001We are entering executive session, but the reason for entering has changed. The board is in receipt of a of a statement of charges against a tenure employee. May we have a motion to go into executive session to consider the charges pursuant to section 320- A of the educational law. So moved. Second. All in favor? Uh six. None opposed. First by Jane, second um will be in executive session. Are you ready to go? Mr. John Wolski will now conduct the repair reserve hearing. Thank you very much. Um, usually it's about once a year I meet to kind of uh talk about some things that come up that need some repairs done. It's it usually is a little higher amount of money than usual. So, I asked the board to um access let us access repair reserves
002to kind of get some of those things done. It's not any particular one time of year. It's whenever these things occur and I'll meet with the board and try and have that repair reserve access. And that's um we've used little ad since that's why we're at 407. Um but that's how the reserve is created and and funded by voter authorization. Uh last time we met for this uh it was about the high school elevator and it needed some substantial repairs done to um keep it in good working order. Um we estimated around $52,000. It wound up being in reality $48,116. So when we come up with the with the repair estimate, that's usually a worst case scenario, not to exceed number. Um, and in this case, we were under that number. Uh, but tonight, what
003we're looking for is a few different items I'll kind of go through. Um, we'll talk later in this meeting about I think our next big capital project and there's a certainly heating to be addressed in some different buildings, the heating systems. Um, but we need to make some repairs to Wales Primary and the high school uh transformer sensors, steam valves, different parts and pieces, components to keep those things running because we really, even with a capital project being approved possibly this year, it's going to take two more winters before that work actually happens. So, we got to keep those things in good running order. Uh, so this is buying all those parts and pieces, having our our um maintenance workers do that work uh in house to install it. The next is the finishing of
004the high school gym floor and this is a major refinishing like sanding taking all lines up. Uh we are looking at having the center logo removed by the Elma Elma Historical Societ. Historical Society. Thank you. And the historical society is is not paying for it. They have a donor that is paying for it so then it can be donated to the Elma Historical Society. Um, we're working very hard with the vendor that will be able to pull it out. Every vendor is having a lot of concerns whether it'll actually be happen because of the individual pieces of wood. Will it crack and break? But we're doing everything we can to make it a reality. And the donation covers pulling that whole piece out of the floor and putting new flooring in replacement of that. Uh,
005and then we will refinish, sand the entire floor, reline the whole thing, uh, apply two sealers of coat, two coats of sealer, uh, estimated cost $39,000. And then at the, uh, middle school gym, we also need to replace that center logo as well, and we're estimating that around $3,476. Um, transportation lot, we've been trying just kind of, you know, peace mealing, trying to keep that lot in good shape. Um the out outside of this blue box, you see areas that we've already addressed. Um and they're in very good shape. Um we did those maybe three years ago. Uh now we're kind of moving into the blue box area where things are crumbling, kind of just wearing as time goes by with salt and different things and and heavy buses uh and traffic on those areas.
006Um so that we're looking at resurfacing those areas. Um and in particular, just an example, you can see the the cracking and and degradation degradation of those areas. And what you're seeing here is that the the pavement is is dropping and um relative to the garage door. So that distance is increasing it seems every year uh making it harder to get vehicles in and out. So we're looking at replacing pavement where we have drains like we do in this picture. We're going to you know re replace those drains and and get them in good working condition. So those parking lot repairs we would use um what we call asphalt airport grade asphalt which is like a asphalt with uh binders in it and help you know longterm hold up better to heavy wear like we
007have with our heavy buses. Um so paving estimate is around $34,000 and we have to bring in a bunch of stone to kind of rebuild the base and that would be u $26,000. And then at Wales Primary uh Wales Primary is unique that they use well water. Um, so they have a a wellwater filter room which processes all water coming in. Um, obviously with all the minerals and all things like that that stuff breaks down over time, corrosion, heavy corrosion, calcium deposits. So we got to replace that system. Uh, $16,000 and we'll have that ready then for the first day of school in September. And also uh addressing the domestic hot water preiltration system. Same situation. You got well water coming in, a lot of corrosion, a lot of uh buildup of minerals. So in
008total, we're looking to you expend $178,000 of that 2012 reserve and we take our level down to $229,000. Um and we again we'd have also work done all the work that I showed would be done during the summer and be ready for September 1st. Any questions on any of those items? So later in meeting there'll be an act pro a um resolution I think to act on that and uh pull that money from the reserve. All right. Thank you. Thank you John. We have uh nine minutes before the next part starts. I believe Jim. Yes. What I'll do is I'll walk out and start ushering people in because I hear them all talking and laughing out there. Yes. Central School District Board of Education meeting. There are two recognition of guest periods. One for our
009gender related items and one for other. Please refrain from personal related comments and address those to the appropriate administrator. To speak, fill out the proper form and submit to the district clerk. Public comment is limited to 15 minutes total with each speaker allowed up to three minutes. This meeting is held in public rather than a public meeting. And while we we won't engage in dialogue tonight, we are listening. This meeting is livereamed and the recording will be posted online. Will everyone who's able to please rise for the pledge of allegiance? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We've invited retirees from this school year to join us in celebrating your years of service
010to students of year. I'm going down here so I can introduce people. We're good. That's what happens when you walk with a mic in front of the speaker. Sorry. Um, thank you everyone for coming. This is one of the most joyous nights and also one of the saddest nights cuz there are so many people I've been working with for a long time that will be retiring. And so I'm very glad, very happy for them. Very sad for me. Just mean I got to switch mics. very s very sad that I will be here without them and all their expertise and that they've shared over the years. Um to start with I think I'll start with the transportation department because he always sets a very low bar to get over. So I mean high bar to
011get over. So Eric, if you could step down here to um give out for Diane doesn't pertain to me, right? I didn't know you could count that. I think you might have to keep it close. Thank you. All right. So, thank you for all being here today as we honor someone truly special. A person who has been a quite a quiet but constant presence in the lives of countless students, parents, staff for nearly three decades. Today, we celebrate the retirement of a beloved school bus attendant for the Irqu Central School District, Diane Rtor. You're not going to make it. Oh, no. For almost 30 years, Diane has done far more than just help students on and off the bus. She has been a steady hand, a calming voice, and a watchful eye for thousands of
012children, guiding them safely to and from school, snowstorms, early mornings, and the hustle and bustle of every school day. Now, Diane, since I have known her, would tell me, "Boss man, I am just an a." Of course, I would correct her and tell her how untrue that was. But it's easy to overlook how important a role of a bus attendant is, even if you are the bus attendant. Um, okay. Until you realize that for many students, their school day begins and ends with a with a familiar face, that smile, the sense of calm and reassuring presence. It's made a difference one child at a time, one day at a time, and year to year. On occasion, even I get to drive Diane or even I get to drive. And Diane would go out of her
013way to calm her own nerves and try to hopefully find someone else to drive her but me. Not sure if that was just because I was a horrible driver or that she just didn't want to drive ride with the boss, but it made me question all kinds of personal decisions of mine and it started to give me somewhat of a complex. Well, finally I surprised her one one bright sunny day and I got that chance and many more after that to team up with Diane on a bus ride. I think we surprised each other. My driving was not quite that questionable and I got to see what an amazing person you truly were. Her support, compassion, and attention towards each student was and still is a model for what a great bus attendant is today.
014She developed deep connections with so many children and their families and still holds them to this very day. After not after getting to know Diane, I started to tell her every everything ever think of driving to her response with a laugh was absolutely not. Now, after finding out from family and friends that she doesn't even like to put her own car in reverse and or possibly maybe directionally challenged, maybe a school bus was not in her cars. But during co when we were drive when all of us were driving lunches and laptops to students, Diane stepped up, set aside those those fears and took some lessons from yours truly. drove around lunches to those families in need and following a root sheet and then even backing that car all over the district like a pro.
