001Test one, two. Test one, two. Good evening everyone. My name is Paul Austin. I'm the vice president of the school board. Mr. Den, the president could not be with us tonight. Could we please stand for the preacher flag? To the flag of the United States of stands under will do the fire code this time. >> In the event of emergency, please exit two exits and leave the building. Tonight we have a uh public hearing on the updated 2025 20226 districtwide school safety plan and we're also going to have some tenure recognitions. Uh I'm going to turn this over to Dr. How. Thank you, Mr. Russ. I just have a quick statement to read. As as announced at the November 18, 2025 board of education meeting, the district-wide school safety team revised the district-wide school safety
002plan, adding emergency response protocols for sudden cardiac arrest as required under DEA's law. After that meeting, a 30-day public review and comment period began on Wednesday, November 19th with the plan available on the district website or by contacting my office. The draft of the plan was also available as an attachment to the agenda for both the November 18th and this evening's board of education meeting. Comments were encouraged to be submitted in writing to the district clerk no later than Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025. This evening, we're holding a public hearing on the plan and invite the public to present any questions or comments on this on the plan at this time. Um before we take it, if there are any questions before we take them, I just would like to reiterate uh that to best protect
003the health and safety of our students and staff. This plan by design does not go into deep specific detail, nor will we be sharing this level of detail this evening. Each building does develop building specific plans that go to much greater depth, but these remain confidential in nature. We'll just take any questions anybody has. questions. >> Okay. Um then we're going to move to the next part of our agenda, which is recognizing four of our fantastic uh employees tonight. uh they were um by a vote of the board of education awarded tenure uh not too long ago in recent meetings. And so we're going to spend a couple minutes recognizing each of them for their dedication uh commitment, passion, and uh for changing life trajectories in our school district. So I'm going to turn it
004over to Dr. Fitzgerald and I'm going to ask the board if you'd like to take a seat in your office. Hi, good evening everyone. I'm Dr. Cynthia Fitzgerald. I'm the assistant superintendent of HR for the Icelip schools. It's always an honor to be able to be a part of a tenure recognition ceremony where it's our opportunity to reward um those folks that have incredible expertise, dedication, vision um with our students. You know, I I've had the opportunity to do this across the district and um my favorite line is a true one in that tenure is not a right of passage. It is not simply a matter of time until you get tenure. you must earn it through your work um your work with our students, your work in curriculum. We have four educators tonight that
005have deserve this honor and we'd like to start today uh this evening by recognizing Mr. Scott Jackson. [Music] Good evening everyone. It is my honor and privilege to stand before you tonight to recognize a truly remarkable milestone, the tenure of our director of special education, Mr. Scott Jackson. Tenure is never simply a matter of years served. It is about impact. It is it is about showing up day after day in big ways and in small ones to do what is right for your students. And in special education, that impact is often quiet, often behind the scenes. But it is life-changing. From the moment Scott joined the Icelip School District, it was clear that our students with disabilities, their families, and our staff had a tireless advocate in their corner. Someone who would read every detail
006of an IEP, return every phone call, sit in every tough meeting, and still fi feel find time to ask, "How are you really doing today?" Under his leadership, we have seen stronger and more collaborative relationships between general education and special education. A renewed focus on inclusion and access. Support systems that help teachers and related service providers feel heard, respected, and equipped to do their best work. What I admire most about Scott is that he never loses sight of why why we do this work. In every conversation, whether it's about compliance, scheduling, or budgets, he brings the focus back to students. If you've ever walked into his office, you know it's rarely quiet. There's always someone dropping in with a question, concern, or just needing listening ear. And somehow, no matter how full the day is,
007Scott makes people feel they are the most important thing at that moment. That is leadership and that is compassion and action. On a personal note, I also want to say that Scott has always been my wingman, the person I can count on to think through the toughest decisions, to offer honest feedback, and to stand right besides me as we navigate the complex world of serving our students with disabilities. Knowing that we are in this together has made a world of difference. And if you know Scott outside of work, you know that this he has the same commitment and it shows up in his life beyond the office. He brings a healthy eater, whole foods mindset to everything he does and the discipline of an iron man, a runner, and a spear to every challenge he
