Districtwide Safety Plan and Charter School Public Hearing | Board Work Session | August 12, 2025

001Good evening. This is President Simmons and today again is August 12th, 2025 and I'm opening for our Rochester City School District work session, board of education work session to be exact. Uh in alignment with the state monitor's academic plan, we are being asked to implement roll call which is new for our district and that is for commissioners that are physically present I believe. And so at this time um I'm going to enter into roll call here at the deis starting with vice president Malloy >> present. Commissioner Griffin, Commissioner LeBron, >> present. >> Commissioner Patterson, >> present. >> Commissioner Santiago, >> present. >> And clerk uh Charisma, do we have anyone online currently? Okay. And so we may have a commissioner joining us online and when so I will um acknowledge their presence um if they

002are able to make it to today's work session. At this time, you have recorded the roll call at this time. Thank you. So, moving forward, um we need to move into the postponement of the items from our board business meeting. Uh we conducted a board business meeting on July 31st. Uh the general public does understand that we did lose quorum on that day. We did not have physical quorum to complete the business of the board. So we are entering into um this space where we need to finish out a few items from that particular board meeting before we can dive into the work session. Uh first item being a policy discussion uh that was posted on that area. So, I'm going to ask that you um Charisma if you could go over some of those

003items. Good evening. So, the first item will be policy 4095, high school to postsecary education. Um at the last work session in July, um Commissioner Santiago specifically had talked about this policy um really spelling out CTE more and um also college and trade school. And so that's where the conversation left off. And so 4095 was last amended back in June. So, at this time, I'm not sure if other commissioners have any um additional feedback to add if anyone is looking to change or um amend the policy. At this time, the DEAS is open for any commissioners who have uh well, should we be calling this to motion or anything because we're going to try to go into the readings for these policies, right? >> So, no, this one already was amended back in June. Um

004so the question is more so is the board looking to further you know amend it or just leave it as is really is the question. >> Okay. Yes. So I'm going to open the day is for further discussion regarding uh this particular policy policy 4095. It's post secondary. With no further discussion um did you have additional comments commissioner Santiago? Yeah, for for that policy, I definitely uh would love to hear feedback from the superintendent. Um it doesn't have to be now tonight at this public meeting, but um for that policy, just to see if there's any areas that could better support CTE and and uh secondary um CTE schooling and certification um for that policy. And next up, the policy for civic education. I took time to look at the New York State um regulations.

005stick on um just this postsecondary one. I don't think this is specific right now. >> That's all that's all I have to say for that one. Thank you. >> So, you want to hear comments from the superintendent on this the post-secary piece? >> Thank you very much for the opportunity to comment on this. Um, this is a very important policy to our school district as it speaks to how we're going to support our students who are interested in a post-secary opportunity um, beyond high school. What I would like to do if at all possible because I was not prepared with statements for today is to prepare some statements and to sort of work with the team because we are or will be implementing some additional supports for all of our students this upcoming year to

006prepare them not only for college but also to prepare them for career and those who may be interested in serving in the military. Um, so there's going to be some work that we're going to be doing over the next year and which I would like to include as a part of my comments to this particular policy an update as to what we're doing and how we're doing it. >> Yeah. Thank you. Um, Mrs. Superintendent. >> Thank you. Any other comments on policy 4095 specifically being the high school to postsecary education policy? >> Commissioner Griffin. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um, President Simmons, um, this particular policy is, as we said, um, the other other commissioner stated that is very important. What what is very important that I look at when I look at this policy

007is the ability for us to have counselors in the schools that are proficient in setting our kids up um for higher education or or skill trained as as needed or as fitted based on what the ch child's needs are. In the past, um Dr. Roer, what a lot of the concerns were is that the counselors were not being utilized as just counselors. So, we had an overflow of the counselors doing a lot more work than they should have been instead of just just being um counselors to the children. And I think that was a pushpull. So I think that our counselors need to be thoroughly educated in the process and their their job description should be should suit what the what is needed for the child. So, I know in previous um a previous commissioner

008um u Natalie Sheepard was trying to implement a counseling position, I mean a counseling uh policy that would be fit the counselors and help the children um reach their goals whether it be with the skill trades or or be in in in a higher education. So, I definitely think that we should definitely look at the counselors and making sure that the counselors can be counselors like as the teachers can be teachers so that we don't have it overlapping and and and they have the abilities to to do what they need to do with our children. >> Thank you, Commissioner Griffin. Um, and so in regard to this particular policy 4095, just based um on the policy as it's written, there is one key component I'm looking at under measures and standards, and that's number one.

009And it somewhat echoes what Commissioner Griffin states where it it um states per NICET commissioner regulations, school counselors must complete an annual individual progress review with every student. And so of course that had me thinking about the ratios of counselor to students um case loads and ability to reach them all. And so um I look forward to the plans that you have Dr. Roster that will talk about how we will operationalize and implement um said policy. It does sound like based on this conversation, Charisma, that there is additional um conversation we need to have on this particular policy. Um and so if the board is amanable, I would like to where where would we put that so that we can move it to for additional work? >> So my recommendation uh is to potentially choose

010a work session. So it's at the top of the agenda. So I don't know if the board wants to take se September because I know the superintendent had requested some additional time or October. >> Yeah. So, I'm okay with that because I'd rather it be done right than done quickly. Um, and so if October is what he needs, I would like to appeal to the full board for that. And um, with a I I see several consensus, but I don't want to make that mistake. So, with a uh, yay or nay October for this particular policy, moving it to the October work session. >> Yay. >> Yes. >> Okay. Any opposed? Okay. This policy will move forward to the October work session >> along with policy review and conversation. Can I also prepare a presentation

011to go along with the conversation? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Charisma, are we on 4311.2? Did you want to introduce that or >> So with policy 4311.2 2 civic education. Um the last time the board discussed this was during the the July work session. Um it was uh was supposed to be rescended but based on the vote it was not rescended. And so the conversation became um some commissioners felt they wanted to make it more local because the policy as is written follows New York State's um requirements. And so the question at this point is, is that the direction the board wants to go? And if so, what exactly the policy needs to look like to make it feel more local. Okay. Thank you. So I'm going to open up this particular policy

0124311.2 civic education. Uh we have had some colorful conversation around this policy. Um opportunity to unpack it and see what that means for us. Um I know that Commissioner Elliott who has now joined us online. I do want to acknowledge that she is here um had mentioned the gentleman Bill Benet who had the polar polarities and values. Um and I think he had a a theory or framework that was embedded in this particular policy. When you look at that particular theory and framework, the social change and the balancing of these pairs, there's pairs within this uh framework. Freedom versus authority, justice versus due process, diversity versus equity or equality, should I say, human rights versus communal obligations, and uh participation versus representation. And I think those foundational elements are really strong. So I I understand

013what the the spirit of that was, but that that framework is existing in a policy um which gets us into some other spaces. What I'd like to do before we go into the board um conversation is defer to the state monitor to just kind of touch on the domains of civic readiness that is available for public viewing on the NICED site. I'm looking at this here civic knowledge and this readiness. tell us more about what they were looking for from us before the board discusses. >> Thank you, President Simmons. Uh when I look at the document, uh the policy first, it doesn't follow the format that the board has adopted for policy. Uh the state education department uh established a task force, a committee in around 2015 to look at civic readiness in New York

014State. And out of that committee work uh there were some recommendations for school district to pilot a curriculum on civic readiness and for the student to be able to obtain like the seal for biliteracy also the seal for civic readiness and instead of having the five regions exam they could do the 4 plus one as an option. uh there's work that the district needs to do. They have to apply for that. But all the information it is there about uh elections about government about being engaged uh developing some capstone project and that those projects begin at the middle school level and at the high school level. So there's a lot of work that is already being done to address civic readiness. Uh do I believe that this is important? It is important, but there are

015already resources out there that we can use that will benefit our students here in in Rochester that they could graduate with the seal of civic readiness. Also, >> thank you for that foundation and understanding. Um, I do have some commissioners with some thoughts. I'm going to start u with you, Commissioner Santiago, and move my way in. When Miss Vice President Malloy, did I also see your hand? Okay, let me start with you, Commissioner Santiago. Um yeah, I've taken time to look at the New York State um the New York State um regulation rule >> civic readiness. I graduated with civic readiness. So I I do know I do know about civic readiness. Um and I think the solution to preparing our students for civic education um and civic readiness isn't in the policy, it's in

016the operation. And so, um, I do have some criticisms for for how civic education is handled, uh, in the district. Um, but I don't I don't believe that the the answer is through a policy. Um, and so I believe that this the policy could be deadbted. Um, but I say that with with criticism to the district and how we're operating and getting our students civically prepared, uh, both locally, statewide, federally. Um, but most importantly locally, I think a lot of times that's overlooked. Um, even in in our in our current education. Um, and it's important for our our decisions every year. There's an election every year and I don't think a lot of students know that. And so um, I have criticism with how we're currently um, getting our students civically ready. I don't believe

017that the answer is in policy, so I believe it could be deaded, but um, I hope for better civic readiness training inside of our district. Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. Vice President Mallaloy. >> Thank you. Yeah, I just want to agree with all of the sentiments shared. Um, a lot of times in school, kids don't really have access to some of the civic readiness until 11th grade for US history or 12th grade when they take participation in government. Um, and kids should really have that at at every grade level. Uh, in my opinion, um, again, I don't think that we should put this necessarily in a policy, but I think this warrants certainly maybe a social studies uh, department review um, so that more kids have access to that um, seal of civic readiness. >> Thank

018you, Vice President Malloy. Um I I tend to echo the sentiments expressed and and I'm you know considering I think civic readiness is uh necessary for all students anywhere across the globe definitely. Um but when we look at black and brown communities we should understand unless we're tonedeaf why it's so important especially in school districts like the Rochester City School District. And so making sure that students are armed with how they can be um liberators of themselves is extremely important. Um and so to your um points made, it can't just lie in a policy. Um things die sometimes in practice and policy. It's how we make them live beyond that. And so I'm again excited to see how we may operationalize that. Do any other commissioners have um thoughts? And also is there a hand

019online? and then I'll come back. I'll loop back down and I see your hand, Commissioner Patterson. I'll go to Griffin, then LeBron, and then online. >> Yes. >> Yeah, I concur. Um, so I agree with you and um what my colleagues here are saying relative to it doesn't necessarily have to be a policy, but be implemented in some fashion. Thank you. >> Um I think it should be um a policy. I actually think that um we have the pig program and the pig program basically mimics or helps um kids to be able to engage in in in the civic civic engagement and I know that there's a lot of uh different uh organizations and different events that occur within the city of Rochester that the kids can actually get credit for through the pig program

020which is through social studies. So, I would I would like to see if not anything make sure that we are um letting our letting our children our students know that these different events are happening and they can get the credits for them and that that too will give them more of civic engagement. I don't think that we're pushing that or not. I think that here again that we have the policies that are outlined for our children but they're not being utilized in the proper way and this is why we are failing our children. So it's written there we just need to enhance it and make it maybe if if not make it separate u making sure that we do address the needs of our children accordingly based on how the policy is written. Thank you.

021>> Thank you. And are these existing in 4095? >> No. Okay. 4095 is postsecary, right? Thank you, Commissioner LeBron. >> Thank you. I just also want to uplift the part of the conversation that's missing is that it was recommended that this policy be removed from the district because it's required by law. And so when there is a law in place and it comes down, um huh, >> you don't need a policy. >> Yes, we don't need a policy when something is law. And I just want to continue to reiterate that piece. Um, and I know that in this district we have a number of policies that are law and we've taken the last couple of years to try to audit ourselves on these policies. Um, and we still have a number of policies to remove.

