001Good evening and welcome. Thank you for joining us for the May 20th, 2026 regular board meeting. At this time, we will call the meeting to order. This agenda was prepared in advance of tonight's meeting. The final agenda for tonight's meeting is subject to change at the time of the meeting. Any changes will be noted at the time they are made and again after the meeting on the public board minutes, which are available on the district's website. We would like to remind everyone that translation and interpretation services are available during this meeting. If you need assistance, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate you. We are going to do the pledge of allegiance by Mr. Curtis Rut. >> It was not my mistake. Sorry. >> Okay. That's to the flag of the
002United States of America and to theublic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Mr. Parino, do you have a m a moment of silence? >> We do have moments of silence this evening. Thank you. The first moment of silence is for Cahelia M. Butler, the sister of Tasha Butler, who is a wellrespected member of our technology department. I did not know as she liked to be called Kay Butler, but I'd like to read something about her. Kay was truly a gift from God. Known for her sweet spirit and compassion, she dedicated her life to helping others and bringing comfort wherever she went. She had a special love for people. young and elderly people and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need. Whether
003offering a meal or a quick shower to those who were in need in her community, encouraging the youth or simply offering words of encouragement. Cahalia lived a life of service, kindness, and purpose. She worked in a children's home, served the community as a Sullivan art and direct support professional where she faithfully cared for and advocated for others. And she was also a licensed mutitionian. So, please remember Cahelia M. Butler in your thoughts and prayers. The second moment of silence tonight for all the men and women who have lost their lives in all our wars. I'm going to read a poem that has come to memorialize these men, brave men and women. It was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Dr. McCrae was not an armchair poet. He was a battle tested surgeon. And he wrote
004this in the battle uh after the battle of Yeay. The first battle in which chlorine gas was used by uh the Germans. And as I said, his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, lost his life in that battle. Uh, last Saturday, members of the American Legion Post 151 1184 decorated veterans graves in commemoration of all the vets who lost their lives. And this poem has come to memorialize as I mentioned the various uh individuals who have lost their lives in service to our country. In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses row on row that mark our place and in the sky the larks still bravely singing fly scares heard amid the guns below. We are the dead short days ago we lived felt dawn saw sunset glow lived and were loved and now we lie
005in Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe. To you from failing hands we throw the torch be yours to hold it high. If you break faith with us who die we shall not sleep. Though poppies grow in Flanders fields. Our community has sent men and women to all our wars. So please I know Memorial Day it's for picnics and more power to that. But I like picnics as well as the rest of them. But just remember these individuals in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Mr. Corino. We're now going to do the mission of the enlarged city school district of Middletown. Mr. Barretts. >> We strive to provide fiscally sound educational opportunities in a safe environment that continuously supports our diverse student population. We will enable all students
006to graduate, to reach their full potential, to become lifelong learners, and to be competitive, productive members of society. >> Thank you, Miss. Um, roll call. Miss Montrey. >> Dr. De Jesus, >> present. >> Mr. Estrada, >> here. >> Mr. Moore, >> here. >> Mr. Perino >> here. >> Mr. Rat >> here. >> Miss Romero >> here. >> Miss Tobias >> here. >> Mr. Freddy Williams >> here. >> Pastor Williams >> here. >> Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the agenda as presented? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. We are going to have the spotlight on excellence. It's It's the recognition for the Elk Student of the Month for May today. >> Why don't you Who would like to introduce our student? Good evening everyone. My
007buenos. Good evening, President Romero, Vice President Williams, Superintendent Cedon, members of the board of education, and distinguished guests. It is an honor to introduce Anthony Galysia Kieros this evening. Anthony joined the Middletown community in late October, having relocated from New York City. He arrived needing to recover significant academic credits to graduate with his cohort this year. Despite initial doubts about his ability to finish high school, Anthony enrolled at the insistence of his mother, whose dream was to see him graduate. Thanks to the support structure and academic resources available at Middletown, specifically the guidance of Mrs. Gonzalez, his guidance counselor, Anthony was equipped for success. Upon realizing graduation was possible through diligent effort and a change in mindset, Anthony committed fully to his academic recovery. His dedication is evident in his schedule. He takes a full
0089 period day with no study hall and no lunch. He then remains here until 5:00 p.m. for winter school. He is currently passing every class. His commitment has been exceptional, leading to him being recognized by staff as an exemplary student in the winter school program. He's secretly even known as the valad Victorian of winter school. I think the secret's out. Anthony is a pleasure to work with, demonstrating a friendly, engaging, and consistently positive demeanor. He has shared that he wishes he had spent his entire high school career here at Middletown because he believes he would have thrived here. Anthony, you are thriving and we are immensely proud of your progress and commitment. We look forward to celebrating your graduation in June. >> Congratulations. >> All right. >> Do you want to say anything? >> Say
009something. >> All right. Go with it. >> I just want to say thank you to Miss Shriner, Mr. Fra, all of house one for just looking at me and saying it's possible to graduate. All they saw was a piece of paper and all they saw was, "Oh, a kid doesn't care." But truly, I did care and they helped me so much giving me a full schedule. It was hard. All bunch of allnighters just trying to figure out how to graduate and it's possible. So, I just wanted to say thank you for everyone here, especially all of house one, just for supporting me through everything. And thank you for all of you to recognize me as the student of the month of May. >> All right. Why don't you get Why don't you get mom in
010that picture? Mom, get in that picture. All right. >> You're going to get another certificate from me. Okay. That's ours. I'm an elf, but I'm going to give you that tonight. You're going to get >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Good job, >> Anthony. Congratulations. You did this. >> Congrats. May I have a motion to approve? Yay. >> May I have a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 7th, 2026 as presented? >> So move. >> Um, any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> May I have a motion to approve instructional personnel memorandum 21A number one as presented? So move >> second >> administrative. Um any discussion? All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. May I have a motion to approve instructional personnel memorandum 21B