008faces. Whether he's training on the slopes or here in the district, he models perseverance, balance, and the importance of taking care of ourselves so we can take care of others. Tenure is a recognition from the district that we believe in your work, your integrity, and your commitment to our mission. Tonight, we are not just recognizing yours of service. We are recognizing the countless late nights preparing for CSSE meetings, the patient explanations to anxious parents, the hours spent supporting teens through difficult decisions, and the unwavering belief that every student in ISIL deserves the best we can offer. And to Scott, on behalf of the Icelip School District, I would like to extend my gratitude. Thank you for your dedication, your steady leadership, your willingness to always be my ring man, and your refusal to accept anything
009less than what our students deserve. We are so proud to make this tenure milestone with you, and we are grateful for all that you have done and all that you will continue to do for our students, our families, and our staff. Please join me in congratulating our director of special education, Scott Jackson, on this well-deserved tenure. [Applause] NEXT, WE'D LIKE TO WELCOME DR. Michael Getto to speak on behalf of Rob. Good evening. It is with great honor and admiration that we gather today to recognize the outstanding contributions of our director of ENL world language, Miss Ravia Hery, as she reaches an important milestone in her career with us, her tenure at ISIL. Over the past few years, Miss Hery has been drive a driving force in shaping and strengthening ISIL's English as a new language
010and world language programs. From the moment she joined our team, our vision has been clear to ensure that our all of our multilingual learners not only succeed academically, but also feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Through her unwavering commitment, she has been an advocate for e equity, cultural celebration, and most importantly, the academic success of our students. One of Miss Herie's most notable achievements has been her work in enriching the cultural landscape of our district. Thanks to her leadership, every building in our district now boasts vibrant multicultural clubs. These clubs have provided our students with opportunities to explore their heritage, connect with their peers, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. These efforts have culminated in the highly successful multicultural nights that have brought our families and students together, celebrating ISIL's rich diversity. Our work has extended
011beyond extracurricular through initiatives such as Spanish for educators training and the integration of translation technology and district events. Miss Hery has fostered stronger connections with our families and made a more inclusive community. Her ability to see and seize opportunities for growth is truly remarkable. She is consistently looking to grow professionally and always strives to work alongside others, recognizing that collaboration is the key to better serving the teachers she oversees and ultimately the children of ISO. Her willingness to learn, adapt, and evolve in her role ensures that the program she leads remain remains dynamic and responsive to the changing needs of our district. Her leadership in recognizing the achievement of our bilingual students through the seal of biiteracy awards night has been equally impactful. We saw our student participation more than double reflecting the growing recognition
012of the value of bilingualism and the dedication of our students and our staff. Miss Hery, we are so grateful for your dedication, passion, and tireless work on behalf of our students and our community. It is with immense pride that we recognize you today for your tenure and for all that you have accomplished. Thank you for everything you do. And again, congratulations. [Applause] At this time, I'd like to welcome Dr. Gonzalez will speak on behalf of our next [Applause] McMullen. Please join me at the PODIUM so that you can better see your colleagues and your students who are here. Tonight, I'm proud to recognize an outstanding educator, Miss Danielle McMullen. On the occasion of her tenure appointment as a business teacher, Miss McMullen brings professionalism and expertise into her classroom every single day. Setting high expectations
013while ensuring that her students feel supported and valued. Miss McMullen is warm, personable, and approachable. She's a trusted advocate for her students. Her optimism and resilience shine through everything she does. One example of her passion is her dedication to the virtual enterprise program. Whether it's encouraging students to think like actual entrepreneurs, insisting that they rehearse their presentations until college to your high standards, Miss McMullen, or celebrating students successes at trade shows. Miss McMullen, you consistently go above and beyond to create meaningful real world learning experience for your students. That same enthusiasm was evident in her willingness to take on new challenges, including the initiative to bring a unique course to our high school, the selling real estate class. Danielle embraced this challenge with confidence and creativity, further expanding opportunities for our kids and strengthening our
014high school business offerings. And beyond the classroom, Miss McMullen devotes countless hours and considerable energy to our high school as kickline coach, modeling teamwork, dedication, and school spirit while mentoring her students. Miss McMullen, as you know, tenure is one of the most important moments in an educator's career. In your short time with us in our high school, you have made an incredibly significant positive impact. And I know you're just really getting started. You've demonstrated your unwavering commitment to our school, your students, and your colleagues. We are so very grateful to have you on our team. Congratulations to you, Danielle, ON THIS VERY ALL RIGHT. [Applause] I'll finish it. See Good evening. I'm Jackie Beman, the principal of Macro Elementary School, and I would like to invite Miss Chris Cordy up to be recognized for tenure.
