001All right, I think we'll get started. Good evening and welcome to the Monday, December 15th, 2025 regular board of education meeting for the Marcella Central School District. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> So this evening we'll begin with recognition. >> Uh yes. So I want to just give a couple recognition. Um, so as everybody knows with this um, sort of I don't even want to say unpredictable, but unpredictable weather, um, I just want to give a huge recognition to our transportation department, um, both our supervisor, Jackie Pierce, um, Evan Sanders, our dispatcher, and every single driver. Um, it has been just, you
002know, a a sort of crazy December already, and um, they have just an outstanding job ensuring that kids get picked up safely and are not home safely. So, just a huge recognition to all of that. >> Absolutely. >> And then I also want to just give um a shout out to Jade Kyle. And so, um Marcelus, as you probably have seen on um the website, Marcelus was named a platinum star school for wise financial literacy. um and only 33 schools nationwide qualified for this honor. Um we had a 98.9% passing rate. Um and the average test score is usually around 88.6. And this is the third time that Marcella Schools has been named um platinum star for wise financial literacy. And this is all um due to the work that Jave Kyle does with his
003class. So, um, just a huge shout out and, um, again with what the state is putting forward with financial literacy, we really have a great head start with this work. >> And then, um, I just want to give a shout out to Kim Rossy and Kristen Pinstra. class. Um well, it was two Wednesdays ago. We had the fifth and sixth grade band in chorus concert and um I I was there and it just was amaz like our kids are incredible and just to think that you know our fifth and sixth graders are early into the entry of of music both for chorus and for instruments. Um, and it it really was almost just breathtaking to to be there and to listen both to the band and to the chorus. So again, that is a testament
004to our music department and the work that Kim AI and Kristen Finster do with this grade level, these great levels. >> So just a thank you to them and that's it for recognition. >> Very good. So at this time we'll move on to presentations. So, um, one of the things that I'm going to do, um, during the superintendent report from now until the end of the year is just do some highlights around our strategic plan just so that we don't lose sight of it. Um, you know, Bob and I and the administrative team work frequently to review what where we are and what we still need to do. and um you know a lot of the work is ongoing but uh what I'd like to do is just do a couple highlights tonight of some
005of the work we're doing um around our strategic plan. So um just to reorient us to the mission so we support educate and care for our students like they are our own as they learn and grow. And um I have had many conversations with parents who just have accentuated the fact that they love that as if they are our own. Um it really means a lot to them that we do treat our kids like if if there was my child in front of me, how would I want someone to treat them? How would I want someone to handle this situation? And that we we live and breathe every day. And so vision, we connect with all children and empower them to strive toward excellence and ignite their learning each day. And so um you may
006remember the strategic plan has three major tenants. Academic excellence, the student experience, and then operations. And so we use we've been using the plan really since its inception to ground us in everything we do. Often when we're working with teachers, Bob can sort of be a testament to this. When we're working with teachers, we we try to draw back that work to the strategic plan. Where does this fit in the plan and how does it move us forward um with the plan with whether it's academic excellence, the student experience or operations. And so what I do want to just highlight again just the very briefly under academic excellence, one of the things that we've really been working on um is our multi-tered systems of support. You may hear the terminology NTSS. Um what you've probably
007come to know as RTI uh previously multi-tered systems of support sort of is is more well-rounded. It's not just academics, it's also behavior. um and so in social emotional and so one of the things that um we've launched is the BIM mass um as you remember from last week Mr. Montgomery presented on 3 through8 testing and the work that we're doing uh around data driven decisions um using I Ready and Wink it um and so all of those things are really in service of that part of our strategic plan. Um and everything we try to connect to other areas of the strategic plan. So the work that we're doing around MTSS also connects to our district curriculum council which Mr. Montgomery oversees and leads. It also connects to our steps plan. So um that is
008our our new evaluation system when teachers and just in the past week Bob has experienced this too and I'm going to let him sort of talk a little bit about um the work he did even today with um MTSS. But I've been sitting in with our teacher teams as they're trying to um develop plans for steps. So they have a a measure two which is all around a goal whether it's a smart goal or a portfolio. It's something that's going to be near and dear to them um for the for the year. And so in sitting in those meetings with teams um and and hearing the talk around data and goals uh for their students has been um just incredible the last few weeks. Um Bob, I'm going to let you just sort of talk