011numbers 1 to five as presented. >> So move. >> Can I have a second >> on that? Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. May I have a motion to approve non-instructional personnel memorandum 21C numbers 1 through 10 as presented? >> Move. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. May I have a motion to approve financial memorandum 22D numbers 1 through 4 as presented? >> So move. >> And I have a second. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. May I have a motion to approve special service memorandums um 20E numbers 1 through two as presented? >> So move. >> Can I have a second? Any discussion? Mr. Pino, any discussion? >>
012Any discussion? >> Good. >> Um all in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. May I have a motion to approve change orders 17F numbers 1 through 4 as presented? >> So move on. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. May I have a motion to approve the 2025 internal auditors report and cap as presented? >> Can I have a second? >> Second on that. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. This is it. Okay. Um whereas the superintendent of schools has called the board of education's attention to issue which have called into question the capacity of an employee covered by the Middletown Teachers Association to perform the essential duties of his or her duties. And whereas the superintendent of
013schools and the board of education agree that it is desirable to assess such employees physical and or mental conditions in so far as such condition may bear on his or her fitness for duty. Now therefore, be it resolved that the employee is hereby required to undergo a full medical examination of his or her physical and or mental condition pursuant to section 913 of the New York State Education Law by a doctor designated by the district at a date and time to be scheduled by the district. And be it further resolved that such employee shall forth with be notified of this resolution and of his or her rights and obligations in connection herewith and be it further resolved that the written findings upon such examinations shall be referred to the board of education for such additional
014action as may be appropriate. May I have a motion? >> Can I have a second? Second on that. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes. President Romero. >> May I just go back for a moment to the approval of the personnel memorandum 21B on it. Um I noticed four names that have been with the district for quite a while for the purpose of retirement. I just want to acknowledge um excuse me, five names. Um I just want to acknowledge their dedication to our students and to the district. Um they certainly will be missed. Um and we certainly wish them the best in retirement. >> And we'll celebrate them. >> Absolutely. >> With the retirees. >> Okay. Thank you. The superintendent is telling me we will celebrate. >> There
015will be a celebration. Yes. Thank you, Miss Tobias. Anyone else? Um, okay. Acceptance of the May 19th, 2026 vault vote results. May I have a motion to accept the May 19th, 2026 budget vote results as presented? >> So move. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. I want to take a moment to congratulate Dr. McConnell passing his first budget. Thank you. >> Okay, I guess. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> It was his very first budget and it passed and he did it all by himself. Congratulations. Always so proud of you. >> Thank you so much. Appreciate it. May I have a motion to accept the May 19th, 2026 candidate vote results as presented? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >>
016I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Before I begin, I just wanted to take a moment um to thank all of our administrators, members of the Middletown School Administrators Association, the MSAA, who are in attendance this evening. I want them to stand up so we can give them a round of applause. Um, budget season is a massive team effort and it is incredibly fitting to have our leadership team here entirely present tonight when we accept the official vote. So, I want to thank you for your hard work, the many late nights and your unwavering dedication and support to our school community. It's very valued. So, thank you. >> And did you want to share the possible good news coming out of Albany or No. >> Um, I certainly can.
017Um I can share that the um uh printing is being done right now and um we hope to see uh receive official notification that um we um the advocacy that Middletown along with many other districts um across the state was working towards um prove to be fruitful and we should expect to see in our state aid runs um additional 1% which will bring us to be fully funded which is really incredible as well as um additional point value given to us for students who are um experiencing homelessness um as well as students who are um our English language learners. So all of those things combined will ensure that we can continue to um offer our young people and our school community u an excellent um academic environment um to thrive in. So thank you. And
018I just want to quickly say um to our school community um that on behalf of the Enlarge City School District of Middletown um our board of education, our faculty, our staff, and our scholars that we um deeply appreciate your commitment um and overwhelming support demonstrated during this year's um budget vote and board election. We had an incredible turnout. There were just over a thousand voters, which is one of our highest turnouts, which is really wonderful to celebrate. Um you made your voices heard, and we value that. The budget passed with a 74.25% positive vote, which is a clear indicator that our school community is positively endorsing the vision that this team has and our unified steps forward. I also want to take a moment to congratulate Dr. Connell on his first district budget. Leading a
019district through a budget cycle requires intense dedication and this year creating his first budget without even having a firm budget adopted by the New York state uh by the state of New York um was an incredible task. Uh this was a successful outcome that is a testament to your leadership and the synergy that we have as a team. So thank you so much. Um We've talked as a team about the future in Middletown being incredibly bright. We like to call ourselves dreamers. We are profoundly honored to do this work alongside a community that dares to let us dream and looks to dream alongside us. Despite the challenges that we have faced, we are so very proud of the collective efforts of this entire school community. Thank you to the Middletown school community for doing the
020work, the work that matters. Additionally, we want to thank the city of Middletown, the town of Walill, and all of our community partners that have worked to ensure that every corner of our community is impacted by our progress and has voice. We believe our schools are the catalyst for growth within this community we serve. The community does not rise without the school and the school doesn't rise without the community. It is together that we become legacy makers. I also want to send a special thank you to the candidates who stepped up to run for three open board of education seats. Putting oneself forward for public service takes immense courage and commitment. Your spirit of volunteerism is recognized and I want to personally thank Miss Damis Kabio, Mr. Terry Randolph who's here this evening. Thank you
021Mr. Randolph and Marcia Mirage for their dedication to our community and for running very spirited campaigns. Congratulations also go out to the three reelected incumbents, Mr. Edwin Estrada, Mr. Freddy Fox Williams, and Mr. Curtis Rhett. They will continue to serve on the board of education for another three-year term each. This stability and continued dedication is unparalleled in this district, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside this board. We have an incredible school community filled with educators, administrators, staff, and volunteers at all levels who are vibrant and celebrate our young people. It feels like a really exciting time to be a part of Middletown. I want to thank everybody for their support and making this a successful budget season. Thank you, >> Mr. Estrada. So, first of all, thank you for those words, uh,
