[0:15] All right. All right.

[0:19] In the back corner of the room. We're going to go ahead and kickstart our evening tonight. This is a regular meeting of the Board of Education of the

[0:29] if you'd like to create a central school district. I'm going to open our meeting and call

[0:32] to the order at 7.02 p.m. Fire exits are through the doors here and around or through

[0:37] the library entrance out the main entrance of the building. Please stand for the President's

[0:45] Congratulations to the United States of America.

[0:49] And I'm sure you're well-liked for which it stands.

[0:52] One nation, one of God, into this boat.

[0:55] The liberty and justice for all.

[0:59] Thank you.

[1:01] Thank you, Madam Chair.

[1:03] We are mission statement.

[1:08] Think about it.

[1:09] Crane Center School District is dedicated to preparing students

[1:11] to become contributing members of society and ever-changing

[1:14] the world of bi-value and diversity, providing safe environment, and providing unique talents,

[1:19] a desire for lifelong learning, a strong spirit of community and writer for us.

[1:24] Great.

[1:24] Thank you, Kevin.

[1:26] All right.

[1:26] We're going to move on to item two on our agenda.

[1:28] A couple of how to keep in things before we do that.

[1:31] First of all, for those of you that are in the room, we have microphones in the ceiling that

[1:35] take us up for the video recording and broadcast.

[1:37] We don't otherwise have microphones, nor is there one at the podium.

[1:41] So, we'll talk as loud as we can, so everybody in the back can hear, and we ask when you

[1:45] come to the podium if you choose to do so tonight that you do the same.

[1:50] With that, the first item on our agenda is the approval of the President's agenda.

[1:55] I'm going to make a motion to approve the agenda with some modifications.

[1:59] First of all, we have as item 2B on the agenda executive session, and then make a change

[2:06] or recommendation to change that to be held after presentations and hearings so that

[2:11] will effectively become item 4 on our agenda this evening.

[2:15] We do have our code of conduct hearing and the school-adjuster safety plan, so we'll get

[2:21] through those two business items before we adjourn to the executive session.

[2:26] So that's item change number 1, so item 2 will become 2A and 2B, present agenda and minutes.

[2:34] We'll do three, we'll do four, and then on the print of the agenda you have public comments as item four.

[2:41] I'm going to make a recommendation to move the public comment to the end of section six following our business office in two print and three reports.

[2:51] And here's why I'm making that recommendation.

[2:53] First of all, I want to say thank you to those of you that are here and that's a genuine thank you.

[2:57] I've been on this board 11 years this year.

[3:00] I think I can count maybe the five meetings during the pandemic that we had more than four

[3:04] people show up for a call of meeting.

[3:06] So this is your board, this is your school district, and we are grateful that you are here

[3:11] whether you believe that or not, but I think that's appropriate when I say that.

[3:15] So thank you for being here.

[3:17] We like you, have questions, and we like you want answers.

[3:23] And tonight we will talk about a lot of the things that we are able to talk about tonight

[3:27] to give you information and to answer questions that we all have, but we think moving public

[3:34] comment for those of you that are here to speak on the financial crisis that we've shared

[3:39] with you will be more prudent if you hear from us first rather than before because there's

[3:44] a lot of lots of details in the information that has been shared today.

[3:50] So that's my suggested change that's anybody on the board that any concern or question about

[3:56] Let's recommend the changes.

[3:59] If not, and with no change, I'm going to contact you with that.

[4:02] We will go ahead and make a motion to approve the agenda as amended.

[4:07] I have a second for that motion.

[4:08] Please.

[4:09] Second from Sally.

[4:10] Any discussion?

[4:12] All right.

[4:12] Let's go ahead and vote on favor.

[4:14] Okay.

[4:15] Thank you.

[4:17] Second item is now item 2B.

[4:19] The minutes.

[4:20] Motion to approve the minutes of the July 14th, 2025.

[4:23] Organizational and regular meeting.

[4:24] and the July 21st Workshop meeting, draft minutes where included with the agenda in advance

[4:31] for board members review may have a motion please do accept a minute, Cal and second

[4:35] to compress any discussion.

[4:39] Here's a normal take-a-bought on-favorite, that motion carries and we are a voting group of eight

[4:45] tonight as and it's unable to join us, so motion carries eight to zero.

[4:51] With that, we'll move on to item 3 on our agenda, which is presentations and hearings.

[4:55] The first item is the hearing on our code of conduct.

[4:59] The draft policy was provided in advance.

[5:02] We will note that there were, I think, no changes.

[5:05] No changes except the date.

[5:08] But everything else has rolled over from last year to next.

[5:10] Okay.

[5:11] But despite any actual change, we've used to have to conduct the hearing.

[5:16] So I will open the hearing at 7.07 p.m. and I will ask for a presentation from

[5:21] you.

[5:23] So presentation of brief this evening, the Code of Conduct has no recommended changes

[5:29] from last year to next and we continue to monitor the most significant change that was

[5:36] made last year, which is the implementation of our cell phone policy and the summary of

[5:41] that data will be available on our policy page

[5:45] in the next week or so.

[5:47] So, no updates to the code.

[5:49] The code is working as it needs to,

[5:51] as a tool for teaching and learning and accountability

[5:54] for all folks who are here on campus.

[5:56] So, very completed.

[5:59] Well, presentation.

[6:00] Presentation completed, thank you.

[6:02] Public comments or questions on the code of conduct.

[6:06] There are seeming any board comments or questions

[6:11] on the code of conduct.

[6:13] All right, seeing that.

[6:15] All right.

[6:15] With that, at 7018, we will pose the hearing.

[6:19] And note that the code of conduct

[6:23] is on the consent agenda for consideration for adoption,

[6:27] which is the consent of the code of conduct at 7018.

[6:31] All right.

[6:32] Next up is a 3D-architecture-wide safety plan,

[6:35] and with that, I'm going to turn it over

[6:36] to the two different centers to make some introductions,

[6:40] Alright, this evening we're joined by Phil S.D. from Needham Risk Management who's a senior security specialist and works closely with our building safety teams and Phil is going to walk us through the changes to the district life full safety plan.

