James Benincasa

This document outlines the Academic Intervention Services (AIS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) Plan for the Pine Plains Central School District, fulfilling New York State mandates. It provides a framework for offering additional instruction and student support services to assist students at risk of not achieving Next Generation/State Standards. Key components include defining AIS eligibility criteria for ELA and Math across grades K-12, outlining progress monitoring and discharge processes, and detailing the function of the Instructional Support Team (IST). The plan also describes a three-tiered RTI model, encompassing Core Instructional Interventions, Target Group Instruction, and Intensive Instruction, alongside comprehensive student support services such as English Language Learner support, related therapies, nursing, mental health, guidance, and summer school programs.

The meeting began with the President leading the Pledge of Allegiance and reading the Mission and Vision Statements. The Board of Education was recognized for Board of Education Appreciation week with tokens of thanks from various school groups. Key reports included an overview of Stissing Mountain Junior/Senior High School's focus for the 2025-26 school year, an update on new legislation regarding AEDs (Desha's Law), discussion on the Superintendent's right-sizing presentations, and review of Administrators' monthly reports. New Business included the acceptance of the 2025-26 Tax Collection - Installment Payment Report, ratification of the Capital Project vote, creation of the Richard Reeve Scholarship Award, approval to surplus copier machines, and acknowledgment of changes to summer curriculum grants. Personnel actions involved appointing a long-term substitute mathematics teacher, hiring an Auto Mechanic, approving extended sick leave requests, changing a School Monitor's status to permanent, and appointing several advisors and substitute teachers. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss the employment of a particular person.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the Mission and Vision Statements. A public hearing was held regarding changes to the District-Wide Safety Plan, specifically the establishment of a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP). The Board entered and returned from an executive session to discuss possible litigation. Key agenda items included the Superintendent's report on the Cold Spring Early Learning Center's focus, the Budget Calendar, and the Capital Project Update. The Board also discussed the Right-Sizing Plan following public comments. The consent agenda approved financial reports for October and November 2025, budget transfers, the 2025-26 Tax Assessment Change Log, Special Education recommendations, and the 2026-2027 Budget calendar. New business involved the unanimous approval of a bond resolution authorizing up to $3,800,000 in bonds and $9,100,000 from the capital reserve fund for facility financing. The Board also authorized the Superintendent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Dutchess County for mass immunizations, approved an overnight field trip, approved a transportation contract with Dutchess BOCES, and approved participation in the County of Dutchess Bus Patrol Stop Arm Enforcement Program. Personnel actions included granting an extended sick leave, changing an employment status from probationary to permanent, and appointing a new substitute School Monitor. The meeting concluded with a workshop discussion on the Future Ready Forum, focusing on transportation analysis, student building reassignment plans, and building start times, with a consensus to proceed with architectural designs.

The meeting began with the reading of the Mission, Vision, and Core Values statements, and the appointment of a Clerk Pro Tem. Recognition was given to school psychologists in observance of School Psychologist Week and to SRP unit members ahead of SRP Recognition Day. The Superintendent reported on upcoming Future-Ready Forums, including the planned structure and the Board's decision to add a fifth discussion question. An Audit Committee meeting was scheduled to review the Building Cost Analysis Report. An update on the capital project detailed that Phase 1 (Roofs, track, and tennis courts) is scheduled for summer 2026, with Phase 2 in summer 2027. The Student Board Member provided updates on student activities, including the recent Homecoming Dance, upcoming Varsity Club visit, Powder Puff game, and Fall Sports Signing Day. Business included unanimous approval of a consent agenda covering financial reports for September 2025, budget transfers, Special Education recommendations, and a resolution authorizing the RIC ONE Risk Operations Center (ROC) to negotiate Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) compliant with Ed Law 2d. Personnel actions included approving a child-rearing leave, appointing two long-term leave replacements, appointing a Food Service Helper, approving winter coaches, and appointing substitutes for the 2025-2026 year. The Board reviewed its established goals, focusing on providing a safe and engaging environment, enhancing student experience opportunities, and encouraging community connections, with a suggestion to check goal progress quarterly.

The meeting included a presentation by RBT CPA's regarding the completed 2024-25 Financial Audit for the District and the Extra-Classroom funds. The Superintendent reported on the upcoming Capital Project Vote scheduled for October 15, 2025, the opening of Winners Circle Garage for AG Day, and the PILOT agreement with The Hudson Company. New business involved the second reading and adoption of several policies related to records management, privacy, and voting procedures. The Board accepted the Draft Annual Financial Audit Report for the year ended June 30, 2025, for both the CSD and the Extra-Classroom Activity Fund, and approved the corresponding Corrective Action Plans. Additionally, the Board approved the 2025-26 Reserve Plans, agreements for non-resident students attending PPCSD, and a resolution authorizing attorneys to execute Consent Judgments in tax certiorari proceedings, including the refund of taxes. A donation of padded chairs from the Pine Plains Bomber Booster Club was accepted, and the Superintendent's Goal for 2025-26 was approved. Personnel actions included accepting a Bus Driver's resignation and appointing several individuals as extra-curricular advisors and to the substitute list for the 2025-26 school year. The Board also entered a brief executive session to discuss the employment of a particular person.