Kelly Kozak

The meeting featured extensive student recognition, including awards for the high school string ensemble performing at Yankee Stadium, Metro Award winners for the production of Les Misérables, science research project accomplishments, and successful participation in national debate championships. The board also held discussions regarding yearbooks for both middle and high schools, and honored the outgoing student school board liaisons. Additionally, the district noted upcoming school closures for Juneteenth and provided updates on various student performances, writing initiatives, and academic achievements.

The Board of Education meeting included reports on student accomplishments in various national competitions, music and arts achievements, and updates on high school sports teams. The Superintendent discussed school calendar events and the importance of school values. The Board also conducted a first reading of policy revisions, and approved personnel, administrative, and finance reports, including the acceptance of several scholarship fund donations.

The meeting focused on the certification of the 2026-27 school district budget, with an acknowledgment of community support and efforts by the business office and administrative staff. Key agenda items included the approval of a personnel report covering various appointments and leaves, the first reading of revised policies from the 5000 series regarding business operations, and the adoption of the school budget vote and election. Additionally, the Board authorized an agreement with the Town of Harrison and approved a contract for switchboard upgrades at the high school.

The Instructional Technology Plan for Harrison Central School District outlines the strategic use of technology to advance student learning and district operations. It focuses on three primary goals: strategically integrating instructional technology (including AI) to enhance teaching, learning, engagement, differentiation, and equitable resource access; providing ongoing, high-quality professional learning for educators to ensure proficiency and innovation in technology use; and continuously enhancing a secure, reliable, and scalable technology infrastructure. This plan aims to leverage technology as a driver of student learning, equity, and continuous improvement, supporting inquiry-based learning within an International Baccalaureate framework to improve student achievement and strengthen instructional practices.

The board meeting featured presentations from the Harrison Educational Foundation, which awarded three grants to support student programs, including CO2 probes for science inquiry, the modernization of the high school planetarium, and mobile sensory support systems. The board received updates on student achievements in DECA, contemporary art exhibitions, and music education recognitions. Furthermore, administrative updates were provided regarding teacher recruitment, construction of portable classrooms, and legislative advocacy efforts. Discussion also highlighted successful collaboration between the district and other educational institutions regarding personal project models and multicultural units.