[6:54] Good evening everyone. As a quick intro we'll talk about the safe schools against violence

[7:00] and education legislation. And so this passed back in 2000 and it's received almost

[7:06] a year so we get updates whether it's new updates or update revisions. And this is

[7:14] where all the safety security legislation requirements come from. So when you think

[7:20] I think why do I have to do these egg evacuation drills?

[7:24] It all comes back to the slave legislation, right?

[7:29] So a couple of the recent updates we had

[7:31] was the requirement of the trauma informed drills

[7:35] as well as dishes law, right,

[7:37] with which is like cardiac emergency response training.

[7:41] Two of the big requirements for the state legislation

[7:44] are your district bar school safety plan

[7:47] and your billy-well emergency response plans.

[7:49] The district-wide plan is a broad, comprehensive, overarching plan that covers, like, your district

[7:57] policies when it comes to safety.

[8:01] This is a public-facing document that is going to be available on the district-website

[8:07] at all times.

[8:08] The building of the emergency response plans are much more detailed, much more comprehensive.

[8:14] The way I like to explain it is that the district-wide plan will say that in the event of

[8:19] an act of assailant or a threat in and threat, the schools will use lockdown.

[8:24] So, to build up our emergency response plans, we'll go into detail about how

[8:27] each school actually locks down, right? So, this year there's not too many changes or required updates for the district-wide plan.

[8:38] Just really administrative. We made updates to the district-wide school safety team and updated the administrative contact information.

[8:47] We removed the safety policies from the appendix and added a link to the policy manual

[8:52] that is on the district website.

[8:54] And the idea behind that was, that way in case a policy gets updated, we don't have

[8:58] it living in two places where we have to update, right?

[9:02] And then we updated the list of relevant safety policies as well.

[9:06] We updated program initiatives at the schools using to make sure students feel safe and

[9:12] in a welcome environment.

[9:13] We moved, this is law last year was a mid year amendment right now we moved it up into

[9:20] prevention and intervention and that the, this is law is the cardiac emergency response

[9:24] plan that was added so now the, each school and the school building has a cardiac emergency

[9:30] response plan, AD locations, CPR training, all that stuff.

[9:35] We updated the training command and it's in command structure and for the appendix is like

[9:40] Like I said, we removed the safety policies that were in the appendix and now linked to the policy manual.

[9:48] What's on the district website?

[9:50] Will there be questions for me about safe legislation requirements or the district wide or building level plans?

[10:01] Thank you.

[10:03] Thank you.

[10:07] Okay.

[10:08] In a similar style, we're no questions from the board.

[10:12] or some of the public that there were any were allowable.

[10:16] So I'll just do a check any questions for Phil

[10:18] from any member of the public on the safety plan.

[10:22] Okay, very good.

[10:23] All right, as we noted in our prior item,

[10:26] this is on the consent agenda for adoption of the district

[10:29] like safety plan under consent of agenda item 7J.

[10:34] All right, as amended previously,

[10:36] we'll now move item 4 on our agenda,

[10:38] which is an executive session.

[10:39] A Board of Education may meet an executive session under certain circumstances upon a

[10:44] majority vote of the total membership to discuss matters related to collective bargaining,

[10:48] negotiations, post-mill matters, proposed pending or current litigation, real property, public

[10:53] safety, certain aspects related to law enforcement or the preparation, grading, or administration

[10:57] of examinations.

[10:59] With that, I'll make a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss the employment and financial

[11:03] history of particular individuals, and that is per second to that motion, please.

[11:06] second from Chris, and we'll ask for a vote on the motion, the motion carries the case

[11:12] to zero.

[11:14] All right.

[11:14] With that, we're going to leave here, we're going to go to the room next door, you're all

[11:19] welcome to stay here, we will be back and we will pick up on our agenda.

[11:26] Oh, all right, no further than thank you.

[12:16] So, can I go into the attention that's like, so you know the first string, and it's

[12:23] And the microphones are picking up everything you're saying, some people are more than

[12:27] others.

[12:28] So if you're fine to chat, just be aware that the microphones don't link from the ceiling.

[12:33] I do pick up even way back there, they pick up the line, but I want to leave it on because

[12:40] anyone's joining me in the play, I want them to be aware that the board's an exactly

[1:00:53] All right. Thank you, everybody, for your patience, Vali, including that executive session.

[1:00:59] We're going to move on now to, what I think is my number figure, number five on your printed

[1:01:07] page, with prepared board discussion. We're going to start with committee meetings, our policy

[1:01:14] committee met on July 28th. Minutes for that meeting are included as a link in the document.

[1:01:20] There's discussion over the policy, 1,500, to read now for policy.

[1:01:25] We have a review of from our newly completed policy committee.

[1:01:31] We met on July 28th. Virtually policies for discussion over policy, 1,500, which was a continuation

[1:01:41] of the policy for public use of school facilities and regulations,

[1:01:47] this was brought back to the committee.

[1:01:49] So the committee continued its discussion regarding facility use fees

[1:01:52] and determining which groups should be charged under the district's facilities policy.

[1:01:58] Conversations focused on the current discrepancy between the written policy and existing policy,

[1:02:04] particularly as it relates to organizations such as the Booster Club, tempo, and the PTA.

[1:02:09] I really reported that she met with representatives from each of these organizations to discuss the current policy and how it would impact them.

[1:02:18] Each group expressed concerns that implementing facility use fees would have a direct financial impact on the programs and services they provide to the district students.

[1:02:27] Representatives explain that funds raised by their organizations are returned to students through scholarships, campus assistants, donations to athletic programs, and other student focused initiatives.

[1:02:38] They also noted that additional facility costs could increase participation fees for

[1:02:44] programs such as summer camps.

[1:02:46] The committee also discussed facilities by extracurricular organizations after regular

[1:02:52] custodial hours.

[1:02:54] Examples include groups such as a crane acting troop which often uses district facilities when

[1:02:59] custodial staff are no longer on campus.

[1:03:02] Legal counsel had advised that similarity situated groups must be treated consistently

[1:03:08] and that the district cannot selectively exempt certain organizations from applicable fees.

