentation right after this one, I highlighted um improve when we're looking at improvement on academic performance measured by a three assessment. That is our bread and butter. Like it or not, the reality we live in is that's the way we're measured. It is a

018bad thing. Yeah, it's a bad thing if that's all we look at. if we say that's everything, but it's not a bad thing if we say that's a piece of the puzzle because it is reflective of student learning. And so that's something that we are um you know is definitely going to be a key part of our our plan. And again, the action steps and measurements, this is a very partial, this is some examples. This is going to be uh moldable and adaptable as our as the years year and years go by. an example of that second goal area, expanded learning opportunities. Uh, one thing we highlighted, Mr. Carter has uh, I know talked about it. I know we're we're looking at a lot of things related to this item down here, things that we're

019measuring uh, monor overall credit load for seniors. Okay. What do we what do we see when we're going to be sending our students off to either work, military, college, okay? How many students are are having partial schedules? And if they do have partial schedules, what are they doing? Now, I'm not going to make any broad assumptions in this meeting, but I will say seniors should be engaged with something because often you're heading off into what's the most difficult. Now, of course, freshman year of college is probably the most difficult academic year I had, right? Because a lot of things change. So, we want to make sure that our students are fully engaged and challenged as seniors because, okay, an easier path might be nice, but then there's a big wakeup call when you go off

020to the next thing, right? We're sitting here. They've taken the path of doing a lot of stuff, right? But you guys have are doing what's going to put you in a good position for next year, right? So, but we want to look at how is everybody doing and are there things that we want to want to look at or what do we do to encourage more involvement of seniors? What can we do and offer that would make them want to participate in things? Okay. Couple of things we highlighted again under uh area number three extracurricular opportunities. Uh we continue with the creation um of some of the the stakeholder committees that we've created um like our athletic advisory council pack uh athletic advisory council. Good one to talk about because it's fresh on several of

021our minds because we were here last night for that meeting. That's new this year. We want to get the real benefit long term. We want to keep that rolling, but we need to um we need to make take certain action steps to make sure it's we're producing something that people want to go to. We had a nice turnout last night, I think, for the first session. Um, but the nice thing is we got some things that we can build on because the people that were there gave us feedback and said, "Okay, we'd like a presentation on last night's topic was with our athletic trainer, uh, injury prevention for for developing athletes." That conversation led to what if we could do something specific to nutrition, okay, for for for student athletes. And so if we get

022a mix of students and parents and coaches together, it's a good thing that we can again improve our school, help our kids. And so, um, that's an action step, um, that, um, that we're committed to, but we want to commit it to writing because that's the reminder that it's important for us. And then, of course, there's different measurements. There's measurements that we can use for all of those. How many people are coming? How much feedback are we getting? What type of feedback? I mean you can you can you know we can take this to the millionth degree depending on how specific we want to be on the measurement side. Again um how many students are participating? What is the trend? Are certain activities more uh interesting and subscribed to than others? Why is that the

023case? Uh there may be good reasons. So there okay that's where surveying comes in in different forms and things like that. So wide variety of things that we need to be asking the question why is this what it is okay instead of just accepting it. the some examples under goal four the one obvious one is that's a huge one the completion of the capital project that largely will be happening the [snorts] completion over the course of the rest of this calendar year obviously a huge impact uh but another big one that's going to be talked about tonight further uh is the uh EV bus roll out okay we're going to talk about that because that's something that the state said is a priority for you. So, we as a local district need to figure out

024how do we navigate around that? How are we compliant? How are we doing our homework, meeting our targets? There are certain things, for example, if we're going to be um delaying uh that initial 2027 implementation of the bus plan for two years, you have to do waiverss. And so, Tracy's going to be talking more about that, too. Um but that's a priority area, so it should be on there, right? Because we're that's a requirement. Some of these things are choices that we make. That's not a choice. Like it, don't like it. We need to be involved in the EV bus implementation rollout process. Um interesting uh point we just use as one one form a creative form of measurement was with our new cafeterias for example, some of the new spaces that are being renovated.

025It's a pretty interesting feedback that I believe we shared at the last meeting or the meeting before. uh student survey about in general about that new space. Those are the kinds of things we'll continue to do. What are we seeing? How can we make it better? And this is something that's different. So is different good, bad, you know, and and if it's in some, you know, in some cases, we can use that to continue to to make that better. And then finally our our last uh goal area again a huge area. What are the things that's put students in a position to succeed in school? And that has grown substantially over the years. Certainly in in the time that I've worked in schools, the list has grown much longer. But it's extremely important because we

026can have a great academic program. We can have great extracurricular opportunities, but if kids aren't in a frame of mind or in a condition to be able to take advantage of it, then doesn't matter, right? they're not benefiting from it. So, just some things that we've been involved with. Uh the the Madison County Mental Health Satellite Office, right? That's we're second year into that implementation. It was a new thing right on on campus. So, part of our action steps are to monitor how's that going, right? What's working not working? What are the measurements attached to that? Should we be able to expand even further to make it a full K12 program? Those are things that we're looking at, but just because we put it in two years ago, year and a half ago, we don't

027want to lose sight of it. So, an action step is to still develop that to its fullest potential. Is it a is it a help and aid to the district? Um, another one that's timely, brand new this year, just in the last few months, you know, because again, we don't want to say, "Oh, we did it. Now we move on." Well, how do we make the most of it? Do we have a new for the first time, right? uh first time we we this year have an athletic trainer on site presented at our session last night. Well, that's a great service. So, how can we best use that? Well, the logical thing is the obvious thing is, yep, traders out on the field during the game, we need help. Well, that's an obvious benefit, but

028it is we thought of how can we maximize it. Well, in sessions like last night, in sessions like what we're going to schedule at the end of the winter season where we're also doing it not just during game time, but they're also a source of information where get our heads together, get our coaches, uh, youth sports leagues, uh, uh, leaders together, students, and start talking about, uh, how we can take full advantage of the knowledge that they have to keep it safe, um, and have a good experience. So those are just again samplings but the purpose of today was to really try to say let's acknowledge the work that's happened in the last year. You know we the thoughts the concerns that we wrestled with what comes first the chicken or the egg type of

029thing. What comes first? Is it the plan? Is it data? Is it I think this structure we've wrestled it to the point where now we say we have broad categories but we have a process in which we can tackle these things in a logical way. We have uh where we can act add modify change action steps as needed. Uh and we have to have measurement. We can't talk generally. We have to be able to say how do we know if we're succeeding in this or not? It can't just be talk. It's got to be something that we can we can substantiate with with with some type of measurement. Um so again, we'll continue to um update the larger community. There'll be multiple opportunities for people to be involved and engaged as we develop action steps

030or evaluate action steps. Um we I want to thank uh our our administrative team who we sort of have been wrestling with this I think over you know really since last spring after we had those public sessions we've been trying to work on what data can we pull together to inform these uh these actions and how can we create a structure that makes sense. So, I think we're in a in a a good place um to move forward with that. But, uh and Emily, I want to thank Emily who has done a lot of work um with me in in sort of putting this together and she's going to take us through a little bit of an update on okay, what are the next few months look like now that we have come to this

031place? Now, what what does it look like? So, one of the things that I find can happen sometimes with strategic plans is that you have all these meetings and you gather all this data and feedback and then you put it put it in a pretty document and then you never mention it again. And um I really wanted to make sure that didn't happen because I was a part of those meetings and I know how much time and energy and effort went into those that process not only from the community but also from the admin team and staff um and families. So, I really wanted to make sure that we were able to produce something that, like John said, isn't fluff, but also is going to be able to hold us accountable and allow room for

032the other things that we may find we need support in, right? Like at this time last year, we weren't sure if there was going to be a cell phone ban or not, things like that. Things are going to continue to pop up over the next five years. So building a plan that allows us to revisit it and add um as need be as we you know find other things that we might need to support more or not. So um Brenda who is not able to be here tonight but Brenda and I have been working on there's going to be a weekly communication um that's going to showcase in some way how we are highlighting that goal area. So, we're going to start with goal one um all the way through goal five and once a

