Board Work Session | October 14, 2025

001Good evening and welcome to the Rochester Board of Education work session. Today is Tuesday, October 14th and the time is 6:06 p.m. We're going to call this meeting to order at this time officially uh beginning the work session. We're going to start under the conversation around board discussion items. Um, and right now we're going to move into our policies presentations. Please keep in mind um, commissioners that the policies presented under board discussion items this evening. Uh, once we are able to look at them, we can then potentially motion for these policies to move forward into their first reading. So, Charisma, I'm going to um turn the discussion over to you at this time. >> Thank you, President Simmons. Good evening. >> So, for this month's policy review, we're reviewing policies 4526, 4532, 4730, 4750, and

0025605. [Music] So, the policies followed this review, which is our current policy review process. excluding policy 5605. These are the folks that contributed to the policy as a standard operator procedure. Relevant advisory groups reviewed the policy and then it went to a district administration. Final recommendations are being forwarded to the board. Note that policy 5605 did not follow this procedure due to the immediate updates that were needed. And so policies 4526, 4730, and 4750 did not have any significant changes nor NESBA recommendations. policy 4532, school volunteers, um updated the second and third paragraphs to provide more explicit guidance for school volunteers. And in voter registration for students policy 5605, NESBA recommended it um we have updated this policy to address a recently amended state law about student voter registration and pre-registration. As a result, the

003recommendations from our policy tonight updated to align with NESBA recommendations and updated to align with similar policies in the Big Five and locally. If the policies are ported out of the meeting tonight, they are slated to be voted on during the the um December business meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you, Desan. I'm just refreshing my screen. I'm having some technical difficulties because it's not opening um the policies for me. I see the slab that says multiple policy presentation. Maybe this is it. Maybe I'm on a bit of a delay here. So, um, Clerk Travis, where it says multiple policy presentations under board discussion items, there seems to be an attachment there. >> Um, and when I click on it, it usually will open right up to everything for me. It's not opening on me. I'll

004just follow along so I don't hold up the meeting. If you want to um, just kind of start that and I'll try to follow along where I can. So that's the presentation I just concluded, but I'm more than happy to share any policies that any commissioners have questions about. >> Okay. No, now it's opening. Okay. I'm clicking on other stuff. Okay. So, we're looking at policy 4526 at this time. >> Yes. >> 4526. Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, are there any discussion items or any um comments on policy 4526 that being the internet policy with? None. Motion to move policy 4526 forward to its first readings for the October business meeting. >> So moved. Motion by Commissioner Griffin, second by Vice President Mallaloy. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Policy 4526 moves forward. Looking

005at uh uh policy 4532 being school volunteers. Any discussion around policy 4532? Commissioner Santiago. I just and this is just like a a side note as far as the policy because I know we we create policies but a lot of times homework is currently like in our current education not being sent home with students and I know that cuz three of my little sisters are in the RCSD. Um and homework is not is is not existent um at the moment as far as what they're bringing home and what they're not bringing home. And so, um, we can pass a policy, but I'm hoping, uh, that it's executed in the way that this policy is written by the board of education. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. Any other thoughts or discussion regarding policy 4532,

006school volunteers? With none, motion to move policy 4532 forward to the BIS October business meeting. >> Motion. Yeah, >> I thought you said homework first. Am I >> wrong? 4532. >> Oh, so so striking Commissioner Santiago's remarks. He will, he'll go again. We're going to rewind. Um, policy 4532 is regarding school volunteers. Um, we have a motion on the table. Who Who motioned, please? >> Commissioner Griffin. Seconded by Vice President Malloy. All in favor of policy 4532. I. Any opposed? Okay. And with that, we'll move forward to policy 4730 being homework. And uh we have Commissioner Santiago's um comments regarding policy 4730. Any other comments? Being none, um motion to move policy 47:30 forward to the October business meeting. >> So move. >> Motion by Commissioner Griffin, second by Vice President Malloy. All in favor?

007I >> I any opposed? Policy 4730 moves forward to the board business meeting in October. >> Okay, we have uh policy 4750 here for um the promotion and retention of students. And I'm I don't know what my technical difficulties are because I see other folks are able to pull theirs >> open. They're having the same issue. Yeah, I'm having across the board. >> So, a number of us are not able to actually see the policies in real time. Um >> as as we push on them, >> so we appreciate everyone's patience while we try to work through this. >> My other screen is not coming on either. >> Policy that it's simply amending a date. I don't see any other tracked changes. >> I know for myself um um USBC >> student retention and grade

008promotion >> are areas of concern for me I think for everyone and we know that um if a student is you know needing additional supports that we want them to be able to master or have the foundational skills to do well in the next grade level before being promoted and I know that um that's a simple um something simple to say but not necessarily diffic um easy when you look at all of the nuances that go into that But um we're not voting on this tonight so we have more time to unpack the policy. Um I'll come back for the next time we discuss it with more specific recommendations around this particular policy. Does any other commissioners have uh thoughts that they'd like to share regarding grade promotion and retention of students? Um Commissioner Santiago.

009Yeah, I just I just want to agree with you as far as um the the issue that social promotion uh could have in our school. Um and although it's not showing up now, we will have more opportunities to discuss this. But I think that this is an important uh policy for the board to look at and see how we can possibly empower and better uh for our outcomes and our students outcomes. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. As a reminder to the board, these are going to the first reading, so they are not a done deal just yet. So, with that said, all those um a motion to move policy forward to the October business meeting. >> Motion by Commissioner Griffin, second by Vice President Malloy. All in favor? I >> I Any opposed?

0104750 carries. >> Next policy. Um now you said with the exclusion of 5605 >> clerk Travis >> just that it didn't follow a similar timeline but >> okay >> this is regarding voter registration for students which we know having students who understand the process of voting and civil discord is extremely important valuable and necessary in our society especially in today's world. Uh with that, um are there any statements or thoughts around uh 5605? >> I have some, >> uh Commissioner or uh Vice President Malloy. >> Um I just agree with the track changes. I think this is a great opportunity for civic engagement. Um so I support the changes as written. >> Thank you. Any other comments regarding voter registration polit policy 5605? with none. Uh >> I'm sorry, Commissioner Santiago. >> No, I just

011want to say um I cannot see the track changes because Bordox is still loading for me, but uh whatever we can do to engage our young people into voting and engage our young people uh to be civically engaged uh citizens is always important and so excited for this policy to go through uh and for the first, second, and third reading until we pass it as a policy in the books. Thank you. >> Awesome. So, with that, uh, policy 560. >> I'm sorry, Commissioner Griffin. Thank you guys. I put my head up. >> I'm sorry. I just want to add to what, uh, uh, Vice President Malloy said about the civic engagement piece, um, one thing we need to do, um, I believe collectively is because civic engagement is a part of our our the duties

012as far as the children are concerned, we need to basically, I think, possibly look into amending what we did. Yes, we do have it as regulations through the state, but we don't we don't have it now in our in our dialect stating how we're implementing the civic engagement piece. So, with that being said, that is something that we need to bring back and we need to show that the implementation of civic engagement um that is h that was previously removed from our from our handbook. Thank you. >> Can I speak to that? >> Uh Vice President Malloy, >> thank you. Yeah, I know a lot of people can't see the tracks changes at this point. Um, so I'm not sure who can see it or not, but it specifically outlines um how we're going to

013meet these obligations. Um, part of it is like posting information regarding voter registration, offering registration and pre-registration during their history classes, especially the required ones junior and senior year. um displaying voter registration and pre-registration posters, ensuring voter registration and pre-registration applications are available in school offices, hosting voter registration and pre-registration events throughout the year, and collaborating with local organizations through RCSD approved protocols and procedures. So, I think it outlines really it these are additions that that maybe I weren't there before. So, these additions I think are pretty valuable and they it's clearly outlined. Okay, I'm not saying that in specifically what I'm saying overall with with civic engagements what we've done was we remove how how we actually are working it in our system in our district as it is in other districts civic engagement

014shows and advises everyone how it is implemented overall in the district by us taking it out of our piece what what it does is not giving us what how what steps are we taking with civic engagements with is which is very important it shouldn't just with the the the voter registration piece, but it should be it should be noted overall how we are implementing civ civic engagement in our in our district as a whole. And that's what they have done in other districts and unfortunately we have taken that out. So it's not clear anymore how we're doing that. Thank you. I'm not talking specifically about this. I'm talking across the board. >> Are you guys all set? Okay. Thank you very much. Um any other thoughts around what was that vote voter registration we were

015looking at? So with that, um, motion to move policy 5605 forward to the board business meeting October. >> Motion by Commissioner Griffin, seconded by Vice President Malloy. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carries. The next policy up for discussion is the video conferencing uh policy 2325. At this time, I'm going to turn this particular policy over to um, Clerk Travis. I do want to before um I give you the mic clerk Travis respectfully is just um highlight that we want to make sure that we are kind of aligning with the student outcomes governance. We want to make sure that we are in a space where we're creating conditions that support uh strong governance and that we're modeling the professionalism that we expect from our b our district body even so as board members. And

016so with that, this is a um policy that we can we started having a discussion around and we'll continue that discussion at this time. So good evening again. So just really quickly, this first part is new is a new section is a preamble that's being recommended. Uh so this is a CGCS proposed policy language so you will not see it in the actual policy that is attached only in the PowerPoint. Um the board recognizes that its own behavior sets the tone for the entire organization. Consistent participation perpetualism and adherence to agreed upon protocols during meetings are essential to maintaining public trust and keeping the board's focus on improving student outcomes. So based off the section of the question for the board, is this something that you all want to move forward with adding okay back

017with me? >> Is that a question for us to consider then? >> What did you say? >> So the question is based off this section, what is basically commissioner's feelings on it? Do you want to add it? Do you want to >> policy language? Yes, >> I think it's a good preamble. I think it makes sense personally. Um, but I'll open that up for other folks. Um, >> I would support this proposed language change. >> Any other positions on the preamble language from CGCS proposed policy language on slide three for the presentation? Commissioner Santiago? >> Yeah, I just I just um I agree with it. Um, and I hope that it is something that is followed. Um but just like all of our other policies is important that it's written and also uh executed on

018a daily basis or on a meeting basis. >> All right. You often hear me say policy is only as good as its practice. So that that is very true. So um right now I feel like a few folks have weighed in. Commissioner Patterson. >> Yeah. Also accept the changes. >> Okay. So there seems to be some um general consensus around that if we can move forward. >> Yep. So this the next couple of slides just as an FYI will basically recap what you all talked about at the last time um August work session that you all um had. So the first section is section two video conferencing under extraordinary circumstances and so I won't read the entire slide but basically based off of this proposed language when it comes to caregiving. It was a mixed

019recommendations from commissioners um should not be added since not legally required. Sometimes other conflicts come up that only allow a board member to video conference should be added as commissioners take an oath. So that's where commissioners landed. So the question is um how do we move forward with this language was not a consensus last time. Okay. Which part are we talking? Say the the part again that you're you were looking at. There's a lot on here. >> So the extraordinary the um caregiving piece specifically. >> Right. Right. Right. Yeah. I don't think it's a matter of I don't for me I I'll speak for myself. I'm not interested in getting into too much of what you have going on, I have going on, they have going on. I think that's a little bit much, right?