022Um, but I also want to uplift that often these times these conversations sound real flowery and great up here in the deis, but the reality is to commissioner Santiago's point is the implementation and the lived experience on the other end is that the students are not getting all that we hoped for it to be. Um, and in addition to that, there's other opportunities in this community that we should be uplifting. And I do want to uplift to the new superintendent that one of the feedbacks that we have heard um I know I can say for myself and Commissioner Santiago because he's been in that at that table um is from the board of elections around having access to schools and being able to set up and do that informal education piece in between because the

023law allows for them to have access to the schools and it's just been really difficult for them to get in. So to the commissioner's point, if we could look at our current implementation plan, but also look at how we partner with other outside agencies that could provide these for free and provide that support for us. Thank you. >> Thank you. Were there any other hands, Commissioner Elliot? >> Yes. Can you hear me? >> Yes. Um, I actually am in favor of us continuing that as a as a policy. And while I do think that uh we can um implement that uh without a policy, I think that a policy makes it stronger and it um it gives um seriousness to this civic work that we think is important uh for our community. And it just

024demonstrates that the board uh in my view uh takes this uh serious by putting it in a policy. Um a lot of times things well even when we have policies they don't always get um implemented. But I do think that because this was a polic this was something that came from the community um we want our young people to be as involved in the community as they possibly can. Um, I just think that uh it would be made stronger uh if it was in policy. Now, I think I heard the state monitor says that it's in law and um I just think that coming from the district and us having our own policy, uh it would add more credence to that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Elliot. I actually do agree with with that

025statement. I know that the language said not legally required, but we recognize that sometimes when people see that it's not required that they're like it's not required and so then they they dance around and some and it's important to drive that through policy but again more importantly practice. Um so with that said I think we've had enough conversation around this topic. Um, I'd like to get the will of the board on where we want to go with this particular policy because we have been talking about both of these for quite some time and so we need to have a final decision. Commissioner, >> yeah. Can can we motion now to and vote on just removing it now? >> We we can do >> Yeah. >> So, you want me to motion? >> So, we want

026to go ahead and do that. >> Motion to resend. M um motion I'm not a fan of that motion to resend policy 4311.2. >> Yeah. Motion second. >> Motion by Commissioner LeBron, seconded by Vice President Mallaloy. All in favor of rescending policy 4311.2. >> I opposed. >> I'm a nay. >> So that I'm clear, it's 52. Five saying yes. two saying nay. >> Yes. >> Okay. And so motion carries. 4311.2 carries and the policy will be rescended. And as stated earlier, we are working with CGCS uh on a policy diet. So that will fall in alignment with things they're looking to do. Go ahead, Prisma. >> She has you down on here. >> So that Oh, >> go ahead. So, in regards to those two policies, that's the discussion. I don't know if you want

027to move on. The rest of them are motions from the previous meeting. Um, I can give insight for any of the ones there are questions about. >> Okay. So, I'm not sure why she has you down for these things that I'm following this along, but I'm just going to take this at this point in time. And so, I'm on a motion to amend the 2526 board meeting calendar. Um, this was postponed to this work session as well. >> So, moved. >> Second. Moved by Vice President Malloy, seconded by Commissioner LeBron. Um any conversation around the board of education meeting calendar. >> No, I do have um anything. I just wanted to say no hand, Commissioner. >> No, no. >> Okay. Um they do have the speaker forms highlighted. I do want to recognize that we

028as a board said yes, we want speaker forms. And as you look at this calendar, they're woven in. Um historically, we don't get a lot of speakers. And so one of the conversations was we may get a speaker that comes in, maybe it's one, maybe it's none. Um, but we have this opportunity here. They may be here for three minutes and staff will be required to stay over. Um, and those type of things. So I just wanted to present that thought process to the board and see where we are with that in regard to the speaker forum. So again, they are scheduled to be woven into our schedules um, starting at 5:30. Um best best course would be that we would get a bunch of people here and speaking on behalf of education for students

029in Rochester. Um the way things have been going um we don't tend to get a lot of speakers. Where are we commissioner Griffin? >> I know I think you might have forgot about me. I just wanted to ask one question of of the board or you when we with the last um uh the civic engagement. I just don't want it to get lost in any updates. So, how can we confirm when we're going to come back to that to make any adjustments that we need to make as a board on that civic engagement so it doesn't get lost because we got so much short period of time before the school year starts. We don't want to we want to make sure any updates that are needed within the civic engagement that are going to be

030conducive to our children in this year and next year that that they are made. So, can we definitely pinpoint a date or should we be waiting again? Um what I believe came out of that particular communication is that we have rescended that policy. >> Right. Right. But the with but there are some adjustments that we probably need to make. So my concern is that >> adjustments to what? Please clarify >> to the civic engagement. We wanted to look at them to make ensure that all the how it is written is how we're going to keep it. And I don't think we made that particularly clear. We just made it clear that we were going to rescend it. So, are we going to keep it as it is written or are we going to just resend

031it to keep it as >> that's I guess that's what I'm trying to verify. Okay. >> Okay. Thanks. >> So, Commissioner Griffin, um, when the board decides to resend a policy, that means it's removed from the policy manual. It will no longer no longer exist unless the board decides to bring the policy back. >> But it's required. >> It Yes, it is legally required. So, as of today, this policy no longer exists. the board has not requested any additional actions be um made by the superintendent or the board office and so this policy will no longer exist. It'll be removed from the policy manual. >> Okay. I and and I want to just kind of bring order back to the discussion I allowed for that. Um, but I do want to go to the matter

032at hand right now, which we do have um the speaker forum. And so I've opened the floor specifically to discuss where we are with the speaker forum. And I wanted to put out what was brought to my attention around the potential for speakers, one coming or none coming. Is the board comfortable with with that commissioner or vice president? >> Um, yeah, I'm potentially comfortable with that. Does this replace the speaker section of our business meetings? No. >> No. in addition to correct >> um >> I think any opportunity to listen to the public is is a good one >> whether there's one person or 100. >> Absolutely. >> Commissioner LeBron, >> the only thing I would um add and keep in our own policy and our bylaws is that speakers have to sign up by

03312:00 the day of and we don't have speakers by 12:00 the day of. Staff don't need to stay. There's no listening session if there's no speakers. But I think the question was that we could may have one person sign up and then that's going to be like three minutes but it's one person is one voice and it's still just as important to vice president is a hundred but we wanted to consider logistically the fact that we'll have staff staying after and things of that nature to make sure we're accommodating and I just wanted to put that logistical uh thought process. Charisma, you had something? >> Yeah, I just wanted to point out and accurate the bylaws it was included that there are no individuals who had registered by noon. Um it will be a notification

034that goes out to the community as well as any staff so that they know that the hearing I mean sorry the um form is canceled. So then that way they don't have to stay for the um hearing at why I keep saying hearing the form at that that that time >> right we understand that if no one signs up the question was more around we may get like a hand you know one or two people and then that's six minutes three minutes and that consideration but it sounds like the board is okay with that and I just wanted to make sure we were not missing that. >> I just want to respond to that clarification then to that to that end. Um, I'm okay if it's just one person and I know that it doesn't

035always feel good for staff and trust me, you know, I do direct services, too. I get it. But, um, to to the point made earlier, it's every voice should matter and count and this is our way of giving the community an opportunity to have voice because there because we've changed our structure with committees as well. So we have a community that's used to a process of committees and being able to sign up to speak for these committees based on the topic at hand. So again and and committees we get one person at a time sometimes and sometimes we get none and that's okay. Um but if you all want to have a conversation about potentially where does it get cut off? Is it one? Is it two? Is it three? For me it doesn't get

036cut off unless it's zero. But that's my number and I can't speak for your numbers. Thanks. >> Right. Okay. Commissioner Santiago, >> if you can ask your question over again. >> No. So the question, so this is not even my question. It was a question posed to me and I didn't want to answer on behalf of the board. So I said I'll present this to the board for conversation and consideration which was that when we look at how um our folks come to or not come to meetings um at times this is an opportunity to build public engagement with the board of education. The best hope is that we will um have these opportunities and they will continue to come and we'll see numbers and people coming to fight on behalf of education. With that

037said, the the question was posed around you might get one person and you all will be commuting in to be here for that 5:30 meeting. I'm okay with that. But come in for that 5:30 meeting, you've got one person, three minutes, and then the meeting's over. Staff have stayed after that type of thing. Are you going to be okay with that? I did not want to answer that on behalf of the board. >> No, I I do I do agree. But if there's a possibility of our our staff saying like, "Hey, there's a board business meeting coming up. there might be more speakers there. Would you like to move over to that date? You know, possibly like giving that, you know, just that u recommendation like you're the only speaker who signed up for for

038this speaker portion. Um but there was another meeting, you know, Thursday. Would you rather speak there? You know, because some sometimes a person might not want to come by themselves and be the only person speaking too. So, u I think unless it's zero people, we should keep it going, but there should also be that hey, here's a recommendation. and we have a business meeting coming up that uh you might want to speak at. There'll be other people there. >> Thank you for your thoughts and consideration. Any other comments, questions, or concerns on this topic? Uh so it looks like the from what I'm hearing, the appetite of the board is to um move forward with that. So at this time, I'd like to entertain a motion to amend the 2526 board meeting calendar as stated

039here. >> Motion by Commissioner Santiago. >> Oh, there was >> Oh, did I already put it out there? Perfect. All in favor of amending this particular calendar 2526 board meeting calendar. >> I Any opposed? The eyes have it? >> Yes. Okay. Okay. Did you want to introduce this? This is a motion to approve the board newsletter and standard operating procedure. Um this was also postponed during the business meeting. Uh if you click on the links there is a newsletter that um exists. This is an opportunity for the board of education different commissioners to share you know new and exciting things that are happening student um outcomes that are are taking place how we are focusing on that governance. Uh we have an advisory group corner. So different policies that we can highlight and and talk

040about, but a way for the community to engage with the school board and learn around about work that's taking place beyond um viewing business meetings and listening sessions. So I think that might be a great opportunity. I want to um lift clerk win. I had that vision and she put that visual and I think it looks phenomenal actually. Um and it may be a good opportunity to um lean in. So, with that said, a motion to approve the board. Um, well, we also have the standard operating procedure next to it. Um, and if folks take a look at that, it it tells you how things work with that. >> Yeah. The Can I just >> Yes. Commissioner LeBron, >> um, I have February and um, Commissioner Elliot has October. I just want to ask if

041we could potentially switch because then I can speak about Hispanic heritage and she can focus on Black History Month. >> Yeah. And I think this >> Oh, okay. All right. No, that's okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, with that said, um motion to approve the board newsletter and standard operating procedures as it states. >> Motion by Vice President. Yes. Commissioner Ally, before we take this, >> Commissioner LeBron. Commissioner LeBron, I'm not here in February. >> I know. I'm sorry. I didn't even want to. She sold me. I know. That's why I said I take it back. I walk it back. I'm sorry. >> Oh, all right. All right. Just clarification. >> Thank you. Motion to approve the board uh newsletter. Vice President Malloy. Seconded by Commissioner LeBron. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed?

042>> The eyes have it. >> Did we get a chance to get feedback >> on the newsletter? You know, I apologize. Thank you for that. >> I want to say I liked it. I I looked over it. >> I should have opened that for discussion, but um I did not. >> But please feel free. >> Yeah. I mean, we already accepted. >> We already talked. Okay. >> But I just want to say I liked it. I like the format. I like uh the idea and look forward to it happening. >> I think it'll be >> be good. Thank you. President Simmons, before you turn it over to the next person, can I just interject really quickly about um policy 431.2? >> Um I just want to say this publicly. Normally there would have been a

043resolution written up um but it's the wave policy 40 what is it 2410 policy management because of the readings and also just so that there was a number assigned because that did not happen. Um I I just talked to general um council nil who said I just need to say publicly that a number will be assigned to the the recision of policy 4311.2 and that the board understanding that you're waving the policy that requires three readings which is policy 2410. So I just want to put that out there publicly. >> Okay. >> Can you please repeat that charisma and slow down just a little bit for me? Thank you. So policy 40 policy 431 11.10 civic education was just rescended by the board. Typically there is a resolution that would have been um prepared for

044you all to vote and a number assigned it that did not happen because of course this happened on the spot. So I just wanted to put out there that a number will be assigned and it will be reflected on board docs as well as understanding that policy 2410 policy management that requires three readings is also being waved. Normally you guys would have went through you know month each month which um and we didn't do that which is fine but I just want to put that out there publicly. Right. But but because you voted last month to not rescend it and now we came back to resend, I just want to make sure we're doing it correctly as well. And so I just >> I thought we voted to table it >> la last last month

045you all voted to res not to resend it and then to bring it back this month to have further conversation. It wasn't resend or not resend. I thought it was >> I think it was pushed forward into the business meeting but we never finished the business meeting >> because we lost quorum to for that conversation. No, back in the June work session I'm referred to. Sorry, cuz I know it was at the business. >> No worries. What I hear you saying is that this will be reflected on board docs. >> Yes, the number reflected on board docs. The resolution will be reflecting board docs. No worries. >> Yep. >> So, actually this is for you, Chris, because you usually go over the policies. So, I'm going to turn over the um policy discussion items um