009a little bit about bold because you've experienced some of those discussions as well. um as well as the work that you know he did today around MTSS >> the steps plan um like Jean said I've sent in on a few meetings and through the cycles in the number of years that I've been doing this the preparation for an observation is I prepare a document we meet we have a postconference and we look to make changes that way but I sat in on a few meetings in the past week where the conversation was so well defined and targeted about what students needed to be able to do based upon data that would have never happened under the old system of observation. So this pushing our teachers to set strategic goals under like a smart goal template
010so to speak was just very rewarding to sit in and think wow in another year how much farther are we going to be? And the idea of having a four-year cycle gives teachers multiple years to change and e and flow and make it that much better. and it's just not a oneandone type of piece. So, that was incredible and I'm super um glad about that and I was actually able to give um the state some feedback about the process and the conversations we're starting to hear. So, that is incredible as well. Uh the MTSS piece is a big launch for the district. uh we have a strategic committee that meets once a month and we also are out at a full day workshop three times a year that's led by Boseies and today we um
011one of our task was to do a gap analysis of tier one tier 2 and tier three instruction uh also like behavior social emotional and we focused first on the RTI process and so we've been working on this for a couple months and today we got to the point where we were making some district level recommendations about how to equitably implement an RTI process K12, >> not just K6 where it usually lies as far as having the staff and the structure in place. So, we have some challenges ahead of us, but we're really committed to making sure that we can look at that equitable lens, which goes back to the student experience really in academic excellence for everyone. And then to just shift to the student experience, one of the things um again I'm just
012sort of highlighting some some really great things that have been happening. Um under the student experience, one of the things that was a goal is assess and build opportunities for students to meet and make connections with counselors and adults um throughout each building. And so um particularly at 712 um what our principles have done is create surveys for students where literally simply asking is there an adult in this building that you feel connected to and and who is that? Um and so what that has done is allowed us to see who doesn't feel that connection and be able to hone in and and try to make sure that we're um making a concerted effort to connect with that student and make sure that they find an adult that they feel safe with and they can
013connect with. Um it's actually interesting some of that data because I think some adults in the building were surprised by some kids that they felt they did have a connection to but that student didn't have that. So those are the discussions that are great because you start to just ask why why do I feel like I have a connection to that that student that child but that child doesn't feel the same and what are some things that we can do to better foster those connections. >> And so one of the things too wellness days spirit days I mean if you were at you know KCH everybody's in their pajamas today I think they're in their pajamas at DMS today too. Um, so all of those things really help with that student experience. I know one
014of the things that uh we're going to start to talk about and work on um is homework policy because I think you know I meet with the superintendent student cabinet frequently and that is something that is in our strategic plan and is a definite um just question and and how can we maybe do it better where we're coordinating as a district in buildings um among multiple teachers how to how to better support kids in that. And then the last thing um operationally so uh one of the goals in the strategic plan was establishing a parent advisory council and I um I started that last year. We had a just a handful of parents who were interested. This year it has grown to about 23 parents. So last year about five to 23 this year. Um
015and so we meet every other month and um it's been great. I mean, I just the feedback that I get from parents, there's some things that I've been able to solve and and Bob was there last week where a parent's like, "Oh my gosh, I the very next day the my issue was solved." And so, some things certainly I can solve quickly and some I can't. Um, but it's so valuable to sort of get some of that feedback, that perspective offline um so that again we're aware of we can make some changes. At our meeting last week, um I asked Bob to attend and one of the things that e- review was just our work around datadriven decisions as well as the benchmark advanced pilot at KCH. Um many of the parents in the advisory
016council are KCH parents and I think um they were just really curious about the pilot and so it was great to have Bob there to just sort of walk them through um the why and where where we go from here. Um so yeah, it's it's really been fabulous and I'm grateful for the parents who are willing to participate in that >> and that's it. I had one question. Um, bus, I remember we talked about it before. Are we doing K through 12 basis? >> No, we're doing uh 712. >> 72. So that's self-report, right? That's Yeah, >> that's the self report. There's a cut off for self-report versus teacher report. >> Yeah. Yep. That's what I thought. >> Um I I think initially getting started with Bass, I think we were a little anxious. Sure.