020Um because even in the role of board, I think there is accountability that we all hold each other accountable even in regardless of your your formal title or role. Um so I'm held accountable just the same as other folks. There's no supervisors on here. So, and I think that's where um even when the community is watching certain things, they're they're thinking from a like a regular workplace organizational structure and that is not this this is this is a civic engagement space. Um so I think the language is written loosely to allow for some level of flexibility. I think it's putting parameters or clarity around what that looks like. So pose your question. Um, clerk Travis clearly for me one more time. >> So, >> I know that it's about the or extraordinary circumstances like how

021are we defining that? >> So, the question is with the caregiving piece based off of what happened last time, I didn't get a consensus of from the board on where commissioners wanted us to go. Do you want to add this language or not? Um, it was kind of mixed on where folks want to go. So, sounds like you agree. I don't know how other commissioners feel about it, but I kind of need at least four to know if we should move forward or not. >> Okay. Okay. I'm going to have to look at the actual um thing. I'm looking at the slide, but that's not helping me. So, I think looking at it the way it's like caring for a child with severe disability or complex frequent medical attention. Um, >> and the slide itself

022is pulled from the actual policy >> if it helps anyone especially when the eyes. >> Right. Yeah. I just got to read it in the policy form. So, I'm gonna I'm not going to hold folks up while I go through this. I will open it to Commissioner Santiago. I see your hand. >> Yeah. I think I think that it's important um that we allow this body of government to be an equitable body for representation. Um, and part of that is understanding that in order for us to have true representation of parents, of former students, of youth, of different people in this community, we cannot create barriers uh for those people to to uh represent. And so I think in order for us to stay equitable to all and uh any any family or anybody who

023decides to run to represent on this board that this language should always stay very high level and not get into the details as far as what is and what isn't acceptable. Um because everybody has a different experience. Everybody has a different lifestyle. if we truly want to be a board that represents the city of Rochester, we have to understand that people are going to come on the onto this board with different circumstances. Um, and so I don't believe that us adding uh language into how what's acceptable and what's not acceptable as far as the the video conferencing is equitable to the representation that we want on this board. And so I'm not in support of it at all. Thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Um, Vice President Malloy, >> thank you. And just

024in keeping with discussions on equity, I think the proposed policy language um respects that. So I support the proposed policy language change. >> Uh Commissioner Griffin, >> I would say yes. I agree with what is written here. I think that um in the world we live in today, we have to have some type of parameters. Um unfortunately if we don't then it if we don't then things are taken advantage of. So I think that and you know and it may not be intentional but it it happens. So I think that we must have something noted in written in policy to ensure that you know we have some type of parameters and guidelines set for um anyone that takes a seat on this board. Um you we have to go back too and think about when

025these when video conferencing wasn't even available and people and what they did then compared to what we're doing now. I think people um don't take it as serious as we as others did back when we didn't even have these availabilities of video conferencing or what have you. So uh I often look back and and look back and then look forward to see how the differences are and how people were staying steadfast in their position and making great changes and also had and and faced it and faced adversity as well in doing it. So I too agree with what is proposed on this policy and the language that is presented today. >> Okay. Uh, Commissioner Patterson, >> I also uh for the record support the proposed uh language >> and I want to just again note

026NISBA's um their proposed policy language um and how they define extraordinary circumstances. It is loosely written because I do want us to recognize that at any point in time, one of us could be in a situation where we are dealing with what we believe are extraordinary circumstances. And so, should that arise and what that looks like, we we want to be in a space where we can extend grace and understanding. I think where I'm um trying to craft language is around when they wrote this and they said extraordinary circumstances, it is I don't think extraordinary circumstances exist on a regular basis. And so I think that's where I'd like us to try to identify some parameters, some reasonable parameters. So, I'm not looking I would not interested in getting into um justifying someone um if

027they're sick or if they you know what that looks like. I can't prove that. And and you does that make sense? I'm not willing to go on a on a FBI hunt to to prove anything. Um however, I do think there's reasonable guidelines we could potentially place around this. Um, and so the frequency of of said extraordinary circumstances, I'm not sure because that's what the video conferencing policy was created to achieve. So the understanding when this policy was written is that folks come in their in their meetings in person and it was only written to accommodate extraordinary circumstances such as co. We adopted this and we decided to keep it so it's here. What does this look like in reasonable practice at this point in time? Do we is it we have a 12-month period

028that we come for meetings. Is it is it five times within that 12-month period? Like commissioners have the flexibility to they may have something that comes up and you have fi five opportunities to do that because it could be me next week, it could be you next week and someone else is the following. So what does that look like? Commissioner Patterson. Yes. And I haven't um I have to apologize. I haven't gone back and taken a look at what the proposal was or what the policy was prior to COVID. Uh the year is what is 20 and 21. I'd like to be able to go back and and take a look at that and see what was working then. If it was working then, why can't it work now? I >> think it was just

029practice. I think it was written as it is. I think it was just >> um the practice of honoring the policy a bit. And so circumstances can change. And so there is a recommendation here um where we were t where the question is how does the board want our approved video conferencing requests? And per our last conversation, it was suggested at one point even by myself where it was like okay you know what notify the board clerk in writing and CC the board president you know and I was thinking about those things and I think we center ourselves. I do believe notifying the board I do think it needs to be notified in writing. >> It needs to be an email communication, not a text, not a phone call, but write the board clerk in

030writing. >> CC >> don't have to see You don't have to CC me because >> I think you should >> Oh, yeah. >> I think you should >> I appreciate your opinion on that. But I do believe because the board clerk will have that commun that written communication. And then also the other piece that we want to consider, we're not I'm just going to go through this first section really quickly, is only one commissioner being allowed to video conference at a time. So I don't think we're, you know, there's all six of us on at one time, but there are times where there's maybe three. Um, we go to conferences, things of that nature. It could be. Um, we would need to look at that as well, but maybe there's Is there only one commissioner

031on at one time or is there at least two? >> I'd say one. >> What? Can I Can I >> Commissioner Santiago? >> I'm not doing that. >> They pass it. I'm not doing that. >> I I actually don't. >> Again, I don't think that's equitable to representation. And so we're going to have a lot of people in the future on this board and we have to create a space where they can come and represent even with their lifestyle. >> And so like saying only one person can be on the video conferencing call. Like you said, we don't know what our experiences are going to be like. This is listed out in the policy as far as extraordinary circumstances. We don't know if two of us are going to be experienced at the same time

032or three of us. And so we create a policy that then ties our hand ties our hands of representation. And so I I personally don't agree with it um simply for for being equitable. And I think that there should be highlevel expectations. But I think once we're getting into this is what extraordinary circumstances are and this is what's not. I don't think that that's that's actually true to the lifestyle that people's people live. How can a policy tell me what's extraordinary circumstances? >> But I think we agreed on that. I think we said we're not going to try to define extraordinary circumstances because of my extra extraordinary circumstance next month. Um you may or may not, right? The other thing I'm not looking to do is again we're not employers of one another. Right? So

033I'm not looking for you to show me proof of your extraordinary circumstance. I don't I don't want to see proof of your medical situation >> because I'm not giving you mine. Right? Um, so there there's a certain standard that we have. What I do know is that it's October 2025 and what I do know is that from January to this month, this is 10 months. I think I've been at every single board meeting. But guess what? And I haven't left been here, but Thursday, I got to step away from you all. I got to I got to step away and I got to step away early, right? And so the same um conversation we're having, I'm I'm held liable to that same expectation where I'm letting you all know right now, right? But I would

034then need to inform our board clerk in writing. So it's timestamped. She knows it's communicated whatever the case is that I need to step away early. And that's that's precommunicated. But I think that's just professional decorum, right? >> Um >> I I wasn't fully done. Go ahead. But I I do agree with with creating those. I wasn't done before. I I was we had a conversation, but um I do agree that there should be um expectations as far as possibly communicating and all that stuff, but um I just think that we have to be careful not to tie our hands in this policy. >> Uh whether we're talking about only one commissioner should be on Zoom and you know I I think that that's just a little bit too much in the weeds of people's

035personal lives. That's more than just this current board, but the board that follows us and so on and so forth. >> Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Patterson. Thank you. You know, we've taken an oath, you know, to be here. We uh represent the people. We represent the community. >> Okay. We're going to just if we can do not the sidebars and then if you can continue. >> Stop talking. >> Understood. Uh Commissioner Patterson, >> you can't do it to somebody. >> Can I call the meeting to order for a moment? Can we have order? Thank you. We've been elected to represent the public and I would assume the public expects us to be up here at this day barring, you know, if we have extraordinary circumstances. We get paid a salary and we're supposed to be

036setting the example. And we've been doing a poor job of setting that example as a board. We've been abusing the system by not being at meetings or being on video when we could be here. And if we're all truthful with one another, some will admit that. >> Excuse me, I'm talking. Excuse me, I'm talking. Okay, I'm I'm going ask for order. And listen, I think I think that we are more than capable, all of us, even if we don't agree with aspects of the policy, which is what happens, this is okay for us to have discourse, we are capable of getting through this conversation and finding resolution to it. Even if it's a no, we we could do this. So, if you can finish your your statement and then I'll move on >> and I'll

037make it short. Expectations. What's expected of us as a board? either we're gonna move to be a functional board or we're going to continue to be a dysfunctional board. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Can I can I have >> Commissioner Patterson? Um Commissioner Griffin. >> Thank you. I I just want to reflect on what used to be and what is now. CO has changed a lot of things and a lot of districts and a lot of structure and things the way things have been done. So if and if I could clearly say how was it before co how did how did we how does this whole thing work before co and and if it and if it worked prior to co the way it was why is it why is it such an upheaval of

038battle now when we have implemented something that was not there prior so I think that um we need to take those things into consideration because we know co has changed the dynamics of a lot of things that we do. So with all due respect for everything I think that maybe the changes being made should be based on more so the needs and what we have presented here and what how our world is made up today. Um I think for me that's how I would look at it. So if we have something that was in and prior to CO, let's look at that and compare to what has changed and and add that add those pieces to the piece that was already laid out prior to CO. And I think that we can come to some

