001Good evening and welcome to the Rochester Board of Education special meeting for our budget adoption. Today is Tuesday, May 12th and the time is 601. Uh again, tonight the board of education is holding a special meeting for the adoption of the 2627 budget. Before we um go into this conversation, I do need and would like to entertain a motion to convene briefly into executive session to discuss matters leading to the appointment, employment or removal of a particular person, matters permitted by section 105 of the opens meeting meetings law and or to receive the advice and counsel of our general counsel. Motion >> motion by vice president Malloy, >> seconded by commissioner McCullum. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? All right, we'll convene into executive session and we'll be back shortly. Uh we'll be here
002on the second I'm sorry, the third floor conference room. And thank you for your patience. Again, this is the Rochester City School District and we are reconvening. The time checks check at 6:23 and this is for our May 12th special meeting for the board budget adoption. We will now move forward with the adoption of the 2627 budget. We will hear remarks from Superintendent Roser followed by an opportunity for commissioners to provide brief remarks um and finally closing with a formal roll call vote. As a reminder, there will be no further questions from the board at this time. As you recall, we've had three deliberations, a budget discussion, as well as three opportunities uh to submit questions to the budget log. I am now going to turn the mic over to Superintendent Roser. >> Thank you
003very much, Board President. Good evening, commissioners, students, family, staff, and members of our community. Tonight, the board is being asked to take an important vote on the Rochester City School District's 26-27 budget, totaling approximately $1.2 billion. I want to acknowledge what we all know to be true. Given a budget shortfall of nearly $50 million, this has been a difficult budget process. No responsible budget comes without hard choices. The concerns raised by our members of our board and by our community and as as well as our students have been heard, respected, and taken seriously. Specific concerns have been raised about particular areas of the budget. That is understandable. Those areas matter because they affect people, programs, and school communities. This process required us to carefully assess whether programs and services are implemented consistently, appropriately, in alignment
004with required processes, commissioner regulations, and the law. Compliance is not separate from student support. It helps ensure services are delivered appropriately, consistently, and responsibly. The budget reflects months of work starting with our community and ending with the board of education and the administration. It has been reviewed, questioned, challenged, refined, and strengthened through public deliberation. It is not the work of one person or one office. It reflects a shared responsibilities to align resources with the needs of our students and the long-term stability of the district. At its core, the budget keeps students at its center. It strengthens instructions through school-based allocation, coaching and intervention supports, reading teachers, multilingual learner supports, and expanded prek programming. It expands student opportunity through career and technical education, college and career readiness, as well as student enrichment. It deepens the connection
005between school home and community through community schools, a new parent center, multilingual family supports, and stronger family engagement. Because we all know student success is strongest when schools and families are connected. It supports staff through professional learning, wellness initiatives, recruitment and retention efforts, and compensation equity. It strengthens the core operations our schools rely on every day so students and staff can focus on teaching, learning, and belonging. We also have to be honest about the road ahead. Our current lo long range forecast shows a potential gap of approximately $61 million next year. Given the financial outlook before us, it will require discipline and continued partnership between school, home, and community. Tonight, we have an opportunity to move forward with a budget grounded in the future we are building for Rochester City School District students. I respectfully
006ask the board to adopt the 2627 budget. >> Thank you, Superintendent Roser. Um, at this time, I'm going to open the deis for some brief remarks from commissioners. Remember, we do have time aotment um to our remarks and this will be prior to us taking the the formal vote. Um, I'm going to start off. My computer's restarting. But, um, I do want to just for the listening public and folks, um, who understand that this has been a very challenging, um, time frame and you have to consider uh, many of the the the flowing information we received in front of us. But also I want folks to recognize um the duty of the board of education from a lens of governance and that one of the fundamental fidiciary duties of a school board is to adopt
007a budget for the purposes of a financial plan to operate the school district. And because we had such challenges in the conversations we've had as a board of education around um conflicting decisions that have to be made, I did explore some direct conversations. I received information um from the legal department from the city of Rochester. I spoke to the New York State Education Department and spoke this morning um directly with Commissioner Betty Rosa to understand her appetite and direction. I also took the opportunity to speak with the executive director of the big five school districts because we are in a space where we again want to make sure that we're making the right decisions but that we are also responding to our fidiciary responsibility. One of the things I want to start with is that
008the city of Rochester, for example, we have a charter. We are not a small district. We do not have the opportunity to look at contingency budgets because I know some of that information is floated around. As a big five district, we are legally required to submit information and our deadline is May 14th, which is literally two days away. And so this helps them with their budget process. They need to have information from us. Um if not, it could impact labor laws, contractual requirements, and credit ratings, things of that nature. So there's a trickle effect to our inability to move forward. from the state education department. Commissioner Commissioner Rosa's appetite is as such that given our history here in Rochester, she is prepared to provide a citation to our state monitored. We are a state monitored
009district and our failure to adhere to our legal duty. She is also prepared to consider potential removal if it were to go in that direction. We are a big five state monitored district and we would be held in dereliction of duty. We are currently in a place where we could be considered inherently moving outside of the law and this could put us as a board of education in a place for state intervention and we may be a additional state intervention because the state monitor can be provided veto power. So there's additional state intervention that could happen and we may be unable to legally authorize expenditures and other obligations that we would need to fulfill as a school district. And as I move on with my comments, I will state finally that as an individual, I
010do want to recognize this who's worked with hundreds of Rochester's youth from homelessness to mental health, academics, gang affiliation, career and college services, mentorship, and as a person who was also once considered a person in need of supervision. I myself was a chronic runaway and what we might define as a atrisisk youth. I want to stop for a moment and commend and applaud every person who in good faith showed up on what's best for students, who in good faith stood and advocated for resources and essential supports. That does my heart good to know that there are people that show up on behalf of our students and want to see the right thing done for children. I also want to take a moment to caution our community to develop a critical lens around misinformation, salacious headlines,
011and exploitative exploitative agendas that are made on the backs of black and brown children in our community. And if we truly believe in saving our children, because I know that sometimes that is the the thought, I challenge us to first raise our expectations regarding our children. And I dare us to recognize their brilliance because to see someone you first have to recognize who they are. Rochester has been last on the list for quite some time academically and I would that we would consider the research that speaks to how academic performance correlates with social emotional well-being as well. So there are so many factors that we have to consider and I just wanted to express those pieces as I open the day for fellow commissioners to share their thoughts. I'm going to relinquish the mic to
012Vice President Malloy and Commissioner Griffin. I do see your hand. >> Thank you, President Simmons. Commissioners, colleagues, and members of our community. Tonight, we are faced with one of the most difficult responsibilities entrusted to us as members of the Rochester City School District Board of Education. Adopting a budget that reflects both the realities of our fiscal condition as well as the immense needs of our students. As commissioners, we have an obligation to fulfill our governance responsibilities by passing a budget and providing city council with an approved budget for the 2627 school year. And while many of us have serious concerns about specific programming and supports for students, we must also recognize the broader implications of failing to act tonight. I want to be clear that I've had major reservations surrounding social emotional supports, special education
013services, and supports for our English language learners. These concerns are valid and they reflect the voices of families, of educators, and community members who expect us to advocate for the students who rely most heavily on this district for stability, opportunity, and care. At the same time, I appreciate that the superintendent has been transparent about the need to pivot as circumstances evolve to ensure that student needs are met, particularly for our most at risk and vulnerable student populations. That commitment matters. However, as a governing body, we must continue to demand clear assurances, measurable outcomes, and accountability mechanisms to ensure students well-being and academic progress remain the central focus of every decision that we make. This board has adopted the council of the great city schools student outcome focused governance model. And with that comes a responsibility
