001of education meeting for the Chester Union Preschool District. Mrs. Izi, can you please take >> Mrs. President? >> Present. >> Mrs. >> President, >> present. >> Thank you. We stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the for 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 the board minute meeting the the board meeting minutes of September 24th, 2025? >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion pass. >> That brings us to our presentations this evening. Mrs. Bo Good evening. Thank you
002for having me. Board of Education Superintendent O'Hara. Uh am happy to be here and presenting in our October board meeting. Um so as usual uh we do have some special friends here and they are doing an excellent job being great audience members. Um I am going to be uh a brief uh so that we can get to the main event of our children, our youngest children being here from CES. Okay. CES goals linked to district goal number one. Um some progress on some of our goals. CES had their second PBIS kickoff assembly on September 19th. Um where we had uh the remainder of the school present. It was our first through fifth grade students. Uh but then we did invite the kindergarten and prek students into that assembly as well. And we did give Mr.
003Sparkman, our beloved CES former music teacher, uh a a fond farewell during that assembly. So that is why we invited the other little ones in and they did excellent. They were ready for it anyway. So that was great. Now we know that they are ready for all of our assemblies this year and they can handle themselves really well just as they are right now. um committees have been established uh at CES. We will have an advisory committee, an MTSS committee committee, a diversity, equity, inclusion committee, a green team committee, PBIS committee, and a curriculum committee. Um our initial meetings will be focused on setting objectives and I will share those with you next time. Students and teachers are getting to know each other and classroom community building has been a focus for the first several
004weeks of school. um CES goals linked to district goal number two. Um we did develop PLC's this year, professional learning communities at CES. Uh we did have our first meeting and the focus of that was in support of our new uh student information system platform synergy. Um and Mr. Dan Schwarzoff was uh present and supporting us in some training with that platform which we really appreciated as we made that big shift this year. uh amplify science program materials and kits have arrived at CES, so we are all set for our training coming up in November. Uh I Ready assessments have been administered in grades K through five to give us a baseline data to work and develop goals for teachers, goals for students and um overall classes. We enter our second year incorporating a win
005period or a what I need period into our classes which also supports meeting students where they are at and how we utilize that data that we get from our various assessments and classroom work um to best address every individual's needs. Uh progress reports um will be opening up at the end of this week. Uh we will be sending information home to families because they are going to be housed in our new student information system platform and digitally accessible to parents in parent view. Um we will be sending information about how to open those up and what those progress reports will look like this year. Um all the new teacher mentor partnerships were approved in the APR meeting in September. All of our partners are working collaboratively in support of community building and school culture acclamation
006at CES. These partnerships are a great support for all of our new teachers. CES goals linked to district goal number three. The CUFSD district-wide newsletter included a page from the elementary school happenings and a message from me to the community highlighting our new CES faculty and staff and a great start to the new school year. Students in fourth grade have submitted their interest letters for trying out and interviewing for the CES broadcast team. We are really looking forward to the development of the new team. Uh stay tuned. Usually December is when we put out our b first broadcast. Uh the first fifth grade parent meeting was held in September and fundraising for the end of the year events was discussed. Um another meeting is scheduled for October 27th for our fifth grade parents. The PTA
007and SEPSA continue to support initiatives at CES and both organizations have opted to contribute funds towards hosting an author again this year at CES which we are really excited about and uh we will be hosting an author in March again. October's important dates to remember were included in the welcome back um in the October dates to remember message that I sent out to families including all of the events that are happening in October. CES goals linked to district goal number four. Uh we have completed three successful fire drills since the school started school year started. Uh we will continue to complete our required drills throughout the school year, including um a drill this Friday with a visit from the Chester Fire Department for Fire Safety Week. Um now on to the main event of my
008presentation. Um and that is for board appreciation. Uh to finish up my report, I would like to recognize and say thank you to all of our board members in honor of board appreciation week, which is actually next week, but we're ahead of the game celebrating you first. Um and I would like to invite Miss Dick up with some of our youngest CES students, our prek and kindergarten, uh for a special presentation of gifts to each of our board members. I'm just gonna support. >> Hello. >> So, hello board. Um, we would like to thank you for board appreciation week. And we had our youngest students in the school, our pre-K students and our kindergarten students. They worked collaboratively with me to create some small trinket trays for you that are actually decorated with each student's
009uh fingerprint flowers. Um, so we really think that you'll like them and they did work hard to follow directions. They have the cutest little fingerprints all over them. >> Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. >> Did you guys really make these? Oh, they're beautiful. >> So beautiful. >> Thank you. These are the best types of gifts. >> Thank you, you guys. Um, I know our student representative Brooke is not here tonight, but I did want to just speak briefly because we made her a trinket tray as well, but instead of having our youngest students made it, I actually went around and found every teacher who has taught her at Chester Elementary School, and we each made