015Close your ears. Your decision or your dedication, kindness, and strength u or quiet strength have left a lasting mark on this community. You've shown what it truly is to be uh deeply care, to show up every day after day with a servant's heart, and to treat every child as if they were your own. I I know I say it for everyone who has ever had the pleasure to meet you. Thank you for your unwavering service. You will be and are deeply missed on those early morning routes while you're sleeping in or sitting there drinking coffee waving at all the bus drivers on your porch going by. But an impactful um but your impact will ride along with us for many years to come. Wish we wish you a retirement filled full of joy, peace, and
016well-earned relaxation. You've earned every moment. Now, I just need you to say something for me. What are you now? Just an aid? Just an aid? Just a bus? Just a You are not just an aid, but you are an amazing school bus attendant and so much more. Congratulations. For myself and the board, we'd really like to thank you. Um, I think transportation, the first people up in the morning, first person to greet a student with a smile when they're not wanting to come to school and it changes their day where they come to school, last person at night coming in. And you guys do so much. You have no idea the impact of the years you have on kids when they talk about you. So, thank you. Thank you so much for all you did.
017Thank you. We'll balance this. Okay. What is that over there? Dave Carlin, can you come on up uh so we can honor John? Where's John Pollinsky? He's in here somewhere. I saw him. There he is. So I can hand it to him while you talk. You want this, don't you? I got it figured. That's good evening. Thank you all for coming. Um I have the pleasure of uh speaking about John Pollinsky who is retiring oh probably in a month. Um John and John and I both came from a similar background. um we both work in area factories and you know manufacturing groups and then some 18 years ago uh many of these places begin to lay people off and uh that's when John applied as a custodian for Elma Primary uh as a sole custodian
018position during the day. John has to start each day making sure the school is ready to be open for the students and staff. And based on the current conditions on hand, John's duties would include making sure the heating systems are operating and functioning properly. If there was snow and ice conditions, he had to clear clear and treat access doors, walkways, and such. Then he had to come in after that was all done and he had to make sure all the classrooms are open ready for the teachers and the students and there's always different conditions so it's always last minute stuff and this all happens before anybody even gets into the building. Um I lost my foot. Uh once the students are in the building and the building is secure, that's when all the unexpected situations
019happen. Being this is a kindergarten through third grade facility now. It's it's UPK through third. Um, but there's always uh situations that develop and like I said, this being a early childhood school, there's some unique situations that develop that need to be addressed always at the last minute. Um, then once all that's done, and this happens throughout the day, then you got to try to get back to your task on hands and all your duties that you got to perform. uh with all these skills that John developed over the years between the manufacturing and then Elma primary he moved up to maintenance mechanic in the building and grounds department. So this this department requires uh a wide range of skills and uh all-encompassing uh maintenance projects and sophisticated technical repairs, installation and and uh renovations.
020So, chances are if you go throughout any building in this district, you'll see John John's mark somewhere in each room. Whether it's paint on the walls, cabinets, um plumbing, plumbing, electrical. I want to say you can't see it though. U electrical shades on the window. Um John left his mark. Um Where else am I here? So anyway, um, so John, I want to thank you for all your many efforts you've made over the years that you have helped make this place a safe, clean, and beneficial learning environment for the students here at Irkquway Schools. Thank you for all your service. Congratulations, and your retirement. I got about John though. John, every year at opening day, I talk about maintenance and what you guys do over the summer, but I neglect to say what you do
021during the year, too. It's kind of magical how you keep this place going and and fixing and repairing and loving it. And then when you look around the district and people come in and they're always so amazed, that's to your hard work and dedication. So, I just want to thank you one last time for all you've done that people don't even notice because you're the one that makes a difference and make it safe and presentable every single day for students. So, thank you so much. All right. Uh Pete, I guess you're next. Okay. Melinda Harvey, come on up. And the II principal apologizes for not being here. He had to be at a family event tonight. Um, and I'm sure everyone understands because that family comes first. You can come over closer. Come on over,
022Melinda. It's been a while. It's good to see you. Uh, Melinda began her career here as a fourth grade teacher uh, at in November of 1992. uh with Valerie Jacobs. I was in eighth grade, but I was at Annunciation, so we're sorry. Over that time, I estimate that she's worked with approximately a thousand students. That's true. Uh and left quite an impression on each of them. Uh from the beginning, she's been a teacher leader as a teacher leader at the II at Elma Primary and back I I uh I asked people for some memories. She was the queen of taking students back in time to the Little Bread Schoolhouse. Um, she could be spotted building long houses in the hallways. Uh, she could be seen, and I got to witness this, out on the trails
023of the main campus for our Iracoy and Earth Spirit days. Or she might just show up to a meeting or a gathering armed with a poem for any occasion. I had the opportunity to work with Melinda during her final two years at Elma before she came back to the II. And it was very clear to me that she saw every day as an opportunity to bring her creativity and energy to the classroom to engage students. Whether it was in her math talks, the creative writing experiences, and student performances she set up for her kids, or bringing life to our halls, marching students through the hallway with her I don't know what you've been told chance. uh that built up school spirit, showed gratitude, or celebrated someone in the building. When asked Melinda's colleagues for a
024quick take on what she has meant to Iracoy over the past 33 years, in addition to immediately saying that she's one of the most creative people they've ever met, they quickly responded that she was someone who never stopped learning and modeled this for her students every day. Thank you, Melinda, for your service and your commitment to our students and families. We wish you health, happiness, and quality time with your family in retirement. Real real quick, Melinda, for me, it's I know you always play students first because I do like to go around and disrupt rooms and have fun with the kids. And I remember I'm in a room and kids are building bridges. So, I'm going to build a bridge with a kid and there's a goal to get something across it. and I'm building
025it and I'm making my bread pretty good because I'm older than those kids. And Melinda comes over and whispers, "Let the kids do better than you." I'm like, "Okay." But my goal was to fail at the end, but you know, she made sure. But you always putting the kids first, always thinking what's best for them, and always telling me what you thought when I came to you with like, I need to know the truth, Melinda. I really appreciate that. So, thank you. Have no idea as a superintendent hearing someone tell me the truth. how great that is. So, thank you so much Even the bacteria. Good job. And Jacobs have come up here. Ann Jacobs joined in 1995 when she was quote looking for something to do. I think that's what she said. As your
026children attending your schools were getting older, she began as an aid at the II, did a stint as a secretary in the special education office, spent some more time as a building aid in the II in the library and in her favorite place, the cafeteria, and then took over as an administrative assistant at the II from 1999 to 2013. And then in 2013, she came to Elma Primary's main office. I have had the privilege of working with Anne for the last three years at Elma Primary. I wish I had more time with her. Ann represents the best of what is. She is invested in this community, intelligent, she is kind, selfless, patient, and filled with common sense, which is a rare commodity these days. She is the heart of Elmo Primary that makes every person
027who comes to our building know that they are in a good place where they will be welcomed and treated with compassion and respect. and we are so thankful that you found something to do for the past 30 years. Anyone that has come into contact with you is better for having met you and worked with you. Thank you, Ann, for all you've done for the students, families, and staff of Iricquay. You'll be missed dearly. Enjoy your retirement with your amazing family that just keeps on growing. And um I know we have a certificate, but I actually have something else for you. If you find yourself again looking for something to do, got a substitute aid application right here that I want to do. So congratulations an So, you're one of those people too that tell me
028the truth. Um, a little more blunt than Melinda sometimes, believe it or not, but I always appreciate that. And there's so many things you do, too. I I know right now um the wisdom you have and when other people in your same position call you how you've been passing and helping that on not even telling anyone just doing it all out the kindness of your heart and I think that what exemplifies you is the kindness in your heart. So I want to thank you for all the years all the conversations you have and congratulations on your new grandson. So [Applause] Keep that application. Kim. Kim. Kim. Kim. There she is. Oh, how'd you know to walk up with her? You're one of the smart ones. I don't know if it goes that way. I know
029you wish. Thank you everyone for coming. I have the honor today of talking to you a little bit about Mrs. Kristen Wimiki. Her beautiful family is here with her to celebrate this momentous day and I was just asking her how many years total have you been here? She shared with me 32 years. She started in 1993. Her entire career including student teaching has been here at Irakcoy. She's dedicated the better part of her life to our students and our families here. And is quite an honor to have known Kristen. So, I had to write something so that I don't cry. I'm just that kind of person. So, I'm going to read to you. It is both an honor and a bittersweet moment to stand here today as we gather to celebrate the retirement of someone
030truly special, Kristen Wiki, a remarkable educator, colleague, and friend. Over the years, Kristen has been a guiding light in the halls. She's worked at Elma, Wales, and Iraquoy Intermediate. From the boundless energy of kindergarten to the thoughtful lessons of fourth grade and the focused care of RTI, she has worn many hats and worn them all with an unwavering dedication to her students. As I've had the chance to get to know Kristen over the last 10 years of her career at Wales Primary, I got to see her deep love and caring for students. The last six months, she stopped in the office every day with her signature daily tidbits. These nuggets of information she imparts include anecdotes from her ride in, a student reading a large picture book to younger students while they wait for the
031bus that warmed her heart, or reminders to me on how to help screening run a little smoother in the future. She's made sure each day offer a little nugget of wisdom, a smile or a reason just to think deeper. She didn't just teach students, she inspired them. She guided their growth and believed in them even on days when they didn't believe in theirel. A parent of a previous student shared with me that if her child had not had Mrs. Wiki as a teacher, he would never have learned how to manage his time or study for a test, laying a strong foundation for college and beyond. Today, I had lunch with one of the students who's very near and dear to Mrs. Winnicki. Um, we've shared some tears over this student and worries, but she says