046that we have here. >> Uh >> yes. Thank you very much, President Simmons. I think I'm up first. Um I'm giving the um the NISBA updates for um July. Um the NISBA had a couple of policy recommendations and updates um in July. I am going to uh kind of bundle a couple of them because they touch on uh some of them touch on really connected policies. Um uh so just to be uh expedient uh so uh there's a recommended update to policy 1120 uh regulation I should say 1120 uh so this is uh suggested changes suggested this is regulation include clarification on restrictions on the release of student uh or teacher principal PII um the district does have a regulation 1120R um titled confidential confidentiality of education records um This is I think this recommended

047update is an opportunity to go and take a look at that. It is pretty uh it's a pretty old uh regulation at this point. Um so I expect to take a look at it. Um you know circulate to pertinent parties and and bring um and and potentially update through the superintendent because again that that is a regulation. Um NISBA is recommending some updates uh to policy 5500 student records. Uh some of the changes suggested to this policy include clarification on annual notification requirements which do not need to include appearance bill of rights or data breach complaints. Um though this is optional for districts. Um uh sed uh office of data privacy also recommends receiving directory information opts throughout the year instead during a short window. Um similarly there is a change recommended to 5500R. Um,

048changes suggested to this regulation include removal of language outlining parents bill of rights and third party supplemental information. And uh and finally there is a a a change to 5500 which deals with suggested changes include clarifying the scope of this policy in the title and subtitle clarifying the district's options in obtaining parent permission for student surveys uh opt out versus opt-in and including that parents must be notified of anticipated uh specific or approximate dates of activities covered by this policy. Uh so the district does have a policy 5500. Um and the district um much of what NISA is recommending uh in my opinion is is is covered in our 5500 and in a policy 1120 uh district records policy. Um as well as 1120R. Uh 1120 was updated just a year ago. Um but 11

049uh20R is is due for an update as it pertains to the most uh pertinent um or maybe significant one is the the maybe suggested changes to the protection of pupil rights amendment. Um this is already covered to an extent in policy 5500 and our policy 5500. Um but this update is potentially significant because it suggests um potential changes to how directory information is treated which which school districts generally uh have a lot of discretion uh over. Uh so again we'll connect with you know pertinent departments and personnel and bring um a recommendation to the board. Um there is a suggested policy um update to uh 8635 information data privacy security breach and notification. Again changes suggested this policy include outlining retire required elements of the parents bill of rights the third party supplemental information clarifying

050minimum required elements of third party contracts. Similarly, they're uh suggesting a change to 8635R um which include addition of a definition of a contract, clarification of the complaint process and responsibility of staff to report breaches of PII. Um the district again has much of this information covered under a different policy, policy 1300, which is our security uh breach and notification. um based on what I'm seeing the the 1300 might need minor tweaks um based on these recommendations. So uh again we'll connect with pertinent persons and and bring that back uh to the board. Um and the last thing is um it's really a note um there was not a policy recommendation included um with with this um and I'll read this one. Um so you may have heard or read about this case and they're

051referring to a case called Mimmud v. Taylor, which relates the parent opt out requests of LGBTQ plus inclusive books on the basis of first amendment rights uh of their first amendment rights to exercise their religion in the upbringing of their children. This is a complex and highly debated issue. Uh NISBA is reviewing this case with legal counsel to see what if any policy impact there could be. Your school staff may receive requests from parents to op their children out of books on a religious basis. Um, at this time we urge you to consult with your school attorney for guidance on how to handle these requests. Um, and so here's what your school council has to say. Um, I did already share some of this information with the cabinet. Um, so I know that that the

052superintendent and and the cabinet uh is is is reviewing uh some options. Uh, this one could have significant educational and school process impact. Um, you know, so we're currently reviewing for for any potential impacted policies. Um, I'm only currently aware of one board policy that specifies an opt out uh within the process and that's 4850 use of animals in science instructions. Parents can opt out of that. Um, so we may already have protocols that are aren't formal policies or regulation, but the district may have to create or update um, you know, policy or regulation. For example, there's a super superintendent regulation on textbook adoption um uh 4511R and and again that could be a place to address this quickly. Um but again, this one could have significant uh impacts on the school year. >> Okay.

053Thank you, General Counsel Neil. >> Welcome. >> We have any questions around what was presented just now? NISBA policy recommendations with none. Santiago, >> I just want to say that um with with that possible policy change uh possibly coming up, I think it's also and this is just a comment, but it's also important for us um to create and I know we don't we don't want to create more policies, but we do have a committee that is currently that's going to be reviewing policies, but also to set protections and uh support to our LGBT PTQ plus um uh students in our district. Um I don't think that it should just be, you know, we're we're taken away. Um but also what what can we give in support uh to our LGBTQ plus uh students and

054that's just a comment. That's all I have to say. Thank you. Thank you. And you know, I think the opportunity for us also lies in the guard rails that we create and that might help um with some of that. Um, no, with no further discussion, Chris, were you going over the policies at this time? >> Yes, ma'am. But before we do, I realized we skipped a motion from section two regarding um, which one was it? >> No, we >> B, the parent and student advisors. That one wasn't. >> You know what? I have that in my notes. Thank you. Okay, so let's go to that. Thank you for bringing me to that. Um and this is for motion uh regarding the E3 parent and student advisories. Entertaining a motion to approve that. >> So moved.

055>> Moved by Vice President Mallaloy. >> Seconded by Commissioner Patterson. We're going to open that um conversation at this time. Um Commissioner Santiago. Is that is that pol policy 4095? >> I'm just looking at the agenda. You said 2B. I'm not seeing it. >> Oh, so 2B >> 2300 >> is 2300 E3. The parent and student advisors SOP and rubric. >> Maybe I'm just not seeing it. >> 2C. >> Oh, is it 2C on yours? >> Oh, it's 2 C. My >> 2B. I'm looking. >> I'm sorry. I forgot. I added that motion that we we've added additional things that were >> Okay. So, refresh it because >> So, refresh it. So, actually, I got to refresh mine now. I don't >> Okay, cuz mine is still showing as 2B as well. >> Yeah, I

056got to >> Oh, mine. >> So, it's 2C now because we added another >> and so and then my question >> I need to recall that one since it was called out correct incorrectly or is it good? >> I um President Sim was I would just rephrase it. Yep. So just for for clarity. Yeah. >> Okay. Lord Jesus, I'm trying to join the meeting again. Give me a second. Okay. So motion to entertain. Uh do I need to resend that? Do I all that technicality? >> I think you're fine. >> Thank you. Okay. So motion to approve um this is 2C um exhibit 2300 E3. And um we had the motion on the floor by Vice President Mallaloy, seconded by Commissioner Patterson and Commissioner Santiago. Thank you for your patience. Uh go ahead with your

057comments. >> Yeah, I'm just I just want to know so I know that last conversation was was to postpone this and now this is saying motion to approve. So I just wanted just some clarification on what we're approving. So, you all voted at your um July business meeting for your bylaws for this for the these positions to start in January. Okay. >> Not for this part to be postponed unless you you know want that part, but that's what the um change was. >> Okay. >> Short answer, Commissioner Santiago, is just do we agree with the process for these things in preparation for January? >> Thank you. Any further discussion around the student advisory and parent advisory process? Uh, all in favor of exhibit 2300 E3? >> I. Any opposed? The eyes have it. Thank you.

058So, we're going to move into the multiple policies presentation. That's under discussion item 3B. All right. So, at this time, policies 4205, 4206, 5000, 5153, and 6750 are under review. As a reminder, this is this is the policy review process that is being followed. So, we are now in step five at the board work session. These are the folks that contributed to this um policy review process. And as always, our standard operating procedure is that the policies were sent out to our re relevant advisory advisory groups for review. the district administration and now it's being finalized here tonight. And so policies 4205, 4206, 5000, and 5153 have a required timeline based on the deliverables that are written in the policies. At this time, policies 4205, 4206, and 5000 have no significant changes, and there are

059no NESBA recommendations. However, for policy 5153, this was brought to the board for discussion. Um BC provided feedback to consider. And so the questions or comments that were left were that in a school district with decline in enrollment, we must give preference to prek families in the primary schools of their choice. The school zone is receiving more weight than a parent's decision to remain in RCSD. And their other uh comment question was what about preks with special programming i.e. bilingual programs? Um, and so the question for the board is, are there any changes that needs to be had based on these comments or we can just continue moving it forward as the policy is posted to board docs? >> Okay, I'm going to open up for discussion at this time. Commissioner Lebron. >> Yeah. I

060I love how Charisma just simply says if we want to take this feedback into cons consideration for 5153 and I'm not prepared to open that can of worms, but it has been an ongoing conversation about our managed choice policy. And I get it. I want to uplift that I've been hearing these complaints for 24 years. I was one of those parents that complained about it, too. Um, but I do want to point out that by even us simply making a suggestion to this policy that there's an impact on transportation, the routes and how we're managing with a little bit of the bus drivers that we have. So I just have to uplift that because we're already struggling as it is in the transportation area um as well as in the choice and it's a very

061deep and complicated conversation and there have been multiple groups and focus groups and even board commissioners who have led groups in the past like Dr. Hallmark. So there's lots of research and data around this topic. Um and I just want to encourage folks to dig that up, read it and our incoming superintendent to learn that history too. Um, and so I just wanted to uplift that because I do not want to minimize those two feedbacks that are given. We hear it all the time, but it's so complicated that I don't want to just simplify it by us making suggestions to a policy change. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other conversation or comments regarding um the 5153 that's stated there? >> Go. I just just want to say I support uh what our parents are

062saying uh when it comes to recommendations for this policy. Like like uh Commissioner Brown said, this is a lot of work and so I mean the board the board can have conversations about that and how that looks on impact as far as enrollment and as far as placement in the district. Um but I think that you know if they made those suggestions and we're hearing that all around, we should take that into consideration. And I think that um and I appreciate that, Commissioner Santiago. I do like to say again that we sit in these spaces and we are furthest removed sometimes from it until we, you know, until you're talking to the people at the uh laser level um that are closest to the impact or the work. Um we can often times have suggestions

063without feeling it, you you know, and so when I talk to that mother who says, "My my child is getting dropped off and they keep missing the first two and three periods of school and they're they're showing that they have chronic absenteeism as a result," that becomes problematic and concerning. So, um I do think that the these are things to be taken in consideration. I don't know if it's through a policy. I do think it has to be unpacked and it has to be done in a very careful manner. Um because we could, you know, um cause further damage if we don't look at this very carefully. So um I'm not going to touch that right now myself, but I'm going to go back to Commissioner Lebron and then do am I missing any hands,

064Charisma? Okay. No, I just I just want to uplift though that it's not that we have a transportation issue and that conversation has to happen, but the managed choice is about where parents get to send their children based on the zone that they live in. And so I just want to uplift that and not I don't want to confuse parents that this is a transportation conversation but it very much so is tied to the dysfunction of the transportation system that we have unfortunately again with lack of just drivers and structure and system and more support is needed in that department as well. >> Right. So we want to just make sure we're looking at the intersectionality of all issues but simplifying it. Yes. Okay. Commissioner Griffin >> and I did miss some of the um

065information that was stated. Um I do apologize for that, but I I I just wanted to touch on the fact that a lot of the parents are looking at other schools because of the stability and the consistency um and the administration that they have does not change. So we want to make sure that when we are u putting people in positions in in the schools um that parents see the consistency in their school in in this school and other schools then we wouldn't have such a such a problem. So the parents see that they're that the kids are flourishing in other schools based on the administration that is there. And I truly believe that we can make all schools great if we if we start to show some type of consistency with our leadership and

066and and that's in the schools itself as well as at the central level office. So I think that that's a big problem and that's why the kid that's why the parents choose to move their children to the district to a school that is more that has more stability. So um and and that's to all of our leaderships. I think you should take heed to that those type of things that consistency makes a difference when you do changes. Parents don't like it and and and leadership doesn't like it in the schools, even teachers. So, you might want to rethink those type of things. Thank you. >> Uh thank you, Commissioner Griffin. Um I do see that Dr. Roser has a comment to make. I also have a hand from Commissioner Elliott. Um I'm going to go

067to Commissioner Elliot and then I'll come in to you, Dr. Roser. Commissioner Elliott, >> thank you. So I uh agree with what uh um Commissioner Griffin has says. However, I have to include uh that it starts with the board. So that the leadership on the board level has to also get itself together. We can't point fingers at uh central office. We can't point fingers in the buildings. Uh they're going to look at what this board does. And so if this board is uh showing uh leadership and quality leadership um the central office and the schools will follow. But it's pretty difficult when people are looking at our meetings and um they're dysfunctional. Uh so we want to make sure that it starts at the top and not being able to finish a board meeting because