039type of agreement maybe on where we should stand. But I I I mean I think in some situations we're making something bigger than life because we know how it was before, but because we're able to do it now, we want to continue to do it and it it's just not feasible. Okay. So, so that that's my take on it. >> Thank you, Commissioner Griffin. Before I move on, I do see hands on the day. I do want to say so what what I do feel I do see is that there is an appetite to support an email communication to the board clerk if you're going to be uh absent, if you're going to need to leave early, there'll be a communication to the board clerk in writing. Um email communication to be specific. Um I

040think that's reasonable. Um, as far as how many are on the video conferencing, I do want to consider the idea around quorum. So, it's not just ne necessarily to be a hard ball, but we do have we have had some quorum issues based on the fact that video conferencing has been leveraged the way it has been, right? And so, we need at least four individuals here. We know that folks get sick. Um, there's more than one commissioner. Um, with that said, I do think that limiting video conferencing because we do have a physical requirement to be here that no more than two commissioners be on there. So, it's not a matter of of just making up rules, but we have to consider quorum. So, I do suggest that. Any any thoughts on that? >> I'm

041gonna go to commissioner um >> Okay, Vice President Malloy. >> Um, I would agree with that although There are exigent circumstances where you might have three commissioners who have COVID, right, and can't be here or a family emergency. So, I don't know how I feel about a specific number. I think that we want to refocus it back to that preamble. The board recognizes that its own behavior sets the tone for the entire organization. Consistent participation, professionalism, and adherence to agreed upon protocols during meetings are essential to maintaining public trust and keeping the board's focus on improving student outcomes. It sounds to me I think we're all in agreement on that preamble. It sounds to me that accountability is really important for this board. And so perhaps we could consider adding some type of accountability and

042review section to this policy instead of naming the specifics for, you know, what constitutes a valid absence. Um perhaps we can just simply say the board clerk will maintain attendance and participation records for all meetings. >> Well, you know, I've been saying that for a long time. >> Yeah. Including all the Let me finish. Including those attended virtually. and that these records will be reviewed as part of the board's self-evaluation process to assess collective adherence to board commitments and norms related to effective governance. That's our charge is effective governance. So instead of nitpicking what other um commissioners are doing, let's put this back on our governance model, student outcomes focused, and this will aid us and assist us in our self-evaluation um process through the Council of Great City Schools. >> I still think it

043needs to be two on at one time. We can we can approve that third one if we need to, but I've been on here with two people and that was that was fun. Commissioner Santiago, >> I I agree with um the first part as far as like the email, send the email to the clerk and you know, I think that's professionalism. Um as far as as the number, I'm not sure if I fully I still fully agree with the number. Um I do like the idea that Vice President Malloy just uh also proposed. Um, oh, but I also want to um um just say that it's a new time at the same time like we're we're no longer above the pandemic. We're behind the pandemic where, you know, the pandemic has happened. Um, and what

044might have worked before the pandemic is might not work today. And so, I think that we also have to realize that we are in a new time. It's no longer 1965. It's 2025. And there's some new things that we got to do. and we can't just continue trying to follow the old practices and the old ways that we've done for a long time and failed. The district was failing before the pandemic. The district is is right now working to get better. And so I don't think that going back and finding our old practices is the best way to do it. I think it's time to create something new with a new board, with a new time, with the new circumstances that we're in. Thank you. >> Thank you. um >> president. >> Yeah, I was

045taking advice for President Mallaloy because we've been >> the quarterly report card. That's been a conversation for real. Yes. And I do think there I agree 100% that there needs to be some form of a quarterly report card um around attendance and so that can be public facing, but we can get into that a little later. I won't get held up on the how many are online at this particular point. Doesn't seem like there's a strong appetite for that. However, I do stand 10 toes on that. Um, before I go back to you, Vice President Malloy, I think I hear Commissioner Griffin. >> Yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't I cleared my voice on the thing. I didn't mean to do that. Um, however, I just wanted to touch base on, you know, when you when

046you're just sending an email to one person and that one person's out of the office, then when then what happens? I think that clearly the practice has been that you we would send it you send it have two people c one person and then CCD only just in event that someone's absent. So I think that we need to take that into consideration. That is just normal protocol so that we we are backing ourselves up um automatically. So that's just that's out of a professional lens. That's what I would do. making sure that you know that if that person's out, we're able to able to know that that person is out of the office. That's just my >> that's you know good point. Thank you for that. >> Commissioner LeBron, >> I just want to clarify

047that we actually do have a staff email that if you send it to that email goes to all three, which would be Charisma, uh Francine, and our board clerk. So if it just sending it to that one email, all three of them will get it. >> Thank you, Commissioner Lebron. So, we kind of are stuck on that and I want to be mindful of time. What I'm trying to get better at is facilitating these meetings. We're gonna get there, you guys. It's 6:46 and this conversation could very easily go into the evening, but we're not going to do that. Uh, Charisma, just based on the texture, I can tell that we're going to need to probably come back and revisit. Let's see what we can um try to get through um while we're here. We'll

048give this maybe another five minutes if we can and then uh determine if we need to pivot a bit. Uh Commissioner Patterson, >> you don't think we can take a vote on anything and reach a consensus on anything you're talking about? I think we could. You know, I'm agreeing to move to the the two. >> I think uh um my colleague next to me was uh thinking moving to the two. You wanted two and whoever on the my left side, the left of you wants two. If we could reach a consensus, we could get something done here tonight instead of putting it off. >> Yeah. Cuz the funny thing is like things that don't exist, they exist here in the land of RCSD. That's that's the the thing. So, >> I don't want it to

049turn into like four of us up there, >> three of us up there at one time. And I think that can be um a point of concern. And and the last thing I want to say is I I I went to say earlier is that if the superintendent can request that all his employees return to work, >> why aren't we returning to work as a board? >> Because you all are we're not each other's employees. >> I I understand that. >> But again, we're setting a precedent. >> We are the public's employees and the public, they probably need to come up in here and and >> Yeah, you're right. >> and talk to us about, you know, what what we are displaying because that, you know, that's who we're ultimately accountable to as far as

050the students as well. But um Commissioner, Vice President, >> yeah, I guess the more that we can focus this on our student outcomes focused governance policies, the better. Um I would say that as we work to trust one another and develop trust with one another and with future boards. Um we we've got to be able to extend that trust um to other people. I would say that there have been instances where you know I was here I came in anyway knowing that three commissioners would be um online for a particular meeting um and I even though I was ill came in because we needed that physical quorum um so I think there is a lot of undue pressure sometimes placed on other commissioners um I'm not sure how I feel about the number because I

051think there are extenduating circumstances that might come up here or there. Um, but I think we just have to consider each other and respect each other's time and efforts. Um, there were there are times when people haven't been able to video conference in while ill. >> Um, that type of thing. But anyway, thank you for listening. >> Okay. So, basically the the core of this would be getting to frequency of absences and frequency of early departures. And the reality is people may have to do that from time to time. And I don't think it's any of our place to determine if they're excusable to do that or not because you don't know what a person's circumstances are. Nor would I want someone trying to determine that for me. However, I have signed up to serve

052in this uh office of board commissioner. I am expected to be here. There are business meetings that come up, things of that nature. So again, I may have to leave early. I may not be able to be here Thursday. Like I said, I'm leaving early. Um the frequency of that is is where the concern is especially when it becomes a quorum issues and we have to stop a board meeting because we don't have enough commissioners here. Now has that happened in numerous amount of times? No. But it it it has happened and the objective is to not keep that going. So is there any where are you all around the frequency of absences? Is it um realistic to say, hey, you know, once we get to about five absences in this year, that's a that's

053a that's a concern. There are extenduating circumstances where it may be way more than five absences and we are we we actually have something like that going on and that's being honored. That's not a point of of question, but it shouldn't be a matter of convenience either. So, how does that work for us? I just want to point out though that any of us could also go to our doctors and get a medical documentation if you are having a medical issue and put that on record. There's no policy that is going to tell me I have to be here medically. My doctor has pulled me or said I can't be around individuals for whatever reason. I'm speaking for me. Um, and I think this is a little bit too much trying to control what other

054people do. I want to recognize um that attendance with video conferencing has been an ongoing issue. Um, I know that there and I just want to I know you guys want to say it's equity, but the reality is that some of us do still have small children. Some of us do still have kids that we're taking to and from in this school district, not a charter school or another school in this district that we have to interface with. Some of us are employed. Um, and some of us are not. And we have to acknowledge that, too, because I'm not going to be competing with someone who works at a bar or is retired or doesn't have a job. Like, I'm not going to do that as someone who has a job and has 10,000 responsibilities

055and a lot of littles. I'm still raising a bunch of kids. So, um, I just want to point that out that regardless of whatever is written in a policy that the law still allows for us to go to our doctor and get a note. Thank you. >> Absolutely, it does. And and I think we said the same thing in that regard as far as someone can be sick and that is being honored right now. and nor am I interested, I'll speak for myself, in trying to determine if someone's circumstance qualifies because they're not going to be able to determine if mine does. However, um I think the frequency is noted and I'm concerned with that. when it becomes to um a matter of quorum and our ability to conduct business which is what we took

056the oath to do that is when it becomes concerning for me so I don't want to do that type of stuff but it it's been noticed and how do we solve for that. So for me, I know again it's October 14th. I think I've been at every single meeting. That's because I've been able to be. And something could turn around and happen tomorrow and I might have to miss three meetings. who knows you know so you never know what your circumstances are going to be but when when is when and how do we solve for that are we saying that we are a board that can conduct ourselves responsibly as the CGCS this opening statement they had the preamble is that what we're going to do >> because if we were doing that I would

057this would not even be a topic of conversation So it doesn't sound as if we have any solutions this evening. Again, I I do hear folks the respect for. So one thing we did solve at this point, Charisma, is that it there seems to be at least a consensus around the email um form of communication. There are some thoughts around um having two two folks. I think you might have missed the statement that that does go through to the full uh clerk's office that communication automatically. So if someone is out, there are other folks that see it. Um so that that is I think that solves for that particular piece. um we can't we're not able to come around anything else but I do think we need to start I'm going to encourage my colleagues

058to start thinking about the frequency of absences and then early departures you go >> so I know vice uh vice president Malloy had touched on this about accountability I did have that as a slide in here since she brought it up if it's okay for you all to finish that conversation I can go to that before you um close out on this conversation. >> Mhm. >> So based off of a CGCS is a proposed I know Vice President Malloy already read this. Um what is the consensus? Do commissioners want to add this as or or not? >> Yes, >> that's a yes for me. Commissioner Santiago. >> Um yes. I but I also want to add it to the to the ending part. I think possibly when we're talking about absences, if there's no communication

