001ation meeting for the Chester Union Free School District. Mrs. Zanuzi, can you please take roll call? >> Thank you so much. Can we please stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Can I please have a motion to adopt tonight's agenda? >> I'll make that motion. I'll second. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion pass. Can I please have a motion to approve board meeting minutes of February 18th, 2026? Second. All in favor? >> Motion pass. That brings us to tonight's agenda uh presentations. Mrs. Bosch. Good evening. Thank you for having me. Superintendent O'Hara, Board of Education. I'm happy to be here tonight. I'm
002going to jump right in uh to my presentation. Um, and of course I'm going to present on CES progress towards district goals. So our progress towards district goals linked to district goal number one. Um, in February we had a PBIS assembly on Friday, February 27th. Uh, Coach Moran and Mrs. Krite, one of our ENL teachers, um, hosted the PBIS uh, assembly. They are committee members of our PBIS committee. 54 students across the CES across CES grade levels entered the winner circle this month and received their CES winner circle bracelet to show off for all of their hard work and two students received their second bracelet of the year so far. The assembly continued with golden awards for various grade levels and of course students were called up to spin the prize wheel and staff received
003shoutouts for from their colleagues along with some prizes. The assemblies are always a lot of fun, and this one ended with a YMCA dance party. The CES diversity, equity, and inclusion committee is currently working on plans and specifics for our multicultural evening uh event that will coincide with the CES art show, which is art around the world themed in April. Communication will be sent home to families soon about opportunities for them to participate in the evening's event. So, look out for that. probably at the end of next week. Uh CES goals linked to district goal number two. Um the amplify science pilot has been completed at every grade level. Um and surveys are going to be uh conducted to determine next steps for science curricular resources at CES. Second mark period uh report cards were
004completed and open to families in February. The students earning high honor earning honor roll and hard work hero awards for the second quarter will be announced over the morning announcements tomorrow and will be posted in a congratulatory parent square post. So all the names of all the students receiving rewards will be uh sent home to families as they were after the first marking period. Community partnership updates. In February, Mr. Hock's second grade class welcomed Mr. Joel Montister, an ICU nurse. Joel visited the classroom to teach students all about what it means to be a nurse. He shared the many different fields he has worked in and explained how nurses help people stay safe and healthy every day. Students learned about the importance of proper handwashing and how germs can spread if we're not careful to
005make learning fun and memorable. Joel led a hands-on germ detective activity. the master gardeners. Um, also in line with our community partnerships, the master gardeners were back at CES supporting our fifth grade students with preparations for the pollinator garden as spring prep begins now by starting seedlings in milk jugs. So, I'm really looking forward to see our second year in our pollinator garden um and how that comes along. uh you know, we did the winterizing and all of the things and I'm really looking forward to a really beautiful garden this um spring and into the summer. CES had a fun multicultural spirit week the week of February 23rd. Students uh represented their heritage by wearing their country flag or flag colors. They wore Black History Month colors. They brought in items related to their culture
006for multicultural show and tell. They wore motivational clothes that inspire and shared motivational notes for random acts of kindness day and they wore their school colors to show pride in their Chester community and it was really a fun week. CES goals linked to district goal number three. The fifth grade class representatives have been working on facilitating voting in their classes to identify the theme for the fifth grade end of year party. The three choices were sports, space, and beach. The theme was announced on Monday, March 2nd, and for the change this year, space was the winner. We are very excited about it. Uh we have had a consistent sports or beach theme for the last four years in a row. Um so it's nice to see something else emerge and I think space will be