[1:03:14] Committee members expressed concern that extending fees to extracurricular groups could have a significant impact, negative impact on student programs.

[1:03:23] Proposal was discussed to begin charging groups after it's being a certain number of annual facility use hours, for example, 100 hours.

[1:03:30] However, members expressed concern that such a threshold could

[1:03:35] disappropriately affect organizations like the Cran Act

[1:03:38] and True.

[1:03:39] The committee agreed that it is not the intent to single out any

[1:03:42] individual student organization to create additional financial

[1:03:45] burdens that could ultimately result in higher participation or

[1:03:48] take a cause.

[1:03:50] The discussion then shifted to the possibility of continuing to

[1:03:54] exempt school-sponsored extracurricular groups from facility

[1:03:57] use fees and the interest of supporting students while reviewing and increasing rates for outside

[1:04:03] organizations to help offset district costs. Members noted that outside organizations such as KBPA

[1:04:10] may find it reasonable to pay higher rates for facilities, particularly during times when

[1:04:15] custodial staff are not already scheduled to be on campus. The committee also reviewed the current

[1:04:22] policy prohibiting for four-profit organizations from using district facilities.

[1:04:27] It was noted that exceptions have been made for organizations such as

[1:04:31] Dance Diversity and Rising Star, which have been permitted to use district

[1:04:35] facilities for dance resettles at a rate of $45 per hour.

[1:04:39] Members discussed the possibility of expanding facility use opportunities for

[1:04:43] similar organizations while increasing rental rates in assessing additional fees

[1:04:48] for specialized equipment such as stage lighting. It was further suggested that the adjusting

[1:04:54] rates for outside organizations currently using district facilities could help offset the

[1:04:58] cost associated with school and student reviews. The committee concluded by emphasizing the

[1:05:04] importance of consistency in the application of the facility use policy. Members agreed that

[1:05:10] the current practice does not always align with the written policy and that any revisions to the

[1:05:14] policies should be clear, equitable, and consistently

[1:05:17] forced for all groups.

[1:05:19] The recommendation was to bring back

[1:05:21] to the board for discussion.

[1:05:24] Policy 41, our 4321.4 independent educational

[1:05:29] evaluations, policy and regulations.

[1:05:31] Current fees for independent educational

[1:05:34] requirements do not reflect the current market rates.

[1:05:38] It's recommended by the Director of Special Education

[1:05:40] had water in Gervin's office, that we increase the rates to reflect the current rates.

[1:05:48] For that, it would be the current rates for psychoeducational evaluations are 2,500 and

[1:05:54] neuropsycho evaluations are 3,000, the recommendation for increase would be 3,000 for psychoeducational

[1:06:03] evaluations and 3,500 for neuropsych evaluations.

[1:06:07] The recommendation was to move this to first read.

[1:06:12] Required annual policy reviews are 5310, the Code of Conduct,

[1:06:18] 0, 115 student harassment and bullying prevention and intervention,

[1:06:24] 5100 attendance, 6240 investments policy and regulations,

[1:06:29] 6700 purchasing policy and procedures,

[1:06:33] 2160 school board member code of ethics,

[1:06:36] this 1900 parental involvement and no changes

[1:06:40] recommended at this time.

[1:06:42] The next policy, many main dates are to be determined.

[1:06:47] Any questions?

[1:06:50] I mean, what happens with this facility is,

[1:06:53] if it's not moved to first reading,

[1:06:54] it's still on discussion.

[1:06:56] Correct, and I think we had discussed

[1:06:58] that we are going to table that.

[1:07:00] I'm not sure what to do.

[1:07:01] There are certain items that the committee

[1:07:03] has come to consensus on.

[1:07:05] So around increasing the $30 an hour to 40 or 55 depending on whether it's a custodian

[1:07:14] or a maintenance person, which mirrors our current language so to say that we only charge

[1:07:22] when custodians are not already on campus.

[1:07:24] So just increasing that from 30 to 40 or 55.

[1:07:28] increasing category three and three A for those four profit or outside organizations

[1:07:36] up to the conversation that we had last time was 55. So there seem to be some consensus

[1:07:44] around that. There seem to be consensus around allowing four profit organizations who serve

[1:07:52] an authorized educational community purpose under education law section 414. And there

[1:07:58] There seems to be consensus around the cancellation policy language.

[1:08:01] So we're starting to hone in on where there's consensus in the policy for the next committee

[1:08:05] meeting.

[1:08:06] Great.

[1:08:07] So push out for another reading or yeah, if the word feels comfortable with that direction.

[1:08:13] Next policy committee, we could pull together a first read for the September, October

[1:08:19] Board meeting.

[1:08:21] Thank you.

[1:08:22] Thanks.

[1:08:22] Thank you.

[1:08:23] So

[1:08:29] we're good on everything under this item on the agenda.

[1:08:33] You've covered the education evaluations and the purchasing authority.

[1:08:37] I'll just say to 67 yes.

[1:08:39] So that reflects change policy 67 10, firmness of sample policy requires that we list the purchasing

[1:08:49] agent in the policy by name.

[1:08:52] So we have replaced the civil Howard will now be listed in that policy.

[1:08:57] By

[1:09:04] anything else, I guess, from policy.

[1:09:07] I have no other meetings yet of our newly constitute committee since our work with the committee in July.

[1:09:13] So there are no other committee meetings to report on at this time.

[1:09:17] That concludes item number five on the printed agenda under court discussion.

[1:09:20] We'll now move on to printed item number six,

[1:09:23] reports, presentations, and hearings.

[1:09:26] And we're going to start with item A, an academic department report,

[1:09:30] and program review for 2627.

[1:09:32] Mr. Christian, do you want to say that please?

[1:09:35] Sure, good evening, everybody.

[1:09:37] Tonight, I want to share a brief update

[1:09:39] on academic department reporting schedule

[1:09:41] for this upcoming 26th, 27th school there.

[1:09:45] If you remember, last year, we began transitioning away

[1:09:48] from the longstanding traditional academic presentation

[1:09:52] format to roll out a more comprehensive

[1:09:55] KTOL academic review process.