068people have left. So, we've got to take more responsibility as a board because that does um it does go down to uh the administration in um in central office as well as the building. So, let's look at how we are how we're taking care of business. Uh how professional are we being? >> Absolutely. >> And then look at what's going on uh in the schools. I believe and trust that if the board is less dysfunctional, you're going to see less dysfunction and more stability uh within our district. Thank you. >> Thank you. I I totally thank you so much for those remarks because that is something I have been championing champion for quite a while now because we can look back years and years and years and I do believe wholeheartedly that this board is

069capable of giving the community um the service they deserve. Um at this particular time, I'm going to turn the mic over to Superintendent Roser. Yeah, just real quick, I wanted to uplift um the feedback that we received from the bilingual um families in the committee um particularly around the area of prek. One of the things that I've observed and had conversations with preK teachers, parents of pre-K students, building administrators, as well as central office administrators, is how we place our prek students and how our students in prek may be placed in a building for one year and they transition into a brand new building the following year. So, one of the things that we're going to be looking at um is that protocol and potentially making recommendations to the board um to create a little

070bit more stability when it comes to our earliest learners. There's a lot of research that's out there that speaks to frequent movement of our earliest learners actually has an adverse impact on their social emotional development um as well as their academic readiness for the next grade. So, I do want to take a look at that. And while this policy is is something that that of course has been met with great challenges, um I would like to take a bite out of that particular piece, which is the prek piece. >> Commissioner LeBron, >> get on the mic. Commissioner LeBron, and then I'll go to Commissioner Patterson. Did you have one too? >> Yeah. Um, so let me just clarify because this conversation again has been beaten like a dead horse. But in New York State, preK

071families are allowed to send their children anywhere. We cannot dictate as a school district where that child goes to school. And so what often happens is that parents believe that they're picking a school that they want their child to go to and because their child's is there for prek that their child's going to get to stay there. and it then they hit kindergarten and now they hit policy and policy for the district is based on our zoning our ability to transport and it's a mess and I'm not telling I don't want to discourage you from taking a bite and stab and looking at it but I do want to clarify that that we have policy and we have law and so those two pieces have always sort of clashed and because we cannot tell parents

072in prek we can encourage them. And this district has done that. I've had parents say, "Oh, I wanted my child to go and I'm going to just throw a school out there, school 15, which is considered like citywide, right? I want my child to go to uh 15 for prek. There was space. They're there, but they don't live in the zone and they didn't apply through that like lottery." So then that child gets bumped out. And then parents are upset and I get it. But on the flip side, we also cannot legally tell parents what schools that where they can put their children in prek. And there are some additional things that fall under regulation for prek that don't fall into. So that's I think the complication right there. And then the zoning piece that

073we have. I would also I know that you're building your relationship out right now with our county executive, but I would also encourage you to have the conversation with him about our homeless children and families and the county's placement systems with shelters and moving families from shelters to hotels, shelters to hotels and the impact that that has on our children and their ability to even make it to school, let alone get transportation. Um because we on our end, we can set up a bus for a kid in two weeks and in two weeks the county might move that family once again out of a hotel to a shelter, right? Because now the shelter now we are then two weeks behind on finding transportation. So there is a gap in that system there too and it

074falls within the county and RCSD. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Patterson. Yes. Um, so, uh, two things real quickly. Um, with the the superintendent indicated, I'm with him at 110%. And I understand that there might be laws or policies that, um, you know, we have to follow. But if we know these are these policies or these laws are negatively impacting our students and our preks, why aren't we as board members advocating to our representatives in Albany to change that law or change that policy? Number two. So number two, um I just wanted to make a comment relative to um our president and vice president that I think you're doing a great job. I'm speaking for myself as far as leadership. Um, we know there's barriers and roadblocks that have been planted and placed in

075your way. Um, I appreciate, speaking for myself, the contact that I have and communication that I have. And I just wanted to say to the open public that um, I'm really appreciative uh, of our leadership and the direction that we're going. I'm really appreciative for uh, you know, the superintendent and giving him giving him or providing him the autonomy to um, do his job. So um I just want to thank you uh the leadership u you know for the job that you're doing. Thank you. >> Well I do appreciate your comments. I do want to say that you know we as a leadership are a collective body. That's the most important thing and there's heads there's hands and there's arms and legs that belong to the body and none of them can move without their

076component parts. And so we are um you know we have to acknowledge the dysfunction of this collective body and I just hope that we can start to move beyond the dysfunction focusing on the children the community that we uh took this oath to serve and make the decisions that are necessary to drive progress forward for this district. Um but I don't want to digress from this conversation. Thank you for those comments. I want to move back to the comment at hand on the um policy that we're discussing and I believe I had Patterson, I have Mallaloy, and then I have Griffin. So, I'm going to go to Vice President Malloy at this time. >> Yeah, thank you. Um just with all the other complications that we've heard from from other commissioners, um all of those

077sentiments I agree with. Um, further complicating matters is that many of our prek students get their services through CBOS's, right, and have wraparound care with child care. So that goes into family decision- making a lot of times. Um, so it's a very complicated situation. Um, and I'm sure I have faith that that you'll be looking into it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, Vice President Malloy, Commissioner Griffin. Okay. I just want to touch sorry just wanted to touch just just really briefly. Um and maybe I need some understanding here with the McKinley Vento. Is that program there to help us with the homeless and and follow them and keep track of them? How is that system working? Or is there something that we need to do within the district to ensure that the kids that

078are dealing with the homelessness and shelters that that um that we need to do something tweak it so that we have uh we have our numbers are right with them is can you get some insight on that? Yeah, the McKenna Vento is actually federal legislation. Used to be called the Buck Buckley amendment and there are things that school districts across the country um are mandated to do as it relates to students in homeless situations. Um we have a Mackenzie Vento coordinator here in our district. Every school district has to have a McKenzie Vental coordinator and their responsibility is to help coordinate to make sure that the school district is responsive to a family or a child in particular um becoming homeless. What Commissioner LeBron was speaking to was really the coordination, particularly with the county

079around that because if the county is making decisions that is not informed by a student's educational placement, then those decisions can have an adverse impact on the school district's ability and ultimately our students ability to receive the academic and social emotional instruction or support needed. So, I agree with with Commissioner LeBron that as we're working in partnership with CBOS, with our our city and our county um elected officials, that we we most certainly need to continue to advocate and coordinate how we support our families because ultimately the city is here for our families, the county is here for our families, school district is here for our families, and we as leadership need to coordinate better so that our families, those who we are in service to are not adversely impacted by decisions or protocols that

080we have in place. >> Okay. So, basically what you're saying that they do have the county has a running list of the homeless people as well. We don't know whether their school age or whatever. We don't do we know that information. Have we done that in the past? I mean, it's a good it's definitely a good thing to do. I'm just trying to clarify how McKinley Vento incorporates, you know, what they do with the with the count, how they work with the county as well and with the school district as well. >> Yeah. Whenever there's an individuals who who is facing homelessness, they have opportunity to access services that are provided by the local municipality and in this case is Monroe County. So if someone is seeking shelter and Monroe County has programs, individuals who

081are working to provide support to those individuals in some instances, in many instances, >> those services are being provided to families who have school-aged children. >> Right? So at that point in time, the school age children along with the parents are then being placed in places that may be too far away from where the stu students home school is. >> So the county doesn't have access to the data that we have because at school we have but we share a commonality in being able to address the needs of our families. Would we be will we be sorry would we be challenged by like the fura or any so that we could speak to each because you're not speaking okay all right thank you >> thank you Dr. and always opportunity to continue to unpack in

082consideration um for this. Charisma, did you want to continue? >> Yes, thank you. >> What slide are we on? There we go. >> Um so we're moving to slide six. >> Okay. >> Um which is a vendor relation 6750. Uh so this is the last policy that was in his financial management section and at this time um the question to consider so when it was reviewed expanded minority to include Asian and Native American but for consideration this deliverable um that's at the end of the policy is required by the board um and so it's not a state um or law or the federal requirement. The board um put this in the last time it was reviewed. So seeing how the disparity study is not conducted as often as the the the um deliverable requires a

083review and the metrics have not been updated in over three decades. Um the board may want to consider the review process timeline and metrics to change. Okay. Any comments on >> policy 6750? gender relations. >> I I just wanted to bring up what I'm talking about. I'm sorry. It currently says that at least every two years starting in 2024 that this would be basically reviewed based on this very study. And so that's what this is referencing. >> Thank you. 6750 is on the table for discussion. do um question um and excuse my ignorance but I just want to know did we get this did we got this study last year? Did we review this? >> I know we get a lot of information but I I I cannot remember reviewing anything like this. >> No.

084So that that was the point I was making is that the there has not been one in three decades. the metrics to this policy hasn't been updated in three decades which is why the question becomes do the board want to keep the deliverable that currently exists because we did have our um chief uh far Sean far before he left last year he did reach out to the city and that's there was no study conducted in the last three years they did provide some information but it was specific to New York City >> yeah so so how how beneficial is this information to us is the key. What what when when you when these studies are done, what what we get back what we get back as far as uh how is the return on our

085investment in within the district here? Do we know that information? I mean, because we haven't done this before. So, I'm just curious. So, what what what are we getting from this? What information? Do we know >> you know? Okay. So, it has happened before. It just has not been updated in over three decades. Um, and so maybe you want to add that to the question log to look and what you had. What were your three questions? >> You know what it is? What what do we >> You'd like further >> Yeah, further details. I mean, we can't answer something we don't know much about. >> Okay. Um, Commissioner Santiago, >> um, I'd say get rid of it. We haven't had it for 30 years, so my guess is it's not that important if we haven't

086had it for 30 years. >> I wouldn't say that. Some things we just don't do and we should have been doing a long time ago. that's in the policy. So I think that's >> okay. I'm I'm going to call on this commission. I want to just keep order of the meeting. Um I see a hand by Vice President Malloy. >> Were you done either? >> I wasn't. >> Okay. I'm sorry. Please continue. >> No, I Yeah, I just say it, you know, if it's I think that is a good question to make sure that we know what it is first. But if we haven't had it for three decades, I'm sure it's probably nothing, you know, too important. But I would want to see that first. But other than that, if it's not something that's

087extremely important, I say get rid of it. It adds more responsibilities, takes away from implementation. Thank you. >> So, this very well may become part of the diet. And I see a hand by Vice President Malloy. >> Yeah, thank you. So, just to clarify, um perhaps our clerk can help us in that regard. Um so, it says the only significant change is it expands the minority to include Asian and Native American. So if we were to make a change, that's the change that we would see in our policy manual. And then but it sounds like we haven't been doing this disparity study for over three decades. So if we get rid of it, do we no longer have I mean, do we need to have a vendor relations policy? >> So it's not legally required,

088but I do know our um facil not facility right now. I'm drawing a blink on the pro procurement and facilities and a couple other departments. They, you know, rely on this for NWBE clients and contracts. Um, to answer that, >> are those minorities listed in other procurement that takes place in the district? I guess that's my real question. Okay. So, maybe add that to the question log. Thank you. >> Okay. And then one last um hand by Commissioner Santiago. No, I just I just want to say I looked at it a little bit more. I'm not trying to um undertone the importance of it um and making sure that we don't have disparities, but >> uh I think we need more information behind it first before we make decisions. >> Commissioner, >> okay, Commissioner uh

089LeBron, >> I just want to point out that the district has a number of policies and requirements and reports to the board that we don't even do. We don't look at them. And this is why because at this day is there have been lots of conversations over decades apparently of boards having these flowery conversations. It sounds good and we're gonna make the administration report back to us. This actually looks really crazy in 2025 that to say expand minority to include Asian and Native American to me. Um, and I also just want to caution how we're writing policies and even how we're talking about being inclusive based on what's happening right now at the federal level. We we have some other fights to have. But um yeah, there are a number of policies and part of

090the policy review was initially this whole calendar that was created by the previous commissioner Melanie Fanchez was so that we could remove a lot of these requirements that we over the time had given administration that never make it to the board and many reports that the board was getting that they don't even click open. So we're wasting people's time in this um in the administration. we're wasting staff's time. We they could be focused on other things. So, my support is to remove it and that we continue to look for any policies that have these reports that again, if we're not actually doing anything significant with them, we shouldn't require staff to waste their time on it. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other comments or questions, Commissioner Patterson? >> Yes. Um, when it comes to