059for like five meetings or so, I think that there should be possibly a process or like action steps. So like whether it's a reach out at five meetings or something of that sort, like if there's no information, like no contact coming through. So like you have no clue why there's a commissioner missing five meetings or something like that. Possibly like a reachout or something of that sort. But I think maybe creating um like a plan as far as how that's handled um and accounted for in those situations. Secondly, I I support uh the proposed language >> and that was a loose that that is what what has happened in in previous um pieces. So that's that's perfect. >> That's just idea if that's okay. >> Yeah. But I'm I'm still not comfortable with coming here

060for last 10 months and I'm just kind of like this is not okay. And I do and I and I respect your position, Commissioner Santiago. I really do as far as like equity and considering the world is changing, needs are changing, all of those type of things. At the at the end of the day, one of the things when I ran for this office, um I went to this space, they were talking about running for school board and they asked, "Is this a good time?" Right? What do you have going on in your life? Um are you going to be able to fulfill the obligations of the office? And so when I consider my ability to fulfill that and knowing that that could actually change for me, I might have to make a a different

061determination. And so these are not offices that we have that flexibility. There's an obligation that we took an oath to uphold and it is not to be taken lightly. And so we are accountable to the community with that. Charisma for slide 11. I'm in agreement with that. I think it can uh live in the form of a quarterly report card um that is public facing under the commission whatever the case is and they can just kind of um see that along with meeting minutes that type of thing. Any other thoughts? This is >> I just want to say I agree I agree with what you were saying. I I've been here just about every meeting since January also. I might have left early for different reasons, but I've been here every meeting also. that's because

062I had the opportunity to do so. But I also know, let's say another 18 year old runs in a couple years or next year or something of that sort. Like I was able to get transportation. I was able to find ways from college to get all the way here. I was able but that's not the same circumstance for everybody. Yeah. >> And so that when I say that that's just a place I'm coming from is making the space for different people to run for for this office and not be confined by the different issues. >> I do hear you. Thank you for that thought. So with that said, um >> I kind of cuz so right now I have three commissioners fillins on this, but the other question is since you brought up the whole

063report card, the report card, >> is that something else that needs to be added? Do you all want a report card every quarterly? And then do I have a >> something without discussing it? >> So So that's the question. Do you want to add that >> note for continued conversation? Absolutely. All of these things are continued conversation. We're not solving it tonight. We're not voting this into policy tonight, but we are having the preliminary discussion for this iteration of the board. I don't know what the future holds. I don't know what the past look like, but I know what we're doing right now and it ain't okay. So, we got to put that all on there and move it forward to the first readings if if everyone agrees and then we can put a hook

064on it for then. I'm going to end with Vice President Malloy and then Charisma, I'll turn it over to you. >> Yeah. And just to clarify earlier when I was talking about the student outcomes focused governance self-evaluation rubric I actually wasn't referring to the public facing report card um so we can have more discussion on that but more so I was thinking that we can evaluate ourselves as a board not as individuals but as a board and be able to answer questions like how consistently have we maintained a quorum and partic participated in meetings as agreed. Um, other questions might include, how have our meeting habits supported or distracted from the progress of our students or from student outcomes? And have our meeting structures and members uh member behaviors modeled the focus that we need

065to improve those outcomes. So, I think those are the types of questions that ultimately we're going to be able or need to be able to answer as a full body when we go through that student outcomes focused government or governance self-evaluation rubric. >> So, I'll end with that. Thank you. >> Okay. So, all um in favor of moving policy 2325 forward to the board business meeting for first readings. >> Is that how it's proposed right now? >> Excuse me. As it is. And Charisma, if you want to provide any clarity >> before I just wanted before you move forward, I just wanted to know if anyone else is in agreement with this last language. So then I know we can move this forward or not the um accountability language. So right now I have three

066commissioners who said yes, let's move this forward. I include you. So right now I have um commissioners. So Malloy, Santiago, and Simmons. Anyone else agrees with this accountability language? >> Accountability just way you all. Yes. >> Okay. If you all can vocalize that so that clerk Travis can hear us. >> Yes. Okay. So, with that being with that being said, if you're going to move this forward, as of right now, as it stands, you're moving forward with the preamble. You're moving forward with um what is it? The >> written communication. >> Yes, written communication. Um and then with the accountability section, you I don't think you're going to get any further with this consensus of on a number. So, I would recommend leaving it as is ready in policy because it doesn't sound like commissioners

067want to move either way. So, those are the pieces. The pieces you need to further discuss uh is the disability section that we skipped over and the temporary mutant of board members. >> That's up to you. You want to go in now? >> This won't even open for me again. Like I had it open and I went out and now it's it's it's like Oh, it's open over here. Let me see. Here it is. >> You can do that. probably >> those are going to go forward to the board business meeting for um >> first reading >> the first readings and then we can touch on on the rest >> and figure that out because I don't want to um >> do you want to dialogue >> touch on that at the business meeting itself

068so okay so we'll yeah >> just encourage us to have have additional thoughts there um so this is still in the All right. So, we're looking at So, did we already vote on moving this forward? 2325. Um, motion to move 2325 forward to the board business meeting for first readings. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Santiago, seconded by Commissioner Malloy. >> All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Okay. I can't open the next one which is the board newsletter standard operating procedure. Let's see. Oh, I have it open here. Okay. >> If you don't mind, while you while you're pulling it up, uh I was able to check it out. Um and I do agree with everything that's currently on there. >> Um as far as the changes and the amendments for the

069board newsletter. >> Okay. Thank you. So, I want to open the discussion for the board newsletter. I haven't had an opportunity to to open this discussion and then we'll open it. >> It's not open >> for the board. It's not open for you. >> It wouldn't open last night either. Um it was it was just sitting there. It wouldn't do anything for me last night or before. I couldn't it wouldn't open and it's still not opening >> couple seconds ago. >> I hope this is the latest version I have up because it's not opening in my board docs. We might want to check on that. I can't see a thing. Um, so looking at the newsletter, and forgive me, I have like this little tickle that I can't get rid of, so I'm trying. I'm

070fighting through coughing. >> I can't see it that far, and I can't see it definitely that far. >> Can you see it on your computer at all? >> It's not pulling up on my computer at all. >> You know, um, is this the same email draft that we all got as well? Like, no, >> I couldn't pull it up last night either. want to section. >> We can do that. You're so smart. >> Yeah, let's move over into some other items. We can come back to this. Um, so you're talking administrative supports. Well, none of this is going to open. Prisma, >> can you just >> Can I recommend that you possibly switch CTynthia over to here? Bring it over here. So, probably enlarge it so that I can see it. Um, is this something

071that can be solved? And do we have a technology person here at all? >> It's just bordoc acting up. >> Dr. Ros, he he can access it. He doesn't know what's wrong with us. No, you his is open just fine. Yours is working fine, too. Vice President Malloy, >> state monitor. I see yours is open. >> Like if you right now you're >> just >> I have access. >> There you go. There we go. So, clerk Travis is going to email the communication to us so that we might be able to open the current version there. Um, for the public facing, this is or um board docs is having a small technology issue right now. So, some of us are not able to open our pieces. So, I'm just we're waiting here. So we appreciate

072your patience. I'm try to connect to that. You sent it already, Chris. There we go. I have it now. So 707. It shows the newsletter SOP coming through. We can look along online through our email at this time. Everybody say I when they have it. Hi. >> Hi. >> Okay. Okay. Let's try to um get through this here. The the goal of the newsletter itself is to um Now I got popups. Here we go. So, the goal of the newsletter as stated in the SOPs is for the board to continue the implementation of the student outcomes focused governance model and share that work with the uh district as we move along. So the opportunity for the newsletter was to serve as a key communication tool to support this particular mission. Um its primary goal again

073was to keep stakeholders such as students, families, staff and community members informed about our goals, progress and key initiatives in relation again to the student outcomes focused governance. Uh it will also provide timely updates and important developments and foster engagement by offering clear accessible information about the board's work and opportunities for involvement. Again the mission being the governance work that we are doing. Uh when we talk about updates and things of that nature that is in hey we've got um budget sessions coming up or we um we're coming to do community listening sessions. So we're giving very general highlevel updates such as that. The intention um that we want to maintain is what I just read. So the areas that we're looking at right now is I don't know if it was clearly communicated and

074so I think people can look at things and interpret them differently and and that is that's what happens at times. Um, so the matter on the table right now is the commissioner's corner as well as the advisory group corner. Um, for the commissioner's corner, it reads here on page two of the SOP that each edition of the newsletter will feature updates or an article authored by a commissioner. This will highlight individual perspectives, promote transparency, and provide stakeholders with insight into the work and priorities of the board. Um, everything on here is to be in relation to the student outcomes governance. Um, so the same with our advisory groups, uh, maybe some general updates or events that are taking place. Um, this is not meant for op-eds and things of that nature, respectfully. And so given

075that because we have the platform of open board discussions, we have the platform of media and all of those type of things. This is more again a newsletter to be disseminated around how we are aligning with our student outcomes focused governance governance model um and communicating those type of things at a at a high general level. So, I wanted to open that up because we do need to take a look at th the SOP if it was not clearly uh stated. Does everyone have it open? >> I will say may add something. >> M. Yes. Vice President Mallay. >> Yeah. I think just uh we want to make sure that whatever operating procedures that we put in place that it is based on that student outcomes focused governance and that it meets the the purpose

076um of having this newsletter in in the first place which is to help educate the community about why school systems exist and our governance model in general and the work that we're doing to focus more on those student outcomes, those academic outcomes. So, anything that we can do to make it more specific in that regard, I would support. I don't know that we necessarily need a commissioner's corner. I think that it might be more helpful to perhaps highlight what that student outcomes focused governance looks like in our various schools and maybe highlight what we see happening building by building. That's just my take. >> Thank you, Vice President Mallaloy. Um, Commissioner Griffin, >> I would have to agree um with uh Vice President Mallaloy. In addition, um if it was to maintain a commissioner's corn,

077I think that a commissioner should highlight uh something governing a student's uh something regarding a student outcome maybe that they have experienced or that you know it could be relevant to a student or a school. But I think that is it is important to stay focused on going moving forward in a positive direction in in in a newsletter. That's what usually happens when you when you when it's based on, you know, um like a district or you know or an organization. So I think that positivity comes out of a newsletter and I think that that's what we need to stay focused on. >> Thank you, Commissioner Griffin. Commissioner Santiago. Yeah, I do have a quick clarifying question. Is this like is this policy going is are we trying to pass this policy before the next