015We are so proud to recognize Miss Christy Cordy for earning tenure at Home Road Elementary School here in the Icelip School District. Miss Cordy is an exceptional AIS reading teacher whose impact is felt far beyond the teachers, the students she works with each day. She brings a deep knowledge of literacy instruction and a clear understanding of how children learn using data thoughtfully to identify skill gaps and design instruction that is both rigorous and very supportive. Chrissy has a remarkable ability to break down complex skills into manageable steps, ensuring her students experience success while building confidence and independence. What truly sets Miss Cordy apart is her intentional preparation and reflective practice. Her lessons are carefully planned, flexible, and grounded in researchbased strategies. She continuously evaluates what is working, makes real-time adjustments, and is always striving to
016grow. most recently through her work toward Wharton Gillingham certification. Her commitment to refining her craft directly benefits the students she serves. Chrissy builds strong, trusting relationships with her students, creating a learning environment where they feel safe, valued, and motivated to take risks. She celebrates each and every child's strengths while thoughtfully supporting their individual needs, fostering both academic growth and a positive mindset toward learning. Beyond the classroom, Miss Corey is a leader within our school and our district. She is an active and valued member of multiple committees including as a UFI presenter and facilitator who genu generously shares her expertise and a collaborative colleague who supports others with profession professionalism and care and is quite the assistant when it comes to all tech support. Her leadership within the AIS department at press and her willingness to
017step forward for the greater greater good of Pomarmac Road exemplify her dedication to our school community. Chrissy, your passion for students, commitment to excellence, and collaborative spirit make you an invaluable part of com. We are incredibly fortunate to have you on our team. Congratulations on this well-earned achievement OF TENURE. [Applause] THANK YOU. [Applause] [Music] YEAH, I just want to be the board of education like congratulate attending tonight. welld deserved. Just going to take a five minute break and then we'll meet. >> Yeah. Just before before the families and friends leave, I just want to you know, we talk a lot about in this district about um putting students first and having pure intentions and applying your best effort. I these four people this evening exemplify that to personify it. and I could think of each
018one of them and think about concrete examples of them changing students life trajectories making a difference in a big way. Um for Mr. Jackson, it's the ally program comes to mind. You know that he started that program. Um and there's, you know, maybe eight or nine students in it that before that program weren't coming to school and now we're coming every day, right? Uh for Mullen, it's it's uh I think of our I I certainly think of uh your virtual program, but um VE, but I'm more thinking of the uh real estate course because, you know, she she has graduates after this this is your third year or second year? third year of the course and we have people who graduated from her course are selling real estate making a living because of what she
019taught them right and what they accomplished in her class and for Miss Hersy I think of the seal of bi literacy and the difference she's made for students that are coming to our school not even speaking English and uh Miss Corey most recently um the University of Florida literary literacy initiative I mean the work with that is just unbelievable Well, your your passion and your leadership and uh it's just a matter of time before that makes a huge difference for students. So, um when you think about the impact teachers and and school leaders can have, these four examples are are tops in my opinion. So, thanks everybody for being with us. We'll take a little Well, welcome back everybody. We really cleared out, didn't we? We're going to get to the part of the program
020where we have questions on the agenda items. Are there any questions on any agenda items from the board? >> Um, we can speak to it. Would you mind if I pass it off to Mrs. Brower? That'd be great. Thank you. Okay. Sure. Good evening. We are delighted tonight to be awarding a uh vendor um the bid award for the installation of the playground. Um we are in preparation of getting um once the board approves contracts will be drawn up and then um we will hopefully be able to get started as soon as possible once the necessary insurance documents are in place. But we are so excited. Um there will be demolition. there is some uh site preparation that is necessary and um as soon as the weather uh permits we will be um installing the
021playground. So it is all again weather dependent but as um we've mentioned we're really excited to get our playground up and running for our students over at Wayne. >> Um Miss Prey, your question was about our the um rejection. >> Yeah. between. >> Okay. So, when we went out to bid, there was a tile abatement um as well as the playground installation. Uh both projects are tied to the same sed uh project number. Um we only received um one bid, which at this point we are not accepting. Um and we will be going out to look for alternate um vendors for this project for the tile abatement, but that's a separate project other than the wing playground. >> You're welcome. >> I have a question. Would that be is that going to delay the whole