091race and culture, I think everyone should be included. and to disclude someone or act like it's less important, you know, than either a black or Hispanic or a white uh Caucasian. Um, yeah, we mention our three groups commonly, but we often times leave out other, you know, cultures and other races. So, I think anytime we have an opportunity to have dialogue, um, we should have that and whatever the outcome is, it is. But at least uh for me, I don't think we should just disclude it or act like it's unimportant. It's very important that we include everyone, all races, all sexes. So, thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. So, um we're going to take one last comment on this policy as to not belabor it because we have to make decisions around them. I just

092want to say I did a little bit of digging here because I was concerned about not knowing what the disparity study was and it simply states disparity studies are a means of providing factual basis for determining whether there are equal opportunities for all firms in the procurement process and support the need if any for race or gender gender conscious or remedial procurement programs. So to me this is a very diff big big study that we should have been doing and perhaps if we had have been doing it we wouldn't had so many things that are happening now in our legal system here at the district. Thank you. >> Okay. Um thank you Commissioner Griffin. I don't see any hands. Okay. And so um Prisma do you want to continue? >> Yes. What? Before I move

093to the next slide, I would recommend when the motion happens maybe with the Oh, wait. Did her hand raise now? >> No, I'm sorry. Commissioner Elliot hand raised as >> does have a hand. Okay, Commissioner Elliott. >> I just wanted to comment on what Commissioner Patterson was saying. I do think it's important that we're able to come together as one. However, I do think that it is important that each group who has its own culture um be able to honor that and that may be separation uh because you have to honor the culture. Uh and that is not in a sense of separation per se as much as it is diversity. And um while um it is, you know, I enjoy every culture, um I think that the African-American community has had the worst uh

094time in this country. And so there's certain and specific um paradigms and issues that we have to deal with in order to make us whole. We're working with people who know their culture. Many of us are just learning our culture. It wasn't in the textbooks. And so I don't necessarily want to look at a European um uh paradigm. I want to know who I am so that I could come to the table whole and so that we could really engage. At this point uh it is an uneven um engagement on on different levels. And until we're able to become whole, that is at my in my opinion the only time that we can really have um vulnerable um sincere engagement. But until we're and we don't want anybody else to tell us what our scenario

095should be, that's something that has to come together from from our community and then we can engage with them. So, I just want to share that that while that seems that that is an altruistic comment and I I do support it, but we have to also look at it's what we need as a people ourselves before we can truly have engagement um with anyone else. We already know that white people feel that, you know, generally feel they have this false superiority uh and then black folk have this false inferiority. We've got to work on ourselves so that when we come to the table, we're not engaging from a position of inferiority, but we can hang just with them who think that they're superior. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Elliot. Um, Charisma, you had a

096recommendation. >> I was just going to say because of the temperature of the room is inconsistent when when the motion comes for this policy, my recommendation is maybe seeing where where people stand with removing the um deliverable from the end of the policy. >> Say that again. I couldn't understand. the disparity study is at the end of the policy that deliverable. My recommendation is maybe seeing if commissioners want to just remove that requirement from the end of the policy when the motion um comes out. >> Remove 6750. You're saying >> the deliverable at the end of the policy? >> Oh, the deliverable at the end of the policy. >> Yeah. Okay. Um yeah, I'm I'm immuneable to that. Uh are commissioners amunable to removing the disparity? Yes. >> so, so what I'm going to do

097is call it for vote about that language. Is that what you're asking? >> Yeah. When we get to the motions, I would recommend that once um I have a couple more slides and then you can if you're okay with that. >> Okay. >> Are you okay with me finishing up? >> Yes, please. So I I know um Commissioner Lebron had championed this before about trying to reduce deliverables that are in policies if information is not being brought forward. So slide seven shows in yellow which which deliverables are legally required and which are not. Um, and so I'm going through this so that as we reviewing right now or as the policies go through the review process, commissioners can think if you want to keep these deliverables in the policies or have them removed. Um, obviously

098the yellow have to stay, but the ones that are not yellow can be removed or amended. And so next steps will be if um to motion out the policies to move on to the the board business meeting to follow the process outlined in policy 2410 um for the board to vote during the October business meeting. Thank you. >> Okay. So at this time this I'm just getting back to my screen. I appreciate you. Thank you. Um so >> I'm asking for you jumped in and I didn't realize I was being that loud. So continue. >> Yes. Yes, I can hear you. Um so basically we are going to motion to move um policies 4205 4206 5000 5153 6550. forward to the board business meeting at this time. >> I'm sorry. There you mean 6750. >>

0996750. What did I say? >> 6550. Okay. 6750. Thank you. Forward to the board uh business meeting at this time and I think there was a revision to 6750 with that revision of the removal of the language. So maybe we'll separate that out one out. So let me restate this. We are going to take a motion for uh policies 4205 for 5153 forward to the board business meeting at this time. Motion by vice president Malloy. >> Seconded by Commissioner Griffin. All in favor of pushing 4205 through 5153 to the board business meeting. >> I I any opposed. >> Nay by Commissioner Santiago. >> And then we have 6750. There was a revision. I wanted to do that one separately because there was a revision to the language. >> So motion >> you were looking to

100do Chrisman. Is that the one you were Okay. >> Okay. And so with that um entertaining a motion to make a revision to the language to 6750. Um what was the language you were proposing >> to remove the um deliverable at the end of the policy. >> Okay. Thank you. And so motion by Vice President Malloy, >> seconded by Commissioner Patterson. All in favor of changing the language within 6750. >> I any opposed? >> Nay by Commissioner Santiago. Now we would like to uh motion to carry policy 6750 to the board business meeting at this time. All in favor? >> Motion. >> Or motion, please. Thank you. Motion by Commissioner Griffin, seconded by Vice President Malloy. All in favor? >> Okay. 6750 carries to the Any opposed? >> Nay. By Commissioner Santiago. 6750 uh carries

101to the board business meeting at this time. >> We're now moving into the video conferencing um policy discussion 2325. Right. So, the video conference in uh 2325 similar to what we do with 2300, there's a PowerPoint that kind of walks the board through the policy language and for board discussion. And so this is directly listed in the actual policy track change on board docs. Um but the first piece is under section two video conferencing under extraordinary circumstances. Um so sorry let me step back for one second. The purpose of these updates is just continue to um assist the board on to um implementing the video conferencing uh policy and to answer any gray areas that may exist. And so the first policy proposed language would be to section two which will basically explain what it

102means to be a caregiver in terms of responsibilities when it comes to extraordinary circumstances and so the question is are commissioners okay with this language and amend it. Okay. So, I want to open the conversation for a discussion. Um, when we think about the spirit of what video conferencing was implemented for, and we know it it we had COVID and then we had other things, but the New York State law doesn't really strongly define these pieces. And so, therefore, it can become a bit um confusing. So, I'd like us to as a board of education pro define some clarity around how we're understanding some pieces because what I may see as um urgent matter, someone else may question if that was an urgent matter or not and it's not for um so I think if

103there's concise and clear unity around this language there's better understanding. Um, so I want to open up the discussion around this um, extenduating circumstances conversation. >> I want to go first, >> Commissioner LeBron. Yeah. Um, so to your point, the law doesn't say that we have to do this this way. And so I am not of agreement. I have a job that works with families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness and other crisises in this community and provide current direct services. So, unfortunately, I'm stuck sometimes at work and I am trying to juggle both. Um, and other times I'm just not feeling well and I know that I'm going to blow up with you guys because I my tolerance sometimes for what I consider stupidity or ignorance is at an all-time low in 2025 for

104myself. And that is just me speaking for me. So, um, no. And two, unless it's legally required, again, I will not be supporting that. And, um, I do not think, and I want to point out that during CO that the state allowed for more video conferencing and that all government bodies, including the city of Rochester and County Ledge, still utilize video conferencing and do not utilize it because of extreme circumstances. So that's all. >> Appreciate your comments. Any other comments from our commissioners? Commissioner Griffin. >> Um for me, I believe as an oath that we took that we took in the beginning. I think that we owe it to our community to be present when we can. And if we can't, we are this is also a paid job. Some some boards do not do

105not even get paid. So I think that if we can't make it to a to a to a um to our to the dis to to present ourselves to the public who has voted us in to be present. I think that there there should be something in place so that you know we have to we have to hold responsibility. We have to be responsible adults. So for me, I I I choose to be here and I choose to sit in this seat to represent our stakeholders knowing that I I have an obligation. So I I'm going to refer back to the oath that we took and I think things should be put in place so that if you can't make it and there's so many instances because if it was at another job, they would

106definitely reprimand you. And I think that is and I think that that that would be a feasible thing to do. um it shouldn't be I think it's unfair for others to be here and we have families too and we have responsibilities and others not to be here. I think it's out of respon I think it's out of respect for all. So that's just my that's just what I think. >> Thank you Commissioner Griffin. Um if I can um defer to you for a moment, Council Neil, um the actual policy itself does have language regarding extenduating circumstances. Correct. >> Yes, it does. Um again video via conferencing ex extraordinary circumstances is required. It's written right into the open meetings law. So for anybody any governmental body or quasi governmental body that is subject to the opens

107meetings law then um it it is required again the um uh the the statute itself gives some uh brief examples but really the the the intent is that each each body will kind of further iterate on that um to to figure out what works best for them >> right and and so I don't know if as this exists if it's working best for us because I think there has been some form of um concern around our video conferencing. Um there are some some situations that must be honored that I have absolutely no issue honoring. Um and then we have circumstances that come up and even if they haven't come up for me yet, I'll speak for myself personally, they may come up for me eventually and I would want some form of grace. But the

108lack of communication around them and the way we're moving um is causing quite con uh bit of concern and I think Commissioner Elliot spoke to it earlier around the fact that we could not even finish a board meeting and that was not the first time due to lack of quorum. And there are times where folks may not even show up to the meeting or I'm not sure where they are. And so I'm talking to the clerk to get that understanding. And this is across the board. This is not pointing at one individual. This is across the board collectively. Um, and so I think we need to get to a space where we have an understanding, again to Commissioner Griffin's point, that we are a body that was elected, that we are paid, and regardless, because

109I'm going to be quite frank, y'all get on my nerves, too, if I if I must be frank. You know, I have to listen to sidebar conversations, insults, and all types of things. And I have to do this on a very regular basis. But guess what? I still show up. And you know why I show up? I show up because I made this oath to my community. And I'm not asking you your opinion. Of course, I'm the president. And when I wasn't the president, guess what? I showed up. And when I wasn't the president, I still let my president know where I was going to be or I spoke to the board clerk. And so, I've always exercised that type of respect because I dictates that I do so. And so, at this point, I'm

110not asking. I'm telling us that we need to have a conversation around how we're going to conduct ourselves in a way that is feasible to the public because ultimately we're not answering to each other, we're answering to the public. >> Amen. >> And so with this said, we need to define extraordinary circumstances and what that looks like. And there's a few more things we need to unpack because I'd like to get clarity on the open meetings law and what that looks like because tell me specifically um it's in the language is here but just for the purposes of neutralizing this conversation a bit the open meetings law requires that we are in a public place tell me more about that or the public if you don't mind general counsel. Uh yes. So so the the

111the open meetings law I mean the the the intent is that um decisions conversations that the board has pertaining to district business is in the public and that the public can hear that and and understand um the decisions that are being made and why they're being made. So I mean it the the the the intent and the spirit of the law is in the title open meetings, right? So that that that is the intent. Now um again CO came along um and and changed some things and and video conferencing um really became a part um memorialized in stature actually an expansion. It was always potentially available but very limited um uh so it just became more formalized and expanded um it you know and um and and limited in some ways. So more guard some

112guard rails put around it. So, for example, I mean, there's there's a reason why extraordinary circumstances in there because the intent is for still to have um you know, um uh people show up, right? Uh for the public and have the conversation. So, it it it shouldn't be um the intent is not for just to be kind of optional or on a whim. Um you know the the intent is that you show up um you know for for the meetings because there is um for for any any uh commissioner public or any elected um uh person for that matter who is required to be at a a meeting but especially board members there are potential implications right uh significant legal implications for lack of attendance um you know so it it's required under education law

