001Good evening everyone. Um before we start the public meeting, uh we have to have a public hearing first on the annual budget hearing uh for the 25 uh 26 school year. So I'm going to pass the the meeting over to Mr. Harrison at this point. Okay. Thank you very much. Tonight we're holding a public hearing to discuss the budget. This is a meeting required by New York State. I'd like to once again thank everyone for getting us to this point in the budget process. It's certainly a collaborative effort and it's appreciated. As much of the information is going to be the same as in prior presentations, I'm going to go over in a more high level review than I've had in the past. This is the agenda. We will touch upon each one of these
002areas and there are uh copies of the presentation on the table if anybody would like one. So right now the state aid proposal that we're dealing with is what's been put forth in the governor's budget. As you can see, state aid is slated to go up by 2%. And the biggest contributor to state aid is foundation aid, which is going up by 2% or $580,000. The hold homeless or save homeless provision is still in the state budget, which means no district will receive less state aid in the upcoming year as it's receiving in the current year. This is important to East Iceland because we are a district that's considered overfunded by the formula and if this provision was not in place, state aid could be low by about $8 million. And I'll just touch upon
003the uh UPK allocation which $963,900 which uh fills 178 slots full-time uh UPK program. The tax cap levy, which is a calculation each district has to go through to determine what the maximum allowable levy is. That would require a 50% uh plus one majority vote. That calculation for East Iceland yields a 2.93% potential tax levy increase. After uh discussions with the board and administrations, the um percentage tax levy increase that's supporting the budget for next year, the proposed budget is 1.75%. Which is $900,000 less than maximum le allowable under the cap. This chart again depicts the history of the tax levy increase versus the allowable levy increase. So again for this upcoming year 2.93% is the cap and right now uh supporting the proposed budget is 1.75%. Now you can see there's been a history
004of the same type of thing going back many years for the district. So in be in being below the cap there is a opportunity cost and that amount is approximately $900,000 for next year. As you can see, the cap could have been as high as $78 million. However, the tax levy with an increase of $1.75% is uh slated to be $77.1 million. Over time, the more that you're below your tax levy cap, it compounds the amount of what your levy could have been. So if we go back to 201516 through current budget of 2526, if we would have went to levy cap each year, the tax levy could have been as high as $89.1 million versus the $77.1 million that we are proposing. Now that wide of a gap, let's say that that whole homeless
005provision is no longer part of the budget in the future. We can't go back and say, "Well, we're going to go back and get that $8 million." We can't do that. That's not part of the tax cap calculation. So, for the average homeowner with a average assessment of $40,000, it's anticipated that the levy in support of the budget, the appropriations budget will be an increase of $140 annually for the average homeowner or 1.75%. Now, I'm just going to draw a distinction here. This is the amount that is uh needed to support the budget for 2526. The reason I reiterate that is because we do have two propositions on the ballot that were brought forth by the community regarding transportation. One is an adjustment on the eligibility for bus ridership. Our current limitations are for K
006to three a half mile or more from home uh from school to get transportation grades four to six one mile and grades 7 through 12 1.5 miles. The proposed uh bus eligibility under the proposition would make K to 5 all at a half mile for ages 6 through 8 for a mile and 9 through 12 will be unchanged. Now we did conduct a study to see the cost here. The cost is on two sides. On the uh revenue side, when you transport students living closer to one and a half miles uh to school, the state aid makes a deduction. State aid department makes a deduction on the amount of transportation they re received. That's estimated to cost the district about $140,000. And to uh transport these additional students who fall into these classifications, we would
007probably need about two buses. So in addition to the 140 that supports the budget for the average taxpayer, that could go up $37 if this proposition is passed. Separately, there's another proposition that could cost an additional $10.50 50 cents annually to the homeowners of East ISIL on average. And this is for the establishment of a child safety zone. There are a few select addresses that are south of Sunrise in between Carlton and the Hexure Spur uh that would be approved for transportations solely because it qualifying as a child safety zone. So again, in support of the budget, the average homeowner could increase of about $140 with these two additional propositions together potentially another 47 to $48. So this is the chart that depicts the uh components of revenue. Uh the spoke about the tax levy
008as 77.1 million as well as state aid 41.6 million. And then the next largest contributor is uh reserved used to fund the difference of $6.4 million. Moving on to the expense budget, we see here that salary and benefits are going up a little less than 1% or $893,000. That's com uh that's um made up of combination of the decrease in employee benefits which is due to two main contributors which is the lowering of the TRS premium contribution for the district as well as lower than anticipated health insurance expens expenditures for the second part of this year as well as the first part of next year. This is offset by the contractually obligated increases in salaries. Overall, the budget to budget increase is 2.35% or $2.9 million. Next two slides show the percentage contribution of each