078the next uh newsletter comes out? >> Um we're looking at this as a regroup because the newsletter is in question right now and it's not aligned with what the purpose of this um student outcomes focus governance mission or what have you. as I read the goal of the newsletter is it's not in alignment. What that does though is it shows that there's opportunity for clarification as well and so we do need to make sure those points are clear because right now they're not. Okay. Um, but if I if I can also add, I think that it would be unfair to also end the commissioner corner now after some commissioners have already been able to write on the commissioner corner and then we got to end it before anybody else can continue. So, I don't agree

079with ending it. Um, I also don't agree with, you know, too much restrictions as far as if it's commissioner's corner, you shouldn't be controlling, you know, what what the commissioner is saying if it's an individual commissioner. Um, but I just needed to ask that clarifying question. >> Yeah, and I I do hear you on that because I thought about some of those pieces and it's kind of like you don't want to get into these matters of restrictive, but like I said, I don't know. We are, and I say this with love, y'all, but we are a viable case study because things that other districts have never even seen, we somehow see them here at the RCSD. And it is it is amazing. It is amazing the things we are able to dream up. Um, but

080I hear your point, Commissioner Santiago, when you talk about, you know, not wanting to be restrictive. But what I did when I when I thought about being in alignment with governance is I looked at our behaviors, right? And I looked at the possibility of at some point it could be questioning something somebody else thinks they need to know about another commission. You know what I mean? Like where does it stop? And the fact that we even went there in a newsletter is like um maybe we don't have the clarity. Maybe we're not ready for that. So maybe we can put some parameters on voting but if we all don't see it the same that that's that becomes a matter of contention too. And again, this is to be a general newsletter about student outcomes and

081hey, this school community did that and you know, um, the real conversations happen right here on the deis. Um, we have, you know, we could do our own op-eds, white papers, all types of things. There's a lot of outlets. So, this is not to silence people's voice, but it's just not the intention of the newsletter for certain type of um, communication respectfully. So, um, we can either one, figure out how to have a newsletter where we can potentially continue the commissioner's corner, but we would need to probably be able to vote on that on that thing. Or we replace the commissioner's corner with something like uh school spotlights or catching you doing good, something that highlights positive things coming out of the district. >> Um, no, I I think that it should it should stay.

082um the guidelines that that are down I actually agree with. Um I just don't like that's a little reactionary >> to you know to something that's been pro proposed and definitely what it was proposed about. If this was in the policy like originally before we had started getting before we got started then it would be like 100%. But I also know that this is reactionary to proposed language that's already been proposed and so you know I have some problems with it. I'll support it because I agree with having that as all the commissioners on the board will one day have to write on the commissioner's corner if we do continue it. >> Um but I on a side note I don't like how it's reactionary. But I do support it. >> Well, you know, policies

083are designed that way. >> Usually something happens, something takes place that informs that a policy or some change in procedure needs to now be addressed. And so I do hear what you're saying as far as like reactionary or what have you. Um, and also things when we when we put our information out as we continue if we continue with this commissioner's corner, make sure that the information is factual. Um, that it's it's it's got to be factual as well because this is going out to all of our staff, our teachers, our students, um, whomever will be able to take a look at this and let that, you know, those facts speak properly as well. Um but you know I I think it is reactionary in the sense of it was not anticipated that the understanding

084of this corner would not be understood >> right >> and so now that I'm seeing that it's not understood we having this conversation >> so um I do believe before the the the newsletters go out and you all maybe you have some on the president's corner like I got a little whole president's and read that and you might saym just what is she talking about? We don't need to put that out. You you can call that the question. We can vote on that, but we can vote on this newsletter before anything goes out. >> Commissioner Griffin, um I totally agree with you what you are saying. I believe that again I'm just going to reiterate the positivity of a newsletter um with uh all the negativity surrounding RCSD. I think this is a positive step

085and I think we we don't need to take away from that. Um I I I would say keep the commissioner's corner but in light of that has student outcome slash student outcomes. So we are addressing what we're doing with that initiative to reach the goals in this community in in this district. Um, it's unfortunate that we have to go resort to this, but I think that, you know, I think that in light of it as we can use it as a stepping stone and moving in the right direction and making sure our tees are crossed and our eyes are dotted when we're we're doing something of this nature, not thinking that we would have a problem as such. But again, um, it's a positive thing, the positivity of it, and we have a platforms from

086everything else. So this platform is for the positive outcomes and to let the community know what we're doing in RCSD that is positive. So I think that in light of that, that's what we should do. We should move forward, but I don't think we should have hammered the nail into the wall. I think we should do a vote on it and that's move forward. So the opportunity we have here is to maintain the corner with the understanding that it needs to align with what the top of the whole the newsletter never changed what it says right at the top what the purpose and mission of the newsletter is for. And so even my my letter um the commissioner's letter those things need to be in alignment with the goal of the newsletter. And with that,

087we um where would you recommend uh clerk Travis? I guess we would probably need to vote on because I think we need to vote on if we're going to continue it because this can continue. Like, you know, right now it's it's here, but next weekend, next month, it could be something different. I might tell y'all the sky is purple and you say, "No, it's blue." and I don't get to just tell you what I believe and it it may not be factual and it may be factual for me. Um, so we need to vote to we need to figure out how we can vote on the newsletter to ensure that we're putting out the proper information. Does that make sense? >> So I guess those are two things happening. First is do y'all do you

088all want to vote on this specific SOP? When it comes to the actual newsletter, I would probably recommend adding that to the October business meeting to be voted on officially, unless you all want to do that tonight. >> Well, I guess with the SOP, can we change I'd like to change the language and it I think it needs clarifying language when it comes to the commissioner. So, I think we're and I can respect this where it may have been interpreted. It says an article authored by a commissioner, which is what happens. It's a corner. Um but it says it'll in highlight individual perspectives, promote transparency, provide um stakeholders with insight into the work and priorities of the board. Um I think the clarity need needs to be that it needs to be in alignment with

089the goal of the newsletter and um student outcomes focus governance mission that that's what the the topics kind of need to >> so would we want to remove perspectives then from that description because when you have perspectives listed there you're opening a can of worms >> for that and I have no interest nor should any of us want to censor each other. >> So, yeah, we can just take that out and put promote uh trans uh student outcomes focused governance. I think it'd be easier to just do some highlights of schools and cool things that we saw. >> No, we don't need that mic. I guess the other question I have here is so we you know say you all move forward with the parameters right and the commissioner um they end parameters but I

090know the goal is to make it a positive newsletter if it comes out negative it's not board staff's you know responsibility to say hey you can't push this forward let me just be cand my question is like who is who do the board president then become the person to have to talk to >> that's what I don't want that responsibility And that's why I'm like, let's just get away from it. Let me just be very candid and and I say this with with as much respect as I can figure out. I just, like I said, we we we are a case study. And I I literally saw this and and said, man, and then started to imagine what other people are talking about at times. And I are we in a space of readiness and

091you know to to assess if you are in a place of readiness requires you to be able to have a level of introspect. You have to be able to reflect and I don't know if we doing that kind of stuff. So um what I'm I don't know Charisma what I want to do here. >> Can I make Yeah. What's your motion? >> Can I make a motion to just simply remove the commissioner's corner altogether? >> Yes. Can >> can the commissioners >> but if it's not the board's voice then it's just the president then it's really just a newsletter to use resources for the board president >> not at all I didn't say make that suggestion I would Yeah, sorry. I'm I'm just saying that if there is not a commissioner's corner, then it's just

092the president speaking being full forward. And I just have to just put on record how frustrating it is that we are beating a dead horse about a newsletter that our parents most likely won't see, read, or it will be reflective of like what's happening with them and their child today. It's not going to make a difference or an impact. Um, but we didn't even spend all this time even having a conversation on this day is on public record about the payroll issue. These are the things that frustrate the the crap out of me wasting my time doing this. But I just want to point out that if there is no commissioner's corner, then it is just the board president being reflected every month. And at that point, and I don't care who the board president

093is, in my opinion, it is not then a collective board newsletter. It is the board president whoever that person. the suggestion um was to have a commissioner's corner and to have other pieces in there because there's no interest. I mean, I could go back because I know um former President Elliot did have a commissioner's corner on the website and it was just the president's message that she kept every month. So, I mean, I if I wanted to do that, I could just go and do that, but that's not my interest. So, I think we're actually, believe it or not, in agreement on not wanting this to exist as just a president's letter or message. However, recognizing the the things that are are said um from from our deis unfortunately we are having a conversation that

094I you know I'm I'm upset too because I talk about how I don't hear too much conversation about kids right we have these conversations more than we than we do kids. Um, Commissioner Santiago. >> Yeah, I I just want to say I don't support that. And I also want to say, and this is no shot to nobody, but the only reason why this conversation is brought up in the first place is because one of our commissioners, Cynthia Elliott, proposed language in our commissioner corner speaking about Oracle and the issues with Oracle and what's currently happening. I just don't think that it's fair that we're trying to find ways to silence a voice about an issue. And I'm even reading this and there's nothing in there that's saying is that saying anything that's misinformation like these

095are all true things that are currently going on and to see that like this is a the reason why this policy is being proposed or is being proposed to remove it because one individual commissioner wants to talk about Oracle which is affecting a lot of our staff is truly unfair really and I said that in the beginning and it's not like to call nobody out or to say I got you but it's like this what warranted this conversation and trying to end it is because Oracle is talked about. You guys are trying to end that because in that in that discussion it's talked about how there was a letter sent up to the comprollers's office by myself, Commissioner LeBron and Commissioner Elliott and I just feel like this is reaction onto us on to Commissioner

096Elliott speaking about that. I saw this a couple weeks ago. >> Um but I don't think that we should find ways to remove things just because we're talking about the current issues. All she's saying is is is the issue that's currently happening and what's been done by three individual commissioners. And so yeah, I don't agree with that at all. I >> I appreciate your comments. Um I find it problematic, inflammatory, and irresponsible. I find the language in there to not even be 100% factual. So like I said, when we put out a newsletter, let it be factual. Um we recognize the actions of you all, and I don't want to get into that debate. um you have every right to call for what you want to call for um not in the manner in which

097it took place, but that's not the matter of discussion there. The reason I'm concerned with that is because it says um things about calling for things that yes, those things were called for, but it alludes to them actually taking place. Um which is not factual. It says uh they agreed and all this other stuff. And so my point is that we as commissioners continue to center ourselves. >> I'm just saying I'm actively reading it and there's nothing in here. >> We continue to center ourselves. >> There's nothing in here that's saying any wrong information. >> What I'd like you what I'd like to challenge you to do is tell me how does that align to student outcomes focused governance. The thing about that is that I'm I'm talking to Commissioner Santiago right now. What I