007really a lot of fun. Uh the parents were formed informed in their March 2nd meeting and they will have their next meeting scheduled for April 13th at 6:30. The parents are inviting the student reps to attend the meeting so that they can get some student opinions about plans for the end of the year party and opinions of the students. The CES PTA and SEPSA continue to support CES. The PTA brought treats for CES teachers and students in celebration of Valentine's Day in February. The sepsis set up a wellness graband-go station in the teachers lounge to help in the teachers lounge to help ward off those winter germs and illnesses which we all need. Uh the CES winter concert was Thursday, February 26th. The concert featured fifth grade band and fourth and fifth grade choir and
008was directed by the CES new CES music teacher Amanda Gribbon. The students did a great job and families really enjoyed the concert. Uh the CES broadcast team presented even in my absence in February uh to the board of ed. Um and they were uh with Miss Randy, the CES STEM and robotics teacher. They did an excellent job. I was watching from home. Um, and they've been creating amazing monthly broadcasts. Uh, they sent out their February production at the end of February to the school and it was shared with families on February 27th, uh, with the dates to remember for March. Um, so it was a pretty eventful month at CES and I have to say uh personally a very special thank you um to Dianara Garcia and Dan Schwarzoff for stepping into my building while
009I was out for a medical issue. Um, as well to all the CES staff and students and everybody that supported my building um and the kids and the teachers during my absence. Uh, I'm really grateful to be the leader of this school and to be a part of this amazing Chester community. That's all I have for tonight. If you have any questions, >> any questions? >> Exactly. >> I am too. I believe me, I am glad to be back. I really was missing being here. So, thanks. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Milando. I heard you're doing double duty tonight. >> Good evening everyone. I'm excited to be up here. Uh unfortunately, Mr. Flanigan is under the weather for this evening. That's okay. I'll step right in. But uh just excited again. Uh great news
010here at the academy for this past month. And Mr. I'll start off with Mr. Flanigan's report. Uh as you see as you can see in his report just a senior trip update once again he's going to Florida with the senior class. Uh there was a mandatory meeting for families uh and the 12th grade seniors back in uh February 26. This was to answer all questions parents may have had regarding the trip. You know the meeting provided parents with information regarding the itinerary, the accommodations, the meals and the expectations. also um in his notes, congratulations to our Odyssey of the Mind team. This past weekend, they finished in third place. Uh and again, we're so proud of them because as you know, it's a young team. Uh so very well done for AI, the mind team.
011And uh a report here regarding uh Little Mermaid. Just a reminder that uh let's see, it's 135 students from grades 4 through 12 will take place. Uh here's the pro uh promotion Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st at 7:00 p.m. here at the academy. Uh again, huge production once again from Miss Scy and the kids. So again, big community event that we're looking forward to. So again, uh I just want to thank Mr. uh Flanigan for providing me the notes here for this evening. Um I'm going to jump into my report quickly. Um, as you could see, uh, our monthly report regarding infraction cell phones, again, with the short month of February, our kids continue, that's you guys in the back, too, continue to adhere to our policy. And again, a a big thanks
012for the continuous efforts regarding our faculty, staff, and school administration. Only just 13 infractions. And again, I gave you the bra the breakdown there. Please keep in mind we had two days off at school and also two days for recess. So again it it continues to remain low almost averaging one infraction a day which is just great to see here uh in school with our kids. So keep it up. Uh second uh we completed here the second quarter we'll be celebrating with our kids here again sitting here on the day is Miss Brook. Uh our senior was number one again with a average of 103.35. We'll be recognizing the kids during lunch again for their success in the second quarter uh for making a high honor roll and honor role uh regarding uh grades 6
013through 12. We also recognize our students from CEK. Uh there'll be a special treat uh coming up in uh the bar uh week of March 12th. Uh we sent our number one recipients for each grade level a digital card to their parents. Also have it on display out in the hallway. And new again to thanks Mr. Schwarzoff for hooking up uh well for getting us uh a huge uh uh laser projector uh that we can now have in the cafeteria. That's just great to see. Another form of communication for our kids to see. and then we'll be using that to get the word out uh for kids with announcements. So that is just phenomenal. So again, thank you for that. Also recognition for two of our wrestlers uh we recognized going to the states, Mr.