[1:09:57] So science was the first called a pilot department.

[1:10:01] they were first through the process.

[1:10:06] However, because the science review wrapped up at the end of the school year, its final presentation

[1:10:11] ended up placed at the talent of a really important meeting at the end.

[1:10:16] So this is a concern. We really want to give each department in front of the board and the board

[1:10:22] time to focus and really examine the work in the comprehensive way that it deserves.

[1:10:29] Therefore, the plan for next year is a one-year pause on academic department updates during

[1:10:35] the 26th 27th school year.

[1:10:38] This pause would allow us to fully implement program review framework across three departments

[1:10:43] in this coming school year, math, world language, and music.

[1:10:47] Throughout the 26th 27th school year, two leaders and administrators in these three areas will

[1:10:52] engage in rigorous, data-rich review as the science department will, where we examine

[1:10:57] in K-Cal curriculum alignment, analyze assessment data,

[1:11:01] gather students, staff survey data,

[1:11:03] and identify resource needs.

[1:11:04] They'll spend the spring with Marie and I,

[1:11:07] building detailed final reports

[1:11:08] and overview presentations.

[1:11:10] Then, at the beginning of the 27-28 school year,

[1:11:14] we'll return to the regular presentation schedule,

[1:11:17] but the departments will present their completed program

[1:11:19] reviews to the board one at a time

[1:11:21] in the schedule that we've maintained for a long time.

[1:11:25] over November, December, that cycle.

[1:11:28] This one year clause will help ensure that teachers

[1:11:31] have dedicated time required to produce meaningful

[1:11:34] actionable reviews, that's this year,

[1:11:36] while restoring predictable reporting calendar

[1:11:38] for the board, which we would begin with if you asked it.

[1:11:41] We really appreciate the board's support

[1:11:43] while we make this transition

[1:11:46] and then have an answer in question, is there anybody else?

[1:11:49] Or a question?

[1:11:50] How does this impact, I know when the review

[1:11:54] schedule was first brief, it was kind of a whirlwind window of reports. So is it just all shifted

[1:12:03] over one year? Because it sounds like the order will be over different. So where the three

[1:12:11] academic committees in review next year were not necessarily if you followed the whirlwind

[1:12:25] So we're kind of resetting both the time frame and the order.

[1:12:31] What impact will that have on the ability to use insights from those reports to the world

[1:12:38] back into and improve the programs?

[1:12:40] I hope to make it well as we, as we all go back to science.

[1:12:45] So, as we worked our way through that process, teachers were uncovering things that informed

[1:12:51] the whole year, um, information of our work we did with Becker-Choppy-Rum, the needs

[1:12:56] of health and classrooms.

[1:12:58] So it wasn't, we didn't hold everything back until the end and then implement or look

[1:13:03] at all of the information, or if we could, if we could, if we could, if we could, as we

[1:13:07] went, we were taking the information that we got into using it.

[1:13:10] Okay.

[1:13:11] So I don't think it would have, I don't think it would have a stall in effect really on anything else.

[1:13:16] You

[1:13:24] have a question?

[1:13:26] I'll just say I think, you know, those are very valuable presentations.

[1:13:30] So we do appreciate that many presentations over the past years and look forward to resuming those after the next year.

[1:13:39] I know it's on the agenda.

[1:13:42] So maybe you'll address this.

[1:13:44] That does not impact the screen time.

[1:13:47] Okay.

[1:13:47] That is correct.

[1:13:48] Okay.

[1:13:49] I'll speak to that in some other way now.

[1:13:51] And as we just saw in one of the next dimensions, as we go through the process through the

[1:13:55] academic committee, we'll get regular updates as we go over the course of the school year.

[1:13:59] Right.

[1:13:59] So as much detail as we can bring, and you've got patients to listen to me talk about it, the teachers

[1:14:04] will bring that to the group.

[1:14:06] Okay.

[1:14:07] That's right.

[1:14:09] Okay.

[1:14:10] There you go.

[1:14:10] Item A.

[1:14:12] That's it.

[1:14:13] Okay, great.

[1:14:13] All right, we're going to move on in a moment to Superintendents report and found that our

[1:14:18] business office report and with that the reason that many of you are here tonight.

[1:14:22] Before we do that, I want to make a statement on behalf of the board.

[1:14:26] In just a moment, you'll hear our comprehensive update on the financial crisis from the Super

[1:14:31] Intended, Mrs. Howard.

[1:14:33] Before you do, please know that we, the board, fully recognized and appreciate the gravity

[1:14:38] of this situation.

[1:14:40] Probably more than you realize.

[1:14:41] Equally, we understand that each of you here tonight and others in our community have urgent reasonable questions about the district's finances and our next steps.

[1:14:50] As I stated in my earlier comments, the board shares those questions and we also want answers.

[1:14:56] Unfortunately, for you and for us as well, there may be questions...

[1:15:00] Questions tonight that cannot be fully answered. That does not mean those questions are being ignored. I assure you, nothing is being withheld or hidden. Let me repeat that. Nothing is being withheld or hidden. This situation is difficult, and it's complex, and it's evolving. We're taking it one day at a time, and you have our commitment to keep you a prize of the information we can share when we can share it. That started with the message from the superintendent on the third,

[1:15:28] which is right after we found out about it because we felt an obligation to share what we do at that time.

[1:15:36] But above all, I want to assure you that our students remain at the very center of everything that we do.

[1:15:42] And with that, our most important responsibility is to make thoughtful evidence-based decisions granted and verified data.

[1:15:49] We hold this commitment on behalf of our 1600-plus students, our 400-plus employees, including many of you in the room tonight,

[1:15:56] and approximately 7,300 households across our district.

[1:16:00] As we move forward from this point, I promise you,

[1:16:03] we will ensure the district conducts a thorough

[1:16:06] and independent review and ensure that the board receives

[1:16:09] accurate and timely information from that process.

[1:16:12] But it is important that this process be comprehensive.

[1:16:16] And furthermore, it is equally important that we not

[1:16:18] reach conclusions before that work is complete.

