1 00:00:15,420 --> 00:00:17,420 All right. All right. 2 00:00:19,750 --> 00:00:29,450 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 3 00:00:29,450 --> 00:00:32,250 if you'd like to create a central school district. I'm going to open our meeting and call 4 00:00:32,250 --> 00:00:37,970 to the order at 7.02 p.m. Fire exits are through the doors here and around or through 5 00:00:37,970 --> 00:00:42,970 the library entrance out the main entrance of the building. Please stand for the President's 6 00:00:45,670 --> 00:00:49,230 Congratulations to the United States of America. 7 00:00:49,830 --> 00:00:51,930 And I'm sure you're well-liked for which it stands. 8 00:00:52,390 --> 00:00:55,290 One nation, one of God, into this boat. 9 00:00:55,610 --> 00:00:57,370 The liberty and justice for all. 10 00:00:59,570 --> 00:01:00,190 Thank you. 11 00:01:01,050 --> 00:01:02,990 Thank you, Madam Chair. 12 00:01:03,090 --> 00:01:03,810 We are mission statement. 13 00:01:08,300 --> 00:01:09,060 Think about it. 14 00:01:09,060 --> 00:01:11,880 Crane Center School District is dedicated to preparing students 15 00:01:11,880 --> 00:01:14,880 to become contributing members of society and ever-changing 16 00:01:14,880 --> 00:01:19,060 the world of bi-value and diversity, providing safe environment, and providing unique talents, 17 00:01:19,520 --> 00:01:23,560 a desire for lifelong learning, a strong spirit of community and writer for us. 18 00:01:24,440 --> 00:01:24,540 Great. 19 00:01:24,880 --> 00:01:25,200 Thank you, Kevin. 20 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:26,560 All right. 21 00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:28,100 We're going to move on to item two on our agenda. 22 00:01:28,960 --> 00:01:31,020 A couple of how to keep in things before we do that. 23 00:01:31,180 --> 00:01:35,320 First of all, for those of you that are in the room, we have microphones in the ceiling that 24 00:01:35,320 --> 00:01:37,520 take us up for the video recording and broadcast. 25 00:01:37,840 --> 00:01:41,260 We don't otherwise have microphones, nor is there one at the podium. 26 00:01:41,260 --> 00:01:45,620 So, we'll talk as loud as we can, so everybody in the back can hear, and we ask when you 27 00:01:45,620 --> 00:01:48,700 come to the podium if you choose to do so tonight that you do the same. 28 00:01:50,200 --> 00:01:55,400 With that, the first item on our agenda is the approval of the President's agenda. 29 00:01:55,980 --> 00:01:58,600 I'm going to make a motion to approve the agenda with some modifications. 30 00:01:59,580 --> 00:02:06,060 First of all, we have as item 2B on the agenda executive session, and then make a change 31 00:02:06,060 --> 00:02:11,860 or recommendation to change that to be held after presentations and hearings so that 32 00:02:11,860 --> 00:02:15,060 will effectively become item 4 on our agenda this evening. 33 00:02:15,580 --> 00:02:21,760 We do have our code of conduct hearing and the school-adjuster safety plan, so we'll get 34 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:25,440 through those two business items before we adjourn to the executive session. 35 00:02:26,480 --> 00:02:33,120 So that's item change number 1, so item 2 will become 2A and 2B, present agenda and minutes. 36 00:02:34,220 --> 00:02:40,460 We'll do three, we'll do four, and then on the print of the agenda you have public comments as item four. 37 00:02:41,040 --> 00:02:50,280 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. 38 00:02:51,040 --> 00:02:52,800 And here's why I'm making that recommendation. 39 00:02:53,140 --> 00:02:56,920 First of all, I want to say thank you to those of you that are here and that's a genuine thank you. 40 00:02:57,360 --> 00:02:59,900 I've been on this board 11 years this year. 41 00:03:00,340 --> 00:03:04,800 I think I can count maybe the five meetings during the pandemic that we had more than four 42 00:03:04,800 --> 00:03:06,200 people show up for a call of meeting. 43 00:03:06,960 --> 00:03:11,420 So this is your board, this is your school district, and we are grateful that you are here 44 00:03:11,420 --> 00:03:15,040 whether you believe that or not, but I think that's appropriate when I say that. 45 00:03:15,260 --> 00:03:16,560 So thank you for being here. 46 00:03:17,620 --> 00:03:22,460 We like you, have questions, and we like you want answers. 47 00:03:23,040 --> 00:03:27,780 And tonight we will talk about a lot of the things that we are able to talk about tonight 48 00:03:27,780 --> 00:03:34,400 to give you information and to answer questions that we all have, but we think moving public 49 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:39,180 comment for those of you that are here to speak on the financial crisis that we've shared 50 00:03:39,180 --> 00:03:44,600 with you will be more prudent if you hear from us first rather than before because there's 51 00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:49,520 a lot of lots of details in the information that has been shared today. 52 00:03:50,240 --> 00:03:56,900 So that's my suggested change that's anybody on the board that any concern or question about 53 00:03:56,900 --> 00:03:57,900 Let's recommend the changes. 54 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:02,520 If not, and with no change, I'm going to contact you with that. 55 00:04:02,780 --> 00:04:06,320 We will go ahead and make a motion to approve the agenda as amended. 56 00:04:07,180 --> 00:04:08,560 I have a second for that motion. 57 00:04:08,720 --> 00:04:08,860 Please. 58 00:04:09,140 --> 00:04:09,780 Second from Sally. 59 00:04:10,260 --> 00:04:10,820 Any discussion? 60 00:04:12,040 --> 00:04:12,240 All right. 61 00:04:12,440 --> 00:04:13,540 Let's go ahead and vote on favor. 62 00:04:14,680 --> 00:04:14,960 Okay. 63 00:04:15,080 --> 00:04:15,320 Thank you. 64 00:04:17,000 --> 00:04:19,140 Second item is now item 2B. 65 00:04:19,380 --> 00:04:19,720 The minutes. 66 00:04:20,400 --> 00:04:23,200 Motion to approve the minutes of the July 14th, 2025. 67 00:04:23,600 --> 00:04:24,960 Organizational and regular meeting. 68 00:04:24,960 --> 00:04:31,260 and the July 21st Workshop meeting, draft minutes where included with the agenda in advance 69 00:04:31,260 --> 00:04:35,740 for board members review may have a motion please do accept a minute, Cal and second 70 00:04:35,740 --> 00:04:37,720 to compress any discussion. 71 00:04:39,380 --> 00:04:45,940 Here's a normal take-a-bought on-favorite, that motion carries and we are a voting group of eight 72 00:04:45,940 --> 00:04:50,920 tonight as and it's unable to join us, so motion carries eight to zero. 73 00:04:51,620 --> 00:04:55,520 With that, we'll move on to item 3 on our agenda, which is presentations and hearings. 74 00:04:55,820 --> 00:04:58,540 The first item is the hearing on our code of conduct. 75 00:04:59,020 --> 00:05:01,480 The draft policy was provided in advance. 76 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:05,640 We will note that there were, I think, no changes. 77 00:05:05,880 --> 00:05:07,100 No changes except the date. 78 00:05:08,060 --> 00:05:10,420 But everything else has rolled over from last year to next. 79 00:05:10,880 --> 00:05:11,020 Okay. 80 00:05:11,840 --> 00:05:16,400 But despite any actual change, we've used to have to conduct the hearing. 81 00:05:16,400 --> 00:05:21,460 So I will open the hearing at 7.07 p.m. and I will ask for a presentation from 82 00:05:21,460 --> 00:05:21,800 you. 83 00:05:23,100 --> 00:05:29,300 So presentation of brief this evening, the Code of Conduct has no recommended changes 84 00:05:29,300 --> 00:05:36,020 from last year to next and we continue to monitor the most significant change that was 85 00:05:36,020 --> 00:05:41,760 made last year, which is the implementation of our cell phone policy and the summary of 86 00:05:41,760 --> 00:05:44,820 that data will be available on our policy page 87 00:05:45,580 --> 00:05:47,000 in the next week or so. 88 00:05:47,460 --> 00:05:48,940 So, no updates to the code. 89 00:05:49,360 --> 00:05:51,220 The code is working as it needs to, 90 00:05:51,380 --> 00:05:53,980 as a tool for teaching and learning and accountability 91 00:05:54,460 --> 00:05:56,360 for all folks who are here on campus. 92 00:05:56,800 --> 00:05:58,620 So, very completed. 93 00:05:59,180 --> 00:06:00,500 Well, presentation. 94 00:06:00,700 --> 00:06:02,100 Presentation completed, thank you. 95 00:06:02,140 --> 00:06:05,700 Public comments or questions on the code of conduct. 96 00:06:06,480 --> 00:06:11,290 There are seeming any board comments or questions 97 00:06:11,290 --> 00:06:13,150 on the code of conduct. 98 00:06:13,950 --> 00:06:15,030 All right, seeing that. 99 00:06:15,350 --> 00:06:15,510 All right. 100 00:06:15,650 --> 00:06:18,010 With that, at 7018, we will pose the hearing. 