010a flower for her um for her trinket tray that says her name. So, we will get that to her as soon as possible because it was really special to make for her. >> Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> And thank you to parents for bringing them [Music] [Applause] >> and a very special thank you from myself of course to each and every one of you. Um if you have any questions for me uh I'm open to questions. No, I just wanted to say one thank you guys for the gift. But um I'm excited that the materials for the November PD are here because it is very frustrating when you have a PD for teachers and the materials had not arrived. Not no fault to anyone. So I do appreciate that
011fact. So I know teachers are going to be excited because they're able to the hands-on really does enhance the professional development when the materials are present. So I just wanted to say that was thanks. I as well have been in that situation where we haven't had materials on hand and that was part of the intentional choosing of when we're piloting and having that time. So, um I know that you understand uh and you know I just out of reflection tried to do better with this. >> I wanted to thank you also for the report and for coordinating having everybody come in today. Uh I think the only question that I had was with regard to the win period. I was wondering, do students have the option to use that period for areas that they would
012like to work on in the context of like let's say a study hall or is the intent always to be teacher guided uh in relation to specific content areas that they might be struggling with? The intention is to be teacher guided. It also does support our um AIS structure. So students that are going out of the room for AIS, so they're never being pulled out of the content area, that period supports that schedule. Um as well in the classroom, the teacher is it is teacher guided. Um sometimes students though are working in groups. Um if they are behind on something and they say to the teacher, can I work on this during win period? That is definitely an option. Um and then there's also students that we have that um deserve and need enrichment and
013that is a time for that kind of work for them also. So the teachers do plan the material that students are working on but within one room many different things are happening. >> Great. Thank you. And that's for K through five. >> Everybody has um a win period. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? on behalf of the board always thank you for your hard work but you know to see the little ones is always the highlight of every board meeting hands down. So and >> we I think know the amount of time and effort it truly takes a village to produce something you know that they so graciously leave for us. >> Yes. And I want to give a very special thanks and shout out to Mrs. downicked for always stepping up and
014producing really like lovely keepsakes for you all. Every time I task her with this, I'm always like, I would really like one of those, too. >> So, thank you very much. I think it means the world to us. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Flanigan. evening. >> I'm gonna adapt to this new angle here. >> And Mr. Dersio, before I came up, I did check. It is unfortunately at the bottom of the first it is one- nothing Blue Jays. So, we will >> Thank you. I t Mr. Flanigan since you bring children to give us a Yankee update. I am not, full disclosure a Yankee fan, but I do want to support Yankee fans during this very, you know, tumultuous time of trying to get back. So, >> goals. >> I will be a good New
015Yorker and I will support here. >> Um, first and foremost, uh, happy board appreciation week. We appreciate all you do and and thank you for supporting us here in our district. um for you know basically for as volunteers and people sometimes forget that that all you do you're doing here out of love for the district and so we really do appreciate that. Um Brooke uh she did come to me earlier. She does have a soccer game tonight. That's why she's not here. They had an an evening soccer game and and so she wasn't able to come and and Brooke is the goalie and so if she didn't go there to her game tonight, it could have been trouble. So we we're excited. Uh hopefully she has a great game. Um, so once again, uh, welcome
016back. And Mr. Agular, when he comes up, we'll talk a little bit about the spirit week we had here at Chester Academy and our pep rally and and all the good things that happened. Uh, one of the things that we've been talking about in addition to that are our middle school students have spoken a lot about how they would love to, you know, a lot of times they the middle school student council goes with the high school student council and they talk and they collaborate and sometimes I think maybe their ideas don't always come out in the forefront in terms of like everything they would like for a spirit week. Um, and so the high school, you know, you know, there were certain ideas that I and there was Adam Sandler day which was really
017funny. I don't know if a lot of middle schoolers know Adam Sandler, so there's there's different things to think about. Um, so we are going to promote a middle school spirit week and then in the future look to allow the middle school to rethe certain days when we have our regular spirit week. And so we're going to do the the middle school spirit week uh which will just be we're not we we're not finishing with the pep rally. We we we've done that, but we're going to allow them theme week the week of Halloween. Um, so they're working on the themes now and they're going to be uh proposing those themes. They've talked about certain things. Everything sounds like it'd be really cool. I know they're really excited. They want to have one day as
018a crazy hair day. I know that's one of them. So, um I I I want to support the middle school. I appreciate them coming and advocating and it would be m it would be very, you know, limited in terms of a disruption. So, I think that we would do that for our students and and support them. Um we are also uh once again last year we were the host for Red Ribbon Week. So we are once again going to be supporting now as a supporting district in Red Ribbon Week. Uh the Red Ribbon Week this week this year is on October 22nd uh hosted by the Goan Central School District. It'll be over at Goan High School. Um so we have 10 students that'll be accompanied by Miss Cuomo and Miss Biggo who will be