014not only to establish academic goals, which we have done, but also to monitor progress toward those goals and evaluate the superintendent based on student outcomes. Budget decisions cannot exist in isolation from those commitments. And our financial decisions must align with our strategic plan, our academic priorities, and the measurable needs of our students. I understand the hesitation many members of this board feel regarding approval of this budget and the fiscal challenges facing RCSD are significant and in many ways unprecedented. We are balancing this budget through the use of fund balance reserves and we must acknowledge that our current financial footprint is not sustainable long term. Without careful restructuring efforts, strategic planning, and disciplined financial management, the district could face financial insolveny within the next five years. We also must recognize that failing to approve this budget
015tonight would create ripple effects far beyond this boardroom. Our decisions as a governing body affect not only our schools, but also the broader Rochester community. They can impact the city of Rochester's financial standing, credit ratings, and even our ability to maintain local control over public education in this city. Passing this budget does not mean ignoring concerns. It does not mean accepting the status quo. It means fulfilling our prescribed duties as commissioners while continuing to hold administration accountable for ensuring that resources are aligned to student needs. We can approve this budget with the clear expectation that the superintendent and administration will continue to pivot where necessary to protect student supports and academic outcomes. We can also use this year's experience as a catalyst to improve our budget development process moving forward. That process must begin on
016July 1st with clear e uh clearer expectations around transparency, alignment of resources to student outcomes, and stronger integration between the budget, the district strategic plan, and our progress monitoring work as a board. Our students deserve stability. They deserve the supports necessary to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Staffing challenges and resource allocation concerns can be addressed more effectively if we allow the superintendent and administrative team to operate with clear objectives and direction from this board while also maintaining accountability to the broader community we represent. Tonight, I believe we must uh meet our responsibilities for governance and financial accountability. We must act in the best interest of our students and our community even amid difficult circumstances. And for those reasons, I am prepared to support adoption of this budget while continuing to advocate aggressively for the supports
017and outcomes that our students deserve. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge and express my deep appreciation for the advocacy of our community organizations and the tireless work of our teachers, our par profofessionals, administrators, support staff, and all of the RCSD employees who work each and every day to make a difference in the lives of our students. Their commitment does not go unnoticed. Their continued advocacy for students, especially those with the greatest needs, is both necessary and helpful, impactful, rather. As an educational community, we recognize the value, the dedication of RCSD staff. We understand firsthand the challenges that our students face each day. It's critically important and the vocal concerns from our community and staff members regarding care and support for our most vulnerable student populations will continue to be listened to and
018held in the highest regard moving forward. We truly are in this together. Our shared responsibility is to ensure that every student in this district is supported, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed. And that work requires a lot of collaboration, honesty, accountability, and a collective commitment to do what is best for children. Thank you. Thank you, Vice President Malloy. Commissioner Griffin. >> Thank you, President Simmons. I'm ask guys to bear with me because my computers are not working right. So, I'm looking at the phone and the words are kind of small even with my glasses. So, if I stumble a little bit, bear with me. Um, good evening everyone. Um, I am Commissioner Griffin. The concerns raised regarding the Rochester City School District proposed budget extends far beyond isolated staffing reductions or line item changes.
019The larger issue before the board is rather the proposed budget demonstrates legal compliance, operational sustainability, academic alignment, transparency, and adherence to the board's stated goals and guard rails. A school district budget is not simply a financial document. It is the operational expression of district priorities, student protections, academic commitments, legal obligations, and governance accountability. Number one, stability versus contingency staffing. The administration's use of phrases such as additional structural staff if needed raises substantial governance concerns because contingency language does not provide the board or public with clarity regarding guaranteed staffing commitments. Critical questions. What schools, programs, and student populations are prioritized under contingency models? How does contingency staffing support continuity of instruction and student stability? How does the staffing structure align with board goals related to student achievement, graduation, pathways, and instructional consistency? Home hospital instruction. Number
020two, compliance. The unresolved concerns with regarding home hospital instructional services presents potential legal, instructional, and compliance risk. Critical questions. What contingency plans exist if staffing shortages occur? How does the district conduct a legal compliance review regarding medical fragile students and students protected under IDA section 504 or McKenna Vento provisions? What measurable outcomes demonstrates that the proposed staffing structure adequately supports student academic progress? Number three, counseling, psychological services, and social work reductions. The apparent contradictions between proposed reduction and later restorations funded through grant creators concerned regarding sustainability and transparency. Critical questions were where equity equity impacting analysis conducted before the proposing reductions. Which schools lose direct service under direct service assets under the proposal? How does this proposal align with district commitments regarding trauma and foreign practices? Chronic absenteeism, behavioral intervention, and mental health support. Structural
021deficit narrative. The district projected $61 million future deficit must be carefully contextualized to avoid presenting assumptions and uncertainties. The critical questions, what al alternative physical scenarios were modeled? How has the districts presented best case, moderate case, or worst case projections? What cost-saving alternatives would consider be what were considered before proposed student services reduction? How does the the district plan to avoid repeated annual structural instability park preK expansion analysis? The proposed $1.8 8 million prek expansion in Lincoln Park Center discussion appears to require substantially more operational analysis before conclusions can be reasonably accepted. Critical questions, what long-term operating costs are associated with this center? What academic outcome projections justify the investment? How does this expansion align with district enrollment trends and underutilized facilities? What alternative facilities are partnership models evaluated? Board goals and guardrails aligned. Most
022significant governance questions may be ultimately be be rather the proposed budget operationalizes the board stated goals and guard rails. Critical questions. How does the budget strengthen career pathways CTE graduation readiness literacy and student attendance? What measurable student outcomes are expected from each major investment [clears throat] area? What accountability measures will will the board receive quarterly? How does a budget improve the district-wide instructional quality? Number seven, governance, transparency, public trust, frequent revisions, technical coding changes, shifting staffing language, and involving narratives create governance concern regarding the transparenc transparency and stakeholder confidence. Critical questions. Why were major concerns not addressed earlier in the budget development process? Were school leaders, educators, counselors, parents, and frontline staff meaningfully consulted? What strategies can the board implement to effectively and independently validate administrative assumptions? Does the board possess does the board possess
023sufficient independent physical analysis capacity? In conclusion, the board's responsibility is not merely just to approve a balanced budget. The board must determine whether the proposed budget protects students rights, complies with state regulations, advances academic outcomes, aligns with and adopts board goals and guard rails, supports long-term sustainability, maintains public trust, and ensures equitable student access to instructional and support services. The current concerns raised by educators, advocates, and community stakeholders suggest the board should require substantially deeper operational, legal, instructional, and physical analysis before final adoption. I yield. I do not agree with passing this budget. Thank you, Commissioner Griffith. Were there any other commissioners that were looking to render a statement at this time? We have Commissioner Santiago. Good evening um board of education, Rochester public, our students and our parents and our teachers. Uh tonight I