098am saying here is those conversations can happen right here on the deis. They happen in the news. They happen face to face with employees and they're ongoing and they are being discussed openly, honestly, and transparently as much as possible. >> I don't know if people feel >> they don't belong in the newsletter. >> We might be saying that, but I'm not sure if our staff feel that. A lot of people are in the gray area right now. So, I don't believe people actually feel that. And that's and it's not even about the Oracle issue. It's not even about that. It's about something was said and was written about that certain people don't like and so now we're going to propose a policy to stop that because certain of us don't certain parts of the board

099doesn't like that there's information being put out there about an issue that's impacting thousands of employees. I don't agree with that. This is reactionary and that's why I said and at first I was like oh this is great. But then after thinking about the the proposed language by Commissioner Elliott and why this legis this uh policy is being proposed, it has to do with that and that's >> are there any legal ramifications to anything that was written? Um, uh, council Neil, >> uh, good evening. Um, good evening, um, President Elliot. Without and I'm sorry, um, President Simmons, um, my apologies. No worries. U, without getting into specifics of details of confidential communication, I do think there are some elements that are problematic. um and that would potentially um um would not necessarily serve as a

100accurate representation of facts and circumstances um you know off off of off a very complicated situation and a situation that's still um evolving. And so, um, I I I do think there is, um, a a legitimate concern with, um, you know, statements as it pertains to, um, um, different >> presenting presenting presenting certain opinions as fact. Um, you know, in in something like the newsletter, I I think that is potentially problematic. And and again, in all fairness, it could be any commissioner at any time with with any issue. Um, so I think the conversation around either um is is a is a good one to have about either not having it at all or about you know some some standards or or board voting on it as the board the board the board voting and

101so it is it is it is a board any any statements or or board consensus um are are appropriate to have. >> I think given the amount of time maybe we just need to um pause on it because you know this is not reactionary based on emotion. It's reactionary based on wait a minute, hold up, what is this? Because next month it could be I want to know how many what the fees were for this person and what they're doing here and and this has not been called for yet. And that could be the commissioner's corner. And I just think that we have the propensity to go down a rabbit hole of things that we're going to end up talking about and having have an issue. the the the purpose again of this newsletter. I

102would have never imagined something like a newsletter taking almost an hour or whatever this is to um to discuss. Right. I I do have to push back on legal because I'm reading what Cynthia wrote and what she wrote was people were impacted because of the Oracle transition that commissioners wrote a letter that the controller responded to that letter and just because we whistlebl first of all there what what my other fellow commissioners who may not have experienced that it doesn't matter what some certain people say regarding even the administration, the comproller has an obligation to open this and is fully impacted. But to that end, I just want to point out that there's nothing legal or illegal or incorrect that is stated in the commissioner's corner. Um although I will acknowledge what our legal counsel

103is saying that in the future there could be something that especially if we have a case open that could incriminate us or put us in a position where we're giving the other side an advantage to a case against us. But as it's written there is nothing illegal. There's nothing even unethical in that statement. So, I just want to point that out because people will hear our attorney and and interpret that to say that Commissioner Elliott wrote something illegal or incorrect and that is simply not true. >> Respectfully, Commissioner, I I didn't say that and again, I'm trying I'm not opining on on specifics at this point. I'm I'm speaking generally, I can saying it could it could apply to to to any commissioner and and and to any kind of statements. And and I and

104I do want to caution the board about this the the the the the open discussion of of something confidential that is not published yet. Again, this pertains to there is there there's a reason why the executive session it says matters leading to the appointment of you know um particular organizations, right? So we're talking about um organizations um and um and in in in contracts and things of that nature. So, um I again I'm not opining on any specifics. I'm speaking generally. Um and and again I I do think is a legitimate concern regardless of who the commissioner is about making certain statements as as as fact right when we are in the midst of very complicated um situations that we're evaluating daily for next steps. >> I'd like to call the question. I'd like us

105to vote on this matter. >> Well, at this time, >> do I I'm not sure if >> is there is there I don't Is there a motion on the table? >> You got a call to order motion. If you're going to do it, right? >> Yeah. So, >> call to motion. >> So, I'm calling the question and it's a motion to >> first of all and off I'm going to ask you for some clarity off offkilter um legal counsel I think. But yeah, um, and also I wanted to have the conversation without specifically bringing up names because you don't want to put someone out there in a spotlight or what have you. And I think there was a way to have the conversation responsibly. But call it reactionary. I think it's irresponsible communication. I think

106it's damaging and it's it's not okay. And um if you're going to recite it, then you should probably quote it perfectly, right? Cuz it it actually said that there was an agreement for something that there was no agreement to that. And so that's misleading. Um you want to call to question Vice President Malloy. Um how does that work? >> A motion to remove the commissioner's corner from the newsletter until further notice. Oh, okay. >> Motion to remove the commissioner's corner from the newsletter until further notice. >> Second. I get a second. >> Motion by Commissioner Patterson. >> Second by uh Commissioner Griffin. >> Um all in favor? >> I think there's a section for questions and comments and I've been had my hand >> Oh, open for discussion. Thank you. I just want to say

107that I think that this is another action from the board to hide and not be transparent on what's going on with Oracle that's affecting thousands of families, students, parents, teachers in our district. And it's unfortunate that this current board majority continues to do actions to hide what's being done to our staff instead of making actions and doing things to actually fix the issues that's impacting our staff. And so I that's what I think and I hope that this board uh gets their act together because people are still being affected. I feel like certain people are disconnected from the reality of what our people are dealing with and it's unfortunate. So we're going to do these actions to block transparency about Oracle when there are thousands of people still having questions no matter how much you

108want to say you've been talking about it. And so my vote is a no. >> Thank you Commissioner Santiago. And I do want to validate that I had the opportunity to go um and sit in the presence of RAP employees as well as Bente employees that have been impacted face to face, not through the deis, not through a newsletter, not through an article, but actually sit there. Um I I actively find opportunities to either be present or seek out individuals. So certainly no. Um this is not an attempt to to block things, but opinions are warranted and they do come with these type of decisions. But this is for me not an attempt to block transparency, but to block the uh issues we have on this board because this it could be one of you

109next next month. Matter of fact, I'm quite confident of that. And because we conduct ourselves in this way, I'm going to go in ahead and chill until we don't have to have an hourlong conversation about a newsletter. Um, that's what I think is important. And so at this time, uh, we've got the motion on the floor. I got Commissioner Patterson has an item for discussion. >> Yes. Uh, just so the general public and the administration knows, I know you know as administration that the superintendent has done a great job being transparent with Oracle and the issues that we have here. This board is not trying to hide anything from you. We're just trying to become a functional board. We're we're being trained by the Council of Great City Schools on how to govern. And we're

110trying to stay in our role of some of us are trying to stay in our role of governance. And that's basically to make sure that we give the uh superintendent the autonomy to do his job and then question him relative to questions that we do have. not even >> and he's done a great job, you know, with, you know, is Oracle perfect now? No, it isn't. We admit that. We admit there's some problems. >> I think we should refrain from these conversations and and until we have some guidance and and >> I just want to make sure that >> this administration knows and everyone underneath it and the people that are affected that We're behind you. We support you. And we're being transparent, as transparent as we can. Obviously, we have council here that tells

111us what we can and can't say, but we're being this administration is being as transparent as it can and helpful as it can at this point in time. And we hear you as a board. We hear you. We feel you. Thank you. >> My question to the board is, how many people are even impacted? What are the numbers of staff that are impacted? I have it for you. We don't even know the answer. So, we're not Santiago. Point of order. You were not called on. >> We do not have the answer. Commissioner, Commissioner, you're speaking. Commissioner, you are speaking. >> So, it continues to be hidden day by day. Thousands of people are speaking on it. I'll stand here and represent every single day for our students and our teachers. Commissioner to argue that we're

112trying to govern. Governance is not happening. This board is not even successfully doing that. You got to be commissioner. You have to be recognized to speak for speak and that is this is >> don't don't don't try to hush him. Let him go on because this is the problem now, >> right? >> We sit here and we politicize things and pretend that you know we we fight in the good fight sometimes, right? >> You guys don't even know the answer. You don't know what's going on. We don't know. There's nothing happening. >> Maybe if we allow this meeting Commissioner Griffin, my vote is no. I just want to vote. So no, you've already shared that and we appreciate your your your sharing >> on record cuz I need to make a call while you guys

113>> Okay, we understand that. So, you know, this is the problem now. You know, >> most of us weren't even here when Oracle was brought in. >> That's exactly what I was saying. There's no government. >> Point of order, please. >> Point of order. He was not directed to speak. >> Okay. Well, this is this is Jesus. This this is this is a point of of contention and everyone, you know, has their their feelings. Um it's a it's a very strong time and we do see our employees going through a lot. Um I detest and despise anyone who purports that I don't care. Um and and and the whole politicizing who cares more and who's fighting more accurately, >> I detest that too. I send it back to the pits from which it comes because

114this is my family, my community that I serve and the school district that I signed up to serve. So maybe it ain't looking the way you think it should look for you, but >> please do not accuse folks of of commissioners, please. The the board president gets to recognize speakers. I I haven't recognized either one of you the board and the fact that work of governing. That's why I'm saying I didn't say nobody didn't care. I said that we're not doing our job. That's why I said no. I just want to clarify cuz you're saying I'm saying something that I never said. I didn't say nobody cared. I said that we're not doing the work that's important and we're saying that we're governing. We don't even know the numbers or getting answers. So, it's a

115false lie that we're giving to the community and it has to stop. People are affected and they continue to be infected. >> Sounds good. And this is the this is the problem now. Don't Don't Hold up. This is the problem. Now, that sounds real good, but it ain't true. >> Stop. Tell me the number of of employees affected. >> You tell me the number. >> We don't know. And that's why I'm saying if we're a government, >> but we have the person. >> We should know. >> We have the individuals here that will give us the clarity. >> They're not giving answer. They're not giving answers neither. >> The topic on the table right now was about the newsletter. The topic on the table right now was about the irresponsible messaging. Not a reactionary thing,

116not the accus accusation that just came across saying we trying to hide things. What the problem is is it was irresponsible, inaccurate, and potentially an issue. >> Right. >> So based on that understanding, we're going to remove it. We're not going to play this game >> and we don't want to hide the fact that we know this thing got voted in in 2021 at 12 million and ballooned to 46 million by 2024. I wasn't the president. We we we don't want to talk about the problem we're trying to then solutions. That's all. >> What I'm saying is >> ridiculous >> this thing can go down a rabbit hole issue. you won't even hear. And so the accusations of where people stand. >> I'm at every meeting. >> Do not do not >> every meeting I'm

