Kevin P. Ellis

The meeting included a presentation on curriculum updates, specifically regarding the purchase and piloting of new reading and writing units of study for the 2024-2025 school year. This included detailing an integrated approach for ELA and social studies, and discussing the digital writing component which utilizes artificial intelligence feedback for students. Another major topic involved a presentation on the Kindergarten assessment binder, which was created to enhance organization, consistency, and efficiency in the assessment process across grades, facilitating data collection and planning. The agenda also covered capital project updates, followed by discussions and motions concerning the consent agenda items, additions to the substitute list, approvals for coaches for the 2025-2026 school year, revisions to civil service appointments, approval of a child rearing of absence, and acceptance of monetary donations to increase the budget.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting. District presentations covered the unpacking of New ELA Units of Study and Digital Writing, as well as the Kindergarten Assessment Binder. The consent agenda included the acceptance of Treasurer's, Transportation, and Cafeteria Reports, authorization to pay claims, and approval of extra-curricular/co-curricular advisors for the 2025-2026 school year, including the addition of the Secondary Running Club. New business involved personnel actions such as appointments to the substitute list, coach approvals for the 2025-2026 school year, and revisions of probationary appointments for two staff members to permanent Civil Service status, effective December 31, 2025. Additionally, approval was granted for a child-rearing leave of absence for one employee, approval of Special Education recommendations, acceptance of a monetary donation, and approval of two overnight trips for the 2025-2026 school year. The Board also presented the first reading of numerous policies and regulations recommended for rescission following a comprehensive Policy Audit. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss financial history, potential employment matters, and current litigation.

The meeting included several presentations and discussions concerning curriculum integration and updates. One presentation detailed efforts to integrate social studies curriculum across multiple grade levels (K-5 and 6-8) through various art projects, such as creating mini-books for geography, watercolor paintings of the Erie Canal, and projects related to Ellis Island, political positions, and the Harlem Renaissance. Another presentation focused on the implementation of the new New York State science learning standards for Chemistry, specifically detailing three required inquiry-based investigations covering topics like fragrances, polymer manipulation, and titration, along with the three-dimensional structure of the standards (Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts). The presenter also discussed using Artificial Intelligence to develop modules on microplastics in the ocean. A final update mentioned familiarizing staff with new diverse reading unit books.

The 2022-2025 Instructional Technology Plan for Hamilton Central School outlines a strategic roadmap to enhance education through technology. Key objectives include educating students in media literacy to discern reliable information, providing rigorous professional development for teachers to integrate technology effectively, and leveraging the latest technology and practices to foster equitable, student-driven, and collaborative learning experiences. The plan aims to create a dynamic educational community focused on continuous growth, preparing students for future challenges by promoting independent thinking, problem-solving, and positive citizenship, while ensuring equitable access and support for all learners, including those with disabilities and English Language Learners.

This document outlines the Hamilton Central School's Shared Decision-Making Plan, a process designed to ensure full and equal participation of all stakeholders in identifying educational issues, defining goals, implementing procedures, and assessing activities. The plan aims to challenge each student to achieve standards of excellence and their full potential. Key goals include supporting the school's academic, social/emotional, health and safety, and technology/infrastructure objectives; facilitating ongoing communication and collaborative partnerships; ensuring equitable stakeholder voice and community involvement in decision-making; and establishing a biennial assessment and review process for the plan itself.