019going to the uh to the Red Ribbon ceremony. And we're really excited about that. It's a really good message and I think it's great to have so many districts that can participate. I I almost wish we had venues that allowed us all the other districts. Even when we hosted, we invited 10 students or so from every district. We'd love to invite 50 from every district and districts can only hold so many students when everybody shows up. So, Gan's going to do a great job with it and we're happy to participate and always happy to help if they need anything. Um, one of the things I wanted to also speak about and and some of you have children in the district or in the building and things that they may be coming home and talking about
020more than our our you know no electronic belltobell policy which I think is running actually very well considering the size of our school and the number of devices we actually wind up with. the we also implemented um eliminating students from bringing backpacks to the cafeteria and the gymnasium. And we did this there was a purpose and a reason. We talked to kids about it and some of them will come up and ask us and say I'm not sure why you've done that. And so part of the goal and especially if we think back to last year when we had our our hold in place in the beginning of last year and it was kind of a we we did a lot of looking at our safety procedures. One of the biggest pieces of feedback that
021we received at that day was, "Okay, there's a lot of backpacks around here and could you tell us who what backpack belongs to what people? We're trying to do work here and make sure everything is safe." So, that that was a big takeaway for us and something that we we look forward to as we as we put and we we plan for safety. Also, with the the bell-to-bell policy, you know, in addition to safety, we're we're telling students that you're going to have your your very expensive devices and you're going to need to keep them in your backpack. And so, having a large number of backpacks spread out everywhere and sometimes two places where they could be not attended. Generally, if they're in the classroom, their backpack is with them. If they're in the lunchroom,
022they might go outside for recess. They could be up on the lunch line. There's a lot of students in there. um if they're in the gymnasium, you know, there's once again we have students running around. So having a bunch of backpacks laying in different places is not a great idea and also having them out in hallways or or hanging in hallways and you know it's not necessarily the best idea considering what might be in those backpacks. So we've asked students to keep those backpacks in their lockers during those periods. The concern that students have brought to me and very responsibly and I and I can appreciate it are that when they go to the lunchroom at a specific time coming out of the lunchroom more than going to because you can go to the lunchroom
023you can be a you know you can be a couple of minutes late no one's going to yell at you for being late to lunch but coming out of the lunchroom and coming in and out of gym are presenting a problem for some students with the time. Um, so we the lunchroom was an easy fix because we it's not losing academic time that we were able to let the lunchroom out one minute early. By the time they get to the academic areas, that minute has generally gone by and now we're in the threeminut zone and it's not interrupting class. We've been brainstorming a lot with physical education. Um, it is one of the further walks in the building. Although I will, you know, kind of remind and I always do remind everyone, we're very fortunate,
024our building is not very large, you know, compared to other districts and some that some of you may be familiar with or work in. So I actually myself even just to kind of take the journey and I I've done this before with things. I I I got myself a lock and I went up to the second floor and I waited till the bell rang and I waited till some students came in the hall and then I walked up to the third floor and I pretended to open my lock there. I had it there and I opened it and Miss Karaba tried to talk to me and I reminded her that I had to get to gym class and I would couldn't talk to her right then and then I opened the locker and I pretended
025to put a bag in and take something out and close the locker and walked down and long story short I got myself down to the gym and the bell rang at 3 minutes as I was walking into the gym. That was my sole intent and purpose so I can acknowledge for students that sometimes things come up and that can be difficult. So we've worked with the PE teachers to have an understanding of that and if we look to to certain fixes you know for example kids have said why don't you just make it longer between the periods that there's there's a lot more to that that we're working now with the PE teachers to understand that you know kids are hustling to get there kids are getting there right at the bell sometimes you know
026a couple of seconds later but for those that are taking advantage of it and coming a couple of minutes later our building's not just not that and that they're held accountable to that. So, I thought it was important just to share that and for people that are watching at home that it is an issue that students have brought to us that we do take serious and once again we're looking to flush out uh how we can make that procedure better. The other procedure that we've had students that not very often anymore, but I still even I even got one email today. I probably haven't gotten one in a couple weeks or they they are curious as to why we have the bathroom doors open. And once again, it's it's a matter of safety. you know,
027we we want to be able to supervise those areas, not have closed doors where we can't supervise in terms of the number of personnel in the building, but I do always tell students um that we do have a number of options for bathrooms in the building. Um there are not only just the middle school side, there is the high school side, there are singleuse bathrooms, there are bathrooms you can close and lock in offices. And if at any time anyone ever had that curiosity or was anxious about something and wanted to use a different bathroom, that is certainly something that we would accommodate them for. So, uh, just wanted to to share those things. We had a great time at the homecoming dance. Um, a big thank you to Miss Langlets and the class of