113and in the open meetings law. Okay, thank you for that clarity. Um, and so Charisma, if you want to continue with that presentation. Right, the next piece on slide four. Um, this is what from Nesba's sample. So, it talks about disability. Right now, um, again, the policy is, um, vague and this would explain more about it. Um, and so again, the question becomes if if commissioners um want to add this in or not. >> What's the ask? What's the question? I I I don't get it. >> I'm sorry. Say that again. >> What is your ask? What's the question? >> So, the section I'm currently showing from NZA's sample, the question is, do you all want to add this to the policy? This is regarding disability. and I can and and I can talk. Uh

114I'm I'm sorry, Commissioner. Go ahead. >> Oh, hold on. Well, >> I just want to What were you saying? >> Um I I wanted to add some some context to this one. Um because this would be um probably a significant change from how we we've the board has operated uh to date. um this if if the board adopts this um and and this was a a later change to to the regulation. This came about in some point in like 23 or 24 where um the the governor signed into a law another amendment that allows a a member with a disability to appear remotely but still count towards a quorum. Right? So so this is really the rare um there's another circumstance, right? If there's a state of emergency declared, right? then the entire board could

115potentially meet virtually. Um, but this is is really the only other exception where you could have less than four board members physically um uh present and still have a quorum. So again, this would be a significant departure >> um from from how the board currently operates. it is not is not mandated and required. Um but but the the law does allow it. Um and the the the there there's another significant implication, right? that the risk to the board is if you don't have four four members physically present and the board uh uh uh chooses to adopt this um and the board would have to make the decisions about whether you know someone qualified for a disability or not, right? And and and if that was if that was challenged um and and it made it

116its way to the commissioner and the commissioner said, "Board, I disagree with you." Then the risk is any actions that you took when there weren't four members here, >> right, >> could could could potentially be overturned. So, so, so, so the law allows it. Yeah, the law allows it, but I but I wanted the board to really contemplate it because um it is a it is a departure from you know how you've uh the standard operating procedure. >> Thank you for for that um foundational understanding. I'm not for me um that that particular part I'm not interested in that. I think we it is important that we show up just as we require our staff members to show up or the folk that that we serve with administration should I say to show up. We

117should physically be here um unless we are unable to do so and that can and that has at times been the case. Um but I would not be comfortable with anything permitting that we count physical quorum offline. Um I I do think we need to have continue with the practice of a a physical quorum and then honoring those online that have to be on there. Um Commissioner Brown, you had a statement. >> Yeah. Um I I support this and the law supports it. So even if this board didn't vote for it, I just want to point out that it could be then taught to the commissioner for her to make an opinion on it to make the exception. I'm I'm asking for clarity, agent, because there have been a number of commissioners over the years

118who do have disabilities that come up and medical conditions that require them not to physically be here. And even if they were an employee, we would give them the grace of having time off and being able to attend to those things or working with them to modify their schedule and allow them to work from home and virtually. So, we should be offering the same grace to the commissioners who are not able to be here. Um, so I would support it, but if the law already defines it and supports it and the board doesn't vote for it, what is a board member's recourse to go to the commissioner um on that? Just curious. >> Um, I guess I maybe I'll answer the the the the first part uh regards a board member's recourse. I mean, any

119anyone could file uh anything with a commissioner, right? It doesn't mean the commissioner will take it up. it doesn't mean that it will be um you know uh appropriately filed. It doesn't mean that they get a favorable decision. So and anyone as an individual could could choose to file something with the commissioner. I I believe the law says that this is optional, right? Again, many many elements of the video conferencing policy are optional and and a lot of it is already kind of tweaked and tailored right to to to this district. for example, just the protocol by, you know, how a board member notifies about, you know, requiring extraordinary circumstances, right? Again, that was decided upon by this body. So, I believe the law says it's optional. Um, so therefore, it it will probably be

120a losing argument to the commissioner, but but again, you know, >> you're saying it's an option to opt into this law that the districts do or because this is you're saying that this applies to all government bodies. So you're saying government bodies get to opt in or out of it based on how they design their policies. >> That that that's correct. Right. So so for for example, I mean the the p the portion we just talked about extra >> just just hold on. I just want to clarify then further because the way that my understanding of New York State and when we just did we literally just went through this exercise with good cost. So the state puts it out, the city adopted their own version of it, but wouldn't it be? Yeah. All right,

121I got it. Thanks. >> So, so here is Yeah. So, so, so this this might this might put a put a fine point on it. I'm the the the the regulation itself, right? The the section on open meetings law says a public the public body may determine may determine through its written procedures governing member and public attendance you know established pursuant to the section to allow for a member who has a disability as defined in section so on so forth. So it it is it is optional. Um and and again this board has as as here today not adopted it but but it would be a significant departure because the implications as as uh President Simmons pointed out is you could have much fewer than than uh you know four board members present. Um and

122you know that would open up a um uh you know a path that the board has not been on before. Commissioner Griffin, >> sorry. Um, I just want to reflect back. I I did a little bit of digging here. Did a little little bit of research. Why don't we It looks like back in, um, uh, let's see, back in 2022, um, we had an amendment done to how many people can actually be on a video conference. So why don't we take it and look at it a different way and and instead of us having so many people being allowed to be on video conference, we may have and this is to the board to reduce the number of people that can be on video conference at one time and probably implement a time frame in

123which if somebody needs to be on video conference, they have to give us like a 4hour window to the president has to be notified within a 4 hour window. Um and and if there is um the other flip side is it if there is an urgent situation how we would address that. But I said I I mean for this for this for the sake of this um meeting here tonight, this session, I would I would request maybe the commissioners go back and amend um policy 2350, the video conferencing policy, which states to allow more than one commissioner participate in via Zoom video to reduce it so that we don't we're just um saying maybe two members or one member and need be if there needs to be two then it has to be approved by

124the board president. I think that's an easy fix. So, we do have people that are going to be present as we are took an oath to do and we don't have to really worry about um the absenteeism that we're that we're seeing on this board and and the public wants to see us here. So, I think that we need to definitely bring in the reigns on that and and make some stipulations here. So, I don't know what the board thinks about that, but that was done back in 2022, I believe, and we can definitely amend that 2350 policy as far as the video conferencing. Thank you. Right. I don't want the video conferencing polity policy to become this restrictive space where we just can't move, but I also don't want to see it abused. Um,

125and so I want us to find a way to move through this in a way that is congenial. >> All right. So, um, Commissioner Patterson, >> yes, let's be honest here. We know it's being abused, so let's be honest. Why don't we do something to rectify that situation? You know, so that it's a quick statement made, but it's true, >> right? And that's why we are taking a look at this policy to identify a way to move forward so that we are in alignment and have a full understanding as a board. And we may not even finish this conversation tonight because I think this is going to be a sticky one. I wanted to open this which is a can of worms that we u will need to close with some definity. Um I'm going

126to go to Commissioner Griffin and then Commma you have much more to present on this policy. Um Commissioner Griffin >> I'm just saying the easy fix right now is I'm sorry the easy fix right now for us to try to move forward in in in a in a consistent manner is to take the amend amend the 2350 policy for video conferencing. not take it all out but amend it to say two people commissioners at one given time can be absent un unless authorized by the president at that time and you we have to do something. So I think that that's an easy fix right now until we can figure out something else and that's that's to show the show the the public and our stakeholders that we're trying to get some work done cuz right

127now we not we not if we have missing people we're not getting the work done. So I think I think that that is I think that is very important. So, I mean, you are the president, but I think that we need to amend 2350 to say only two commissioners could be absent on video conference at one time. >> They did it back in 2022. We can do it in 2025. >> Okay. So, you can go back to the videos because all of that record that one person at a time and I'm going to go to charisma for what you are looking to say. >> Um, I just want to provide clarity. So, policy 2350 was the reason why it was amended. it it was amended into 2325. So back in I think it was 2022

128as Commissioner Griffin is referencing there was a law that passed because you if you recall the commissioners recall recall um at one point you were allowed to do our meetings all online and so when um it was and so basically we had to update our policy to reflect the law that was taking place. Um and so instead of instead of just trying to do all these changes, the board decided to adopt NESBA sample, which is what you see in front of us now, change the number from 2350 to 2325. We did leave one or two like pieces from our original policy, but that policy no longer exists because of the updates that were required for this current policy. Um and so with that being said, part of this update, there's a sentence that was added

129if more than one board member wishes to participate that was added to this specific um new version. So I just want to provide that clarity because that other policy no long no longer exists for that reason. >> Clarity. So we would have to amend the current policy as stated at the bottom stating that we it only one or two up to two commissioners at one given time can be absent. Is that what you're saying? because we are this no policy no longer is in existence to the listening public. Is that what you're saying, Charisma? Because >> well, what I do want to acknowledge is that there may be times, for example, and respectfully um for uh Commissioner Elliott might be under the weather, right? She's she's been on video and she actually gave me permission

130quite a while ago to acknowledge that. And so I wouldn't even say that without um having had her permission. And so with that, she um the viewing public may notice she is online um consistently. that is honorable, that's understood. And then there may be a time, for example, myself, I'm going to a uh conference in Los Angeles, I think it is, um next month, I believe Commissioner Santiago might be going, there may be different times in which uh a meeting may occur and commissioners may have different things going on. And I think as long as communications are happening and we're respecting the sanctity of meetings, we don't have to make this too complicated. I think where it starts to get a little confusing and why we even have to have this conversation is when I

131don't know dayto day what's happening. We're in the middle of a meeting and you know what I rather go home too. I've had a long work day and I I don't think I want to just get up and walk out of a meeting >> right and and and no one has communicated and so that's where and then I end up online. >> That's where it becomes a little bit confusing and that's what I'm not willing to put us through or the or the community. Charisma, if you want to continue on with this this piece. >> Do you have your hand up? Okay. Commissioner >> Commissioner um Santiago, >> is there is there language in the the current policy that that says, you know, just a a plan to notify the board or the board president

132on when the meeting will be um missed or online. >> There is language that says that you should notify the B board clerk or designate. Um sometimes oftentimes I'm not notified. I have to talk to Raheima to find out um what's going on. And I think that we should be able to at least notify. I'm even thinking we should do something in writing. Just I I can't be there. You know what I mean? And s uh put uh the board clerk in there so that there's two folks in that communication. I think that would be something that is reasonable >> if it's already in there. I was going to recommend us adding that, but if it's already in there, >> it says says 24 hours notice. Should it be at least 24 hours notice to

133the board clerk unless some extraordinary circumstance kind of prevents that from happening. >> Thank you. >> Well, um my job, that's one. And two, I one, when I do know in advance, I do notify the board clerk, and that's who I'll continue to notify because I don't talk to you. So, thanks. >> And I understand that you will not speak to me, and that is okay. I don't need you to speak to me, but I do need you to follow protocol. Charisma, if you can continue this. >> I I am following protocol when I reach out to Raheima as soon as I can. So, we may change that language because I'm not aware, >> but I will not be I don't care if you change it in the policy. I am not going to be

134notifying you. Point blank period. This is as much communication as you get right here on the deis in public spaces. >> Are you I haven't called on you. So, we're not going to do that. So, well, no, we may change that language and so that might change the protocol, but I will go to charisma at this time. >> So, I'm not sure if we want to continue with this next page because um it's questions to consider uh how does the board want to approve video conferencing requests? What accountability measures will be in place? So, yeah, we can come back to that. So, one thing I am recommending is that the board president be uh communicated with in writing um along with the board clerk and that are >> what's going to happen if I don't

135do it. >> Um Adrian, if you want to give an opinion on it because I'm not doing it. >> General counsel, I have not responding commissioners only. And I do want to point out that the board the policy doesn't even address if we get up and leave. It doesn't even address that. So, as long as we make it here, we're here. We're on record and then we go. Doesn't it doesn't address that. At the end of the day, we are a paid elected body and we have folks that come >> 100% and I want the public to know this is the foreign control right here to my rights. You got grapes, take it up with them. >> So, commissioners, >> I'm not thinking of I'm going to finish my statement, General Counsel, respectfully. >> All

136I want to know is we have we have uh administration that comes here and they stay here. I'm sorry. And they stay here late at night. That's fine. You do that and you did it at the last board meeting and we had to lose quorum and you're doing it again. And this is my issue that we have >> right there. >> What I'm saying to the general public >> have a good day, Commissioner Lebron. >> Have a great day. Thank you. So, what I'm saying is that our general public, our children of this school district, our administration that comes here and sits in these board meetings to 11:00 sometimes, they prepare presentations and we're supposed to be focusing on the work of this district. And when people tune in, they get to have popcorn and

