Colleen Cafiso

The key discussion during this budget meeting centered on the 2026-2027 Budget Overview presentation. Specific areas of inquiry from the Board of Education included class sizes for elementary levels, potential wrestling mat and athletics upgrades, the status of the Universal Pre K program, required bus purchases, proposed reductions in employee benefits contributions, and matters concerning Charter Schools.

The meeting included a presentation on the results from the spring 2025 DIY survey, which assessed school climate by surveying students in grades 3-12, staff, parents, and families. The survey covered systems and organization, curriculum, parent and community engagement, school leadership, social-emotional learning, and instruction. The board discussed the survey's findings, including favorable percentages in systems and organizations and areas for improvement such as social-emotional learning and bullying prevention. Action plans were created to address these areas, focusing on improving communication, reducing bullying, and increasing parent engagement.

The meeting included a presentation on the School Climate Survey results and recognition of the music program. Updates were provided on the middle school and high school activities. Students were honored for attending the NYS Legislative Conference, and employees were recognized for receiving tenure. The board approved policies for a second reading and adoption, as well as personnel actions. An omnibus motion was approved, covering items such as obsolete equipment, grants and donations, change orders for security vestibules, treasurer's report, financial status reports, claims auditor report, building requests, student activity, register of bills, CPSE/CSE report, and budget transfers. The board also approved a proposal for construction consulting services and ratified the appointment of an Impartial Hearing Officer. The Building & Audit Committee reports were shared.

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics, such as student achievements in music, recognition of music students, and a presentation by auditors on the end-of-year financials. The board also viewed a video for board appreciation week. Updates were provided on events at the high school and MGV, including homecoming, spirit week, meet the teacher night, Hispanic Heritage Night, financial aid night, picture day, popsicle playdates, and fire safety month activities.

The meeting included student speakers from RMMS and Amaya Carson presenting ongoings at their schools. The Board of Education was honored for Board Appreciation week. Music students were recognized for their accolades. Representatives from Nawrocki Smith LLP presented the results of the fiscal 2025 audit. The Board approved policies for a first reading and personnel actions. An omnibus motion was approved, covering donations, obsolete items/equipment, field trips, CSE/CPSE Board reports, special education parent member, consultant services contracts, college articulation agreements, building requests, student activity, budget transfers, and financial reports. The Board also approved lead evaluators, a memorandum of agreement with the North Babylon Administrators' Association, renaming the High School Press Box, a budget development calendar, and a resolution regarding a disciplinary matter. The building committee was requested to meet in the near future.