001Good evening everybody. Let's stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty, justice for all. Okay, we're going to start with the public hearing for the cardiac arrest emergency response plan. The East ISIL district's cardiac arrest emergency response plan developed in accordance with New York State Nations law will be posted on the district website for public review and comment for a 30-day period beginning February 12th and concluding on March 26th. Following the board of education's approval of the 202526 districtwide school safety plan in August, New York State enacted Dean Law, which requires all school districts to incorporate emergency response protocols for sudden cardiac arrest into their school safety plans. The district school safety team has reviewed
002and prepared an amendment to align the plan with this new statutory requirement. In accordance with the New York State Education Department guidelines, the amended draft will be made available on the district website and shared with the community via parent square to allow for public review and comment during the required 30-day period. Community members wishing to provide comments may contact Mr. Richard Wisawitz at 631224 2015. And Mr. Desires is that person who just told you all that. Um board president is to advise members of this audience that they may address the board regarding agenda items after the superintendent's report. Only those members whose names and addresses are listed on the sign-in sheet available prior to the start of the meeting will be recognized during new business. The chairperson will limit discussions of any item by the
003public to three minutes in order for the board to expeditiously conduct its business. Mr. Manzo. Thank you, Mr. Ruling. Good evening, everyone. Over the past several weeks, our custodial and grounds department has once again demonstrated a high level of commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff during the recent recent snowfall and extended period of frigid temperatures. The team worked tireless tirelessly to ensure that all buildings were warm, walkers were clear, and our campuses remain safe and fully operational. Their proactive planning, long hours, and attention to detail allowed our schools to continue functioning smoothly despite challenging weather conditions. I would like to especially thank Mr. Gagliano for being above for going above and beyond in support of this effort. His leadership and willingness to put in to put in countless additional hours
004alongside his team exemplify the dedication and pride that defines our district. We are extremely fortunate to have a such a hardworking and committed custodial and ground staff supporting our school community. Mr. Gagaliano, thank you again for all the work you've done over the past several weeks and for our district in general. Thank you. [applause] At this time, I would like to ask Mr. Scully to uh to uh come to the podium for the first two presentations. Good evening, Mr. members of the board of education, superintendent Mr. Manzo, and the central office administration. Tonight, we are proud to recognize the longstanding commitment and partnership with gay schools. Their relationship with our outdoor learning space began in 2005 when they worked alongside then principal Mr. Casca and Mr. Ray Len to develop what has become a meaningful
005extension of our instructional program. It was truly an example of what we often refer to as better together. Most recently, Mr. L once again reached out to the given schools regarding the revitalization of our middle school ponds. Without hesitation, they stepped forward and once again went above and beyond to restore and enhance this important outdoor resource. We would also like to acknowledge our custodial team, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Riviera, and Mr. Cronin, who could not be here tonight, who worked to prepare this space and be and beautify the surroundings of the pond once the revitalization was complete. Everyone's dedication transformed the pond into a vibrant outdoor classroom that directly supports hands-on learning for our students. Before formally recognizing those involved, we have three students, Ryan Mahomi, Alexa Garalo, and Kona Deonsky who would like to share
006how revitalized ponds has enhanced their science learning experience. Even students at East means a lot to know that people give their time and energy to make learning more beautiful data together as scientists instead of just talking about science. get to actually see it happen. Learning outside more hands and interactive helps us better understand our lesson. In the fall, we learned about the water webs and structure and we discovered how all these parts work together. healthy and it was exciting to see how everything is connected to create a balanced ecosystem from the smallest organisms in the water to the fish and plants growing around the excited to apply what we learned in the fall and get the up and running in the spring using our knowledge to keep it healthy and because of this project in