0282026 for promoting the homecoming dance. They did a great job. The PTSA was on hand helping. They were like MVPs that night serving pizza and ice cream. They ordered tons of pizza. They had ice cream there. The PTSA was there to help out. Approximately 200 students attended the dance. So, it was really exciting. It was full. Kids were having a good time. Our PTSA also in addition sponsored our welcome back breakfast at Chester Academy. So, they put on a for the staff. They had a a nice spread set up to for for the staff and that's always greatly appreciated. So, we thank them for that. Um, we are we had our first advisory. I know sometimes that's something we've spoken about last year of the school year. Um, you know, much of advisory has kind
029of David now we've kind of advanced a little bit in the seven mindsets as we look back at everything is possible into new and evolving themes. Um, so all reports from our first advisory were that they were a success. Um there are minimal changes to advisories as we've kept consistently with the same advisor except if a teacher left last year retired. We we have a new advisor that has gone in. And one mistake on my board report that you'll see is that I did my math wrong there in terms of the the updated enrollment. They're actually uh our enrollment is up by 13 students in September from 556 from 566 to 579 in the building. So, I just didn't do my math right, but I was never I'm not going to share my math regent
030scores with anybody here. Um, just a couple of upcoming dates. The financial aid night will be at Seward, which is at 700 p.m. on the 14th. We share financial aid night with Seward. One year we have it here. The opposite year it's at Seward. Um, so the counselors will be on hand and the financial aid people will be there. the ASVAB exam was supposed to be scheduled that day as well and we were contacted by by ASVAB that they needed to cancel that for that day and they're rescheduling the date with us. So, we want people to be aware of that that we will have the date but we're looking for a date and they're looking uh likely in December and we'll communicate that out. The National Honors Society induction and everyone is not only
031welcome but obviously invited. We would be excited if you have the opportunity to make it. That will be uh next Wednesday the 15th uh at 6 pm. The Chester Academy Picture Day is on the 17th and the PTSA on Saturday the 18th at 8:00 a.m. Um, now we want to say thank you once again for Board of Ed appreciation week. We had Mrs. Besson obviously I hope you enjoyed the the snacks that were that were sent down the chuterie boards. There was a a meat and cheese charerie board with some olives and and all those fun things on it. And there was also a dessert board. There were two dessert boards that Miss Besson and the advanced foods class put together. I know they work hard. They plan it out. They take they actually take
032a quite a few days to plan out the menu to research the items they need to get the shopping in and then start to put those boards together. So, we thank Miss Besson and her students. Um, we also have Mr. Agular sneaking around here. I don't have kindergarteners to help me. I have Mr. Agular helping me out today. So, but I'm great. I'm just as appreciative. Um, so we have a little gift. Um, Mr. Rodman, uh, is such a superstar and his students assisting here. And I'll explain to you as you look kind of what we what we've made for you here today. Then I when I say we, I mean mostly Mr. Rodman and his students just through their um, creativity and dedication. Um, they've made first, uh, you have a little Chester kind
033of swag bag there, a little carryalong bag to, you know, maybe take with you. Sometimes we need to put a few items in there. So, that Chester logo was was made through the t-shirt printer and it was pressed on by the students through the t-shirt press. Um, inside you'll find that there is a journal in there for everybody and the journal is laser. If you look close, uh, if you're, if you're like me and you need your, you know, your reading glasses on, some you got to look real good, but you can see that is laser engraved. We use the lasers to engrave that with the Chester logos. And so, everybody has a little personalized Chester and Mr. Agular also in support with some of the Chester Academy pens that are in there. So we
034we thank him for that and we're just really appreciative of of how you support us and so this is a very minor thing we know compared to what you do but we appreciate it and just wanted to say thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> And I'll take any questions from anybody. >> No questions. Thank you for troubleshooting with the students and the teachers and every it's a whole new learning experience and trying to figure out what to do with the bags and the lockers and working through all of that. So, I think it's great that you're working with them and really listening to them because I do know that some of this has been a concern and actually stressful for teachers and students and administrators. So, >> yeah. And we
035don't want you know if there there are certain scenarios and I'll give you an example. I had I had a young lady today who was stressed out about this. And you know there there's a couple of factors involved in in why she's having trouble getting to the PE and back. But a simple fix for her was that I'm able to move her locker from the second floor to the third floor and the problem goes away because we have lockers up there. And so there, you know, the biggest thing I encourage students is that before we make drastic changes, we problem solve. And when when you look at, you know, when, you know, when we all look back to when when we were in school and I remember walking around with a stack of books under
036my arms and times have changed. I get that. But when we say you can't bring your backpack to the gym, and somebody says, "Oh my goodness, I'm in the chorus room. It's on the first floor. I've got to go all the way to the third floor and put my stuff away, then go back all the way to the music wing." We'll ask the question, "Well, what are you bringing to chorus that you actually need that's in that backpack?" back. You know, maybe when you were, you know, on the third floor in math, you could have dropped off your bed and gone to course and got gone right to PE. But because it's not something we've done before or really had that, it's the directive kind of was you just can't have it in the gym.
