Eric Besenfelder

The primary discussion revolved around an executive session. The meeting commenced at 6:06 p.m. with a motion to enter executive session, which carried. Following the executive session, a motion was made to leave the session at 8:29 p.m. Subsequently, a motion was passed to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing for the Senior Citizen and Disabled Tax Exemption, which opened and closed at 6:26 pm. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Board entered and subsequently left Executive Session. Key actions included the approval of the Consent Agenda (excluding item 13B, which was tabled), and several personnel matters, such as approving probationary appointments, resignations, annual appointments, civil service appointments, and volunteer coaching appointments. Financial reports for December 2025, including the Treasurer's Report and Appropriation Status Report, were accepted. The Board approved several contracts and agreements, including MOAs with CAAA and Health and Welfare Service Agreements with Bethlehem Central School District and Pawling CSD, as well as an Interim Superintendent Contract. The resolution to approve the Senior Citizen and Disabled Tax Exemption Rate for 2026 was also passed. Later in the session, the Board moved to executive session to discuss CSE Minutes and subsequently approved the IEP Summaries. A walk-on item involving an anonymous donation of $1,500 to athletics was also approved before adjournment.

Key discussion points included updates on federal and state legislative actions affecting school districts, specifically concerning federal aid levels where the Senate position was favored over the House proposal. The conversation addressed restructuring within the Department of Education, with some offices potentially moving under other departments, though funding is expected to remain consistent. At the state level, the Governor proposed universal statewide Pre-K and childcare initiatives, with budget details forthcoming. Furthermore, discussions centered on the adoption of interdisciplinary, project-based learning models, aligning with the state's 'Portrait of a Graduate' indicators, including integrating STEM with humanities and addressing the implementation challenges and training needs for teachers to shift from lecture-based instruction. The Board also discussed applying for a waiver period regarding zero emission buses and noted the recent passage of a capital project for facility improvements.

The meeting commenced with a call to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The primary focus was on the Consent Agenda covering Personnel and Business Matters. Key actions included the approval of Consent Agenda Items 3A through 3F. Specific personnel actions involved the approval of an Interim Superintendent, approval of several Resignations, and the approval of Annual Appointments, though the Track and Field Program Assistant appointment was tabled. Civil Service appointments, including one for a Transportation Supervisor, were also approved. Additionally, the Board approved revised substitute rates. The agenda also included Presentation Items and subsequent Executive Session to discuss matters before adjourning the meeting.

The strategic framework for the Coxsackie-Athens K-12 STEM Ecosystem aims to ignite curiosity and build futures by redesigning the K-12 educational experience. It fosters intentional design, student agency, and resilience through a continuous system from elementary to high school. Key areas include cultivating wonder and foundational maker work in early grades, progressing to structured engineering and digital media in middle school, and offering authentic career pathways in high school, such as student-run tech support, advanced fabrication, and environmental field research. The framework prioritizes confidence-building, productive struggle, and vertical alignment to prepare students for future challenges, with a future vision towards deepening integration, cutting-edge technology, and expanded partnerships.