[1:16:21] Appropriate action, whatever that looks like

[1:16:24] will be taken based on facts. Collaborative leadership is how we've always

[1:16:29] operated at Iqabat Crane, and that strong partnership is guiding our approach

[1:16:33] right now. We have an incredible team working together to make the best out of

[1:16:37] the difficult situation, and I just want to take a moment to thank my fellow board

[1:16:40] members for your time over the last several weeks. We spend them in

[1:16:45] order and amount of time in moments of crisis that many folks don't realize, and

[1:16:48] you all have put vacation to the side and can be time to side, and I want to

[1:16:52] Thank you for that, and I want to thank our leadership team to my left and others who

[1:16:57] aren't here that the superintendent will speak to for their work so far.

[1:17:01] To the public, we appreciate your patience and support that this work continues.

[1:17:06] We know that patience must be matched by transparency and action.

[1:17:11] Again, we aren't committed to keeping the entire Ichabai trained community informed with timely

[1:17:16] accurate updates via our website, mask communication channels, local media, and as sad as it is,

[1:17:24] those of us at the table as many meetings as it's going to take to get us through this.

[1:17:29] We're committed to that.

[1:17:31] In closing, I just want to make a personal reflection and ask you to remember that the individuals

[1:17:38] at this table are also members of this community.

[1:17:42] They're parents, they're taxpayers, some of them are even graduates of this school.

[1:17:49] And all of that means that to a person we take this work seriously and what happens next

[1:17:54] is as important to each of us as it is to all of you.

[1:17:59] I mean that.

[1:18:00] And we're wearing this together.

[1:18:01] So I just ask you for your patience and understanding as we move through this and with

[1:18:07] that, thank you for letting you share those comments on behalf of the board.

[1:18:11] I'm going to turn it over to the superintendent for part of the agenda.

[1:18:15] Thank you, Matthew.

[1:18:16] Good evening, everyone.

[1:18:18] I'm going to start with a couple of routine matters before we get into our budget and finance

[1:18:22] updates.

[1:18:23] So first and foremost, summer school is lying down in our offices and non-constructional staff

[1:18:29] and leadership team is busy preparing for September.

[1:18:34] One conversation that will carry over from the 25-26th school year into next school year is the conversation around I-Ready and Screen Time.

[1:18:44] So our standing technology committee will convene this fall and I-Ready and Screen Time will be an agenda item this year.

[1:18:52] We'll be reviewing the software that we have in place to make sure that we have the most accurate data collection method with input from teachers

[1:19:02] with discussed I Ready and other screen time topics with their students and their families

[1:19:08] working with the Technology Committee to establish a kind frame for the study

[1:19:13] and to develop the appropriate criteria to evaluate both the quantity and the quality of screen time.

[1:19:21] This fall for the third year in a row, I Ready has been adjusted based on the needs of students and teachers.

[1:19:27] will be sunsetting the eye-ready my path daily independent practice in grades 4 through 6 based on this feedback.

[1:19:36] This kind of reflection and adjustment is an annual discussion and adjustments have been made each year since implementation.

[1:19:45] This is also a standing agenda item on the writer pathway and as always will inform the data that we use to set writer targets.

[1:19:53] Students and teacher voices already playing a role in this conversation, as I mentioned

[1:19:58] before, and Mr. Tritians and Matt were the student last year to hear their thoughts.

[1:20:03] We have a responsibility to do this research carefully and accurately so that we can make

[1:20:07] recommendations and decisions that are in the best interest for teaching and learning,

[1:20:12] being thoughtful about making unverified assumptions and using what we know about instructional

[1:20:18] technology to evaluate our usage to determine how well our instructional technology fosters

[1:20:24] creativity and interactivity with students and among students and amplifies and transforms

[1:20:31] teaching in ways that enhance learning for students. So all that to say, more to come, and you

[1:20:37] look forward to engaging with our parents who have brought this for attention and our teachers,

[1:20:41] students and community members.

[1:20:50] Also this evening I'd like to welcome

[1:20:51] The Civil Howard, our temporary interim chief financial office and will transition out and provide an update on budget and finance.

[1:20:59] On August 3rd, we shared an important update regarding our district's financial condition and the proactive steps that we're taking to address it.

[1:21:09] During our week team year end of year review of the 2526 school year,

[1:21:15] We identified an operating deficit for the 25th, 26th year marking our second consecutive year facing a shortfall.

[1:21:24] In response, the district engaged an independent team of external professionals to conduct a comprehensive review of our finances and the assumptions supporting the 26th, 27 budget.

[1:21:37] This group includes the state aid planning office from Quest R3 and others.

[1:21:44] That review has begun, and once it's complete, we will share the full findings and next steps publicly at a Board of Education Meeting.

[1:21:53] What we know today is the following.

[1:21:56] In the last six weeks, and during the course of routine year and closeout,

[1:22:01] We discovered most unfortunately that the data we used to build the 2627 budget was inaccurate under budgeted based on actually need misleading and does not reflect the true financial status of the district.

[1:22:19] We have also learned that information presented regarding the 2425 and 2526 deficits was also

[1:22:30] inaccurate misleading and did not reflect the true financial status of the district.

[1:22:38] This inaccurate data has led to a significant deficit which we are still calculating.

[1:22:45] this is a process and we must go through this review carefully. Going back in

[1:22:52] time to 2425, the district overspent the appropriated budget by approximately

[1:22:58] $900,000. District leadership and the board developed a plan to close that gap

[1:23:05] with reserves. Additionally, to ensure accountability that this wouldn't happen

[1:23:12] Again, mechanisms and controls to track spending were put in place for the 2526 school year.

[1:23:20] This included an additional budget and finance to the meeting in September, audit results

[1:23:26] in October that describe the district in good standing and a positive year of budget performance.

[1:23:33] On November spending, tracking report,

[1:23:38] a January 30 order to stop spending, which was implemented,

[1:23:41] and milestone reports and updates to myself,

[1:23:46] our Budget and Finance Committee, and the Board of Education.

[1:23:51] Immediately upon learning about the 25-26 operating deficit,

[1:23:56] actions were taken to stabilize the district's fiscal situation.