009expense category to the total. And as I mentioned before, salary benefits are approximately 74% of the total budget. This is not an uncommon number. It's going to be the same in most every district that you get the same information for. And here are the remaining categories making up 26% of the budget. So contingency budget, this would be applied if uh board of ed decides after one defeated vote or potentially a second defeated vote that the district is on contingency. Uh expenses that are included in a contingency budget include those that are absolutely necessary to operate and maintain the educational programs, preserve property, and assure the health and safety of students and staff. Things that are not able to be included in a contingent budget include expenditure purchases for equipment as well as student supplies. In
010addition, if we go to contingency, we also cannot raise the levy from the last approved budget as well as some spending constraints on the different components of the three-part budget. So, here's a chart that will show you what the difference would be between the contingency budget and the budget that we have for 2425. Instead of going up to 2.35% or the $2.9 million we spoke about previously, the budget increase would only be allowed is $317,000. And that's after stripping uh $2.6 6 million out of the proposed budget to uh reduce the levy to the required amount as well as remove the supplies and equipment that we talked about just on the previous slide. There will be another proposition on the ballot for capital reserve expenditure. If you remember back in 23 to 24 the voters
011approved the capital reserve on May 21st. The term of that capital reserve was to be able to contribute up to $3 million a year over 10 years, not to exceed $30 million. We were able to fund this reserve with $3 million in the first year. But before we spend these funds, we have to go back to the voters for approval. And that's what we're doing on the 20th, asking approval to do a project that's within the scope of what was approved. The reserved scope was for major system upgrades. And as you can see those systems are mentioned there mechanical, electric or plumbing. We can do interior exterior building renovations or consider site work. The projects are asking for approval are for what's called switch gear switch gear projects for both ECC and timberpoint buildings. And
012uh again the layman's explanation there is that this is the mechanism that takes the gretcher from the street and takes it from the street brings it into the building and disperses it throughout the building. So in both um the ECC and Timber Point these are in need of replacement. The positive things about having a capital reserve to spend from is that we don't have to tax any more for this expenditure. These are not going to incur borrowing costs as well. So over the past 10 years, our average percent increase on the tax levy is equatable to.92% and that's including the 1.75% that's in support of the budget for 2526. So, the next date for the budget is May 20th. This building is where the vote will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. At
013this point, I'd like to answer any questions if there are any. Mr. Harrison, thank you again for your presentation. You're welcome. Quick question. You might have this information, you might not, but maybe you get it for next time if you don't. Um, how many kids are impacted by that bus proposal? How many more kids would we get a bus that don't? Now, what are we getting for our 350,000 if it's approved? That's about approximately 260 students. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you, Mr. Harrison. You're welcome. Excuse me. At this point, I'm going to call the meeting to order. If we can stand for the pledge. Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all president to
014advise members of the 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 for their business. The chairperson will limit item uh limit discussions of any item by the public to three minutes in order for the board to expeditiously conduct its business. At this time, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Mr. Manzo. Thank you, Mr. Dorian. Good evening, everyone. Uh tonight, we have the pleasure of recognizing two exceptional students who represent the very best of Eastston. Uh these students have demonstrated remarkable academic achievement, dedication, and outstanding character throughout their high school careers. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to all they
015will achieve in the future. At this time, I would like to ask Mr. Bernard uh principal of the East High School to the podium and uh formally introduce these two individuals. Good evening. Good evening. Thank you, Mr. Manzo. Uh board of education president, Mr. Doran, my pleasure to be here this evening to uh recognize these two fine uh students uh from East High School. Uh the validictorian and the Saludiatoran. The validatoran for the class of 2025 is Ryan Flatt. He is uh coming to us with a weighted GPA of over 110. Uh he is a two-time allstate trumpet player, an RPI medal recipient, varsity academic team captain, the vice president of Triam Music Honor Society, the principal trumpet of Long Island Youth Orchestra, and a member of the New York State Math Honor Society. He
016intends on attending uh Ohio State University and studying materials science and engineering. Congratulations, Ryan. Unfortunately, Ryan is not with us this evening. We'll make sure that he gets his certificate. Next student I'd like to recognize is the studentan Megan man. She has a GPA of over 110 weighted as well. She is the key club president, National Art Honor Society president. She's a member of the National Honor Society, a math honor society, an AP scholar with distinction, and a national merit commended scholar. She intends on attending um Dartmouth College studying in government and international relations. Congratulations, Megan. [Music] There you go. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Bernard, and congratulations to Ryan and Megan. Best of luck. Um, at this time, I would like to uh ask Mrs. Mrs. Lacarado, principal at Tim Point Elementary School, and Mrs.