022Miss Ceden. Um, I see Mr. Allen in the audience, so I just want to, um, he's always kept us on our toes in regards to our fund balance um, questions throughout the year. So, that kind of goes vibes in with a little bit about um, because I'm sure a lot of folks in in in the public are wondering, okay, you got more money. What happens with that money? Unfortunately, nothing can happen with that money as part of this budget. If New York State had done its job on time, then we would have been able and had the same outcome, we would have been able to utilize that extra 1% towards our tax levy. Um, and it so I I think what ends up happening with the excess, it'll go into fund balance that we can
023then use next year if state aid falls short. But you guys can clarify that for me. Yeah, just we pulled from the community would remember is that we pulled from some of our um reserve funds in order to help close the gap for our community in order to present the community with a 1.99% budget. And so what we'll do now is repay our reserves so that we can do the same thing in out years if we need to. >> You know, let me if I can too, I just want to add to that. Um uh in my position in my position as the president of Orange County School Board Association, I think some of you saw the email that was sent out or the text message, one or the other, but um I uh I
024requested uh the numbers of all of the districts, all of our, you know, component districts here in Orange County. And out of all of those districts, uh, we were the second lowest, uh, when it came to our tax levy, I think the only district that was lower than us was Monroe at 1.95. >> Newberg and Newberg, Newberg was zero, but Newberg is a different beast. Um and but but for for us I think that that's um that really speaks volumes to um how we've tried how we have tried as a group everybody here sitting at the table and even previous boards um have tried to really make sure that we uh keep our tax levy down. Um and and I am grateful that this this uh particular budget has passed. other unfortunately other school districts
025neighboring school districts their tax levies didn't pass their tax you know but nevertheless we're grateful and we really do thank everybody for their support in this particular uh manner thank you >> anyone else have anything Mr. Fino. >> Yeah, just a a comment that concerning our administrative staff. Again, thank you for being here. I believe we really have a very very strong administrative staff, experienced staff and attending functions and uh working on committees. I see the type of work you do. It's it's just outstanding. So, just to keep it up. We need you folks. Thank you. >> Anyone else? Mr. Red. Good. >> We're good. Well, to all of you here tonight, um, thank you for continuing to impact our children's lives every day. You are the drivers to their success. So, thank you for
026everything that you do. It's time for our public participation opportunity to address the board. The board will designate a portion of its meeting agenda for public for public comment for a period of up to 40 minutes. Each speaker will be allowed up to four minutes. The public is not permitted to discuss topics and/or matters involving specific individuals. Speakers must sign in prior to speaking. Speakers are not permitted to seed their time to other speakers. A timer will sound when you have 30 seconds remaining to address the board. participant. Okay, >> they all just left. >> It's been a long day. Um, Crystal, did we receive any letters to the board of education? >> No, we did. >> We have superintendent updates. >> Okay. Um, NISBA board excellence recognition awards, Pastor John Williams. >> Good evening
027everybody. uh to all of um all of our wonderful districts, our board of education, our administrators, our staff, uh everybody that uh came and left and those that are watching. Uh it's my it's my um honor to serve as the area 9 director for NISBA. I am the representative for this entire region, which includes Orange, Olter, Sullivan, Duchess, and Green counties. Everywhere I go, I speak of the uh wonderful work that is done here in Middletown. And and so uh this is the time of year uh that NISPA takes opportunity to recognize uh board members from around the state. uh and uh I'll be doing a little bit of traveling to other boards of education in order to uh do the same thing, but I couldn't go to anybody else and not do it here
028with all of you, my fellow board members that are sitting here at the table. Couple years ago, um we used to only send three members to the NISSBA annual convention. Um, we decided that we would change that because we thought that it was very important that all of us had the opportunity, no matter who we were, to be able uh to participate and take advantage of the uh wonderful presentations that and trainings and classes and things that NISBA uh offers. Uh also along that line, we also made it possible for every free uh free uh presentation or free lesson that was given out by NISSBA, uh we made it possible for all of our board members to uh participate in that. And we made sure that our district clerk would make sure that we were
029all registered so that if we wanted to and we had the opportunity to, we could participate. And so that with that being said, um we have several of our board members who are being recognized tonight and it's my privilege to be able to recognize them on the different levels of board achievement. And so I'll move on, but I'll move forward. But tonight, I want to start uh with this uh with these presentations. I'll read this. I'll read this. Uh first of all, I'd like to uh recognize uh uh recognize our Dr. Uh, Patricia De Jesus, uh, I would like to congratulate you for earning a level one board achievement award under NISPA's board excellence recognition program. At this level, you qualify for a certificate of recognition. This program is designed to acknowledge schoolboard members who
030strive to continually expand their governance, knowledge, and skills. It is comprised of four uh achievement levels that are reached by accumulating points for participating in NISPA's trainings, workshops, events, and activities as well as for taking on board related roles such as board president and NISPA advocacy liaison. Uh please note that the annual cutoff date for point accumulation is March 31st. And to learn more about this recognition program and award achievement levels, I want you all to know that you can go to the NISBA website under recognition programs. So again, congratulations on your achievement. We thank you for your service. This is uh sincerely signed by uh Mr. Patrick Longo who is the members relation and engagement manager uh and a leaison to the awards and recognition uh committee. So I have I have uh uh
031level one board uh achievement award uh for Dr. Patricia De Jesus presented and not just one but she also is receiving tonight a level two board excellence award under NISBA's board of excellence recognition program. So congratulations. >> Congratulations if you want to come in. Congratulations. She fasttracked. She did. She got she did she did uh one and two levels. Uh this next recognition is for uh a level two board excellence award under NISBA's board excellence recognition program is presented to Mr. Andrew Moore. Congratulations Mr. Moore. Congratulations. Nice job. >> This this next um uh recognition uh is for level three board mastery award under NISPA's board excellence recognition program. Uh, at this level, you qualify for recognition in our onboard newspaper as well as the following items. Receiving a certificate for a free one-day event,