[1:24:01] We assembled an independent team, including the New York State Education Department,

[1:24:07] the Quest R3 fiscal team, Quest R3 senior leadership,

[1:24:11] that in our emergency interim chief financial officer,

[1:24:15] civil Howard, this team has been assessing

[1:24:19] and acting to stabilize all business office functions

[1:24:23] as they conduct this preliminary review.

[1:24:26] This review is evaluating the district finances,

[1:24:31] the factors that contributed to the operating deficits,

[1:24:34] and making recommendations both immediate and long term

[1:24:38] to restore fiscal stability.

[1:24:41] Mrs. Howard brings an extensive school finance experience,

[1:24:46] having previously served as school business official

[1:24:49] in Topon Hills, North Colony, Cooksdochee,

[1:24:52] and Central School District.

[1:24:54] She'll oversee the management of the fiscal crisis

[1:24:57] and the district's operations at this time.

[1:25:02] All of these people, the independent review team,

[1:25:04] and this is Howard, the district's leadership team and the Board of Education have come together

[1:25:11] to build a safety map for Ikebide Crane and determine exactly what happened

[1:25:16] and to secure a sound financial future for the district.

[1:25:22] Most immediate next steps include an RFP for an independent external forensic audit

[1:25:31] Accessing the systems and functions in the business office to ensure that the appropriate

[1:25:35] leadership is in place to manage both the fiscal crisis work, as well as the routine

[1:25:41] day-to-day business operations.

[1:25:45] Accessing all borrowing, past and future with our fiscal advisors and bond council.

[1:25:51] And just this afternoon, we met with the New York State Education Department's commissioners

[1:25:56] office to explore support available from New York State. Working on this

[1:26:02] together with the New York State Education Department with people who can

[1:26:06] help ensure that we are exploring all possible solutions.

[1:26:13] Regarding

[1:26:13] communications moving forward our goal is to ensure that everyone knows where to

[1:26:18] find accurate timely information. We will consistently use three official channels

[1:26:25] to keep our staff families and community informed, our district website where you can find posts

[1:26:31] on the homepage and the budget webpage, parent-square, emails to families, staff, and key community

[1:26:39] partners using our mass communication system, and the local media, press releases, etc.

[1:26:47] If you missed the initial message you can read the full letter to the community on our website

[1:26:51] a homepage and budget webpage.

[1:26:54] As Matthew just said, please know that we share your concerns

[1:26:59] and we are deeply committed to navigating this challenge

[1:27:02] with transparency and care.

[1:27:06] While there will be moments when we cannot immediately

[1:27:08] share every detail, we are dedicated to providing timely,

[1:27:12] accurate updates as reliable information becomes available.

[1:27:17] Our priority is to make thoughtful, transparent decisions that serve our students and support

[1:27:24] the long-term strength of our district.

[1:27:28] We anticipate that difficult decisions must be made and these decisions will be informed

[1:27:34] as always by our instructional program vision, our wider goals, and targets.

[1:27:40] And above all, we are looking forward to welcoming our students and staff back to Iqabat

[1:27:46] Crane in a few short weeks, seeing our classrooms and hallways filled with energy, and learning

[1:27:53] is why we are all here.

[1:27:56] If you have questions, please refer to these three sources.

[1:28:00] The website, parent-square, for the most update information, and as always, you may at any

[1:28:06] time reach out to my office with questions. I'm going to hand the floor over to Mrs. Howard

[1:28:14] who is going to provide a visit. Good evening everyone. My comments will reflect some

[1:28:21] preliminary information that our team on this very thoughtful board has been able to

[1:28:28] accumulate in a very short time period. Some of the patterns that we have discovered include

[1:28:35] the financial software the district uses to track budget data did not contain the accurate

[1:28:41] budget figures from the voter approved budget. For example, many expenses are under budgeted

[1:28:48] compared to actual need or historical values. Revenues were overestimated or misfated.

[1:28:56] For example, the overestimated investment interest that the district would have received

[1:29:01] this year. In particular, in the areas of debt service, money that the district uses

[1:29:09] to pay for bus leases in the terms of bond anticipation notes. We're not budgeted in

[1:29:17] 23, 24, and the amount of $285,245, and in 24, 25, and the amount of $456,000, $456,000,

[1:29:30] $346, excuse me, and are not budgeted in $26.20. Other long-term debt and debt service

[1:29:39] was budgeted in $23.24, but not in $24.25 in the amount of $380,632, but is budgeted

[1:29:50] in $26.27 in the amount of $380,000. We will need a complete rebuild of the $26.27 budget

[1:30:08] We will conduct a comprehensive, independent, external forensic audit, and I can say that I do feel the Board of Education and Superintendent put good safeguards in place to monitor information throughout the 25-26 budget process and the building of the 26 budget.

[1:30:29] 27th budget, but the information that was shared was not accurate and backup detail was

[1:30:37] not always present.

[1:30:41] While all of this work is happening, we are working very hard with members of the

[1:30:46] business office to continue operations and be able to open school in September.

[1:30:54] That includes the 4th approval of the tax warrant that is on the agenda for consideration

[1:31:00] under 70 tonight. There are three main components to calculate the tax rate, the tax levy is set

[1:31:09] by the school district and was voted on by the voters in May of 2026 and included a 2.71 percent

[1:31:17] increase which was within the allowable tax tax levy set by the state. Assessment values are set

[1:31:26] by each town, and equalization rates are set by the state.

[1:31:31] So the warrant for the ICPA by the Central School District has been reviewed and approved

[1:31:35] by the Columbia County Office of Real Property, and I would like to thank Mindy Pots for

[1:31:40] her partnership and this process over the last week or so.

[1:31:44] And at this point, we do not know any significant changes to any specific town compared to prior

[1:31:51] years.

[1:31:52] In terms of the timeline for the payment of taxes, once the levy is approved tonight,

[1:31:58] for me, time will proceed to prepare tax bills, and then we will proceed to mail it out.

[1:32:04] And it is the district's intention to get them out earlier this year.

[1:32:08] We are truly for the end of next week so that they can be received by community members

[1:32:15] as soon as possible.