101 00:06:19,830 --> 00:06:23,810 And note that the code of conduct 102 00:06:23,810 --> 00:06:26,890 is on the consent agenda for consideration for adoption, 103 00:06:27,230 --> 00:06:30,290 which is the consent of the code of conduct at 7018. 104 00:06:31,470 --> 00:06:32,050 All right. 105 00:06:32,270 --> 00:06:35,250 Next up is a 3D-architecture-wide safety plan, 106 00:06:35,410 --> 00:06:36,730 and with that, I'm going to turn it over 107 00:06:36,730 --> 00:06:38,230 to the two different centers to make some introductions, 108 00:06:40,010 --> 00:06:54,230 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. 109 00:06:54,230 --> 00:07:00,150 Good evening everyone. As a quick intro we'll talk about the safe schools against violence 110 00:07:00,150 --> 00:07:06,190 and education legislation. And so this passed back in 2000 and it's received almost 111 00:07:06,530 --> 00:07:14,770 a year so we get updates whether it's new updates or update revisions. And this is 112 00:07:14,770 --> 00:07:20,850 where all the safety security legislation requirements come from. So when you think 113 00:07:20,850 --> 00:07:23,930 I think why do I have to do these egg evacuation drills? 114 00:07:24,330 --> 00:07:26,750 It all comes back to the slave legislation, right? 115 00:07:29,050 --> 00:07:31,270 So a couple of the recent updates we had 116 00:07:31,270 --> 00:07:35,230 was the requirement of the trauma informed drills 117 00:07:35,890 --> 00:07:37,670 as well as dishes law, right, 118 00:07:37,830 --> 00:07:39,810 with which is like cardiac emergency response training. 119 00:07:41,170 --> 00:07:44,670 Two of the big requirements for the state legislation 120 00:07:44,670 --> 00:07:47,330 are your district bar school safety plan 121 00:07:47,330 --> 00:07:49,430 and your billy-well emergency response plans. 122 00:07:49,430 --> 00:07:57,990 The district-wide plan is a broad, comprehensive, overarching plan that covers, like, your district 123 00:07:57,990 --> 00:08:00,070 policies when it comes to safety. 124 00:08:01,870 --> 00:08:07,130 This is a public-facing document that is going to be available on the district-website 125 00:08:07,130 --> 00:08:07,750 at all times. 126 00:08:08,910 --> 00:08:13,410 The building of the emergency response plans are much more detailed, much more comprehensive. 127 00:08:14,130 --> 00:08:19,050 The way I like to explain it is that the district-wide plan will say that in the event of 128 00:08:19,050 --> 00:08:23,490 an act of assailant or a threat in and threat, the schools will use lockdown. 129 00:08:24,110 --> 00:08:27,730 So, to build up our emergency response plans, we'll go into detail about how 130 00:08:27,730 --> 00:08:37,590 each school actually locks down, right? So, this year there's not too many changes or required updates for the district-wide plan. 131 00:08:38,170 --> 00:08:46,290 Just really administrative. We made updates to the district-wide school safety team and updated the administrative contact information. 132 00:08:47,250 --> 00:08:52,510 We removed the safety policies from the appendix and added a link to the policy manual 133 00:08:52,510 --> 00:08:54,250 that is on the district website. 134 00:08:54,850 --> 00:08:58,770 And the idea behind that was, that way in case a policy gets updated, we don't have 135 00:08:58,770 --> 00:09:01,570 it living in two places where we have to update, right? 136 00:09:02,850 --> 00:09:05,910 And then we updated the list of relevant safety policies as well. 137 00:09:06,690 --> 00:09:12,010 We updated program initiatives at the schools using to make sure students feel safe and 138 00:09:12,010 --> 00:09:12,950 in a welcome environment. 139 00:09:13,590 --> 00:09:20,030 We moved, this is law last year was a mid year amendment right now we moved it up into 140 00:09:20,030 --> 00:09:24,550 prevention and intervention and that the, this is law is the cardiac emergency response 141 00:09:24,550 --> 00:09:30,070 plan that was added so now the, each school and the school building has a cardiac emergency 142 00:09:30,070 --> 00:09:34,350 response plan, AD locations, CPR training, all that stuff. 143 00:09:35,350 --> 00:09:40,150 We updated the training command and it's in command structure and for the appendix is like 144 00:09:40,150 --> 00:09:47,910 Like I said, we removed the safety policies that were in the appendix and now linked to the policy manual. 145 00:09:48,090 --> 00:09:49,090 What's on the district website? 146 00:09:50,390 --> 00:09:55,810 Will there be questions for me about safe legislation requirements or the district wide or building level plans? 147 00:10:01,550 --> 00:10:01,910 Thank you. 148 00:10:03,430 --> 00:10:04,210 Thank you. 149 00:10:07,570 --> 00:10:08,170 Okay. 150 00:10:08,670 --> 00:10:12,070 In a similar style, we're no questions from the board. 151 00:10:12,070 --> 00:10:16,210 or some of the public that there were any were allowable. 152 00:10:16,630 --> 00:10:18,570 So I'll just do a check any questions for Phil 153 00:10:18,570 --> 00:10:21,230 from any member of the public on the safety plan. 154 00:10:22,670 --> 00:10:23,270 Okay, very good. 155 00:10:23,930 --> 00:10:26,450 All right, as we noted in our prior item, 156 00:10:26,690 --> 00:10:29,450 this is on the consent agenda for adoption of the district 157 00:10:29,450 --> 00:10:32,550 like safety plan under consent of agenda item 7J. 158 00:10:34,150 --> 00:10:36,350 All right, as amended previously, 159 00:10:36,710 --> 00:10:38,390 we'll now move item 4 on our agenda, 160 00:10:38,570 --> 00:10:39,850 which is an executive session. 161 00:10:39,850 --> 00:10:44,230 A Board of Education may meet an executive session under certain circumstances upon a 162 00:10:44,230 --> 00:10:48,090 majority vote of the total membership to discuss matters related to collective bargaining, 163 00:10:48,570 --> 00:10:53,410 negotiations, post-mill matters, proposed pending or current litigation, real property, public 164 00:10:53,410 --> 00:10:57,190 safety, certain aspects related to law enforcement or the preparation, grading, or administration 165 00:10:57,190 --> 00:10:58,250 of examinations. 166 00:10:59,010 --> 00:11:03,130 With that, I'll make a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss the employment and financial 167 00:11:03,130 --> 00:11:06,390 history of particular individuals, and that is per second to that motion, please. 168 00:11:06,390 --> 00:11:12,690 second from Chris, and we'll ask for a vote on the motion, the motion carries the case 169 00:11:12,690 --> 00:11:13,050 to zero. 170 00:11:14,250 --> 00:11:14,410 All right. 171 00:11:14,590 --> 00:11:19,510 With that, we're going to leave here, we're going to go to the room next door, you're all 172 00:11:19,510 --> 00:11:22,590 welcome to stay here, we will be back and we will pick up on our agenda. 173 00:11:26,990 --> 00:11:28,730 Oh, all right, no further than thank you. 174 00:12:16,370 --> 00:12:22,570 So, can I go into the attention that's like, so you know the first string, and it's 175 00:12:23,410 --> 00:12:27,190 And the microphones are picking up everything you're saying, some people are more than 176 00:12:27,190 --> 00:12:27,490 others. 177 00:12:28,290 --> 00:12:33,730 So if you're fine to chat, just be aware that the microphones don't link from the ceiling. 178 00:12:33,990 --> 00:12:40,110 I do pick up even way back there, they pick up the line, but I want to leave it on because 179 00:12:40,110 --> 00:12:43,770 anyone's joining me in the play, I want them to be aware that the board's an exactly 180 01:00:53,140 --> 01:00:59,160 All right. Thank you, everybody, for your patience, Vali, including that executive session. 181 01:00:59,720 --> 01:01:07,680 We're going to move on now to, what I think is my number figure, number five on your printed 182 01:01:07,680 --> 01:01:14,480 page, with prepared board discussion. We're going to start with committee meetings, our policy 183 01:01:14,480 --> 01:01:20,100 committee met on July 28th. Minutes for that meeting are included as a link in the document. 184 01:01:20,840 --> 01:01:25,060 There's discussion over the policy, 1,500, to read now for policy. 185 01:01:25,900 --> 01:01:29,700 We have a review of from our newly completed policy committee. 186 01:01:31,760 --> 01:01:41,780 We met on July 28th. Virtually policies for discussion over policy, 1,500, which was a continuation 187 01:01:41,780 --> 01:01:46,600 of the policy for public use of school facilities and regulations, 188 01:01:47,340 --> 01:01:48,860 this was brought back to the committee. 189 01:01:49,520 --> 01:01:52,520 So the committee continued its discussion regarding facility use fees 190 01:01:52,520 --> 01:01:57,240 and determining which groups should be charged under the district's facilities policy. 