022project? Um, no, they're two separate projects that are happening, but they are on one SED um form. So, the the playground will not be delayed because of the time. >> Any questions from the audience on any of the agenda items for tonight? I need a motion on agenda questions items A through W. You have a motion. >> So move by Mr. Leio. All those in favor. >> Opposed. Abstain. The motions are carried. I don't see any questions up here from the audience. So I guess uh public questions will go very fast tonight. That brings us to reports and correspondences and we're going to have our exeicio student member report, Mr. Brody Deutsch. >> Thank you. >> Take it away. >> Good evening. I would like to share a few ways students and families can get
023involved in our district. First, to help bring our school community together during the winter months, ISIL SEPTA is hosting a family bingo night on Tuesday, January 20th from 7 to 8:00 p.m. in the Iceland Middle School cafeteria. This event is open to Iceland families with students in preK through 8th grade, and it's designed to provide a fun, inclusive evening for families to connect. The first bingo card is free with additional cards available for purchase, and prizes will be awarded throughout the night. Next, the district will be hosting an evening of live music featuring performances by the ISUB middle school jazz band, the ISUB High School electric ensemble, and the ISU of High School Jazz Man. The concert will take place on Wednesday, January 14th at 700 p.m. in the ISIL of High School Auditorium and
024is open to the community with free admission. We encourage everyone to come out and support ISIL's talented student musicians. Additionally, PS I love you day will be observed on Friday, February 13th, 2026 with this year's theme, Be the Light. The district is encouraged to be filled with positive messages and support of both students and staff. Students are encouraged to wear PS I love you day merchandise, and this year's shirts can be purchased by scanning the QR code available on parent square. This day serves as an important reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. And last, ISIL Middle School's National Junior Honor Society is hosting a coat drive to support members of the ISIL community in need this winter. Students are collecting new or gently used winter coats, which can be dropped off through January
02526th in room 316. We appreciate everyone's continued support in helping make our district a welcoming and connected community. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Deish. Now we'll have a report from Mr. Clarine on the 2026 2027 New York State Education Department budget and legislative priorities. >> Thank you, Mr. Austin. On December 16th, the New York State Department of Education and the Board of Regents released their budget and legislative priorities for the 2026 2027 school year. These priorities and objectives outline their advocacy objectives and fiscal recommendations prior to the release of the governor's executive budget proposal in addition to the state legislaturator's adoption of the state budget by April 1st, 2026. It's important to note these are recommendations. The board of regents does not have any authorization to adopt the state budget or the state aid
026numbers. The main highlight of their budget priorities is a request for an overall $1.1 billion increase in state education for aid. uh state aid for education. Uh this is inclusive of a $996.8 million increase in foundation aid and a $96.9 million increase in reimburseable based aid categories. The budget or request also recommends $5.1 million to implement the graduation requirements to reflect the real world skills and learning from the blue ribbon commission's on graduation uh standards and $10.1 million to support nonvos districts offering of robust CTE opportunities. The full report from NISD has been uploaded on board docs for the board and the community to review. Thank you Mr. Rosson. >> Thank you Mr. Clarine. Now, we're going to have for you people lucky enough to be here, we're going to have a special surprise announcement.
027The student body, the senior student body took a vote for the topic theme of their postp prom. 117 votes were cast. There were three different themes. One was country, one was Hawaiian luau, and one was old booty. Glow-in-the-dark by 70% it was a landslide. Glow-in-the-dark is the theme for the 26 graduating class. So, we will be starting on that. Look, uh those people that are interested in helping out or uh doing things with the committee, uh we'll be having our first parent meeting by the end of this month. Uh thank you very much for all the support this district gives on this uh it's a great great event. If you've never been to it, you're all invited. That brings us to updates and dates to remember. January 19th, the school is closed in recognition of
028Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. January 27th, we'll have a board of education meeting at the high school. 6:00 p. p.m. exec 7:30 public session. February 10th, we'll have another board of education meeting at the high school auditorium. 6 o'clock at executive session, 7:30 public session. Schools will be closed for winter recess February 16th through the 20th. February 24th, we'll have our first budget workshop at the high school auditorium uh board of education meeting. Executive session starts at 5:30, public session at 7. That concludes our meeting for tonight. Thank you everybody for coming out and uh attending and again congratulations to our new tenurs and I have a motion to close the meeting >> Mr. Clarina and the second was Mr. Leo. All those in favor? >> Opposed? Motion is carried. Have a good night
029everybody. Home safe.