037So, everyone's thinking, well, I got to put it away before I go to gym, but I think we've started to work with students to look at your schedule and see when your locker stops are most effective. You might not want to go every period. You might want to go a little bit more. You know, I encourage students to use their locker more to lighten up those backpacks. They're really heavy. You know, I remember I helped someone out the other day. I picked up their backpack and I was like, "My goodness, I'm getting old." Because this backpack is is really heavy. So, I I encourage them to use it more. Um, and uh and certainly and when they're using it to lock it. That's that's the other big thing. Make sure you're locking your locker. >>
038To kind of spin up what Mrs. Arnette said, I was just thinking, you know, troubleshooting with the students also sends a message that we're here to support you, which um we we want on a daily basis, but also like you said, figuring out that I don't need the backpack for chorus. You know, anything you read in the ed journals and anything is that, you know, our our teenagers and our college students struggle with time management and indirectly we're working on that. We're trying to figure out, you know, how am I going to get from A to B, you know, with saying fix it. >> Well, there there was a there's a little funny story today. Once again, I'm not going to say names, but it was I was walking by the cafeteria and the Marines
039were here today. They had their table set up and they they talked, you know, if kids want to come over and talk to them. And so the Marines were here and they usually set up where kids can do push-ups or, you know, pull-ups or something along the lines like that. So, a few kids had done push-ups and they were like on the floor at that point by the side over by the table and exhausted and the bell rang. And I started to walk by and they said, "Mr. Flanigan, can you please can we have a pass? I'm exhausted." And I and I looked at them and I said, "Let me ask a question." Uh, I said, "Sir," I said, "What would the Marines say?" And they said, "You don't want to hear what the Marines
040would say. Get to class. Come on." So, so there are those those type of things that yes, society sometimes we make a decision. Sometimes it puts us a little behind. We have to sometimes be accountable for that and accept, you know, what is, but we also have to plan for. We know when bells are going to ring. We're all on schedules and uh we'll help solve problems that are that are true problems that that are difficult. And I don't think when I told students that I was going to walk from the second floor to the third floor and open a locker that they actually thought I would do it. I don't know if they think thought I could make it, you know, but uh I said here I am, you know, pushing 50 soon and
041uh and I made it. So I think we we can all do it, but we could also be empathetic to the struggle for those that are having a difficult time >> and work to fix it. >> On behalf of the board, please thank Rodman. Um this is best. We'll do. >> We thoroughly enjoyed our executive session even more. >> Perfect. >> Um, and of course to Mr. Aguilar for always providing swag. >> Perfect. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Aguilar. >> Thank you. Good evening everyone. >> Uh, can't believe, believe it or not, it's October already. Uh, we've done so many great things since September. Uh and again, thank you, thank you, thank you not only to our board, but to the faculty, the staff, our parents, but most of all our
042students. In my board report, I was able to show show you uh what the numbers look like in terms of the new initiative here uh that's going through the state that no cell phone personal device initiative. And again from our faculty and staff modeling to our kids being respectful to and to the support from our parents the numbers don't lie. Uh and and I'm blown away because you know coming into the year, okay, you know, we're going to be a little bit busy because it's a change. And again, I have to tell you, the kids have been amazing. And with the support that we've had from parents that I've contacted this year so far in the first month, 16 cell phones, six personal devices. That's great for the first month. I I really have to
043tell you for our size and and again it it starts from the top and it works all the way down to just modeling for kids and hearing them out and I was able to speak to two groups of kids, you know, some of our sophomores and some of our seniors regarding the cell phones and they're okay. They're okay and and that's great to hear. You know, some fun statistics, you know, that I try and keep track, you know, every day through the office. Is there a cell phone? How many do we have? you know, because again it's going through my head. I could tell you so far in the up to date there have been three days in a row we've had no cell phones. on any given day there's been no more than four
044phones and uh out of all the students I there's only one student that's made level two and that individual was amazing because that individual was responsible enough to follow without hesitation and was like okay not a problem and I really do appreciate that. Uh as you know earlier uh in the month we had our uh drill and uh while I was supervising along with faculty and staff over 80 students and when I called a couple of the teachers over I said what do you see? No one found a phone and again that is amazing for our kids. So I really want to you know praise our kids again and continue the great work and don't stop you know uh the you know we're going to get through this. we're going to get through this and
045I like seeing the change and kids have been very good and respectful and I really do appreciate it. So, shout out to everyone, you know, with this endeavor. In September, uh, I want to thank our varsity club, you know, uh, co-president, uh, Zoe Arnand, Paige Niles for leading the charge in creating our high energy celebration, our inclusive celebration where we had our drum line. Uh, we had our faculty and staff participate, but also showcase um, our our our kids of community, pride, and energy in in the time that we had. Uh, we had some uh, we had a new game. uh you know we we play the traditional musical chairs as per uh Mr. Flanigan. That's one of his favorites. Uh we had our tugofwar but this year uh we also brought in uh our
