Chad Bartoszek

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a land acknowledgement statement recognizing the homeland of the Anandka, the people of the great hill, and the Senica people. Key discussion points included an update on personnel actions, specifically adding two new softball coaches, and the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation on the instructional budget, noting an increase primarily driven by curriculum development, professional development for inservice programs, and rising costs related to Students with Disability services (Boseis costs). The budget figures presented currently exclude potential increases pending negotiations with STA and CSU unions. Updates were provided regarding upcoming events, including a regalia workshop with a local artist, a trip to Washington D.C. and the Carl Island boarding school, and the annual maple boiling event. Furthermore, an update on Title Six activities included scheduling a public hearing and an Indigenous Fair Committee meeting. The Board received recognition for winning a national Silver Award from the National School Boards Association for their indoor air quality program, aligning with long-term sustainability and planning for the next seven generations.

The meeting included a land acknowledgement and presentation of agenda changes, which moved a presentation by Mrs. Hager to the March 24th meeting and added a conference for Mrs. Bever and Mr. Long, as well as a contract/bid award for site work for Phase 5.1 of the old Dong sites. Key discussions involved a presentation on the music department, highlighting student achievements in solo festivals and plans for a concert featuring a piece about mental health, which involved collaboration between fifth-grade and high school bands. There was also a presentation on the drama club's field trip. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the budget presentation for district administration, facilities, safety, security, and transportation. Topics included managing six confirmed retirements, pending negotiations outcomes (STA, CSU), and uncertainty regarding state aid due to the state budget timeline. Proposed budget reductions were discussed across several administrative areas, including large variance increases in Board of Education travel costs and increases in Personnel due to added roles and professional development requests. Insurance costs were noted to be rising due to increased claims activity, particularly related to the Child Victim Act. The transportation budget was higher due to the planned purchase of several diesel and accessible buses, and a separate proposition for an electric bus.

The board meeting included several key agenda items such as a legal counsel approved resolution, the capital project phase 4 construction lighting bid, and approval for the Odyssey of the Mind team to travel to a world competition. The meeting featured presentations on the upcoming budget, specifically regarding benefits and debt service, as well as an overview of various successful and ongoing grant initiatives focused on student education and district improvements. There were also reports on the indigenous student curriculum and activities, including traditional farming and corn processing, reflecting the district's commitment to cultural integration.

Key discussions focused on the status of the Indigenous Parent Committee, including grant and budget planning for the upcoming school year, and the current student count impacting the Title VI grant program, noting challenges with the absence of an electronic signature option for the ED 506 form. The Native American Curriculum Team reported on integrating Indigenous themes into ELA for 8th and 11th grades, and adjustments to experiential learning activities like the Maple Program tree tapping, which was rescheduled due to weather. The team is also collaborating with the Museum of the American Indian regarding career paths and arranging a connection with a Seneca Nation lobbyist to discuss federal representation. Additionally, the committee reviewed procedures for the summer employment program and discussed the upcoming Youth Summit scheduling. The district also reviewed its required disparity report, noting ongoing concerns regarding lower Native student enrollment in advanced math and science courses, and shared success in balancing representation for Warrior Awards after revising the nomination process.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of the ancestral lands of the Anandovaka and Senica peoples. Key agenda items included the approval of the meeting agenda, followed by a motion to enter an executive session for personnel matters. The consent agenda was approved, which involved an affiliation agreement with St. John University for a five-year term, and the resolution setting dates for the annual budget vote and board member election in May 2026. Decisions were made regarding the Special Education Extended School Year 2026 calendar and the approval of a $10,000 donation of insulated cups and lids. The Board declared outdated library supplies as surplus and approved the creation of five new positions, including a Project Director, Director of Special Education, and Cook Manager. Personnel actions included approving the consent agenda, a salary adjustment for John Hary Haley, and recognizing the retirements of Kathy, Frank, and Janet. Discussions also covered staff training on life-saving skills and the upcoming food truck event.