[1:32:16] Collection will begin on Tuesday, September 1st, and continue through Wednesday, September

[1:32:22] 30th with no penalty.

[1:32:24] The 2% penalty period will begin Thursday, October 1st, and we'll end with collection

[1:32:31] on Monday, November 2nd, at which time we will turn over an uncollected taxes to £2.99.

[1:32:37] Plummy runs rear-county.

[1:32:39] Taxpayers can pay via US Postal Service online with an e-check or credit card.

[1:32:46] where there are additional fees for that type of payment.

[1:32:49] And the only place to pay in person is at the volatio branch

[1:32:53] of the Bank of Green County during their regular business hours.

[1:32:56] There is no payment in person at the district.

[1:33:01] The last piece of information to share is the district would like

[1:33:05] to thank Thomas Hust Services for the generous donation

[1:33:08] of 10 back facts with school supplies for students

[1:33:13] for the community.

[1:33:14] Thank you, thank you.

[1:33:19] Okay. Thank you both. With that, we're going to move to the public comment section of

[1:33:28] the agenda previously approved as part of our president, Denda. So with that public

[1:33:33] comment, members of the public may address the board on school related matters, other than

[1:33:38] matters involving personnel. Under state and federal privacy laws, we are unable to entertain

[1:33:43] any comments about school personnel. We take personnel concerns very seriously.

[1:33:47] And on these matters, we ask that you vote for the appropriate administrative families.

[1:33:51] Thank you.

[1:33:52] The public comment theory does not design to be a discussion and in general the board

[1:33:56] does not respond during the public comment theory.

[1:33:58] We put your comments seriously and want to have sufficient time to process and research

[1:34:03] issues that need you.

[1:34:04] We will, however, respond to your questions and concerns at a future meeting or have the

[1:34:09] proper staff member get asked to you at the appropriate time.

[1:34:12] In keeping with the IKBAI Frame Central School District Commission, we want our school board

[1:34:16] meetings to serve as an example of civil discourse and useful respect.

[1:34:20] We ask that speakers address their comments to the board directly rather than the audience.

[1:34:24] The board at any time can recess or end the meeting as deemed necessary.

[1:34:29] Finally, I want to remind everyone that you may submit written comments to the board in

[1:34:33] lieu of speaking during the public comment period if you so choose.

[1:34:37] The board will now entertain public comment for up to 30 minutes and each individual speaker

[1:34:42] will be allowed up to two minutes.

[1:34:44] There are a couple of folks who signed up to see things, we'll begin with that first individual Regina Rose to talk about finance.

[1:34:53] Regina?

[1:35:05] I believe some of my remarks have changed a little bit based on what we think has just heard.

[1:35:14] But I'm going to continue with what I plan to say because it's about the spending over the years that I've been aware of.

[1:35:25] And it might not be directly related to what has been going on in the business office,

[1:35:32] and I have to turn that surprise, but he does it now.

[1:35:39] I am here to accuse the Board of Education for its failure to be disdainfully responsible.

[1:35:45] I believe I understand the responsibilities of the school board,

[1:35:49] and I believe this board, and specifically its leadership, has failed the school district.

[1:35:54] Several years ago, after eleven years on school board, I resigned out of frustration over the spending being promoted by the board leadership.

[1:36:04] The board had ignored the advice of then-superhanded Daniel during the last capital project and overruled his advice by almost ten million dollars.

[1:36:14] A so-called wish list, which it was called when we opened up the discussion, turned into

[1:36:22] an ask annual reciepless.

[1:36:25] I voted no.

[1:36:26] When the board had to approve that project, he put out, I voted no.

[1:36:31] Later, when I believed to be an extravagant salary, it was being given to a new administrator,

[1:36:36] I've tried to get by about $45.50 dollars, which builds every year, it's not a one-shot thing.

[1:36:45] This is permanent over the years and it's been an expensive thing.

[1:36:52] But my opposition was to no avail.

[1:36:55] I believe that was the beginning of more I could spend in under the sports leadership.

[1:36:59] My amazement, this card for under the same leadership, again proposed an expensive capital project with 231 million dollars.

[1:37:11] This was done in the district unknown to the voters within financial distress.

[1:37:16] We understand that.

[1:37:18] That's your two minutes.

[1:37:20] So if you have something submitted that you can read with us.

[1:37:23] I'll finish up the last paragraph.

[1:37:25] Thank you.

[1:37:27] I'll leave that up on to stuff.

[1:37:29] But there need to be changes at every level.

[1:37:32] And I believe this includes support leadership.

[1:37:34] It is time for change, not more the same.

[1:37:37] I'm calling for the dissolution of the finance committee.

[1:37:40] And for all future discussions of finances and capital projects

[1:37:44] to be in front of the full board at regular public full board meetings.

[1:37:50] I am asking for full disclosure and open discussions to replace small group many meetings

[1:37:56] at eye times in small rooms with the superintendent.

[1:38:00] This board has been a disappointing to many of us who expected healthy discussions at regular board meetings

[1:38:07] and in all sincerity that I am calling for your resignation as president of the school group.

[1:38:16] All right, the next individual is signed up with John Willery, regarding IMFF.

[1:38:25] Good evening.

[1:38:26] My name is John Willery and I'm the president of the IMFF and teachers association.

[1:38:31] Well, I have many questions and concerns regarding the district's financial health.

[1:38:36] I'm going to focus on one specific aspect of our budget for now.

[1:38:41] But that to specifically address the number of individual consulting contracts that are

[1:38:46] Superintendent and Board of Education had negotiated and nearly attached to

[1:38:51] board consent agendas to approve with no discussion at an incredibly high cost

[1:38:57] to our taxpayers. Already voted on and approved is a contract for a net

[1:39:03] criminal with a rate of salary rate range of $85 to $200 per hour. Do the math. A

[1:39:11] A seven-hour work day, this consultant will be paid $1,400 per day.

[1:39:17] She's hired to consult on teacher leadership, also approved in the contract for Sara Coffee

[1:39:25] at a rate of $900 a day for E&L professional development.