191 01:01:58,120 --> 01:02:03,780 Conversations focused on the current discrepancy between the written policy and existing policy, 192 01:02:04,560 --> 01:02:09,420 particularly as it relates to organizations such as the Booster Club, tempo, and the PTA. 193 01:02:09,420 --> 01:02:17,640 I really reported that she met with representatives from each of these organizations to discuss the current policy and how it would impact them. 194 01:02:18,120 --> 01:02:27,340 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. 195 01:02:27,980 --> 01:02:38,540 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. 196 01:02:38,540 --> 01:02:44,880 They also noted that additional facility costs could increase participation fees for 197 01:02:44,880 --> 01:02:46,280 programs such as summer camps. 198 01:02:46,920 --> 01:02:52,500 The committee also discussed facilities by extracurricular organizations after regular 199 01:02:52,500 --> 01:02:53,660 custodial hours. 200 01:02:54,540 --> 01:02:59,360 Examples include groups such as a crane acting troop which often uses district facilities when 201 01:02:59,360 --> 01:03:01,220 custodial staff are no longer on campus. 202 01:03:02,260 --> 01:03:08,240 Legal counsel had advised that similarity situated groups must be treated consistently 203 01:03:08,240 --> 01:03:13,440 and that the district cannot selectively exempt certain organizations from applicable fees. 204 01:03:14,020 --> 01:03:22,640 Committee members expressed concern that extending fees to extracurricular groups could have a significant impact, negative impact on student programs. 205 01:03:23,680 --> 01:03:30,940 Proposal was discussed to begin charging groups after it's being a certain number of annual facility use hours, for example, 100 hours. 206 01:03:30,940 --> 01:03:35,280 However, members expressed concern that such a threshold could 207 01:03:35,280 --> 01:03:38,300 disappropriately affect organizations like the Cran Act 208 01:03:38,300 --> 01:03:38,700 and True. 209 01:03:39,140 --> 01:03:42,720 The committee agreed that it is not the intent to single out any 210 01:03:42,720 --> 01:03:45,660 individual student organization to create additional financial 211 01:03:45,660 --> 01:03:48,880 burdens that could ultimately result in higher participation or 212 01:03:48,880 --> 01:03:49,560 take a cause. 213 01:03:50,740 --> 01:03:54,100 The discussion then shifted to the possibility of continuing to 214 01:03:54,100 --> 01:03:57,860 exempt school-sponsored extracurricular groups from facility 215 01:03:57,860 --> 01:04:03,600 use fees and the interest of supporting students while reviewing and increasing rates for outside 216 01:04:03,600 --> 01:04:10,400 organizations to help offset district costs. Members noted that outside organizations such as KBPA 217 01:04:10,400 --> 01:04:15,980 may find it reasonable to pay higher rates for facilities, particularly during times when 218 01:04:15,980 --> 01:04:22,400 custodial staff are not already scheduled to be on campus. The committee also reviewed the current 219 01:04:22,400 --> 01:04:27,080 policy prohibiting for four-profit organizations from using district facilities. 220 01:04:27,600 --> 01:04:31,440 It was noted that exceptions have been made for organizations such as 221 01:04:31,440 --> 01:04:35,060 Dance Diversity and Rising Star, which have been permitted to use district 222 01:04:35,060 --> 01:04:38,440 facilities for dance resettles at a rate of $45 per hour. 223 01:04:39,080 --> 01:04:43,400 Members discussed the possibility of expanding facility use opportunities for 224 01:04:43,400 --> 01:04:48,520 similar organizations while increasing rental rates in assessing additional fees 225 01:04:48,520 --> 01:04:54,020 for specialized equipment such as stage lighting. It was further suggested that the adjusting 226 01:04:54,020 --> 01:04:58,940 rates for outside organizations currently using district facilities could help offset the 227 01:04:58,940 --> 01:05:04,740 cost associated with school and student reviews. The committee concluded by emphasizing the 228 01:05:04,740 --> 01:05:10,000 importance of consistency in the application of the facility use policy. Members agreed that 229 01:05:10,000 --> 01:05:14,860 the current practice does not always align with the written policy and that any revisions to the 230 01:05:14,860 --> 01:05:17,660 policies should be clear, equitable, and consistently 231 01:05:17,660 --> 01:05:18,800 forced for all groups. 232 01:05:19,440 --> 01:05:21,000 The recommendation was to bring back 233 01:05:21,000 --> 01:05:22,520 to the board for discussion. 234 01:05:24,160 --> 01:05:29,040 Policy 41, our 4321.4 independent educational 235 01:05:29,040 --> 01:05:31,040 evaluations, policy and regulations. 236 01:05:31,920 --> 01:05:34,940 Current fees for independent educational 237 01:05:34,940 --> 01:05:37,860 requirements do not reflect the current market rates. 238 01:05:38,440 --> 01:05:40,560 It's recommended by the Director of Special Education 239 01:05:40,560 --> 01:05:48,100 had water in Gervin's office, that we increase the rates to reflect the current rates. 240 01:05:48,700 --> 01:05:54,500 For that, it would be the current rates for psychoeducational evaluations are 2,500 and 241 01:05:54,500 --> 01:06:03,620 neuropsycho evaluations are 3,000, the recommendation for increase would be 3,000 for psychoeducational 242 01:06:03,620 --> 01:06:07,580 evaluations and 3,500 for neuropsych evaluations. 243 01:06:07,580 --> 01:06:11,300 The recommendation was to move this to first read. 244 01:06:12,740 --> 01:06:17,620 Required annual policy reviews are 5310, the Code of Conduct, 245 01:06:18,620 --> 01:06:23,620 0, 115 student harassment and bullying prevention and intervention, 246 01:06:24,280 --> 01:06:29,360 5100 attendance, 6240 investments policy and regulations, 247 01:06:29,920 --> 01:06:32,400 6700 purchasing policy and procedures, 248 01:06:33,300 --> 01:06:36,080 2160 school board member code of ethics, 249 01:06:36,080 --> 01:06:40,140 this 1900 parental involvement and no changes 250 01:06:40,640 --> 01:06:41,920 recommended at this time. 251 01:06:42,560 --> 01:06:45,500 The next policy, many main dates are to be determined. 252 01:06:47,800 --> 01:06:48,260 Any questions? 253 01:06:50,700 --> 01:06:53,040 I mean, what happens with this facility is, 254 01:06:53,160 --> 01:06:54,700 if it's not moved to first reading, 255 01:06:54,920 --> 01:06:55,820 it's still on discussion. 256 01:06:56,660 --> 01:06:58,360 Correct, and I think we had discussed 257 01:06:58,360 --> 01:06:59,960 that we are going to table that. 258 01:07:00,700 --> 01:07:01,880 I'm not sure what to do. 259 01:07:01,960 --> 01:07:03,460 There are certain items that the committee 260 01:07:03,460 --> 01:07:05,000 has come to consensus on. 261 01:07:05,000 --> 01:07:14,900 So around increasing the $30 an hour to 40 or 55 depending on whether it's a custodian 262 01:07:14,900 --> 01:07:22,840 or a maintenance person, which mirrors our current language so to say that we only charge 263 01:07:22,840 --> 01:07:24,600 when custodians are not already on campus. 264 01:07:24,880 --> 01:07:28,420 So just increasing that from 30 to 40 or 55. 265 01:07:28,420 --> 01:07:36,540 increasing category three and three A for those four profit or outside organizations 266 01:07:36,540 --> 01:07:44,600 up to the conversation that we had last time was 55. So there seem to be some consensus 267 01:07:44,600 --> 01:07:52,600 around that. There seem to be consensus around allowing four profit organizations who serve 268 01:07:52,600 --> 01:07:58,100 an authorized educational community purpose under education law section 414. And there 269 01:07:58,100 --> 01:08:00,860 There seems to be consensus around the cancellation policy language. 270 01:08:01,120 --> 01:08:05,840 So we're starting to hone in on where there's consensus in the policy for the next committee 271 01:08:05,840 --> 01:08:06,140 meeting. 272 01:08:06,440 --> 01:08:06,540 Great. 273 01:08:07,480 --> 01:08:13,340 So push out for another reading or yeah, if the word feels comfortable with that direction. 274 01:08:13,580 --> 01:08:19,640 Next policy committee, we could pull together a first read for the September, October 275 01:08:19,640 --> 01:08:20,000 Board meeting. 276 01:08:21,020 --> 01:08:22,060 Thank you. 277 01:08:22,360 --> 01:08:22,500 Thanks. 278 01:08:22,640 --> 01:08:23,100 Thank you. 279 01:08:23,100 --> 01:08:23,660 So 280 01:08:29,010 --> 01:08:33,210 we're good on everything under this item on the agenda. 281 01:08:33,330 --> 01:08:37,050 You've covered the education evaluations and the purchasing authority. 282 01:08:37,410 --> 01:08:39,410 I'll just say to 67 yes. 283 01:08:39,890 --> 01:08:49,430 So that reflects change policy 67 10, firmness of sample policy requires that we list the purchasing 284 01:08:49,910 --> 01:08:51,790 agent in the policy by name. 285 01:08:52,110 --> 01:08:57,010 So we have replaced the civil Howard will now be listed in that policy. 