033week um there will be a communication that's dispersed through parent square Facebook. It'll be on the website. So, we're going to start with goal area one, which is um increase student academic proficiency, and it very nicely coincides with our NWA benchmarking. And I know that that is something that administrators often talk about, and but I don't know how much other than getting the summary report, parents really understand the why, what it looks like, what it means, things like that. So being able to kind of produce those snippets, whether it's a very quick um conversation that's recorded about how we use data to inform our instruction and how that kind of allows us to put different things in place or just some frequently asked questions for things like MWA and things like that. um I think

034will allow the community and families and staff to really interact more with the strategic plan and kind of see that it's not just a piece of paper that looks pretty on the website because there like I said there was a lot of energy and time that went into this and I really think that if we keep moving forward um in the way that we've kind of outlined right now and continue to revisit it I think in you know by 2030 we'll be in a really good spot. So that's kind of the the piggyback on the communication piece. Um but there will be a weekly and then there will be some type of update at the end of the school year kind of where we are where we're going. Um cuz like Sean said, it's going

035to be a living document. It's not something that's, you know, going to be inked in stone forever. So we'll continue to re-evaluate as things pop up and we gather data and feedback, things like that. Thank you. >> So that's sort of the big picture overview. Again, it's not the last time. This is not going to be a dust collector. This is going to be thing we'll keep talking about. We will be talking about in the next two presentations, goal area one and four actually tonight. And we'll keep reminding oursel this does attach to this isn't a hoop to jump through. This ties directly to something we've said is important. questions or comments. So, we really want to just thank everybody broadly who had participated in this process. There were a lot of people involved at

036different stages of this and uh we'll keep uh hoping hopefully reaping the benefits for years to come as we >> and a very easy to read >> yes >> summary booklet will be shared um tomorrow morning via the website in Parent Square. So, All the information that's in this presentation will go up so that everyone can read some light reading your spare time. >> Yeah, there's versions of this. So you have this presentation, you have the one-page version that sort of outline some things. So there's different ways that we can explain it for different purposes. We'll keep working on that. Um any any questions? All right. Thank you. Okay. Next up, we have [laughter] um next presentation is our grades three through eight assessment overview. >> Okay. So, the assessment, we've been talking about this

037for a while. We've had to wait an incredibly long time because these were from last spring and we've been wanting to we get preliminary information but at certain points you can't talk about it right because it's it's it's not embargo this we can at least talk about what we're going to go through today we can talk about we cannot talk about the ESSA which is the broader >> determination district we can hopefully by the end of next month maybe or >> no it says March Okay, now it's March. >> Now it's March. >> That was today's announcement. >> But we did want to update you with with what we could at this point because we have some real I think things that we can be excited about. And um so Sue is going to walk

038us through it. Um, again, we want to for what you're going to look at, we really want to thank our our whole staff who work has worked hard because I think you're going to see >> the results of a lot of hard work and focus on trying to move forward consistently. So, really, thank you to our well, congratulations to our students. They're actually really doing the work because they're they're doing it and showing that they've learned. But congratulations and thank you to our teachers and our administrators to move it and really like the idea of Sue being able to present this because probably more than anybody I know, she's worked with this for years as a building leader and as a district leader with how do you how do you have a a really laser-like

039focus in institute consistency in a district to move plans forward. So Sue had a lot it really had a lot to do with framing the work that has led to this result. So clearly I need a life. This is what my main emphasis is. I definitely need a a life. Um the document that you see up um on the screen is the same document that you have in front of you, but we also gave you your little stapled together piece here that has that will just provide you with some historical data that you can look at. Um what happens is the the data kind of comes in trickles in a little bit at a time, little bit at a time. And that's frustrating. It's frustrating for the teachers because they want to know the scores.

040They want to start working with it. The first kind of dribble that came in was in maybe the beginning of November, right around there. And when it comes to us, it comes to us as what they call raw data. And it is, as they say, it is not clean. Um, and it changes. um it changes because there are test errors, there are um weird little mistakes, there are just just anomalies that you know no one can explain, but it it that's what happens. So over the course of like November and December, Boseies keeps updating these percentages for us. In the meantime, your teachers though took the time to start working on those. And what what numbers they were working with were these percentages pretty close to these so that they could start looking at data,

041looking at the error analysis, looking at their uh student scores, looking at um where we could make improvements, things we covered, maybe things we didn't cover, all that type of stuff that they start really drilling down and looking at. Then in the middle of all this, I'm I'm not sure if you were aware, but maybe you did see it. All of a sudden, Syracuse.com says, "Hey, [laughter] everybody, the test scores um are on the website." So, everybody starts scrambling looking at syracuse.com. Well, when you started looking at syracuse.com, what you would see was a link to New York State Ed. And so, you had to like start searching for all of this information and material. If you did find it, congratulations. If you did find it, what you would see would be just those percentages

042that you see under math, ELA, and science. Just those percentages for canes. Problem is, if you are looking at those, what what does that mean to you? It is there's no context at all. You don't know if that means geez, we're really doing great or wow, that's not so good. So you this was the best way that we could eventually provide you with a little bit of of context so that you can say hey this is where can this is what we you know this is where we are and this is where all of the Bosei school districts around us that's where they are and if you take a look at those those scores those percentages should definitely put a huge smile on your face because they are [cough and clears throat] they're actually very

043impressive. So if you start right off right off the bat and you start looking let's start right on third grade math can stooda you look at canesto is 61% of your students proficient the average of boseies was 42%. Uh you go to fourth grade math 64% look at Boseies 42% again fifth grade 55% of your students proficient the average of Boseies in this area we're only 39%. and so on. 68 for seventh grade, 41% for Boseis, and 46% for Canes Stoa, and 38% for Boseis. Those were incredibly um impressive. And if you get an opportunity to look at some of the overall state percentages and where, but the difficult part when you look at the state percentages, they show the whole building. they or they don't show, you know, a lot per grade. For example,

044your math is Jeepers. It's in the out of 600 and some districts, it's uh like number 1990 actually. That's very impressive. Uh if you jump over to ELA, you look at ELA, you've got Canesa, um right there in third grade, you got them at 49%. Boseis 35 Canes Sto in fourth grade 31 Boseis 35 Canes Sto in fifth grade 44 Bose's 32 Canes Stoa in sixth grade 35 Boseis 32 canes in seventh grade 36 Bose's 32 in eighth grade 45 and 40 so doesn't take you much to figure out you're doing really well and and compared to especially compared to all of those other students. So this is same thing same same you're you're comparing apples to apples right there. Now if you look at your science science is a weird anomaly because we just

045are becoming responsible for the science test. Science test is administered in fifth grade and in eighth grade. And again, canota you'll see in fifth grade. Then you see the Bose score and you see their eighth grade and you see Boss. Pretty much the same for Canes Stood and Bose for that eighth grade one. Some of the anomalies some of the time that you see when you look at your historical data, some of the things you'll see, oh geez, we went down or we went up or we or we're the same. We didn't show any growth. Part of that is often because of, like I said, a a a test administration error. Um, more more kids didn't sit for the test. Um, it's just weird, you know, really weird anomalies. That also is what helps the

046teachers when they go in and start doing their air analysis. You start looking in the region and you say, "Wow, we went down on on I just picked one out. fifth grade ELA or fifth grade science or whatever. Sometimes the anomaly or the reason it went down is everybody in the whole region. It was a a super hard question that everybody missed. Nobody knows why. It was either asked a certain way and kids just didn't know what was really asked. But usually it's across the board. It's something that happened across the board. If it's something that happened that nobody else missed that question, that's like a huge red flag to the teachers like, "Wow, that's something that we need to concentrate on." But as I said, those are those are test scores that you should

047be incredibly proud of. Teachers should be really proud of them. And same with students. It's it's a lot of hard work. They've been very committed to all of that work and This is a good one that's tied like when we talk about where we want to be. Is this where we want to be? No. >> We aspire to be continue improvement. But what we are pleased with is the trend. It's in what if for some broader context when we think of number of years ago when at one point an identified district well to be an identified district or identified building in some categories you have to place in the bottom five in some you know percent or 10% in certain cases of the state. Right? So that's not the conversation anymore. We're not identified. And