024am voting no on the proposed RCSD 2026 through 2027 budget because our students deserve more than cuts, uncertainties, and a lack of transparency. I cannot support a budget that reduces critical mental health services for students at a time when young people are facing unprecedented emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. Mental health support is not an extra. It is not optional. It is a core part of education. Students cannot learn, grow, or succeed when their emotional well-being is ignored. counselors, social workers, restorative supports and intervention programs saves lives. Strengthening Q it strengthens our school communities and it helps students remain connected to their education. I'm also especially concerned about the impacts that the budget will have on our special education students. Our most vulnerable young people are already facing barriers within this system and reducing supports only
025will deepen those inequities. Students deserve Students deserve and families deserve to know that their child will receive the services, resources, and stability that they are legally and morally entitled to. I am also deeply troubled by the lack of transparency throughout this budget process. Our community has repeatedly asked for clear answers, detailed explanations, and meaningful engagement. Yet, too many questions remain unanswered. families, educators, staff, and community members deserves honesty and accountability when decisions are being made that will directly impact our children's future. I also have major concerns about the proposed cuts to food services, how they will impact the quality of meals our students receive. For many children and students, school meals are a major source of their daily nutrition, and hungry students cannot fully focus on their academics. Cut to food services risk risk reducing
026healthy options and placing even more strain on our staff while many families in our community are already facing food and insecurities. If we truly value the success of our students, then we must invest in our students. A budget is a reflection of priorities. If we say that we value children, equity, and opportunity, then our investments and our votes must reflect that. If we say that we care about our community showing up and speaking and advocating, if we say that we care about our students showing up, speaking and advocating, our parents showing up, speaking and advocating, then our actions will show that. And tonight, we'll see that with this vote. Our children are not line items. They are human beings and they deserve a school system that invests in their success, their mental health, and their
027future. My vote on this budget is a no. And my hope is that this budget does not pass in its current form. If it does pass, it gives if it doesn't pass, it gives us the opportunity to take more time to re-evaluate these cuts, reduce the harms that they may cause to our students, and provide the community with true transparency, communication, and clear plans on how we will attack the issues that we face. And lastly, I cannot sit here and handle the fear-mongering that has been put onto our community about the state taking over, city council taking over. It is not factual. We don't know what the ne we don't know. We don't know what the next steps are as far as how the state will intervene. But to say that the commissioner is already
028looking at options of removal and options of stepping in, if you didn't hear that from the commissioner, I don't seem that to be true. Honestly, >> I spoke to the commissioner directly. >> I still have my time. Thank you. >> I spoke to the commissioner. Thank you. >> And so, as we have these conversations today, I hope that the community's values are truly reflected on the vote and the board's vote tonight. Uh, and I appreciate everybody who has shown up and I will follow what this community wants and what this community is asking for. And tonight, my vote is a no. Thank you, >> Commissioner Santiago. Were any other other commissioners at this end of the day interested in making a statement at this time? >> Hold on. Did at this end of this day?
029>> Yeah. >> Okay. Commissioner Fman. >> Sorry guys. a lot. And whenever school people talk, I have to catch up >> as I lose my hearing, I have to catch up on all the reading and as more people talk and as the thing gets out, I'm still catching up on reading um what was said. So, um if you want to go ahead. Okay. Okay. I'm going to go. So, as a parent and an advocate for the last 10 years, all I've wanted to do is blow the system up because it doesn't make sense. When I came here as a commissioner, I realized that it is not five lives in my in my household that I have to take care of. It's 24,000 kids that I have to take care of. And as I just lost
030my job due to a budget in the city, I really started to renegotiate and look at my own budget. And I realized it's not my budget I just have to look at. It's my budget and my neighbors budget and my neighbors budget and my neighbors budget and my neighbors budget. And I really started thinking about what I needed to do for the district. And I'm not just a parent when I sit up here, but I'll always be a parent when I sit up here. But I need to make sure that there's stability in the district. I have witnessed too much turnover and too many things that are taking place. And I am going to vote for an adoption of this budget so that we can so that we can move it forward to make sure
031that we can submit it to city hall and while we wait for the state to get their approval. Thank you, Commissioner Feman. Commissioner LeBron. Good evening, everybody. Um, I want to be clear that from the beginning that this is not about assigning blame, attacking the administration, um, or dismissing the difficult financial realities facing this district. We all understand the pressures before us. We understand declining enrollment, fiscal uncertainty, rising operational costs, and instability at the federal and state level. Those realities are real. You hear me talk about them all the time. I am wellversed on those issues. Um, but I want to acknowledge that financial pressure does not absolve this board of its legal and governance responsibilities and that where this process has failed is that this budget is not transparent. It does not make sense
032and it is not tied directly to any academic goals or achievements set forth by this board. This proposed budget attempts to make too many sweeping structural changes all at once without sufficient stakeholder engagement, implementation, planning, operational safeguards, or demonstrated sustainability. We have no idea. It asks this board to approve major shifts that are going to impact students, family, and staff while at the same time reducing critical uh support structures that directly affect academic achievement, student stability, and school climate. We cannot claim to prioritize student outcomes while proposing reductions that weaken the very systems that our students rely on to access learning. And we cannot say relationships matter while moving forward without meaningful engagement from the people most impacted. And we cannot call this responsible governance if the board is expected to rubber stamp decisions that
033were never adequately vetted publicly. Under our governance model, the superintendent manages operations, but the board is responsible for the oversight, accountability, fiscal stewardship, and ensuring community voice is incorporated into major district decisions. That is one of the guard rails that this board set with the new governance model that they themselves are failing to do tonight. and the hypocrisy. Guard rails exist for a reason. They are not symbolic and they are intended to prevent exactly this type of overreach and instability that the superintendent is proposing in this budget. And most importantly, will this actually improve academic outcomes for students? No. Because if we are honest, that answer now is no. The current proposal creates instability across multiple areas, reductions to social workers and support systems, changes to guidance and student services, restructuring of prek programs and
034leadership, expansion initiatives without demonstrated operational readiness, school modernization disruptions that will occur, and district-wide changes that require far more phase planning than what has been presented in three weeks. This is not strategic sequencing. This is overload. And history tells us what happened when this particular organization attempts too many changes too quickly without infrastructure to support it. Implementation fails, trust erodess, staffing instability increases, and the district spends future years trying to repair those consequences with additional costs. So what's cheap now will cost us more later. None of this leads to academic achievement. And students who are navigating trauma, poverty, housing instability, mental health challenges, violence, and chronic absenteeism do not benefit when support systems are destabilized all at once. Schools do not improve simply because we reorganize structures on paper and outcomes improve when there is
035consistency, trust, planning, support, and sustainable implementation. The board cannot ignore the broader national climate we are operating within. Federal education funding remains uncertain. Economic pressures continue to shift. We are at war. Potential impacts from federal budget actions and policy changes are still unfolding nationwide. And this is precisely the wrong time to overextend this district and staffing and operationals and and switching everything up. So, I want to be clear. Voting against this budget is not obstruction. Voting against this budget is governance. Vote if it is the board is exercising the lawful fidiciary responsibility to demand a budget that is realistic, transparent, sustainable, legally sound, and operational executable. A no vote is not a rejection of progress. It is a rejection of insufficient planning. It is a statement that this board takes seriously its obligation to the
036public, to the students, to the staff, and its and to the long-term financial health of this district. The district does not need performative transformation. It needs disciplined leadership. It needs strategic sequencing and it needs governance with guard rails. And above all, it needs honesty about what can be realistically achieved in a single fiscal year without causing harm to the very students we are sworn to serve. I'm I'mma wrap up right now, but I do have to put this on record in regards to Commissioner Roses. >> The board president just stated that the state commissioner made a threat to RCSD commissioners if we do not vote on this budget. And I just want to put that on record because the board president said that Betty Rosa, our state department of education, has threatened this board. And
