Deirdre Caamano

This document outlines strategic goals focused on identifying districtwide facilities and programmatic needs to support long-term strategic plans, and developing comprehensive AI guidance. Key initiatives include creating an inventory of physical plant and instructional proposals, conducting an energy audit, and establishing a Districtwide Facilities Committee. Additionally, the plan aims to create AI guidance documents prioritizing data privacy, promoting AI literacy, maintaining academic integrity, addressing equity and bias, and advocating for a human-centered approach to AI.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of the internal audit risk assessment report and a focus area report on extra classroom matters, which contained recommendations on policies, website postings, contingency plans, and cross-training. The board also addressed the first reading of Policy 3137 regarding credit cards and charge cards. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the 2026-2027 budget update, detailing assumptions such as salary impacts from collective bargaining agreements, increases in postage services, transportation, and special education tuition, and a notable estimated increase in health insurance premiums (10% to 15%). Capital expenditures discussed included replacing an old dump truck with a new pickup truck, and considerations for adding a psychologist position. The budget timeline outlined future presentations for the draft budget, recommended budget adoption, a public hearing, and the final budget vote. Updates from the elementary level included information on kindergarten registration, screening, placement processes, and positive feedback regarding the shift to a trimester system. Achievements in extracurricular activities, such as a fifth-grade student winning the school spelling bee, were also mentioned.

The meeting began with an executive session for contract negotiation advice, followed by the public session commencing with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the acceptance of the consent agenda and the second reading of policy 011. The board discussed the initial stages of budget season, reviewing the current year's budget recap ($57.68788 million) and assumptions for the 2026-2027 budget, including projections for TRS, ERS rates, CPI, salaries, special education tuition, and significant health insurance increases (15-17%). Updates were provided on Goal 8.01 concerning facilities, which involves energy and safety audits, and developing a district facilities committee. Goal 8.02 focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidance development, including professional development initiatives and the formation of an AI Circles team. The elementary administration update highlighted student participation in spelling bees and the ongoing fifth-grade capstone projects emphasizing inquiry-based learning and student interviews with experts. Furthermore, efforts to manage the anxious generation included discussions on restricting personal technology use in schools and hosting an expert speaker on childhood technology use.

The meeting commenced with the Board voting to move directly into an executive session to discuss proposed, pending, or current litigation, with an expected return to the regular meeting. Following the executive session, the regular meeting included a public hearing on the revised districtwide school safety plan, featuring community input regarding required certifications for supervising personnel from community-based organizations concerning cardiac emergency response and CPR/AED certification. Following the public hearing closure, the consent agenda was accepted. Updates included the hiring of a new internal Food Service Director, Larry Anthony. Further discussions covered the first reading of Policy 011 (Title N Policy) and tabling the first reading of Policy 1111.1 concerning public comment on board meetings. A secondary administration update highlighted the successful revival of the student newspaper, "Todd Times," which is an electronic publication run by students with 16 active members, featuring articles, creative writing, comics, polls, and puzzles. The update also celebrated the music department's two winter concerts, choir caroling, and selections for NISMA events. Other highlights included collaboration on sock and food drives by the P2 club, a health class featuring a student teaching sign language, MST students building and testing balsa wood bridges, a world literature pen pal project with immigrant students, and a presentation on AVID featuring a guest speaker from USA Sports. Significant recognition was given to a senior named Say Hussein for being named a top 300 scholar in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, resulting in a $2,000 scholarship for the science research program. Finally, an extensive report was given on the New York State Theater Education Association (NYSTEA) conference attended by 12 students, highlighting workshops on various theatrical skills and networking opportunities with industry professionals and colleges.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Discussions covered public comments on consent agenda items, including a clarification regarding a federal grant for special education funds reimbursement. Elementary administration provided updates, highlighting events such as a planetarium visit, a presentation by a former student author, the first P2 assembly led by AVID students, the success of the Play Club intervention program, and Parent Teacher Conferences. Holiday activities were also detailed, including a kindergarten parade and a Macy's window display partnership, with ongoing plans for rooftop activities and a new Winter Carnival scheduled for January 30th as a replacement for a cancelled Field Day. The Hagen administration reported on the successful return of the drama club, which is preparing to perform Matilda Junior, updates on concert season, and the installation of a new sensory mural featuring a Spartan design. Board members also discussed a recent Duchess County School Board Association meeting where a guest speaker presented on empathy and personal struggles under the theme "Under the Surface: We're More Than Just Our Personalities." A Board of Regents member also visited Cran Wills and Nassau, interacting positively with students and staff.