032which excludes convention and convention related events, a certificate of recognition, and a commemorative pad folio. And this recognition is presented to our board president, Miss Denise Romero. >> All right. Congratulations. Also also uh receiving level three board mastery award under NISPA's board excellence recognition program. Receiving the certificate uh the certificate for a free one-day event. the certificate of recognition and the commemorative pad folio. Uh we we give this recognition to our Mr. Curtis Rhett. >> Oh, lucky. That's wonderful thing. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> It's wonderful and good >> also. >> Thank you guys. receiving level three board mastery award under Nisba's board of excellence recognition program uh with the same with the same uh uh uh certificate for free one-day events certificate of recognition and the commemorative padfolio our very own Mr. John
033Parino >> and Mr. Fino participates uh uh virtually u in many of our programs. So thank you Mr. Parino. >> Thank you sir. And uh lastly uh this one this one is uh a very special one. I I want to present and congratulate uh this individual on a level four lifetime achievement award under NISPA's board of excellence recognition program. Uh you're receiving a certificate for a free registration at to our annual convention and education expo event, certificate of res recognition, commemorative plaque, and an executive pin set. Wow. >> Wow. So this recognition is presented to our very own Mr. Edwin Estrada. >> Yeah. Congratulations. >> Let's hold it. Hold it up for everybody to see. Here, I'll let you hold it up. got your convention scholarship >> and the pen >> and you got a
034NISBA pen. >> I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Congratulations. Uh >> oh, wait, wait, wait. Here, take your letter. >> Wait a minute. >> Take take your letter, too. >> And so again, I congratulate all of you um on your diligence, your hard work. Um we continue to grow, we continue to learn, and we can all of you deserve what you what you've received tonight um for your work. It doesn't matter how long you've been on the board. Uh, you know, there's always room to grow and we continue to do it together. So, thank you and congratulations once again. >> Thank you, pastor. Can we go up and take a picture with Kevin, please? What are you doing? >> All right. Move over a little bit. >> Yeah. We're going to have board of education
035updates. Pastor, you were already up there. Can we start with you? >> Board updates. >> Can you come back? >> Okay, I'll come back. Um, Andrew, can we start with you, please? >> Sure, why not? So, I have two images today. I just want to just discuss. Um, so coming up next Wednesday, they actually they play today um at Burke and they pretty I'm not sure. My daughter would have told me if they uh came up short, but they definitely heading into not that pitch. Next one. They're heading into uh sectionals. Uh cuz Pine Bush did not um successfully win their game yesterday. We play them next week. Am I Oh, he left. I believe that's uh they play next week next Wednesday versus Prime Bush. Their first uh division um playoff game next week.
036All right, let's go. >> Where? >> Uh, it's going to be here. Home. Home home. So, this one is actually a special picture. Um, so everyone knows Ashley McCulla, who was who was previously here. Um, and you know, spread our wings and went down to Virginia to play at a a specialized high school. Um and what's this makes it so special is we this past weekend we were actually out in um New Orleans for the second session session Nike. Now this this am of girls um especially with my daughter that's there in the pink um for her class of eighth graders out of 175 kids that were selected for eight spots. She was one of them to compete in this event. Right. So, but what makes it so so special is the fact that, you
037know, Ashley who's, you know, a lifelong midi who's been here for so long and to be able to, you know, pretty much follow within her footsteps and see her play at such a high level. Um, the Ashley that we have seen play here, >> just picture it times 20. That's how much she has improved over the last year and a half. I mean, >> she's probably ranked night now. um as far as even the in this session is probably ranked top seven as far as scoring. Uh her team is currently undefeated um heading into the finals will take place in Chicago in in July. Um our next stop with this session is in Vegas in about four weeks or so. Um but it's just it's just pretty inspiring. Um they these are two athletes that
038kind of similar to each other, right? Uh my daughter plays um flag football, Ashley plays flag football. They both play basketball, but they have a similar track as far as their ability to, you know, play at such a high level and being able to, you know, shine and represent where they come from and where they, you know, see their roots shining and their roots growing actually where here in Middletown. So, it's just a special moment. Um, and they get to see each other a lot because obviously they on the circuit together and they play in pretty much all over the the country together. But, it's just really good to see and I wanted just to bring it to light. Now, Ashley's heading into her senior year. Um, now it'll be great to finish off here
039in Middletown, come back. Um, I think she has probably over 50, 60, 70 college division one scholars off. So, coming back home to finish out would probably be something that this um entire city and district will definitely benefit from and um I'm hoping that that could be the case for her to come back home and finish senior year right here and be able to play amongst, you know, some of the other highle talents that we have in the district. So, just wanted to highlight that. Um, and I thought it was it was something special to bring back to see two proud ladies playing at such a a high level. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Moore. Mr. Parino, >> I'm going to start off with the senior prom. And what we have here, the
040prom theme was a 1920s. And there are a couple bottles from the 1920s. And I must say, I want to give all sorts of credit to uh Fran and Mike Glickman. You know, they spent time, they decorated every one of these and uh they were on each table. Uh Mr. Strada, uh Mr. Bishop Williams, and Mr. Vice also stopped by the uh the prom. They do a nice job every year. This is all the decorations. We had members of the staff there helping um uh members of our security force uh uh SRO's from Middletown, the town of Walkill kept the traffic flowing because there's a lot of traffic. That's one of the ones I have here. And France said be sure to have it returned. So that's Mrs. Merie. So, uh, the administration was on
041on duty. Uh, and I'll tell you, all the students looked great. It was so nice seeing them. I've seen many of these, uh, uh, many of these young people, uh, elementary school, middle school, and now high school. There's, uh, right over there, Fran, and, uh, um, some of our some of our students. Uh the administrative staff attended the prom and they keep they kept things going. Uh suits, gowns, tuxes, the whole bit. And you know another thing, the weather cooperated. It was great weather for the prom because what the uh what the uh attendees do, they stand outside and uh uh have their pictures taken and and so on. But it was really a uh a great day and uh keep running these and and I'll use my time for this. You know, you you
042see these young people at different circumstances at dances at uh in music, the music department, athletics and uh uh graduation and the senior prom is just so good. We have a a wonderful student body here. Does everybody always cooperate? No. But you got to expect that. Remember, we have almost 2500 students in the high school. So, so that's scenes from the from the senior prom. There you go. Photos taken by Victor Rak. And you know, uh, Mr. Lugal and, uh, Miss Patel were there. So, uh, they're not here tonight, but Mr. Lugal had some outfit on. Let me tell you, I was going to kid him about that if he was here. It was okay. So, I'm about done. I don't want to stop start anything else right now, but uh uh continue. There you