037let me just be clear. We as board members are not here to rubber stamp a budget. And that has been the message over and over and over again. And that's why no one knows. But we are not here. We are right. And this is I am speaking to [clears throat] a motion for record. So we are elected to enterain motion for recess analyze. But it is the responsibility by commission to pass a budgetally sound that makes and that is not and this in this time right now threatening elected officials either implicitly or explicitly through the B president with removal, sanctions or state intervention, which we already have, does not feel like informed consent that we have a right to vote for this budget the way we need to. And it feels like coerc pressure. And
038I needed to put it that on record because we have a board president saying that the state commissioner is telling commissioners to vote yes on a budget that is not legally sound and that they themselves all can't stand on and that needs to be on record and everybody listening tonight should be outraged that that is what the state commissioner. >> Did we go on recess already? Cuz I thought we um said a recess >> at this point. >> That doesn't matter. >> Come on. >> That doesn't matter. Tom, are we still running the feed? Okay, so your time is done and I appreciate your comments. Thank you, Commissioner LeBron. And for the record, because we're putting things on record, at no point did I, the board president, state that I was threatened or that our
039board was threatened. >> What I did, you you explicitly implied that the commissioner of the education department of what I said. I will restate what I said. to the board that if we are to vote this budget down that we're going to >> restate what I said and I can do that without your support or help. >> Uh commissioners, uh was there a recess vote? >> There was a recess vote. I wasn't clear on all the folks that wanted to take it and he didn't stop the feed. So >> and and I say that because I don't want us to be outside of open memes. >> So why don't we just formally at this >> you were you were running your mouth and you didn't hear it. >> So You motioned. Who second? >> He
040motioned and vice president second. >> That's why we stayed here. >> So, but >> so Commissioner LeBron, I know that this is your caveat and I appreciate what you say, you know, and I do think that it is important that we do move without hypocrisy. You know, that means staying at meetings, that means being present, that means uh actually exercising our roles as commissioners consistently, not only when it's convenient. So when we want to talk about hypocrisy, let's really talk about those things. Telling you as your general counsel to your point there's a there's a motion excuse me there is a there is a motion on the floor for reasoning for she is telling the you can say there's no objection threatened all the board members with removal. >> That's not that's not accurate and
041this budget. So this is an example of assation clear down budget. So >> again if you can say if there is no objection then the board is in recess and if there >> is there an objection for recess because I never got that clarity. I >> and then if not then the board is in recess. >> Yep. >> Where's the votes? >> Do we you said that Vice President Malloy said that but I need the other folks >> and if Well, she walked out then that is the recess. That's four votes. Okay. >> If she walked out, she didn't vote. If she walked out, she >> general counsel, >> did she did she walk out after voting yes or does she >> Okay. Well, then we'll just reconvene. It's okay because I'm good. So, um,
042but because we're on record and I I do want to apologize to the community because I do hold myself in high regard and I try to maintain some level of decorum here on the deis. Um because I do believe that when we're talking about representing children uh school community and operations and things of that nature that there is a level of respect that we must dictate up here and it doesn't mean that respect is without passion and it's not without conviction. And so I want to respect the space of our commissioners. However, I do not want words put in my mouth. I do want to say that again my statement was and I'll state it on record and you can interpret it as you will but do not I not I didn't interrupt you until
043you went over your time. This is my time and I'm not going to continue in this manner because let me tell you all something. This is the history of the Rochester City School District. This level of dysfunction. This is the history of the Rochester City School District who in a number of years we haven't seen children reading, writing, doing math >> and they've always passed a budget and they passed a budget for that very reason notion that we always have to pass. >> I know exactly what I am passed a budget that later hard students and I do want to >> if we want to do something different the board down >> and we need to get patted on the head and all of those things and I hope that that's okay. But what I
044do want to state on record is that I did reach out to the New York State of uh Department of Education and I did have the opportunity to speak with Commissioner Betty Rosa and what I will not allow is for the disrespect concerning her conversation with me and what Commissioner Rosa expressed from my question which was where do we stand? And so there was an outreach to legal and there was clarification that one of our roles and responsibilities is to pass an adopted budget. And to pass an adopted budget, just to be clear and on record, does not mean that we're not looking at the ramifications of that budget that we're not having conversations around the concerns and how that impacts our families and our students. But however, that is a core responsibility and I
045appreciate you because I think that it's important to advocate. But as I stated earlier, we want to watch how we uh advocate and really stand in this gap for students, how we see our students and how we understand them. She also stated that we are a big five state monitor district that did not only come from her but other resources that I mentioned earlier also that our failure to adopt this budget that there could be potentially a citation. We are looking at potential removal, these type of things because we have the fidiciary responsibility. So, I know that passions are high and I respect where you are and I respect where my commissioners are with certain things. At this point, we have heard comments from Commissioner Griffin. We have heard comments from Vice President Malloy, Commissioner
046Santiago, um Commissioner Lebron, Commissioner Feman has rendered her statement. And we have um Commissioner McCulla um did you have any statements that you would like to render? Thank you. >> Okay. So, I'm going to speak about what I found important to me about this budget as a special education certified teacher, administrator, former principal, and understanding what it means to serve our most vulnerable students. The discussion around honoring our sixto one special education settings is an important step in the right direction for our students and our families. Our children who require those levels of support deserve access to the most appropriate educational settings based on their needs, not the limitations within the system. At the same time, it is important that we recognize pivots and pivots do happen in large districts and we should not keep
047that out of what it is that we're doing because things pivots, changes can still happen. As commissioners, it is our responsibility to continue to monitor, ask questions, and hold administration accountable for how resources are spent and how services are delivered to ensure students outcome goals are actually being met. It is also with the understanding that a full review and audit of not just the special education department but other departments must take place so we can ensure as both a district and as a board that we are not simply remaining in compliance but that we are truly supporting some of our most vulnerable and all of our students with the quality of services and protections that they deserve. serve. The discussion raised around our special education students and this budget and their settings and other important
048aspects do reflect keeping students needs at the center of decisions and ensuring that there is long-term accountability moving forward. As a board, it is on us to ensure that we are holding those accountable. That is the key word. Holding them accountable for what they say they're going to do. And through this budget and through our actions is what we have to do is hold them accountable. Not argue amongst ourselves, but hold the people accountable. That is why I came here. That is why we are here. And if we can't do that, then what are we here for? Thank you. >> Thank you. And so you don't you're not required to provide a a vote until we call for the vote. Um so I know that folks uh provided that information for their choice, but we
049have not reached that. So, at this time, I'd like to entertain a motion uh for resolution 606 to approve u the and adopt the proposed budget estimates for 2026 27. >> I would like before we do that, um Dr. Roser, >> yeah, I would like to request to amend the proposed budget allocations for the 2627 fiscal year. The overall budget estimate is unchanged as it is and it was listed correctly in the resolution. Um there's just some um information that was not um updated from the previous year. >> Okay. So there's a request on the floor from Dr. Roser to amend the proposed budget and so did you want to offer um >> Yeah. Yeah. There was just information that was uploaded that reflected the budget, but the overall amount is correct. We just need
050to have approval on the amendment so that what's reflected in the is correct. >> I just I just have to put this on record because the last time we were here in 2019 with Barbara Dean Williams doing a a budget amendment on the floor that budget had a deficit and those numbers were incorrect. I just want have to put that on record today too. So >> this is not how you do a budget doing an amendment right at the final hour of a vote. >> Okay. And so this is >> okay. All right. So I want to entertain a motion >> for the amendment of the 2026 uh resolution 606. >> So move moved by Vice President Malloy. We need a second. Is >> there a second? We're um is there a second the amendment?