007the textbook we are actually experiencing to expience that makes learning more exciting and understand brothers for teacher Mr. school and local partners. It truly demonstrates that we are better together at this time in Mr. Coach Ron Jun [applause] Thank you. [applause] At this time, we would like to ask the podium to introduce hot Legos robotics. Hello. Uh so for the next slide please. Perfect. Thank you. So every year there is a global tournament that takes place called first Lego League. It is a robotics tournament uh that tests teams across the world uh on robotics research and presentation. On Long Island, there's about 140 teams that compete across NASA and SUFFK. And they compete in four areas. One is a robot game where the teams are challenged to build a robot and accomplish as many tasks
008as they can in two and a half minutes. The three other areas that they're challenged on is one doing an innovation project where they need to do research on the challenges on this year's theme. This year's theme is archaeology. We have Indiana Jones right here. And uh the other two areas that they're uh ranked on is their robot design, how they built their robot, their mission strategy, and then finally their core values. are they good humans? And so the the competition uh challenges them to be to be good humans. So today the team is going to share their innovation project. Uh the theme again archaeology. [applause] Today we'll be performing a skit titled Raiders of the Lost Funny. I'm AJ and I'll be performing the role of Indiana Jones from the movie. I'm playing War
009Frog. Hi, I'm playing Ben from National Treasure. Ruins, ancient mysteries, and Snaz. Why did it have to be Snaz? Yep, there's another day at work. At least this hasn't yet, but you know, it's classic archaeology. Exactly. That's real danger here. No funding, no education, no future archaeologist. So, how do we fix it? And please don't say another secret treasure map. Wait, this reminds me of something. The flaming hot Legos, they mel archaeologists have dug up a solution. Should I did there? Dug up. That's right. Archaeologist Dr. Richard Kleiner and Dr. Joseph Resza along with experts in the first archaeology video helped identify key challenges that they face. Problem one, not enough funding. Problem two, not enough ways to get kids excited about archaeology. Archaeologist Dr. Richard Klein was part of the real Ali Arms House
010dig. The Arms House sheltered the poor who were buried and forgotten until construction of their graves. Dr. Kleiner emphasized that we need creative funding ideas and fun ways to get kids excited about archaeology. H a mystery and a money problem. This is worse than a cursed idol. But don't worry, the flaming hot leg has already found a solution using the core value of innovation. Careful in the booby traps. Behold the dig and discover bucket. Dr. Resza taught us that some tools can smash history. Kind of like that giant boulder you once ran from. Indeed, sounds like having the right tool for the job is important. And that's why our bucket includes a sie for sifting, a t a tel for scraping layers, a brush to clean artifacts without damaging them, a pick to break apart
011rocks. A a rock hammer for splitting and chipping. A shovel for removing any dirt or debris, a ruler for measuring the depths of the day, and of course, what cell would be complete without an actual artifact for young kids to excavate? And check out the buckets labels. Archaeologist suggesting adding a space where young kids can record their findings, just like real archaeologists do, so the team improved on their design. That's how legends are unearthed and how every good Tomb Raider gets their start. That sounds fun, but For older kids, we need something bigger, something more. It looks like the Flying Hot Legos already thought about that and created a second solution, a Lego set based on the same site that Dr. Cler actually worked on. The Albany Alms House, a 3D dick site, players, structures,
012history. I like it. Kids build it, explore it, and can unlock real archaeology with mystery QR break. It's the core values of discovery, fun, and hands-on learning all in one. The set also includes a lab tent to help blockless tunnel protect artifacts and computers. An earroom blue and green stud pieces to show bronze disease. Teaching kids artifacts can sink if not conserved properly. The flooding hotlight was also met with four PhD students at Stony Brook University to share their ideas and get feedback. They're experts at presenting complex data. They suggested presenting information in an easy and relatable way. So, the team even included an original comic book that tells the onsaw story through the eyes of Lego minifigures, which makes tough history and science fun and exciting for kids. But what about the funding problem?
013That's the best part. Some of the proceeds from the dig and discover bucket and the um Lego set will be donated to the Archaeological Institute of America to help make a real impact. This innovation project is a national treasure. And good news, no historical documents were harmed in the making of this fundraiser. Thanks to real archaeologist and the core value of teamwork, we're digging up the past and protecting the future. Adventure education archaeology. We are the Legos. [applause] Great job. Thank you. Great job. [applause] Thank you very much. This time I'd like to ask Mr. Montano High School principal to come to the podium presentation. Good evening. It is with great pride that I'm here tonight to present alongside our director of world languages ENL and assessment, Mr. Christian Cipher, and our assistant principal, Mr.