043go. I got 29 seconds anymore. >> Okay. Thank you. I won't start something else. I will continue next time. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Parino. Dr. De Jesus. >> Um so, just a few things to share. Starting with my sister's keeper. Today they held their um 2026 award ceremony. Um some of the recognitions were for veterans award, perfect attendance, servitude, boldness, positive attitude, dedication, perseverance and rising star. Um there were about 40 girls in participation. Um, so we want to commend all of them. It was titled Impact: Honoring Excellence, Empowering Women, and Building Legacy. On June 2nd, MSK and MBK will be coming together to have their sneaker ball um at the high school at 400 PM. Um it is a it there is a conflict in time with the Oxford dinner. Um so
044I will be at the sneaker ball. Um, so the the um the girls are excited about that and they're looking forward to that as well as myself. Then we have Maple Hill. Our fourth graders for Maple Hill um attended the alcohol awareness ceremony. Um there were four students that participated. Two were placed and the theme was picture your future through a drugfree lens. And so that's our scholars there and we're excited about what our fourth graders are doing. They also got to meet Steve New House that day. So it was it was a great event. Nice. One other announcement. Um those pictures can continue to play. Um one other announcement is we have our Junth event coming up. Um it's our 6th annual. It's going to be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Eerie
045Way Park. Um, so save that date and we're looking forward to everything that's going to happen on that date as well. And like Mr. Parino, when my time is up, my time is up. I'm done. 133. >> Thank you, Dr. De Jesus. Mr. Rat, >> I don't have much at this time. And I just want to take the time to thank the people that came out, supported me um for this second term of being able to get on board with Middletown City School Board. Um excited about building on the experiences I gathered in the first three years and the things that I was able to um produce and support. So um again, I'd like to congratulate congratulate um all the candidates that were involved and um my time is up at 3:36. Thank you. Thank
046you, Mr. Miasan. >> Thank you. I just want to remind everyone that my favorite topic, the uh Odyssey of the Mind and we have two teams going on to Iowa. No, I will not be riding the bus this year. Um, but I wish them the best of luck. And Mr. Fra, I'm looking for pictures. It's a wonderful, wonderful experience for our students to meet with other students to see the mingling on the floor changing buttons or exchanging buttons. Um, odyssey of the mind all the way. So, good luck and I look forward to the results. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Tobias and Pastor Williams. >> So, I I have a few things that I want to tap into real quick. First, um, Mr. Mr. Perino mentioned the um prom um and it was really
047a wonderful occasion. I want to congratulate uh I want to congratulate the Glickman's who who every year works so tirously um in making sure that the event is special. I I actually walked up on them uh behind the building as they were preparing those bottles and they were hand painted and hand decorated and they they were just they work so hard to make sure that it's a special experience for uh for our students and so um congratulation to them. Uh also on last night uh also had the opportunity to attend the National Junior Honor Society at Twin Towers. Um a wonderful event where they inducted uh the the next class of the new uh National Junior Honor Society. So congratulations to uh Twin Towers and all of those wonderful scholars uh that uh were inducted
048and the ones that are outgoing that are about to move into the high school. Congratulations to them and all of the staff uh staff and uh faculty that is in Twin Towers. Um uh uh uh there's one one other thing. One other thing. Oh yes. Um uh on on tomorrow I'm going to have uh the honors I do every year to to go up to Albany and spend time uh with the My Brothers Keeper um program at the My Mother's Brothers Keeper Symposium on tomorrow. um a group of our group of our young men uh left on today so that they would be going up there and uh we're going to be inducting two new fellows that will uh step into that role on next year and celebrating the two fellows that are going to
049be graduating. So congratulations to them. When I come back we'll bring some more information uh along those lines. Uh there's one other thing that I want to address. You can put those pictures up. Um on Monday, on Monday I had the privilege of being uh uh going to Albany uh for the uh for the meeting uh the the May meeting of the uh board of regents uh New York State Department of Education. Our very own superintendent, Superintendent Amy Ceden, was invited to present at that meeting. She was uh one of three presenters. Uh one was from Boseis. Uh she represented school district and there was another building level um presenter as well. Uh and I want you to know that uh Mrs. Cedon did an amazing job at representing Middletown. Uh an amazing job at
050showing forth our programs. Uh and uh and they spoke very highly of Middletown. The board of the the the board of regions thinks very highly of Middletown and the things that have been accomplished over the years, not by one individual, but by the cooperative, um efforts of everybody, um from this board of education all the way across the board. It takes hard work. Nothing is done in a silo. And so, uh I I want to congratulate uh Superintendent Creed on representing Middletown and presenting in such a a wonderful fashion. I was proud to be sitting in the in the gallery. The reason the pictures were like that is because they have very strict rules. I couldn't stand up and uh and start snapping pictures and I didn't want to cause a commotion. But I'm very
051grateful that I was able to be uh there and to be able to experience such a wonderful presentation. She impressed she impressed on behalf of Middletown and all of us that are sitting here at this table. She impressed boards of regions, regions from all across the state. So, Middletown is on the map, has been on the map, and is still on the map. Thank you. >> Do we clap? Thank you. Great job, Amy. >> Ed, I feel like I skipped you. I'm sorry. >> Okay, that's okay. First, I want to start off the four minutes by having Dr. Connell mention his staff because I think they deserve a little round of applause too for putting the budget together with Dr. Connell. >> Absolutely. Thank you so much. So I I just want to say the
052all this work is a work of a of of an entire team a team of people who have I've relied on closely. Right next to me we have the payroll department. We have we have benefits. These is where people are constantly making sure that the numbers are accurate making sure that everything is thorough. I have to understand every contracts. My the HR team is extremely thorough making sure that every contract is is clean. Make sure I have a complete clear understanding. And then when we've worked together and we put all that together, I need the technology team who comes together and and and and make sure that everything that we're doing is communicated in our windcap system. But then I have an extensive team of business office people who are in Clemson House and they're
