Sayville BOE Business Meeting July 29, 2025 at 5:30PM Administration

001I think we should do it. >> Yeah, I'm gonna move it. I >> Okay, >> now we're live. Okay. Um, can I have a motion to move into the um audit committee report? Chris motion Kelly second. All in favor? Oh, sorry. Discussion. All in favor? Okay, we are now in the audit committee section of the meeting. I'm going to ask everyone to please rise for the pledge. United States nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You going to introduce them more? You want me to do that? All right, ladies and gentlemen, want to thank you for coming tonight today. Welcome everyone who's in the crowd and also those who are home online. Uh this first portion of the of the meeting is our audit committee meeting and we have um our auditors

002and they'll introduce themselves to you and explain what they do and then go through the report. >> Okay. Thank you for having me. So, I'm Maryanne Van Dy. I'm the partner on your account for the internal auditor. Um, you do have a few different auditors. We're the internal auditors. Um, and tonight I have two reports I'm going to present. I'm going to first go over the risk assessment report update and then the second would be the cycle for facilities maintenance and capital projects. Okay. So, as you recall, every year we do what we call a risk assessment update. So we re-evaluate all the internal controls and we assess risk on um 27 different areas. So this year um you were fortunate to have a low risk with a majority of the uh processes. So 25

003out of 27 were assessed as low. Um there were two that were assessed as moderate and I can go over that um of those two areas. But all in all um what we do with our risk is we reviewed all the board policies. We do a lot of interviewing. We do some testing to evaluate the internal controls of the processes. So um this year we did focus more on your revenue billings and receipts, your purchasing and expenses, payroll, human resources and benefits and extra classroom. Okay. So the two areas that um we did have recommendations, one being extra classroom. So that's really the kids clubs that are out at the school level. Um so we did some testing on those areas and there were some dispersements that did not have the proper signatures on it.

004So if you flip over to the chart here, I do have a chart. If you look here, these are all the areas that we look at. And then you can see what the control risk was last year and what the control risk was updated for this year. So it's a nice summary of where we were last year versus this year. So like I said, we went over revenues and billings. There was no exceptions noted on the revenue and billings. So everything checked out with that. We did some um interviewing as well as we did validate some of the unpaid invoices that you were tracking the billings and the receipts. So that area was assessed at low. Same thing with purchasing and expenditures related expenses. We did look in detail in that area. We did a

005lot of interviewing, a lot of testing, reviewing board policies and all the um testing did check out. So that was also assessed at low. Um human resources, payroll and benefits was the third area that we did look at and that was also assessed at low based on our our audit procedures. So then the last one, current one we looked at was the extra classroom. Like I said before, this was the kids clubs. Um so we did a lot of um testing. We did a lot of interviewing. We wanted to make sure you were following all the state regulations. So overall it was in in good shape. However, there were some items that we did note. One being the uh receipts tested that they did not have evidence. Three of the 10 did not have evidence

006of student treasurer. So the extra class and you have to have student involvement. So it's really just reinforcing with the club advisors that they really should make sure that they have the students sign off to make sure that they're involved in the process. And then the other recommendation with the extra classroom had to do with the cash dispersements. So extra classroom is subject to sales tax unlike the school district purchases. though we did note three of the dispersements did not have evidence of sales tax being paid. So that's really just also training and reinforcing what is sales taxable and what they should be collecting sales tax on. So those are the two areas that we did find a couple of minor items. So that was assessed at moderate based on the results of our testing.

007All right. Then the next page is what we do is we do the status of the prior year recommendation. So anything that was in last year's risk assessment we revisit to see if you implemented. So I'm happy to report virtually all the recommendations were implemented. So you know the business office did take our our reports very seriously. So that was great to see. So the areas that we did have recommendations were governance and planning that was implemented. The one area that was assessed at moderate again because was the state grants. So um as of the time of our testing you did potentially have loss of funds for title 1A program and I know the and title 2a program and I know the district had submitted a request to adjust the the budget to get sedd

008approval so that you would not lose the funding. So that was the status as of the time we did this testing. So, I'm sure that Robert probably is in the process or I don't know if if it was done before you started, but they they actively are trying to rectify that. Um, >> so the recommendation last year that you made was not >> was not fully implemented. Yes. So, they they're now they were addressing it to try to get the state to um basically give them an amendment to the budget on the on the grants for two grants. One was 20,000, one was 1,800. Okay. Um, student safety, the recommendation that was implemented. Same with the information technology recommendation that was also implemented. So, really, it was just the one on the grants that was

009not implemented from the prior year. So, all in all, you know, most of the items here were low except for the two that I talked about, extra classroom and the um the grants. And then what came out of this report was we assessed the risk and then we did a focused report which is your other report. I don't know anybody have any more questions on the first one before I go to the second. >> Okay. >> I just my question is uh wow this mic works really well. >> Um when did you submit this report to us? >> This report was done it was as of December 31st 24 and everything at the end of January. So that's when we do the risk is usually mid year >> and then in the spring is when

010we do the cycle. >> Gotcha. All right. Okay. Thank you. So I just have a quick question about like the the treasurers and stuff like that. Now that could even be like a fourth or fifth grade kid doing drama club or something like that. They would have to sign off on those receipts. Correct. >> Yeah. Well, if you have it at the elementary level, they're required to follow all the rules and regulations. Um, so I'm off the top of my head, I forget what school it was, but the one of the schools that we did test did not have the student signals. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> Okay. >> I know in the high school, uh, they also submit minutes from the meeting allowing that money to be taken out. >> Yes. >> Yeah. They're supposed

011to have me minutes and meetings to show that they're active and we didn't have any issue with clubs that were not meeting. Um, so this was just really for, you know, signoffs and I think it was just a matter of you did it on say seven and three were not. So it was just really reinforcing it so they know what the procedures are but they three of them were missed. But I generally I think you do training with with the with the advisors. So it's just continue to do that training and like you said you always have new faculty advisors. So really just reinforcing it with those faculty advisors. >> Okay. Well, I I >> I said in usually in elementary there's there's not a lot of expenditures. It's it's just a >> high school

012really the active right have the active clubs. Yep. >> Okay. All right. So then the next report is our detailed analysis of specifically facilities maintenance and capital projects. So here we interviewed anybody involved with these two processes, making sure that we understood all the rules and regulations that they follow, doing our own testing just to validate that what they were telling us was actually happening. And with capital projects, there's a lot of also state regulations. So we just wanted to make sure you were following those regulations as well as any board policies that surround these areas. So, um, so overall, we first started looking at your capital projects expenses. So, we did look at 25 cash dispersements, making sure that you had all the proper approvals, you're required to have the architect involved, making sure

013that the rates for the labor and the materials were accurate, that you were paying prevailing wages. So, um, certificates of insurance you had. So all the the documentation you're required to have capital projects, we made sure that it was intact and we did not have any issues in any of the testing. So no exceptions were noted. So that was great to see. Then we looked at your change order compliance to make sure that you're complying with your change orders, making sure that they're approved by the board prior to the commencement of work. Also that they were approved by the architect and the board president. Um, if the total change order for the contractor exceeded 35,000, we verified the change was within the scope of the original project to make sure that it wasn't, you know,

014they weren't lowballing the the price and then just adding on at the end. Um, and then we also looked at some of the multiple small change orders to make sure to the same contractor to make sure that there was any they're not circumventing the change order policy. So, all in all, no exceptions. everything checked out with the capital projects. So, that was that was really good. Um, contract administration. So, we wanted to make sure that you had a contract signed by the architect, the board president, that the contract was current. Um, then we also made sure that the contract had the specifics you're supposed to have in the contract in accordance with education law, and we had no problems. Everything was in order with that. All right. So, then we looked at your final building

015project report. So that's what you file with the state in order for you to get your state aid. So that's really important that you filed them on time so that your your aid does not get held up. So we did review um what they call the SA77 report to make sure that all your projects were current and they were filed currently and they were all filed timely. So that was that was good. Um then we also like to look at preventative maintenance to make sure that you have a preventive maintenance uh program to make sure you monitor anything within the district so it doesn't end up being a larger project if you can if you can prevent it with prevent preventative maintenance. So we look reviewed all your policies. You did have all the required

016policies and then um we also did talk to the individuals involved. We wanted to review your 5-year capital facilities um plan to make sure it was properly filed and then we also reviewed the preventative maintenance plan for specific elements that are required by the state. So here we did have a minor um recommendation. So I know that the district does do a lot of annually performs a walkth through and making sure that all the buildings are, you know, in order and if there's any improvements that need to be done and these are discussions as part of the budget process. However, there was no documentation formal documentation of what you're do you were doing and that's really required by your board policy 7100. So, it's just a matter of documenting what these procedures are that you're

017doing and putting it in writing. Um, so you're in compliance with your board policy. And then the second one that we did note was your comprehensive maintenance plan. So, that the last one you did was it dated July 2020. So, we're recommending reviewing to make sure that you know it's updated in accordance with what you're pro you're currently doing. Okay. >> Okay. You already did it. >> Oh, okay. Good. >> All right. Great. Um, so those are the two recommendations with regards to maintenance. Then we also looked at your work orders. We also made sure that everything was in order with all your work orders and how you were monitoring it and you were um assigning work orders to do the maintenance for the maintenance staff and that they were tracking status and progress of

018any work orders and there was no exceptions notice noted on the work orders. Um then we looked at safety inspections and compliance. So we did look at a few different board policies surrounding that. We interviewed there again more individuals involved. We obtained all your certificates of occupancy for all the district-owned build buildings to make sure that you had them and they were not expired. We reviewed your fire safety inspection reports to ensure the inspection was performed during the fiscal year um and everything and the building's past inspection and we had no exceptions on that. Okay. Um then the next area we looked at was repair and maintenance. So we reviewed there again your policies. We did some interviewing. Then we reviewed uh 25 expenditures to see to make sure that you were capturing all any

019capitalizable repair and maintenance costs. They were not included in the capital asset record. So there were several that were repair and maintenance, but because it was part of a capital work, it should have been capitalized on your capital assets. So, um I know the district is in the process of updating their capital asset inventory records for the omitted information and then they're going to share the records and ensure that the records are complete and accurate. So, I know that was in process to to be updated. And then the last item was we want to make sure that you're providing the right training for the director of facilities director of safety officer contracted by the eastern suffic boseies and we reviewed all the training signin sheets to ensure that they're tracking the training completion and there

020was no exceptions noted with regards to training. Okay, so this is the cycle report. I don't know if anybody has any questions on anything I just went over. But all in all, sounds like the district's in the process of implementing the recommendations. That's all we could ask. >> A question >> except well then we come in and do another risk assessment. So right now in the um risk assessment update we projected for next year um information technology for next year. I think that's a very uh important item now with the schools with everything happening at the schools where seems like I we've had a few districts that just recently got um hacked in and lost money. So I think it's important to make sure that you have all those controls in place. So I think

021every >> it's a good thing to do. >> So do you do we agree that that's a good Okay. All right. So then we can work on that. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Yes. Thank you. Um so we need a motion to approve action items or action item 3.01 01 which is the approval of the minutes of the 2024 audit committee. Can I have a motion? >> Tom second. >> Desmond. >> Discussion. All in favor? It passes. Now I'm going to need a motion to adjourn the audit committee section of this meeting. >> Second. >> James and Tom. Um discussion. All in favor? Now, do I need to open up the other meeting? No. Again. Okay. So, now we need a motion to open the business meeting

022or the business section meeting. >> Motion second. >> Chris, Kelly, and Chris discussion. All in favor? Okay. We are now in the budget of the sorry, the business section of this meeting. All right, everyone's just opened it up. Yes. Uh, we did the pledge during the last meeting. So, >> you want your correspondence first? Okay. Correspondence first. Um, so we did sort of move to like making sure that we sort of reviewed the things that were going on in between meetings so people had um an idea. So, there were some se there were several emails about several different things. Um first um was we had a total of five emails um regarding Island Hills which was a big discussion that we had last time. Um three of them were um about the letter that we

023sent. One of them was a thank you letter from um Supervisor Angie Carpenter thanking you thanking us and let us know she was a receipt of our email and one was a recognition email from the Greater Icelip Association for the letter that we sent. Um, >> I think the the Greater Island, the Greater Icelip Association. Yes. I just think um that it should be noted that um there were four of us there. I think that's important. >> I Yeah, I was sorry. Go ahead. >> Yeah, because it just like it just stated that um that Christine was there, but Kathy was there, myself was there, and and Kelly was there. And I think that's important that that they know that we were there in in strong numbers. So, >> yes. Yeah. I I failed to