046giant soccer relay. And now the soccer balls, if you could see on the pictures I provided to you, they're almost 5t tall. So, it was really great seeing the kids uh you know uh uh having that opportunity you know to showcase but also to recognize you know our all of our uh programs here uh for the fall season. We look forward to the winter and also in the spring that you know we've been talking to Mr. Flanigan. Um in the classroom I really want to thank again uh Mr. Maji. I was able to sit into his financial literacy class. Um and again why was it important was because again it's supporting the success of our students with real world career connected learning. Uh we uh he brought in a representatives uh Mr. Sternan and Miss
047Reyes from Mnt Bank. And it was amazing as I I I sat there and listening and and and you know uh getting involved with the kids. you know, how many kids have debit cards and how many don't and how many are under their parents and how many are independent and then we and what was important to our kids was their credit score and how can they have a positive credit score and when should they begin and what were some of the pitfalls. So listening to to that, you know, was amazing for the kids to know and then also for myself to know uh because again, you know, it's been a while, you know, with uh you know, having a mortgage and also automobiles and making sure you kept a good uh credit rating, you know,
048what they looked for. So again, it it it could start right away or just having the assistance from your parents. Uh you could start off with a great uh credit score. And again, the students were also introduced to the different credit industries that review your credit. So again, I want to thank Mr. Maji and and the students in his uh financial literacy class because that was an amazing class. And again, having that opportunity for our kids to actually listen, see, and and and apply to their own selves and their own independence while they have jobs. So I I want to thank you. And that concludes my report. just thank you for all of the goodies from the team and Mr. Rodman and everyone. >> It's amazing amazing what they can do and again that that
049that's just you know the support from from here to across the board what what our kids can do and what they have that opportunity and you just look forward to what's next. So, thank you everyone >> and thank you for the um pictures. You know, obviously we're very um present on social media as a as a district. Um >> and in particular, the pep rally really popped out to me like >> they the students truly look like they were having a really good time. Yeah. I was you know, we all kind of scrolled and I paused and I was like, "Wow, they're really enjoying themselves." So, thank you for all the effort. Thank you again. >> This evening we have our auditors from Nent and Hustler. Jennifer, I'm not going to say your last name
050because I'm going to say it incorrectly. >> Good evening. Uh my name is Jennifer Capicion. Most people struggle with that, so no worries on that end. Um while I am a new face here um to the district, I am with Nent Housler that's been your audit firm for many many years. I'm taking over for um Bill Trainer who is transitioning into retirement. Um so we wish him all the best. Um I am happy to be here. It's been a very um smooth transition um coming in here with a new team. Everyone adapted very well. Um so I have met this evening with district management and the audit committee and we've discussed the results of the um June 30, 2025 audit in detail. Um a few items to note about this year's audit. Um we did
051have the implementation of um one new Gazsby Gazsby 101 which was related to compensated absences which is your sick vacation um personal time. While historically the district did have a long-term liability recorded for that, this new Gazsby changed the way that liability is calculated. So the district has um done the calculation um in compliance with the new um Gazsby and that is reflected in the financial statements here. Um the other item you will note um different from prior years is this year um for the single audit um we have pulled that from your final um financial statement packet that you have here and that is because um the federal OM has not issued their final 2025 compliance supplement. Um so while we have done the audit procedures in compliance with the draft that is out
052um we cannot issue the final report until the final 2025 compliance supplement is has been issued. Um so that will be forthcoming. Um you do have that in draft because we have done that um to date pending any um changes when that's finalized. Um, with regard to the packet that you have, the bound copy that you have, this packet includes the audit of the district's financial statement and the audit of the extra classroom activity funds. Um, I am pleased to say that we have issued clean or unmodified opinions on both of those reports. Um, additionally, um, change from the prior years is the report on your internal controls where previously you have been cited for, um, segregation of duties, um, deficiencies. Um, last year during the fiscal year, the board appointed a district treasurer, which
053is an addition of an additional staff person. Um so with the addition of that staff person the district has been able to implement segregation of duties in the areas that were needed. So that finding has gone away. So this year your internal control letter does not site any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. Um district is in strong financial condition. Um you did have results of operations this year resulting in excess revenues over expenditures of approximately 4.4 4 million. Um, a significant chunk of that um relates to the insurance recovery proceeds that came in from the Maple Avenue um recovery that happened, the storm damage that happened a couple years ago. Um, so as a result, the district did add about 4.5 million to your capital reserve, which will help in funding future capital projects. Related
054to the extra classroom activity funds, there was no um changes there. Again, I said we had an unmodified opinion was issued, so you have a clean opinion on those financial statements. There were no significant changes or anything to note in that area. Um, as far as the draft for the single audit goes, our audit procedures did focus on the child nutrition cluster, which is the um school lunch program. Um, that was our major program that 40% coverage. We were considered a high-risisk audit and that's a direct result of the um single audit the compliance findings related to the segregation of duties from prior years. You have to have clean opinions on that for two years to not impact the high risk low-risk impact. Um with the new uniform guidance um they are going to be