053making sure that I'm following Gazsby 101 making sure that the accounting principles are aligned and I I could sit here and name all of them and I'm trying to do it in a way that it's succinct but the work that I that I do and that we do together is extremely special because of the thoroughess, the detail and the skill that all of these people bring to the table. So thank you for the opportunity to do that. I am honored to work alongside them every day. >> So, I think it's important to have that. I do um want to congratulate all of our senior athletes uh during their senior night celebrations um throughout a variety of different sports. So, congratulations to all of them as all of our seniors get ready for graduation. Um I
054want to thank our community. Um we have an amazing community. Um, small city school districts have gone to public vote on its budget since 1996. We have been very fortunate in this community that they believe wholeheartedly in public education and have always voted um to pass our budgets. So, we want to thank you. Please know that every single year we uh take an eye out towards uh the tax levy and making sure Mr. Perino is always trying to make sure we keep in line in regards to that without compromising our programs because we were Dr. Eastwood always used to say that all of our kids will outshine everybody else's as long as we provide them the same support as other school communities give to theirs. So um kudos to them. I want to thank the
055community for coming out and supporting uh Mr. Rhett and myself and uh Mr. Freddy Williams as well. Um you know we had over a thousand voters this year. That's the first time that's happened since 2015. That's 11 years. Um I was fortunate enough with the amount of votes that was bestowed upon me. That's the highest vote total by an individual c candidate in 10 years. So that's despite very strong headwinds, some negative campaigning out there that question my integrity as well as many members of this board of education. Um we have a trustee sitting right here in our midst um questioning our graduation rates publicly um as if something's wrong with them instead of celebrating them. That's not good. I commend Mr. Moore who sending out an email to all board members today talking about
056turning the page and beginning to do that. The other side talked about transparency. Let's talk about transparency. I want the board to consider at the next meeting voting to approve to release the investigation. So that way we start our next school year with nothing of an albatross around our shoulders. Get it out there and start brand new come July 1. That's my challenge to this board. >> Thank you, Mr. Estrada. Uh Vice President Williams. >> Thank you. Good evening. Um I have an image Okay, just let me know when it's up. Is it okay? >> All right, so I'll get to talking about um it's an exciting night for me. Uh >> okay, so I'll jump back to this. Um I'm in uh constant communication with Tom Ricard. He's the current coach of the Orange
057uh County Community College basketball team who's been nationally ranked for like the last uh four years. an amazing job he's doing with that team. So, um I played for his father, Paul Ricard, and this is um this is an image for Paul Ricard's memorial scholarship golf outing um right here in West Hills uh country club. Um Paul Ricard was a special special man in in my life. Uh I came from high school, Pine Bush, and uh you know, he he recruited me over. I was recruited, you know, upstate um out of state. Um I was a real homebody. you know, I was kind of scared to leave home and um he had a great rapport um with my family members and uh guys that that came before me. So, you know, I gave it a
058shot and I I loved it. He's a he was a great man. Um he was uh definitely an enthusiast. Uh and his son Tom is just he's cut off the same cloth and I think that's why they run um great programs. So, um I clicked on the link this afternoon and most of the uh spots for the golf outing were actually full. they were sold out, which is an amazing thing. So, uh, you know, I tip my hat to, you know, Mr. Paul Ricard, rest in peace. He passed away years ago. And I tip my hat to Tom Ricard for doing an amazing job with these boys over there at Orange County Community College. Um, secondly, uh, tonight's an exciting night for me. Just earlier, I had to run and drop my son's overnight bag
059off. He's with, uh, he's with Mr. Kenneth Moore. Uh, I'm sorry, Kenneth Ward, uh, Everton Brown, and, um, our own Eden Lugo. They're up at the MBK symposium up in Albany. So, he was excited. Uh, he's the only freshman to go. There was another freshman that was supposed to go. Something happened. Permission slip. I don't know, you know, with these young kids. I don't know what happened, but he's excited. Um, and he's excited for the fellows and the seniors that are leaving. Um, it's a great great mentorship program. Um Everton Brown and Kenneth Ward are doing an amazing job along with my sister's keeper um with Miss Ortiz and Miss Rhett is doing an amazing job with with our young ones. Um so it was exciting. It was kind of like his first, you know,
060at bat with going away, you know, without me. I usually go to the symposium. Uh right. So, you know, I'm excited for him and I'm excited for the program. A lot of great programs going on within the district. And um I would also like uh to thank the community for coming out. Um as Mr. Estrada mentioned, it was record numbers. Um you know, the community spoke. Um I want to thank my running mates, uh Terry Randolph and Damon Scarabio. Um just great people. You know, I I had I had a really good time um campaigning with them and talking with them and building with them. Um you know, and they're not going anywhere. They're community members, right? They're here. um they're for the district and they're um you know just great people. So I want
061to thank them too for all their support as well amongst the community. Um it's my third term. You know will I go for another one after this? I'm not sure. Um but this was um you know it's it's a good feeling to feel valued uh by your own community and um you know matter what anyone says right >> no matter what the push is from anybody uh when the community speaks they speak. So, thank you, >> Mr. Mr. Williams. Um, what year did you play for for um for Coach Ricard? >> 9697. Fresh out of uh I'm sorry, 9798. >> So, that just goes to show how old I am because I played for him in 1983. >> Mhm. >> Yep. >> So, it passes it passes down. And you're absolutely right. He was an
062amazing coach, an amazing man who um helped people on and off the court. So, um, absolutely everybody, please, if you can support that effort. >> Okay, we're going to move on to committee report. >> Before we do, can I just make a comment? >> Sure. >> What Mr. Parino failed to tell any of us that those bottles all came from his private reserve of good wines. >> Oh, that's why he got it back. >> Thank you. Do we have any committee reports tonight, >> M? >> Yeah. Um, we unfortunately um had our policy meeting canceled this past Friday, so um we'll just have to reconvene and try to um put it together again. Okay. Um unfortunately due to unfort unfortunate circumstances at the last minute was canceled. So, we'll work on getting that information out
063to any of the members and um >> rescheduling. >> Yeah, we'll reschedule with um the district clerk. Yep. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Rhett. Let's move on. >> Can I just ask uh Mr. Rat a question? Um part of our discussions over the last few months was to um do some sort of policy that would involve the audit committee reviewing um Bosei stuff. Um, so I'm wondering if >> No, but we will put it we can put it on the agenda, the next agenda, and we'll have a conversation around that. >> Thank you. >> We're hoping to get one um in definitely before June, you know. Um Yeah. Okay. >> Actually, I actually have a question as well if if I if I could. I I know there's a lot there's a a lot