[1:39:31] Also approved as a contractor, Deborah Burke, former Interim Principal at the Primary School.

[1:39:36] She's been approved that an hourly rate of $100 an hour, again, doing the math at $700

[1:39:42] a day, to mentor the primary school principal, who is a seasoned administrator, who is hired

[1:39:48] at step 12.

[1:39:50] Finally, and most concerning is a contract that you will be voting on to none for a civil

[1:39:57] dollar at a rate of a thousand dollars a day that is absurd. You have to realize

[1:40:03] how ridiculous it looks to acknowledge that the district is in what appears to be

[1:40:10] significant financial trouble. And then what are the taxpayers with disgustingly

[1:40:16] lucrative contracts? I am asking you to go back and look at the termination clauses

[1:40:23] of the first three individuals that I mean. As a type of services they vendor are

[1:40:28] accessible to our bolsters closer. In addition, and most critical, is you must

[1:40:35] vote no to money on proving this outrageous terms and this is how it proposes the group.

[1:40:56] Signed up as Audrey Kilmings, please sign up some thoughts.

[1:41:06] I have a couple of things I just want to kind of address some of what I wanted to talk about, what's the drafts already in the statement? So thank you for bringing all this to our attention. We appreciate that, and I'm sure everyone here does as well.

[1:41:22] That means that I am quite appalled that $52 million, which is a budget this year almost,

[1:41:28] is not enough to educate 1700 students, just seems outrageous to me.

[1:41:34] I would like to know, I did hear you say that, sorry, I can't pronounce you, but I did hear you say that you're still

[1:41:51] do we have that figure?

[1:41:54] And has this Board of Education been receiving financial

[1:41:58] updates for the last two years and does this comply with reporting procedures?

[1:42:03] I would also like to know if that hasn't been followed, what corrected action

[1:42:08] and accountability measures have been taken? I heard Ms. Howard talk about how the

[1:42:14] financial cost wear is getting the wrong information. It doesn't have the right

[1:42:19] data. Who's putting that data in? It's coming from somewhere. And what's the accountability there as well?

[1:42:30] Upon my other notes, actually, for these guys who are speaking, you are taking actions to stabilize.

[1:42:38] I'm wondering, you're meeting with a bunch of people that you're taking to get together,

[1:42:43] whether it's New York State or both of these, etc. Have these people been involved in reporting data

[1:42:49] in the last couple of years and the people that you've been working with that may be contributed

[1:42:57] into the problem or as a scratcher.

[1:42:59] I feel like we need a scratcher because that helps.

[1:43:05] I think that's what we've got here.

[1:43:07] That's my two minutes, I'm almost done.

[1:43:09] I'd like to know if the scope of the order is, is it only the past year or two or is this going

[1:43:14] back how many years?

[1:43:16] will this information be made available on this one? Will the report and

[1:43:22] functionality be brought to us? Can we use the entire report as taxpayers and

[1:43:28] parents? And how is the recommendation to be followed and be followed to you? Is that

[1:43:34] something everybody should be able to vote on? What is the timeline for the review?

[1:43:41] I heard

[1:43:45] What does that mean? I'd like some specifics.

[1:43:49] What if any assumptions in the 2026 and 2027 budget

[1:43:54] are being re-evaluated at this time? I heard someone say,

[1:43:58] I hope we can open the district as clean as September.

[1:44:01] So I'm wondering what that means exactly.

[1:44:05] And then what are the immediate effects of the children and the faculty

[1:44:10] and what would be immediate financial control

[1:44:13] All those other employees right now.

[1:44:16] Thank you.

[1:44:17] Thank you.

[1:44:24] Complete the list of individuals that have signed up for public comments.

[1:44:28] So we will conclude public comments and move on to our consent agenda.

[1:44:34] I have seven on the printed page, and as it was not revised, and with everything from

[1:44:39] item seven a through, and it's item eight a, an emotion to accept a consent agenda, please.

[1:44:51] We're going to take a roll call vote on our consent agenda this evening, and we'll just

[1:44:56] go around the table and start on my left and work our way across.

[1:45:05] All right.

[1:45:08] All right. The consent agenda is about unanimously, 80-year-old.

[1:45:22] And then we're going to discuss an action which we have nothing on. Public comment on agenda item since we just included public comment after the agenda. We're going to ask.

[1:45:35] includes the public comment section as completed and go on to updates regarding meetings.

[1:45:42] Meetings upcoming include and this is subject to change obviously as we go through the

[1:45:47] next couple of weeks, but currently what we have scheduled is the following.

[1:45:51] Tuesday, September 1st, 745-815, the superintendent conference is scheduled to welcome staff back.

[1:45:59] September 8th is the first day of classes. September 15th is our next regular board meeting at 7 o'clock here in the high school library.

[1:46:07] Again, that is subject to change.

[1:46:09] That is anything we do have clients to welcome and celebrate new teachers and new attend your teachers with a reception at 630 which you all welcome to join us for.

[1:46:19] And then into October for an accurate board meeting schedule for October 7th as a reminder

[1:46:25] to board members each year of the standing practice we do a district tour of district facilities

[1:46:31] that will happen at 6 o'clock when we get the high school main entrance and then take the bus

[1:46:36] to each building and as has been the practice that's open to the public, folks are welcome to join

[1:46:42] us for that.

[1:46:43] Committee meetings that have been scheduled so far include the academic committee meeting September 15th

[1:46:49] We sent to office at 515, budget and finance committee on September 22nd at 545, audit committee on September 29th in the central office at 545.

[1:47:01] Am I missing anything on that?

[1:47:03] All right, thank you again for being here this evening for the comments and questions.

[1:47:12] We'll follow up on those, especially with some of your questions offered for sure.

[1:47:16] And again, thank you all for being here.

[1:47:19] We'll continue to give you a prize that's going to move forward in the coming days.

[1:47:23] With that, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

[1:47:26] A move from Kelly.

[1:47:27] Second from Elizabeth.

[1:47:28] All in favor?

[1:47:30] All right.

[1:47:30] We're adjourned at 8.49pm.

[1:47:32] Thank you.

Regular August Meeting

Transcript