032to me today during lunch, "Mrs. Marson, you know Mrs. Wiki is starting to pack." I'm like, "She is? Why? Where's she going? She's retiring and you're in trouble. She's the smartest math teacher I've ever met. So, and she didn't stop with just the children. Kristen has been quite a hero behind the scenes. If a staff member was ill or feeling overwhelmed, you could count on her to deliver an unexpected batch of cookies or coffee with just the right touch of care. The memories she's helped create are etched in the hearts of so many. Field trips to Mumford, fourth grade picnics under the sun, RTI lessons to support our struggling learners. These are the moments her students will remember, and so will we. She has left an impact that reaches far beyond the walls of any
033one school. The seeds for love of reading, the seeds for love of reading, knowledge, and friendships that she's planted have grown in the minds and hearts of countless children, in the camaraderie she's fostered. As you head into this well-deserved next chapter of your life, Kristen, know that your legacy is not just in the lessons you've taught, but the lives you touched. You've made a difference that will echo for generations. Thank you for everything. We miss you more than words know, but we're very excited for your future. And I cried anyway. So, so for me, I'd like to thank you for I remember showing up here and seeing down in the II, the strong II team that you were part of. Um, and then you dealt with transition. You dealt with when we shifted, we moved
034to other buildings. You and you dealt with that transition. Then you dealt with a transition into RTI. I didn't see the kindergarten transition. I'm sorry that was a little while ago but uh w with all that you always had such high standards for the kids and and there are people sometimes that were lower depending on the student but you did you expected every student to achieve and rise up to meet where they needed to be for the next year and that's what made you just a great professional and I want to thank you for having that standard and I think there's a lot of people walking around the world now that are better off for you having that so thank you so much appreciate Anyone else want to stand next to you? I don't know.
035Ross, shorter would you want? Okay, thank you. I'd like to start if I could invite Judy Gingrich to please come up. So much cheering for you back there. Hey, cheer louder. Put on right over here. Thank you, Judy. So Judy has dedicated 19 years as a teacher aid and has made such a significant impact on our building supporting all of our students and as you'll hear later many teachers. Judy always prioritized the social emotional learning and the social emotional well-being of all of her students. Um our guidelines for success in the middle school are respect, responsibility, self-discipline and kindness. And I believe that Judy is a role model for kindness. You do them all, but you are a role model for kindness. I would say she is known in the building for her positive attitude.
036Her approach to handling any situation is just excellent. Um, teachers could always count on her in any situation, any time that they needed her. Judy can do it all. Managing difficult schedules, students going in different places at different times, different needs, different emotions. Um, and the one thing that I will always remember is Judy's always smiling. She has helped transition new teachers into positions, which I can't thank her enough for. There is not a situation that would arise again that she didn't handle, and again, having that well-being of students was always her top priority. What I admire most about Judy is her big heart. Um, you have made a lasting impact on the middle school. You have been truly missed this past year when you have been in the II building. I want to thank
037you for everything. I know your family means the world to you and I hope you enjoy every minute that you have with them and uh and thank you for helping me. You have just always been that person um you know that uh that I could just go to and talk to and count on anytime we needed to volunteer. Judy was always there for our science event, science nights. And uh she was the first one there to volunteer and to just congratulate those children when they were when they were very anxious and they were finally done just with her hugs and and her kindness. So thank you for everything that you've done for for Irakcoy and all of our students. I love every So everyone just look at Judy real quick and see that smile. you
038walk down the hall, you see that smile, your whole day is better. I I don't care what what's going on. And I I would always see that with you. And the other thing for your position and what you do, words enough can't be enough to express the thanks and what you did for students. I know when I taught, I I had a second person in the room like you are for so many people. And what you do really makes the difference every single day. and having someone as great as you change things in that room, in that class, in that hall, for that grade level. So, thank you for being the person that changed things for the better for everyone. We can't thank you enough. Thank you so much. Thank you. Next, I'd like to
039invite up Sue Leo. [Applause] right in the house. So Sue has dedicated 26 years of her career to Iriccoy and elementary education. Um she is known for her commitment and dedication to teaching. She works tirelessly to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn as well as to grow. When fifth grade first became part of the middle school, uh we began having conversations with many of the fifth grade teachers. And I I was so impressed that I would walk in uh to Sue's room. Everything is perfect. Everything from her desk for how she had the room set up, everything was perfect for the students. And that meant a lot. And that meant everything to them because those students when they walked in the door, they knew exactly what was the expectation was. They knew exactly
040where everything was and it was perfect and it was set up and it was really just for them out of the kindness of her heart. Her experience truly showed and it was quick and I was quickly able to see the impact that she had on her students u as I began popping into her classroom. One thing that I vividly remember is we when we had to suddenly move to remote instruction during co I didn't want to say the word but it's important. Sue had many, many questions. She wanted it to again be perfect for her students and that is exactly what she did and I have to say she knocked it out of the park. She was on she was planning technology um making sure that those students were up and ready and you know
041it didn't always just start with a lesson. It started with a how are you and uh and that's a big thing about um about Sue is um you know she shows how much she cares and those students can feel it. She's a collaborator. Um her and her partner teacher Mrs. Casmarski, they were a powerful team and they provided stability within the grade level. They were two that made the transition successful. Um and I can't thank you enough for that. Uh when Sue and I uh would talk in the hallway at times, whenever we spoke about her family. her eyes would just light up and I know you will enjoy much more time with them now. Um what I admire most about Sue um is her passion for teaching and her and her ability to bring
042that out in every one of her students from her planning the engaging lessons to the delivery of instruction. So that's a good example of I probably spend the most time in the II because my office is there. So probably I walk by your room more than any other room in the district. And there are certain teachers you walk in, you can really good at disrupting their rooms and getting the kids going. But I know when I see her going back and I always get a smile, a wave, hello because she is focused on the students every day, making sure they're getting what they need, focused on her lessons, going back and forth and making sure everything ready. And the different times I did make room and saw the lessons, I want to thank you for
043doing that for the students and really working and just doing that little extra thing you thought would make it extra and special for them. Um, kids are they're a blessing to have, but boy, it sure takes a lot of work to keep them going the same direction. And then you put that work in. So, thank you so much from the district and me. [Applause] Who's the next one? Last, but certainly not least, Linda Whan, would you please come up? Linda has spent 38 years at Irakcoy. Yes, that deserves a and eight months. 38 years and eight months and four hours and 32 minutes because we know we can't be wrong. Yeah. So, she'll correct me again. So, I was saying about 10 years ago when you came um about 10 years ago, we had a
044sixth grade ELA position open up in our building and it was a very important uh position at the time when we're looking at standards and we're looking at our test scores and everything. Um and I was told um by Mr. Scoffield that uh this this person from the primaries, Linda Whan, wanted to come to the middle school. And I said, "Well, you know, I've heard the name like, you know, who who's Linda Whan and uh and when I was working at the U and the athletic office, I was the athletic director at the time. I had the pleasure to meet her her her father who who helped out and did a lot of volunteering and her mother. And I said to myself, well, if she's half as nice as them, it's a win and we're
045going to be in great shape." So, um, Linda joined us joined us at the middle school. Um, and I have to say that the middle school definitely locked down. Um, having her join us, her experience, you know, she quickly became a positive impact on the middle school. Um, she did cause me some some problems at times because, you know, all of the students she had previously taught wanted to have her again. And then all of the students that she had previously taught many years and the parents now wanted their children to have her as a teacher. But it was a great problem to have. Linda quickly became a team leader, you know, um for the sixth grade team and that involves a lot and she did it was a great instructional leader as well. um
046her passion for for curriculum. She loves the curriculum uh making learning fun and um you know many times you know one day I came in my office and there was a book on there and I said well you know this is a book as I know we had we had ordered it and she came in and we were talking about poetry unit and you know poetry unit is not maybe at times the easiest but and I said oh you're going to do it this book and she says yeah read it and I said okay we're going to read it and it was was a wonderful book and we had some great discussions um Linda's impact goes far beyond teaching and academics um it's meaning all of the needs of the different students. In the morning
047as team leader, many of your responsibilities are going around and and you know from phone calls and emails from parents and trying to help different students who may be coming in and maybe you know they may have some needs in the morning. And uh when I go down in that hallway in the morning as during just a just about a 10-minute home base period, I think she has more steps throughout that 10 minutes than I have in the whole day. So she is just constantly from one classroom supporting her team, the teachers on her team as well as supporting the students. Um, that's always her top priority. You know, we always joke about her her signing a, you know, a 10-year contract, and I would always say, you know what, another 10 years, Linda, it's,
048you know, it's not out of the question. And then I then I was thinking, well, maybe maybe I'm going to, you know, get one more year, but as soon as that first grandbaby came, um, she didn't want to talk about it anymore, and I don't blame her. Um, you have done a tremendous job with things in the middle school. I appreciate all of our conversations. Um, I wish you the very best in your retirement and um, you've just made such an impact on the middle school and I appreciate everything. Thank you. I hope you enjoy your retirement. Oh boy. Keep it keep it not edgy. All right. So, what words can describe Linda? Um, can't say that. I'll find one. welcoming. I I would say probably the biggest thing she has for her is welcoming.