286 01:08:57,010 --> 01:08:57,570 By 287 01:09:04,480 --> 01:09:06,320 anything else, I guess, from policy. 288 01:09:07,900 --> 01:09:13,160 I have no other meetings yet of our newly constitute committee since our work with the committee in July. 289 01:09:13,980 --> 01:09:16,760 So there are no other committee meetings to report on at this time. 290 01:09:17,440 --> 01:09:20,480 That concludes item number five on the printed agenda under court discussion. 291 01:09:20,740 --> 01:09:23,040 We'll now move on to printed item number six, 292 01:09:23,900 --> 01:09:25,920 reports, presentations, and hearings. 293 01:09:26,820 --> 01:09:29,760 And we're going to start with item A, an academic department report, 294 01:09:30,040 --> 01:09:32,060 and program review for 2627. 295 01:09:32,820 --> 01:09:35,220 Mr. Christian, do you want to say that please? 296 01:09:35,440 --> 01:09:36,620 Sure, good evening, everybody. 297 01:09:37,560 --> 01:09:39,240 Tonight, I want to share a brief update 298 01:09:39,240 --> 01:09:41,260 on academic department reporting schedule 299 01:09:41,260 --> 01:09:44,440 for this upcoming 26th, 27th school there. 300 01:09:45,400 --> 01:09:48,400 If you remember, last year, we began transitioning away 301 01:09:48,400 --> 01:09:52,040 from the longstanding traditional academic presentation 302 01:09:52,040 --> 01:09:55,200 format to roll out a more comprehensive 303 01:09:55,200 --> 01:09:57,120 KTOL academic review process. 304 01:09:57,960 --> 01:10:01,760 So science was the first called a pilot department. 305 01:10:01,760 --> 01:10:03,300 they were first through the process. 306 01:10:06,300 --> 01:10:11,460 However, because the science review wrapped up at the end of the school year, its final presentation 307 01:10:11,460 --> 01:10:16,040 ended up placed at the talent of a really important meeting at the end. 308 01:10:16,720 --> 01:10:22,600 So this is a concern. We really want to give each department in front of the board and the board 309 01:10:22,600 --> 01:10:28,660 time to focus and really examine the work in the comprehensive way that it deserves. 310 01:10:29,460 --> 01:10:35,900 Therefore, the plan for next year is a one-year pause on academic department updates during 311 01:10:35,900 --> 01:10:37,720 the 26th 27th school year. 312 01:10:38,180 --> 01:10:43,260 This pause would allow us to fully implement program review framework across three departments 313 01:10:43,260 --> 01:10:46,860 in this coming school year, math, world language, and music. 314 01:10:47,840 --> 01:10:52,680 Throughout the 26th 27th school year, two leaders and administrators in these three areas will 315 01:10:52,680 --> 01:10:57,320 engage in rigorous, data-rich review as the science department will, where we examine 316 01:10:57,320 --> 01:11:00,620 in K-Cal curriculum alignment, analyze assessment data, 317 01:11:01,420 --> 01:11:02,840 gather students, staff survey data, 318 01:11:03,120 --> 01:11:04,340 and identify resource needs. 319 01:11:04,980 --> 01:11:07,000 They'll spend the spring with Marie and I, 320 01:11:07,140 --> 01:11:08,500 building detailed final reports 321 01:11:08,500 --> 01:11:10,000 and overview presentations. 322 01:11:10,660 --> 01:11:13,820 Then, at the beginning of the 27-28 school year, 323 01:11:14,160 --> 01:11:16,980 we'll return to the regular presentation schedule, 324 01:11:17,220 --> 01:11:19,780 but the departments will present their completed program 325 01:11:19,780 --> 01:11:21,560 reviews to the board one at a time 326 01:11:21,560 --> 01:11:25,060 in the schedule that we've maintained for a long time. 327 01:11:25,060 --> 01:11:27,660 over November, December, that cycle. 328 01:11:28,220 --> 01:11:31,180 This one year clause will help ensure that teachers 329 01:11:31,180 --> 01:11:33,740 have dedicated time required to produce meaningful 330 01:11:34,260 --> 01:11:35,840 actionable reviews, that's this year, 331 01:11:36,360 --> 01:11:38,840 while restoring predictable reporting calendar 332 01:11:38,840 --> 01:11:41,120 for the board, which we would begin with if you asked it. 333 01:11:41,440 --> 01:11:43,440 We really appreciate the board's support 334 01:11:43,440 --> 01:11:45,140 while we make this transition 335 01:11:46,480 --> 01:11:49,120 and then have an answer in question, is there anybody else? 336 01:11:49,660 --> 01:11:50,000 Or a question? 337 01:11:50,720 --> 01:11:54,600 How does this impact, I know when the review 338 01:11:54,600 --> 01:12:03,060 schedule was first brief, it was kind of a whirlwind window of reports. So is it just all shifted 339 01:12:03,060 --> 01:12:11,080 over one year? Because it sounds like the order will be over different. So where the three 340 01:12:11,080 --> 01:12:16,620 academic committees in review next year were not necessarily if you followed the whirlwind 341 01:12:25,180 --> 01:12:29,540 So we're kind of resetting both the time frame and the order. 342 01:12:31,360 --> 01:12:38,120 What impact will that have on the ability to use insights from those reports to the world 343 01:12:38,120 --> 01:12:39,560 back into and improve the programs? 344 01:12:40,700 --> 01:12:45,180 I hope to make it well as we, as we all go back to science. 345 01:12:45,180 --> 01:12:51,160 So, as we worked our way through that process, teachers were uncovering things that informed 346 01:12:51,160 --> 01:12:56,520 the whole year, um, information of our work we did with Becker-Choppy-Rum, the needs 347 01:12:56,520 --> 01:12:57,960 of health and classrooms. 348 01:12:58,580 --> 01:13:03,300 So it wasn't, we didn't hold everything back until the end and then implement or look 349 01:13:03,300 --> 01:13:07,800 at all of the information, or if we could, if we could, if we could, if we could, as we 350 01:13:07,800 --> 01:13:10,360 went, we were taking the information that we got into using it. 351 01:13:10,960 --> 01:13:11,200 Okay. 352 01:13:11,200 --> 01:13:16,300 So I don't think it would have, I don't think it would have a stall in effect really on anything else. 353 01:13:16,880 --> 01:13:17,020 You 354 01:13:24,830 --> 01:13:25,350 have a question? 355 01:13:26,610 --> 01:13:29,970 I'll just say I think, you know, those are very valuable presentations. 356 01:13:30,330 --> 01:13:39,190 So we do appreciate that many presentations over the past years and look forward to resuming those after the next year. 357 01:13:39,930 --> 01:13:41,950 I know it's on the agenda. 358 01:13:42,450 --> 01:13:43,690 So maybe you'll address this. 359 01:13:44,270 --> 01:13:46,870 That does not impact the screen time. 360 01:13:47,430 --> 01:13:47,830 Okay. 361 01:13:47,830 --> 01:13:48,190 That is correct. 362 01:13:48,350 --> 01:13:48,550 Okay. 363 01:13:48,910 --> 01:13:49,170 Okay. 364 01:13:49,290 --> 01:13:50,850 I'll speak to that in some other way now. 365 01:13:51,310 --> 01:13:55,530 And as we just saw in one of the next dimensions, as we go through the process through the 366 01:13:55,530 --> 01:13:59,590 academic committee, we'll get regular updates as we go over the course of the school year. 367 01:13:59,810 --> 01:13:59,830 Right. 368 01:13:59,830 --> 01:14:04,590 So as much detail as we can bring, and you've got patients to listen to me talk about it, the teachers 369 01:14:04,590 --> 01:14:05,710 will bring that to the group. 370 01:14:06,790 --> 01:14:07,190 Okay. 371 01:14:07,330 --> 01:14:07,830 That's right. 372 01:14:09,470 --> 01:14:09,870 Okay. 373 01:14:10,290 --> 01:14:10,630 There you go. 374 01:14:10,890 --> 01:14:11,550 Item A. 375 01:14:12,050 --> 01:14:12,350 That's it. 376 01:14:13,030 --> 01:14:13,370 Okay, great. 377 01:14:13,370 --> 01:14:18,210 All right, we're going to move on in a moment to Superintendents report and found that our 378 01:14:18,210 --> 01:14:22,590 business office report and with that the reason that many of you are here tonight. 379 01:14:22,750 --> 01:14:25,750 Before we do that, I want to make a statement on behalf of the board. 380 01:14:26,690 --> 01:14:31,990 In just a moment, you'll hear our comprehensive update on the financial crisis from the Super 381 01:14:31,990 --> 01:14:32,990 Intended, Mrs. Howard. 382 01:14:33,870 --> 01:14:38,830 Before you do, please know that we, the board, fully recognized and appreciate the gravity 383 01:14:38,830 --> 01:14:39,730 of this situation. 384 01:14:40,030 --> 01:14:40,950 Probably more than you realize. 385 01:14:41,870 --> 01:14:49,390 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. 386 01:14:50,190 --> 01:14:55,590 As I stated in my earlier comments, the board shares those questions and we also want answers. 387 01:14:56,310 --> 01:14:59,970 Unfortunately, for you and for us as well, there may be questions... 