048not only are we not identified, but relative to the field, we are above in really all but one of the areas we're at or above in every measurable c category of those three through eight assessments. That is really impressive. And again, not this isn't the finished story because we have room to grow. We want to beat we're not going to shy away from we want to beat state averages. We want to be regional averages. We want to be the best school around. And there's no reason why we can't do it. And the good news is we have a little bit of a track record now where it's not just a we we're doing it. We're doing it. It's not talk. It's actually measurable results. And so really can't thank the the staff enough for their

049work. And it's hard to do this. And a lot of the stuff, you know, it's hard work. and really compliment the students on being committed to really wanting to be as good as they can be. So, this is really good good news. And the nice thing is this isn't me saying it or any of us saying it. Doesn't matter what we say, right? This is what this is what it is. You know, the results are the results. There's no spitting. There's no whatever. That's what the state's going to tell you. That's what So, there's meaning in that, too, because this isn't just talk. This is the way we're measured. >> When Sean's referring to the ESSA data, that ESSA data is the um the numbers, the data and all of that is what makes up

050you're on a list, you're off the off a list. Um and it's all different types of subgroups and categories and weighted numbers and all of that mathematical calculation that we've been able to look at that data. So we have a good idea of um what it looks like and but it is embargoed until and which when they say embargo it means you can't talk about it publicly. You can you can talk about it internally just can't go outside and talk about it. We can't come here and talk about it. And I was shocked when today they said mid not until mid-March. And nobody seems to quite nobody seems to quite know the reason what's what's going on. It seems to be a big mystery >> we get and it's it is a lot you know

051it's not just test scores it's it's you know it's a cocktail of test scores and and attendance and different levels of performance. So there's a lot there's a lot more factors that go into that determination but it still would be nice if it didn't take if the next year isn't almost over by the time you know how you did right >> than the previous year. kind of like >> I have a question. You may have said this, but is this just Mo Boseies or the neighboring Boseies near us? >> This is this is our this is just our our Yes. >> Y >> there's a million ways we can break it down at different time. I mean, there's we we we do it in the lease. We want to be able to bring here's our

052current data because we have it. We don't have all of the the specific stuff that we get from Dr. Cones at Boseies who has really she's like the data guru. Um, but we wanted to get this because this is publicly available like this is this is people are looking it up. Um, and so it's our Boseies, but there's Rick comparisons with the multi- Boseies region. There's statewide. There's a lot of different ways we can slice >> some of the some of the data that we're able to get our hands on or that our Boseies is able to see. It has to do with all types of different reports that that even our Boseies doesn't have access to another Boseies information. Um it's it's some of it they have access to some they don't and and

053they will have more access to that by mid March, but right now you just can't go into a lot of other schools data and and take a look. So this is pretty much what you put your hands on. >> Yeah. And when we talked about it, it's not it doesn't tell you everything. It's a piece of the puzzle. So that's why we did give you the background like the historical data >> because there's different factors like Sue said, there's different factors each year that at Amy Cones is going to say here's a this is a factor you need to be aware. There there's there's a lot of stuff, but it does give you trends and it does give you regional comparisons over time. So for example, you could have a year where you know maybe

054pick the grade and the subject it's down for certain regions but maybe relative to the field were actually improved or vice versa. So there are other factors but this broader context of going back right around to precoid uh gives you context of where do we fit with whatever these variables were going on. where do we fit relative to the field and clearly the trend has been below regional whatever is going on regional to now above and in some cases well above the average so from that standpoint again very encouraging uh data one question I was going to ask um and this is nothing I expected to have right now um but I was wondering percentages of students who sat for the exams um if we had that data um and if we actually knew what

055that was comparative to like or statewide or anything like that >> I we can give you some Yeah, we have some of that. >> Yeah. Um, >> and it's a good qu it's interesting because what you just asked is tied to so this is okay kids that take it here's here's were proficient the ESSA data factors in it's weighted based on the participation right so it does so the participation level influences the end result it's a combination of how many kids were taking it and how did they perform and we just don't have you know that yet but Yeah, we do have, you know, in general we have the participation numbers by >> assessment. I just like to mention about participation because it's so important >> that you said that. Sean and Sue would talk

056about it a lot. Um, and we actually were looking at some of the data by teacher. Um, and it's really, you know, it really is a huge impact teacher by teacher depending on the number of students who participate. So just very important that we have that participation. It's very critical. >> Yeah. Your participation at grades like three, four, five is always >> very good. >> Really good. >> You know, seventh and eighth graders, they kind of lose their enthusiasm. We do have that from last year. They kind of like >> what? >> Yeah. I just I mean I know it's nothing. >> Yeah. And I also um charted it cohort so it traveled through the years. So you could see if there was a high participation rate in third grade did that same cohort participate

057>> in fourth grade and in fifth grade. So you can see that data and we also have this data charted. >> The trend has been for several years of better better participation and then it sort of been steady. I mean, a certain point where it levels off because we've we've we're at 90 plus% in several grade levels for participation. >> Oh, yeah. We are. >> It's pretty good. >> It's also important to remember when you're looking at um for example, eighth grade. You're looking at eighth grade and you look at a participation number, you're going to think, "Wow, that's really down." Well, you've got a chunk of those kids that don't take the test, they take the algebra regions. you have a chunk that don't take it or the science or whatever they're taking um

058living environment. So, it's it's weird. It's weird things. The one thing that it's interesting if you do a little bit when you talk about participation and importance of a test when you look at eventually when you're able to look at your um ESSA data, you'll be shocked at how important the science test becomes. We used to kind of just say on a science test. Then the state eliminated the science test. They brought it back and kind science test. Wow. It really influences your data because you only have half of those kids in that grade taking taking the test. So that's a that's a really in that building that's a huge >> but two actions you took this year was to do the item analysis with science which had never been done before. >> Yeah. >>

059And then also you're monitoring their testing with NWA. Is that correct? >> Yeah. So, you know, all of a sudden the the spotlight has been put on science where, you know, we've had this spotlight so much on ELA and math. Now, all of a sudden, the spotlight is on science, too. So, dump that on. >> The way they calculated like take Robert Street. So, a 5A building. So, it's a third. It's a third, a third, a third. Math, ELA, science. That's where your score comes from. Okay. So, four um in in Robert Street, you'd have five grades then of math, right? That comprised that third of your score. ELA, four grades. Science, you have the fifth grade, eighth grade assessment. I mean, so those two grades still amount to a third. That's the and that

060denominator when you're figuring what your your your score is. So that's why we say well it's a wakeup call that science has taken on a a huge uh like per test taken you could say that's that has the most impact on your accountability of any test you take and that's not historically been >> the case. So, it's the shift that just to be aware of. >> Districts are trying to do all kinds of things to try to um get the seventh and eighth graders a little bit more invested in taking the test. As far as some districts have said, you know, now for testing, we have a huge window of time that you can take the test. Some districts have said, "You know what? We're gonna have the kids take that ELA test uh right

061at the beginning of the testing period and then then almost immediately we're going to have them do the math so that the word doesn't get out of I don't feel like taking it." But did you take it? I didn't take it. Did you take it? I don't want to take it. So the districts are trying to do all kinds of things. Yeah, >> I just pulled up the website that Sue was referring to that is was broadcast on syracuse.com and I think it was Chris and you had asked is this just in comparison to Arbos's but that website that is posted on syracuse.com also displays the state average that was reported and I'm just looking at like third and fourth grade math we're outperforming the state. >> Oh, easily. >> Yep. So well 60 the

062state is 60% proficient in math for instance um in grade three and they're 59% proficient in grade four. So we're also outperforming the state. >> Now we wanted to show you this by grade. So like if you go on syracuse.com believe they're showing like sort of a composite 38. >> So they'll show the combined score. So it'll say for example we were 3 through eight we were 60% proficient in math >> right? we were 42 or whatever pericient proficient ELA. >> This is just the specific rate breakdown, but it's presented differently. >> It's hard because they don't give you any context. You know, you're just kind of floating out there with a number that just doesn't really mean much. So, there >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Any other questions on that? >> Okay. Next

063presentation. Uh I believe Tracy you're going to speak about everybody's favorite topic electric buses. >> Absolutely. >> Um so again >> or as you know under goal number four. >> I will start with [laughter] um our strategic plan this would fall under goal number four. So, this goes back um in 2022, New York State passed a mandate requiring that all school districts will um begin to purchase zero emission buses effective 2027. Um what does 2027 mean? Does that mean the calendar year? It means the calendar year. Okay. Um, we needed some clarification on that and it is the calendar year with a further goal that every school district in New York State and we'll let that set in. Every school district in New York State will turn their entire fleet over to zero emission fleet.