064of uh conversation right now and uh of development of policies concerning AI and um I know NISBA NISBA we've been working very diligently and very hard on um finding policies that can be u can be crafted uh for individual districts as well but that will cover a broad range of of different um possibilities and so I I don't know where we are as far as that's concerned, but um I would hope that we would have that on the radar. >> Yeah. Well, that definitely was going on the agenda. Um there was a great um workshop that was um uh last week and u we wanted to really talk about that in length. So, um you know, we're going to really we really need to get that in because it's very important. There's a lot of
065pros and cons as it pertains to AI and and they really need to be discussed so that we can see how we can move forward with either adjusting it, revising it or putting it into place where it can meet the needs of our students. >> Awesome. So, um, Superintendent Created, is there any firm or outlet that does AI audits, so to speak, where they can take a look at a district's where they stand, technology, everything, and and just come in and do an audit. >> We continue to lean on some of our contracted providers that we currently utilize to do audits on safety and security, um, like digital safety and security, not building safety and security. Um and that has um sparked some additional um protections that uh the director of technology Kevin Leonis has
066put in and I know that um AI and privacy policies is something that he's very in tune to and um some of the recommendations sparked um some uh system tracking of uh agreements that we have with outside vendors and agencies and how our data is um shared. So I think like the short answer is yes that he is regularly participating in um management of data security and privacy and utilizing both um contracted services as well as um a shared service with >> Boseies. >> Thank you. >> Y >> thank you all. Do we have any conference professional learning and educational matters we'd like to discuss tonight? Mr. Pino. Yeah, just a couple things that and this goes along with AI. Uh I've been reading quite a bit of uh about AI and you know there's
067now something of they call it physical AI where the robots are talking to other robots. Mhm. >> So, I don't know where this is going to lead and I don't know uh how it's going to affect education, but I would say perhaps we should have a an AI task force to see how this fits in and it it's supposed to fit in with the portrait of a graduate. So, uh, it's something that we can't avoid and I know we're all wary of that, including myself, but, uh, it's something that has to, it's something that has to happen at one point that we get involved in this. >> Yeah, I think that would be a really wonderful idea and could be something that the board considers as a part of the reorganization when they determine those
068committees that are annual committees versus the ad hoc committees. that is something that um I think that we would find a lot of um value in spending the year studying. >> And and the only other thing I've been reading quite a bit about is uh preschool education, prek education. >> And I kind of sum this up as the benefits are as follows as I see it. cognitive benefits, social emotional, language, communication, independence, responsibility, creativity. And I'm going fast here. Uh, but we can't do it now, I don't believe. But in the future, I would like to see us working toward a prek center as we have a middle school and a high school, a prek school. I don't know if that's possible. I don't know where the money would come from, but it's something to
069think about perhaps. >> Mr. Parino, I just wanted to so um Mr. Rhett and I were fortunate enough to run with uh Marcia Mirage and she had some great ideas very similar to what the city is trying to implement now with 2K 2 preK. >> Um and I think we had discussed that briefly with the superintendent that the the challenges with that isn't necessarily money as it is space right now, you know, space for those additional children. But I think it behooves us, you know, what we've done really well here as a as a school district is is learn to be creative and be out in front sometimes. So maybe something again when we reorg uh something to think about um because I I believe now that what's going on in the city has provided
070um the ability to find money from people who are um pro prek education. And if there's a school district that could benefit from very very early education, it is ours. Um, we talk about our testing scores at the lower grades. Um, we talk about the fact that we have a lot of English language learners that come in to the district and they're behind the ball on on on kindergarten level. If you remember when Dr. Eastwood was the superintendent, we had almost like a two-year kindergarten program for um certain students when they came aboard. So again, it was trying to get in front, be creative, trying to find a different way. So I think that's a great um suggestion and maybe, you know, develop something even if it's with a neighboring district or take a look
071with Boseies, but it's worth definitely the conversation um to do something in that realm. >> Yeah. And and that two-year um two-year program, two-year-old program is going very well in New York City. And um you know it's something that you know would be great to explore you know >> Gates money right or something like that >> something I don't know >> Ed off the top of my head and and not knowing anything or any but what about uh St. Joseph school there on you know that building I don't know if it's being used I don't know you know if it's vacant not vacant but if we're looking for a building and right in the city of Middletown just as I said off the top of the head without >> definitely worth talking about and looking
072into but somebody else told me that you know when you're bringing in two-year-olds now you got to talk about you know potty training and all of those other realms. So, there's a lot that goes around it, but um I think it's worth beginning the conversation, not necessarily that something might happen next year or in two years. This might be a fiveyear thing down the road. >> Here's here's what I understand and here's what here's what I understand um as it relates to I mean, we've always had a very strong relationship with our providers outside of the district um uh when it comes to prek. Uh but the bar has the bar has been shifted. Um and especially now as we're in the portrait of a graduate uh something something superintendent Cedan used a statement that
073she used when we were when we were in Albany on Monday uh was about the paintbrush and the finish finished product. um that all of this the prek and now with the bar being shifted the prek when it relates to uh to prek is all of those different things that's going to be leading to the finished product of graduation. And so, um, I think that I I I concur with with each and every one of you that's here that I think it's it's it's time for us to start the conversation, um, and start looking at the broader picture of where we go from here, especially in light of the fact that we're going to have, um, some challenges, but New York State itself is committed to making sure that our children are being educated. So,
074I think that's a plus for us. >> Yeah. And it's a great idea because um we need to, you know, move the needle, so to speak. You know, these kids are coming with a whole lot more. >> Absolutely. >> You know, and they're so much brighter. >> You know, I I have a 2-year-old granddaughter at home that we >> keep an eye on and she's >> we need to get her out of here. She needs to be in a school somewhere cuz she's she's just ready to go. >> And and all the experience that's sitting around this table. I mean, you've got so much experience sitting around this table to have this discussion from mental health professionals to to to business professionals to um uh uh finance fi finance uh individ to to uh educators.