055changing the single audit threshold um from 750,000 to a million. Um, so based on your 2025 federal um, monies that came in, you would be under that $1 million threshold. So going for forward, you likely will not be subject to the single audit requirement. Still subject to the requirements, but not subject to the audit itself. Um, I just want to say that the district has an amazing team of people with Nicole and Suzanne. They do an amazing job. The rest of the team, um, so you should be very pleased with the progress that they've they've made here and the changes that they're making. It's all moving in the in a good direction. Um, and I see good things happening as as time goes on here. Um, so it's been a pleasure um, being here this
056year and we really appreciate everyone's hard work and commitment to getting this audit report issued. Well, the board certainly appreciates your hard work in collaboration um with with our team and taking the time, you know, in our session to explain things um you know, not all of us being from a financial background in terms we can understand to make sure um that our district is in the best financial um place it could be. >> Absolutely. And I'm always available if anything comes up or questions or >> Much appreciated. >> Okay. Thank you all very much. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Have a good evening. >> That brings us to our first public comment. Seeing that no one is here in person, we will move to roundt discussion. Anything? Thank you. Um I do
057again want to thank Jennifer Capacion. Uh she has exited the room so I believe I said that correctly. But again um many thanks um from our ex external auditors Nentler uh for their thorough audit presentation and continued support of our district's financial transparency. And as she indicated, uh truly a special thanks for the efforts uh from our business office team, assistant superintendent for business Nicole Dusa done a phenomenal job along with our district treasurer Sud Suzanne uh Tudiko and our our business office team um Donna Powels, Karen Bower, and Dennis Lri. It's it's really amazing to see um it's appreciative that the board supported this added position and as you can see from the audit presentation um the benefits to internal controls as a result. So again a thank you and certainly to our kindergarten
058students for their heartfelt gifts supported by the creativity of the elementary teacher Emily Downic. uh definitely reminds us in all of this espec and in addition to the efforts and the innovation from the academy just the purpose passion pride right why why we're all here next week on that note October 13th through 17th marks New York State school board recognition week a time to celebrate and thank our board of education members for their dedicated service and commitment to our students staff and community. With no meeting scheduled next week, we take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the Chester Union Preschool District Board of Education for your leadership, vision, and service to our students and schools. Our board members, Kim Dersio, president, Caroline Neggermith, vice president, Diane Arnut, Lisa Hines Johnson, and Rosalie Pñena devote
059countless hours beyond their professional and personal commitments to guide the work of our schools districtwide. Their service is voluntary, their responsibilities significant, and their dedication reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and expanded opportunities for each and every student. This year, the board approved the 2526 district goals, creating a roadmap for educational excellence, community engagement, and operational efficiency. These goals reflect our shared commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment, supporting innovative, data-driven instruction, and strengthening collaborative communication and engagement throughout the district. Your leadership continues to drive Chester forward, advancing safety, fiscal responsibility, and continuous improvement across our schools. In honor of New York State School Board's recognition week, the certificates before you are presented in appreciation of your leadership and service to our students and schools. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for
060your partnership in advancing the excellence of the Chester Union Free School District. And at some point in some year, we will schedule a board meeting within the board of education appreciation week. Uh as we recognize the leadership of our board of education this evening, it's also fitting to take a moment to acknowledge another essential part of our leadership team. October is National Principles Month, a time to celebrate the outstanding work of school leaders who guide, inspire, and support students, teachers, staff, and families every single day. The work of a principal extends far beyond what most people see. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities from supporting students and families to guiding instruction, managing operations, and ensuring a safe and positive school environment. Principles lead with purpose, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals that move the
061district forward. So, we extend our sincere appreciation to Miss Mary Kate Bosch, principal of elementary school, Chester Elementary School. We all know that. and certainly Mr. John Flanigan, principal of Chester Academy, for their leadership and commitment to our mission of being student centered, future focused and te team driven, as assistant principal uh Mr. Aguilar shared in the gifts this evening for our board. But truly, their efforts reflect Chester's shared commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive learning environments, fostering innovative and data-driven instruction, and strengthening communication and collaboration across the district. On behalf of our administrative team and the entire school district, certainly myself, thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your continued dedication to ensure every student has the opportunity in our schools to learn, grow, and succeed. Thank you. Uh lastly, I just want
062to thank the parents who attended uh last night's first athletics advisory panel meeting of the year focused on communication. Uh two of the aspects that was discussed last night in terms of communication were gathering feedback from our parents on the transition from family ID to synergy as well as the use of huddle for coach communication. And there was a lot of um input, there was a lot of ideas and discussion that were presented. And one of the ideas that came out of that meeting um was the opportunity to have a meet the coach night and um on that evening really um providing an opportunity for parents to understand all the different communication platforms. Where do we hear about for example huddle is just for coaches, parents and student athletes. Google Classroom that's preseason and um
