Julie Chambers

The board meeting focused on a comprehensive budget development update, including projections for expenses and revenues for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussion topics included fund balance and restricted reserves, the status of restricted funds such as the Contract for Excellence and Community Schools programs, and various staffing changes, reductions, and recruitment needs for Career and Technical Education (CTE) operations. The meeting also addressed multi-year revenue and expense projections and highlighted the need to identify funding for additional CTE-related positions.

The board conducted a budget workshop and addressed several operational and educational matters. Key agenda items included the adoption of the 2026-2027 District Calendar, the authorization of consulting contracts, and the appointment of personnel across various departments. The board approved notices for upcoming annual public hearings and budget votes, authorized repairs and upgrades to school facilities, and approved various field trips and conference requests. Additionally, the board ratified a memorandum of agreement with the teachers' association, approved new course offerings, and authorized an audit of special education programs and services.

The Board of Education meeting covered several critical items, including the adoption of policies on public comment and non-represented employees, the approval of the 2026-2027 General Fund, Library, and Property Tax Report Card budgets, and the naming of the new educational facility at 220 West Street as the Newburgh Free Academy Career and Technical Education Center. Furthermore, the Board authorized a partnership agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh, awarded an RFP for an enrollment study to Urbanomics, approved numerous personnel appointments and retirements, and authorized various budget transfers and security equipment procurements for the CTE building. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved field trips, CSE/CPSE committee recommendations, and the declaration of surplus items.

This School Comprehensive Education Plan outlines strategies for Heritage Middle School to improve student outcomes. Key strategies include implementing structured collaborative learning routines across all content areas to enhance student engagement, academic discourse, and achievement in ELA and Math, with a particular focus on identified subgroups. Additionally, the plan emphasizes implementing academic and behavioral circles to build community, strengthen student-teacher relationships, and promote student accountability. The overarching goal is to foster an equitable and inclusive environment, address disproportionality in discipline for Black/African American students and students with disabilities, and leverage student voice to improve overall academic and behavioral success.

This District Comprehensive Improvement Plan outlines four key priorities for the 2025-26 school year. These priorities include strengthening core instruction in literacy, numeracy, and writing; building and sustaining data-driven Professional Learning Communities; promoting student belonging, engagement, and social-emotional support; and ensuring equitable access to effective educators and strategic resource allocation. The plan aims to foster a collaborative culture, improve academic outcomes, create supportive learning environments, and ensure resources are aligned to student needs.