024mention that most of what I'm going to mention here is on our agenda in other places and was going to mention that there. But no, good point, Desmond. They should know that several of us were there. Um and as a result of the good conversation I think we had last time um that people do need everybody, not just the board members, but the community at large needs to be informed so that they can create a um formulate an opinion so that then they can um discuss it further. I do have that as part of our board agenda, so I'll talk about it then. Um, so yes, thank you though. I I did intend to point it out, but you you beat me to it, so I appreciate that. Uh, we had an email regard regarding

025a donation. Um, so uh we had an email um questioning the uh possible conflict between um a holiday and the um and homecoming and and um do you want to just discuss that quick? It was a simple answer. >> Yeah. So um there was a question about whether our homecoming uh conflicted with rashishana. Um homecoming is the Saturday before uh then we have school on Monday and then uh sundown on that Monday begins Rashashana. So it doesn't conflict. Um one of the questions was what about families who want to travel? But I wanted to clarify that the two days off Tuesday and Wednesday are two full days off to recognize Russashana and the purpose of them being there is not to have a long weekend the weekend before or the weekend after. So we we

026don't feel as a community it conflicts with um with homecoming. We do a lot to coordinate with the town, coordinate with uh street permits and things of that nature and make sure that everybody's included and we certainly feel this is an inclusive >> Yeah. I think the major point is that Monday is a school day. >> Yeah. Monday is a school day. So if you have homecoming on Saturday, Sunday is a Sunday and then Monday is school. So there shouldn't be a conflict. >> Yes. Um we had a two mail two emails um that are both on our agenda as well. One of them um about student emails that students can receive and send out and the other is a concern for um the implementation of our cell phone policies. They were related. I think

027we will address them either in the superintendent or the board discussion. Um and those are the ones we had, you know, up to a reasonable amount today. So, um with that said, we're going to address most of them. So, thank for those who would contact us and I'll turn it over to Dr. Ferris for the superintendent report. Okay, so thank you everyone again. Um, we have a bunch of items, but they're kind of each small in their own sense. So, even though there's a long list, uh, they're kind of things we can kind of go through rather quickly. Just want to thank all the teachers and staff who are involved in our summer programs. We have the extended year program over at Lincoln Avenue that's going extremely well. Uh, we have the um arts and

028music programs which is funded and created by the Simba organization happening at the high school. Uh, that's for students in K12 participating in music and arts. And we have uh research programs and AP support going on as well at the high school and and all of those seem to be going really well. And we just want to thank um the teachers and staff who are involved in that as well as the Simba organization for organizing the music and arts. Um earlier in the meeting uh last uh in in the first week of July uh we were asked about potentially adding back a math position and some kindergarten aid support. Um we said that Mr. Bartell would be doing a thorough review of our budget and talking about you know the feasibility of that. I wanted

029to before he kind of speaks to that just speak to the you know the concept of what we have for math support and it's really important to note that we think this is really important. I know a parent last week mentioned how important it was and we agree. Um you know three years ago there were three math teachers in the elementary schools one in each building and we slowly increased that to four and then we slowly increased that to six so there would be two in each building. So last year through the budget cycle, we originally were cutting back two. We were able to put back one. We redesigned how we did some of the staffing so there would be less travel for our steam teachers. And now we have the equivalent of about 1.7

030in each building. Uh there will be push-in support. There will be pullout support. There will be uh monitoring tracking for all students as there were last year. Um the principles came up with what I think is a really good plan for that and we're going to be monitoring closely. But at this time, I don't recommend, and we'll let Mr. Batellis talk about that, adding staffing back beyond what we agreed to in May and what the uh the voters voted on and what the board of education adopted as a as a budget. So, just want to add to that. And >> well, ju just >> Yeah. >> Am I correct though in thinking in in saying that um it's going to be akin to 1.9 even though we had said 1.7 with the movement? So last

031year's plan um utilizing those staff, there was a period where they would go to the UPK. >> Okay. >> And we didn't feel they were doing support there. It was just more math games. And so the UPAK has those math games, can continue that. So instead of going to the UPK, they will go back to other classes. So it's really the equivalent of 1.9. >> Yeah, I just thought that's a good point to raise. So thank you helping you out. >> And we really feel strongly that this is important. What we want to do is we want to monitor this. We want to look at the data over the course of the year, see how kids are doing. U we we want to see an upward trend. We believe that you know there are two

032things that impact AIS. One is more time with a teacher and two is the smaller group size. So three or four kids in a group. So we want to maintain those small groups. We want to maintain that more size. We also know that pushin support and pull out depending on the needs of the child are important and we want those to be part of it as well. So uh as we get to the end of the year and we're starting to um look at that data or the middle of the year and plan our next budget, we want to look hard to see if we want to add that position back and or if we're doing well with what we have. We want to make a precise decision there and Mr. Gartell will speak a

033little bit about his review of the finances. >> Okay. Thank you. So, we've looked a lot um and looked at a lot in a short period of time. Uh I've gone through most of the budget uh reviewed past expenditures and use of reserves. And the key issue we have right now is we're spending more than we're generating in revenue. Uh we really need to turn that around. Uh the district is relying too much on the use of reserves to fund the budget. Reserves don't replenish themselves. So, you really need to have uh increased revenues uh over expenses to use those reserves uh without putting yourself in a in a bad situation. Uh for the 2425 school year, year that just ended uh that shortfall is about $2.5 million. So, that means we spent $2.5 million

034more than we generated in revenue. So, that's a $2.5 million hit on our on our fund balance. Um the budget put together for 2526 was tight. Um there really was nothing in terms of contingencies in there. Very very little. Uh nothing for staffing. Uh for example, we added back a music teacher. Uh we may need to add a special ed teacher. Um there's no contingency staffing for those positions in the budget. Um we're looking to keep down different parts of the budget uh to keep those expenses down. transportation. We're looking at cutting a bus and consolidating some other private school routes. Um we are seeing some special ed students aging out of programs which will give us a little bit of relief on some of those budget codes. Uh we are implementing an energy performance

035contract this year. That work will be started next month. Um and that should provide some savings. Uh but there are still unknowns. Health insurance where we really didn't have an increase in premiums last year. uh we're concerned about that this year. So, we have a significant uh difference in that, but um a 5 or 10% increase in in health insurance rates could uh really hurt us on on the budget side. Um on the revenue side, we are working to increase our expense driven aids. So, our Bosey's aid, our transportation aid, anything we can get back uh from the state to increase that revenue, bring those revenues up would be helpful. So, I know we were hoping to add back some staff uh but uh because of some of the staffing costs, but I really can't

036recommend that at this time. Uh I don't think that would be appropriate considering the financial situation that we're in uh and the fact that we're going to be in a tight year this year. Uh I don't want to put ourselves in another hole by adding additional staff that we can't afford and then may have to just cut again um at the end of the year. So, um, we do have some contingencies in transportation, in special education, health insurance, but those are contingencies and that's exactly what they're for is in case we have some issues. Um, and I don't want to don't want to strain the those other parts of the budget. Uh, so I am putting together a plan starting now for our next budget cycle so we'll be in a better position. Uh, I

037want to make some adjustments. I'm watching our reserve funds. I would like to reduce our reliance on those funds, try to get the revenues up so that they're at least what our expenditures are. So, it's kind of a combination of increasing those revenues and holding back on those expenses so that we can have a an appropriate budget next year that we can sustain going forward so we don't have to worry about cuts. But as far as this year, I I would not recommend any additional staffing at this point. And then the other point that was brought up was kindergarten support and we're going to be meeting with the principles on August 13th. Um, and we're looking at the current staffing we have to to reallocate so that we could kind of look to see if

038we could make up some of the lost ground there and restore some of that. So, we'll be uh reporting back to you on that on August 29th or at our next meeting. I don't think it's the 29th, but um and then just to go back, you know, the principles in each elementary school have come up with a really good plan. They've designed good schedules and we are going to have support in uh K through five uh for all math students. >> Yeah, I I just wanted to go go on record about kindergarten aids. I I don't mean to beat be a dead horse, but again I I I said this is a hill that I'm willing to die on and and >> um we we we can get creative. Uh I've seen you get creative

039with with things before and I I I think that's something that is is an absolute must. Again, these are these are co babies who are behind the eight-ball from birth uh when it comes to, you know, uh socialization and and any type of education. And uh so anything that we can do uh to to support them to to the max like this is this is a group that you know the kindergarters in general, but this this group especially is one that we should be targeted as you know high need. >> Yeah. And one of the things I'm really happy about was that particular kindergarten group was our largest prek group. So, we had about 145 of them in our pre-K. And that pre-K program really did, I think, a really wonderful job >> getting them

040ready for kindergarten, but to your point, I agree. We're gonna continue to support a >> keep it going, right? Yeah. >> PreK has full-time aids. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, I just want I agree with Desmond. Um I spoke last time about the kindergarten aids and how important I think they are. Uh but I really wanted to thank Robert for his in-depth report. I think that we can all agree that we just got some really good information. um you really organized it, helped us to understand what needs to be fixed and I do feel confident moving forward and I appreciate you taking the early jump to get started for next budget season already. Um and I just I I appreciate your work so early in the in the game. So, thank you. >> Yeah, I

041look forward to seeing as you audit the the buses and and how they work. um that was a big bone of contention over the the the budget season and a lot of frustration on all levels community board um throughout that budget process. So I do am hopeful that you'll find some of the savings that we know are in there. Um I think that's a good thing for us. >> Um and I just want to thank Mark for saying that you think you can utilize our present aids for kindergarten. Yes. Thank you. Okay. All right. You want to end? >> Okay. >> I want to keep it positive. >> Yeah. I will I will put something out there. I I again I just want to thank uh Mr. Bortell for helping out. Just kind of to

042give an example to illustrate. One of the things that we were not aware of is that like say when you're paying a business person's salary, if you put some of those funds through your transportation account, it's aidable. that means you're going to get money back from the state. That was just one of many suggestions that Mr. Bortal has already said that you know enable us to better navigate the bureaucracy of funding uh to bring this tax savings to you know residents. Uh I just feel really good um that we're in a good direction and I think um I don't know full steam ahead. Yeah, I think to just to piggyback off that, James, I I I think in the the prior meeting, the meeting that we just had with James, we were getting yeses where

043we were always getting nos. And uh like I I know me personally, I feel validated on a couple things that I've said in the past just by, you know, things that he's brought up. And uh so I I agree with everybody. It was great. And I I appreciate you, James. Thank you, >> Robert. >> That's James. That's Robert. I'm Mark. It's true. >> We can appreciate James, too. All right. Um, as you know, uh, New York State has implemented a cell phone ban belltobell in the schools. Um, while we appreciated that, you know, we want kids not to be distracted, we felt we had a really good system prior to in the high school and in the middle school. And, um, that system is no longer allowed based on the fact that it has to

044be phones away from the time they walk into the building to the time they end the building. So Amy's just going to update us. You're going to be voting on the policy uh and or just and um and I just want to, you know, we're going to be communicating with families, you know, in August about, you know, how it's going to work and what we have to do to make sure we're in compliance. So Amy, >> sure. Um just some updates on our preparation for um this New York State mandated cell phone policy. Um so our you know we met as a committee to draft the policy. Um and from that meeting some uh legitimate um concerns or ideas arose um despite the fact that the policy is mandatory. Um we need to do our

045best to make sure um our uh community, our parents, our students, our faculty um are comfortable with the transition and as as much as we can make them so. Um so one of the first things that we did was draft an FAQ um that addresses some of the logistical matters and how we're going to handle those. Um and that's currently posted on the website under the find it fast links and um within the week we should have a popup on the website for anyone going there that can easily access that FAQ. Uh so that's a beginning um with regards to communication. Um, also as the summer goes on, principles will be sending out parent squares. Um, much to the same of how how we'll be handling some of these transitions. Um, regarding the transition, you

046know, we recognize that um, the policy will particularly compel high school students to use their lockers when this has not been a standard practice in the past. Um so to that end, the high school building administration will be holding locker days um uh during that last week of August, which will be inviting students to come in before school starts, start practice using their lockers, make things uh smooth and efficient um uh for when they're ready to go back to school. Um, with regards to preparation and and management, um, from a maintenance standpoint, we've been having some ongoing maintenance and updating of lockers combinations throughout the summer just to make sure they're all in good working condition, ready for use. Um, and we've partnered with our head of security, Mike Elder, uh, to install uh, we

047we in classrooms, we would normally have those pouches that have individual slots for phones. Um, so we're going to actually take four of those and make one for each grade level in the security um enclosed security booth at the high school. Uh, because part of the policy um is that on the um second offense, a parent actually has to come to the school to collect the phone at the end of the day. And we recognize that all parents aren't um able to make it uh to the main office before it closes. So, our security booth does stay open after hours. And um we uh have some plans in place here to ensure that the phones are safe, secure, not broken, not um exposed. Um and the security guard will have those um in in their

048booth. Um >> Amy, may may I interrupt you for a moment? I apologize. Um it just it's come to my attention um since last time we spoke about this and you and I think you just mentioned it right now about the non-use of the lockers in the high school of the of the high school students um h or any other options explored because I I'll tell you if you have a senior in there that hasn't used their locker for four years I don't think um >> I don't think it's I don't think it's a matter of them understanding how to open a locker. I I don't think they don't need locker days for that. I think what they need is not not to do that. Um I just wanted to know if there were any

049other options because it doesn't seem feasible to me to have the the kids are not using their lockers. They're carrying their books in their bags with them because they have so much stuff. They don't have time in between classes to run all the way from one side to the other side to go to their locker. Um, I guess what you you what the high school is proposing is that the students come in, go to their locker, drop just the cell phone, have their whole day of school, and then at the end of the day before running to 10th period or practice, they again visit that locker. >> I mean, we explore the pouches, right? uh which is a considerable expense as well as um maybe even more of um you know logistical fee. >> So

050as far as the pouch's expense is the state not giving um >> the state is it would cover about half the cost of uh I'm going to get to the cost in a second. Um yeah the state is giving us $13,000 and the pouches would have cost us about $27,000. >> so there weren't so there weren't any other options >> explored. Yeah. And when we were designing the policy, we were not we were unsure of any funding we would be getting. So we knew that in the first year we would have to try it without because we didn't know if we'd get $10 or $1,000 from the state. >> But doesn't every classroom already have the pouches? >> Yes. But we're not allowed to keep them in the classroom unsecured. >> Different pouches. >> Yeah.