049Every student is welcomed into her room, into her heart. And and how she got that big heart and this whole size body, I have no idea. Um when different students um tragedies happen in the district, she was there to support teachers, administrators, families, and all like that and everything. And I used to go in your room and we'd have our private conversations about different things. And I'm going to miss those. I'm going to miss those because I can go in there and you and I can talk frank and afterwards we don't remember what the other person said, which is the I don't know if it's because we're old or because we're smart, but it was one of the two. And I want to thank you for that and what you did for the students because
050like you said, everyone, you know, loved having you as a teacher and wanted to fail so they could have you again. And that's just a great thing to be. So, thank you so much. And as you know, she takes control quite quickly. Yeah. Come on. She wants you in the picture. You have their children. [Laughter] Because they're the reason why we're here. They're the reason. Okay. And they have really great kids. I was a long time ago. Long time. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all you do, John. You got to find money in that budget for air conditioning. I tell you feeling it. Sue Coulter, please come on down. [Applause] Sue Coulter began her career in the high school main office. Um, after a few years of doing that, she decided
051that she wanted to uh move to the HR office and Mr. Dave Sin and she wanted to do that willingly. We didn't have to force you or anything. You really wanted to work with Dave Sin. So, I was amazed. I was too. So, but after a couple years doing that, she realized business office is the place to be. and she uh took on a an area that was really maybe people don't know it was kind of behind the scenes but a lot little chaotic the payroll area to say it the least. Uh we had a lot of change, a lot of turnover and she knew that going in that it was going to be kind of chaotic and she took that on and really helped us out a lot. Um the unique thing about all
052these different jobs she did is they all have the potential for emergencies and different things to happen. uh fires to put out and she really brings a calm sense and you want someone who's gonna help put out the fire, not throw gasoline on the fire and that's what Sue does. She she really is a calming uh person. Also, I always say that payroll is a really thank thankless job and people don't call up on Friday and say, "Great, Sue. Thanks for doing payroll perfectly. I got my check." Uh they only call when when they think there's a problem because there's no problems, right? Uh so it's kind of a thankless job in that way. And the other thing uh about payroll really is that it happens every two weeks and it's it has to happen
053every two weeks. Doesn't matter if it's snow days or just holidays. Um she has to she has that responsibility to do that and she does that well. And often that takes coming in uh staying late in the evening, coming in uh on weekends, doing work from home, uh taking home the computer with you sometimes and doing that. And and a lot of people don't realize the dedication it takes and and us being in the business office really appreciate that that you do that. Um, but thank you very much uh for your dedication and service. We I know you have a lot of plans to be with your family and do some traveling and things like that. I hope you have plenty of time to do that. Um, and we wish you a long and happy
054retirement. Thank you, Sue. All right, I'll give this to Jim. Sue, um, I don't know what to say because today when you were talking to me about coming into the central office and being nervous about it and what is it going to be like and then you came in and said it was a nice place to be. Um, that was great to hear because it's crazy. Um, I don't think anyone understands it as as much as once you get in there and we have hard deadlines and they have to be met and things have to be right. And I I don't know how many questions you asked me the first year, how many things you challenged in the contract. I think you should have been the union president personally. Um because you're always looking out
055for the staff members. You're always looking what would be the best thing? How can we do this better? How can it be more efficient? And and you strive for that every day. And you pushed and you challenged it. Um and then you moved over into payroll and and I could actually see the difference in the reports you you gave me because of the the one run report. I could see how it shrunk, how it got better. And seeing things get better by the person taking on their own initiative and seeking to do that just makes everything better within the district and doing that every day. I can't tell you how much on how appreciative I am. So, thank you so much. Um, I'm sure John appreciated it. And I know everyone that's retirement appreciate for
056all the years they were here and you send that money all the time. So, thank thank you so much for us. I appreciate it. always picture. All right, Dave Carlin again. [Applause] Did you write a speech for yourself? I didn't write one. So that's that's probably about right for Dave. He is probably the most humble guy I know. Um and also probably one of the most brilliant gentlemen I know too. When I came here I was in the business office and his office was right next to mine and I loved it. Boom. Dave, what dog? and then we'd work on something, figure something out. And he helped guide me at my beginning here at Irakcoy of knowing who the different people were, what to do, how to address things, just how to grow as a
057professional and be better. And and that was from you not even knowing that you were tutoring me. Um, you know, I did love our little cans on the rope we used every once in a while to talk to each other. Um, and then I became a superintendent and your department I didn't have to worry about. Every day when I came in and I talked to you, I'd give you an idea. You would make the idea better and we'd build off of each other. You were that right hand that I didn't even know what it was doing, but it always took care of it. Um, I I don't know how to express the gratitude I have for how you made my job, made the district a better place every single day. Um, you're forward thinking. So,
058we didn't do something and then have to change it because that's just ridiculous. Um, and you helped and and when you look around the district and you see the changes from the projects or just the maintenance that's taking place and figuring that out and maintaining and taking care of everything, your guidance was invaluable. I just appreciate you so much and I'm going to miss you. So, thank you for all you've done and and you can come back anytime you want. [Applause] Nora, you might as well stay up here. Oh, what do we say about Nora? Well, I knew I I I won her favor because one day she looked at me and goes, "Chuck, cut it out." So, I knew I was in the right spot. But, uh, I can't function without Nora. You know,
059every day we start the morning with, he's naughty. I can't function period without her. But, every day we start the morning with a conversation. I think it's 5 minutes. She tells me it's 40. She's probably right. And it's about what's happened that day, what's going on in the district, what needs to be remembered, keeping things in order, and everything I accomplish, everything I do is because you're pointing me in the right direction. And and what you deal with on a daily basis there um is just amazing. And I know I try to sit in your seat when you go on vacation or something. That's not even close to what you do, what you do for the board, keeping them all going, the notes, the information you have, the knowledge that you possess. Um, so I'm
060so glad I have your phone number because we're going to be calling and asking you that and would not be without you. Um, you've been here for for quite a while. You I think you started was in the PTO or PTO. You came up through an aid. You worked in the guidance office. that you came and you worked as a register and you took care of Mary Joe a little bit at one point where there she is down there. What was that? You stole her. I I didn't steal her. She came willingly. Right. So, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to steal you. Come over and be my partner and in doing the best we can to make the best place possible on earth. So, thank you. Thank you. There's so probably don't realize
061everything Nora does. I've talked to Nora Monday through Friday. I've talked to her at 6:00 in the morning. I've talked her 10 o'clock at night. I've talked to her on the weekend. So to keep this ship sailing as smooth as it does, the amount of time that Norah gives is amazing. And from all of us on board, thank you. We do truly appreciate that. She keeps us organized and straight. And now she'll have more time to organize you, Chuck. So you thank you so much. Thank you. All right, Jane, you have to come down here now. Jane has given countless years of service to Hawaii and the love she has for the district, for its teachers, its students, the community members is it's it's hard to explain. When I think of Jane, what comes to
062me the most is her caring and how much she strongly fights and advocates for every part of this district. Um, she has been a friend, a guer guide, and a mentor to me. Same thing. I've talked to Jane at all different times a day, sometimes 5:30 in the morning on the way to work. Um, and she's always there and everything she does, she always puts caring and tons of thought into it. You know, I kind of view her as a kind of a conscious of the board. She's always giving good advice and no matter when. So, so I say thank you and you know become a friend. Thank you very much. So Jane, let's see. I don't know few years ago we're looking for someone to run for the board and no one's running. No
063one's running. All a sudden this crazy lady puts on Facebook, I'll run. That was Jane. And and so you have a person come, you always wonder what the what the individual is like and usually you know the person because they're running. You have a few talks and and you've talked to them around the district. But Jane came on the board and she embraced it and she grew. She learned and she became the heartbeat of it. I remember her telling me sometimes, you know, I just like to come up with the ideas and you have to make it work, Doug. And she did that. She challenged. If she saw something, she'd bring it up on the board meeting. um simple things like here's an obsolete item, but did you make sure no one in the district