017Karin Carl, director of humanities, come to the podium. They will be presenting uh the science of reading for us this evening. Good evening everyone and thank you for having myself and Mrs. Charles here to talk about the I Ready magnetic reading program and how we are aligning it with New York State Education Science with Reading best practice mandate. So good evening everyone. So New York State Education New York State Education Department is mandating our alignment with the with the science of reading principles. These are researchbacked approaches to improving foundational literacy skills and ensuring systematic explicit instruction for all K to3 students. But what is the science of reading? The science of reading is an evidence-based body of knowledge that draws from linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, education, and speech language pathology that explains how students learn to
018read and write. This includes key principles such as structured literacy, big six literacy skills and systemic learning. So what is I ready magnetic reading? It's a comprehensive literacy program for our K to 5 students. It supports phmic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension and is researchbased and aligned with the science of reading. So, our program components include explicit phonics instruction, decodable text and interactive lessons, ongoing assessments and adaptive learning and teacher support and professional development. That's still me best practice. So, the systematic and explicit instruction for all foundational skills, embedded assessments to track progress, multi-tered interventions for our struggling readers, and engaging research-based instructional strategies. Still read, I feel like I do I need my glasses or not need my glasses as I'm looking up here. I think I need There we go. So the
019priorities for magnetic reading foundations for the implementation at the K to2 level is that we're going to use magnetic reading foundations to provide high quality instruction including following a scope and sequence for the program having our dedicated literacy learning blocks daily and each week as always providing small groupoup instructions for all of our students. We'll also support all learners. The priorities for magnetic reading at the 3 to five level include prioritizing the delivery of grade level contact content engaging all students in grade level texts utilizing magnetic reading. It also supports all learners with appropriate scaffolds to support students at reading grade level texts. Using I Ready data and grade level scaffolding really drive that that direction of how to how we determine students test and skill readiness for our for our implementation plan. We'll be
020holding teacher training and professional development sessions, integrating these structural lesson plans into the classroom, continuous monitoring of student progress, and incorporating regular feedback. Our expected outcomes include improved foundational reading skills for all students, increased student engagement and confidence in literacy, better alignment with the New York State Education literacy requirements, and support our teachers with high quality instructional materials. For our next steps, we're looking to schedule professional development sessions in June, September, and November of next year. provide teachers with access to these resources and materials in order to begin implementation starting in September of this year. We're looking to collect feedback and adjust implementation as needed and foster collaboration between teachers and administration. Thank you. Just the last item that I have is we have a is continued conversations on financial literacy and how do we
021implement that into the classroom uh looking at how to make that a mandated course for our students in order to graduate. So we are working we'll be working with our director of humanities and uh come up with some curriculum writing to be able to incorporate that into our economics classes, family consumer science classes, etc. We're looking towards the coming school years to try to institute this. Uh going to take some time to plan so I can't commit to next year but certainly something we're working towards. Well, we're we have the end goal in mind and we know what we need to do. We're just trying to get to that point at this point. Correct. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Manzo. Thank you, Mr. Manzo. I'm going to move on to uh public comments of agenda items
022only. Are there any public comments on agenda items only? I'm not seeing any certified personnel. Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves the resignations, termination, leave of absences, position abolitions, employment appointments, tenure appointments, and salary changes in accordance with applicable provisions of education law and civil service law as cited in the certified personal attachments. Make a motion. Motion second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Dr. Ro. Good evening everyone. It gives me great pleasure to introduce our newest staff members to the East Icelip School District. I'm going to start with our newest administrator, Greg Leger, who will be our new assistant principal at the high school. Mr. Leger, could you please stand? At this time, I'm going to call on all of our new
023teachers who are being hired. I'll ask you all to stand and remain standing so we can welcome you as well. Victoria Porter, Albert Santoro, Brandon Schroeder, Nicole Benedetti, Reese Smith, Briana Porttero, Joshua Wolen, and Jessica Felder. Congratulations Welcome best of luck to all non-certified personnel be resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent schools the board of education hereby approves the resignation termination leave absences position abolitions employment appointments tenure appointments and salary changes in accordance with applicable provisions of education law and civil service law as certified in non-certified personal attachments. Can I make a motion? Motion. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I I employee agreement be resolved that the board of education hereby approves and accepts an employee agreement with an employee known to the board of education in executive session. And be it