051Commissioner Fman. All in favor for the amendment. >> I I >> post >> have that on record. >> I >> they don't know and they don't know what the impact of that amendment actually means, but they're going to vote for it. Just so everybody knows. >> Can Dr. Roser maybe explain what that is one more time, please? >> Explain that any further. >> Self-explanatory. Okay. They don't know. They still don't know. And >> if you can restate what the purpose of the amendment is for folks that are listening while the in misinformation is rendered. >> Yeah, there was information that was posted numbers. >> Yeah. Go ahead. President. >> Well, uh, Commissioner Lebron, I do appreciate your comments. However, I'm asking the superintendent to provide his clarification. Thank you. >> Yeah, there's information that was
052posted from the 2526 budget. somehow it carried over from last year even though there was activity to change the information in the system. What was actually produced in the system reflects some numbers from 2526. So the amendment is simply to make the amendments to those areas that reflect the 2526 budget process to then reflect the 2627 fiscal budget. Thank you, Dr. Roser. Okay, with that, I'd like to entertain a motion to approve and adopt a proposed budget estimate for 2627. >> I'd like to make a friend a friendly amendment to the resol resolution. >> Okay. Before we do that, and I hear I do hear [clears throat] you, I'm going to make sure that we get the amendment that has been rendered. So, um, right now we have the motion on the table to entertain
053a motion for the 2627 fiscal year, uh, budget as amended. >> So moved. >> Moved by Vice President Malloy. >> Seconded by Commissioner Feman. All in favor of the um, >> the amendment to the budget? Nay. minutes. >> So, I already had you all uh with the vote to amend the budget, which was motioned by Vice President Malloy, seconded by Commissioner Fman. All were in favor with the exception of Commissioner LeBron. >> And so, >> oh, and Santiago, >> I vote in they also >> and then I hear you moving forward to the final vote, but Commissioner >> Okay. So, >> making sure we have the amendment on record. So, we do have that. And then I wanted once I have that clarified, I then wanted to give the mic to Commissioner Feman who was
054asking to um propose something. I'd like to propose a friend a friendly amendment to the be added to the resolution that we adopt the draft proposed budget for submission to city hall resolved upon that approval of state budget. A revised final draft budget that addresses the priorities of the board, the district academic, financial and strategic plans will be presented to the board for deliberation and final adoption. and commissioner um state monitors that that's good. Okay. So with that said um entertaining a motion for the 2627 fiscally fiscal year amended budget with um Commissioner Feman's suggestion or amendment to that budget. >> So moved >> by Vice President Malloy, >> seconded by Commissioner McCulla. can get some clarification because that's what I was just right now things aren't making sense to us or the public and
055so I'm I'm very interested on how the votes are going and >> this I'm trying to understand what we're doing here at this point. Can you repeat [laughter] I I just want a little clarity. Dr. Fman, what are you trying to propose as a draft budget? So the state hasn't finalized their budget. That is correct. >> So there are not complete numbers yet. And one of the things that we have is we know that there is not complete information. >> And we have to further this process so that city council can then approve it so that we don't have further issues. >> No. See, this is I thought that's what you said. We don't have to approve it. >> We don't have to. But I that is your decision and I will not weigh you
056either way. But you don't have to approve anything. It's your vote. It's your mind. It's your decision. And I I'm just going to say public for the record when you vote for something. If you can sleep at night and not toss and turn, then you you go for it. But if I can't sleep at night with a vote, then I'm I'm going to do what I need to do. So I'm able to sleep and rest. >> I appreciate the comments. We are assured of your vote. That's all. I appreciate you need to do an amendment or do anything like that. >> Okay, we're we're way off at this point and I agree. So, we have this on the table and entertaining a motion for Commissioner Fineman's amendment. >> I'm sorry. I still need clarity on
057what the actual amendment is because >> Did you restate it? >> Did you want before she restate it? What I've heard from her, >> state monitor, >> what I've heard from her right now based off what Jackie just tried to sum up was you're saying that because the governor, let me just say, I've been on the board eight years. We've had budgets from the state passed on time and budgets not passed on time from the state. It has nothing to do with RCSD. There is not going to be any multi-millions that are reinstated from Kathy all of a sudden last minute. It's not happening. And what really is frustrating is the appeal. >> So I'm gonna just work on I think we are I don't even like doing this but I want to budget changes
058will be one to three% and the it is the ability of the administration to know that >> surrender a statement for clarity. So I don't mind commissioners asking for statements of clarity. However, we're going on these these pieces to control, >> but I would like I facilitate the conversation >> and you call on me and that's my time on interrupt you. >> Commissioner Lebron, you were not called on. Who I called on was the state asking for it. >> No, I called on Commissioner Griffin and then just now I asked the state monitor to provide clarity. So, I'm going to ask you to render the mic so that the state monitor can provide. >> But you should provide it as the board president cuz you're prepared to vote on an amendment. You don't even understand
059what's happening right now. >> That's not true. I just don't have to dance to your tune. So you can clap if you'd like, but I I don't have to dance. You You don't dictate that to me in plain >> language. What's happening right now? >> And this is your behavior for a number of years. Your behavior has held this board hostage. They're not moved by it. At this time, I have asked >> Listen, you don't have children or grandchildren in this district? I do. My grandchildren are in this school. My daughter's in this school. You go through >> we go through. Can I Can I ask for a recess? I don't want to ask permission. >> COMMISSIONERS IMPACT MY CHILDREN, MY GRANDCHILDREN. >> Motion to recess. Motion to recess. Yes, we'll recess because we need