388 01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:28,840 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, 389 01:15:28,840 --> 01:15:35,100 which is right after we found out about it because we felt an obligation to share what we do at that time. 390 01:15:36,240 --> 01:15:42,100 But above all, I want to assure you that our students remain at the very center of everything that we do. 391 01:15:42,860 --> 01:15:48,940 And with that, our most important responsibility is to make thoughtful evidence-based decisions granted and verified data. 392 01:15:49,500 --> 01:15:56,260 We hold this commitment on behalf of our 1600-plus students, our 400-plus employees, including many of you in the room tonight, 393 01:15:56,260 --> 01:16:00,160 and approximately 7,300 households across our district. 394 01:16:00,820 --> 01:16:03,700 As we move forward from this point, I promise you, 395 01:16:03,820 --> 01:16:06,460 we will ensure the district conducts a thorough 396 01:16:06,460 --> 01:16:09,440 and independent review and ensure that the board receives 397 01:16:09,440 --> 01:16:12,180 accurate and timely information from that process. 398 01:16:12,760 --> 01:16:15,380 But it is important that this process be comprehensive. 399 01:16:16,080 --> 01:16:18,440 And furthermore, it is equally important that we not 400 01:16:18,440 --> 01:16:21,020 reach conclusions before that work is complete. 401 01:16:21,820 --> 01:16:24,120 Appropriate action, whatever that looks like 402 01:16:24,120 --> 01:16:29,280 will be taken based on facts. Collaborative leadership is how we've always 403 01:16:29,280 --> 01:16:33,420 operated at Iqabat Crane, and that strong partnership is guiding our approach 404 01:16:33,420 --> 01:16:37,000 right now. We have an incredible team working together to make the best out of 405 01:16:37,000 --> 01:16:40,380 the difficult situation, and I just want to take a moment to thank my fellow board 406 01:16:40,380 --> 01:16:45,080 members for your time over the last several weeks. We spend them in 407 01:16:45,080 --> 01:16:48,940 order and amount of time in moments of crisis that many folks don't realize, and 408 01:16:48,940 --> 01:16:52,360 you all have put vacation to the side and can be time to side, and I want to 409 01:16:52,360 --> 01:16:57,240 Thank you for that, and I want to thank our leadership team to my left and others who 410 01:16:57,240 --> 01:17:00,460 aren't here that the superintendent will speak to for their work so far. 411 01:17:01,940 --> 01:17:05,620 To the public, we appreciate your patience and support that this work continues. 412 01:17:06,420 --> 01:17:11,060 We know that patience must be matched by transparency and action. 413 01:17:11,980 --> 01:17:16,720 Again, we aren't committed to keeping the entire Ichabai trained community informed with timely 414 01:17:16,720 --> 01:17:24,480 accurate updates via our website, mask communication channels, local media, and as sad as it is, 415 01:17:24,560 --> 01:17:28,200 those of us at the table as many meetings as it's going to take to get us through this. 416 01:17:29,080 --> 01:17:29,960 We're committed to that. 417 01:17:31,260 --> 01:17:38,400 In closing, I just want to make a personal reflection and ask you to remember that the individuals 418 01:17:38,400 --> 01:17:42,600 at this table are also members of this community. 419 01:17:42,600 --> 01:17:48,400 They're parents, they're taxpayers, some of them are even graduates of this school. 420 01:17:49,340 --> 01:17:54,460 And all of that means that to a person we take this work seriously and what happens next 421 01:17:54,460 --> 01:17:58,000 is as important to each of us as it is to all of you. 422 01:17:59,160 --> 01:17:59,680 I mean that. 423 01:18:00,240 --> 01:18:01,500 And we're wearing this together. 424 01:18:01,820 --> 01:18:07,040 So I just ask you for your patience and understanding as we move through this and with 425 01:18:07,040 --> 01:18:11,040 that, thank you for letting you share those comments on behalf of the board. 426 01:18:11,040 --> 01:18:14,760 I'm going to turn it over to the superintendent for part of the agenda. 427 01:18:15,140 --> 01:18:16,040 Thank you, Matthew. 428 01:18:16,740 --> 01:18:17,580 Good evening, everyone. 429 01:18:18,060 --> 01:18:22,940 I'm going to start with a couple of routine matters before we get into our budget and finance 430 01:18:22,940 --> 01:18:23,320 updates. 431 01:18:23,560 --> 01:18:29,940 So first and foremost, summer school is lying down in our offices and non-constructional staff 432 01:18:29,940 --> 01:18:33,960 and leadership team is busy preparing for September. 433 01:18:34,920 --> 01:18:44,120 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. 434 01:18:44,980 --> 01:18:52,060 So our standing technology committee will convene this fall and I-Ready and Screen Time will be an agenda item this year. 435 01:18:52,660 --> 01:19:02,880 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 436 01:19:02,880 --> 01:19:08,760 with discussed I Ready and other screen time topics with their students and their families 437 01:19:08,760 --> 01:19:13,540 working with the Technology Committee to establish a kind frame for the study 438 01:19:13,540 --> 01:19:20,940 and to develop the appropriate criteria to evaluate both the quantity and the quality of screen time. 439 01:19:21,680 --> 01:19:27,220 This fall for the third year in a row, I Ready has been adjusted based on the needs of students and teachers. 440 01:19:27,220 --> 01:19:35,860 will be sunsetting the eye-ready my path daily independent practice in grades 4 through 6 based on this feedback. 441 01:19:36,600 --> 01:19:44,360 This kind of reflection and adjustment is an annual discussion and adjustments have been made each year since implementation. 442 01:19:45,380 --> 01:19:53,060 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. 443 01:19:53,060 --> 01:19:58,000 Students and teacher voices already playing a role in this conversation, as I mentioned 444 01:19:58,000 --> 01:20:02,220 before, and Mr. Tritians and Matt were the student last year to hear their thoughts. 445 01:20:03,020 --> 01:20:07,940 We have a responsibility to do this research carefully and accurately so that we can make 446 01:20:07,940 --> 01:20:12,480 recommendations and decisions that are in the best interest for teaching and learning, 447 01:20:12,860 --> 01:20:18,620 being thoughtful about making unverified assumptions and using what we know about instructional 448 01:20:18,620 --> 01:20:24,920 technology to evaluate our usage to determine how well our instructional technology fosters 449 01:20:24,920 --> 01:20:31,840 creativity and interactivity with students and among students and amplifies and transforms 450 01:20:31,840 --> 01:20:37,540 teaching in ways that enhance learning for students. So all that to say, more to come, and you 451 01:20:37,540 --> 01:20:41,780 look forward to engaging with our parents who have brought this for attention and our teachers, 452 01:20:41,780 --> 01:20:43,580 students and community members. 453 01:20:50,040 --> 01:20:51,520 Also this evening I'd like to welcome 454 01:20:51,520 --> 01:20:58,560 The Civil Howard, our temporary interim chief financial office and will transition out and provide an update on budget and finance. 455 01:20:59,900 --> 01:21:08,720 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. 456 01:21:09,880 --> 01:21:15,200 During our week team year end of year review of the 2526 school year, 457 01:21:15,200 --> 01:21:23,720 We identified an operating deficit for the 25th, 26th year marking our second consecutive year facing a shortfall. 458 01:21:24,560 --> 01:21:37,820 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. 459 01:21:37,820 --> 01:21:43,660 This group includes the state aid planning office from Quest R3 and others. 460 01:21:44,820 --> 01:21:52,580 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. 461 01:21:53,460 --> 01:21:55,680 What we know today is the following. 462 01:21:56,640 --> 01:22:01,620 In the last six weeks, and during the course of routine year and closeout, 463 01:22:01,620 --> 01:22:19,960 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. 464 01:22:19,960 --> 01:22:30,300 We have also learned that information presented regarding the 2425 and 2526 deficits was also 465 01:22:30,300 --> 01:22:37,200 inaccurate misleading and did not reflect the true financial status of the district. 466 01:22:38,580 --> 01:22:44,300 This inaccurate data has led to a significant deficit which we are still calculating. 467 01:22:45,160 --> 01:22:52,100 this is a process and we must go through this review carefully. Going back in 468 01:22:52,100 --> 01:22:58,100 time to 2425, the district overspent the appropriated budget by approximately 469 01:22:58,100 --> 01:23:05,700 $900,000. District leadership and the board developed a plan to close that gap 470 01:23:05,700 --> 01:23:12,140 with reserves. Additionally, to ensure accountability that this wouldn't happen 471 01:23:12,140 --> 01:23:19,460 Again, mechanisms and controls to track spending were put in place for the 2526 school year. 472 01:23:20,360 --> 01:23:26,680 This included an additional budget and finance to the meeting in September, audit results 473 01:23:26,680 --> 01:23:32,500 in October that describe the district in good standing and a positive year of budget performance. 