051But can >> they're different pouches like they have to be locked so they can't be used and if you break the seal that you know immediately. So they're designed a kid keeps their phone with them but it's in the pouch and it's lock it's closed all day. So it has no >> Oh, I'm sorry. It's it's like comes with them. Can Can kids have the option of buying their own pouch? >> I think one of the issues >> What's it gonna cost$100? But from a logistical standpoint, when you have 780 students, you know, whether it was pouches, whether it was a storage facility, whether it was, you know, lockers, the easiest and simplest thing to do, uh, based on what the committee kind of talked about was, we know we haven't used them a lot

052in the past, but prior to 2005, kids used their lockers a lot, uh, is to use lockers, which exist, cost nothing to the district, um, and and can be used, but >> Okay. and then having different kids do different methodologies could get hard to track. And and >> now that doesn't mean that as we try this, we don't make adjustments based on what we see happening at the high school, how kids are responding, but but we're kind of being put in a spot where um we want to have a consistent approach for everybody um that's traceable and trackable so that the discipline of this doesn't get out of control. >> And Christine, didn't you say like we would revisit it in like December? Yes, we definitely anybody all of us who sat on the committee

053um >> I thought I hit it. Sorry. Um had a very long conversation of there's going to be some stumbling blocks and there's going to be some um things to work through and that we would meet in the beginning or before the holidays to uh definitely revisit and see if there's any changes we need to make. So um I don't think we're are much different than what other districts are looking at. Some have made the um the jump to the yonder pouch. Just just to clarify, we and Sable kind of were halfway there already, if not 75% of the way there, where our students would come in and put them into basically shoe racks that were called pouches. That's not the same thing. The yonder pouch is if you've been to like a Broadway play

054or a comedian lately, you put it in, it locks, and then there's a a magnet that's put in parts of the school that you have to go to unlock it. Um, and there is a there is an expense, and we weren't sure how much money we would get. And of course, the amount of money is allocated per child and it doesn't cover the entire expense. So, >> and then the other option is you create like almost like a coat check where everyone hands in their phone, you take the phone, put it somewhere, and then you get a number and then at the end of the day you come back. But there's logistical issues with that, you know, like people lining up at 3, lining up at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, you know, 700 kids

055trying to get their phone from the the from where they dropped it off. So there's this was all discussed like at nauseium and it was really upsetting because for us we had these racks on the door. The kids dropped them on the door and went to class and they were not distracted at all but those are no longer allowed. >> All right. Thanks Amy. I'm sorry to interrupt you. >> No, it's totally fine. I think it's it's definitely a complicated unnecessarily complicated situation. Um I I just to comment on the funding. Um you know our policy uh discussion did revolve around trying to take the the least amount of expenditure path especially given our fiscal situation with you know and as Christine said the intent to revisit it should this plan not really work out

056for us the way we hope and intend it will. Um that becomes the next level option. But in the meantime, um we are, you know, happily able to use those funds for other reasons such as towards um the the maintenance um of the lockers, the the time, the hours that are being put into that from anything from custodial staff to faculty whose job will now require enforcing these policies. So that while it's not a massive amount of money, it's something that we can put towards those um those salaries. >> Is is there has there been any time put on to the end of the day or before the day like an even a minute or so? And I know that could affect busing and coaching and like sports and everything like that, but you know,

057if every single kid is going to their locker and then trying to catch the bus, which every single kid will be doing, like there's no way they're leaving that in their locker. Um, you know, that that's my only concern is is the time between going from the class to your locker to catch that >> to practice or or the bus or whatever it is. >> The only thing I would say to that is the Bell schedule we currently have is the same schedule we've had probably for 20 years. So, kids somehow got to their lockers, got did all that before and after school before. And so, we we we thought, you know, thought about like what do we need to do there? And we feel like, you know, the time is there. It's just how

058they use it. Instead of hanging out and waiting an extra minute, they might have to go to the locker. >> Yeah. I think that what we need to understand is that this was like forced on us, right? It didn't have an It was an August 1 deadline, right? So, you had to pull together and bring in the stakeholders and come up with something that we could agree on, which is what Amy did very well with working with the committee. >> This is going to play out and the um the ways other districts will handle it. There are districts unlike ours that don't have a locker for every kid in the high school. They're going to have to come up with an alternative. There are some districts like ours where the kid doesn't kids don't necessarily

059use the lockers. There may be creative ways to to work through this system, but to try to foresee what those are and figure them out by August 1st and have in compliance with the law and something that we can share with parents and students was overwhelming at best. And now that's why we have a an absolute agreement to go back and revisit, adjust. It doesn't have to be set in stone forever, but we do have to give it the best try we can to figure to figure it out. So, >> I think it's going to be three days of chaos and then it'll work itself out eventually. >> And I think that's that's very you're you're spot on. We're predicting that and and you know, in in conversations with the administration and building administration, we

060are fully anticipating a transition period and you know, as educators, we're prepared. We always deal with transitions and this is something that our faculty I have no doubt will will handle um professionally and and well and our kids will too. They'll rouse to the occasion. Kids always do. Um and I want to commend the the especially the the building administration for being proactive and just super meticulous and trying to predict every potential pitfall to make the year start off as smooth as possible. I think they did a great job >> and we did have a high school student on the committee and we had a a parent on the committee and so they didn't love the idea but they did give us feedback as we created what we created. I too do think it will

061work well and I do think the administrators at the high school will suggest to the students as they did years ago. Uh go take your courses, your books for the morning, go to your morning courses, stop back at your locker, switch for the afternoon. And those who don't have a lunch um must have some class near their locker because they are, if you read the research, those backpacks that they're carrying with all of those books are doing damage to their backs. So there is a positive to this. >> Yeah. Use the locker now that you have it. >> Use it. And the ninth graders coming in, they don't know anything else. So >> And can I just um Mark, can I just suggest that when the the FAQ pops on the on the site, can

062we send out a parent square so that every all the all the parents in the community know that it's live? >> Yes. And we also are going to have the principal send out a parent square at the beginning like in the day before school starts just with their updates for the school year. And that's going to include information about that as well. >> Yeah. I just know that it was really helpful. like the one that you sent for Highland Hills was really helpful and I think that would you know that would that would >> perfect >> be perfect. >> Y great. >> The next item on the agenda is um another update from the curriculum office about the 11th grade English region. So do you want to just update everyone exciting work that the teachers

063were up to? Um yeah, I'm I'm very pleased to provide uh support in collaboration with our high school building um administration, our English department um who uh have been discussing and uh have proposed to us um a move of the timing of when uh our high school students take the English regents. um uh as is done in many other districts, um the idea is to take the regents in the um in January of 11th grade as opposed to June of 11th grade. And this has many advantages and I'm really glad that um our English department and our building administration is favoring this. Um I think it strategically positions our students to be successful for a number number of reasons. Um, I mean, first and foremost, it reduces the number of regences that a student will

064be taking or AP exams or standardized tests that an 11th grader will be taking in the in the June of their 11th grade year. Um, it also provide a January testing period provides a struggling student an opportunity to retake it uh in that same year if they need to. Um and in for this particular year um there will be a new um exam based on uh the revised English standards. Um, and if it's anything like the science uh exam last year, um, New York State hasn't provided us with a model exam yet, and they did blindside um, districts with the science exam. And so it will give us a chance to see um, what that exam looks like before um, we need to be involved before everybody takes it. So, so that th that's from

065the strategy standpoint, but from the preparation standpoint, I'm very, you know, uh want to provide um a level of comfort and reassurance. I know change can be um you know, um something to anticipate. Um but, uh teachers are very confident that students are prepared to take this test in January. They've been preparing uh these skills since 9th and 10th grade. Um all of the midterms and final exams up until now have showed um very good preparation. They're they're modeled similarly to the exams. So we have no reason to think that our students would be at any disadvantage by taking them in January rather than June. So I'm very happy to support. >> And we're a do no harm district when it comes to regions grades, right? Like if it's the grade the region's grade doesn't

066help their overall GPA grade, we don't we don't incorporate it. >> So yeah, students would not be at risk in that And then my other question is um obviously if you take it in January actually take it anytime pass or fail if you're unhack happy with your grade you can always retake it >> and it would be the higher grade that goes on the transcript. >> So if the January English regions was a disaster like the bio one was anyone who was worried could retake it correct to try to get a higher grade even if it wasn't a failing grade. >> Right. And the January one is the uh old standards still. So it's our it's we get to do that this year. I >> think there's a lot of positives. >> I think the

067other thing that also teachers will have that regions out of the way and then that allows them to be creative and um and kind of innovative with their kids for that second half of the year in a way that they haven't felt they could because they always had that hanging over their heads. >> Yeah, that was going to be my question. What >> you could do so much then if if 90% of your class then has a past region. >> I think the teachers were most excited about that. >> Yeah, that's that's pretty cool. >> It's great. I like it that they get to take it before they switch it because, you know, >> Yeah. Like I saw I know you're talking about the bio, but I saw what they did with the fifth grade

068science test and it would it's it's bad. The first year is never good. >> Okay. And then the other updates are we have two advisory committees we talked about having and we want to kind of review with the board a proposal for what those will look like. Uh so we have the advisory committee which is going to be a policy committee and we're looking for some board members to participate as members of that advisory committee. the policy committee Amy will describe for us and then we have the budget advisory committee which Mr. Bartell will be facilitating. So Amy's going to go over the plan for the um policy committee and then you guys can give us feedback before we make final decisions and then Mr. Bartell will do the same with the budget advisory committee.