014Trent Edwards. Mr. Edwards uh won the section 9 championship at 130 weight pound class. uh he went up to the state representing Chester Academy and our own Elvin Mulmani completed his journey here at at Chester Academy with the highest win victories at the moment with 87. Again, we also sent them a digital card and also to the parents just a small recognition, small token, you know, recognizing their accomplishments. And then on uh February 20th when it was uh a no school day due to weather, uh the Kowanas Club here of Chester hosted their annual fish fry. And I got to tell you, you know, since I've been here, God for over 10 years, this is a huge draw for our community. But a kudos and a handbo of high fives for our uh kids that
015came in and gave a hand. Uh we had about uh what was it? 17 students came in and this include middle school students. So it was great to see them giving up their time. Our students came in and bus tables, setup tables, breakdown tables and were just fantastic at it and again to give up that time for their community. Um the Kowanas Club also needed help. You know, two or three days later they called me and said that we need some kids to help at the food pantry to help distribute help collect some of the food for the food pantry. and I I jumped on one or two of our kids and he brought like four kids, you know, and that really helped them out. So again, our kids giving back to the community. It's
016just kudos, you know, again, it just speaks of who we are, you know, and and that comes from, you know, the foundation here from our families to our faculty and staff to uh, you know, our our administration, you know, that our kids can go out and do that in the community. You know, it just feels uh fantastic giving back. also like to take this opportunity to recognize Miss Brooke Badiato. At senior night, she was recognized as one of the top 50 basketball players in the girls league. So, Brooke, congratulations on that. Also want to give a special thanks to Miss Erin Stan from Satsa which they sponsored a game shot a game show night uh recently last week and it was fantastic cuz we had about 30 people here. Miss Inkladone, Miss Petropalo, Miss Negresmith
017was one of my teammates. Uh we had a fantastic night and uh talk about a an ice break or something appropriate for our kids. We're hoping to see this again later in the future with this with this company because it was so appropriate. Kids were engaged uh fun by all, you know, and and really kept to a good schedule. So, uh you want to talk about family fun. Yeah, that that was that was a great night. So, we look forward to that. And again, thank you to our board. Thank you to our community for having having this for uh for our kids. Just just a night out wholesome fun. So, um, if there's any questions, uh, we have Okay, >> I just have one quick question just for some of our families that might be
018listening at home and I don't know if you know the answer if they're talking about um, tickets for the play need to be bought in advance. >> Yes. >> Where can families is that through parents square? Where is >> I believe we sent something out by parents where I can find out and you know, we'll make sure we get that word out again because >> because there's a significant price difference. So, I want families to be able to take advantage. >> We want everyone to come. >> Okay. Okay. Great. >> We'll get that out. >> Did we want to introduce our Okay. Well, in doing so and moving folks, excuse me. Uh, music in our schools. Glad to introduce, you know, our one of our best programs here. It It's our drum line. And I
019asked for Deb Huseni come on down and speak briefly more about this group. Uh you could see them almost in almost every event here at the academy. They've been phenomenal. They continue to grow and be amazing. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Agular. And thank you so much for inviting us tonight. We're really proud to be here and really honored. Um, we just wanted to give a little presentation and lowdown of what we've been up to in the music department for band recently. Uh, we have had representation at all four levels of all county including elementary, junior high, high school, and jazz. And we have also have had 28 students between 6th to 12th grade signed up to do the spring nisma music uh solo ensemble festival. Some people are doing solos, some are doing
020trios, duets, and quartets. And we also are getting ready for our St. Patrick's Day parade next Sunday. The high school band will be performing in that. And this is special because it's Chester's 50th year participating minus the 2020 year. So, we're really honored to still be a part of that. And next Thursday, we have our trip to Broadway that we're really looking forward to and thank you so much for the support on letting us go to that. We're we're really excited to see The Great Gatsby, which is nice because some of the students are reading that in class right now. So, that will be really nice. And lastly, we're getting ready for our spring concert for middle school and high school band. So, thank you so much. And at this time, we have our drum
021line here. And it's a little bit loud, but we hope that you still love listening to them. And thank you so much for inviting them tonight. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yes. Yes. Yes. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Thank you so much for letting them come tonight and inviting them. And I also want to say thank you so much because this year it is a class and I we all really appreciate that support and getting that as a real class. They can do so much more. Um and it they've been able to come up with all of that creatively on their own with um being able to be in the class together. So thank you so much for that. >> Have a good night. >> Thank thank you so much for for bringing them.