060to get to There has to be a vote for recess. There has to be a vote for recess. >> And you said yes. And who else said it? Because I'm agreeing with you because he made the motion. He made the motion. Not myself. Commissioner McCulla made the motion. Vice President Mallaloy seconded. I am green. Commissioner Feman, we So that's four. That's how that's how it works. And so, like I said, we will recess and we'll cut the feed at this and welcome back to the Rochester Board of Education. This is the uh May 12th [snorts] budget conversation or adoption, should I say, and we are reconvening after a recess to continue the conversation regarding our budget vote. At this time, the state monitor was going to render an explanation um for Commissioner Feman's um amendment
061that she was suggesting to provide clarity. >> Thank you, President Simmons. Uh my understanding for this uh recommendation is that the board of education has to submit a budget to the city by the 14th, which is this coming Thursday. This is saying that it's approving the amount that the superintendent shared before to be sent to the city and once the state budget is approved because the state budget has not been approved for the superintendent and the administration to bring the budget back to the board for final approval. That means that if there are more revenues from the state for the superintendent and the administration to explain again to the board, to the public, to the staff, how is that funding going to be used based on the priorities of the district. >> Okay. Thank you
062uh for that. The motion is on the floor. Um, and so we've had the discussion and I'd like to know who is in favor of the motion submitted by Commissioner Fman. I need to vocally hear folks so that I'm not guessing nods and things of that. I'm just trying to keep up. Thank you. >> I uh and Commissioner Fman and I. So, uh, any opposed? >> Okay. All in favor? We have eyes. And >> I I abstain because I I don't even know what's going on. I hear you, but I'm I'm going to abstain. I'm not going to vote. I'm not gonna say no or yes. I don't I don't understand what's going on here >> and I'm not going to vote. >> Okay. You're not able to legally abstain, but I'm gonna move on
063with the meeting. Um how does that work, general counsel, as far as abstaining from a vote? >> That's the story of our life. >> Um board members are not um allowed to abstain unless it is a a conflict of interest. um or unless there is some breaking of the law that the board member is aware of and that vote would be a breaking of the law. Um I'm not aware of any. Um so um pursuant to the board's own bylaws, there is no um abstension. Um unless commissioner you can identify a conflict of interest. Um I is there a what? My conflict is I don't understand what we're voting on and so I'm not going to vote. Like that's my conflict. And everybody else who voted, I mean, unless they had conversations beforehand behind closed
064doors about this, they don't understand what they're voting on either. >> It's presumptuous to make assumptions. However, I'm not obligated to um do that. What I will say though is I respect your position. Um and you do have the option to say no. Um but we've we've taken that particular vote and at this time uh we are going to do a roll call vote. I believe we're there clerk on the um adoption of the budget. Is that >> did we do that yet? I thought that we did >> say that again. >> We did say >> the motion that because um we Yes, we did that and everyone said all in favor and commissioner Santiago. That's why we're having that conversation because he was not comfortable with that respectfully. And so at this time, um
065I do believe we've made it to the roll call portion of the budget adoption. I'm going to turn the mic over to clerk win. At this time, >> do you need a motion first to to vote on the budget as amended? Because you just had another amendment. >> Yes, we did. So, at this time, I'd like to entertain a motion to vote on the budget as amended. >> Motion by Vice President Malloy, seconded by Commissioner McCulla. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay. And I do want to for the record ask that the audience I do understand the passions there. Um also the board can move with a quorum which requires four and so commissioners should be back on the deis or at the public hearing um position there but you can
066move forward legally with four folks there. So I just wanted to make sure we have clarity but whomever is speaking from the audience I do respectfully ask that you allow this meeting to continue. Um and I do understand your passions and I appreciate that. Thank you. Um at this time I'm going to what what else do you need from us clerk so that we can move forward with this? >> The last um vote I have is that Vice President Malloy followed by Commissioner McCulla um motion to vote excuse me adopt the budget as amended. And so now you have your roll call vote. >> Okay. So at this time we are now at a roll call vote. And I'm going to turn the um deis over to clerk win for the roll call. >> Commissioner
067Feman. Commissioner Feman, how do you vote for the budget? >> For the budget, yes. >> Commissioner Griffin. >> No. >> Commissioner LeBron, >> no. >> Commissioner, >> yes. >> Commissioner, >> yes. >> Commissioner Santiago, >> no. >> Commissioner Simmons, >> yes. Okay, >> the vote passes 43. Thank >> you. All right, with that said, um we are now at the close of this particular meeting. Um there will be a 15minute recess and then we will reconvene for our work session entertaining a motion to exit the budget adoption meeting. >> Motion by Commissioner um McCulla, seconded by work session >> Vice President Malloy. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Okay, thank you. >> All right, I'm leaving. Good evening and welcome to the Rochester City School District Board of Education May 12th work session. The
068time is 7:44. Um, at this time we're going to call the meeting to order and we have a we're going to go with the denoted agenda at this time. I'm going to turn um this agenda over to clerk win to speak about the denoted uh changes that we're looking at. >> Thank you, President Simmons. Um in light of the time and the busyiness of the evening, it is recommended that you all move some of the items on this agenda to um subsequent meetings being the May work session, excuse me, the May business meeting and the June work session. And then there are several items that you must um kind of address tonight. And so I can just Would you like me to run through um President Simmons what tonight's agenda would look like? >> Okay.