069>> Oh okay. So, um, yeah. So, we're looking forward to, um, establishing a policy committee. Um, you're receiving two sheets right now. There are two different proposals. One is to propose the policy committee and one is to propose the budget advisory committee. Um, I'll speak about the policy one. >> Make sure you have the both of them. >> Same format but different. >> Yeah. So, they look exactly the same. just uh look for policy and look for budget. Um and then you'll have both of them. Um yeah, so the this is just to propose a policy committee as a standing committee of the board of ed. Um the responsibility would be to review and recommend any changes or additions uh that are necessary. Um and then just sort of maintain and establish a a regular

070cycle of review so that everything is constantly under consideration being updated, best practices. um we'll coordinate with legal counsel um and you know ensure transparency um and on on the back is where we propose what um this committee could include is you know two board members myself as facilitator uh legal counsel as needed uh we can consider members of SASA STA members of the community and then um I think it would be best to just sort of rotate through um members of any given meeting based on what policies are under consideration to have those expert voices or um stakeholder voices at the table that are relevant to the to the policies on the table. Um proposal is to meet every other month um before a board meeting um to uh review the policies up for

071consideration. So, any questions or uh thoughts about what Amy's proposing and uh suggestions? I really like the idea that there's like a consistent um committee that that meets, you know, consistently throughout the years and and does the work, but also that there's that caveat that members of the community, the board, the the the faculty want to come in when there's a policy that's being discussed that may address an issue that either means something to them or they have some information to share. So, it sort of has this builtin sort of stakeholder that you don't have to make a long-term commitment. you just can you can be invited or or give the information you need because um we did have this committee. It was very shortlived and it it died and um I do think it's

072important that we keep our our policies up to date. Um and very often there are other questions when you get to the policy committee that you need answered and it's really helpful to have that expertise in the room but then to have someone sit there where nine out of 10en meetings their expertise isn't needed seems a little um you know overkill. So I do think that having some consistency and then some rotating um ability I think is a good idea. >> Right. So as an example um one of the first policies we might be looking at is our field usage policy. So in that case u you know Mr. Castalano buildings and grounds and Mr. Cox Dr. Cox would be there but then in another case when the meetings about some other policy a different

073member would come and sit to kind of help shape it. So as you said it's fluid. It's got a consistent group but then there's fluidity depending on the topic. You know, I think our experiences of of more broadly engaging the community have been positive in the last three years, 100 days of learning when Dr. Ferris first arrived here. I think there was a lot of good input that helped us formulate a plan and really kind of redefine our philosophy. And I also think when we did a really focused security conversation, the quality of the input we got was excellent. I I think and you know that's kind of been I think since I got on the board one of the things I felt was important when you don't offer opportunities for engagement people don't know

074what's going on that they they start to kind of lose trust and I think involving people is how you gain trust. I just think these are both good measure good ideas. I'm happy to see that we're doing them >> and then u anyone else and then Mr. Bartell will kind of explain the subtle differences with the budget committee. >> Can I just clarify something? I just want to make sure that everybody at least on the board knows and the community knows that the policy committee then makes recommendations to the board and then we still have to put them on the agenda, do a first read, a public discussion, a second read, possible public discussion and then approve them. So this is not being done. It's a recommendation from the policy committee to the board that

075we then would still bring to the public to have discussion on. So even if you didn't sit on the committee or you um members were not part of the even the ones that interest them, they would still have the opportunity to come and and have input. So it's just another piece of like a like a subcommittee working, but it's just advisory to the board. >> Yes. Right. It's advisory. So if you wanted to have a more kind of conversational kind of um period meeting, it's just another opportunity to get involved. You know, I think that was a really good distinction. In other words, you still have the opportunity to weigh in in public session. Okay. >> Sorry. >> Okay. So, the budget advisory committee, I believe this kind came came up during the budget discussions

076last year. Um, this would be uh putting together a group of people, different stakeholders uh who um might have input into the process and also to increase communication and transparency to the community in general. So, it's not like we're going to we're be talking about things um during the budget workshops that are going to be a surprise to everybody. This is something to kind of increase that transparency, increase that communication so that um we hear back kind of in real time fashion um sometimes before we get into the workshops and so forth. So I think we would kind of um in this committee review different strategies uh the strategic goals of the district, what any new initiatives might be for next year, uh capital projects, program adjustments, staffing changes, things like that. We'd review the

077external factors that are impacting our budget decisions. Uh enrollment trends, the property tax cap, state aid changes, a lot of things that we talk about in the budget workshops, but this would just be a more a smaller group uh to help that communication. Um, I think we would probably um have ongoing meetings probably once a month to begin with, maybe a few more times a month. Uh, as we get into the budget cycle, I think it would probably start uh I think October would probably be a good time to start it. Uh, start with some issues with our finances and so forth, where we stand as we're getting into the school year. It's a little early on the budget side at that point, but kind of start the ball rolling on on some of the

078difficulties we may be facing um going into the budget process and probably conclude sometime around the budget vote. Probably the last, you know, uh formal budget hearing uh would be probably around the last time we would meet. Uh we're thinking of a couple members of the board. Uh I would probably chair and run it. Uh we were thinking three community members. uh one each representing the elementary, the middle, and the high schools. Uh a member from our teachers association and from our administrators association uh and possibly other district staff representing other bargaining units that have input into the budget process. >> Comments or questions? >> Can we uh can we volunteer to be on I would like to be on the budget advisory committee? Yeah, I'd like to um >> I I don't know how

079we have that work. >> Yeah. So, what I was going to do was say let's ask questions. Anything you want to revise about it and then once we've got that I would ask for volunteers. >> Yeah. I I have a couple of first I think that um Robert I understand that starting in October and trying to talk budget numbers is is kind of early in the process but I I look at this as such an educational how a budget works. what are the pieces um that there are so many pieces of and I think the more people who know it and understand it the better for our community. Um the other piece um is the the three committee members um are we better off looking for elementary, middle school, high school and I understand that's

080for an input for like their their stakeholders in that. Um, but should we be carving out something some like community at large that have some, you know, uh, budgeting expertise or something they could bring in terms of like their experience to the table? I don't want to cut that. >> Or both. Well, both would be perfect. If we could find a unicorn, that's perfect. Uh, but yeah. So, um, I I just think we should be we should be open because sometimes you put policy too. You put these committee out there thinking everybody wants to be part of it and then reality hits that you have to go and find people. So I just think we should be careful in not not um making it so specific. But >> I also thought that you know to

081your point I think starting in October is good because typically public doesn't hear anything until we start the budget workshops which the budget is pretty much done at that point. It's all put together and then it's more site modification. This way people can kind of see what we're thinking going into it and how we make make those decisions. >> Yeah. I think that this is um I think that they're both I think they're both needed and I think they'll both be welcomed and I think anything we can do to make people better educated and more transparent is is benefit to us. >> Will there be a way um probably there it is. I thought we were cutting the feed again. Um the the is would there be a way um Mr. vital to um because

082like Christine said like three people is not a lot of people, right? But uh would you be able to then post I don't know for lack of a better word like highlights of like what you what you discussed at that meeting? Would we be able to post that online so that other people you know would be yeah like the minutes almost like something like that even if it was like I know slides is a lot of work. I'm not trying to create more work for you but I think that would be pretty educational, right? Because I think that's the main goal, right? The main goal is to educate as many people as as they as we can so that everybody has a firmer grasp of the of the procedure and the process of building a

083budget. So I think that would be a pretty good upgrade like people could then you know go on go online and you know say so it's not the sole responsibility of the three community members to then tell you know every single person in their stakeholder group. I think that would be a pretty good upgrade. >> Yeah. Joint consistent um communication I think is also really important. >> Yeah. Right. It just keeps it just keeps with the with the theme that we're trying to promote. Yeah. >> I just wanted to remind everyone about Sally from PTA council. She was the one who advocated for this so strongly. So hopefully she can be a member on it. >> Good idea. >> Yeah. So what we were thinking for membership was um asking the PTA leadership like putting

084it out there, putting out like a description of what you you would be asked to do and then having an application process and letting the PTA leadership kind of suggest to us people. That way it didn't feel like we were stacking the deck. It would be from from the community telling us. But if Sally wants to do it or, you know, I think she should definitely have a an opportunity >> that could be over overlapped, you know, not just I'm sure like maybe a special ed parent might want to be on the committee. >> Special ed PTA person who works here, >> right? >> We also have people who work here who could be part of the STA membership or part of the um ERS membership. So, lots of opportunities. I think I in my

085head because I know Chris you jumped into like I want to do that and I don't I I don't know the fairest way to do that. I don't know if we need to make that decision at this meeting. I think all um well but then we there's we I don't know if we've totally decided that we're going to limit to two. We can't have more than four or three, right? There's like >> where do you need to live? >> Let me let me ask this question. Why don't we just I'll make a list of who's interested in each and then we can figure out later at the retreat how you want to do it. >> Okay, fair enough. Um, you were very clear. You were thinking once a month, probably twice a month as you

086were got closer to the budget cycle, uh, the budget vote. Amy, did you mention how often you think you would be meeting? >> She said every other month. >> I'm sorry. Thank you, Desmond. You said closer than I did. And would you two be thinking the same day, which would be the day of a budget, a board meeting? >> Yeah, I was thinking on the day of a board meeting. You're already here. >> Okay. So, what I'm going to say is maybe we need to look at who's willing to do what. We might need to adjust one of those. Well, let's just see. So, just uh anyone interested in being on the budget advisory committee, which raise your hands. >> We have two. There you go. So, no, no issue, Chris. And a >> lot

087of a lot a lot of negotiating for >> Yes. Yes. >> This might be the one. I thought you were going to jump. >> Anyone being I was looking for the unicorns. >> Anyone interested in being on the policy committee? >> Yeah, I would like to be on the policy committee. >> Yeah. >> Perfect. >> Wow. >> Right. But I will say with with a 4:00 start some because there are some days where I have games. >> So if there was that's why I was hoping >> well maybe we can work because maybe we can work in a system like if you can't make it you send a a surrogate or something we'll figure something out. Um I think that too. Um I feel like that too I wanted to be part of both of

088them but I'm you know I know my time is limited so >> and as always there's plenty to do always so everyone will have we can get a lot of opportunities for participation in a variety of things. Um, speaking of which, um, moving forward, uh, the athletic foundation has really, um, done an amazing thing. They sent you a letter. Um, they would really like to upgrade the main hallway going into the, uh, athletic area at the high school. Um, so here's an example. Here's the before picture of a a New York State Championship case where we have some awards. What the athletics association is proposing is that they donate a very large screen that is a touchscreen that um, presents a Hall of Fame. So, every single Hall of Fame member in the entire history

089of SA will be in there. You can search by decade. You can search by class. You just touch the screen and you can find uh any sport, any topic, uh any yearbook from the last like hundred years of Seville. You could go back in time and just see who was in the school, what teams they played for, who was on the teams. And it's just a really cool way to modernize our our showcase. because we're running out of room on the wall. So now you can just kind of it's almost very similar to our military showcase in the front. But this one is different in that it's touchscreen and interactive and you can look up different uh parts of the the history of SA >> and they'll be able to pass the same book. >>

090Yeah. Like >> they'd be able to access this obviously offsite and websites but also through I know the SA alumni association is all about the wall of fame. >> Like they're waiting for that patch because they want to be able to stream that from that page as well. And it's a website and a Facebook. >> Yeah. So you could go online and you could look up the same stuff from the website and or you could be in the hallway and touch it and get the same information. But every yearbook we have going all the way back to like the early 1900s could be uploaded and then you could look up anybody who ever was in the school and played and every team that ever existed and the records and it's really really cool. Um, in

091addition, uh, they're, uh, willing to provide the supplies to, uh, kind of make, uh, you know, the wall of fame kind of with all the pictures that we currently have and the plaques that we currently have, uh, the size. This is not our school. This is another school just as an example of what they can do. Um, and so this would go, you know, we have that, if you look at this previous picture, the the beautiful mint tile would be covered with um kind of uh like a nicer mahogany wood and then you put the wall of fame over. So that whole entryway, which also is getting their bathrooms renovated this summer, will just be like almost like a brand new hallway. And you and teachers and kids and families will feel pride walking into

092that space that it's not from the 1950s, it's from today. So, and and it's all donated by Foundation. >> With regard to the Sable Athletic Foundation, I just >> Isn't Isn't Mile making the comeback though? >> Wait long enough. >> Not for us. But go ahead. >> I I did want to mention that with regard to the Sable Athletic Foundation, that interactive screen, it it costs upwards of $21,000. And the other part that you showed us is also around $20,000. It's a considerable donation from them. And I really would like to thank Lois and the rest of the athletic foundation for that. That's an amazing donation. >> Yeah. I mean, to put things in context, and this is kind of just really cool, we have three nonprofits, you know, in in that operate as part

093of the Sable Schools, but really ancillary because they're independent charities. Two of them you can pay with payroll deductions. The athletic foundation, you can't, but they were the first they were the first charity started in the schools. They fund all those camps that our kids did when they were in middle school and elementary school. Um, but if you look at this, and it's a good point of contrast. So, you look at what it's going to be designed into. Currently, it's we have a regular gym lobby and we have plaques that are attached to the regular hallways. So, that's I mean, in terms of an upgrade, incredible. I mean, I'm blown away by this. I'm not surprised because, you know, I just know Ryan like values history. This is awesome. I just can't wait for it

094to happen. It's going be really cool. Yeah, we're really excited for this project to begin and we really want to thank the association for uh it's it's going to be about $40,000 plus dollars in donations when if you include the supplies that they're providing and that's what you'll be voting on tonight to accept. >> And what will it be costing us? >> Yeah. So, um our carpenter will um over time, you know, be putting up the the wall. It won't cost us anything dollar amount in terms of we have to lay out no money for this but uh one of our carpenters will be spending some of their time on vacation or holiday when they would normally be in doing projects. This would be a project they would work on. It would happen throughout you

095know it's not it'll take about four or five months maybe five months to uh slowly install. >> So that would be an additional expense that we did not >> it won't be an additional expense because the carpenter is our carpenter. So >> It's not overtime. It would be during their regular time. Oh, yeah. Okay. >> We would just assign them to that task during Yeah. We would Yeah. We're not doing overtime. >> Yeah. No, we would use it would be during the the carpenter does stuff during the the school year. So, when with when there's moments, we would set them up to do this. >> Okay. Um and then just a summer construction update. So, there's a lot of construction going on, mostly through bathrooms, but other projects as well. Um, so I'll just review