017To go younger. Yeah. But um there is a parent actually in the parent advisory council who works with other school districts. That is her expertise. And so um she and I have a meeting that we're scheduled. It hasn't been scheduled yet, but I literally just she and I have been communicating um so that we can get that on the book so that she can help inform some of the work she's doing in other districts at those younger grade levels. >> Yes. Yeah. That's great. Yeah. Awesome. Anybody have any other questions? out public residents comments. Public expression at the board of education meetings is encouraged and a specific portion of the agenda shall provide for this privilege. In most instances, the board shall reserve judgment regarding questions and concerns that are brought to the board's attention
018at a board meeting as it is typically not prudent for the board to make instantaneous determinations. In addition, many issues that are brought to the board's attention do not require a formal determination by the board, but instead are most appropriately addressed by the superintendent of schools or persons designated by the superintendent without further board action in accordance with board policy 3220, community relations. Do we have any residents comments at this time? All right, moving on to item number five, business. Acceptance of gift donation to Marcellus Central School District from Marcellus together. Resolved that the board of education approves the gift donation of $2,500 designated for online courses, certificates, and credentials for students enrolled in professional pathways at the senior high school. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Amy, second, >> second, Erica. Questions
019or comments before we vote? So, um I don't if anybody doesn't know what Narcellis Together is, it is an incredible group that has formed over the past year and um as you know, Tyler Ker is a dynamo and so he has connected with Marcelis together early on at its onset. He's invited me to meetings so I've now been looped in um and they, you know, support the work that Tyler has been doing with his pathways. Um and so they wanted to sort of give that back to the district with um just any type of things that aren't necessarily covered. Um like some of the prerequisite exams or course work um that is what this money is for. >> It's a group of small business owners. Is that right? >> Small business owners. It's almost like
020Chamber of Commerce, but um they meet um Wednesday mornings. I think it's Wednesday or Thursday mornings. Usually they sort of put it um up on Facebook, but they need it stone free. >> So um yeah, it's a great group of people and really just working to uplift Marcelus as a community and they realize that the school district is a big part of that. >> That's great. What a generous donation. That's amazing. >> All those in favor? >> Opposed? Buried. Moving on to item 5.2, Two, approval of second and final reading of board policies. Resolved that the board of education approves the second and final reading of the following board policies. Policy 4320, Superintendent Board of Education relations. Policy 4330, administrative staff. Policy 4420, compensation and related benefits. Can I have a motion? >> Move from
021Sean. >> Sean, Jen. >> Second, Jen. questions or comments before we vote. >> The first one from Rivervol seems to real um really just clarity has been added in there and then the other two um are they're are sort of obsolete. They get overrun by um the bargaining so they're just not necessary. >> All those in favor? >> Opposed? Carried. All right. Okay, at this time we'll move on to personnel. Um item 6.1, approval of personnel items. Resolve that the board of education approves the following personnel items. You can see them listed there before you. Item 6.1 through item 6.9. And I have a motion. >> Destin. >> Second, Kelly. Questions or comments on any of those items before we vote? All those in favor >> opposed. Carries. Moving on to consent agenda. Approval of
022consent agenda items. Result for the board of education approved the following consent agenda items. You can see them listed there. Uh 7.1 through 7.5. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. Sean. >> Sean. >> Second, Jen. Questions or comments about any of those items before we vote? All those in favor? I >> opposed? Carried. Okay, moving on to item number eight,formational items. >> I have a few items um for information. The first one is snow days and delays. And so I want to just give sort of an overall sense of how how they get decided and what happens at the really 3:30 4 a.m. Um, one of the things um that really bursts off is Jackie Pierce, our supervisor for transportation. She is on the road outside at 4:00 a.m. 4:15 a.m. She is driving
023roads. Um, and often she'll send me a video of, you know, what she's experiencing, not just here in the village of Marcellis. She's going to Atuspa Lake and and really sort of making sure she's going to areas that potentially could be problematic. Um, and so that's why it's it's challenging sometimes for people who may be in the village or the and it doesn't appear terrible. Well, we're getting intel that some of the side roads um and and the hills are not in good condition. First and foremost, safety is absolutely the primary, you know, decision. Um can students and bus drivers travel safely and get here? Um and so one of the things um that also is taken into account is if if we delay, could we potentially be putting our drivers and our students, you