064wanted it or could repurpose it? And she put that idea out there and she was always not just doing what the normal thing is, but questioning it. How can we improve? How can we make things better? You serve time as vice president, president, some tough times, things we have to get through. What's that sentence? She's not serving time. She's not serving time. No. And I guess that's it cuz some people look as doing things as serving time whether in the public sector. You made it a fun great place to be even with the challenges and the obstacles. Um and we're better off for having you and what you did and the leadership you gave and I'm glad you're with ECSB now ECASB because that you're going to pass that along to new individuals and to
065people that are going to be board members of every district in Western New York is going to be better because of that. So, thank you so much and thank you all you did for everything. All right, that's it. Now, we're going to move on to uh board discussion and news we're sharing. Um I just kind of want to remind everyone that July 1st at 8 a.m. is our organization meeting. Our new board member will be sworn in and this is also the meeting that um we will elect uh new leadership and do committee assignments. I want to remind everyone because sometimes that catches people by surprise on that day. Um, so it's, you know, you guys want have any questions about that or want to ask anything or now would be the time before we
066get there or if you don't and you want to remember who's on what committee, uh, Nora um or Dawn who will be our new district clerk starting July 1 can get that out to everyone. Um, usually in the agenda we do have in parentheses the person who is the incumbent from Leor just so you can see that as part of the agenda. Um, so if you want to look in at the agenda then call in with questions we'll be able to answer them. I can't cover for you guys anymore. Okay. Um, thank you. Um, Jane, I believe you want to um Yeah. Uh so uh first an ECSB thing um we had the board member uh training last Tuesday and Saturday and on Saturday um the student board member from Orchard Park um was one
067of our speakers and he talked a lot about um creating a culture for the new student ex officio um and it was really Fabulous. So, I would encourage you to uh talk with the two board members who were in attendance at that. Um and uh I did send Doug some uh some some clips from the presentation. Um but the big thing was that he talked about creating a culture and that that culture is created by the board. Um and and that pretty soon the airy board is not going to be a board of seven people anymore. It's going to be a board of eight. Um and I that was he said that I was really uh like, "Wow, I hadn't thought of it that way." Um, so I'm really excited that you're going to be
068swearing in your student. Um, is that also at the reorg meeting, right? Yes. Um, and the ECS. Sorry, I got a little issue going on right now with the schools. I hate people being on the phone for the meeting, but uh, a mini version of training for the student um, that happens in July. So, I'm hoping that our board member will be able to attend that. There's that. And then um to mark your calendars for July 17th, that is Bordon Bruce. So um I'm hoping that I'll get to see you guys. I'll come out to Bordon Bruce. Um I also wanted to just say a couple of words as I make my way out here. Um I'm filled with gratitude as I reflect on my time at the Uriccoy Central School District. Um a community
069that has shaped my life in profound ways. It's been 39 years since I graduated in in the high school gym and for the past 10 years I've had the privilege of serving on the board with all of you. Giving back to the district that gave me so much. Serving has never felt like an obligation. It's been an honor. I've seen the dedication of our educators, the resilience of our students, and the strengths of our families and community members. I hope my time on the board helped preserve the traditions that define us while also building a strong bridge to our future. Together with fellow board members, administrators, staff, and the community, we face challenges, celebrated milestones, and remain committed to giving every student the best possible education. To my colleagues, past and present, thank you for
070your collaboration, your shared devotion to this district. Um, even when we didn't agree on our our common goal always brought us together. I especially want to thank Chuck Speck and Dave Lowry for believing in my leadership when I needed it the most. With their mentorship, this role became a journey of growth, not just service. Once again, Irco has helped shake me this time as an adult. To our teachers, staff, and administrators, your work matters deeply. As Katie Kern once wrote, "You know you've succeeded when everyone's mad at you. By that measure, I've had at least a few successful weeks, but truly, it's been an honor to support all of you. To our students, you are the heart of it all. You're you inspire everything we do. Take what you've learned here, explore the world, and
071bring your experiences back to enrich this community. I did it after 15 years being away, and I've never regretted it. To the community, thank you for trusting me. I encourage you to stay engaged. Your support makes all things possible. Come cheer on our students, not just at home or the musical, but every game, concert, and event. You are always welcome here. Through my time on the board, though my time on the board is ending, my advocacy continues in my role as the program services manager for the Erie Association of School Boards. I'll keep supporting public education across Western New York. But Iracoy will always be my home. My mother graduated in 1963, I in 1986, and my children in 2015 and 2019. Someday, I hope to watch my own grandchildren take the stage or the
072field here, too. But I'm not going to wait for that. I'll keep showing up for all of our students even if I don't know you. I leave knowing your in good hands. Thank you for the privilege of being a part of its story. It's one of my greatest honors. [Applause] I also just wanted to remind the board depending on what time we finish up here that the senior sunset is going on across the street if we anyone want to walk over there afterwards and say hi. Yep. Okay. Now we're going to move on to item eight, superintendent report. Okay, for the superintendent report, uh, one thing I want to add in here, we did have a repair reserve hearing at, uh, 6:45. um got done a little early and some people out there in the
073community heard me say I'm going to go let the noisy people in at the end of it. Um yes, you did hear correctly. There are a whole bunch and it wasn't a bad thing. It was a whole bunch of people. I can understand how that could be misconstrued. The people for the retirement were outside in the foyer and they were talking. So I was letting in the people that were talking in the hall. um didn't really need to let you know I was letting the people in, but you were supposed to hear the repair repair reserve area for those who are questioning what we were talking about. Um just so you have the correct information. So, thank you for giving me that time. Um capital project, I think you were going to mention that to
074remind the board where we are with that job and how we're moving forward with the um budget vote complete and we thank the community for support our budget. Um now we can kind of switch gears and and look at that capital project. We began talking about in uh October I think we reviewed the building condition survey. Uh we went into kind of a lot of depth on the different priorities of that building condition survey which looks at all the different buildings that we have. It's uh it's required every five years to do a building condition survey and we use that as a basis for our capital projects. What we're going to address in future capital projects. Uh at that time we also um developed a initial plan to do a $23 million project which would
075address uh primarily roofing um and heating systems and we called it keeping students and staff warm and dry. We said the time uh we still want to uh you know start moving in that direction to get that stuff done. It's it's very important uh to keep our facilities in good shape and especially when you're talking about roofs, you don't want to keep putting those things off. Um what we're looking at now because we know there's a general election on November 4th um we want to kind of find what we think we will do for the um um public vote for that capital project. Um so we want to you know probably have some distance from that that November 4th date whether that's before or after we're going to kind of think about and try and
076pick one date. Uh when we have that established, that'll kind of back uh our timeline up. And then there's different things we have to do with um environmental reviews of the project. Uh different things that have to happen before a vote even happens. Um and just making sure we put out all the communication that we need to put out thoroughly up having all the information on our website so people can see what we're doing. Um and doing presentations and and just getting the word out. So that's what we're working on now. We're looking to get find that magic vote date that I think will work and not confuse people. Um, so that's where we are right now. Any questions on on that? Thank you, John. All right. Thanks. Uh, open community communication. There was nothing
077during the last board meeting uh to speak about, but um we I did receive an email. I just want to make sure the public is aware of one individual did write in to the board and myself about a bulletin board in the middle school. Um met with it uh with the principal. There were modifications made um to it and the the middle school principal reached out to an individual. I did after the middle school principal did the individual expressed their satisfication their satisfa their happiness with sorry about that um with our conversations and they will be developing new practices for bulletin boards and next year in the middle school for this um just making sure everything's reviewed so it's meeting the standards of the district um so thank you for reaching out and bringing that
078to our attention recognitions I can I would that just be applicable to the middle school or would that be for all buildings? I'm going to have it for all buildings where I start with the middle school to see what they are. But in talking to individual, we were talking middle school and I'm like, well, you know, we probably should do that for the high school. And you know what? I I would be good because as things change in society, we want to make sure we're having continuity. Um debating on whether the the UPK through third, but let's see where the first main campus go first. Okay. Thank you. Good question though. I should have said that. uh recognition senior class um to the senior class because I know they're all watching since they're over there