064Okay, so this was a 2022 state law that was passed. So where is Canisota? What has Kanesto done? Where are we compared to other districts? What is out there? Um as we look at this law that is pending and in our near future. So there are some studies that needed to be conducted. Canota has participated and engaged in an energy study with National Grid. Um, we had that study done and provided back to us in 2023 looked at that particular study looked at Canes Stoa as a municipality and at the electric utilities within Canesa. Canota's utilities handle a cut over um to a full EV fleet? um looked at some of the price points and the costs of implementation, not only for the units themselves, but also for the monthly charges because um that would

065certainly increase electrical use. Okay. Um one of the biggest challenges across the state is all of our buses, as you know, need to have voter approval, right? So, it's been challenging across New York State to get these passed. And there's been a lot of talk right from the jump, right from 2022, what this means, how it's going to be prolonged, how the implementation um process won't stay within this time frame. And um some districts have kind of taken a pause and said let's see what happens in the state, right? I think um again I've said this before, I always like to be that that frontr runner, right? Like if there's something out there, let's jump into it and let's be the first one out there. This was not one of those areas that we or

066I was making a recommendation certainly to be um a a forerunner, right? Let's see what happens. A lot of things um need to be in place. Infrastructure cost of EV buses c uh so the most recent as of Monday the most recent cost of an EV bus is that uh if you were purchasing for next year is about $460,000. Um, our buses on average, gas buses, which were all converted over to run us about [clears throat] 190,000 for a 65 passenger bus. Um, so again, for Canes Stood, we kind of took a pause. That was that was a strategic plan that was purposefully done, taking a pause, waiting to see what was happening on the state front. Well, here we are. We're getting close. We're getting close to that 2027 marker. Um, again, having a

067plan of what that looks like. We have looked at our replacement schedule. We have been purchasing three buses to get as many gas buses in the lineup. um looking at what buses in our fleet really were repair issue buses and getting rid of them um maybe ahead of time so that we could buy ourselves a little bit of time and really understand what this was going to look like. Again, um as as we're getting close to that 27 marker, we need to understand for canesto what does it look like? We need to have a plan and some of the things that we've been doing behind the scenes um is working with NAERTA. So NAERTA has a plan. They are out there. They are working as liaison of New York State and they are pounding the

068pavement making sure if you are a district that has done nothing although we have done the electric study. Um where are you what are you doing and how do you plan on meeting the implementation? There is now a waiver out to extend the 2027 date for the purchase of gas buses. It's a two-year extension. So Sean, Cindy and I took a meeting um with Naerta New Year's Eve, the day before New Year's Eve. Um we we had um a a an extensive meeting with Paul from Naerta [snorts] and um there were some specific things that we wanted to be sure we understood. So, one of the things is that 2-year waiver only provides some leeway with the purchase of new buses either being gas or electric. It does not currently [clears throat] in the state

069of New York move the 2035 full implementation date. Okay. So, um is that going to change? I mean, it's a little bit interesting that you'd get a two-year waiver on starting the date that you have to purchase EV buses and not extending the full implementation date. >> We anticipate that that is they're doing one thing at a time and they're reluctant to bump back the 35 deadline because then they >> districts are going to kick the can down the road and delay it and we'll move. So it still is that. But I think it's going to have to be adjusted. Yeah. Once they open the window for a delayed initial implementation. >> Yeah. >> Be too difficult to with more expensive buses on a shorter timeline turn your whole fleet over. So I think they're

070going to have to give some relief from that deadline. >> Correct. Um so a couple of the specific things that we needed to understand. Um I do have the waiver. I've printed it off and you know said is this the time that we start moving forward with that waiver. We will be putting buses up this year doing budget time. They will be gas buses. That would be our last year. Okay. So this would be our last 26 27 would be the last year that we can purchase new gas buses. So what does that waiver look like? What does it mean? Um when when do we make that leap? Um some of the questions on the waiver are very specific about what have you done and it's waiting. So there is an approval process and you

071have to meet so many points um to get the approval for the extension. So at our meeting there were a couple things that we clarified and even as of today at 3:30 there was a change to that information. So [laughter] the it changes. Um so a few of the things that we identified very clearly and kind of set forth the next path. The waiver is a onetime waiver and when you request your waiver um it doesn't extend past 29. So if we put our waiver in um right so kind of the thought was well if you put your waiver in now you get your two-year extension. Do you lose a year or gain a year? It is a two-year waiver period. It's a onetime waiver. So, we're clear on that. Second thing that we were

072not clear on um is it also pertains to SUVs and vans. So, if it's a student transport vehicle must be electric. Okay. Um so, that that was something that was clarified for us. Um, one of the one of the positive things here is that we as canto qualify for 100% funding for what is the next step that we will take and it's called a fleet electrification plan. So again, one of the things that is asked specifically on that waiver is have you conducted this? Are you in the process of conducting this electrification plan? So, uh what that means is we will identify an engineer to conduct this plan. We will so we this this plan um will be funded 100% by NAERTA. One of the nice things is it isn't a grant to the district.

073Once we identify what engineer that has already been RFP and approved from New York State, there's an extensive list. We identify to Naertto who we want to use. They be they cut a purchase order directly to the engineer. So, we're out of that payment loop. Money doesn't come to us. We have to put the money out, wait for reimbursement. Um, which is nice. Uh what I'm hearing though is that the process for the purchase order piece with the state is up to a six or seven month period. So um >> great um again we left the meeting with Paul our our representative from Naerta that he was going to send us the list. I did follow up today with an email because we haven't received the list. Um when we left that meeting, it was

074felt that we needed to have this in the pipe work no later than February to really be in the right time frame because then these applications go on a rotating basis. That since changed. So that was the change that happened today. literally hot off the press at 3:00. >> Okay. >> Um those applications will be accepted now through June 30th and then the rotating applications will take place. >> The waiver application or the or the application for the to secure the >> to secure to secure the Yes. >> But the but the waiver >> so the waiver was March, >> right? And so and so because we felt we felt like >> we had to be in the pipeline and initiate the process of study to put yourself in a position >> to be uh

075successful at the waiver request because it's not it wasn't an automatic. Correct. It's not you ask for it, you get the waiver. You have to demonstrate that you've done certain things to qualify for the waiver. >> So that's now been extended for the waiver to be in the pipeline to June 30th. >> Okay. >> So which is good because Paul has not gotten back to us. Um so so anyway this isn't going away. Um we will we will continue to move forward. We will request the waiver. We will do this electrification study. There are four districts currently within our area between man um that that I spoke with in the last several days um that have done the study. Nobody has gotten a report back and they're well into eight months into the study being

076completed. They haven't gotten their report back. Um now the report will identify four districts when you have runs that are not eligible and some of them although they have preliminary reports, they don't have their public report. Some of those districts do have routes that are just not eligible. They just don't qualify. They're too long. they're too hilly, the terrain, etc., etc. Um, so again, we're going to keep this on the radar um and in conversation. We So, the takeaway here is that we will be moving forward. We will move forward with the electrification plan. We as a school district are not approving an engineer to do it, but we will be identifying somebody that the state will be paying directly. Um, and they'll look at all of our routes. They will give recommendations. We will

077then have um a secondary document, but we just need to be in the pipeline to start that waiver process. >> Maybe it's changed since the meeting started. >> It might. It might have. >> It might have. >> I have a question. >> Yeah. >> So, everybody knows we're supposed to be getting a new neighbor. It takes a lot of power. >> Mhm. >> This was done in 2023, >> right? >> What if they take power off our grid? What's that do for us? Correct. So great question and from our from my understanding certainly meeting with Paul they do a much more indepth so when we did our study with national grid it was kind of at a high level. Um but what does change how does change impact that? What has come in or out

078of your community that impacts that? Um so as we go through this electrification plan they will re-engage with the utilities within the district and the surrounding district. How much is going out on the grid? What is coming in through the grid? Um there certainly are infrastructure impacts. Um so this you know this might be a new conversation for some people or they may not have heard this before. This was a conversation when I first walked into the district, certainly with the last capital project because there was cap conversation. Do we start to put in some infrastructure? Do we start to run some conduit? Really difficult to make those types of projections when you have something on the books that's eight years out, maybe 10 years out, and it's costly. Um, so this plan identifies for

