Bonnie Torchia

The Taconic Hills Central School District's Instructional Technology Plan outlines a strategic roadmap to ensure all students develop essential technology skills and competencies for success in an evolving world. The plan's vision emphasizes utilizing current technologies to foster diverse, enriched learning experiences, cultivate critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and digital citizenship. Key strategic pillars for 2026-2029 include implementing career planning assessments for students in grades 7-12, strengthening district-wide digital security awareness for staff and students, and promoting the effective and responsible integration of artificial intelligence into instruction and student learning.

The meeting included reports on district commitments, student activities like career fairs and concerts, and upcoming events such as the science symposium and end-of-year celebrations. New board members were welcomed, and staff members were commended for their years of service. A student board report provided insights into senior activities, including decision day statistics and recent sports accomplishments. Additionally, board members shared feedback from a national association convention, covering topics such as electric bus grants, legal issues, artificial intelligence in education, and nutrition programs.

The meeting featured a presentation on special education programs, covering the mission and vision, enrollment data trends among students with disabilities, and current programming and resource allocation. Discussion points included fiscal responsibility, the focus on providing a least restrictive environment in compliance with state regulations, and academic performance indicators. Commitments related to standard operating procedures, staff training on regulatory compliance, the creation of a procedural handbook, and the design of a sustainable student service continuum were reviewed, along with the transition of department leadership and ongoing efforts to support staff.

The meeting featured a budget workshop focusing on current budget status, cost drivers including health insurance and contractual salary increases, and upcoming fiscal planning. Key discussion items included the integration of new HR and student data management platforms, updates on enrollment trends and classroom size maintenance, and proposed staffing adjustments for interventionists and speech pathology. Additionally, the Board reviewed procurement for school buses and discussed the development of the budget for the upcoming school year. The session also covered a review of buildings and grounds operations, emphasizing safety protocols, emergency drill compliance, and improvements in staff communication.

The board meeting primarily focused on the approval of the agenda, the voting process for two board propositions, and an extensive discussion regarding the upcoming tax levy options. Board members evaluated various percentage increase options for the tax levy in light of budget constraints, insurance increases, and tax base growth projections. Additionally, the board approved a personnel agenda concerning the hiring of substitute teachers.