014Ledger, to honor our AP scholars. We're here to acknowledge the individual achievements of these students and their culminating effort that has brought East Isup High School the accomplishment of being selected for the AP school honor role. Students will be announced today along with their designation. Students receive the designation based on the following criteria. AP Scholar is granted to students who receive scores of three or higher on three or more AP exams. AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on AP exams taken and scores of three or higher on four or more of these exams. An AP Scholar with distinction is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores three or higher on five or
015more of these exams. We also have our seminar research and capstone which students who earn a score of three or higher in AP seminar and AP research and on four additional AP exams of their choosing receive the AP capstone diploma. Students who earn scores of three or higher in AP seminar and AP research, but not on four additional exams, receive the AP Seminar and research certificate. Prior to announcing the students based on their individual achievements, I'd like to turn it over to our director of world languages ENL and assessment, Mr. Christian Ciphert, to review our honoral distinction. [applause] Thank you and good evening everyone. Tonight we're celebrating a major accomplishment for East Isis High School as a whole because of the work of the students that we are honoring this evening. The college board has
016named us to the 2025 AP school honor role recognizing our commitment to building a strong collegegoing culture and giving students meaningful opportunities to earn college credit and strengthen their college readiness. East Icelip has earned the silver honoral designation, an honor awarded to just 11% of the eligible schools nationwide. This recognition and distinction are based on the following criteria. At least 40% of our graduating class took an AP exam. At least 25% earned a score of three or higher on at least one of these exams. And at least 2% of our students took five or more AP exams during high school, beginning as early as 9th or 10th grade, showing both commitment and balance in their high school journey. This is truly a culmination of our students hard work, but supported by our teachers, counselors, and
017families. Because of your combined efforts, Eastip High School has earned the silver medal. Congratulations. [applause] And now I would like to introduce assistant principal at the high school, Mr. Gregory Ledger. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Ciphford, Mr. Montto Morano. Congratulations, scholars. Um, as I call your name, please come up to receive your certificate and line up along the stage so we can take a photo to uh memorialize your achievements. Emiline Abel, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Joseph Ahmad, AP Capstone Diploma and AP Scholar with Distinction. [applause] Adil Ali, AP Capstone Diploma and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Angelica Amaya, AP Scholar. [applause] Matthew Batista, AP Scholar. [applause] Emerson Black, AP Seminar and Research. [applause] Kiara Blotch, AP Scholar with Honor in AP Seminar and Research. [applause] Sophia Chilei, AP Scholar. [applause] Amelia Sakali, AP Scholar. [applause]
018Angelina Kotispati, AP Capstone diploma and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Nicholas Costantiti, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] Matthew Demo, AP Scholar. [applause] Delaney Damasi, AP Capstone Diploma and AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Nicholas Dantis, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Christa Deutsch, AP Scholar. [applause] Liam Iikler, AP Capstone Diploma and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] [applause] Jason Engel, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Jaden Farello, AP Scholar. [applause] Leah Farley, AP Scholar. [applause] Jamie Fen, AP Scholar. [applause] Logan Galro, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] Kiara Gilligan, AP Scholar and AP Seminar and Research. [applause] Nicole Geriva, AP Scholar. [applause] Chase Haral, AP Scholar. [applause] Madison Johnson, AP Scholar. [applause] Christopher Lawler, AP Scholar and AP Seminar and Research. [applause] Jessica Leak, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Vicky Lee, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Sharon Lynn, AP Scholar.
019[applause] Kayla Lopez, AP Scholar. [applause] Kayla Lopez, AP Scholar. [applause] Hassan Lukeman, AP Scholar. [applause] [applause] Angel Mai, AP Capstone Diploma and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Joseph Misaro, AP Scholar. [applause] Brendan Mueller, AP Scholar. [applause] Claire Murphy, AP Scholar. [applause] Hannah Nielson, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] Ben Offner, AP Scholar. [applause] Ben Orana, AP Scholar. [applause] Zanb Ostas, AP Scholar. [applause] Matthew Pasfield, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Julia Perry, AP Scholar and AP Seminar and Research. [applause] Olivia Pimeiano, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Ethan Raza, AP Scholar. [applause] Mason Raza, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Max Schwam, AP Scholar. [applause] Reys Cinovich, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Olivia Olivia Steenenko, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Gregory Stevens, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Braden Strauss, AP Scholar. [applause] Kayn Talt, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause]
020Sean Toeer, AP Scholar. [applause] Reese Verani, AP Scholar. [applause] Gabriella Viviano, AP Capstone Diploma and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Nicholas Walsh, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Grant Weiss, AP Scholar, [applause] and Steven Ren, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] There's a lot of Congratulations. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Montto Morano. And congratulations to all of our EP scholars. That's all I have. Congratulations to the parents of those scholars. Let's give them a hand, too. [applause] And speaking of those scholars, Angel, your report. Uh, yes. Good evening, everyone. I hope everyone is having a great February so far. First, congratulations to our East ISA varsity cheer team on their fifth place finish at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship. We would also like to recognize the students who are awarded for their excellence in the East