137wine and watch a reality TV show as you just saw. And I believe that our children deserve more than that. We have children that are dying. We have children who are wanting to read, write, and learn. We have parents that are making decisions about this district. Yet, we have a board of education that is operating in this way. So, if anyone is questioning why I said no for three years and finally chose to say yes to taking on leadership, you just saw this evening why. There's only two ways that you make that decision. Either you convince people or people convince me. And the moment I walked on here, I was asked to do this. And I said no for three years because I didn't want to deal with what we see. But I said yes

138now because I believe our families deserve better. And you're not getting better this evening, but I do believe we will see better at some point. General counsel, I apologize for cutting you off, but I needed to get that off. And I would like you to finish whatever statement you were making, sir. >> Um, yeah. I was just going to say, uh, you know, Commissioner, uh, to to to Commissioner Lebron, uh, again, the kind of the direct, um, uh, I mean, it it it is a violation of Robert's rules to to make things personal, uh, w without the commissioner. So, so there should not be, you know, comment shouldn't be personally directed. Um, you know, there there's a way to comment on an issue without commenting on on on a person and and that goes for

139every commissioner. So, I was going to address that. But in terms of in terms of uh potential repercussions to answer the direct question for for not following what's in our policy, um you know, there's there's there's two that immediately come to mind. Juan, if if um if if commissioners willfully uh do not follow things that are in their their own policies, right, they they put themselves at risk um you know um you know as uh you know actions kind of detrimental detrimental to the district potentially and and then then two uh if it impacts decisions and um that the and decisions and actions that the board takes then those actions potentially become subject to being challenged then overturned. Um so so it is it is important that the board carefully think through uh what they

140put into policy, what gets put into policy and then and that the board then follows those policies um and and and if it is if they're not going to be followed um then they shouldn't be committed to to to policy if the board can't commit to them. >> Okay. And I don't want to belabor this conversation too much longer. I know Charisma needs to get through some things. Um, Commissioner Griffin, you you have a comment or a question? >> I for to to the listening public, I do apologize as well, but this is um to to to just address um something that happened and to so that we can move forward. I think we should put a stipulation in tonight and vote on um amending the policy that if someone leaves um leaves the meeting

141prior to uh uh the finish of it that it it should be looked at as an unexcused absence if it's not done within the 24-hour period so that we can try to minimize this this um dysfunction that is occurring and and and the disrespect to the public and to everyone at hand. I think that that's something that we can do. Can't can't we Adrian in this policy right now we can amend it so that if any if you leave prior to the meeting being finished then we need and that would be looked at as an unexcused absence and if you have three or more then we other proceedings can take place. We need to be hard ball and we need to do this to make sure that we can get some work done. This is

142unfortunate that we have to do this because we're all adults. At least we would think we are in and when we take an oath in office. I don't know what what we're dealing with right now. But what I know is that this is embarrassing. So I think to to to to um minimize this from happening at additional meetings, I think we should we would should should amend the policy to state that if anyone leaves prior to a meeting and without notifying the board president within a 24-hour notice, then it would be looked at as an unexcused absence. Can we put that in there somewhere today? >> Um ju just as to the board could make whatever decision it chooses to make. Um my recommendation would not to do that and and it's not that I

143understand the intent and the aim. I think you have to be very very careful with what that language would be. >> Um because that would capture any number of board members for any reasons who had to had to leave. So I think I think that I think that should be that's a a board decision and deliberation and a come and if that's where the board wants to go the language would have to be very uh specific, deliberate and and thought out. um because otherwise you could potentially capture a lot of innocuous um actions and board members and in something like that. >> Okay. And and I understand some of the actions that can take I'm sorry. I understand that there's some inoculous actions that can take place. Name one. >> So I'll give you one.

144That's exactly what I was getting ready to do. So for example, >> like I love my daddy. Everybody knows I'm a daddy's girl, right? And um you know what? I'm not even going to use him as an example. I also love my dog. My dog is already gone. But if something happened to my dog, um, well, I don't know if that's a good example either, but if something happened and I had some form of an emergency, um, and I, you know, panic, left the meeting or what have you, um, I think, you know, we have to consider those pieces. And I, I think this is so complex and nuanced that we want to be very careful to general counsel's point that before we make any strong decisions, we have an understanding of the trickle effect

145and um, how this impacts and what those scenarios can look like. What I would recommend is that maybe we work with CGCS since we're already partnered with them on working through this language so that we have something that is fair to all commissioners and something that makes sense because sometimes there's blind spots when we're making these decisions. And I don't want these decisions to be based on our frustrations with um some of the things that we're we're experiencing as a board body um but based on sound decisionmaking. I'm going to take one last comment and then I'm going to move forward to Charisma. Okay, I see two and then Charisma, we need to clean this out. We're approaching 8:00. >> I'm going to make it really quick. Uh what I haven't seen is accountability. There's

146no accountability. I've been here. This is my fourth year and there I've seen no accountability for board members actions in four years. So, we have to at some point in time have that as a discussion. >> Well, those are things that I think we can try to put in place. um as far as uh but but they have to be legal and they have to you know there's a lot of nuance and uh you know the general public asks me a lot of questions at times and um I think as we continue these conversations u we can provide clarity and hopefully some some form of um movement. Uh, Vice President Mallaloy, >> I'll just say this, um, not to belabor the point. Um, student outcomes don't change until adult behaviors change and accountability is looking

147at ourselves. I have to look at myself. I've had to make adjustments over the years. Um, and and think about my behavior on this board. Um, I think we we should hold ourselves accountable first. I will say this though in terms of like attendance some of us are here every single time and the burden that it places on individual commissioners we are a body of seven not a body of four we're a body of seven and the pressure that it places on individuals who are always here um I'm not saying that serving the public is a burden in any way but some of us are always here and aren't using online. Even though there are compelling reasons sometimes for us to do so in our own lives, we've made sacrifices. I've shown up sick here

148to the board because I knew we weren't going to have a physical cor quorum otherwise. And so I think accountability starts with ourselves. President Simmons has said it before, we've got to point those thumbs back at ourselves. Um, but again, this all trickles down to our students and student outcomes aren't going to change unless adult behaviors change. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Charisma, if you'd like to just continue. Oh, State Monitor Alisa, I'm sorry. Thank you. >> No, no problem. Thank you. Uh, President Simmons, I just want to make a statement that because of the behavior that we have seen here today and the behavior that we have seen throughout uh, my two and a half years in the district, that's why there's a new recommendation in the academic plan about the training with

149NISBA. We got to make sure that we're here for the students. We got to make sure that if we are talking about behavior and that we're not going to tolerate this behavior from the students in the classroom, we got to be role models. We got to be role models for our students. We got to be role models for the staff. When you were elected to be a commissioner of education and there's 735 school district in New York, only five school district get compensated. the big five, the other school district, they do it because that's their passion. And I'm not saying that that is not your passion of our passion. But they don't get compensated. And they work together because they want to make a difference for the students, the staff, and their community. It is

150time for us to work together as a board, as a as a body, and to continue to do what's best for the students in the Rochester uh city school district. This is not about me as a person. This is not about you as a person. This is about the 22,000 student that you have in this district. The 20,000 plus families that elected you to be here to represent them to make sure that their kids get quality education. It is time to move forward. It is time to take action. It is time to work as a board. Thank you. >> Thank you. um state monitor charisma please. Right. So I'm going to move forward with the next slide because it doesn't sound like this slide needs to continue to be flushed out as well. Um and

151then the next section was is a new section. Uh it's being called section three temporarily muting board members utilizing video conferencing. And so the goal of this uh new section is two things. one, there are sometimes uh board members may be using video conferencing, they're having technical difficulties, we can hear feedback um or they don't realize they're um unmuted. And so that's the one part. The second piece is there's been times where um the chair may be asking a board member to um you know uh come back and they're not responding to the board me I'm sorry the uh chair trying to um bring the meeting back to order. And so that would this would be the option for commissioners to look into. >> Oh, that language might need to be tightened up because I

152don't want it to get caught in the nuance of I don't like what you're saying because people have the have the right to share their opinions or what have you and they may contradict what you believe. They may not um you know and and so folks have the right to share those things and they might sting a little bit. what what we don't have the right to do is is disrespect one another, use profanity, scream and yell, turn into the Wizard of Oz while we're on on um video conferencing. And that's what it's like in this conference room um when we're yelling over that. And so just like um it can be somebody else tomorrow, it can be you the next day, it could be me the next day. And so again, when we're making

153these decisions, we have to think of ourselves in mind. But, um, I want us to carefully think through what that might look like. Any any thoughts on that? We've had to try to recess. Um, we've got a couple examples of commissioners online together where we could not silence either one of them. We've had commissioners who um, you know, got to to sharing their their their thoughts. the thoughts are fine, but the disrespect and and the name calling and all that that that that's where it becomes this nuance piece of muting. And so again, it's something that has to be considered, but also with our lack of emotional regulation on this board, I don't want it to be something that all is another trigger or a weaponized mechanism for us. I that's not what that would

154be for. So, um I think we we need to probably take this conversation to CGCS just to um provide that clarity. General Counsel, did you you you're think are you thinking >> um I I I think that is that's wise president Simmons. Um you're you're absolutely right. This um it is a slippery slope. Um there is the the potential for you know a viewoint view viewpoint discrimination instead of you know just kind of decorum. Um and that would be really uh that that would not be lawful. >> Um you know I think the proposal as as put forward here did build in an automatic appeal, right? And so um if if if it did occur then it would automatically go to the board to say, "Hey board, was I was I right or was I

155wrong?" essentially um you know from the from the chair but but I think it is worth again because it would be really a a departure from what how the board has historically operated and it would be some some new protocols. I think a further conversation um wouldn't would probably be prudent. >> Yeah. So yeah, um I think we'll go in that direction. We've got a lot to unpack, but we are at least moving in the right direction. But again, I rather slow down and get it right than to hurry up and and not have it and have to come back and revisit this. So, um, with that said, Chris, you you don't have no more to do, right? Okay. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, God. Okay. So, we're going to um so with that said,

156identifying that we want to have maybe some more conversation and move this to CGCS for additional guidance, even NISBA to get some clarity around, you know, um the best way to go forward so that we're not making any missteps. Um, I guess I'm going to ask that we motion to move this policy or table this policy discussion >> um for um and defer to CGCS and NISSBA for additional guidance at this time. So with that motion >> motion >> um motioned by Commissioner Griffin uh seconded by Vice President Mallaloy. All in favor of tableabling this for further discussion with um our consultants. I I Any opposed? Can I have it? We're gonna we're gonna move on from that conversation because we've labored >> just add something. I just wanted to ask. Can we um can

157we actually put down some of our thoughts and ideals to be given to um CGC by, you know, I think we meet with them Thursday so that they can kind of if we if we could if they have the time to even look at them to see if it's something that is possible that we could do to amend the policy. >> Yeah. I've actually been remember I've been for months saying we need to start looking at some of this stuff cuz this is crazy right um and I don't know if CGCS will be able to this short period of time address it with us on Thursday but I think it's something we can introduce is we have an interest in looking at this giving them opportunity to look at our policy um opportunity to share

158our suggestions and then take it forward um but did we did we finish that motion now did we vote on it okay so that carries and I want to just move on to the U board policy review calendar for 23 I'm sorry 2023 through 28. So the only change with this calendar was uh recently the board amended policy 6745 authorization for contracts. based off of that updated uh pro um amended policy, there's now a required review annually. And so now the calendar includes that policy coming forward to the board when it's supposed to um based off the update. >> Okay. All in favor? Do we have to motion on that one? We don't Lord. Motion to >> motion uh move forward with board policy review calendar 2023 28. A motion by Vice President Malloy, seconded

159by Commissioner Griffin. All in favor? >> I. Any oppose? The eyes have it. Um, at this time, because we've had such uh extensive conversation, necessary conversation, we do have communication protocols and um there are some additional uh modifications to the protocols as written. Um so, at this time, we're we're going to pause on those. Or was that um did I miss something? Hold on one second. Let make sure I'm clear. I think I'm making things up. Yeah, the thank you very much. Um, the executive leadership cabinet, myself and others have been having conversations around the communication protocols. Um, I received feedback from the executive team and I did not have an opportunity to work with board clerk win for those to be reflected in this document. So my request is that we we table this

160until such time that I can have those conversations with her and we can incorporate the feedback that my team and I would like for the board to then converse about. >> Thank you. When you say table, Dr. Roser, are you thinking maybe the next uh board work session? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. And confirmation charisma, the next board work session would be on September 9th >> for at 6 pm for the conversation around communication protocols. So, we will revisit at that time. Thank you. Oh, and Dr. Ross, are you I'm sorry. >> Do you have to motion that? >> No. Let me motion to Thank you. I can't make that decision. Motion to >> There was not a vote on that. It's just his presentation. Listen, I was going to go with it. Thank you,

161Commissioner Santiago, because I do forget sometimes. So, I do appreciate that redirection. But I want before we move forward on the agenda, um you have you have somebody here this evening. Uh this been a long evening but but they are here >> and uh Dr. Rosa I'd like to turn the mic over to you. >> Okay. Thank you very much. I do want to introduce to our community and to our board once again. Um a person that um I've had an opportunity to work with over two decades now I believe. Um we did work together in Buffalo, New York, served on the same team together helped elevate student success throughout the Buffalo public schools. and I'm happy to welcome her on as her second day as the deputy superintendent of the Rochester City School District.