096that with M. So at the high school, um, the two guidance and athletic bathrooms, as I just mentioned, are being fully renovated to not only update them, but also allow handicap accessibility. Those bathrooms were not handicap accessible, and now they will be. Um, the bond work is continuing into our final phase, which was from the roof projects, which also included HBAC upgrades. So the cafeteria at the high school and the high school auditorium will now be fully aironditioned. Uh so those will be additional spaces we could use during hot days but also uh a lot of the award ceremonies that we hold at the end of the year in the middle school uh could take place in the high school because it'll be air conditioned competition. >> We could make money. >> Yes, we're going

097to look for revenue in our high school. >> Yes, we do have to do some work with lighting and sound. That's our next big project that we want to take. >> Nobody wants to dance in the dark. >> Yeah. like Bruce footsteps. >> Yeah. And one of the things that we really want to look at in our budget planning is, you know, that theater space and the lighting and sound in there. Here's an example of where we are right now. They've been fully demolished and and and the next FA, it's funny, you find the stuff you find underneath the walls. Um you can see the graffiti there from probably a long time ago. Um but uh >> I didn't. >> So this month is the demo and next month by the time we get to

098school, it'll be fully up and running. >> They're they're moving quite well on these. So you see them like completely demoed here, but all of the wall tile just about all the wall tile is up. >> Not in that picture, but >> not not in this picture, but I mean they've been progressing. This is a couple days ago, so they're moving very quickly. >> Do they bring like the photography class in like archive some of that graffiti? Because it's pretty cool. >> Yeah. I want to know who Stephen is, right? >> Okay. Um here's the athletic bathrooms. You can see that in this you had some of the walls going up. Uh, even since these pictures were taken a couple days ago, I think Mr. Bartell said the walls are now up and we expect

099them to be done fully on time. Um, again, these are not just done because we wanted to do bathrooms. They were literally the age of the building. So, 1950s, 1960s in the middle school, 1970s, that's almost 50, 60 years old. And if we don't replace them, they start to fail and then they're just unusable. So, this was important work that had to get done. Uh, you can see here the scaffolding at the high school auditorium. We had to cover everything because they're up in the roof putting in the air conditioning and we're protecting the seating and everything like that. Um, again, this is a fan room demo and steel uh for the new rooftop where the unit's going to be placed. So, this is just again additional work. And then at the middle school, uh,

100we are doing a full renovation of both the cafeteria bathrooms, which if you've been there, they definitely need them, as well as the auditorium bathrooms. So, these are the biggest bathroom spaces and the most used spaces at the high school and the middle school that are being done. Uh these allow the and again these also will be handicap accessible which they were not in compliance with the modern standards because they were built so long ago. Again here's the example of the plumbing and the the tile removal. More kind of cleansing out. Um in addition we have an energy performance contract the solar insulation. We're going to be putting solar panels on all of the roofs of all of our buildings. Um and that's going to begin on August 25th. The work will be done during

101non-school hours and um throughout the school year. We're hoping they finish in the late fall before before it gets cold. And um this high school will be first. The middle school also has two boiler installations that are taking place and that'll be in the first week of August. And that should also help with our heating uh bills as well. And that's kind of the um the updates from the superintendent report. And then I have a couple of pictures for the board report. Uh but I just want to thank everyone. The summer's been quite productive. We've been getting a lot done and uh there's also been some curriculum work happening which you'll see on the agenda to be approved and that's all uh curriculum work that's being done through grant money through uh title funding from

102the New York State not through our budget. But we're doing still quite a bit of good work with our curriculum and our um and our programming for next year. >> And I just wanted to touch uh base say one thing on the very first thing I think that you touched on was uh the teachers at the extended school year. >> Yes. um that that program is a welloiled machine. Uh the aids, the teachers, they come out, they greet the kids with the biggest smile on their face. The kids walk in happy, they walk out happy. So, I just wanted to, you know, piggyback off what you said that it's it's it's a great program. It's it's running very well. >> Thank you. And everybody who walks by and sees it in action has similar comments

103and we're really really happy about that. >> Okay. I'm gonna say since the screen is up, um Kathy, do you mind doing your um the we're moving on to the the board of education discussion. Do you want to discuss the um >> Yes. Yes. >> since it's up there. >> Yeah. So, um regarding the railway project, I did meet with Anna from MTA. She's the assistant director for government and community relations. Carl from MTA safety team. Darren MTA structures department. And a surprise was John O'Shea, uh, president of the Ryan Patrick O'Shea Foundation based in Rockville Center, and that is a nonforprofit organization, and Debbie and Lindsay who works with him are also there. So, I sent them an email, but I'd like to publicly thank them for their compassion, their professionalism, their expertise, and

104their time to make this a reality. So, this is Rockville Cent's train station to the left. that that is stone implanted in the ground and it is 4 feet by 4 feet and as you can see it's before you go up the steps. We're getting two of them. >> So one each one is going to go um you walk up a few steps and right there because it it's not going to work like that for us um on each side of the tracks. And they gave me shirts to share with all of you. Um, >> you know, you matter. Everybody matters. >> I will say that I wear my shirt because I already got mine and I I I wear it like three times a week and it's incredible how many people actually comment on

105it. >> Yes. Yeah. Everyone will wear it proudly. Um, and I So they walked around Sable Train Station, the crossings, all different places and then came with me to Division to Cherry to Roll Stone. They look, they all agree that something has to be done here. So they cannot afford to go the entire length of Sable, but they see the problematic areas. So um we're making progress. >> That's wonderful. >> That's good. >> So I have a t-shirt full of >> That's awesome. And I know when we looked into the research on it, it it showed that even just, you know, it was seconds, just seconds longer before somebody made a silly like a bad decision, if you just can make connect that nor prolong it, that they're more likely to to un you know,

106not not follow through on on a bad decision. Well, what John explained from all of his research is that um sadly those who do choose to do this often go to a train station and sit there quietly by themselves >> thinking about it. So having this here, >> you know, >> I would imagine that's something similar on the the fencing. So even if >> we already have signs on the fencings at the train station, but they're going to also put not these signs, different signs up along the fences that they're putting up. That's a great >> amazing. >> Thank you, Kathy. >> Yeah. >> And it's really just to go back to we talked about this last uh September and you know we you made initial calls and it was like touch and go and

107then finally to get something to happen is really exciting. So >> yeah, these people very >> Yeah, that's awesome. >> All right. Um okay. Um so the next thing on the um agenda was Island Hills and and as Desmond pointed out um four of us attended the meeting on um July 16th. Um although we didn't all sit together. I caught the glimpse of at least two of you out of the corner of my eye. Um but um a long long meeting. Um it was I think I got there at 5:30. I didn't get home till I think after 11:30. Um and um I was going to share some things. So, if you just want to either chime in or add if you think there's anything um that I missed, I just kind of wanted to

108give a recap. I think that we had a really good transparent conversation last time. And um you know, we're all on different levels of education when it came to the project. None of us can claim to be um experts on it, but it is something that's going to affect our community. So, the meeting that they had on July 16th was a planning board meeting. It wasn't a town of isolate meeting. So, this wasn't a um a meeting where they were going to vote to approve or not approve the con the um the um >> the proposal project. Thank you. it was to the planning board meeting and the planning board decided to have a um a presentation and then what the planning board does is they vote like advisory kind of like we just talked

109about our policy committee at the end as to whether they were going to um say that the project um not they don't approve it but they suggest it can go through or they want to say no we don't think that's a good idea. It doesn't prevent the project from going through but they do have a lot of weight. They didn't get to that vote at the end and I'll get to that in a minute. Um, so Reckler Equities Partner, it's the same developer that uh put together um or put forth Island the island project at Island Hills, formerly known as Grave. Now it's called the South Bay Village. Um this is a new plan. It's a new application. Um and they have made some changes. I'm not going to be able to contrast very well

110from the old one to the new one. It's just the new one that matters at this point. So they are um at 890 units total. 314 of them would be age descript age restricted 55 and older. Um that 314 would be broken down into 143 single family homes. Um and only single family homes are 55 and older. There's none that are not age restricted. And the rest of those, without doing the math, would be uh condos or duplexes or town homes that that would be for purchase. Um, of the rest, there' be 576 apartments. Of the 576, 173 of them would be age restricted 55 and older. Um, and then there would be this 10% that's carved out for like workforce, which is where they're u proposing some um uh units for people with disabilities

111or um I think that's by law. So um you know uh but it was part of their their proposal when pushed why 55 and older. It was in response to the Kekwat school district and their concerns about if you make it all families or two and threebedroom apartments where families can move in, it would put stress on them um in terms of their budget because as mentioned um last time the students the zoning is for connect. Um it also includes a sewer treatment plant and um this new plan which the last one did not. Um a fire substation which wasn't included in the last plan. Um the meeting was live streamed. Um it was really well attended. Um there were 490 seats in that auditorium. It was standing room only and at some point I

112walked out to to talk to someone and I couldn't get back in because it was at capacity and it wasn't until somebody left could you get back in. So it was well over 500 people that that attended. Uh there were 150 people who put in to speak around a hundred uh spoke. Um and that was like 11 11:00 they called like last call. Um so it was it now can I cannot say that it was all against the project. There were some people who were there in favor of the project for various reasons but a good majority a very good majority um was um was was speaking against or in concern of of this project and the size of it. Um so things that are really important to take from it is that um the

113planning board did not vote. It tabled its vote so it didn't take a stance. Um and what it did is it opened a 30-day comment period which started from the date of that meeting. So that was July 16th. So I believe it closed in and around August 15th and they're looking for public comment. So if people didn't attend that meeting that doesn't mean their voice can't be heard. They can go to the town of Icelip website. there they will find the live stream which they can sit through all the hours of comments and hear what the community is saying. Um and they can watch the recckler presentation which was interesting. Um and then they can put in their comments. Um and obviously the number of people who comment is um is really the most important

114that every voice gets heard that wants to be heard. Um and they can either email to the public hearing um it's called public hearing at town of Icelip the commissioner um to the commissioner directly or to our elected officials and even after public comment is shut you can still always voice your opinion to the commissioner and the um elected officials. It um the next planning board meeting is on August 14th. Island Hills is not on that agenda um at least as we speak. So, we're not expecting that to be when they decide whether to speak or not. It's probably not enough time. Well, it's probably outside of the 30. It's inside of the 30 days. So, they have to wait till they get all the comments before they make any decisions. Um, so that that's

115where we are. This project, if it were to go forward, um, has a long long long long way to go. So, there'll be plenty of opportunity for people to voice their opinions. And I think it's really most important that people get educated and then learn what actions they can take. So I just wanted to give that I thought it was important. We did all spend our time there. Um and our community does care and um I don't know how I can say enough that people need to get their voices heard and not um and not just complain or worry about it. You actually can take a stance. >> Thanks for that recap. Um, as Desmond said before, Kathy and and he and I and um Christine were all there. Um, I really enjoyed going because

116when we discussed this at our whatever meeting we had when we decided to write the letter that was kind of like urging people to go and get the information. Um, I too had questions and was not fully informed. Um, so my biggest, so I was there as a community member, but I was thinking with my board hat on and really and and I'm sure there's other people have other comments, but the biggest thing I took away from it in protection of our district, um, you know, a while back we had our security forum and we didn't we weren't able to get, you know, we didn't move forward with any security guards for whatever reasons. It didn't happen. And one of the things that we talked about was response time of um the police, right? And

117with this addition of 1,500 cars, which is what they said with all of these um new buildings, >> there would be an addition of 1500 cars a day in Seel. If I'm remembering correctly, Kathy and Desmond, I don't know if you remember that. >> Go ahead. You just numbers were >> well he was a little Yeah, but >> way low. >> So, well, I'm going to go with the low ball. 1500 even as a lowball is terrible um to invade our tiny town with not a lot of big roads. Um as you stated that the traffic ex expert um did not take into consideration the merge, which is like probably the biggest piece to take into consideration. Um, so I know they're going to have to come back with that. But I was just thinking

118about let's say all those cars are on Lakeland or let's say these people are trying to get home after work or trying to go to work or whatever they're doing. That's going to clog up our our roads and our neighborhoods and we are relying on the police and and ambulance and and whatnot to get to our kids if they need it and this is going to um make a big a big obstacle for them. So that was my concern as far as the district. I know we're not responsible for any of the children that might be coming in here as you know as students, but uh the traffic and the response time I think were big concerns of mine. >> Yeah, I I I agree, Kelly. I I I had three main takeaways uh from

119that meeting. One um was I was stunned at how prepared unprepared Reckler was. Uh that was stunning to me that that a corporation of that size could be that unprepared for what I thought were going to be obvious questions. Um the second was that the town planning board I've never been to a town planning board meeting. I don't know any of those people that were up there, but they should be commended because they asked all the right questions and and they really did their due diligence. the the gentleman who is the head of it. He he was awesome and he kept the meeting moving and he kept he he refused to let them not answer a question and they kept trying to not answer questions and he he stuck to his guns. He did a