024further resolved that the board of education authorizes the board president to sign this employee agreement. Make a motion. Motion. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Does anyone need any items removed from the consent agenda? Seeing it, consent agenda items 9.2 through 9.12 be resolved that upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, the board of education hereby approves consent agenda items 9.2 2 through 9.12 in accordance with the action presented through each item. Make a motion. Motion second. Any discussion? All in favor? I appropriation changes 2024 25 school year. Be resolved that upon the recommendation of superintendent of schools, the board of education approve the attached list of appropriation changes for the 20242 school year. Can I get a motion? Motion second. Any discussion? All in favor? I old business. Mr. Lucy, I know
025you're here tonight. So, uh, Mr. Manzel did talk about the, uh, what we're working towards towards that course that you had asked us. Part of what you had asked us the last meeting was all five of us individually to go ahead and talk to a former alumni about their uh financial literacy um as it stands. I know I've done that and I I believe all the rest of the board members have done the same. We did have a discussion about this. Um but Mr. Manzo had put it out there. So I just want to tell you that we did do our homework as you had asked us to do at the last meeting. Uh new business kind of new business. Sorry. Go ahead. Okay. We have two items under new business. The first is a
026field trip for the winter of 2026. Uh it is being proposed by Mrs. Garles, the director of humanities, and Dr. Gova, the director of math and science. This educational trip will be for 9th and 10th graders to go to San Juan, Puerto Rico. um this educational trip will uh talk about uh they will learn about um the historical significance of the region in addition to um having some environmental education through the trip. So that is proposed for February of 2026. The second item on new business has to do with um the abolishment of some board policies. The first one is 2120 school board elections and that has been consolidated into policy 2200 annual budget vote and school board elections and 2300 board of education memberships. Um the next policy 2270.1 litigation procedures is addressed in
027policy 1120 school district records. That's it. Thank you Dr. Mills. Um anyone else have new business? So I just wanted to mention it it is concert season. Um last night was the middle school sixth grade concert. uh you know my son performed it last night but just seeing all the students between the band orchestra and chorus phenomenal job that all the students have done. Uh we have the upcoming concert 7th to 8th grade for the remainder of the week. So I just want to encourage folks um just to be on the lookout for it. Those videos will be uh live stream as well on YouTube. Okay. So before I move into personal com uh public comments rather, it's uh it's been brought to the attention that a former employee of the district has shared on
028social media that their intention to use this evening's board meeting as a platform to express personal feelings related to their early resignation from the district. While we respect everyone's right to make personal and professional decisions, it's important to emphasize that the board of education does not publicly comment on personnel matters. Board members are not uh board meetings are not the appropriate venue for addressing individual employment decisions or personal grievances. Our public meetings are structured to focus on district governance, student achievement, and matters that affect the broader school community. We wish those who have moved on successful in their future endeavors. However, we must ensure that these meetings remain aligned with the intended purpose, their intended purpose. Thank you for your cooperation with that. So, with that said, I'm gonna transition now to public comments. Stephanie,
029Jessica Fraser, Good evening, East Sisub community. I'm Jessica Frasier. Don't mind me. I have laryngitis for two weeks. You most likely remember me from 108 regarding the middle school security incident on the first day of school. I'm here to voice on how disheartened I am with the east of school district. I started as a lunchy at RCK on 96, 2023. I was over the moon when Mrs. Jones hired me that August as this is where I envisioned myself after all five of my kids were old enough. My first year was amazing. It's such a silly job, but one I truly adore. I most likely spend more than I ever made on the build on that building and those kids in this bag. I am or was the bag lady of RCK. My indoor recess bag
030overflows with crafts that I purchased. My fifth graders this year have done endless amounts of diamond art and more. All because I am and always have been a giver, a doer. It's just who I am. I see a need and I will always try to help. After all, I was raised on Mr. Rogers, Girl Scouts, and Jesus. This year, since the first day with the middle school incident, and because I wasn't afraid to stand up for the truth and what's right, has been full of trials for me. I was ambushed, silenced, handed a letter at my home at 8:00 p.m. one night like a criminal. Suspended all for sticking up for the safety and protection of mine and all of our children. I have never endured such character questioning. My character has never has been