024know, could it could it be more problematic because we see the band of snow that's coming exactly during the the delay. Um, in addition to that, there are discussions with all of the um the county, the town, the plows um just to get a sense of if they feel like they can um clean up in time um or they feel like they can keep up with what's forecasted. Ryan Reer is also someone that I'm speaking to at 4:15 4:30 a.m. Um so there are a lot of things at play um in making those decisions. I think this December has been very problematic just because we have had mild winters the past few years. And so I think we've sort of forgotten what December could be like. Uh and so I I do I will say
025like I I will tell you I as I drive in some of those days that were tricky um my heart was in my stomach, you know, and um I I get it. I you know we we do the best we can with the information in front of us and um again safety is the most important thing. I mean honestly if if I I would call every day as a delay you know I just I can't I have to really weigh the information >> um and do the best that I feel for our students and our bus drivers and of course our staff. Um that is also something admittedly that comes into play when delays happen because we have staff that are in all these different districts. So if there are so many districts across the
026central New York area and Marcellis is is okay but you know still questionable um I I also am thinking about our staff that are traveling in from you know Liverpool or or you know wherever it may be. Um, but every decision is made with our bus drivers, our students safety um, in mind and we take all of that information and carefully weigh the best course of action. So, I get I get that it's not ideal every single time, but um, we we do really work hard at trying to make the right decision >> and certainly I mean safety we as you know as parents we appreciate that so much. I remember you shared that you were debating about cancelling after school activities and one of the thoughts that you had is like new young new
027drivers you know driving home from um from different activities and and I was so appreciative that you that you thought of that because that's a very real you know so some of the kids just got their licenses and you know and are new to this and it does it can come up quick you know so yeah >> and I also I mean I do also think of our parents who the stress of when a when a delay day gets called or when a a day gets, you know, our our school day gets closed. Um the stress that they feel in trying to figure out and maneuver child care. I get that, too. >> Um I wish I could drive to everybody's houses and take care of their kids for them while they go to just
028um it's not ideal, but um again, I I do the best that I can. And um I like our mission statement says, I care about kids like they're our own here. and um would never want something terrible to happen. So >> yeah, >> appreciate that. >> Yes. >> The other thing I have here that I do want to just sort of highlight is um the steps. So I know we referred to it but people might be like what does that mean? So New York State last year adopted 3012E um which um is we were in 312D which was a BDPPR. So now it's 312E. It's standardsbased educator evaluation and professional support system. And so that's what Bob and I have been referencing these discussions that we've been having with teams of teachers and principles um
029around a goal for their um professional development. And so um we shifted into the steps um program as early as we could. Other schools they have till 2032 to do that. Um, we just felt like it would be much more meaningful for our teachers and um, many people may not realize, but the the district previously for their APR for student performance score, it was um, a average of five region scores. And so if you think about that, a kindergarten teacher, a first grade teacher who's getting scored on five region scores is not as meaningful to them as creating their own goal for their own kids in front of them. And so um we're we feel very strongly that this we we made a great decision to jump. Um it will take some time to, you
030know, work out some of the kinks, but the conversations that we're having with staff is incredible. And then just a reminder, early release drill uh will be this Friday, December 19th. So, uh New York State requires that every school district um practices an early release drill and so it's only 15 minutes um before the regular dismissal. And so we are going to be practicing this on the 19th. Um that communication has gone out to families and I know our principles are reminding people about that as well. >> And that's it for information. Okay. All right. So, we will move on to adjournment. Resolve that the board of education meeting be adjourned. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. Kelly. >> I. All right. All those in favor? >> Opposed. Yay. Nice. >> Happy
031holidays, everyone.