Kristen Dainty

This document details the district-wide strategy for supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) by focusing on integrated ENL instruction. Key pillars include comprehensive identification processes, structured programmatic requirements (Integrated ENL, Stand-alone ENL, Bilingual Education), and data-driven instruction. The approach integrates language development within content areas, provides differentiated literacy, invests in professional development, and utilizes culturally responsive materials. Additional priorities involve continuous progress monitoring, leveraging students' home languages, offering targeted language development, and enhancing family engagement through the WCSD ENL Outreach Committee. The ultimate vision is to ensure equitable access to rigorous academic content and foster English proficiency for all ELLs.

This document outlines the Smart Schools Bond Act Plan #6 for the Wappingers Central School District, focusing on the implementation of new fire alarm systems. The plan details the purpose of the Smart Schools Bond Act, which includes enhancing high-speed internet connectivity, acquiring learning technology, modernizing educational facilities, and installing high-tech security features. Plan #6 specifically focuses on replacing aging fire alarm and security systems with a modern, integrated system to enhance safety, emergency response capabilities, and overall school security.

The meeting focused on updates for 2023 Capital Projects Phases 1 and 2, including pending final closeout paperwork for Phase 1. Phase 2 discussions covered scheduled work for various schools such as lobby toilet room partitions at Roy C. Ketcham High, transformer work at Vassar Road Elementary, and unit ventilator replacements at Van Wyck Junior High. Ongoing items included ceiling punch list work and sound system designs for multiple high school fields. For the 2025 Capital Projects Phase 1, plans and specifications were ready for submission to the New York State Education Department, and the Project Labor Agreement was under review. Concerns were raised regarding the Wappingers Junior High Roof material and the difficulty in sourcing warrantied operable windows for the John Jay Press Box. Phase 2 updates included selecting Concept B for the Roy C. Ketcham High site improvements and reviewing parking lot drawings for Myers Corners Elementary School, with emphasis on creating long-term solutions. The committee also addressed budget overruns for the Myers Corners Elementary Building Fire Alarm wiring issues, suggesting potential Smart Schools Bond Act funding. A review of 2023 Project Change Orders revealed concerns about the quality of work performed by Star Construction, necessitating their attendance at the next meeting to clarify expectations before final payment. The Superintendent plans walk-throughs across all buildings to document deficiencies.

The primary focus of the meeting was addressing traffic and safety issues at Myers Corners Elementary School, particularly during parent drop-off and pick-up times, which cause congestion and safety hazards. Discussions detailed existing problems such as excessive parent vehicle usage, early queuing, and visibility issues due to a nearby hill. Past mitigation efforts, including creating a drop-off loop and restricting early access, were reviewed. Suggestions for solutions included reconfiguring the parking lot, installing electronic signage, and implementing long-term options like installing a traffic light or rebuilding the parking lot. The committee passed motions to immediately evaluate and rectify internal parking lot issues and to collaborate with the county to secure funding for a traffic light and implement immediate safety measures.

The Policy Committee meeting involved a three-year policy review cycle. Policy 1500 (Public Use of School Facilities/Desha's Law) was reviewed, and the committee recommended adding language regarding AED requirements for non-school sponsored events. Policy 1900 (Title I Parent and Family Engagement) was marked as reviewed without recommended changes. Policy 1920 (Relations with Persons with Disabilities) was recommended for retirement as it was deemed non-essential. Policies 2100, 2160, 2160.5, 2220, 2230, 2240, and 2270 were marked as reviewed with no changes. Policy 2110 was reviewed, and Regulation 2110-R was recommended for First Reading after language modification. Policy 2210 (Board Organizational Meeting) was tabled pending a NYSSBA Policy Update. Policy 2250 was recommended for First Reading after updating the title of the Human Resources Executive Director. Finally, the committee tabled Policy 6640 (Inventories) to gather feedback from departments regarding implementation challenges, and tabled Policy 6645 (Capital Assets Accounting) until Policy 6640 is approved.