474 01:23:33,520 --> 01:23:35,620 On November spending, tracking report, 475 01:23:38,180 --> 01:23:41,900 a January 30 order to stop spending, which was implemented, 476 01:23:41,900 --> 01:23:46,160 and milestone reports and updates to myself, 477 01:23:46,700 --> 01:23:49,360 our Budget and Finance Committee, and the Board of Education. 478 01:23:51,860 --> 01:23:55,820 Immediately upon learning about the 25-26 operating deficit, 479 01:23:56,860 --> 01:24:00,560 actions were taken to stabilize the district's fiscal situation. 480 01:24:01,500 --> 01:24:06,340 We assembled an independent team, including the New York State Education Department, 481 01:24:07,120 --> 01:24:11,040 the Quest R3 fiscal team, Quest R3 senior leadership, 482 01:24:11,040 --> 01:24:15,220 that in our emergency interim chief financial officer, 483 01:24:15,500 --> 01:24:19,300 civil Howard, this team has been assessing 484 01:24:19,520 --> 01:24:23,540 and acting to stabilize all business office functions 485 01:24:23,540 --> 01:24:25,620 as they conduct this preliminary review. 486 01:24:26,660 --> 01:24:29,820 This review is evaluating the district finances, 487 01:24:31,020 --> 01:24:33,800 the factors that contributed to the operating deficits, 488 01:24:34,940 --> 01:24:38,360 and making recommendations both immediate and long term 489 01:24:38,360 --> 01:24:40,680 to restore fiscal stability. 490 01:24:41,980 --> 01:24:45,880 Mrs. Howard brings an extensive school finance experience, 491 01:24:46,440 --> 01:24:49,060 having previously served as school business official 492 01:24:49,060 --> 01:24:52,780 in Topon Hills, North Colony, Cooksdochee, 493 01:24:52,860 --> 01:24:54,040 and Central School District. 494 01:24:54,920 --> 01:24:57,800 She'll oversee the management of the fiscal crisis 495 01:24:57,800 --> 01:25:00,340 and the district's operations at this time. 496 01:25:02,080 --> 01:25:04,980 All of these people, the independent review team, 497 01:25:04,980 --> 01:25:11,240 and this is Howard, the district's leadership team and the Board of Education have come together 498 01:25:11,610 --> 01:25:16,260 to build a safety map for Ikebide Crane and determine exactly what happened 499 01:25:16,950 --> 01:25:20,580 and to secure a sound financial future for the district. 500 01:25:22,220 --> 01:25:30,140 Most immediate next steps include an RFP for an independent external forensic audit 501 01:25:31,760 --> 01:25:35,960 Accessing the systems and functions in the business office to ensure that the appropriate 502 01:25:35,960 --> 01:25:41,220 leadership is in place to manage both the fiscal crisis work, as well as the routine 503 01:25:41,220 --> 01:25:43,160 day-to-day business operations. 504 01:25:45,500 --> 01:25:50,360 Accessing all borrowing, past and future with our fiscal advisors and bond council. 505 01:25:51,040 --> 01:25:56,580 And just this afternoon, we met with the New York State Education Department's commissioners 506 01:25:56,580 --> 01:26:02,240 office to explore support available from New York State. Working on this 507 01:26:02,240 --> 01:26:06,260 together with the New York State Education Department with people who can 508 01:26:06,260 --> 01:26:10,820 help ensure that we are exploring all possible solutions. 509 01:26:13,400 --> 01:26:13,760 Regarding 510 01:26:13,760 --> 01:26:18,860 communications moving forward our goal is to ensure that everyone knows where to 511 01:26:18,860 --> 01:26:25,260 find accurate timely information. We will consistently use three official channels 512 01:26:25,260 --> 01:26:31,820 to keep our staff families and community informed, our district website where you can find posts 513 01:26:31,820 --> 01:26:39,080 on the homepage and the budget webpage, parent-square, emails to families, staff, and key community 514 01:26:39,080 --> 01:26:46,000 partners using our mass communication system, and the local media, press releases, etc. 515 01:26:47,620 --> 01:26:51,640 If you missed the initial message you can read the full letter to the community on our website 516 01:26:51,640 --> 01:26:53,160 a homepage and budget webpage. 517 01:26:54,900 --> 01:26:58,660 As Matthew just said, please know that we share your concerns 518 01:26:59,120 --> 01:27:02,440 and we are deeply committed to navigating this challenge 519 01:27:02,440 --> 01:27:05,060 with transparency and care. 520 01:27:06,260 --> 01:27:08,380 While there will be moments when we cannot immediately 521 01:27:08,380 --> 01:27:12,300 share every detail, we are dedicated to providing timely, 522 01:27:12,480 --> 01:27:16,420 accurate updates as reliable information becomes available. 523 01:27:17,780 --> 01:27:24,500 Our priority is to make thoughtful, transparent decisions that serve our students and support 524 01:27:24,500 --> 01:27:26,880 the long-term strength of our district. 525 01:27:28,140 --> 01:27:34,280 We anticipate that difficult decisions must be made and these decisions will be informed 526 01:27:34,280 --> 01:27:39,420 as always by our instructional program vision, our wider goals, and targets. 527 01:27:40,340 --> 01:27:46,480 And above all, we are looking forward to welcoming our students and staff back to Iqabat 528 01:27:46,480 --> 01:27:53,180 Crane in a few short weeks, seeing our classrooms and hallways filled with energy, and learning 529 01:27:53,180 --> 01:27:54,840 is why we are all here. 530 01:27:56,660 --> 01:27:59,440 If you have questions, please refer to these three sources. 531 01:28:00,180 --> 01:28:06,820 The website, parent-square, for the most update information, and as always, you may at any 532 01:28:06,820 --> 01:28:14,580 time reach out to my office with questions. I'm going to hand the floor over to Mrs. Howard 533 01:28:14,580 --> 01:28:21,540 who is going to provide a visit. Good evening everyone. My comments will reflect some 534 01:28:21,540 --> 01:28:28,560 preliminary information that our team on this very thoughtful board has been able to 535 01:28:28,560 --> 01:28:35,600 accumulate in a very short time period. Some of the patterns that we have discovered include 536 01:28:35,600 --> 01:28:41,600 the financial software the district uses to track budget data did not contain the accurate 537 01:28:41,600 --> 01:28:48,220 budget figures from the voter approved budget. For example, many expenses are under budgeted 538 01:28:48,220 --> 01:28:56,160 compared to actual need or historical values. Revenues were overestimated or misfated. 539 01:28:56,860 --> 01:29:01,660 For example, the overestimated investment interest that the district would have received 540 01:29:01,660 --> 01:29:09,240 this year. In particular, in the areas of debt service, money that the district uses 541 01:29:09,240 --> 01:29:17,640 to pay for bus leases in the terms of bond anticipation notes. We're not budgeted in 542 01:29:17,640 --> 01:29:30,860 23, 24, and the amount of $285,245, and in 24, 25, and the amount of $456,000, $456,000, 543 01:29:30,860 --> 01:29:39,440 $346, excuse me, and are not budgeted in $26.20. Other long-term debt and debt service 544 01:29:39,440 --> 01:29:50,100 was budgeted in $23.24, but not in $24.25 in the amount of $380,632, but is budgeted 545 01:29:50,100 --> 01:29:59,400 in $26.27 in the amount of $380,000. We will need a complete rebuild of the $26.27 budget 546 01:30:08,280 --> 01:30:29,980 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. 547 01:30:29,980 --> 01:30:37,540 27th budget, but the information that was shared was not accurate and backup detail was 548 01:30:37,540 --> 01:30:38,840 not always present. 549 01:30:41,900 --> 01:30:46,140 While all of this work is happening, we are working very hard with members of the 550 01:30:46,140 --> 01:30:54,080 business office to continue operations and be able to open school in September. 551 01:30:54,620 --> 01:31:00,960 That includes the 4th approval of the tax warrant that is on the agenda for consideration 552 01:31:00,960 --> 01:31:09,720 under 70 tonight. There are three main components to calculate the tax rate, the tax levy is set 553 01:31:09,720 --> 01:31:17,500 by the school district and was voted on by the voters in May of 2026 and included a 2.71 percent 554 01:31:17,500 --> 01:31:26,340 increase which was within the allowable tax tax levy set by the state. Assessment values are set 555 01:31:26,340 --> 01:31:30,220 by each town, and equalization rates are set by the state. 