Amanda Byrne

The meeting focused on reviewing Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) survey data and discussing graduate luncheon focus group data. Key discussion points included the viability of full-day programs for parents, equity considerations regarding transportation and entrance, the potential for an affordable prep kindergarten option, and concerns regarding program oversight, staff professional development, and alignment across programs. The agenda also included a discussion on transitional kindergarten and student special education services.

The meeting commenced with an agenda approval and a moment of silence, followed by a public participation reminder outlining registration procedures. The Superintendent provided an update detailing the work of community partner subcommittees formed to address the growing budget gap by exploring legacy fundraising, alternative revenue streams like county sales tax, educational program partnerships, developing a self-sustaining community education program, and examining energy and facilities cost savings. The Superintendent also gave recognition to students for musical and artistic excellence, the musical "Mean Girls," and upcoming district events including a strings concert celebrating 60 years of the Suzuki program and robotics team competitions. Public commenters strongly advocated for the adoption of the New York State authorized veterans property tax exemption, presenting data on the potential impact and community support, noting that the board would schedule a follow-up meeting with administration to discuss the data. Recognition was also given to the Director of Security for his service upon retirement. Campus updates included a chain-linking ceremony celebrating kindness at Victor Early Childhood School, information on upcoming parent-teacher conferences and report card distribution, and kindergarten registration details for the upcoming year.

The meeting agenda included a welcome and review of the agenda items. Key discussions focused on Old Business, specifically reviewing reports related to the "Morning Show" learning initiative, which involved logistics for technology, location selection, structure formatting (live vs. recorded), and targeting a February 2026 start. Another significant topic was the SDM Policy Review, where council members divided specific policy sections for review, with a follow-up discussion planned for the next meeting regarding feedback, pronoun usage, and parents/guardians. New Business covered a quick overview and date selection for the 2026 Career Day. The meeting concluded with good of the group discussion and scheduling for future meetings.

The key discussion topics for the meeting involved planning for the 25-26 Building Goals, which included continuing SEL Newsletters and creating an inventory of all VPS Community Events. Specific actions were planned for the SEL Newsletters, detailing responsibilities for lesson updates, expectations connections, managing read-aloud videos, and developing tips for parents. Regarding the community events inventory, the group focused on reviewing the Google Form structure, adding necessary guidelines and fields, and establishing next steps such as bringing the inventory to the BLT and making it a standing monthly item. The roundtable session scheduled the completion of resources for the December SEL Newsletter, including recording the read-aloud.

The meeting included a review of council business and discussion on an Engaging Learning activity. The primary focus was a course proposal for Introduction to Python at the High School, presented by Mr. Wuest, intended to extend the Computer Science pathway. The council expressed enthusiastic support and approved the proposal, which is slated to move to the Board of Education (BOE) in January 2026. An update on the Early College COSER was also provided.