Krista Bochdam

The proceedings included a Budget Workshop where the Superintendent presented an analysis covering health rates, enrollment figures showing a state-wide decline trend, revenue sources like Foundation Aid and the Combined Wealth Ratio, cost analysis of the PreK program, and review of employee check runs. A public hearing was held regarding the Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers Tax Exemption and the Senior Tax Exemption, both of which the district recommended for approval. The meeting featured student presentations showcasing fourth-grade narrative writing work and an update on Facilities, Operations & Maintenance, and Technology budgets, including BOCES services. Committee reports from the Policy and Facilities committees were shared. Key action items included approving Rhinebeck Science Foundations grants for a 6th Grade Circus Arts Performance and a 3-D printing program. Resolutions were adopted to implement the Volunteer Firefighters & Ambulance Workers Partial Tax Exemption and to establish a sliding scale for the Senior Citizens Low Income Partial Tax Exemption. Finally, the Board adopted a revised policy regarding Conduct and Use of District Resources in School Votes.

The meeting commenced with two Executive Sessions; the first to discuss the evaluation of the Superintendent and the second for contract negotiations. Key discussions included the Superintendent's report, which covered appreciation for staff navigating COVID restrictions, and a review of the second CDEP meeting focusing on mission, vision, and core values. The Board recognized several 2020-21 retirees and tenure recipients. Principal reports summarized the school year, focusing on post-pandemic social and emotional needs, curriculum highlights, and program reviews such as the Kettle project and the Ruler Program. An introduction and overview of the Seal of Biliteracy program was presented. Action items involved approving the Treasurer's Report for March 2021, approving various personnel actions including appointments, grants of tenure, and summer work hours for staff, and approving a change order for a capital project. The Board also accepted several grant awards from the P.T.S.O.

The regular meeting agenda included an Early Executive Session followed by the main session. Key discussion topics included the Annual Independent Auditors Report, the Interscholastic Athletics Report, and Principals Reports. The Board received updates on the 2014-15 Budget Development. Action items involved approving CSE and CPSE recommendations, reviewing and adopting several revised Board Policies related to Special Education Services, re-numbering existing policies, accepting the Independent Auditor's Report for the 2012-13 school year, approving mentors for new teaching staff, appointing instructors for before-school and after-school enrichment programs, terminating the employment of a part-time Food Service Helper, and appointing a replacement. Additionally, the Board adopted a resolution establishing Standard Measurement Periods, Administrative Periods, and Stability Periods for variable hour employees in compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The meeting included reports from the Superintendent regarding the recent winter vacation, calendar planning, community engagement such as the RHS concert and K-12 Band Festival, and planned modifications to the communication strategy. A key discussion involved a report on K-12 Special Education, detailing Child Find, Least Restrictive Environment placements, and accountability measures. Board Committee reports covered Stakeholders Engagement (newsletter development, Budget FAQs), Facilities (roofing warranty, traffic flows, playground improvements), and Performance Monitoring (tax exemption for volunteer firefighters/EMTs, 2026-27 budget assumptions, cybersecurity update). Action items included accepting a grant donation from the Rhinebeck Science Foundation for Mindful Martial Arts, adopting a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement regarding compensation for AED response team members, and approving revised 2025-26 school tax bills. Numerous personnel actions were approved, including extra-curricular appointments for the Spring Musical and Robotics Club, instructional appointments, professional development, instructional appointment revisions, and accepting several resignations/retirements.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing concerning the District-Wide Safety Plan Revision, specifically regarding updated CPR and AED information, confirming all AEDs are current. Key discussion items included the Superintendent's report on the first snow day event, the completion of formal threat assessment and suicide prevention assessment written procedures, and a review of the Annual Facilities Report presented by the New York State School Facilities Association (NYSSFA), which detailed assessment findings on staffing, maintenance, and infrastructure. The Office of Curriculum and Instruction reported on student performance data, including updates on NY State Testing, Regents exams, and discussions around shifting testing focus toward independent application of skills rather than rote knowledge. Board committee reports were shared, and good news items highlighted the district's selection for the 2025 Sportsmanship Award and recognition of National Merit Scholarship Commended students. Action items approved included a grant donation from the Rhinebeck Science Foundation, acceptance of the 2020-2023 NYSED Auditor's Report and its corresponding Corrective Action Plan, and the formal adoption of the revised 2025-2026 District-Wide Safety Plan following the public hearing. The session also included approval of personnel actions, including appointments and a leave of absence, as well as authorization for the disposal of surplus instructional materials and granting access to a safe deposit box.