063on the website right what information is there schedules uh etc and we are in the midst through section 9 uh section 9 is revamping um the app that's being used because it was bought out by another company so um Mr. Mr. Jet is actually attending a meeting tomorrow and we're hopeful that as soon as we have that information um we'll be able to share that with families in terms of the real-time information when there's a schedule change, location change. Uh we know that our parents and families are working. So having that information immediately is so helpful and uh truly helpful that our uh for our parents that attended. So so thank you for that. That's that's how we support continuous improvement is through input from our teachers, staff, students, and our families. Um, as a
064reminder, we are preparing for community engagement on the proposed intercolastic athletics facility project. Um, we will have presentations beginning with our parent panels at the end of October and then formal presentations begin in November. Actually, November 5th is a date to remember, but we will be sharing all of this information uh prior to any presentations. Um, this includes a newly developed community panel including residents adjacent to the property, representatives from the town and village in addition to community forums which will be open to the public in addition to board of education presentations. So, I just want to reinforce and uh remind that updates can be found on the district website under the intercolastic athletic project tab. Uh we will be including more information on that which you'll hear this evening in addition to the email
065address and that's also on the website interscolastic-athletic- project at chesterufscd.org or as we uh continue and begin actually I should say just begin the engagement process. It's been um starting 2021 was the uh informal audit uh 2022 acquisition of the land from the town of Chester and then in the last two years uh we've been heavily engaged in a feasibility study. So all that information will be forthcoming. Um and also relates to uh what you're hear this evening on tonight's agenda related to our seeker process which is New York state driven. So um we look forward to beginning the engagement process once all of the information is ready and um as you'll hear this evening um there's a process in place through New York State that is necessary uh prior to that component. So we
066look forward to sharing that information. share around. >> I do. I have an update for Orange County School Boards. Uh the meeting for Orange County School Boards took place yesterday evening in person uh at Booties and Goan. I was able to attend in person and have to say what a great job uh Orange County School Board does with bringing in uh presenters who offer such a wealth of information and who are very intentional in the resources that they bring to the table uh for for schoolboard members to look at and consider in relation to district goals and measuring student success. Yesterday's presenters were from the New York State School Counselors Association and included Dr. Gabbit and Debbie Alverson who actually used to be a counselor in Chester years ago. So it was very nice to
067meet her and to make that connection. Uh but we met for over two hours discussing the importance of the role of school counselors which goes without saying but also the role of school board and looking at data that is collected by counselors and looking at how many students are participating and engaged in exploring opportunities after graduation. Um, so the meeting really highlighted some of the great work that's already taking place here with regard to some of the student internship programs that we have and the availability of college credit opportunities, but it also provided some great suggestions and talking points that we could use as a board when we do our retreat and midyear review for goals um that I'll make sure to click note and send to everybody by the end of this week uh
068just to look over. Uh the next meeting for Orange County School Boards will be in person on November 4th and will focus on some of the changing region requirements and the portrait of the graduate. Uh and there will also be a free Zoom meeting that's going to be hosted on November 5th by uh Rockland County School Board Association that will be specific to immigration and some of the growing concerns around that and implications that this might have for uh school districts in the future. and that will be free to Orange High School board members and to admin as well. >> Thank we move to consent agenda um as Mr. Harris said there are required processes as we move forward with our intercolastic um project and I would just like to share with the public um
069and elaborate one of those required processes. The State Environmental Quality Review Act or Seeker is a New York State required process that ensures proposed projects are evaluated for potential environmental impacts before moving forward. This evening, the Chester Board of Education is declaring itself as lead agency under Seeker for the proposed intercolastic athletic facility project. Prior to this determination, notifications were sent to all involved and interested agencies as required by state law, allowing time for review and document and comments. As part of this process, our district architects, land associates, and the LA group, our environmental consultants have completed all required documentation to support of the secret process review. There will be a formal presentation on November 5th to review the project and seeker findings with an opportunity for public questions and discussion. All documents will be
070added to the district website under the intercolastic athletic facility section. In addition, open community forums will be scheduled to provide further opportunities for input and a dedicated email address will be available for questions or feedback regarding this project. And with that, I think that wraps up round table and we move to consent agenda. I would like to make a motion to adopt consent agenda items 5.1 through 5.11. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I consent agenda items pass. That brings us to our second public comment. Seeing that no one is here in person, I will move to make a motion to adjurnn. >> Makes a motion. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Our next board of education meeting will be November 5th. >> So, please >> October 22nd. Moving time forward. >>
071Thinking of the presentation. >> Think of the presentation. Our next board of the week will be October 22nd followed by November 5th. Thank you and good evening.