120phenomenal job like phenomenal job. So everyone on that planning board should be commended. Um, and the one thing that like really turned me off even more, uh, was the obvious planted commenters. And I I thought that was silly on their part. And I I almost thought it was like a slap in our face of like our intelligence as a community. uh that it was obvious that you know there were people that were getting up there and speaking and the beginning of their message was well I don't live in the town of Icelip but and and then they would come out in support of the project like I I did find value in Seville community members that I know who were for it and they spoke beautifully and and they they made valid points but I

121was really turned off by by the obvious planted commenters uh that night and those were the three big takeaways but I really do think that the the town board should be commended. I I thought they did a great job that night. So, that was one of my >> Well, very impressive and I learned a lot. I did sign up to ask a question, but unfortunately I couldn't wait. I don't know if they did call my name. Did I Did anyone >> I don't think they called your name, but I too was at the end. >> There was 100 people. >> Okay. So, my question I wanted to ask if school boundaries can legally be redefined. I'm sure there is a legal process to do that, but I don't think that's something that would be easily

122done. Um, are you trying to get this community in your property? >> I was just simply curious if ever it we could it could be redefined and then it then they become stable students. >> I I would have to look into that process of what that would entail and I I'll get back to you. >> Yeah, I I've had some experience with that. We've had some issues when I was in Rockville Center and it would require a vote of both school districts to to re reszone the schools. So both both districts would have to agree. >> It's definitely out of the purview of the town of Iceland. They couldn't >> the town of the town of Icelib on their own could not redefine it. statistics for that. >> Yes. Yes. >> And I I do

123remember numbers wise at peak both AM and PM the average number is in the 60s right now and it would be over 400 at those peak times of cars. >> Yeah. Right there. So I I guess the the the the next question is um and just in terms of transparency obviously we've had some board members we've had some requests from members of the community to to strengthen our last letter. Our last letter was go attend get yourself more educated. I know that a bulk of us work here without deciding either we can right now or we can wait until the next meeting. Do we do you want to take some time and try to educate yourselves and see if there's something worth um writing? I do think Kelly's point of um response time is connected

124to traffic is definitely a concern that would affect our community members and us as a district. Um there's probably more in there. Um do we want to go take some time to go back and look at that? Um, or do we I just table this till next meeting? How are you all feeling? >> I mean, my main thing is like I can't build a four-story house cuz I want a view of the bay cuz I feel like it and it's just just like it's a fairness issue. Like you bought a piece of land having 89 whatever, you know, single family homes on it and now you're looking to change it. Like that's my biggest issue. if you want to build 89 homes, build the 89 homes, you know, and then that's 89 cars a day

125instead of a million or whatever number we're talking about, you know? So, like, you know, I think we're all pretty much we don't want this here, and I I don't care if you want to write a letter that says, "No, we're opposed to this." I'm I'm all about it today. Like, >> I mean, I think it would be good to write it within the 30-day period. >> So, so let me propose this. I will work on um the talking points of the letter. If you um you all want to think or if you've heard something and you're like, "Oh, I want to include that or you want to go back and review the video." I wouldn't suggest all of it. It was very long. Uh and and add more points to it. Um I will

126take that and write it. And I do think that trying to get it in before the the end of the 30 minutes 30 day comment. I also think we all should write individual letters and I think that's true of all the community. Um, please don't take something that we write as in place of the need for everyone to put their input. >> Okay. So, um, I don't want to force anybody on that. It was just a thought. >> I definitely would would like to go back and watch the film because the I I'm I'm sorry that I don't know his name, but the guy that was running the media, >> I don't know it either. >> Um, he he just he brought up a lot of like >> legalish legal points that you could put

127like specific legal points that you could put in that they didn't have an answer for at that time. like when they said did you include the the ISIL plan the the for um preservation plan or something within your proposal and he asked that's the one he kept asking like six or seven times and they did not have an answer for that and I think that is important because that's that's the environment >> the good the good news is that the presentation done by reckler although questions kind of messed you know got in the way is only about 30 to 45 minutes it's not all that long you don't have to listen to every the entire thing all right so let's Leave it at that. If you have time to go back and look at it

128and you want to include other points, um, as long as we can agree on them, I think that we can we can pen a stronger letter than the just be educated. >> And let's be mindful of the 30-day. >> Yes, I'm very mindful of the 30-day. >> Yeah, we're not allowed to do that. If we shared our concerns with Christine and she crafted the letter and then sent it to us for approval, would that be okay? >> Upon completion and agreement is fine. We can do that. I just didn't know the board collectively or you guys are writing. >> No, I think we're going to do both if if if we as if individual we don't need a resolution, right? >> Anyone not >> I think the letter is going to voice our concerns about

129the project um >> from a district point of view. Yes. >> Yes. >> To the town of >> I. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, student email restrictions. >> Okay. I asked for this to be placed on the agenda for tonight. Um, so today we did receive um some information from our IT department. Unfortunately, I wish we had gotten this way earlier because I only saw it about 1:00 today and I was working all day, so I didn't really get a chance to review it. But uh quickly um my concern is with the cell phone ban in addition to the recent ban of um emails coming from outside the district who are students. We are in a situation now where in in certain situations parents are unable to get in touch with their children

130in an emergency situation and vice versa. I want to state that I am in favor of the cell phone ban. I understand that it's important. I also want to state that I understand when we hired a new IT director, there were several problems in our district with our security measures and I want to commend him for doing for Mr. Carter for doing a great job and basically locking that all down and improving our security almost immediately upon his arrival here. Um, I do want to discuss the possibility of opening up. Um, so I was at a PTA meeting a while back where a parent asked about I can't remember what it was, but maybe it was like Simba or something and they were saying like, "Oh, these these students aren't getting their um, what is

131it called like their applications for like something and I remember someone at the meeting saying we can whitelist that email so that it can make its way to the students and I I think they said that happens with colleges something like that. I want to talk about whitelisting emails maybe per student. I know this is probably going to take a long time. Per student, one or two emails from their parents so that they are able to communicate in the event of an emergency. Now, I want to give some examples of how this has affected just me because I'm a parent about two high school kids right now. So, I feel like that's why it's relevant. Um, several times my children's coaches have changed their practice, bus time or game time in the middle of the

132day and they've sent out before we got student square, parent square. Now, I don't know how the kids are able to check student square from their Chromebooks if they are, but in the past they wouldn't get that information and I would email them and say, "Hey bud, your game was moved. you need to come home and get your gear cuz now it's at 4:00 instead of 6:00 or whatever. Several times I'm stuck in a meeting. I can't come and pick up my kids when they expected me to be there to pick them up. I send them an email. You need to get a ride home. Okay. Now, I don't think that's a big deal. I did read through this quickly and some of the um points here. I'm just going to again I didn't get

133a chance to read it but under the number number one prioritizing student safety and digital well-being. One statement I read was an open email system can expose students. I did hear in that PTA meeting that they can whitelist certain emails. So I want to know what is different between those emails and parent emails. Another wait let me just go through it. um they're talk about Google maybe again I'm not an IT person but maybe you would have maybe a parent would be required to have a Google account to contact their child. Um another thing under two section B minimizing non-essential traffic reduces the noise in student inboxes. I got to be honest I don't think any parent is blowing up their kids email inboxes to like chat about you know what they're going to have

134for dinner. I I think this would obviously be used for something important. Um, another thing under C, promoting academic use, it says encouraging responsible and purposeful digital communication habits. That's exactly what that would do. Encouraging responsibility for students to be able to check their email and shift on the fly if they need to change their schedule. We do that as adults every day in work and our jobs and our lives. And I feel like this would just be an extension of of improving that habit. Um, responsible resource management and system security requires significant resources and continuous security vigilance. Aren't we already doing that? Um, efficient monitoring support. Does the district saying they want to monitor these emails? I don't understand that part. So maybe somebody could answer that for me. Um and then the last

135part I didn't get to even read this last page. Um but something about requirements of the school district as at this time there are no known platforms which meet the requirements of the school district. I I'd like to some more information on that. >> Okay. >> Can I can I just add before so I we did get this at one o'clock, right? So, but I I was able to to read through it and the the first takeaway that I took from it is is the title is rationale for restricting external email communication, but there's really not a lot of rationale in in there. Um, that was number one. Number two, I I did reach out to uh some tech people in other districts because I had the same idea that you had. I I I

136was thinking maybe if they could have what's akin to like a digital emergency card. Like I know, you know, every kid fills out the emergency card where they were allowed to um have because I, you know, I know that they're trying to allow the edus, so for kids that are trying to reach out to colleges. Um but if they had like a digital, you know, some sort of digital uh emergency card where it's like one to two email addresses that they're allowed to email with from within the Seville domain. Uh they both said the same thing. uh they both said I've I've never heard of it, but they think that it it could work. So, I don't even know if it's feasible, but I do think it's a great idea and worth looking into. And

137then part of that also is I know that some parents like to be uh high school kids are now reaching out to college coaches. They're they're reaching out to schools that they're interested in attending and the parents like to be CCd on that. They're now blocked. So they like to be CCD on um you know any communications that they're having uh for colleges as they're trying to reach out and things like that and and and now they're they're blocked on that. So I I think if we could pull that off if it's feasible um which is that's way above my you know tech but but I think that would be huge. So I I agree. I think that would be awesome. And I don't think we're asking for something that's completely outlandish, like for you

138to be able to to speak with your parent in a in a case where, you know, I'm again not asking like, "Hey bud, did you want me to bring you down cookies?" Like, that's not what I'm, you know, worried about. >> And and I I think if it did become disruptive, right, if it did get to that point of cell phone level disruption, then that's on the parent at that point, right? And and and that that means like it's they're they're being irresponsible, but they're they're making that choice consciously. And so I think I think that is is a fair compromise and worth looking into. >> What are most districts doing? >> Yeah, I could >> that's that's my question. You can't say >> I I I mean I'm going to venture a guess here.

139I think we've been way more liberal and had far fewer safeguards and guard rails on communication from our emails and other districts. Yeah, I don't think I I know Chris is like super seasoned. He was in a great district, two great districts before. And I think he was like, "Whoa, I can't believe that there's none of these controls in place." But I I think what we what we're coming up against now, which is, you know, we need guard guard rails to make sure our you know, this isn't aren't bad actors exploiting our kids and now have a window. But there's valid reasons to communicate with your family, with college coaches, with people you're doing research with, with colleges you're applying to. like we have to have clear processes so that kids don't like lose out

140on really important life-changing opportunities for them. >> So, let me um speak to some of this because there's no intent to like keep people from communicating from their families. Um also, when we you're absolutely right, Kelly, when Chris Cer came in, one of the first tasks was look at everything and figure out what's going on with our technology. And he did a phenomenal job and he still is doing a phenomenal job. Um this was created and this was put in place prior to the cell phone ban. even though it actually has nothing to do with the self banan but because of the self-aban it exacerbates the situation. So um when he looked under the hood um what he found in January was that there were no restrictions on any of the emails and kids could

141email anybody and anybody in the world could email kids and that's very dangerous and it's out of compliance with what we're required to do as a school district. So we said immediately we have to do something about this. Not for next year, not for like immediately. And so the move was with these five bullets which are legitimate if you separate out the cell phone issue like to say no middle school kids should not be able to go on a gaming site, email somebody, talk to somebody, and then all of a sudden have a a 62-year-old friend who's now emailing them and sending them links to things like it just shouldn't be that way. Um further they should be emailing each other in the middle of the day. um also well to the degree that they

142do and how they do and what they're needling about because that leads to the bullying and the ongoing kind of um inappropriate behavior as much as we hope that most kids use it for good. Uh some kids and some parents don't. Um so we have to protect from that. So these things were put in place separate and apart from a cell phone ban to protect students and um and then there is a whitelist situation. So at the co at the high school level for example we have kids who are doing research. So they might have a relationship with a professor at LU or or um or a um a research lab somewhere. So we create a white list. This the research teachers gave a list of emails uh to the um tech department at the

143beginning of the year of anyone who kids should be interacting with and now that student can email that professor get information on their study and get have a an email back and forth. for co for college admissions. We can take entire universities in edu for example and say okay Hofster University we actually took I think 1300 colleges across the country they're on the white list so kids can apply to colleges although we recommend them using their home email addresses for colleges because what happens is they get into the college they graduate they lose their email and then they have to figure out why am I not getting emails from the college I just got into. Um, so we recommend that you for college applications, you actually use your own because once you graduate, you're going

144to need your own to continue on for your next four years of college. And in any event, we did whitelist. The issue with whitelisting is when you whitelist, it opens up hopra to every student in the in the district. So if I took your email address and I whitelisted yours for your children, uh you would not only be able to email your children, but you'd be able to email every child in the district. Um, so that's the way that the whitelisting works. Um, to Desmond's point, is there a way, and I talked to Chris about this, the reason you got this today was because people were on vacation last week and I was waiting for them to be back so that I could get information. But, um, this is good information separate apart from our

