Kenneth R. Hamilton

The Board of Education meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The board recognized a teaching assistant for tenure and discussed student use of AI, emphasizing proper citation and attribution practices. Three policies received first readings: Title IX and Sex Discrimination, Prohibition of Sexual Harassment, and Gender-Neutral Single-Occupancy Bathrooms. The Board President reported on a community engagement event. The Superintendent provided updates on facilities projects, STEAM program expansion, and the 2026-27 school budget vote and board election calendar. Personnel actions included tenure appointments, changes of assignment, and appointments of coaches and advisors. The board also addressed budget transfers and recommendations for bids on construction services.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics such as the approval of the treasurer's report for September 2025, acceptance of gifts, adoption of the Edgemont UFSD Communications Committee Purpose, Communication Norms and 25-26 Goals. There was also a 2nd reading and adoption of Policy #2160, School District Officer and Employee Code of Ethics and Policy# 4332 Universal Prekindergarten. The board authorized the retirement of Policy 5200 - Gift policy, and had first readings of Policy #1320, Community-Board Communications, Policy #0001 Ethical Standards for Board Members, and Policy #4526 Acceptable Use Policy for Technology and the Internet. The board also discussed the Independent Auditor Report. Personnel matters including PSAT Testing Proctors and Hall Monitors EHS, appointments, resignations, and leaves of absence were addressed. The board also discussed student matters, budget transfers, the 2025-2026 District-Wide Safety Plan, and the Independent Audit and Acceptance of the Corrective Action Plan. The board also discussed the Adoption of Standardization Resolution Pursuant to GML §103(5) -- OGS Award 23150 (Security, Fire Alarm & PA Systems) and Proposed Tax Certiorari Settlements.

The meeting included recognition of National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists and NYSSMA All-State performers. The Edgemont Teachers Association president spoke positively about the school opening and encouraged respectful engagement. The Board accepted gifts for school field trips and a motivational speaker. They adopted board norms and protocols, finance committee norms, and discussed policy drafts. The Superintendent's goals for 2025-2026 were adopted. Personnel matters included payments for in-service STI credits, salary schedule advancements, and appointments. The Board also discussed student matters and approved budget transfers, transportation contracts, and agreements with various entities.

The board meeting addressed concerns about class sizes, emphasizing that the district follows agreed-upon thresholds outlined in the teachers' union contract. The discussion included the allocation of class sections for the rising third grade at Celely Place, aiming to maintain equity across the district. The meeting also covered the approved bond proposition for a synthetic turf field, with community members raising concerns about the environmental impact and suggesting alternatives. Finally, the board announced plans for a community survey regarding site access improvements.

The board meeting included the approval of the minutes from the March 11th, 2025 meeting and the February 2025 treasurer's report. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, focusing on concerns regarding proposed budget cuts impacting class sizes, particularly in the third grade at Cely Place Elementary. Parents expressed concerns about the negative effects of larger class sizes on student learning and teacher morale, citing research supporting smaller class sizes. Another significant discussion point involved the planned installation of synthetic turf fields, with parents raising environmental and health concerns regarding the use of potentially harmful materials and advocating for natural grass fields instead.