117here >> do not tell people where they stand on a matter. I have family members impacted by this. I talk to employees. I got stopped in the grocery store. I lose sleep over this. >> And I ask questions around this. We are asking questions around the timeline. All of those things. and there's a responsible way to have this uh res this conversation. And the reality is we did not do a good job this evening. But I will not sit here and let anybody tell anyone listening to this that this board does not care about what's happening to employees that >> or that we are not in tune with it >> or that we're trying to hide and not be transparent. >> Thank you. What we are trying to be is responsible >> for something >>

118and that is the matter of the conversation. >> Pay the staff. That's what I'm going to I'm going to stop this communication at this time. >> That's all I'm saying. >> Uh we have a motion on the on the mad on the board. I'm there's no anger here. But I I detest it. Say that. >> But that's what >> I can't hear you, Charisma. >> Okay. So, you just need the rest of the votes. >> All in favor? I >> I. Any oppose? We have them. Okay, we're going to move forward. I apologize that we didn't get through this. We usually do real clean, but we we didn't get through this discussion very clean. So, now we have a resolution for review and that is the October academics. Now, mine opened up and >> yes,

119sorry to go back real quick to the newsletter. So, I understand the commissioner's corner is being removed, but the president's um desk, the revisions that's there, are you all looking to accept that or we just leaving the SOP as it already is or just removing the corner? >> That should be removed, too. >> I can't hear you. Let me hold on. Let me let me call I'm I'm going to try one last time to call this to order. And I'm going to ask that commissioners from both sides of me allow for me to hear from the clerk. What were you saying, Chris? Phil, my question is, so I understand that the commissioner's corner has been removed. The rest of the SOP with the president's desk had revisions. Are you all looking to amend those revisions

120tonight or you looking to keep the SOP as it is? >> Um, the SOP needs to be rewritten. And so, but we're not going to get through that this evening. So, we can we can put that for a um >> business a future >> piece because we've got to revisit the newsletter. The fact that we have this kind of discussion over a newsletter, this is the that's the spirit is just so sad to me. It's just a sad sad spirit. >> People not getting paid is sad to me, too. >> So So from what I'm hearing then, we're in October. There's supposed to be an October edition. We're still going to release it at the end of this month without the the commissioner's corner, and then we'll put it on a future meeting to figure

121out logistics moving forward. That's what I'm my understanding. Okay. Well, >> we can we can go ahead and do that for now. are so we can put a pin on that. Thank you. All right. So, um it looks like we are at academics which is a resolution review October academic resolutions. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. So, there's two documents tonight. It's resolution 215, it looks like. Excuse me. So, some of the information was cut off. Um, the second attachment includes a readable copy. The second attachment also includes administrative approval trees which may have shifted resolutions to different pages. Um, so we're going to open the floor to questions from commissioners regarding the academic resolutions. >> Commissioner, I mean, President Simmons. >> Yes. regarding academic resolutions. I just want to make sure that um EB um I

122want to make sure I'm in the right one. Is this is this including the one with the gym the athletics? >> If you could point us to the res. I'm trying cuz all of them said nine and then I Okay, hold on. Okay, 213. Hold on one second. >> I wrote it down, but I don't have my notebook with me. I'm I apologize. >> While you're looking that up, Commissioner Griffin, go ahead. I'm going to move ahead. Move along. It was a question. >> I am. Thank Thank you. >> I'm going to move along on the deis for um anybody who may have questions or thoughts on the academic resolutions before us. I have it right here. Um, it's on resolution 215. Um, I'm just curious. I see uh, and I don't know if Dr.

123Roser I don't know Dr. Roser or maybe um, Miss Blacker can answer it. Um there's quite a bit of funding here and I'm seeing a lot of um sports in different schools but still lacking one specific school that I watched very carefully because they were supposed to have um increased their athletics department within the last two years and it still seems like it's stagnant and that is Padilla Franklin High school. Um, can we have some insight on why we're not seeing the football football teams being developed there and um other sports activities outside of soccer? Um, can somebody give me more insight on that? >> I'm sorry. I just want before Commissioner Griffin, I just want to make sure I'm clear. You said resolution 215. >> Yeah, I think I'm I'm Yeah, 215. >> Okay.

124And that resolution is regarding um a budget toward >> athletics >> the athletics and these are to approve the stipens given to so that that's the nature of that resolution. Do you have anything regarding the resolution the stipens for the >> Yeah. My question is and and this is a twofold the increase of athletics at Padilla and my second thing is how are we tracking to make sure that the coaches are attending and and and and uh regularly attending the practices and kids are not going to the practices and the coaches are not attending and then and then there's a fallout there because there has been there has been questions and people stating that the the children are going to the practices and the the coaches are not present. It may not happen at every

125school, but it's happening. So, my concern is that how are we how are we making sure that the coaches are attending and showing up to to to teach the students? And secondly, why is it why am I still seeing a less thereof of athleticism at Padilla Franklin High School? >> Thank you, Charisma. Did you capture that? >> I did. First question is, >> can you repeat your first question for Charisma? versus uh soccer. >> No, no, no, no. Basically, the athleticism at the school itself has not increased in the last two years. Based on my position when I first came into this sat in this seat, we were supposed to have a football team that was supposed to be at Franklin/Padilla, now Padilla, Franklin, however you want to say it. But at the end of

126the day, that has not done has not been done. When I look at this amount of money that's being spent, I'm still not seeing an increase in the athletics department within Franklin. They had the pool that was supposed to be open up. We're supposed to increase the football team. We were supposed to have all these things. I'm not seeing it. So, I'm ask the question I'm asking is how and when are we going to do this? This money that was spent and where was the money that was used last year and and we still don't have a football team. Thank you. The even with the cheerleaders, how are we how are we supporting them? These are things that are crucial to kids. I know when I was in school, >> Commissioner Griffin, I'm sorry. At

127this point, this this meeting has go gone so far off the rails. >> I was the one that did that and I want to explain to the to the Commissioner Griffin, if I can call this to order for a moment. Um, what I do want to say is that the commissioners I mean the the the media has taken some turns. So what we do have are your questions and they have been added to the question log. Charisma, are you clear on those questions? So they are captured for uh the question log to be followed up on. Um at this time we have resolutions uh for the academic resolution specifically. We have them on the table. Uh they start from resolution is that um ending at I'm sorry I don't even have all of them on

128here. Let me just scroll on down to the bottom here. The last one being resolution, excuse me, 216. >> Clarity clarity from Vice President Malloy. >> Yeah. Um, just these are all of some of the resolutions that we can expect to see on the consent agenda at our business meeting. So, we're not voting on them tonight. They're going to be on the October business meeting consent agenda. >> Well, if we vote on them, right, they'll be officially voted on once they reach that October business meeting. But after we discuss these and look at them tonight, um once we get to that business meeting and they're on the consent agenda, all we do is vote. There's no discussion for anything that appears on the consent agenda. Thank you for that point of clarity. Any other questions

129regarding this package of resolutions under academic resolutions? >> I have a question. Um, so just be clear with Commissioner Griffin based off of the question you asked about 215 because the consent agenda is not supposed to have questions typically. Are you okay moving that forward when President Simmons move forward with the entire um academic packet? Does that needs to be pulled out until you get your answer? That's really it. >> No, because the question is not in relation to the if if it was a question about the actual resolution, but her question should be answered. They are in the um if if we approve or whatever the case is, they're in the agenda. You got them. This is about if we're approving for teacher stipens. That's what this is about for coaching. So, but I

130understand the nature of her questions, but that's not what this resolution gets. >> So, with that said, resolutions 205 through 216. Moving forward to the consent aend u agenda for the business meeting. >> Motion by Commissioner Griffin. >> Second by Vice President Malloy. Any All in favor? I >> I Any opposed? Those move forward. Okay, we're at the budget calendar, it looks like. >> Did I miss anything? [Music] >> I'm going to turn uh the mic over to our Superintendent Roser and CFO Dal >> McDow. >> Mcdal. Thank you. >> So, good evening everyone. Um we have put together a budget calendar for the 2627 school year in which we would like to present to the board. Um of course um this is a draft budget calendar um that we would like to after our

131presentation be able to move forward to the um board meeting on October 30th for approval. Um Mr. Mr. McDall is going to walk us through the budget calendar um highlighting those elements of the budget calendar um that are going to be very important for us to be mindful of as we develop the 26 27 budget. Mr. McDow, >> you got it. Thank you, Superintendent Roser. So, um obviously today starts the um the budget calendar as you can see in the illustration here. Um then we have a couple um community forums uh next Monday and then the following Tuesday of this month uh on the 28th and uh then we have a hopeful vote for the adoption of the budget at the end of the month on the 30th. Uh in November we'll start to prioritize

132our our budget uh priorities and look to uh give a presentation uh right before Thanksgiving on November 20th. Um after Thanksgiving, we'll start to uh look at our enrollment. Um budget sheets will be given to the budget managers and then the superintendent and I on the 18th of uh December will present our initial assumptions for the budget. After Christmas, we'll come back and we'll look at um the recommendations uh that are due on the 13th. Uh hopefully we'll have the uh governor's state aid initial runs uh sometime after Martin Luther King's birthday and then on the 27th or so we're hoping to get staffing recommendations. Once we move into February uh we will be looking to have a balanced budget um via the cabinet and then uh we'll present on the 26th after President's Day

133um holiday uh in February. Moving into March, uh we expect to have a budget a budget balanced budget to the state monitor in the early portions of the month. Uh then towards the end of the month, we look to uh present that uh the superintendent Nye and other staff. So um by the 31st, we're hoping that the uh budget uh calendar will be available to um the board. In April, we have numerous um presentations and deliberations uh that we'll be looking to uh receive and respond to uh the board. I think there are two of them in August. Um initial >> what's that? I'm sorry. In April. Yes. Sorry about that. Uh in April. Uh and we will conclude with um hopefully receiving the the the the city's um hearing and and their information for

134the dates that will be relevant for them in uh May and uh June. Um we look to have the last deliberations at the beginning of May. Uh and then we hope to adopt the budget sometime right around Mother's Day, May 12th. Uh and then publish it uh on the 13th. In June, we'll uh do our joint public hearing and then we hope hope that the city council will vote on the budget sometime between the 14th and 16th of June. So, colleagues, one of the things I want to sort of point out that is different about this budget calendar um would be my as well as the CFO's engagement with our community um next week and the week after. Um, I find it to be extremely important that we seek information from our community on what

135they would like to see in our budget, particularly as it relates to our strategic plan, the five priority areas um to help inform what the budget priorities will be moving forward. Once I receive that information from those engagements, um we most certainly will consider everything that the community has shared with us as we then develop the budget priorities. Those budget priorities would then be shared with our building principles as well as our department heads so that they can then develop budgets around those budget priorities. So, that's a shift from um what I understand the Rochester City School District has done in the past. But one of the things I wanted to make sure is that prior to us engaging the entire staff in the budget process that we first seek to understand what does our