079at at the senior sunset. Thank you for your 13 great years here at congratulations on graduating. Um one thing I do want to bring out also is Carrie uh Veter and the varsity club. They brought back the sports banquet. Um, it was scheduled unfortunately the same night as something going on with music, but next year we're going to do it better, but it hadn't been here. It's quite a little bit of work to recognize, put it all together. So, thank you to that to the that group for putting that together. Um, graduation news. Graduation will be on the 27th. Um, the only thing I have to say about that is it's a great time. I love it. We usually get done right around sunset, so it's beautiful walking out. um the venue that we go
080to, it will be our last time at that venue because the group that has it um has changed their parameters of who can rent it out and use it. So, Dr. Janestri has already put out um searching. We're looking for everyone in the community, anyone that thinks they have a good venue no matter what. Please email the high school administration to let them know. So, as we look at this and we find another great place, um the size of it, having it airond conditioned, and I know a lot of people are going to say, "Oh, let's have it outside. Let's have it outside." But as much as how great that is on the good nights, how bad it is on the bad nights, makes it really tough. And then you have to have rain days
081and you have people coming in from out of town. I I would love to say I would, you know, would support being outside. Um, I'm not saying people can't convince me, but I think if we could find another venue inside that has the air conditioning out of the elements in Western New York, that would be a great thing. So, please, you know, public let us know if you have something. And just to echo that, there was a because it happened to my niece that they had a graduation high school graduation schedule outside and then it did rain and they had to move it and no one's thought at the time was all the graduation parties that had to be moved and relatives would come in. It it sounds really cool, but for the people who
082had to do it that time, it turned into a really large inconvenience for them. Okay. He would just give I'm sorry. He was giving me ideas for a place to be. I was gonna say um for for people who might have an idea, what kind of seating capacity are you are you hoping for? Um let's see. I would say there's 150 graduating individuals. Everyone would like to bring five six people. So you're looking upwards of a thousand. Okay? You know, um but we're willing any suggestions. So if you say, "Oh, it's 900. I don't want send it in." We'd rather have a bad idea than no idea. So don't you know um but think of we have we have 150 people and you're going to have the parents come sibling or two grandparents you kind
083of put that together. Um so the larger is better but something would be great. Alumni um if for for those that are attending the graduation um are we getting the graduation gowns the day of because I think Nora normally gives them to us ahead of time. I will have to write a note to follow up with Nora because I don't know. Okay. um like to air them out a little bit and or even try it on to see if it zippers work and everything else. Um okay, anything else for that for graduation? Okay, alumni wall of fame inductees. The board always likes to hear who they are. This will be done at graduation. We have Rick Weber. Um know him personally, great individual. Auto Horf I don't know him but uh he was you know
084he was here he was a soccer player here at the time and Don Treeaz that's in in posimumously senior um for all he did for the district. So I see a lot of ns and affirmative of how great these individuals are. So looking forward to that. Um that is all I have for tonight. We would like to move on to recognition of guests for agenda items and we do have one um heard Dan. Yes. Um just real quick just wanted uh to remind you if you want to speak on the cell phone policy. Yes. There's three minutes and just no personal names. Uh I rushed here from boxing and I regret it. It's now 8:30 and uh at least my uppercuts are getting better, but I I do want to talk about the policy. I
085read it quickly. Unfortunately, I left my notes at home, so I'm going to try to be as succinct as possible, but I have a real concern about it. Um, I get it. I understand what we're facing today. Uh, with cell phones and bullying and, you know, back in the day, I'm 51. When I was at school was meet me in the bathroom at three. One of us walks out with a black eye, but it's not showcased on every social media site. Today it is. And trust me, I see these things and it crushes my heart. But I'll be damned if I'm going to have government or school board dictate when my child can lifeline to me in an emergency. And that's what I'm concerned about. This policy was not well drafted. It had some contradictions
086in there that bothered me and ultimately it had language in there that also bothered me. And it's typical lawyer language of may versus shall. Um may gives authority to someone else to make these decisions potentially not on an equal fair basis. And that happens at every school. There's favoritism at every school. You know, I don't know why, but the special athlete that goes bullies a kid is probably not going to get punished if my like my kid went. That's just the nature of and I don't like it. But ultimately, there were elements in that policy draft that I did like and it was the bins because allowing students to bring them to school but keep them in their locker or wherever else where they don't have quick easy access to is real big problem for
087me. And all I think in this moment is the worst tragedies and that's the world we live in today. It sucks. That's the world we live in. And this thought in my head that my child, my children could not quickly have access to that cell phone to call me. I I I don't like it. So, but I saw in there that was the bins. And I thought to myself, well, that's not a bad idea. Can you have bins in these classrooms and allow these kids to drop in the bin? They each have their own individual bin so they don't have to claw through them all and just keep them in a classroom and have them in every room, including the gyms. You know, I don't I don't know. I knew that this was coming down
088the pipeline. It's just crazy that I happened to look at the agenda and it was on the agenda. I feel like I feel like that's a sign and I really need you to rethink this. You may wonder why I'm thinking about these terrible tragedies and I'll throw it back at you. Why aren't you guys thinking about these things? Because can't predict, can't control, you know, but I I want that lifeline. And it's not just the worst of the worst. I want that lifeline with my kids. So, think about the bins and, you know, take out the maze. try to use shell because then you know and enforce your policies that you already have the bullying. Enforce those policies evenly. Don't let anyone get away with it. Do it with a strong arm. Make it a
089detriment so kids kind of think, well, I don't want to do, you know, have this happen to me versus taking away the friends. Everything else I'm fine with cheating, you know, I'm all good with that. You know, you got to control that. I'm all good with like in the hallways, they don't need them, whatever. Well, that's where the fights Thank you. I will reach out to you um just so you know to follow up. That way you have your notes and I can get everything you meant to say. I have your name. Dant could you pass this down to John so he can just put your number on there? That would be great. We will um be moving on to discussion of agenda items 12.01. 01 through 12 sorry through 24.1. First I would like
090to congratulate all the new tenure administrators and teachers and once again um congratulate all the retirees. Um just really quick um like three points um on discussion. I do appreciate um this the cell phone um conversation and I just want to remind everyone it was a law that New York State passed that's causing us to deal with this. Um so but we will always you know look at policies and and consider them. I think it's a good point. Next, I just want to note that item 25, uh, Heather Jacobs will be abstaining from and item 26, um, Heather Becker will be abstaining from. And because they have family members involved, correct? Yeah, we'll get to that. Okay, that's that's um so right now before we move on to the consensus agenda, does anyone have any
091things that discussion for the agenda items? I I do. Um we we have our first reading of the uh cell phone policy and um my concern is in the section where it talks about discipline for accessing internet enabled devices during the school day. I know that this was part of the law the way it was written, but it seems like why have a policy if you can't do something about it. Um, is there going to be any kind of um addition to what possible discipline action would be taken on a student who accesses the device? That that would be part of procedures. Unfortunately, we are going to have to follow the state requirement on it. Um, so that'll be a fine line that I'm sure um, we're going to get legal advice on of what
092we can and can't do. Um, I'm very thankful the students of Airquay are great. So hopefully another district will have the issue first and test the waters and then we'll probably be something that we're modifying throughout the year based on what's happening um, from litigation, courts advice, legal advice, or even what the state might come out and change. um kind of hard to not not have consequences for actions. And then also um one of our neighboring districts has done it without using um pouches and they've they've had a lot of success. But another district not not neighboring but not too far away um uses pouches. They have keys that open the pouches in every room. Um, and when I was talking with one of our local legislators, they said that they were going to try
093to make sure that there was money involved in the legislation to make sure that if we decided to go with something like pouches that it wouldn't be an unfunded mandate, but rather they would be giving every school district some money towards purchasing those kind of devices. Have you heard anything about that? Ironically, I did sit there at my desk and read something today from uh Niscus, that's the council of school superintendent came out for their legislative update and they talked about how there is money that's talked about um 13 million I want to say, don't quote me on the M or the B or the T, but with that the issue of the article was how there's no mechanism for accessing those funds yet that have been put out there. So supposedly it's in there.