069So um for tonight you all would need to discuss Hold on one moment. I'm sorry. Our board docs is moving a little slow. Okay. Um, you would need to discuss items 2 A and B which are resolutions. You would need to discuss item 3B which is first readings of the code of conduct. So that can continue to move through the reading process. You would need to discuss items 4, B, and C, which are academic resolution review, and then the motion to move those to the consent agenda, along with items 5, A, and B, which are the administrative support resolutions, um, and motion to move those forward to the consent agenda. The balance of the items on the work session agenda is recommended be split between the May business meeting and the June work session. >>
070Okay. Thank you, Clerk Win. So, I'd like to entertain a motion um to adjust tonight's work session as stated by the items um clerk when spoke to. And we have a motion from Commissioner Griffin, a second by Vice President Malloy. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. The motion carries. And so with that, uh we're going to take a look at the consideration of resolutions. We're going to start with uh entertaining a motion for uh resolution 605. >> So moved. >> Moved by Vice President Malloy. >> Seconded by Commissioner Griffin. Um open for discussion or >> No, it's not open for discussion. All in favor of resolution 605. >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Motion carries. Um >> we have the capital improvement program for 2026 27. This is for authorization
071of funding resolution 607. >> So moved. >> Moved by Vice President Mallaloy. >> Seconded by Commissioner McCulla. I >> I >> um I have a comment about this. >> Okay. Okay. We'll open it for discussion. Excuse me. For the resolution 607 we're looking at. >> Commissioner LeBron said we're looking at resolution 607. You said you had a comment. We can't hear you. >> Yeah. Can you hear me? >> We can hear you now. >> Okay. Um, yeah. Um, yeah. I'm asking for clarification because I'm driving my daughter to get dinner if this is the the chip the CIP. >> Yes. Resolution 607 is for the capital improvement program. >> Yeah. Um, well, it's not a program. It is part of the budget and there needed to be a board presentation and an understanding of what
072projects the chip this year was going to be focused on and paying for. And you all are voting again on another budget item that you have no idea what is in there and how is going to be implemented impacted and what we're using our $10 million that are required from the city of Rochester to put into this. And we cannot go back right now and say what we we have no idea what's in there. I just have to put that on record because there's going to definitely be additional conversations with New York State, the Department of Education, especially at the comments that you put on record tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. Have you all taken a look at the um the information provided regarding what we are actually voting on with the dollar amounts
073and the schools associated with it. I do believe those things are present in here. Do commissioners have questions regarding um the content that is available to us? >> I would with this um I do remember this actually. This is the isn't this coming out of the uh general fund? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> This is part of the budget. >> Yeah. Yeah, it's a part of the budget and it's coming out of the general fund and and and this I guess with this particular uh piece of the budget I had a lot of questions with because um these these some of these things could have been put off and not done at at the present time and and and maintain the stabilities of of other of our social workers and our counselors. This is this
074is part of the piece that I had a problem with because these things if they're not if if it's a safety issue, I get it. But with with the approval of you got this is $22 million. So, if we looked at this with a fine tooth comb, what what actual items are safety issues and what items could we have just put put on the back burner until we made sure and made sure that we had all of our social workers and and those those other pieces that we have that you know I just don't understand. >> Thank you, Commissioner Griffin. And so just for the general public that's listening in um on board docs, the information is publicly facing and available to provide an itemized list of all dollars allocated to this particular piece. So
075it's it's not just a random um resolution. And so I'm going to give the mic to uh Superintendent Rosa right now so that we may >> Yeah, I'm gonna have um Chief Scott come up and and revisit with the board things that were discussed in previous meetings um related to our CIP um projects. Chief Scott, >> just have to say respectfully that that is I'm sorry. If I can just call this to order this evening. I just would like to call this to e this order to this this meeting. I should I call it a meeting? But I'd like to refer to it as a meeting and I'd like to call it to order. And uh the superintendent has asked u we had some questions on the floor and um we have Chief Scott who
076is here to provide some conversation. Commissioner Mallaloy and and then you have a a question as well. >> Can I can I before he >> Not not at this time. Um, well, I just don't because I know what this is about. That's all I'm saying. >> I understand. I understand. >> My concern, >> Commissioner Griffin, we may call this meeting to order. I know that this has been the history, but I just I really come against it right now. I just want to be >> I'm not going to not let you speak. I'm asking the superintendent to allow for any clarity for other commissioners that may want it. This is not for just you. And then if you would like to speak after that, I will call on you. I'm just trying to allow the
077meeting to move. >> Not going to be able to answer my question. This is more direct. >> Yes, sir. >> Chief Scott, can you please provide and revisit things that we've discussed with the board? >> Uh, yes. Um, thank you. Um, commissioners, the capital improvement program, um, which is in the actual budget, is all pro all programs or not even necessary programs, but dollars that go into our buildings in order for us to make sure that we can maintain, of course, uh, safeguarding all of our buildings with boilers. Um, these are dollars that are provided, um, which actually is is is all aidable, um, funds as well. But these um projects which which are listed um throughout and I can certainly if you don't have a copy just make sure that each commissioner does have
078a copy along with an illustration of what is taking place. But honestly, if the dollars don't go into um these capital projects, we will be faced with possibly not being able to operationalize or actually open some of these buildings um throughout the year. So, our our boilers are certainly at a um in all of the locations that we have boiler um upgrades. Um they're they're close to to their end along with making sure that we are um putting in proper doors. Our our door security uh initiative that which we started a few years ago um which we're panning out. Of course, we can't do it all at the same time. So, we actually have it on a on a schedule. We we have that a part of our our CIP as well. Just note this
079is totally different than our FMP. um CIP our dollars that within a very short span of time during the summer where we do many of our projects um you've noticed um at many of our elementary schools we've we've put in um safeguards so we know when students um you know when we have students that are aloping we have security systems in place that um provide principles and administrators um to just know when a student is leaving and these are part of our CIP projects that we have been putting in and that we plan on putting in um throughout the year. So again, I have a a listing of each one um by building. Um we're doing windows um in some of our buildings where our windows are um unfortunately not necessarily properly working, but you
080know, air is coming into those into those um into those schools. So that's part of what the CIP or the dollars that go into CIP provide us within our buildings. >> And just for a point of clarity also um because we discussed this previously at a previous board me board meeting where we also talked about these dollars are going to support the pool over at Loretta Johnson and other places where you provided um questions or responses to questions that board members had at that time about how we were doing the CIP for this upcoming year. Yes. Um pools, playgrounds, um these are where the dollars are are really targeted towards. >> Thank you, Chief Scott. And and I do want to say just again that um if we know or don't know, we want to
081also recognize that folks viewing in may be a little bit confused and trying to follow the conversation. So that those these type of conversations or explanations allow for folks to have a better understanding of what we're actually discussing here on the deis. Uh Commissioner Griffin, you do have a hand and then I'll move on to the next hand. Yes. Uh Chief Scott, um you did mention the um FTP, the uh modernization program, you know, the I'm saying it wrong, the facility modernization. So, what I would want to know is when we're going to get a re update on that from Mr. Richardson. He usually comes in and gives us an overview. Do we know when he's coming into the district to do that? >> Yes, we'll schedule something. I I mean, I'll be work I
082work right alongside. We just had a meeting um today. We have monthly meetings to go over just the whole structure and and the scope of work that'll be taking place within the district. Um, a lot of behind the-scenes stuff has have been happening now as far as documentation that we're sending to the state, but certainly we'll put on I'll make sure that we put on the schedule a full out um rundown of as far as where we are with FMP and what to look forward to um in the very near future. >> Yep. because I think that seeing that we have new board members, they need to understand what that is and um and that's additional monies that's being directed to schools to be upgraded um which is in the millions and millions of dollars.
