Caitriona O'Neill

The Advisory Council discussed the agenda for the upcoming Liaison Meeting, including breakout sessions and an awards ceremony. The council reviewed service offerings for the 26-27 academic year, focusing on database subscriptions, the potential implementation of mini-grants to replace broad subscriptions, and the need for video repository solutions. There was significant discussion regarding the necessity of updating outdated bylaws and revising the procedure for appointing new council members. The meeting also included the approval of winners for the AOY and SLOY awards and a review of the draft Plan of Service to be submitted to the State. Additionally, the Director expressed an interest in visiting school libraries and provided information regarding an upcoming PhD cohort at Long Island University.

The council discussed various operational updates, including the rescheduling of the December Liaison Meeting and the planning of an additional December Council Meeting. The status of the Annual Report and the upcoming five-year plan were reviewed, with the report requiring submission by early November. New digital resources and databases for K-12 were introduced, alongside reports on training initiatives for health and wellness. Members discussed challenges regarding technology access for students, the sharing of digital literacy curricula across districts, and the status of library subscriptions. Additionally, the group addressed recruitment for new council members, upcoming award application timelines, and a community initiative focused on addressing book banning through student-led online presentations.

The Advisory Council discussed scheduling for future liaison meetings, concluding that these should be full-day sessions. The council reviewed the addition of the Clickview service to the BOCES collection and held a discussion regarding membership updates, including the removal of inactive members and the appointment of new representatives. Progress on the upcoming Report for the Plan of Service was discussed, with plans for upcoming coordination with the State. Finally, the council reviewed the AOY/SLOY nomination process, agreeing to simplify the application via a new Google form and establishing a timeline for plaque ordering and winner selection.

The board meeting focused on several key items including the certification of the budget vote, facility change orders for various school sites, and the adoption of multiple lease and rental agreements. Additionally, the board approved several consultant contracts, participated in cooperative bids, and authorized resolutions related to reserve funds and research studies. The meeting also featured updates on facilities services, semi-annual reports, a report from the Superintendent, and an executive session to discuss collective negotiations and personnel matters.

This plan establishes a comprehensive framework for site-based planning and shared decision-making within Nassau BOCES. It details the structure and roles of both the agency-planning team and site-based teams, outlining their composition, procedural guidelines, training, and support mechanisms. The plan focuses on collaborative decision-making in critical areas such as resource and staff allocation, student instructional objectives, curriculum and program development, student outcomes, scheduling, staff development, health and safety, and student discipline. It also includes provisions for dispute resolution and accountability, aiming to enhance student achievement and ensure a successful educational environment.