075There's a there's a lot of experience and not just not just us, I mean there's experience within the district, but for us to have a really good intelligent and productive conversation as we're looking forward, I think everything is all the all of the elements are sitting here at this table right now. So, I'm I'm pretty um confident and positive that we'll be able to move forward at some point along those lines. And I think that the board will see that um at the next um public meeting on June 4th um when we present on some of the shifts that we're making um to kindergarten programming and what instruction will look like um we're going to be moving away from the specialist approach where um teachers teach only humanities or only STEM at the kindergarten level
076only um and moving more towards a generalist approach. just because we've done a look at what the data tells us and there isn't a significant shift at that early age because um cognitively our students need to have a sense of belonging and a sense of um commitment to a community inside a classroom. And so the switching that we're doing where kids are moving from one classroom to the next classroom um isn't really enabling it at this point is what we think our our theory is um to really fully actualize their academics. And so I think that um you know one of the things that I will push um in terms of the direction that maybe the teaching and learning committee takes over the next year is to do a real deep look at that. And
077I think what would parallel to that nicely is a look at how our prek programs are operating and where we can expand those specifically um we've done a lot of work with Mrs. Tagney and her team to think about how those prek learners who need special um circumstances, specialized instruction, we bring those back in district. That's where we know we do the best job. So, I think it's a really great um opportunity for us when we um reorganize and think about what the focus of that committee for the year is a great project. >> That'd be awesome. Thank you. Thank you for sharing that. I have one uh for for for u for NISBA for NISBA I I do u now now that the election's over and and we uh know who's sitting at the
078table uh I want the Lee convention leadership and um education event um that's being held July 24th and 25th in Albany um at the Desmond Hotel um registration is open and so I would encourage all of you we don't have to wait late Um, all of you that are desiring to go to that event, um, take time to get in touch with our district clerk so that we can get registered ahead of time and make preparation. >> Registration's open. It's open now. It's open now for for the uh, leadership and education event. And, um, uh, some of you have had the opportunity to go at different times. And I promise you it's it's it's different than the than the annual convention because it's smaller group of people and it's a little more intimate. And so
079it's a great opportunity not only that but also to network a little bit um a little bit better as well with other board members from around the state. So I encourage everybody um take some time and and go. It would be it would be beneficial. And then the annual the annual on the second um Dr. Dr. De Jesus mentioned it on the second is the annual um meeting uh of the Orange County School Board Association. Anybody that desires to go to that dinner, I'm probably going to I'm probably going to slip into the sneaker ball first and then leave and go go um over to the meeting as it'll be my last meeting. Um as as the president um be stepping down uh so that uh my vice president can can uh step up and
080uh move into that position. move in that position and move forward. I think I think it's um and it's going to be in Chester. I don't have the exact address or everything where >> Yeah. What date is that again, John? >> It's the 2nd of June. >> That's right. Yeah. >> It's Tuesday. Tuesday night, the second the 2nd of June. So, everybody everybody is invited. >> Can Can I suggest that we pay for our um student members to go if they want to? >> Yes. I think that I think >> it's if they want to because it's June, they're trying to graduate. So >> I I did mention it to them. >> I did mention it to them. So yeah. >> Okay. >> They're already invited. >> All right. Good. >> Yeah. >> That's to
081for the June 2nd. >> Yeah. >> So it's the same day. >> Yes. >> They said they will not be going that they will be at the sneaker. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's understandable. And that's understandable. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So >> Okay. Um I am going to share some upcoming dates and reminders. On May 21st, Presidential Park Orchestra concert at 6:30 in Middletown High School. May 25th, Memorial Day no school. May 26, kindergarten registration begins at the Maple Hill Annex central registration. May 27th, the Mont Hagen National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony at 6:30 at M at Mont Hagen Middle School. May 28th, the spring into wellness event, 5:30 to 7 pm at Presidential Park Elementary School. May 29, cultural day, all for all elementary schools. June 1st, Presidential Park fifth grade funday at Middletown
082High School. June 1st, Art Honor Society, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Middletown High School's media center. Um, June 2nd, the NJOTC end of year ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at Middletown High School. June 3rd, Maple Hill Fifth Grade Funday at Middletown High School. June 3rd, also scholarship night at 6:00 p.m. at Middletown High School. June 30, 6:30 p.m. at Manhagen Middle School. June 4th, Carter Band concert at Middletown High School. And also June 4th, our board of education meeting at 6:30 in the library media center. May I have a motion to >> So moved. >> He's going to be busy, busy, busy. >> Second. >> When is the Special Olympics? >> Is it after our meeting? After June 4th? If if it's after June. >> You didn't get cold. You usually have a jacket, dude. Um,
083if it's after June 4th, that's why it's not on our cuz we'll discuss. We'll we'll highlight it at our June 4th meeting, >> right? What date? You know, >> June. >> Okay. It's June 6th. >> June. >> Uhhuh. You going >> meeting, right? >> Uh, yes. We had a first, we had a second. Any discussion? All in favor? >> Any oppose? We go home. Rose. We have a meeting next