021ISA middle school AMC or American Mathematics Competition. The high the National Honor Society recently completed its sports equipment drive ending today. So, thank you to everyone who donated and helped support athletes in our community. Tomorrow is PSI Love You Day, a day dedicated to supporting mental health and spreading kindness. Lockers will be decorated with purple hearts and we encourage everyone to wear purple to show their support. As we approach Valentine's Day and mid- winter break, we hope everyone takes time to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. That concludes my report. Thank you. Thank you and congratulations again. [applause] Public comments on agenda items only. Any public comments on agenda items only? Okay. Certified uh personnel. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves
022of resignations, terminations, leaves of absence, position abolitions, employment appointments, tenure appointments, and salary changes in accordance with the applicable provisions of education law and civil service law cited in the certified personnel attachments. Can I get a motion? Motion. Second. All in favor? I Dr. Walk. At this time, I would like to recognize members of our East Icelim School community who will be retiring from the district at the end of this school year. Each of these individuals has dedicated years or decades of service to our students and our families. Their commitment and professionalism and care have left a lasting impression on our district and have helped shape the culture of excellence we value. While we will certainly miss their daily presence, we are profoundly grateful for the legacy that they leave behind. If you are present
023here tonight, and I see some of you are, um, as I call your name, if you could please come up to the stage to be recognized. Um, congratulations to Raymond Babinsky, Lori Mayor, Deborah Glazer, Pam Aveella, come on up. Barbara, [applause] Katherine Biscardi, Lisa Lopez, Michelle Wagner, Christina Dance, David Lake, Gina Fox, Diane Kelly, Darcy Slot, Deb Meyer, Thanks to [applause] Marina Pulis, Ralph Tibello, Stephanie Amachico, and Margarite Miller. Congratulations to all of you on the certified [applause] Congratulations. [applause] In addition to our teachers and TAs, um Mr. Botti, who has proudly served our district as an assistant principal and currently as principal at Connectquat Elementary School, will also be retiring this June. Although he is unable to be with us this evening, we want to take this opportunity to publicly recognize him and thank
024him for his years of dedicated service, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment. Congratulations, Mr. Botti. [applause] And while we say goodbye to so many valued members of our East Iceland family this evening, we are also proud to welcome a new member to our leadership team. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Hail as our new director of art and music. Dr. Hail brings a wealth of experience, a strong commitment to arts education, and a clear vision for fostering creativity and excellence across our district. We're confident that under Dr. Hail's leadership, our art and music programs will continue to thrive and provide meaningful experiences for our students. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Hail. Please stand, Dr. Hail. Congratulations and welcome. [applause] non-certified personnel. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of
025schools, the board of education hereby approves of resignations, terminations, leaves of absence, position abolitions, employment appointments, tenure appointments, and salary changes in accordance with the applicable provisions of the education law and civil service law as cited in the noncertified personnel attachments. Can I have a motion? Motion. Second. All in favor? I abstain. Also, congratulations to Rosemary McMahon, Felix Gonzalez, and I see that Terry Pharaoh is here. Terry, could you please stand? Steve Harrison [applause] says [applause] So, tonight there's an item on the non-certified personnel agenda that I would like to personally acknowledge even though it hits pretty close to home. Terry Ferris reading a letter stating her intent to retire at the end of the school year. I've had the pleasure of working with Terry for the last 12 years of her 22-year career in
026East ISIL. Terry's not only been the the glue that keeps the business office side of the district running, but she's also the reason why many good things have been accomplished during our time together. While it could be said that Terry and I may not always agree on things, her own additional support over the years has been greatly appreciated. Terry leaves big shoes to fill, but our loss is her family's gain. Wishing you the best in retirement, which you so richly deserve. Uh, please join me in congratulating Terry. [applause] Terry, I just want to say thank you for all those times you text me to remind me to come in to sign checks and then text me again the next day when I forgot to come in to sign the checks. So, thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations,
027Harry. Come on, guys. Yeah. [applause] Thank you. Thank you. [applause] This is Zachary. I never forget to sign the checks, [laughter] but but but I will miss her uh text and and thanks again uh Terry. It's it's been wonderful. Okay. Employment agreement for interim middle school elementary teacher. Be resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves and accepts the appointment of Michelle Richie as interim middle school elementary teacher effective February 2nd, 2026 for a term ending on June 26, 2026. Be it resolved that the board of education hereby author authorizes the board president to sign this employee agreement. And I have a motion. Motion second. All in favor? I 8.4 employee agreement for interim JFK elementary teacher. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent
028of schools, the board of education hereby approves and accepts the appointment of Mora Longa Neker as interim JFK elementary teacher effective March 9th, 2026 for a term ending in June 20 June 26, 2026. Be it further resolved that the board of education hereby authorizes the board presence to sign this employee agreement. Motion motion. Second. All in favor? 9 8.5 an appointment appointment of interim director of student achievement and instructional technology. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the employment agreement between Mark Bernard and the East Isup School District as interim director of student achievement and instructional technology of the East Isup School District effective March 16, 2026 through June 26, 2026. Can I get a motion? Motion second. All in favor? I 8.6 Amendment
029to employment agreement Ahmad Elcoli. Be it resolved that the board of education of the East is Union Free School District herewith approves an amendment to the employment agreement as amended between the board of education of the Eastup Union Free School District and network systems coordinator Ahmad Elcoli. And be it further that the president of the board of education of the Eastup Union Free School District is herewith authorized to execute on behalf of the board of education an amendment between network systems coordinator Amed Elo and the board of education of the East Union Free School District. Did I get a motion? Motion second. All in favor? I. Okay. 9.1 items to be removed from the consent agenda. Are there ready? All righty. 10.1 consent agenda items numbers 10.2 through 10.15. Be it resolved that upon the
030recommendation of the superintendent of schools, a board of education hereby approves consent agenda items 10.2 through 10.15 in accordance with the action presented for each item. You have a motion. Motion second. All in favor? 11. Appropriation changes for 2025 to 2026. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the attached list of appropriation changes for the 2025 to 2026 school years. Could I add a motion? Motion. Second. All in favor? I. 11.2 Two, Iceland Elks Lodge donation to RCK Elementary. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby accepts the donation from the Icelope Elks Lodge of dictionaries for each third grade student at RCK Elementary School. This donation will be a wonderful addition for each third
031grade students. Can I get a motion? Motion. Second. All in favor? I thank you for that donation. Donors choose grants. be resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby accepts grants from Donor's Choose for each of the elementary schools, Donor's Choose is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps public school teachers obtain [singing] resources for their classrooms. Attached are the grant award letters including the items to be received by each teacher. We have JFK grant, Mr. Frank, uh, RCK grant, Miss Rivera, Don, uh, Tippa Point Grant, Mrs. Celeste, and Connectquat Elementary School grant, Mrs. Geodano. Can I get a motion? Motion. Second. All in favor? I. New scholarship, the friends of Kquat. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby
032approves the new scholarship named the Friends of Kquat Scholarship. The Friends of Kquat is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and history of the Kquat River State Park preserve. A scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to the high school senior or freshman in college attaches a criteria for all applicants. Can I get a motion? Motion. Second. All in favor? I thank you for uh creating that scholarship. New scholarship, the Ken Black technology scholarship. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves a new scholarship named the techn technology robotic scholarship in memory of Ken Black in the amount of $500. Mr. Black was a resident of East Icelip and always loved building things. He attended steam events of at East Icelip and was so
033thrilled to see students of all ages be inspired by robotics and steam. His family would like to create a memorial scholarship in his name that will inspire the next generation to build something from nothing and to think outside the box. Attaches a criteria for all applicants. Um, point of reference, uh, Mr. Black was Mrs. Le Piccolo's, uh, stepdad, and he just passed away about two weeks ago. Um, but I I'm I'm glad uh, you know, Bridget is stepping forward in doing this. Uh, she, as you know, she's the steam queen and uh, and it's very nice. And thank you, Miss Le Picolo, for for the scholarship. Uh, can I get a motion? Motion. Second. All in favor? I. Old business. Any old business? New business. Rich. Introduced into new business for the board's consideration this
034evening is the proposed abolishment of policy number 8411, school bus scheduling and routing and regulation number 8411-R. These items have been reviewed by the district's attorney and are are recommended for abolishment as their content has been incorporated into existing policy number 8410 and regulation number 8410. Also introduced under new business this evening are three student athletic travel requests. Approval for the varsity softball team to attend the 2026 varsity softball tournament at the Mudville Sports Complex in Herkimer, New York from a April 25th through April 26th. Approval for the qualifying varsity boys and girls wrestling student athletes to attend the wrestling championships at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York from February 27th through February 28th and approval for the qualifying varsity girls bowling student athletes to attend the bowling championships in Syracuse, New York from
035March 13 through March 15, 2026. Congratulations to all those uh those teams and uh good luck to them. Uh public comments anyone see before we end FTK is March 7th. I think tickets are still available. Closes out next week. It's going to be a great event. Got to be there. So, please come on down support FDK and do great things for our district, especially this year because one of our board members is an honory. Yes. I normally go every year, but this year I'm really going to go. [laughter] It's going to be a great night. So, please get your tickets and come on down. I'm going to go hard. Congratulations, [clears throat] Mr. Zachary. All right. The next board of education regular business meeting and budget presentation number one, be here for that will be
036held on Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at 700 p.m. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? Second. M in favor.