Denise Zapata

The board meeting served as a recognition event for school partners, highlighting the contributions of various volunteer organizations. Representatives from the district PTSA, high school PTA, middle school PTA, Krompond PTA, Brookside PTA, Mohansic PTA, and SEPTA were honored for their efforts in coordinating events, fostering community connections, and supporting student learning. The meeting also included an executive session regarding the employment of specific pedagogical employees.

The board received presentations regarding the district's budget development process, with a focus on tax cap calculations, technology and data infrastructure, co-curricular activities, and the athletics program. Key discussion points included the current status of the tax cap levy, organizational structure of the technology department, cybersecurity enhancements, artificial intelligence integration in instructional and operational areas, student participation levels in co-curricular clubs, and athletic department staffing and transportation expenses.

The Board of Education received a preliminary budget presentation covering four major areas: general support, facilities, operations and maintenance, employee benefits, and transportation. Key discussions included an increase in residency investigations, rising superintendent hearings for student discipline, projected increases in property and casualty insurance, and mandatory charges from the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES. Facilities staff discussed building maintenance, groundskeeping, and the required building condition survey. In employee benefits, the Board reviewed shifts in retirement system rates, health insurance premium increases, and social security tax changes. The transportation department presented data on student ridership, fleet usage, and route efficiency efforts influenced by local traffic patterns.

The meeting included an executive session regarding personnel and confidential student matters. The public session featured a presentation by the Krompon School PBIS committee on student-led assemblies aimed at fostering positive school behaviors through leadership and teamwork. Additionally, the meeting recognized a Yorktown High School student for being named a student of distinction at PNW BOCES.

The board meeting included a school opening report detailing summer facility upgrades, such as HVAC repairs and parking lot sealing, and provided renderings for an upcoming athletic complex and facility construction. Enrollment data was presented, noting a significant increase in the Universal Pre-K program. Additionally, the superintendent outlined action steps regarding mental health support through a new partnership with Westchester Medical Center Health, the implementation of a weekly digital communication newsletter, and progress on replacing school lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures. The board also reviewed the potential financial impact of providing a property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members.