145our cell phone issue. Um, the um, again, the the white list makes it so that that university or that researcher has access to our students and back and forth. And we don't want students to be able to have um get fished, get scammed. We have training for our staff and we still have staff members clicking on fishing links and getting us into situations where we have to get out of. So to expect a 13-year-old to be able to navigate that. While we do want to teach responsibility, we want to be able make sure that that is um you know protected in some degree. The I want to comment on the emergency situation. if there's an emergency and I think you know we like they should call the school and they can call the main office

146and a kid even if they get a practice change can go to the main office and make a phone call to a parent and say hey uh something's changed I got to be picked up >> well the other thing is um we well I'm just talking about in an emergency so like you know someone's been hurt or injured something unique like >> I would assume that the nurse would call >> I just want to clarify there's no situation where a parent can't get in touch with their kid >> in the event of an emergency >> when I say that I'm saying Yeah. Where are we? >> Yeah. Well, well, wait. Let me get to like Yeah. Sorry. >> Yes. We're thinking through. So, let us have our conversation, please. >> I just want to say

147that it's a sport team. It's the entire team that that is. It's not just >> Yes. Um, one of the things >> in fact, multiple kids now having to come to the office to get the message that a teacher now is getting a the fact I mean that just doesn't make sense. >> We will listen we we I don't know your name. Um but Mrs. Sire, sorry. We will absolutely allow you to um >> we understand but it's well I know I just want to clarify the difference between emergency and if any emergency occurs there's going to be communication like no parent would not be able to get in touch with their child through the main office or vice versa. In the terms of sports, one of the things we realized when the coaches were

148sending out parent squares last year is there were settings on parent square which is digest mode and instant mode. And some of the coaches knew to click instant and the the parent and the kids would get the email immediately. Some of the coaches did not realize to click the uh the instant mode and then it was digest. So the parent was not getting the email till later in the day. I think one of the things we have cleaned up and what is going to be in place for September just as a clarifying factor not that is that when a coach changes something and sends it out on parent square or or university uh it'll go directly to the kid through student square and it'll go directly to the parent immediately in the moment that does

149not have consistenc >> we're going to be dealing with that because we realize that that was an issue. >> So I'm just going to point out that that is under the distraction part here of messages. So, it's the same thing. >> I'm just saying because this is a this is a a bonus. >> I think this is I'm I'm not happy about this. >> I understand. >> It may not be a perfect world. We need guardrails to protect. >> Yeah. But we have to adapt. Like we have to we have to um consider this. >> This district was open for like 15 years. It wasn't okay. That wasn't okay. >> It wasn't. But I'm saying I'm sure we could figure something out. >> I think the major the major parental All right. So, I want

150to say I've spoken to superintendents in other districts. Um I'm not going to name specific districts, but I will say >> that um one district I'm aware of is whitelisting based on a case- by case situation. So, the parent would have to reach out to the district specifically asked for their email to be added and then they can get their email added. Uh one district out of the cluster. The others that I've spoken to in the cluster and out of the cluster are locked down exactly as we are and are requiring kids to go to the main office or parents to call the main office. I'm not saying that that's the perfect solution. I he asked what are other districts currently doing and that's the what the other districts and everyone is dealing with this

151because this ban has ramifications that go beyond just keeping kids not distracted in class. Um and we agree like we want parents to be able to make plans with their kids and get locations sorted out. Um, but we also want to make sure we um don't violate the um the intent of what these lockdowns are supposed to do for email, which is separate from the but is now affecting. Uh Amy, you want to add that? >> Yeah, I just want to also add that um you know, our our building admin is also thinking about this and and ways that we can um alter building routines and use our resources to make sense within the context of the school culture. Um so like for example the television screens that we have up around the buildings PA

152systems um you know in speaking with Miss Bricker we both recognize that it's going to be um a culture change a habit change and a routine change but eventually we'll train students to be looking towards those screens for uh notices and announcements to be listening to the PA for notices and announcements and that'll just become part of the regular course of the day. I think I think the the big concern for parents is is that the parents will have the ability to get the information and the kids will have the ability to get the information, but they can't close the loop to respond and plan as a result of that information. And um I think that's the that's that's what we're hearing. Um I I want to say um that what we're what we have

153here is a very thorough, very capable, very smart um director of technology who is giving us their best professional advice on what is the best for the technology piece and for our system. And yet that we have parents who have vital concerns and we're going to have to figure out how to marry those two things. And um I don't know if I feel better or worse that other districts are having this conversation, but you know, there will be a a resolution and somebody will come up with a good idea and we probably just need to ask the kids because they probably have figured it out already. >> Some of the kids have already figured out workarounds actually that are going to be working be worked on. I also want to say and add to that

154um you know to Desmond's point like technology directors like I talked to Chris Cater today about this and I said is there a way to make it so that you could only open the email like if one parent wants to talk one email to their kid and not to all kids because I there are situations where a parent might feel that child is bullying my kid I'm going to start emailing that child and threatening them and we can't allow that. So like we have to make sure we have safeguards in place. So I would if if we could do something to what Desmond said where a parent could email their child directly but not have access to email all kids when I spoke to Chris Cater about that he said to to similar to what

155Desmond said is anything is possible in technology but you'd have to build that out and so to do that you'd have to almost create a whole domain for each child which requires more than just clicking a button and opening access which would be the white list. Isn't there an so everything takes something. So what I would ask is just give me some time to meet with Chris further, explore this further, uh sit with the admin team and Amy and Jillian and just try to figure out like what other options we can have and what is possible uh and what is buildable and what is not because I I don't disagree with what you're saying. I'm just pointing out this was created before the cell phone ban and the reason you know that and then the

156cell phone ban came and now it's complicating things and and this is the kind of thing similarly that when school opens we're going to figure out a lot of things that aren't working with lockers or with this or with that and we're going to have to adjust. So I do think one of the things we were very specific about this morning when I met with Mr. encounter was um the utilization of powers school or parent square and student square and making sure coaches are aware that they can't click the digest button. They have to click the instant button because that's was what the issue was in the spring that we found out when it was too late that parents weren't getting them till six o'clock at night when they were sent at 2 o'clock in

157the afternoon and kids weren't getting them either. But I also agree with Christine's point. Parents will know, kids will know if we fix that. But closing the loop is how is is another factor. You know, Mark, my thing is like I I think, you know, I'm sure there's a way to do this where they can import the contact info or emails that are listed in Infinite Campus and we could whitelist them because like I hear your concern, but like that's like one person out of a thousand and like we just blacklist them. Like all right, you've abused this like now you're out. You know, like >> that might be the second discussion of the policy committee, >> right? Or is there what about communicating through an app instead >> like infinite campus can can is

158there >> now you don't have a cell phone so now you're looking at like a >> well that's what the kids have to do to look at student square that's what they have to do for student square >> they have to look on their Chromebooks for that >> sorry >> the students email account could it be a shared email account with the parent >> I'd have to look into that with So they actually >> and they both this way you also >> that's a good idea >> parental supervision over the >> you can read the email >> you could write yourself an email and then the parent could read it. >> Yeah I will look into all of this and I will find out >> I just have so if >> I'm telling you this

159I will tell you this no matter what policies you create kids find a way to work around it. So, they've already solved this probably before we even fix it. But I'm not saying we have to wait for them, but they're laughing at us because they've I already know a couple strategies they're using and something similar to what you described is easily a workaround. But, however, let me talk to Mr. Couter, figure out what can be we understand. >> I want to say thank you for looking into it. I want to say thank you to Chris Cer because I know he's doing an amazing job. Amy, I want to say thank you for talking to Mrs. Bricker about getting the announcements up. Um, I just think there's like a second level of that. >> Yeah. >>

160And maybe Parent Square. I I know parent square doesn't have like a direct parent to student, >> right? >> Um but I know it doesn't. >> Yeah. >> But maybe there's another >> right >> but that but that but that's a third party vendor that would then have to be >> paid for approved for data privacy >> and all the things in here about the 2D law and everything has to be complied with. Right. >> I I think that it's obvious we're not the only ones having this conversation. Um, and I I there's going to be a resolution because there's no way you can tell a community of parents that they can't communicate with their kids. That was never the purpose of the cell phone law, >> nor our desire. >> Right. Exactly. Um, so

161to be continued, but um, I thank you all for your input and uh, yes, we'll keep working on it, right, as a group until we find a resolution that works. Um, okay. Um, board of education retreat, I passed something out to you. I am sorry this is so late but after 3 weeks of trying to get in touch with people at at uh NISBA I finally spoke to someone today at 2:00. Um so we have been talking about a board retreat. Um you know the topics I think have been out there. Um so this is just a proposal draft to to start you know conversation. And um I really think that um unless you find something that you don't want to speak about or you don't think is appropriate that we can um that we

162need to change um this is um you know I think a a pretty good agenda. So just so um the way envisioning the day is that the team um the Dr. Ferris and the cabinet will meet with us in the morning from 9 to 11. That's when we will do a little team building activity uh icebreaker sort of thing. can get to know each other. Uh because so many of us are new, we don't really have, you know, gelled relationships yet. Um and then, um goal setting for the 25 26 school year because obviously we want to start off on the same page, look at where we coming from, look at where we want to go, see what needs to be adjusted. Um then spending the rest of the time 11 to three on um

163just board's norms and um uh best practices. And we know we want to dig some time into effective meetings, making these meetings not only more efficient but uh more structured and perhaps separating back into the prior way of a business meeting followed by a workshop meeting or vice versa. Um best ways to communicate um social media and then um you know we can go on to board operations. So um again just just a proposal um that um retreat is scheduled for August 11th. Um I uh finally did make contact with somebody in NISBO who I can now pick up the phone and change this agenda. So it will not be as long as a process as it was to get it in motion. So, I'm hoping welcome. Would love to hear your um Oh, one

164part that I I missed is that um NISBA will send us actually they did already. I just needed your permission to share before we move forward. Um a survey. It's an anonymous survey that will just go to us. So, we can put in I didn't look at the survey, but answer any of the questions, put in any concerns, and it will not be um it'll be anonymous. So they'll just use it to help focus our conversations and make sure that everyone's concerns are addressed and that we're getting out of it what we need. >> Looks good. >> Wow. All right. If again if when we leave here if you have any input in changes from now till then I'll get see if I can get more information with a little more clarity on what some

165of these things will incorporate. Uh but I look forward to the agenda of the retreat. They're you always very very um helpful and help us move forward. Okay. Are there any concerns for the claims audit report questions? Nope. All right. It's getting late. Um okay. Um anybody for public um comment? Yes. Let me uh let me read um the >> Do you know it? All right. Know it. And I'm sorry to have cut you off. I just wanted us to to follow our protocols. Thank you. >> Like while they get the information, we get the information. It's we're not able to clarify who's picking up, who's driving to what field. I know both my children play a full sport. >> I get nervous speaking. So, both my kids play a fall sport. Often times it's

166like we're told they're playing at the field at the high school and then last minute it's changed to the turf. So, they need a ride. So, quickly, whether it be text that they'll see at the end of the day or an email, I'm telling my kid, hey, daddy's going to be there. Marissa Barroso is going to be picking you up to take you over to the field. So that loop has to get closed because we're not going to be able to function without that loop closed. My second thing on the cell phone you say the law says one or more for storage. It also says one or more for um one of the other mandates or requirements. >> As far as the storage is concerned, the high school students are not using their lockers. They

167have it. Most kids don't. I will tell you, I have a 15-year-old son. He is the most unorganized child you will ever see. His backpack looks like a locker that someone's used for the last 45 years. He cannot use a locker. He will be overwhelmed with time between classes to get to the locker for his classes. Like Miss Van Dorne said, taking half the class, half the books, then go back. he will not be able to do it. And I'm saying this on a personal level for him. He is frazzled in situations where he is under feels he's under stress. So he is not going to put half of his books in a locker. He will continue to carry his backpack. So for that he will never use that locker. I don't understand why other

168districts one connectbot for one is using backpacks as their solution to their cell phones. So that is a costfree solution that does not cost the district money to tell the children to put their phones in their backpacks and therefore classroom management takes on the rest of the situation if those phones come out of the backpack. So, I just don't know why that wasn't looked into as a solution for those students who cannot get to the locker or for whatever reason would rather have the phone with them for whatever reason to have it on their possession. I don't allow my kids to use their phones during instructional time in the high school has been that they can use it in the hallway at lunch during study calls. Fine. That I I hate phones. It's a big