094How to get to it, I don't know. Um I do know that in the high school or in the middle school right now, they don't let students walk around with cell phones and there are some students that break it, but they do use in the locker in the bag in the locker. Um and it seems to work well for a majority of the people. So if they're already doing that middle school, I think the current thought is why wouldn't we continue that to the high school? But partway through the year, as this evolves, there might be a change. Um I I know that there are neighboring schools that have implemented it using that very successfully with the same um type of population. So we we'll see. I this is I've never been down this path,
095so we're going to come up with a good plan and and modify it because there will be problems. Um the big ones, I hope not. probably little ones and tweaks. But I mean, I share the same concern about being able to be in touch with my children in the event of an emergency. Um, I think that pouches may be a a suitable route. I think that if we trust the students to put them in the locker, and the guy's right with the policy that it's saying that in one regard they can't have them in their locker, but then the next one that's a suitable place to put them. Yeah. So, um, but if it's they're in their lockers, then people are probably going to be taking a lot of bathroom breaks, getting them out, going
096into the bathrooms, which is probably going to be, um, problematic, but but also like the fact that it says internet enabled devices, right? So, I don't know about anybody, you know, I have a smartwatch that has no access to the internet. So, how are we going to like distinguish why so much focus on internet enabled devices? Like, How are we going to check if the watch is a device that actually can see a browser on be on Facebook? And that might be where there's some education to administrators, SRO's, teachers of how to check something student says, well, this is not enabled, how they can show them it's not enabled. Um, we're exploring that because I honestly sit on the side where I prefer people to have the access. Um, so I'm implementing this um because
097we have to just so the public knows where I stand on it. The internet, the reason it's there, I don't think it's because of there are districts that do in New York State that have trouble with kids internet, what they're searching, what they're doing, what they're posting during the school day. Knock on wood, we have very limited problems with that with the ukoy, which is why I advocated for school by school decision, but we're not there. And the way that it was written by the state is anything that's internet. That means they can't even bring their own personal computer to school. Um because they can't reach out. Um students asked me, well, can we bring things to music? And my answer to them was yes, as long as you can't get on the internet. Um,
098so like an MP3 player, as long as it's not internet enabled, they could get out and do that. Um, and I I feel bad that we have to implement this, but I don't I don't even know if I'm answering your question to be honest because it's very frustrating that the way this is put into place rather than taking care of the individuals that are causing the trouble in school, everyone's looped in. Um, so I'm going to keep advocating for the state to change it, but as of right now, it won't be an internet. Um, I'm going to look at that where you with the locker. Um, and it because it's working in the middle school. I would think that's where students are taught and see how it moves up to the high school. The pouch
099idea depending on the state putting money in. I really don't like that because I found in emergencies people lose their fine motor skills. Where are the keys? What happened to the keys? Is it the right key? So, it's better than having nothing but what is going to work. Um, and then also remember depending on the type of emergency, we're not supposed to be using the cell phones. Um, you know, if they pull the alarm and you know, we're in a lockdown, no one should be on their cell phones at school, period. Whether there was a whether it was a um this policy was in place or not because we're trying to make everything quiet and know and let the emergency personnel take care of it. But if someone's having a trouble because of something that's
100going on with them, having to be able to reach out, I think that was a good good use of it for that type of emergency. And just to uh, you know, kind of remind everyone, I think the I guess the good news is that this board and administration when we had the option to do this voluntarily, we said no. So I think we're all in agreement uh that this is not something we're in love with or we want. So I think it's just a matter of, you know, fine-tuning the policy to make it where it's going to, you know, meet the law and then put provide the most, you know, flexibility as possible. I think that's where we all are. So I don't think there's a lot of disagreement. It's just that we unfortunately New
101York did what New York does. I I'd like to say that, you know, um the legislative team at ECASB did vote to oppose this bill. Um and um most of the school districts agreed that they would like to see this be a local control issue and school districts that wanted to implement it could and those that didn't like ours didn't have to. Um but unfortunately most of the legislators in New York State across the state including here in Western New York disagreed with us because they see the cell phones as the as the as the answer to the social media problem. Unfortunately, they're not they're not addressing the real issue by banning cell phones. what I'm thinking. Yeah, the social media issue happens I'll say 10 o'clock at night. That's, you know, when we have
102troubles here at school, it's something that happened the night before and they come in the next day and come and report it to us and then we work on it. So, I I you know, again, most school districts um and and represented and ECA is being voted uh against this bill. Um, but unfortunately our voices weren't loud enough, fast enough for it to have an effect. Albony, it's all about advocacy. You gota you've got to jump on these things and advocate for what you want. But I I do know um the gentleman that was there spoke about well whether it be favoritism towards a star player or star individual. And the answer is no. There are certain exceptions medical um is one of them. I'll use that as an example. Um you know that that
103can be there. other ones too. But here here's an interesting nuance to it too because I use medical intentionally. There's also um laws about people being able to identify people that have medical issues. Well, if the only people that can have a phone is for medical right away they're identifying them. So there's a breach of some rights. And I know um superintendents have already sent letters to the governor saying, "Well, what about these rights? how are these people being, you know, these people would be identified. So, we have not given up. Um, and we're going to keep working on it. Um, but I will treat everyone equally based on, you know, what the law requires. Are we um I know some neighboring districts are soliciting feedback from the parents about what their concerns would be
104about the cell phone policy. Is that something that maybe we're are we planning? Yeah, we did it. Um I would have to go back to see who we got the information from. Um I know we worked with PTO's. I know we did it with the um code of conduct committee. Parents were on that. So we did seek input from the different committees that parents were on to hear what parents have to say. And Dr. Janestri and I have already talked and he's going to discuss with them additionally in September when they first come back to hear what they have to say as we implemented to keep getting constant feedback on it. So what was their feedback? Uh almost everyone I talked to I can't think of anyone but there might have been one person so
105I don't want to disclude them um don't like it. They they they think students can handle it. They think students should be taught how to use the cell phone in school. Um, so we're trying to find a way to work through the state legislation or we have to follow it. There there's not really a lot of disagreement on this on this, like I said, on the board administration or this district. It's just something that's being forced by New York State. Yeah. But I I mean September 1st is around the corner. I mean, we really have to act discuss. Yeah. The the big thing is going to be really the policy is what backs up the procedures they're going to have. Um and it's going to be mainly in the high school because elementary um II
106middle school really already don't allow cell phones. The high school will be right now they're set to parallel what's in the middle school. That's how they drafted and are planning to go through the procedures and the policy is just why they are doing it and why we are having the policies because of the state law. So when you look at the language in there, that's where it came from. It came from the lawyers on uh Eerie one policy um group of this is what they recommend of how to word it and but they the wording is confusing. I mean one regarded as saying it's okay to put it in then the locker next is not like I it's what we got from the state of what we're working that's why we're I fully imagine we're