556 01:31:31,200 --> 01:31:35,800 So the warrant for the ICPA by the Central School District has been reviewed and approved 557 01:31:35,800 --> 01:31:40,420 by the Columbia County Office of Real Property, and I would like to thank Mindy Pots for 558 01:31:40,420 --> 01:31:43,300 her partnership and this process over the last week or so. 559 01:31:44,780 --> 01:31:51,180 And at this point, we do not know any significant changes to any specific town compared to prior 560 01:31:51,180 --> 01:31:51,600 years. 561 01:31:52,440 --> 01:31:57,980 In terms of the timeline for the payment of taxes, once the levy is approved tonight, 562 01:31:58,760 --> 01:32:04,260 for me, time will proceed to prepare tax bills, and then we will proceed to mail it out. 563 01:32:04,720 --> 01:32:07,960 And it is the district's intention to get them out earlier this year. 564 01:32:08,080 --> 01:32:15,280 We are truly for the end of next week so that they can be received by community members 565 01:32:15,640 --> 01:32:16,600 as soon as possible. 566 01:32:16,600 --> 01:32:22,080 Collection will begin on Tuesday, September 1st, and continue through Wednesday, September 567 01:32:22,080 --> 01:32:23,760 30th with no penalty. 568 01:32:24,740 --> 01:32:31,380 The 2% penalty period will begin Thursday, October 1st, and we'll end with collection 569 01:32:31,380 --> 01:32:37,040 on Monday, November 2nd, at which time we will turn over an uncollected taxes to £2.99. 570 01:32:37,220 --> 01:32:38,340 Plummy runs rear-county. 571 01:32:39,600 --> 01:32:46,440 Taxpayers can pay via US Postal Service online with an e-check or credit card. 572 01:32:46,440 --> 01:32:48,940 where there are additional fees for that type of payment. 573 01:32:49,700 --> 01:32:53,500 And the only place to pay in person is at the volatio branch 574 01:32:53,500 --> 01:32:56,740 of the Bank of Green County during their regular business hours. 575 01:32:56,900 --> 01:32:59,920 There is no payment in person at the district. 576 01:33:01,580 --> 01:33:05,400 The last piece of information to share is the district would like 577 01:33:05,400 --> 01:33:08,800 to thank Thomas Hust Services for the generous donation 578 01:33:08,800 --> 01:33:12,340 of 10 back facts with school supplies for students 579 01:33:13,020 --> 01:33:13,600 for the community. 580 01:33:14,400 --> 01:33:15,420 Thank you, thank you. 581 01:33:19,870 --> 01:33:28,530 Okay. Thank you both. With that, we're going to move to the public comment section of 582 01:33:28,530 --> 01:33:33,650 the agenda previously approved as part of our president, Denda. So with that public 583 01:33:33,650 --> 01:33:38,430 comment, members of the public may address the board on school related matters, other than 584 01:33:38,430 --> 01:33:43,070 matters involving personnel. Under state and federal privacy laws, we are unable to entertain 585 01:33:43,070 --> 01:33:47,150 any comments about school personnel. We take personnel concerns very seriously. 586 01:33:47,150 --> 01:33:50,850 And on these matters, we ask that you vote for the appropriate administrative families. 587 01:33:51,470 --> 01:33:51,770 Thank you. 588 01:33:52,350 --> 01:33:56,470 The public comment theory does not design to be a discussion and in general the board 589 01:33:56,470 --> 01:33:58,590 does not respond during the public comment theory. 590 01:33:58,830 --> 01:34:03,070 We put your comments seriously and want to have sufficient time to process and research 591 01:34:03,070 --> 01:34:04,210 issues that need you. 592 01:34:04,470 --> 01:34:09,270 We will, however, respond to your questions and concerns at a future meeting or have the 593 01:34:09,270 --> 01:34:11,650 proper staff member get asked to you at the appropriate time. 594 01:34:12,450 --> 01:34:16,430 In keeping with the IKBAI Frame Central School District Commission, we want our school board 595 01:34:16,430 --> 01:34:19,650 meetings to serve as an example of civil discourse and useful respect. 596 01:34:20,250 --> 01:34:24,270 We ask that speakers address their comments to the board directly rather than the audience. 597 01:34:24,910 --> 01:34:28,590 The board at any time can recess or end the meeting as deemed necessary. 598 01:34:29,330 --> 01:34:33,870 Finally, I want to remind everyone that you may submit written comments to the board in 599 01:34:33,870 --> 01:34:36,890 lieu of speaking during the public comment period if you so choose. 600 01:34:37,890 --> 01:34:42,650 The board will now entertain public comment for up to 30 minutes and each individual speaker 601 01:34:42,650 --> 01:34:44,150 will be allowed up to two minutes. 602 01:34:44,150 --> 01:34:52,610 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. 603 01:34:53,150 --> 01:34:53,350 Regina? 604 01:35:05,740 --> 01:35:13,980 I believe some of my remarks have changed a little bit based on what we think has just heard. 605 01:35:14,900 --> 01:35:25,320 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. 606 01:35:25,320 --> 01:35:32,280 And it might not be directly related to what has been going on in the business office, 607 01:35:32,280 --> 01:35:37,120 and I have to turn that surprise, but he does it now. 608 01:35:39,180 --> 01:35:44,560 I am here to accuse the Board of Education for its failure to be disdainfully responsible. 609 01:35:45,340 --> 01:35:48,740 I believe I understand the responsibilities of the school board, 610 01:35:49,200 --> 01:35:54,100 and I believe this board, and specifically its leadership, has failed the school district. 611 01:35:54,100 --> 01:36:03,940 Several years ago, after eleven years on school board, I resigned out of frustration over the spending being promoted by the board leadership. 612 01:36:04,740 --> 01:36:13,800 The board had ignored the advice of then-superhanded Daniel during the last capital project and overruled his advice by almost ten million dollars. 613 01:36:14,740 --> 01:36:22,060 A so-called wish list, which it was called when we opened up the discussion, turned into 614 01:36:22,060 --> 01:36:23,940 an ask annual reciepless. 615 01:36:25,140 --> 01:36:26,200 I voted no. 616 01:36:26,640 --> 01:36:30,160 When the board had to approve that project, he put out, I voted no. 617 01:36:31,200 --> 01:36:36,100 Later, when I believed to be an extravagant salary, it was being given to a new administrator, 618 01:36:36,100 --> 01:36:45,800 I've tried to get by about $45.50 dollars, which builds every year, it's not a one-shot thing. 619 01:36:45,980 --> 01:36:49,380 This is permanent over the years and it's been an expensive thing. 620 01:36:52,000 --> 01:36:54,840 But my opposition was to no avail. 621 01:36:55,840 --> 01:36:59,880 I believe that was the beginning of more I could spend in under the sports leadership. 622 01:36:59,880 --> 01:37:10,800 My amazement, this card for under the same leadership, again proposed an expensive capital project with 231 million dollars. 623 01:37:11,140 --> 01:37:16,700 This was done in the district unknown to the voters within financial distress. 624 01:37:16,700 --> 01:37:18,040 We understand that. 625 01:37:18,560 --> 01:37:19,400 That's your two minutes. 626 01:37:20,040 --> 01:37:22,940 So if you have something submitted that you can read with us. 627 01:37:23,380 --> 01:37:25,160 I'll finish up the last paragraph. 628 01:37:25,560 --> 01:37:26,420 Thank you. 629 01:37:27,360 --> 01:37:28,960 I'll leave that up on to stuff. 630 01:37:29,920 --> 01:37:32,040 But there need to be changes at every level. 631 01:37:32,200 --> 01:37:34,140 And I believe this includes support leadership. 632 01:37:34,640 --> 01:37:37,080 It is time for change, not more the same. 633 01:37:37,160 --> 01:37:40,180 I'm calling for the dissolution of the finance committee. 634 01:37:40,720 --> 01:37:44,960 And for all future discussions of finances and capital projects 635 01:37:44,960 --> 01:37:49,700 to be in front of the full board at regular public full board meetings. 636 01:37:50,320 --> 01:37:56,180 I am asking for full disclosure and open discussions to replace small group many meetings 637 01:37:56,180 --> 01:38:00,100 at eye times in small rooms with the superintendent. 638 01:38:00,680 --> 01:38:07,100 This board has been a disappointing to many of us who expected healthy discussions at regular board meetings 639 01:38:07,100 --> 01:38:13,340 and in all sincerity that I am calling for your resignation as president of the school group. 640 01:38:16,200 --> 01:38:20,680 All right, the next individual is signed up with John Willery, regarding IMFF. 641 01:38:25,880 --> 01:38:26,320 Good evening. 642 01:38:26,820 --> 01:38:30,740 My name is John Willery and I'm the president of the IMFF and teachers association. 643 01:38:31,740 --> 01:38:35,640 Well, I have many questions and concerns regarding the district's financial health. 