031questioned, scrutinized, slandered, and more. All while some fellow Paris continue to mis mistreat and tear apart children. I take my faith, belief, and values very seriously. And the fact that I made it till May is truly only because the kids of that building. This year truly broke my spirit. I have never cried so much ever, and I cannot unfortunately allow it to continue. I thought as people who work in a school setting, our goal is to lift the children up and make them know that the sky is the limit and they are important. But instead, I have watched grown adults break their spirits and put them down. And it's truly sad. Last week, I decided to resign and leave the most amazing job I've ever had. I thought if I took myself out of the
032equation, things would get better for the children of the school. Being able to pour love and light into children and make them all feel uniquely important was truly a blessing. They have all left such an impact on me. I will never forget the time we spent together creating memories. I'm going to read the letter that I sent to my teachers to read to them so they didn't think that I abandoned them. I apologize to my community members whose children are my lunch kids for leaving them and not seeing out this year. To my lunch kids, I'm so sorry to tell you that I won't be back to finish out with your year with you. I have a family emergency. I won't say what because but God gave me a valid reason that I need to
033leave. I just want you all to know that I absolutely cherish all of the memories that we have made over this year and I will miss you terribly. But remember, I live in your town and I'm sure we will see each other one day. You are incredible in your own individual way and I'm so happy that I was part of your RCK journey. I love you all so much and I just know you're going to do amazing things and don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. The sky is the limit and just keep shining my beautiful darlings. Love Mrs. Frasier and good luck to the new teachers. Thank you Mr. Craig Frasley. Yes. Charles. Good evening. Good Charles Kalinowski. Uh, first thanks for allowing me to speak. Uh, the Redmond has been a source of
034pride in our community, not disrespect. For the past 12 years, our children have grown in ways that I never thought imaginable, both in the physical and mental uh, state. Football, lacrosse, and track have taught them how to work together as a whole, both on and off the field in v victory and defeat. My wife and I are very grateful and blessed to have been part of such a beautiful journey. I want to thank the board of ed for their continued support to try to keep the Redmond name alive. In addition, thank you for giving our security staff the resources to keep our children safe. I drop my daughter off at high school every morning and I ask her every week if she feels safe. I get the same answer. Bro, that is a yes. Thank
035you. God bless America. Thank you, Missy. Andrew here. No. Yes. Can you go here? I thank the school board for recognizing the problem that we have currently. Um, is there one person that's going to be in charge of uh investigating what we have to do to get this uh program going? Yes, that will be uh Dr. Bell, our assistant superintendent for curriculum instruction, along with myself and Mrs. uh Scarles, our director of humanities. And would he be able to give us an outline at the next meeting of what somewhat of the process is or just a generalization what we have to do to to get this uh going? Probably not at the next meeting, but in the near future. Yes. Because I would request that you keep be informed on the meetings as to what
036the progress is. Absolutely. Yep. Cuz it's not going to help the class of 2026, but it's the class of 2027 are the first ones that are going to benefit it. So, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Michelle. Welcome. Good evening board. Um, thank you for allowing me to speak this evening. Uh, my name is Michelle Rivers. I have a just a few questions. Um, I'm really excited to hear about the science of reading I Ready magnetic program that will be introduced. So my my first question is was there a pilot done on this initiative? If so, what were the results? Can everyone hear me? If so, what were the results of the pilot? Also, how much is this program costing uh the taxpayers? As you have probably been made aware, I made some comments last night
037at the meet uh the candidates night regarding the IDA grants 611 which was carried over $270,000 which was not spent. An additional $52,000 which was not spent from the title 2 grants. So wondering how this is being paid for. Excited that it's coming. Was there a pilot? How it's being paid for? Additionally, I'm excited about the proposal regarding transportation. I'm really happy to see that that's happening. Parents have been really concerned about transportation in the school district. So glad to see that happen. So if you could please answer that question, I would appreciate it. Thank you. So Dr. Rivers, so it was three questions in that or just the one asking about regarding the the science of greed. So So probably maybe three. So but let me I'll I'll go. So, the science of reading,
038how is it being paid for? Okay. Was there a pilot? What were the results of the pilot? Cuz I'm excited about that. Uh, and I guess my third question would be, what is the plan to address the 611 funds that were not spent right now? Uh, you're looking at potentially about 67 68,000 that could carry over into the 2526 school year that has not been spent. and for title 2A $52,000 that has not been spent from that grant and that is from the 2324 school year. So what is the plan to address spending those funds because in my opinion those funds could be spent on children. Understood. So um I'm going to refer you doctor. I'm going to refer you to Mr. Manzel just to call his office. Um he can he can work on
039getting those details. He'll answer those questions. That's it. That's it. Okay. Thank you, Stephanie. The next uh board of education regular business meeting and annual budget annual budget vote and board of election will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 at 8:30. Can I get a motion to journ motion? Second. All in favor? I. Thank you everybody. Have a good night.