079us specifically as a district, what does the grid look like? What are our needs here? What can we house on site? Do we have the land? Do we have the infrastructure? What are the costs of those? There are some there there are additional fundings for some of those things. Um but these are the steps and again um the we are where we are through the planning process like we planned to be here. Um the caveat at this point is we do have a little bit more time now that they've extended that waiver process to June. So, we'll continue to push um NAERTA to make sure we get that information, keep you up to date when um we have started moving through that process. do have the names I shared with Sean yesterday the names of

080the there's two different engineers um that have worked with local districts and I think it would behoove us to use one of them simply because they're familiar with our geographic um layout in our terrain since they've worked with some other area districts that um are more hilly than us and you know they've worked with um so Camden is a district Stockbridge Bridge Hamilton. Um, so there there were two different names that came up. Again, state approved. Um, and we just get to pick them. So >> that's where we are. >> Could you repeat all of that? >> Sure. [laughter] >> Could you throw that back? >> So what happens? So say they come back and they're like, well your terrain, so say the Oxbow run doesn't qualify for electric vehicle. Do you think probably out

081thinking the state but will they let you keep a gas bus for those runs? >> So interesting question. Is it a gas bus or is a hybrid? >> True. >> Right. Um again some of some of our neighbors who have gone through this they haven't seen their final report. So now what does that mean? And I will say to you um looking at and that's a very there's two or three questions on the waiver. The waiver isn't that long, but there are two to three questions that are specific to the electrification plan. The other question that is on there and then needs to be supported by data is have you as a school district put it up for a vote? Has it passed or failed and then support it with documentation? So, that's another piece

082that they're looking at because we did speak specifically to Paul about that. You know, again, what happens? the state passes this law, >> but what if we as a local municipality can't get approval? >> And again, the price tag you just said, so it's almost a quarter, it's in the ballpark of a quarter million dollars more. >> Yes. >> For a electric bus than gas, >> that's a factor in just that alone. Forget all the maintenance things, the durability. And again, I think the the question about do they make it? I guess the answer to what my question be what like if it doesn't if that route at the expo isn't >> compatible with Eevee you're going to what make us use something that doesn't work on it. So I think they're going to have

083to step back from that like Senator Bruno and looking at Mr. Augustine who knows this. Senator Bruno Sabi, our senator is one of the most outspoken critics of the plan and I think it's taking these types of things into account like your question. What are you going to do? You can't we have to also be functional and we have to be able to pass unless there's some change where now you don't pass bus resolutions anymore. >> They're getting 100 miles to a charge, >> right? >> And that's not turning the heat air conditioning rate. and in some of the other questions. >> Yeah. Some of our games alone when you go across go a charging station. What do we do? >> Right. >> And that was some of the questions that he was asking us.

084Are your buses inside? Um and you know just on a on a personal experience um recently I have a battery powered shovel, right? Does my front porch. It blows the snow where it needs to. I left it outside 30 minutes. >> Dead. >> Battery dead, right? I thought, "Oh, I'll just go in and get warmed up." And I went back out and the battery was done. I use that same battery in the summertime on the weed eater. Works great. You know, so that was some of the questions. Are your buses inside or are your buses outside? Um, so ask the question, how many buses do we have? >> 25 buses, five SUVs. >> We Right. So we generally um replace three to stay in cycle to stay in line with with our reimbursement with our

085transportation aid. Um so yeah, we we've really been over the last couple years really diving into if we have a even if it might be a little bit newer, but if we have a problem bus or a bus that is putting a lot of miles on, that's got to go before an older bus for reasons that we see the repairs that are coming in. we don't have the luxury to keep that in the lineup for two or three more years than we would. So, let's get rid of that one even though it may be a newer bus and keep a bus that isn't generating as many miles or having as many um repairs. >> I mean, even even the repair bills for these are going to be astronomical because you have to have special suits

086to work on these buses. Like, I'm not doing a lot of research and >> some of the lifts would have to be up there because the weight of the >> bus there's nowhere to recycle the batteries. There's nowhere to >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> So, >> who knows what a battery cost if they're $490,000. What's a battery going to cost you? And they probably bought 20 batteries in there. >> Don't turn the radio and don't turn the heat on. >> Yeah. So, um, you know, certainly we recognize what the requirements are and we will slow step our way to see what happens. >> It's good to at least be talking about it because it's almost like we've been talking about it so long become immune to it, but there are marks we have to hit

087even if they're changing by the minute. Correct. >> There's we still have to hit certain marks to be compliant whether or not we have you know if and when we we do this there's going to be a lot of twists and turns >> and this runs in our background on a daily basis. You know what I mean? Like this is constantly running in our background. Um but it but it may not have have been a common conversation. We need to make it a more frequent conversation because those deadlines are coming up. It's not that we didn't know it was there. It's constantly running. It's just we're getting closer. Um, so >> the media, too. So, >> it just goes to show how out of touch our elected officials are in Albany. It just they have

088no idea. They should be coming and staying in these meetings. >> So, does the EV bus mandate does it can it apply to hybrid buses? Because hybrid buses, they don't you can't have hybrid vehicles that don't require charging points. >> That is a great question. Currently, our understanding is full electric. >> Full electric. >> But again, right, does the state need to change their their position at some point if indeed this is going to be the initiative that they're going to still be pushing? Um, may very well end up being some sort of hybrid, but right now it isn't. So, that's that's where we're the path that we're taking. And is the state going to change their reimbursement rates to the school districts? Are we still going to do 80? What is it? 8020 now.

089>> Currently, our buses are 90. >> Okay. >> Uh again, you know, this is um >> they continue to reimburse all districts at 90% and you're turning over, you know, two buses at a million dollars opposed to three buses at $500,000. I mean, what is the breaking point for the state? Is there anything out >> to 29 January hosties? It's a great question to ask our legisl [laughter] but they are well aware that there's a lot of questions and be a perfect time to talk to your legislators about it. >> Okay. You will not get disagreement from our ours but no >> none of ours will >> no >> disagree with that >> not in touch. Thank you T. >> Thank you. >> Uh next up we have uh building updates by principles. Uh Mr.

090Car you let off last time, right? [laughter] >> Oh, was it her? >> All right. So you're you're bad in leadoff. I was back uh chuckling because my EV fell off a work rack while it was being serviced. So like my PTSD base reaction in the B just kind of like my reaction like it sheared off the bolts and dropped to the ground. It was a whole fun story um that I came out the other end, but here we are. >> Is that the day you were walking to school? [laughter] >> He's not lying. I literally was partying to school. That was because I forgot to plug in and I had driven all weekend. I fell asleep at my computer. [laughter] It was a whole thing. >> I really, if I had known it was

091him, I would have stopped to give him a ride. I really didn't drive by. >> I think some [laughter] of our I think some of our parents saw me. I had left a special event with our kids. There was something that needed me to come back to the building and I was kind of charged up, not going to lie. So that cleansing walk as I came into the building, it was refreshing. Not here nor there though. >> You were charged up. Wasn't that the problem? >> I didn't I parked at the uh Hall of Fame and plugged it in and walked over and by the time I got I was in that constructive mind frame by the time I hit the building to tackle that problem. But um on to the update. So talking about

092us everybody um our attendance index. So you hear a lot about percentages. So the the attendance index is a mathematical formula kind of weighing more the amount of kids that you have coming to school every day. So while it doesn't dismiss chronic absenteeism, it puts more emphasis on the school's work across the board. Um we are sitting uh right now at 185.5. We are just four points away from being what ES would consider to be a uh a level three school. So level two is in compliance, level three being even better. Uh attendance committee always efforts working on the environment of the school doing everything we can to make kids want to be here and not just have to be here. um discipline incidents, uh nine cell phone referrals last month, a little bit up