162So, Cassandra Wright, Dr. Cassandra Wright. [Applause] >> Thank you, Dr. Wright. It's a pleasure. I've got to meet you yesterday, I think, for was yesterday the first time. And and so I do look forward to your work here at the Rochester City School District. Thank you for coming. >> Is there anything she want to say? Um, and so we're going to go on to the school. >> I'm sorry. >> Do you want to say something, Dr. >> Yes. Oh, thank you, Commissioner Griffin. >> I was just asking. >> All I want to say is it's a pleasure to be here. Absolute pleasure. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Roser and the cabinet. We're going to do great work together. Thank you. >> Turn around, huh? Okay. Thank you. Uh so we're going to

163move into our academic discussion items and that is school readiness being our first um item here. >> Yeah, thank you very much. So, this opportunity to talk about school readiness is really just as a reminder to our families and to our caregivers that school is is fastly approaching and we just want to make sure that we're putting out the reminders so that our families can most certainly um have their children ready for school. The report that I give at the end of the month during our business meeting um as a part of the superintendence report will outline our school readiness in welcoming our staff as well as our children back to school. But we did want to sort of share early in the month of August um some things just to help our parents um

164be reminded of um things that that they can engage in to be able to support their children's readiness to the new school year. Next slide, please. So, the first day of school, of course, is Thursday, September 4th. We really encourage all of our families to begin preparing their children for this exciting moment of their lives. Of course, we all understand that um the educational process is a process by which all of our children will have opportunity and access to be able to maximize their potential. And we want to work very closely with our families and our caregivers to make sure that all of our children are ready and then once they're in our schools for them to then be prepared for a high quality educational experience. So some of the checklists that we want to

165to sort of remind parents of, have you checked your child's welcome back packet? Our schools are sending information out. Um, we want to make sure that the information that you receive that you sign and rec return all required forms. We also want to remind our families to begin the process of checking your school's arrival and dismissal times. And there's our address by which families can most certainly check the bell times which is on our website. If any family has moved or changed their telephone, please please notify your child's school. That is the only way in which we will be able to maintain good communication between school and home is for us to have updated information of where your new household is moved to or if your telephone number has changed. And then transportation, look for

166your bus assignment the last week of August. Um this past August 8th, we did close our process for parents to submit um information to guarantee transportation. We do share with families that if you did miss that guideline, excuse me, that that deadline to most certainly still notify us so that we can begin working to make sure that your youngster has transportation to and from school. Another big piece which is extremely important is the immunization requirements. So the state of New York requires that students have certain immunizations. Please make sure that if you're aware of the immunizations that your children need, then you most certainly are making those pediatric appointments so that your children can most certainly receive a highquality education. Unfortunately, here in the state of New York, whenever a child does not have his

167or her immunization, school districts, and I say school districts, not just the Rochester City School District, but school districts across the state of New York are mandated to exclude students who have not had their immunization shots. So, please make sure that your children have their required immunization shots for the school year. And if you have any questions, you should most certainly contact Monroe County Health to schedule an appointment at 5857535150. And please note that many times that walk-ins are not accepted. And then I want to also share with our families that I will be of course hosting a community conversation specifically for parents and caregivers. I want to be able to provide them with an opportunity to be able to not only hear from me, but also to be able to ask me questions and

168insights about how the district is supporting their children, which I'm embracing as our children. The event will be Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Dr. Iris J. Banister School number 33, which is located at 500 Western Avenue. We look forward to welcoming all of our families to the promises that we hold for our children, which is to provide them with a high quality educational experience. During the same event, we will be hosting our back to school jam under the leadership of the office of parent engagement. That will be from 12 until 2 pm. there. There will be backpack, school supplies, giveaway, youth activities, free food, community resources, and a number of other exciting things to really celebrate our children as we welcome them back to the 2526 school year. So, with that being said,

169I look forward to providing an update on the school district's readiness to accept our children and our staff back to school at our August business meeting later this month. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Roser for your presentation and um just the the demonstrating the readiness or the we're preparing we are preparing and ramping up and so we do look forward to a a more comprehensive breakdown on where we stand regarding um readiness at this time. Um I do want to just ask is there any questions based on or um Dr. Roser communicated or presented at this time? We're going to move in. I see no hands. Um, Vice President Mallaloy, >> I just wanted to say thank you so much. >> Thank you. Brevity is nice. Um, so we're looking at our resolution review

170packet at this time. Um I I do want to uh remind commissioners that the this resolution review um once we take a look at these resolutions that are listed in draft form here on board docs um we then will have the opportunity to move them forward to our business meeting for the consent agenda. Once resolutions appear on that consent agenda, they are ready to be voted on. That means that they have been vetted. our due diligence has taken place. So today is August 12th. If there is a resolution in here that's causing you concern, questions, or confusion and you're you're saying, "I need to learn more about this." Um, we as a board can make the decision to hold the resolution. Charisma, guide me with that nod because, you know, I get it's it's a

171long night for me, too. I have a long day in front of me. Um, but we have the opportunity to remove it or not move it forward to the consent agenda. And then we have between today and then August, I believe 28th, if I'm not mistaken, or 29th for um consideration to get those questions or that clarity answered. If we are okay with what we see and we move it forward to that consent agenda, when we get there for that board business meeting and we are saying I or nay, that matter of fact, we're not even saying nay. for saying I because we've done all of the other work. So I want to make that very very clear and at this time we're going to go into the resolution packet. >> What the I and

172a nay part if a commissioner because the consent agenda only allows >> that's why I corrected myself. It's only it's only a yay, right? >> Yeah. So if a commissioner like there's if there's five resolutions and the commissioner only agrees with four yays, one nay, then that would need to be removed from the consent agenda during that meeting. So I just wanted to add that part. >> Thank you for that added clarity. Vice President Malloy, I saw a hand. >> It was just regarding a a question just regarding the numbers for resolutions. So are they assigned later? Um I just didn't see any resolution numbers. Do those get I don't know exactly when those get assigned. Yes, the goal in the future would be to add the resolution numbers during the work sessions, but at

173this time they will they will be um added later later. >> They're not there already. So what I would if if there is if there is a resolution for discussion um for reference for us um it starts with a 14 um so we can just kind of reference that uh where where we see the resolution and call it out at the bottom of the page on the bottom right hand corner you'll see um different numbers. So um that might help us if you want to bring one to light. With that said, um are there any I guess uh what am I looking at? Motion to um well, we're looking at the resolutions at this time. Were there any that we had questions about? These are academic resolutions. No questions. >> I'm scared. >> Right. I'm

174I'm not going I'm so I'm going to I'm going to um stick beside it and I'm going to move forward motion to forward the attached resolutions to the business meeting consent agenda at this time. >> So moved second vice president Malloy seconded by Commissioner Griffin. All in favor? >> I I Any opposed? Okay. Moving into uh the administrative uh supports resolutions and again we have another packet of resolutions. These are regarding our August administrative support resolutions. Are there any questions or concerns that we need to address here that I have a question? >> Vice President Malloy. >> Um is there a chance that we'll see additional resolutions added? >> Yes. after tonight. >> Yes. >> Go ahead and and clarify that. >> So, similar to the current process, when resolutions are added um after you've

175reviewed this tonight, there'll be that section that says that like resolutions added after the draft packet. >> Thank you. >> Many sorry I'm sorry I didn't have my hand. Sorry. >> And so, Charisma, with with that said, that because resolutions are kind of living and breathing. it it is different departments um that have different needs that are at different stages of the process and so although we may have these in front of us another that's why we see them come in because I know that that has been a point of um question and Dr. Russer, did you want to clarify anything in addition to that or >> No, you stated it well. You know, there are things that we're working on and there are a lot of things that are um in process and and

176there may be additional things that are added to the business meeting. We have another 14 days before our next business meeting. And there's a lot of work that the team as well as, you know, school leadership is is engaged in doing to prepare for the upcoming school year. Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. I saw your hand. >> Yes. For resolution regarding School of the Arts. Sorry, I'm trying to find the number. >> Oh, there's no number. So, the resolution uh runs >> because what page? Look at the bottom corner, the right hand corner. It'll have like an it ends in 49, but it'll have like a little page number or something. >> The 10th. Oh, sorry. No, that's 38. >> 38. Okay. If I can just ask, you know, what what exactly I mean I don't

177know if this is um new or this is something that has been practiced for a while, but I think the only thing that's used over there at the Memorial Art Gallery is the field. And so I'm wondering when it comes to this, what what are we paying the $6,000 for? Is it for the field that they're using across the street? It's for the field. We're paying $6,000 for a field. >> Who's answering that? >> The superintendent. >> Hey. >> Yeah. I in my conversations with um Chief Scott, who unfortunately um is not with us today. Um we do need to have extra physical education um space and this would be to support utilizing space that is not our property. >> Okay. I went to school of the arts so we we use that field a

178lot but not a lot. We use that field during physical education to go on walks but I'm surprised that we're paying $6,000 for a field. We can most certainly be prepared for the business meeting to provide um whether because it it may have been something that has historically been done. >> I don't have that information in front of me. Um but looking at the terms of this agreement 2025 to 2029, it could have been something that is longstanding, but we can most certainly have that information for our business meeting. >> Yeah. I I just think of I don't know. It's not like we're using a building, we're using a field. So I, you know, I that the community uses also over there. And I think U ofR could do better than just $6,000, right, Dr.

179Dr. Blocker? They don't need $6,000 over there. But that can be conversations later. I just think $6,000 is a lot of money for a field. >> Thank you, Commissioner Santiago. I will say that out of my office window is the Memorial Art Gallery Field and um and I do see those those babies um enjoying themselves and they are so free. I didn't know it was $6,000, so they're not free. But but but um I do I have to say it brings a smile to my face when I see um the different so now I have a better understanding of what I'm looking at um seeing seeing the children play and really um and it's very organized >> but um >> if I can say like it is definitely used in when I was in high

180school that's what we used to go outside and all that stuff but I didn't know $6,000 was behind >> expensive. Yes. Okay. Um, any other questions on the resolutions? >> I'm sorry. Before you get to the motion part, my recommendation because correct if I'm wrong, Superintendent Rosler, but you said you would have the answer for the business meeting. Um, if that's the case, I would recommend pulling this resolution from the consent agenda. Um, because at this time it doesn't sound like it will be answered before the meeting goes live. >> This this one we just discussed. Yes, >> with the 38 on it. School of the arts. Yes. >> Okay. So, motion to remove uh resolution. I don't have a number um but it is on page 38 regarding the school of the arts and

181University of Rochester. If we remove that from the um consent agenda, we will not move it forward. We'll hold it from the consent agenda. All in uh entertaining a motion. >> Thank you. Uh Vice President Malloy, Commissioner Griffin. All in favor? >> I Any opposed? Okay. So, with um resolutions um are there more or did we get them all? Thank you. >> So, with that said, uh entertaining a motion to move our resolution packet minus resolution 38 forward to the business the August business meeting consent agenda. Entertaining a motion to do so. So, move. >> Vice President Malloy. Uh, Commissioner Patterson. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. The motion carries with the exception of 38. >> We have no reports. And at this time uh this meeting may recess into executive session

182closed to the public to discuss matters leading to the appointment or employment of a particular person to discuss matters made confidential pursuant to federal or state law and to receive the advice of the general counsel as permitted by section 105 of the open meetings law. Um motion to or entertaining a motion to exit into executive session. So move >> moved by vice president Malloy. >> Seconded by commissioner Griffin. All in favor I. >> Any opposed? All right. executive session. Um, thank you.