083So I think they need to understand what the what that facility modernization program actually is >> and what schools are affected by it. Yep. I have no problem. >> They further can understand how the district money is being utilized and I mean alloc allocated >> and um >> I think is Yeah. I just think they should know. So as sooner the better it should have been done before the budget actually but you know that's needless to say if you can do if you can get that done that'll be good for them. >> Yeah. Um just know that these are ongoing meetings that are available to all commissioners. It's open to the public the FMP meetings. And so with that, um, I do want to also acknowledge another hand. I'm sorry. I'd like to acknowledge another
084Did Did Are you calling me? >> Oh, okay. Um, I'd like to acknowledge next hand. >> Yeah. I'm just wondering um one why the document isn't public facing seeing the fact that this is public taxpayer dollars right now. It's in administrative content. Um, and the presentation or even the information here isn't on available to the public, which it should be if we're talking about 23 or $22 million in taxpayers funding. I'm also wondering why is it not in the budget already and we're voting on something totally separate um than that. And even under public content, it says funding not not applicable, no expenditures, but you just said that there is expenditures from the general line. And so I'm just trying to understand all of those things. >> Chief Scott, if you can answer I know
085you can't answer the question as to why it's not public facing, but if you can answer the other questions. >> Well, I I mean in in respects I mean the the dollars that we receive um from the city are are dollars that actually all aidable. I mean these are dollars that we actually get back. We just go through the CIP process in order for that to happen. So the dollars that we are getting are actually coming coming back. It kind of washes itself out. We just go through the process of these dollars being provided to us and then we put together what the plan is. So, we do um building assessments throughout the district to find out what is priority within our district as far as what is needed now versus a little bit later
086as far as roofing and things of that nature. But the dollars that we are receiving um through our through our CIP are all dollars that are are aidable and that we get we actually get back um into the district. >> Okay. Thank you, Chief Scott. And so to our legal counsel since the superintendent went away is it not required that these documents are public facing and not just private to us? >> Um not necessarily commissioner. Um so what the open meetings law requires is that anything that would be available via the freedom of information law um that that would be um you know potentially disclosable. uh the freedom of information law does have exemptions and one of them is intra agency communication. So the district is allowed so for example if there is a a
087memorandum um with certain types of information um the district is allowed to exchange communication for those purposes without it being disclosable. um you know at some point um later on it's possible it could become disclosable but not everything that is shared within the district for the purposes of kind of information and advice um has to be made uh disclosable but you know um to the degree the district can and I think the district does a very good job of this um the district does lean towards disclosing um you know documentation to the public leading up to meetings. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Mallaloy, did you? All right, I'll looks like we're all set. And so we have a resolution 607 on the table um with a motion. All in favor of resolution
088607. >> All in favor of resolution 607? Anyone else voting? >> Nay. >> Is there anyone in favor of resolution 607? And it's okay if you say nay. I just need us on record to verbalize so that clerk can capture the vote, please. >> Yeah, I'm a no. >> Hi from Commissioner uh we hear you loud and clear, Commissioner LeBron. Um we've got you Commissioner Mallaloy. I hear Commissioner McCulla. Um Commissioner Feman. Okay. And I'm an I. Commissioner Santiago. I just can't hear it. I need us to to vote so that we can hear it. >> Commissioner Griffin, >> I Okay. All um we have one opposed. Motion carries. We're moving forward to 3B. We're entering our first readings. This is regarding the code of conduct policy 1400. Okay, this is regarding the school climate
089survey. This these are the findings regarding the code of conduct here for 1400. So entertaining a motion for these first readings. So moved. Moved by Vice President Malloy. seconded by Commissioner Griffin. This is open for discussion at this time. [snorts] >> I know that we're only on the first reading. Um, but I definitely plan to come with uh with proposals uh for our second and next reading. I'll probably provide it to the clerk beforehand so it could be reflected on our board docks. >> I think there's been a lot of discussion around the the code of conduct. Um were there any other discussions points at this particular time? Again, as this is the first reading. With none, uh all in favor of moving um policy 1400 forward to what is it? The second [clears throat]
090>> works. >> I'm sorry. Have to vote. >> We don't have to vote on the first readings. Okay, good. Trying to keep it formal. All righty. So we'll move forward and we will revisit the code of conduct with additional conversation. All right, we're moving into again this is a denoted um agenda. So I'm just trying to move along and get the items that we needed to um address this evening. All others will be moved to another uh different meeting. U so we're looking at discussion items under academics and this is uh 4B. This is resolution review and this is for May 2026 academic and summer school resolutions. We have a packet here and these are resolutions 553 through resolution, excuse me, uh 573. So entertaining a motion for 553 through 573. And we're not actually
091voting on these right now or are they just moving to the um consent agenda? >> Consent agenda, >> right? But we need to vote to move them to the consent agenda. >> Okay. Um motion >> motion by Vice President Malloy. >> Seconded by Commissioner Feman. This is open for conversation. Once we have conversation or any clarity that's needed on these resolutions, we would then take a vote to move them forward to the consent agenda for for voting. Um, were there any discussion items on this packet resolutions 553 through 573? With none, all in favor of resolutions 553 through 573? I. Any opposed? >> Question. It says, >> "I'm sorry. We just literally I just read the the U resolutions and opened it for discussion and then I think there was none and so we just
092took the vote." Um, legal counsel, can we just kind of open that so that she can >> I was sitting here said it. I just >> I just want to make sure that technically we how we want to move forward with that because we took the vote. >> President Simmons as a chair, you can choose to recognize her. You can choose to move forward. >> Okay. Even with the vote having taken place, >> I Exactly. No worries. Um, I just want to make sure that Go ahead, Commissioner Griffin. >> Yeah, I just wanted to clarify the handbook ad hot committee. What is that? I mean, I just it's a blanket. I don't see anything there. So, what is that? >> Um, so that is not the motion that we're looking at right now. Right now,
093what we're looking at is for uh number four on the agenda, academics and letter B. >> Oh, okay. >> Resolution. So the all other items we we earlier voted as a board to denote the um agenda. >> Okay. So that was based on this. Okay. Cool. All right. >> And the resolutions are for academic and summer school resolutions for our listening audience. And um all in favor of resolutions 553 through 573. We took the vote. I And those resolutions carry those will be on the uh consent agenda. I think we're almost there, guys. We're at five, which is uh administrative supports. Commissioner Fman, I just want to say that a some of this that we're we just voted on is allowing for Saturday classes and extended learning. And I just wanted to thank the staff
094that are really doing this. It helped my own family um get to my child's getting ready for her regions and I really appreciate all the hard work that's being done in the district. Awesome. Thank you so much, Commissioner Fman. Um we are moving to the administrative supports resolution review at this time and that is human capital and that is uh resolutions 574. I'm just scrolling here. Give me a moment. Through resolution 603. Motion. Motion by Vice President Malloy. I'm sorry. Through 604. My correction. Mo entertaining a motion for 574 through 604. Motion by Vice President Malloy. Seconded by Commissioner McCulla. Open for discussion. >> Just excited to see the sculptures at school 22. That's all. I I mean am I looking I'm looking here and I don't >> I don't see all in favor of
095resolutions 574 through 604 >> I any opposed >> motion carries and our final point for this evening actually that concludes it and so I'd like to um entertain a motion to conclude our work session for this evening. >> Motion by Commissioner Griffin, seconded by Vice President Mallaloy. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? All right. Resolution motion. We're out of here. Thank you. Eyes eight.