093from October, but you know, we were kind of just talking in district cabinet how implementation as a school district. We're happy they're not in classrooms. Kids are focused. They're spending their lunch talking to each other, okay? Interacting, the socialization piece. I truly believe those are things are impacting the entire state in terms of like discipline incidents, which I'll get to in a second. um total and one of the focuses I have is not just so all discipline is a focus of a building leader but my sub kind of really what went up I'm zeroed in on what I call quality of life or quality of educational environment referrals so those are your building level infractions things in the classroom things that affect that so in the month of December high school had only 27 of

094those it was 67 last year and kudos goes to my team. Teachers handle 95% of behavior incidents. Let's be honest, that's where they sit. Okay, [snorts] Mr. Kraussy, myself, Mr. Curlac get the spillover. But even just much credit to the students. The bar has been raised and they're meeting it. Like I could not be more pleased. I was sitting at a break at a training today and I was pulling a few notes just kind of making sure I had my notes right and I saw this and I immediately emailed the team just saying hey look this is a reflection of the bar raising and you guys all meeting it together so couldn't be prouder of that um this month so a couple of things that had happened since I've last given you an update we

095had our grade level meetings um little bit behind of where I would have loved to we got bumped with snow days and stuff like that. In a perfect world, I would have finished soon as uh the first quarter ended probably just after we came back from break, but you plan for the best and react to what you get. Um in that grade level meeting, we talked a couple of things and the seniors actually are tomorrow morning. They're the last ones cuz they uh large Boseies imprint. I wanted to make sure that as many of them were in the building as possible. Um, I put the can of soda cup in front of them kind of. I know something like that is working in the elementary school. So, a friendly competition between the grades. Primary points

096are given out both quarterly and weekly. We introduce the rack, the random act of kindness. So, students recognize other students. My cabinet has the ability to award positive points for any student going out of the way to improve our school. At the end of the month, I take a random name out and I've got these fun little gift baskets that I put together and I deliver them to the student with my thanks for their contribution to our school culture. Quarterly, they get points based on three different categories. Highest attendance percentage, lowest percentage of discipline referrals, and highest percentage of honoral students in the grade. So, that got presented right now. Just so that you know, 11th grade is in the lead. 12th grade right behind them. Don't blow don't blow my spot tomorrow. Okay. And

097ninth grade is nipping their heels. So very impressed how those ninth graders have come right in and just started off strong. >> Honor roll. I'm very proud of this next number. When I finish with the seniors, we're going to deliver honor roll or higher. So honor roll 84.9 to 89.5. High honor roll, excuse me, 89.4. High honor roll 89.5 to 94.9 in the new principles list that I had updated you on before raising the standard even higher. Okay. 83 honor roll kids in the high school, 88 high honor role kids in the high school and 61 on principal list for a grand total of 222 students. So in quarter number one, 65% of the high school had an 84.9 or higher. That's that's impressive, guys. like when I when I broke this down, I'm like,

098"Wow, that is a really strong quarter one for this school." Um, and then having that ability to recognize seeing some of those kids come and like almost like try to barter with me like, "Hey, I need to be on principal's list, right?" And I'm like, "It's just it's a number. Like, there's no judgment here." Uh, so that was pretty that that was pretty awesome. Um, as some of you, everyone I'm sure knows, we had our alumni day. That was a wonderful experience for me to have and as incoming principal because it highlights one of our greatest strengths, our connections to the folks who have walked through this building in the past who have come back to contribute. It reached kids. It reached me and is uh Mr. Meta can attest to um we're we're getting

099more partnerships this way too. like we already have some meetings on the books with some of the folks who came back to contribute. Um some of our upcoming things we've got Boseies coming here for their annual presentations. So getting those ideas of what these programs look like and then we're going to follow up uh with those kids who are inquiring about programs with those personal visits. Um we are looking we're almost at the finish line with launching for the third quarter a peer tutoring center. So supervised by a teacher leveraging initially uh honor society kids who have to part of their role is to contribute but also to have a job application process potentially for a kid who might not be highest of honorable but maybe they're good at one subject really good and are

100willing to give back. So that's something I'm looking to do to enhance the advisory piece. So piece by piece layering things on the advisory period. Okay. Uh, the musical is off and running. You're a good man, Charlie Brown. Everybody knows he is. Um, [clears throat] and I'd say the last thing I have for you guys, and I've given you a couple of updates on the seal of civic readiness. So, if you don't remember what that is really quick, it is a uh recognition by New York State. It helps us on our ESSA guidelines, okay? and it recognizes kids who have met certain qualifications in their education with us and it looks good for kids on college applications. It looks good on a lot of different things. I was proud to turn over our application to

101Mr. Betta so that he can look through it before we submit it to Nised. Um I know NICE doesn't move quickly on literally anything but I would love to be surprised and be able to seal some diplomas this year. My expectation worst case scenario next year and as we finish up the school year I'll be looking to break ground on the seal of by literacy as well get looking to see if we have what we need to be able to get that because that's another level of performance for our school as as a whole I'm sure you know we're moving to a single diploma and seals are going to differentiate our kids accomplishments. Thank you questions. >> Impressive. >> I thought Andrew was going to go. So, >> well, I just want to start tonight

102with um a noted thanks. I I want to thank you, the board, for and Mr. Vetta, for your support throughout my recovery. Um, I can't thank you enough and to thank uh the Southside students for all of their hard work and the resilient staff and support staffs. Uh, Southside is a pretty special place and um, I also want to thank the administrative team that I work with. Um, again, it's an opportunity to work with them. Emily Nent stepped up, Stan Cond, and um Karen had such a presence in the building and and so I thank you. Um again, I adore those kids and I'm glad to be back. So, thank you very much. Uh December at Southside was full of celebrations. We had our now annual winter wonderland dance. Um this brings together the community

103for a really enjoyable time. The girls come out in their holiday dresses and they dance up a storm with those boys. Um Jake Smith from the high school is our DJ and it keeps everyone on the dance floor for sure. Um Crystal Miller worked with our course students over the last few months with an outstanding outcome with the um holiday concert. Uh the students attend course practice each and every Monday and Wednesday morning. Um, this preparation really builds confidence. At that concert, those students took on that stage presence um and focus that was needed to work as a team. And we are always so grateful for the strong turnout from a very positive audience. And then to think about next year with all these um large spaces being recreated that we're actually going to be

104performing in the auditorium. Um it's kind of amazing thing to imagine. So while December was filled with celebrations, um returning back in January is really that important time to just refocus. Um midy year is that very very important time. It's a time when we check back in on students progress mid year by administering the NWA tests. We had our ELA test this morning. We have math um next week. Um, after we do that, we we obviously compare that to our fall scores um and make those adjustments as needed. We we spend a lot of time working toward our strategic goal. Um, number one, um, with growth always being the objective for students. So, um, we don't depend on only one measure. So, we multiple measures. At midyear, we also do our SRI, which is a

105silent reading inventory. um our reading um teachers, AIS teachers are very efficient in this test administration, but it um it gives us a snapshot of again another data point. How well are our students reading? Um as a result of this mid-year testing, there may be a need to administer a diagnostic test. So, we have to dig a little bit deeper. Um again, it's all contributing in that to that investment we make in the RTI process. And um it's so important and so relevant. Um and and yeah, we can say that it it maps back to that goal number one. Um and just a few final things. Um January 28th at Southside and Robert Street will complete the um New York State practice CBT simulation. Um Karen is always pretty incredible coordinating this. Um this initial

106practice is vital to ensure we are set up for success for the actual New York State testing. um the purpose is to ensure accommodations are adhered to, testing locations are secured to meet student needs. This also just doesn't happen, you know. So to have that simulation, that time to actually do a test run um and we will complete that test run with technology as all New York State tests now have shifted to that computer-based model. And then finally, Lego night sponsored by the PTA. Um that's January 30th from 5 to 6. Um it's a fun night for the whole family. It's just you know that students can design out and design [clears throat] and create what they want to on a cold winter's night. The PTA will provide refreshments and um just opportunity to win

107prizes. So thank you. Thank you. Good evening everybody. So I'm very excited to report that second grade has reclaimed the Candace Dota Cup um for uh the month of December with a 95.5% attendance rate. Um if you recall they were in the lead and one had it in September and October. Uh so took a little hiatus in November but they have it back again. And um no slouching in kindergarten or first grade, just both of them just shy of 95%. So um we're pretty proud of that and we make a big deal out of it. Um regarding academics, I'm excited to report that our on and above grade level kindergarten friends um we are grouping them for win in their classroom. So our most needy students see our AIS providers for extra help in AIS