022And I think besides just being so entertaining, the sheer joy that was coming across their face. >> Yeah. you know, performing. They truly love what they're doing. So, thank you. >> Thank you so much. Have a good night. >> All right. That brings us to our next um presentation. Miss O'Hara and Mr. Dusa. >> Thank you. I almost got a drum roll. In anything we do, the phrase is got to have more drum line. I couldn't think of a better sendoff to our 2026 27 budget superintendent presentation. Uh what a great example and also a pretty impressive kickoff to our first presentation. So, good evening everyone. Tonight we're presenting the 2026 budget proposal for the Chester Union Free School District. This presentation will outline our budget priorities, enrollment and staffing projections, the maximum allowable tax
023levy, and our revenue projections. It will also address the challenges and key factors shaping the development of the 2627 budget. Our budget priorities reflect our vision, mission, directing resources to a student- centered future focused and team-driven commitment to excellence. Investing in excellence is grounded in our portrait of a graduate. A Chester graduate is an effective communicator, a dynamic collaborator, and an innovative problem solver. They are digital strategist, ethical citizens, and empowered learners. The budget, this budget supports the development of these six competencies in our students to achieve our vision, mission, and the core competencies outlined in our portrait of a graduate. We have identified three primary budget priorities for the 2627 school year. One, strengthening academic excellence through programs and staffing. The second, advancing college and career pathways, partnerships, and communication. And the third, optimizing
024infrastructure for safety, security, and sustainability. These three pillars guide our specific investment areas for academic excellence. We are focusing on data-driven instructional priorities, professional development, and strategic staffing staffing to maximize student learning and achievement. To advance college and career pathways, partnership and communication, we plan for future focused education through our business and community partnerships and integrated communication platforms. And finally, infrastructure optimization includes facility security, energy efficient improvements, technology upgrades that safeguard and modernize our student learning environments. Our first priority is strengthening academic excellence. This includes instruction grounded in the New York State Generation Learning Standards and the strategic use of student performance data to elevate achievement. We are also prioritizing special education services, ensuring targeted staffing and individualized supports for students with disabilities. In alignment with our portrait of a graduate, we continue to invest
025in student opportunities and enrichment, including athletics, music, art, and a wide range of course electives that provide college credit. also supporting the development of well-rounded students prepared with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for future success. Continuing with our first priority, we are committed to strengthening social and emotional supports through comprehensive counseling services and proactive interventions that promote a positive school climate. We are also maintaining strategic staffing to support small class sizes and individualized instruction. These investments reinforce the strong relationships between students and our teachers and staff that define the Chester learning experience, ensuring every student is known, supported, and provided the individualized attention needed to reach their highest potential, reflective of our board of education district goals. Our second budget priority focuses on preparing students for future pathways through strong partnerships, communication, and career
026connected learning. We continue to invest in the Chester Academy internship program and the coordinator position, providing students with the opportunity to learn off-site at local businesses while exploring their interests and informing future decisions. This budget supports the coordinator position, allowing the program to continue growing and preparing for future credit bearing opportunities. In addition, partnerships with colleges and universities support learning in CAD, engineering, and technology, allowing students to earn college credit while developing a technical while developing technical and analytical skills aligned with our portrait of a graduate. Students also continue to engage in robotics and media experiences that build applied technology, critical thinking, and creative problem solving skills. And you just saw in the last board of education presentation our young learners in their broadcast. To support these pathways, we are leveraging our student information system
027synergy for centralized data access and MTSS driven academic and behavioral supports while continuing to refine and streamline the platform through ongoing feedback to better support our teachers, our staff, students, and families. The budget also supports expanding our communication platforms through broader parent square integration and website enhancements to ensure the community remains informed and engaged with district programs, student learning, and continuous improvement. Our third budget priority focuses on optimizing infrastructure for safety, security, and sustainability. We continue to strengthen comprehensive safety and security partnerships through dedicated on-site police presence, enhanced surveillance systems, controlled building access, and coordinated safety drills in collaboration with the town of Chester Police Department, Atlas Security, U Boseies, while maintaining coordination with county and state safety partners. We are also advancing emergency response coordination through integrated crisis response training and incident command systembased