136community seek as it relates to budget priorities aligned to our strategic plan. So, that is a shift from what um I understand the district has engaged in in the past, but it's something that um I've engaged in um in my former school district. >> Um yes, before I o open it up for additional comments, excuse me, I got this cough. Um I do want to explain that in addition to the budget calendar, the board calendar has been updated to include budget deliberation dates and the budget vote. Uh, clerk win is also currently waiting on notice from the city um for those council dates. The budget calendar, board calendar will be brought back to be amended once the city dates are finalized. Um, so I do want to reference that and with that, Commissioner Lebron. >>

137Yeah, I just want to point out though like as we're planning a budget that we also should be looking at a plan A, plan B, what happens if the shutdown continues? Um the entire department of higher ed of the department of education for special ed has been entirely let go. That will impact us. Um and I don't know what the district's number is but the county has a number, the city has a number, systems have a number. So I think we need to understand what that number of impact is for us. And I can tell you 35 days into this SNAP will start being impacted for people then wick. Um, and that's where we're at. So, I think we need to understand what's our number with special ed, what's our own contingency plan to some

138of these federal cuts and changes. Um, and I think that we should anticipate that project 2025 is um at 58 capacity completed right now. um with the president and the Heritage Foundation moving forward at full speed and that there are still additional things identified in there that have not yet been implemented or are also on um you know are going to be implemented. And so I just want to put that out there. I think there has to be alignment towards that more than um anything right now because if we don't have a contingency plan for funding that's not coming in then it's going to be a really tough budget year as we move forward. Thank you. >> Thank you Commissioner Lebron. Um did you have Yes. >> Yeah. So to your point Commissioner Lebron you

139bring up very good points. One of the things that we have already engaged in discussion about is what might be the impact. And we're going to be presenting and developing a budget that takes in consideration that the federal government may not come through as they have in the past and even the state government may not come through as they have in the past. I was in a convers I had a conversation with one of our local um legislative delegates and they indicated to me that or they indic indicated to um the group that the state is already facing a $10 billion gap um in their budget. So we're anticipating embracing or impact um and we will be presenting a budget that reflects that. >> Thank you Dr. Roser. Any other commissioners with um statements regarding

140the budget calendar as presented? I know that they did mention um even in previous months or last budget season even that we would start to see the impact not in that moment but 26 27 we can definitely count on it and even before then which we are seeing now. So, um, contingency plans were definitely things that were, um, brought up and I think the points are salient and necessary and I'm looking forward to continued conversation. With no further discussion, um, CFO Mr. McDow, >> we appreciate you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um, on here, Charisma, I see the speakers forums track ch changes on here. Um I think it's the is it just up it says speakers form but is it just um updating our calendar for the work sessions or >> oh I

141thought that had made it on already. So if commissioners want to click on that um the speakers forum are you can now see where it will fall. So, I'm sorry. The title of the document includes speaker form, but the actual document is updating the budget um calendar into your main calendar. >> Okay, that's okay. I was so confused when I saw speaker form. I'm like, why is that there? Okay, so so this um calendar is now showing the updated um budget sessions for us. And we again uh clerk win has indicated that she's still waiting on dates from the city. So once those come through, this calendar will be revised and updated once again. Um I guess we can vote on the budget calendar as is and then we can re uh we'll need to

142revise it. Do we need to vote on that right now? >> We're going to bring it we're going to bring it forward to >> the business meeting. >> October 30th meeting. >> Okay. So we'll vote on it at that time. So this is more FYIformational purposes. Um, and so resolution review October administrative support resolution. >> No, sorry. I need you guys to vote on the budget calendar to be forwarded to the business meeting. >> I'm sorry. Thank you. Yes. Motion to move the budget calendar as proposed to the business meeting for further >> motion by Commissioner Santiago, seconded by Vice President Malloy. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Okay, that calendar goes forward and now we're looking at resolution reviews, October administrative support resolutions. And this is starting with resolution to resolution 226. It

143looks like, I'm sorry, 227. Um, with that, um, I'd like to open the floor in consideration of resolutions 217 through 227. Motion >> entertaining a motion. Motion by Commissioner Patterson. >> Second by Vice President Mallaloy. Open for discussion. Resolutions 217 through 227 are now open for discussion. Yes. >> Administrative support resolutions. >> Can you explain uh resolution 212? It's the the community place which Let me try my glasses. Sorry, guys. I missed this one. So, what are we actually doing here with the community place? Does anybody have information on this one as far as the community place greater Rochester what actually is happening with this particular I'm sorry I to the listening public I just happened to see this and I'm just curious of what we're actually doing here >> if I can point your

144can I speak >> if I can point your attention to the second paragraph where it starts with whereas since December 2022 too. The Community Place of Greater Rochester, Inc. has provided the initiative, including the following during a regular school day at participating schools throughout the district at no cost to the district or students. Recruiting, selecting, and enrolling volunteers consistent with f federal regulations, including criminal history check and related documentation. Coordinate pre-ervice physical examination of volunteers. Provide accident and liability insurance coverage for volunteers. Maintain responsibility for management and physical control of the foster grandparent program and orientation as well as inservice training on an ongoing basis. And there's more to follow. But as you can see, this is a nocost opportunity for the Rochester City School District to partner with the community place of the greater

145Rochester in implementing the foster grandparent program by which, as I've stated previously, the more we partner to empower individuals to care for our children in a manner that is going to address their holistic needs, the better our children will be. >> Thank you. Uh Dr. Rasher, do we have any is this the first time we did this or this is >> on It says since December 2022. >> Okay. Do we have so we have updated information on this and and and kind of data that supports how many kids have we actually worked with during this this program? I'm just it's a good program. I just want to know, you know, how effective it is. So it's because just because something's free, we need to know how the effective it is. So So I just would

146like to know because you know knowing this is half the battle. You know what I'm saying? So I would love to I would like love to have more information on it. >> You don't do anything info. So >> so frustrated at the end of the day. >> If you if we could get that information, I would love to be able to share it as well. Thank you. >> Um >> can I have one comment? >> Go ahead, Vice President. Yeah, I'll just make this brief in the um let's see if you look underneath the executive summary um the executive summary has how this particular resolution addresses the specific goals like board goals as well in the strategic plan, right? And so part of that is decreasing chronic absenteeism by 2% each year. So those goals

147are are laid out here, I think, in that executive summary. And so they even talk about reporting trends. And so these are definitely numbers that are be going to be kept track of, I think, moving forward, you know, right? >> With that said, with the request on the table, excuse me, let me use my mic. I got you, Dejan. Um, >> with the with the with the request on the table, is that something that would require four four more hours from administration um by chance? Does anyone know to to look that type of information up? Probably >> can most certainly look into that, but it's un it's unknown at this point in time. I would need to >> um >> meet with the team, particularly um executive director Briggs and and determining >> well if

148it's going to take four more hours. Um again, I I even though it may have come out and in such the way that it did this evening, as you all can tell, we've got a lot of priorities in this district. Um so um I think it has to be voted on to happen and and and then you know because aren't those these type of reports going to come out eventually through um other avenues >> like we have the progress monitoring for academics but um once in a while we get like a report on like different um a agencies or supports that are happening um and so I would that maybe that that information come out naturally as it's scheduled to. Um, so I'm not going to ask that we spend that amount of time right

149now. >> I'm sorry. >> Who did? >> Oh, hi. Uh, um, state monitor LSA. >> Thank you. Uh, President Simmons, as a former teacher, kindergarten teacher, as a former building administrator, we have the foster grandparent program in our building. And these are senior citizens that are assigned to a specific classroom. They don't work one-on-one with student. They just go to a classroom, they support the kids. If someone needs some extra help, they are to provide. So, these are not onetoone volunteers to work with kid. This is to support a classroom and to support the students. And once in a while there's just a kid who needs an extra hug from a grandpa or a grandma. That's what they're there for in the classroom. >> So, let me just be very clear. Let me just say

150something really quickly to the listening public. My mother was a foster child and she was a foster parent for 18 years. So, you don't have to explain to me anyone about being a foster parent and having foster siblings because I grew up with them. They were in our home. I think he was just talking about what I'm trying to say. Wait a minute. What I'm trying to say is that I would just like to know more about it because this is the first time I've seen it. People are taking something very small and as they do on this board, they make it very big. I just ask to see because I I would like more information on it. That is it. That's all. >> The information being requested is going to >> I support this

151100% to the listening. >> The information being requested at this time will require administration to exercise more than four hours of time based on the priorities of the district. Um we uh it doesn't sound um as if we are in a position to support that request. We are not going to ask administration to do that at this particular time. However, we do respect it. >> That's fine. It's not a big deal. Just ask. >> I understand. I'm just making that statement. And Commissioner Brown, >> I do want to clarify um that you guys are talking about the senior corpse program and that the government collects data and publishes data on senior corpse. There's an actual website. It's like a Marraorps but for seniors. And that is actually the funding stream um attached both to community

152plays that help foster this program and allow seniors to do other jobs and tasks. And they're retired and this is keeping them fresh and young in our community and giving back. Um but there is a lot of data. There's already lots of research out there around the impact of senior core in our schools and it is available um on the government's website but senior corpse c o r ps like cororps um you should be able to pull up data and I'm sure that there is information about our school because they do break it down by state and districts. Thank you. >> Wonderful. Thank you commissioner um LeBron. So, right now we have resolutions on the floor for the And forgive me, I think I'm I'm not sick, so you're not going to catch anything. I

153know I'm coughing a lot. I just can't get rid of this tickle. Um, we have several resolutions on the floor that 217 through 227. A motion to move resolutions 217. >> Oh, do I? Thank you. Oh, yeah. Because we were having discussion. I got lost in it. >> So, all in favor 217 through 227. I Any opposed? Okay. 217 to through 227 carry. Um, all right. We're at the mental health ad hoc committee written reports. Okay. So, this tonight's agenda apparently has a memo regarding updates with the mental health ad hoc committee. Um, are you reading that or is this just for board to just read it for your reference when you have the opportunity? If you have questions around the work that has been taking place, those folks that are serving, we do want

154to thank them for um coming out and actually serving in this capacity uh for us. So um this is available for public to look at as well as board members if you have not already seen it. Um and I don't think we have an executive session on the agenda this evening. Sorry, I'm excited. It's 8:16. With that said, uh, nope. Uh-uh. Y'all out of Hold on. Let me do it. Okay. Motion to end this night's, uh, work session. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion by Commissioner LeBron, seconded by Vice President Malloy. All in favor? I. >> We are out of here. Thank you everyone. Have a good evening.