108and in math. Um but those on and above grade level kiddos um teachers have uh grouped them by skill deficit areas. Um so we are very excited about that to truly give them that little boost and what they need. We have kiddos who are still struggling with letters and sounds and could be numbers. And then we have kiddos who are ready to write, right? Um so that's pretty exciting. So we want to meet them where they are and take them as far as we can. Um, other kindergarten highlights, they're putting skills into practice with their phonic readers. Um, and watching those light bulbs come come on is um, just magical. Uh, they're working on pattern books and adding details to their illustrations is another big thing that's happening right now. Um, first grade highlights, big

109focus on resolutions and goals for the new year and then implementing a plan to meet those goals. So, growth mindset was the focus. Um, and the idea of of I can't do this yet. Um, but um, I I will get there and here's how I'm gonna get there. So, um, some want to be become a better reader. Some want to learn to tie their shoes. They want to be nicer to a sibling or learn to ride their bike. So, some very valid [snorts] school related goals outside of school goals. Um, and then of course with the importance of the word yet, um, Yeti illustrations and projects. So they had a little bit of fun with um some crafts and creativity there. Um they are also pretending to be astronomers in their um in knowledge right

110now learning the causes of day and night and some of some big words like orbiting and rotating. Um and they're they'll be working on constellations and creating those soon. So that's exciting. Some second grade highlights uh addition and subtraction to 200 using the place value chart um using disks and exchanging. So really solidifying that concept, the manipulatives help with that a lot. Um you know that there are 10 ones in one 10 and how all of that works. Just making it very real and hands-on for them is helpful. Uh we want to set them up for success before they move on to solving the actual algorithms. [cough and clears throat] Um and this helps solidify that. Um knowledge their knowledge unit is focusing on the War of 1812 and how our country came to be.

111So, that's pretty neat to watch them gain a little knowledge and confidence in that area, too. We have some great um culture and support service things happening. Uh connected classroom programming. We just wrapped up gratitude lessons that were very hands-on. Um so, they students received um thanks to Mr. Will some random items, a candy wrap, a band-aid, a broken toy, those kind of things. And the idea was um they were challenged to name something positive about that item. Um and it was it was very very powerful, very hands-on and powerful. We've got a couple more coming up this month. First and second graders will learn about my plate, nutrition, healthy choices, healthy snacks, and they will make and enjoy a snack. And um everybody will be celebrating the 200th birthday of the Eerie Canal with

112uh Mrs. Bruno from the museum. she is going to come in and do a story and a craft so that we can learn more about that too before the the big day in celebration. Um I want to give a plug to um Scott Rapisadi and all of our friends at St. Agatha's because we had the most amazing Christmas concert there December 19th. It really couldn't have worked out any better. So, um, sometimes you don't you don't switch things up or change things until you have to and we had to because we didn't have the, um, auditorium this year and it really went off beautifully. Um, some things that we put into place we will continue to do going forward. So, that's always nice. It's like the co ahas, the good things that came from from

113that. And, um, I do also just want to give a little update on the ABC bus program. So, we've got our healthy competition going between all of the buses um regarding behavior and choices and that kind of thing. So, it started for us um in October and October, November, and December. We have had three different buses who have won the big prize for the month. So, that is it really is working. And the bus that's in the lead uh so far is a a fourth bus. So, that's really exciting. Um, I think the the kids are excited, the drivers, and all of our support staff are too. So, it's Peter Cooper. >> Thank you. >> So, if Mr. Carter went first this time, because he went last last time, logic would dictate Mr. Ker should

114go first next time. >> Sorry, there were static from the microphone here. [laughter] >> Uh, so we've heard a lot about academics tonight, so I'll start there. Um our winter session for benchmarking for the NWA is scheduled to start tomorrow. Um as we mentioned the emphasis on science. Now we've also brought in a benchmark for science for NWA. So that'll be this week as well. Um our teachers I've asked them to begin looking at students that would be considered at risk so that we can start beginning of marking period 3 looking at those students and figuring out what additional supports we need to put in place to help them improve with the rest of the school year. Um, we've been working with seventh grade. The snowies have put a little bit of a kink in

115that trying to get United Nations in here. Uh, working with connected to plan that to, uh, bring in some cultural artifacts and, you know, bring that history in to the classroom and connect it with their curriculum. Uh, our attendance right now for year to date, we're at 94%. For the month of December, we were at 91. So, we're continuing those phone calls home. Counselors are doing home visits and I have been holding, you know, the attendance meetings with parents. Those have been going pretty well for the parents that come. Uh we've been putting plans in place to try to get students to school. How can we help support that? And what supports can we give them once we actually get them there to try to make sure that they're not falling behind? um the parents

116that haven't been coming, we've been, you know, sending I've been [snorts] making phone calls home to them and trying to encourage them to come in and reschedule and make a plan to help support them and their students. I've disciplined this year. We're at 161 for the month of December. We are at uh 27. We've had 20 cell phone incidents year to date, but we have seen a decline in those um as the year goes on. each month there's a little bit less uh some of the supports that we're putting in place for students. Yesterday we had our first PBIS meeting. Uh so we are working [clears throat] uh as a team to try to make a plan and put some positive intervention strategies in place to help behaviorally and academically. Um, our eighth grade students

117have begun this week working with Miss Murray, their counselor, and their parents, and they are creating their four-year plans as they move into high school. So, those will be continuing over the next several weeks. Uh, we're also bringing a peer mentoring into the middle school. Last week, our I'm sorry, earlier this week, our seventh and eighth grade uh team leaders met with connected and we're working to identify 20 students who in seventh and eighth grade who will be peer mentors for the fifth and sixth grade students. We're looking to have uh 10 that will support students academically and another 10 that will support students in the social aspect. Um we've also had a couple of meetings over the last couple weeks. We're looking to bring esports into the middle school and help use that as

118an or into the fifth and sixth grade uh levels and use that as an incentive um to try to help you know students take an interest in something in the school and hoping that'll help them you know them keep their academics and their attendance on track because there is criteria they have to meet to be able to participate in esports. Uh connected is also bringing in and doing a bingo night for families in the month of February. Just some other few quick things I want to mention. Our math athletics team came in third place last week in Onida. They are currently first in their division. So I want to congratulate them for that hard work. Uh we have four sixth grade students who are participating this coming weekend in all county band. That is a

119big accomplishment and you know I want to congratulate them for their hard work and wish them the best of luck. Um and I think that's it. >> Thank you. Okay. Um, moving along to new business. Uh, resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board is hereby approved the following new business items. Uh, the 2026 27 budget calendar. The agreement with Sylvia Walker for musical services effective December 8, 2025 through, excuse me, June 30th, 2026. health services with the United City School District for the 2425 school year. Uh change orders related to the ongoing capital improvement project as listed on your agenda. Do I have a motion? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. Student board member update. So, as of right now,

120um, our group and the president's cabinet will be working with the mascot committee to figure out if we're going to do that and what it'll be. Also, we will be working with I believe with >> Oh, yes. We're also working with the code of conduct committee to maybe remend some of the outdated rules that are in the code of conduct like the dress code for rules and after that and then we'll meet with Mr. Carter I think around next week to discuss what we can do more. >> Okay. >> You all set? >> Okay. >> Yeah. uh committee reports. Uh let's see. I'll start with uh facilities. Uh we met uh last week, January 8th. Um did a review of the change orders associated with the project, which were included on tonight's agenda. Um Turner

121gave us a detailed update of the project's status, including the Robert Street Cafeteria. It's already been turned over and in use. Uh the remaining glass partition will be finished during February break I believe. Um sound system has been examined in detail and approved. High school cafe. The demo is almost complete. Um notifications being given to building principles regarding some potentially noisy noisy work. Um if that hasn't already started yet. Um communication will continue so as to minimize any chance of disturbance with staff and students. um auditorium. Uh it's been demoed. Current work revolves around HVAC and electrical work. Uh Turner is still aware of the expected turnover date in June and the schedule is being constantly monitored and adjusted with contractors to um do everything to meet that June deadline. And a huge thank you