107have updates on it throughout the year. I I I feel like I'm trying to defend the state and I can't because I I don't know why the state wrote it that way, but we have to like dig through this policy before September 1st and agree. Uh we actually have it have actually by the state we have to have it in place by August 1st. Okay. And really we have to write a policy and have it and the policy has to follow the state law. This is what the state law has in it. We can go I can go back to you know I wrote down the notes about the locker. If you have any other pieces in it, I'm going to go back to policy committee at area one and ask them those questions if
108what should be changed or not. Um because it's a legal perspective really. But I mean the school law is allowing us to implement it abide by the rules but implement it how we see fit. I'm just we can take advice from you know right ECSB or policy writer about how we want to implement it. I just think it requires discussion. Yeah. And and how that's how the policies implement this as procedure. So that would be done by the administrators how they want to make it work within their school. So I mean I think the best thing we can do right now is we had the concerns you know you know the gentleman's brought up and brought up the locker. You probably come back to us at the next meeting. Yep. with either clarification or answers
109or if there's any other piece other than the locker, let me know so I can make sure I hit those. And the shell and the main one. Oh, the shell in the main. Uh, I think I have that, but I'll write it again. Doug, though, the policies in the other school besides the high school, are they congruent with the state policy? Like, yes. Yeah. So, it's really just the high school. Really just the high school of what the middle school's been doing. But the middle school has the kids have phones coming into school. Yeah. High school can have phones coming into school, but the policy says bell to bell, right? They can't even have No, they can walk in with them there. They can use them on the bus. They can use them on the
110bus. When they come in before the first bell, they would have to put them in whatever device locker that the high school that the high school feels appropriate. Okay. Yeah. And right after school, because that was like a question I had. If I'm going out to sports, if I'm going on a sports trip because it talks about being on school property, which is a bus, it ends at the end of the last period. When the bell rings at the last period, the students can turn on their phone again. Then, even on school property, it's from that, sorry, my mic is cutting out from that first bell to that last bell. But other than that, when they're walking from the bus to their to school before that initial bell rings to say to start the home
111room, they can be using their cell phone and they can also have a phone that doesn't connect to the internet. Um, I'm sure that they're really expensive on eBay right now. And that and that's the truth, too. If if you want a phone, a dialup flip phone, I'll I'll word it that way. You can actually have a flip phone. It's just you can't have the internet connection. Well, the way that cell connection currently reading internet enabled devices has a flip phone like a what do they call those phones that you can buy at the like Walmart burner phone? Not a burner. The Yeah, but a prepaid phone, but those are still going to have internet access. It's a cell phone. You can get a you could get my husband I think used to have one
112a cell phone without internet access. You could that'll be all right. That is absolutely okay. It will be okay. It is absolutely okay as long as it doesn't have internet connection. All right. Well, I guess we have to tell the public to go. Yeah, let's go. We'll get it out there. Just can't have internet connection. Companies, correct? So now, yeah, and that gets the old thing to turn the internet on, turn the internet off. Um, it will be an interesting time. There's no way around saying it that way. But yeah, good. Thank you for bringing that to light for everyone. Um and I will have to start getting the message out um for that. Uh I'll probably be doing that after graduation to the public just what you can use, what you can't use. Yeah.
113And also just like really I mean I know you included in the Monday message, but really communicate. I mean these high school students are going to be in a state of shock and withdrawal in September if they don't start weaning down, so to speak. you know. Um yeah, and you'd be amazed though because in in the school, um I I have been talking to stu numerous students about it and they picked out one teacher and what during class they're not allowed to have the phone out like they might walk in with it and before the bell they might be they'd be on it possibly. Bell rings, time to start teaching. They all put their phone away. teacher teaches and they say then when the teacher gets done teaching if there's a minute or two left
114in the class they'll say okay if you want to use your phone or do whatever go in the high school um so there are and it all depends on what room like cafeteria I would be willing to bet in the cafeteria a lot of people would be having their phones out all the time study halls but there are what they do in the high school now is red green yellow and there are certain aspects that are red where you can't use it at all yellow where teacher control sometimes you can use Sometimes you can and there's areas that are green that you can use it like going down the hall is green. You can use it in the hall lunchroom. I mean I I also tried to use the internet today in the high school
115auditorium and it doesn't really work that well anyways. So that ironically was to comment what the student said. They said well Mr. Scoffield to be honest with you the cell phones don't work that well in the high school anyways. So not a big deal. Um, but I also know there's a lot of spots that it does work. So, I am not saying that is our false safe is that it will not work. Um, you know, go ahead, Jeff. No, I was going to say before we, uh, move on, not to muddy the water further because, you know, Doug and I talked about this is you, you know, think about what guidance is provided, you know, for the teacher, staff, and administration because they, you know, we can't be hypocritical. they can't be in the middle
116of the classroom on the phone with the with the kids in there. So there are it's going to continue to evolve like every other policy, but there are other aspects that we have not, you know, that haven't thought of and that administration is going to have to work through. So I think it's going to be an evolving thing that we're have to continue to, you know, keep our pulse on. Um, okay. Where is it anyone else? Anything else before we move on? Okay, we're gonna welcome people. Okay. Uh, we got a few people coming joining us here. We got Devon Messikar joining us in labor. Gary Buckold is going to be a part-time cleaner. We got three bus drivers coming on. Michael Miller, Kathleen Farum, and Scott. Very cool. Um we're going to do 11
117uh one of the consent agenda statement. The basic purpose of the consent agenda is to act upon routine manners in expious manner. Items placed on the consent agenda are determined by the board president, vice president in cooperation of the superent superintendent and those which are considered common operational district and nor report no special board discussion or debate. Board members have the ability and the responsibility of reviewing the consent agenda ahead of time. A board member may request that any item on the consent agenda be removed and inserted in appropriate place on the regular agenda. So going to 11.02, 2. Um, I'm going to ask that 23.04, the business tech department chairperson only be removed from the agenda. So, um, move I second. Okay. Yeah. All in favor? Jane second. Yep. All six are in favor.
118So, that has so 23.04 Removal of the business tech department chairperson only has been removed from the consent agenda. Going on to the to the next one. Is there any request to add anything to the consent agenda? Okay. Okay. I'm going to request a motion to approve the consent agenda items 12.01 through 24.1. I have a second. Second. Minus item. Oh, sorry.US Minus item 23.04 uh the removal of the business tech department chairman only. Second. All in favor? Okay. We're going to put some pages here. Okay. We are going to move to item 25.01 one and Heather Jacobs will abstain from this one for a family reason is to appoint uh Scott Slade. Um can I I'm making a motion second second. All in favor that's five favor one stay and one state 25.01 1.
119Okay. Now we are going to move to 26.01 our appointment of the extracurricular curricular appointment. Um Heather Becker for family member is abstaining this one as well. So I am making the u motion to approve this. Second second. Okay. All in favor? I have in favor none opposed and Heather Becker abstained. Do we have any guests for um non-related agenda items? We do not. Okay. Um before we adjourn here in a moment, I do want to take one last chance to thank Nora for her years of support. We do really appreciate it. And as well Jane Sullivan for her years of support to the to to the board and to the school district. So, thank you both of you. You're going to be sorely missed. It doesn't work. try to look right to left with
120the microphones, but um I um you made it easy. It was You guys are awesome. Thank you. [Applause] I am uh making a motion to adjourn.