028drills. Synergy supports these efforts by providing centralized student information and communication tools that allow for timely coordination among staff and emergency responders. Finally, this budget supports optimizing our infrastructure through cyber security and data protection to safeguard student and staff information. It also supports instructional technology and system upgrades, including interactive displays and wireless network enhancements, as well as investments in infrastructure and energy efficiency to preserve our facilities and support long-term fiscal sustainability. Together, these three priorities reflect our continued commitment to supporting every student, strengthening academic excellence, expanding future pathways through partnerships and communication, and maintaining safe, secure learning environments. These investments align with our district's vision and mission and advance the knowledge, skills, and experiences reflected in our portrait of a graduate. At this time, Assistant Superintendent for Business Nicole Dusa will review enrollment and staffing
029projections along with the challenges and considerations shaping the development of the 2627 budget. Nicole, thank you, Miss O'Hara. Beginning with our enrollment and staffing projections, we are expecting enrollment at Chester Elementary School to increase slightly and to remain steady at Chester Academy with our 2627 budget maintaining staffing to support ongoing instructional and student support programs. On to our challenges. As you've heard on every budget presentation, New York State limits our allowable tax levy growth to the lesser of 2% or CPI, which is currently 2.7%. This marks the fifth consecutive year that inflation has exceeded our ability to raise local revenue. Each year, this gap compounds, making it increasingly difficult to keep pace with rising realworld costs. Our primary budget drivers are people and programs. investing in our faculty and staff through competitive salaries to attract
030and retain highquality educators while maintaining while managing rising healthcare costs and other contractual obligations. Sustaining a comprehensive student experience requires significant investment in core academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletics. The Greens at Chester is bringing new educational and transportation costs that we must uh incorporate into our budget planning process. A new challenge we're facing this year is that we are on what's called hold harmless. This means that New York State guarantees we will not receive less foundation aid than the prior year, which shields us from significant reductions. The governor has proposed a minimum 1% increase, which would generate about $96,000 in additional funding. However, the 1% increase in state aid falls short of keeping pace with the 2.7% inflation and the rising costs we are facing in all areas of our budget. If our funding
031were based solely on the foundation aid formula, we would actually see a reduction of over 800,000. So to prevent this loss, the state has designated as what they call hold harmless, our maximum allowable tax levy this year comes in at 22.1 million, which is a 3.83% increase. The percentage is driven largely by the capital levy exclusion, which is our debt service on voter approved projects minus any building aid. Some factors that are part of this tax cap calculation are a tax base growth factor which reflects the growth in a school district's taxable property. This year our growth factor is42%. This is information provided to us by the office of real property tax. So it's not something we get to choose. They they give it to us. Um the allowable growth factor I just spoke of
032which is the 2% lesser than inflation at 2.7%. our pilots which are paid outside the tax levy. So we have to factor that into the formula and our capital levy exclusion which is our capital debt minus any building aid. Total projected revenue for 2627 is 39.7 million which is up from 38.2 million. Our property taxes remain our largest revenue source at 56% and state aid is about 37%. We're appropriating 1.5 million in fund balance which is a one-time source, not a sustainable long-term option. It's important to note figures are preliminary based on the governor's proposed budget which has not been finalized. These numbers can and will change as the state budget process moves forward. This is our best current picture, but we'll continue to update as we get closer to budget adoption. Uh the next
033two slides just show detail of the summary I just provided. So I'm not going to read through that. That just supports the prior summary. And our next budget presentation is actually in two weeks, March 18th, which will be going over instructional programs, student support services, and technology. And as you can see here, we have all our upcoming budget presentations listed. All the budget information, our presentations and any budget related information can be found on our website under budget and finance. And our budget vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th. And that's all I have for today. >> Thank you so much. Does anyone have any questions for Miss O'Hara or Mrs. Susan? As always, thank you for your um explanation of all that math stuff. Okay, that concludes our presentations and we will move to