122to Vince and Robert from Turner for being aware of that and literally bending over backwards to uh make sure that um everything uh is turned over when uh when we need it to be um and also making the necessary adjustments to uh to um make sure the district's timeline is met. Um, art room 158 159 is anticipated to be turned over in February along with the fitness toilet room. Art room 125 demos underway. Um, mitigation plans are being developed to minimize construction noise and potential student and staff disruption. um talked about some anticipated long lead times for equipment for the late law gym as well as uh discussion continued for the next capital outlay project with the final project scope anticipated for approval in February. Correct. >> Y >> that's it. Uh academic >> we

123meet tomorrow. >> We're meeting tomorrow. Uh finance um we have not met but as we just you guys saw passed the budget calendar. Um, and I know Tracy and her staff are really working hard on getting everything together with principles and building administrators. So, thank you guys. Um, our next meeting is the 27th of January. >> Policy. We met earlier this evening. Um, we are reviewing a number of different policies. Um, some that we'll be bringing to the board for approval moving forward for next month. Um others we are looking at um best practices from other neighboring districts. Um Mr. Rosetta will be um asking in a meeting with other superintendents later on um this week just based on what our committee conversations have been um and um anything else from policy and our next

124meeting will be in March. >> March. Okay. >> Um, safety. >> We didn't meet last month. It was a nice snow day. >> So, we're meeting February. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> So, everybody stayed safe. Weaving against or [laughter] >> I didn't stay safe. I I drove the instead. >> Through it was safe. >> Okay. >> Uh, let's see. Board comment period. Anybody? >> Uh, Greg, really quick. Um, since we've been talking about a little bit tonight, um, in February, I will be going with some of our nice friends. Um, is VUP doing advocacy day in Albany. Um, so if anybody has anything they'd like me to bring, of concerns, electric buses, um, definitely let me know. Um, but we it's it's a great chance for us to um advocate for funding for our schools

125um through the people that work in our schools and not necessarily from people that want to make money off our schools. >> Okay. Any other wish? >> Happy birthday. >> Um [laughter] I'm speaking for myself and probably for the board too. I think the u like Mr. Carter said, uh, the alumni day was a huge success. Um, big thank you to all the businesses, you know, community members, students, and the teachers that put it all on. I mean, they rolled the red carpet out for everybody that came in, and I think it's a great thing, and I think every year it gets better and better. I've done it for two years now, and I just think it's a great thing, and get everybody giving back to where we all started. So, >> other than the

126fact that it exposed the notion that Mr. Owens can't shoot a basket. [laughter] >> If I can add, you know, my like one of the things I really appreciated like the about that group that ran this, they got feedback from everybody, kids, and then they sit down, they have plans to sit down with me and see what we can make real out of that. So, as a principal, I could not be happier with the weight that they brought that. >> That's a great thing. And then also CNY Orthopedics. And we me and Greg were there last night with Mr. Spetta. Uh big shout out to them. They've been great to the school and they said last night they got to say no to anything we've asked. So >> So we keep asking. >> Yeah. So

127we just keep asking. >> Okay. Anyone else? Okay. Uh next item. Brief superintendent report. [laughter] You >> cover it all. We'd be really good. So more of a same thing though I really appreciate last night's session because it was something that I think is interesting to a lot of people. So we really look forward to the continued u uh impact that that athletic advisory uh council could make and I think again we already have now a next topic uh some there were two really two recommendations that came out of that meeting. one was for a public session focused on uh nutrition for for kids and developing athletes. But then there was a good suggestion I think more of an internal professional development thing regarding you know working with some of our coaches and u u

128directly with the trainer on some things that they that um were priority for them. So good things to build on from that. Um why we we'd mentioned it at the last board meeting. It happened since last board meeting which was our REITs across America uh presentation which was really a nice um opportunity to tie a lot of things together. You know certainly it's about history, it's about community. It's about uh saying thank you and recognizing the sacrifices of of our veterans. And it's an opportunity that our students I thought did a really really great job of really leading that presentation that you know they were helped by a team of adults um around that process but the kids really did a lot of the work uh and were front and center in that and really

129did again I think a great job representing the school and that was the first time out. So, good job by those kids who uh really were pioneers in that. We were the first school in Madison County uh to do this. Uh Assemblyman Miller was there. He loved the session and uh I think we want to continue that. You know, that's the first of hopefully many of uh have hosting that at school. So, great job by everybody with that. Um alumni day echo what uh Zach said. just want to continue to to uh take advantage of the contributions and interest in the school of our of our alumni and it's going to be more and more important to take advantage of that because we're going to have more and more latitude and uh flexibility we hope

130and anticipate with how we meet graduation standards. So, no better way to do that than to uh to use the expertise of people who uh really care about the school and um so just tip of the iceberg on that. And um final comment, last board meeting we talked a lot about snow days. Happy to report we haven't we haven't had a snow day in the last month. Now granted, we had a two week we had a two week vacation from school. That might have been a little dicey, but uh you know, every day that we check off the calendar, we still have two snow days remaining and weather doesn't look too bad. So, we feel better. But we do have the plan that went out >> day spring. >> All right. >> And we do

131have a plan, you know, that if and when we had to to shift was went out that went out from each of the buildings. And so if we need to, while not ideal, we can adjust in uh and still have remote instruction and not take away from the the vacations that are already on the calendar. So okay. Uh moving along, uh personnel recommendations. All appointments are pending clearance on fingerprinting uh retirement resignations. Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board does hereby approve Tammy Anson's letter of retirement as cook manager effective June 26, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> Some motion. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carried. Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board does hereby approve Lisa Vanderhoff's

132letter of retirement as a cleaner effective at the end of the day on January 29th, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Um, all those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. Uh, permanent appointments, there are none. Uh, substitute appointments. Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board does hereby approve the following substitutes. Cara Kitchen as a non-certified substitute teacher at $120 per day effective January 6, 2026. Lisa Vanderhoff is a substitute cleaner, $1845 an hour. Teacher aid monitor and food service helper at 1695 per hour, effective February 1st, 2026. Bailey Woodard as a non-certified substitute teacher at $120 per day effective January 14, 2026. Uh Tammy Anson is a substitute food service helper at $16.95 per hour effective July July 1st, 2026. Terry Thornton as a substitute cleaner at

133$1845 per hour effective January 14th, 2026. Kelly Emmens is a substitute teacher aid/monitor at 1695 per hour effective January 14th, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I want action. I'm going to stay Karen for this one. Thank you. >> Uh anyone opposed? Uh motion carried. Uh civil service appointments. Amy Tali, nurse probationary appointment ends uh January 2nd, 2026. Permanent appointment effective January 3rd, 2026. Uh I got to read that as a resolution. Correct. >> For Amy. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh resolved redo that one. Uh resolved upon the recommendation of superintendent of schools. Board is hereby approved, excuse me, [clears throat] Amy Taly, nurse probationary appointment ends one, two, January 2nd, 2026. Permanent appointment effective January 3rd, 2026. Do I have a

134motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion carried. Coaching resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board does hereby approve the following 2026 winter 2 season coach and athletic support staff effective January 5th, 2026 as per the attachment the agenda. Do I have a motion? >> So move >> second. >> All those in favor? >> Thank you. >> Um I'm sorry. All those in favor I opposed. >> Motion carried. >> Disrupted my flow. [laughter] >> Okay. Other resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools that Valerie Ray possesses a 7 through 12 business distributive education certificate issued by the commissioner of education is prospectively awarded tenure in the in the tenure area of business distributive education effective November 28th 2025 conditioned upon

135compliance with APR requirements or waiver as determined by the state of New York. Do I have a motion? >> Second. All those in favor? >> Opposed? >> Motion carried. >> Resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board is hereby approved the annual rate for esports supervisor at $5,000. Do I have a motion? >> Move. >> Second. >> Uh, all those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion carried. Public comment period. >> Mr. your guess. >> Quick reminder, 22nd of January is now when Regent Manual will be at an oceis 6 uh 6:36. >> Uh anyone else? No. Okay. Uh future dates uh next regular board of education meeting will be February 10th, 2026. Um I will now entertain a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing employment history and

136matters leading to the appointment employment promotion of a particular person or persons. Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> All those in favor? opposed. Motion carried. We are now in executive session. Uh we do not plan to return to public session.