169argument in my house. My kids scroll for hours on phone. We shut the Wi-Fi off today in my house, for instance. So, I don't love them. I don't I think that they waste so much time on it. I do think they're a necessity in today's world. So, I do think that a child when you take that from them, it's going to be a lot of tantrums going on. So leaving them in their backpacks, I feel like it gives them them that sense of self to be able to put it in their backpacks, take responsibility, and therefore deal with the consequences if those cell phones come out of their backpack for any reason. That's that's that that's all I have to say. That's my statement on that cell phone, email. My third thing, I walked in

170very quick at the beginning when you were talking about the AIS cuts. I will tell you my kids did not have AIS. My kids have never received the you know in the elementary school they had the tier one, tier two, tier three. They were always tier one. They never had support services. I will tell you the math gets very challenging come middle school and high school. It moves at a very fast pace. I have been paying a tutor, a math tutor since my children have entered sixth and seventh grade. I pay weekly for both of my children to have tutors for math and they are very high honor students. If we're not giving those supports in the elementary school level, they're never going to make it in the middle school and high school when it

171comes to math. They're just not they're not going to get there. And that's concerning to me, especially like Desmond said, these are co babies. My ne two of my nephews are going one's going into first grade next year, one's going into second. We have they have speech delays. They have reading delays. They have they can't sit still. They have social issues. These are all what you're dealing with in that K12 right now. And you're cutting the AIDS in the classrooms. It's just we're asking for a mess with what's going on. And I know budget-wise, I know the money isn't there, but we have to give these kids the support that they need because they're not going to get there when the requirements from the state are getting higher and higher for these kids and we're

172just not getting them there. >> I I want to thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um, I just want to say in terms of math, I want you to know we fully agree with you and I want to specify there are five elementary teachers dedicated to math as compared to the zero that existed when your children were in elementary school. Three years ago there were only three. So, >> right. So, I I want to make it clear our kids are getting a ton of math as we're down one. We still have five. So, I just want to make sure that it's >> Yes, we agree. We agree at that lower level. And the sick thing about the email go on for hours. Um the CCing. I've always had my children CC emails when they're

173in contact with their teachers just because I'm like if they wrote something wrong in email. I want to know what my kids writing to the teacher. My husband and I are very strong um we're very strong advocates for their grades. We're pushing our kids all the time academically. Um, so we're constantly involved in all of that. And to be shut out of that and not be able to see a teacher's response or what my child is writing because now I'm not CCD or can't be CCD on that, it's a real lack and just it's a disservice to parents who really are taking the active role of their children academically. And I feel like it kind of shuts us out of that piece. And that's the a very important part of teacher and parent. Yeah. >>

174For us to be on the same page with our children to be like pushing them as students. So I feel like I don't think that we should be pushed out of that whole CC thing because it really is unfair. >> Understood. >> To to not be in the no. >> That's a good point. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> We we remain dedicated to finding a fix for this. How or when we will figure it out. Oh, hold here. I go back to my agenda. Hold on. Gotta find it. My computer's gonna die right in the middle of this. I know it. >> Okay. >> Um >> I thought I'd be able to put that. >> Okay. Um, anybody else public comment? >> There's nobody left. >> I want to >> What I want to

175say though, since there's one other person in the audience, and she's been very patient, I want to point out who she is and why she's here. Oh, >> this is Victoria Herman. She's been with us for two years as a leave replacement special education teacher. Tonight, if you approve, she will be appointed as a full-time probationary special education teacher in disabled schools. >> Oh, welcome. Thank you for attending. >> Give a speech. >> There's a lot of summer it'll be quick. >> Um Okay. Um all other Okay. Um, all right. Uh, recommendations. Um, Risa, did you have a resolution for me? >> Yes. >> No, we don't because we locked her access. >> Um, your children. >> I So, I need I need a resolution from one of you. Um, the resolve. The board of

176education hereby authorizes the board president to draft and execute a letter on behalf of the board of education regarding the island hills project and authorizes the district clerk to send such letter on behalf of the board of ed to the town of Icelip. >> May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Chris second. Tom Chris and Tom second. Uh discussion. >> We'll see it right before you send it. >> No. No. Of course you will. No. Um absolutely. Um, I do just want to just just really briefly as you go through, remember we're writing this from the lens of the board and that means it's things that may affect us as a district. You um obviously can write whatever you want as as a as a community member and I encourage that. But

177just remember whatever arguments that we put forth need to be relevant. So, um I just think it's important. Okay. Um any other discussion? All right. All in favor? Great. I thank you. All right. going through. Um, >> all right. Going to take a motion for 601 to 701. >> Motion. Second. Kelly Tom. Um, any discussion? All in favor? All right. Motion passes. >> 8012811. Uh, motion. >> Motion. >> Tom. >> Kelly. Second. Any discussion? >> Yeah. >> Go ahead. I just, and maybe this is just because like I'm a nerd and I do these things, but we're we're we're missing the the detailed revenue status report that is always in the business meetings. It's usually right after the treasurer's report. That's the only reason why because I I those are usually the first two things

178that I read. Is there a reason why that one's not on there? >> We'll have to look into that and get back to you. >> All right. >> Good question. Um, >> that was discussion. Anyone have anything else? >> No. All in favor? Oh, sorry, Chris. >> Sorry. Oh, I I just wanted to talk about the 816. We didn't get that. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I was scanning through and I missed. >> No, no, that's good. We're up to 811 right now. >> All right. Any other discussion? All in favor? >> All right. >> 812 by itself. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second, Tom. Uh discussion >> um >> okay all in favor six yeses one abstension passes all right um 813 through 820 can I have a motion >> um James

179um discussion >> yeah Chris >> yeah no so I just wanted to talk about the right risk management because I was looking at that agreement and I think it was like for $28,000 or so for the um I guess retainer fee to deal with the workman's compa compensation um for the year. So, um I I mean just again I'm new at this, but it just seemed like a large amount if we only had like one claim that year or two claims or three claims for, you know, um so I I was I actually wanted to pick Robert's brain and is that pretty standard practice across um most districts. You just have that retainer and and you see where it falls throughout the year. >> Try again. >> There you go. Uh yeah, that's it is

180standard practice and that's pro that's kind of the going rate for the different management firms that manage workers comp programs and it's rare that you would only have one claim. >> We usually get you know many claims each year. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> Just to make a comment about 820 Mel Mason scholarship. Yeah. I'm going to read it actually. You know, it says uh whereas the Captain Marl Mason and Graham Mason memorial fund was established on April 14, 2004, now become awarded knowledge of exception additional scholarship donation $20,000. U so to be awarded in accordance with the conditions of the funding, that's a lot of money. >> Yeah, it is. >> That's the biggest scholarship that that's given to disabled student. Nor Mason was a pilot in Vietnam. He three houses from my street. Um

181his father, his brother passed away before his dad predesased him and they created this fund with the sale of the home and they just continue to help generations of kids. Uh it's just it blows me away. I mean that's $20,000 to the kids. >> Is there that is I was reading that too and and I was trying to get more information on it like is it is it for kids going into the service or what is the scholarship specifically for? It's I mean I think it's I characterize the way that I think my memory of the criteria for the scholarship but if you go to the end you know where um like Hamilton Street all those blocks there's actually a historical mark of there and they just think about Mason and they actually named the

182island in the middle of Browns River after him. Um you know I I've talked to a lot of people that went to schools and they said it's just such a gentleman you know what I mean? Um, and it was just an accident. Uh, you know, it was actually I don't know if it was training or or routine takeoff. Uh, he was killed. It's just one of those things, but that's just some legacy. >> I know we're missing Jillian tonight, but maybe through guidance you might have a better idea of what the criteria are. >> No, I thought it was great. >> Yeah. One thing I think unbelievable is that we had um over $100,000 in scholarships given out. I think it was almost $600,000 if I remember the number at the senior awards night last

183spring and and it's just an unbelievable amount of scholarship money going to seniors graduating and it's just a testament to the community and the type of uh commitment to our kids that that people have. It's just unbelievable. >> Yeah. And and while we're thanking people, I think that's awesome. The athletic uh you know 817 the Athletic Foundation donating that money again for the wall almost $40,000 and that's it's awesome. Great for them. There's no lack of generosity in this community. Absolutely. >> Um, all right. Any other discussion? >> No. All in favor? >> Motion passes? >> 901 to 902. Need a motion? >> Motion. >> Desmond. Second. Kelly. Um, discussion. >> I just Yeah, sorry. >> Go ahead. >> I I just had one question. It seems like some of these things are repeated. Is

184there a reason like for for example uh like the fizzed teacher the Lincoln like is there there has >> Yes. So in the last agenda her name was spelled wrong. So in order for payroll to process properly it has to be spelled properly. >> Okay. All right. >> So yes that's a double. >> Yes. Any other discussion? >> None. Okay. Uh all in favor? Motion carries. 903 by itself. Uh need a motion. >> Motion. >> All right. Tom second. Somebody second. >> Oh, sorry. I think >> Kathy's been quiet. Let's get her. Um um um discussion. >> All right. All in favor? >> Six yeses. One abstension. >> All right. 1001 to 10 red. >> Excuse me. >> Is that why it's in red? >> 1001 to 100 to 10 um 10.01 to 10.03. I

185need a motion. Motion. Second. That was Desmond and Tom. Um, discussion. All in favor? Motion carries. All right. Upcoming dates. Can't believe we're halfway through the summer. Um, August 26th is our next board of education meeting at 5:30. Just uh we will return to our regular time schedules once we get back into the regular school year. We try to get out of here before sunset. Doesn't look like we did it tonight. Um was valiant's effort. Um okay. Um any other public comment? >> It's okay. >> No, you're welcome. >> The cell phone also says something about medical um if you have an or distinguishing that other students when the child pulls out their phone with keeping confidentiality between staff and teachers. >> I also and students. >> Am I like can can I piggy back

186real question? Yeah, I she brings up a good point. Something that that I I had a discussion with somebody is is if if a kid um has a 504 or has an IEP or has let's just say like um some sort of condition like anxiety or something like that and and they are allowed to bring their phone and they you know then take that phone out, they're inevitably going to be um targeted for for lack of a better word. and which then thus brings on more anxiety and more things. So I it it's it's it's actually a really valid point like how because if the kids know that kids with IEPs and things like that and that's supposed to be confidential information then the second they pull out their phone they're immediately outed as as

187having an IP. >> Right. So >> so so I want to say it's not simply like oh I have an IEP so therefore I will whip out my phone whenever I want. No, I don't. >> There should there should be a spec what they should do is they should come up with an action plan of how it will be used. I go to the guidance office, I go to the nurse or I go to the main office. Um, but it wouldn't be unless it's a very unique case. Uh, like, hey, whip out your phone whenever you want. And then people say, hey, why does that kid Oh, he must be special ed. So, it definitely has to be >> the reason why I brought it up is because not all staff and teachers are privy

188to a student having an IEP or 504. It's really just who's working with them education. >> Correct. Right. >> So if they they are somewhere where there's another staff where it's their area that they're allowed >> that they're now breaching like their own confidentiality of their 504 >> and that's why any kid who has a situation should have a plan that they follow that you know doesn't put that in that situation. Right. So, but it's a good valid point, but I think there has to be thoughtfulness in terms of almost like a behavior plan. If you have some need uh just like a diabetic student has a need to do some things and take care of some business, no one's business, right? Yeah. Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Yes. >> I think kids are also very

189accepting like they know, you know, like you you know the kid that's getting a time and a half, you know, the kid that's getting directions read like and and they're >> Oh, 100%. Like especially if they're not your students, right? I hear what you're saying. security guard doesn't necessarily know that their phone. >> Sure. >> Again, I just want to say this is one of those things is going to have some bumps in the road at the beginning and I totally trust um our um administrators to help the teachers navigate through this and the goal of the the cell phone was to take the onus and the control piece away from the teacher so that it wasn't a battle they were fighting. So, let's let's Yes. It's not a per it's not a perfect law.

190That's for sure. Um, so yeah, we'll work it through and those are good points and we're going to hit so many more bumps in the road that we have to work through. question would have like a resol resolution for an answer at these two. >> Yeah. Before school starts, principles will be sending out email notifications. We have workshops with some principles on August 13th and 14th. So, whatever we're doing, you know, we're going to have clear guidelines and and discussion going out to parents. >> Not at this time. Uh you can communicate to the teacher, but you can't communicate to the Yeah, >> that's in the next version. my prediction. Um, it's an update, the next update. Um, yes. Um, yeah. Um, so yes, your points are very well taken and I think you understand

191that we're we're with you. We're going to do what we can and and there may be some frustration as to limitations that we have, but we'll work through them um through time. Um, okay. Um, I'm going to ask for a motion to adjurnn. >> Oh, executive session for the purpose of legal counsel. Motion. >> Motion. >> Um I forgot discussion. You guys beat me to it. Uh but yes, all in favor motion carries. All right. Good night. Good night. Thank you ladies for Congratulations.