034our first public comments. Seeing that no one is coming forward, we're going to move to roundt discussion from this side of the table. Michelle Harrow. >> Thank you. A few updates this week. Uh I think weather was mentioned, so we experienced both a school closing and a delayed opening. And I think we are all very much ready for spring. Thank you to the town of Chester Highway Department along with our buildings and grounds teams for their early mornings and non-stop work clearing snow, salting roads and walkways, and preparing our schools to ensure safe arrival for our students and staff. On tonight's agenda, the board will consider the 2627 student calendar. Following board approval, the calendar will be posted on our district website under calendar. Later this week, our February edition of the CUFSD newsletter will
035be shared highlighting recent district news and students experiences across our district, all supported by this year's school budget. Looking ahead, our next board of education meeting, as just described, will be held on March 18th in the Chester Academy cafeteria. Um, again, the next board of education meeting on March 18th will be in the Chester Academy cafeteria, and that's to support all of our participants in the upcoming play so that they can have a final rehearsal. Uh the budget presentation again that evening will focus on instructional programs, student support services and technology. The budget calendar is also available on the website under budget. In addition, board petitions are now available to elect one member to the board of education for a three-year term from July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2029. Petitions may be picked up
036from our district clerk, Lindseay Ayanuzi, between 8:00 a.m. and 300 p.m. at the district office. Completed petitions are due no later than April 20th at 5:00 p.m. at 64 Hamiltonian Avenue in Chester. This information is also available on the district website under the board of education tab and the perspective board member section. Before I conclude, I would like to thank the board of education for supporting my participation in the recent 2026 Niscus Winter Institute and lobby day titled Advancing Innovation, Empowering Transformation for Leading and Learning held in Albany from Sunday, March 1st through March 3rd. The conference provided superintendents and educational leaders from across New York State the opportunity to engage in professional learning focused on leadership, innovation and education, and policy discussions with state representatives that impact our schools and students. So, thank you.
037And finally, as a quick reminder, daylight savings time begins this weekend. So, please remember to set your clocks at one hour on Sunday. That is all. >> Thank you. From this side of the table, we have anything. >> Uh the Orange County School Board meeting yesterday evening was cancelled due to weather. So I don't have any updates in that regard. They are working on rescheduling that meeting. Um but I did want to share that did release dates of the upcoming conference for this year which will be held in Buffalo October 22nd through 24th for anyone that might be interested. Uh and then I wanted to share also that uh with regard to any uh anyone who might be interested in a board member position, uh Orange County School Board does offer a prospective uh meeting
038for board members that gives a very detailed overview of what the role entails that I would encourage uh anyone who's interested to look into and consider. >> Thank you. >> And yeah, Brook, do you have anything to share? >> Yes. So, Mr. Flanny had mentioned before, the senior trip is coming up very shortly to Orlando, Florida from March 12th to the 16th. The high school band will be attending the Great Gatsby on Broadway on the 12th. And then, as Miss Usaini also said earlier, the band will also be attending the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on March 15th. And this is the 50th anniversary of Chester Band attending where the band will march around Goan and perform for the local citizens and judges. The spring musical, The Little Mermaid, is on the 20th and 21st
039at 700 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. It's $13 for students and senior citizens and $15 for adults. Ordering online closes 12 hours before showtime and tickets will be sold at the door for $20, so it's best to order ahead. Um, the senior class shirts and sweatshirts have also been handed out and they can be picked up in Miss Langlet's room if they have not been received. The next student council meeting is on the 11th to discuss approvals and any new fundraiser ideas must be handed in by the 9th. The next youth and government meeting will be on the 11th and it is to discuss county service day. NHS is offering volunteer hours for the Hudson Valley SPCA in Gan and if interested in application can be picked up in Miss Piggo's office. And then
040lastly, there was a key club meeting on February 24th where a form was posted on the classroom for officer position interest and this will be voted on later in the month for the people who signed up. Anyone have any questions for Well, thank you for your report and on behalf of the board of ed, we wish the seniors a wonderful, wonderful trip. As we always say, have fun, be safe, and make smart choices. you represent Chester here and in Florida. >> Congratulations on the basketball athletes and and your academics. >> Thank you so much. >> That brings us to consent agenda. >> I would like to make a motion to adopt consent agenda items 5.1 through 5.9. I'll second. >> All in favor? I. >> Consent agenda items pass. That brings us to our second
041public comment. Anyone wishing to come up and share may at this point. Okay. Can I please have a motion for adjournment? >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion pass. For those of you who tuned in at home, thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you at our next board of education meeting which is on March March 18th in the cafeteria. Thank you and good night.