644 01:38:36,200 --> 01:38:40,460 I'm going to focus on one specific aspect of our budget for now. 645 01:38:41,600 --> 01:38:46,700 But that to specifically address the number of individual consulting contracts that are 646 01:38:46,700 --> 01:38:51,520 Superintendent and Board of Education had negotiated and nearly attached to 647 01:38:51,520 --> 01:38:57,820 board consent agendas to approve with no discussion at an incredibly high cost 648 01:38:57,820 --> 01:39:03,140 to our taxpayers. Already voted on and approved is a contract for a net 649 01:39:03,140 --> 01:39:11,620 criminal with a rate of salary rate range of $85 to $200 per hour. Do the math. A 650 01:39:11,620 --> 01:39:16,520 A seven-hour work day, this consultant will be paid $1,400 per day. 651 01:39:17,220 --> 01:39:25,520 She's hired to consult on teacher leadership, also approved in the contract for Sara Coffee 652 01:39:25,520 --> 01:39:30,020 at a rate of $900 a day for E&L professional development. 653 01:39:31,200 --> 01:39:36,060 Also approved as a contractor, Deborah Burke, former Interim Principal at the Primary School. 654 01:39:36,060 --> 01:39:42,320 She's been approved that an hourly rate of $100 an hour, again, doing the math at $700 655 01:39:42,320 --> 01:39:48,860 a day, to mentor the primary school principal, who is a seasoned administrator, who is hired 656 01:39:48,860 --> 01:39:49,720 at step 12. 657 01:39:50,640 --> 01:39:57,040 Finally, and most concerning is a contract that you will be voting on to none for a civil 658 01:39:57,040 --> 01:40:03,980 dollar at a rate of a thousand dollars a day that is absurd. You have to realize 659 01:40:03,980 --> 01:40:10,080 how ridiculous it looks to acknowledge that the district is in what appears to be 660 01:40:10,080 --> 01:40:16,040 significant financial trouble. And then what are the taxpayers with disgustingly 661 01:40:16,560 --> 01:40:23,240 lucrative contracts? I am asking you to go back and look at the termination clauses 662 01:40:23,240 --> 01:40:28,560 of the first three individuals that I mean. As a type of services they vendor are 663 01:40:28,560 --> 01:40:35,680 accessible to our bolsters closer. In addition, and most critical, is you must 664 01:40:35,680 --> 01:40:40,680 vote no to money on proving this outrageous terms and this is how it proposes the group. 665 01:40:56,530 --> 01:40:58,890 Signed up as Audrey Kilmings, please sign up some thoughts. 666 01:41:06,010 --> 01:41:21,230 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. 667 01:41:22,730 --> 01:41:28,650 That means that I am quite appalled that $52 million, which is a budget this year almost, 668 01:41:28,830 --> 01:41:33,770 is not enough to educate 1700 students, just seems outrageous to me. 669 01:41:34,630 --> 01:41:51,210 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 670 01:41:51,210 --> 01:41:52,290 do we have that figure? 671 01:41:54,350 --> 01:41:58,570 And has this Board of Education been receiving financial 672 01:41:58,570 --> 01:42:02,770 updates for the last two years and does this comply with reporting procedures? 673 01:42:03,510 --> 01:42:08,470 I would also like to know if that hasn't been followed, what corrected action 674 01:42:08,470 --> 01:42:14,990 and accountability measures have been taken? I heard Ms. Howard talk about how the 675 01:42:14,990 --> 01:42:19,110 financial cost wear is getting the wrong information. It doesn't have the right 676 01:42:19,110 --> 01:42:26,110 data. Who's putting that data in? It's coming from somewhere. And what's the accountability there as well? 677 01:42:30,260 --> 01:42:37,950 Upon my other notes, actually, for these guys who are speaking, you are taking actions to stabilize. 678 01:42:38,330 --> 01:42:43,130 I'm wondering, you're meeting with a bunch of people that you're taking to get together, 679 01:42:43,250 --> 01:42:49,510 whether it's New York State or both of these, etc. Have these people been involved in reporting data 680 01:42:49,510 --> 01:42:57,270 in the last couple of years and the people that you've been working with that may be contributed 681 01:42:57,270 --> 01:42:59,170 into the problem or as a scratcher. 682 01:42:59,350 --> 01:43:01,470 I feel like we need a scratcher because that helps. 683 01:43:05,180 --> 01:43:06,620 I think that's what we've got here. 684 01:43:07,080 --> 01:43:08,740 That's my two minutes, I'm almost done. 685 01:43:09,800 --> 01:43:14,020 I'd like to know if the scope of the order is, is it only the past year or two or is this going 686 01:43:14,020 --> 01:43:15,260 back how many years? 687 01:43:16,600 --> 01:43:22,220 will this information be made available on this one? Will the report and 688 01:43:22,220 --> 01:43:28,160 functionality be brought to us? Can we use the entire report as taxpayers and 689 01:43:28,160 --> 01:43:34,300 parents? And how is the recommendation to be followed and be followed to you? Is that 690 01:43:34,300 --> 01:43:38,580 something everybody should be able to vote on? What is the timeline for the review? 691 01:43:41,820 --> 01:43:45,240 I heard 692 01:43:45,240 --> 01:43:47,480 What does that mean? I'd like some specifics. 693 01:43:49,920 --> 01:43:54,390 What if any assumptions in the 2026 and 2027 budget 694 01:43:54,760 --> 01:43:57,940 are being re-evaluated at this time? I heard someone say, 695 01:43:58,060 --> 01:44:00,400 I hope we can open the district as clean as September. 696 01:44:01,160 --> 01:44:04,620 So I'm wondering what that means exactly. 697 01:44:05,200 --> 01:44:08,420 And then what are the immediate effects of the children and the faculty 698 01:44:10,780 --> 01:44:13,180 and what would be immediate financial control 699 01:44:13,180 --> 01:44:14,640 All those other employees right now. 700 01:44:16,880 --> 01:44:17,280 Thank you. 701 01:44:17,760 --> 01:44:18,020 Thank you. 702 01:44:24,740 --> 01:44:27,640 Complete the list of individuals that have signed up for public comments. 703 01:44:28,180 --> 01:44:32,940 So we will conclude public comments and move on to our consent agenda. 704 01:44:34,100 --> 01:44:39,700 I have seven on the printed page, and as it was not revised, and with everything from 705 01:44:39,700 --> 01:44:47,900 item seven a through, and it's item eight a, an emotion to accept a consent agenda, please. 706 01:44:51,000 --> 01:44:56,080 We're going to take a roll call vote on our consent agenda this evening, and we'll just 707 01:44:56,080 --> 01:44:58,860 go around the table and start on my left and work our way across. 708 01:45:05,040 --> 01:45:05,640 All right. 709 01:45:08,560 --> 01:45:18,220 All right. The consent agenda is about unanimously, 80-year-old. 710 01:45:22,590 --> 01:45:33,750 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. 711 01:45:35,050 --> 01:45:41,550 includes the public comment section as completed and go on to updates regarding meetings. 712 01:45:42,350 --> 01:45:47,690 Meetings upcoming include and this is subject to change obviously as we go through the 713 01:45:47,690 --> 01:45:50,570 next couple of weeks, but currently what we have scheduled is the following. 714 01:45:51,230 --> 01:45:58,550 Tuesday, September 1st, 745-815, the superintendent conference is scheduled to welcome staff back. 715 01:45:59,650 --> 01:46:06,410 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. 716 01:46:07,250 --> 01:46:08,930 Again, that is subject to change. 717 01:46:09,790 --> 01:46:19,610 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. 718 01:46:19,610 --> 01:46:25,710 And then into October for an accurate board meeting schedule for October 7th as a reminder 719 01:46:25,710 --> 01:46:31,630 to board members each year of the standing practice we do a district tour of district facilities 720 01:46:31,630 --> 01:46:36,990 that will happen at 6 o'clock when we get the high school main entrance and then take the bus 721 01:46:36,990 --> 01:46:42,410 to each building and as has been the practice that's open to the public, folks are welcome to join 722 01:46:42,410 --> 01:46:42,970 us for that. 723 01:46:43,910 --> 01:46:49,590 Committee meetings that have been scheduled so far include the academic committee meeting September 15th 724 01:46:49,590 --> 01:47:00,530 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. 725 01:47:01,410 --> 01:47:03,110 Am I missing anything on that? 726 01:47:03,450 --> 01:47:11,070 All right, thank you again for being here this evening for the comments and questions. 727 01:47:12,210 --> 01:47:15,730 We'll follow up on those, especially with some of your questions offered for sure. 728 01:47:16,630 --> 01:47:18,610 And again, thank you all for being here. 729 01:47:19,110 --> 01:47:22,670 We'll continue to give you a prize that's going to move forward in the coming days. 730 01:47:23,450 --> 01:47:25,150 With that, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. 731 01:47:26,290 --> 01:47:26,910 A move from Kelly. 732 01:47:27,070 --> 01:47:27,710 Second from Elizabeth. 733 01:47:28,350 --> 01:47:29,010 All in favor? 734 01:47:30,130 --> 01:47:30,670 All right. 735 01:47:30,810 --> 01:47:32,690 We're adjourned at 8.49pm. 736 01:47:32,870 --> 01:47:33,190 Thank you.