Kristin Barnhill

The meeting addressed several administrative and financial matters. Key topics included a status update on the Tecler Lighthouse, reports from the Assistant Superintendent & Director of Curriculum & Instruction K-12, and committee reports from Audit/Finance and Board Policies. The Board approved a combined set of resolutions (244 through 261, and 263 through 274) with one vote. Financially, the Board approved internal claims totaling $12,828,587.64 across various funds, approved the auction/disposal of unrepairable equipment like Hydrocollators and AEDs, and accepted the Treasurer's Report for January. Resolutions also included accepting Internal Audits for Risk Assessment for 2025-26, approving a donation from Community Bank for the Indoor Drumline, accepting recommendations from the Committee on Pre-School Special Education and the Committee on Special Education for 2025-26 and 2026-27, and approving various contractual agreements. These contracts involved appointing a District Medical Director via Infinity Vitalis, LLC, securing residential educational services for a student via The Children's Home of Wyoming Conference, obtaining Health and Welfare Services from Saratoga Springs City School District, and approving Music Therapy Services for one student. Professional development agreements were approved with Common Thread LLC/CASDA and Alyssa Sabbatino Goldberg. The Board adopted the 2026-2027 Elementary and Secondary School Calendars. Personnel actions included approving resignations, probationary appointments (Senior Account Clerk), provisional appointments (Registered Occupational Therapist, Senior Custodian), and stipends/appointments for coordinators, curriculum leaders, mentors, advisors, special class aides, and coaches. Unpaid leaves of absence were approved, along with a list of substitutes. The Board also entered into executive session to discuss the work history of an individual and seek legal counsel advice. Finally, the Board accepted the resignation of Karen Francisco and authorized a settlement agreement.

The meeting included discussions and resolutions on various topics, such as approval of internal claims, auction or disposal of unrepairable equipment, treasurer's reports, and cooperative bidding for cafeteria commodities. Approvals were granted for service agreements with Whispering Pines Preschool and Fulmont Head Start for UPK programs, as well as agreements with Marissa Darling for tutoring services, the City of Amsterdam for law enforcement and ambulance services, and St. Mary's Institute for school nurse services. The board also approved the appointment of Dignity Act Coordinators and revisions to policy #1210. Personnel resolutions included approvals of resignations, appointments, and leaves of absence. The board also discussed and approved an MOA with the Amsterdam Teachers' Association Contract Extension. Wendy Swezey was elected Vice-President of the Board of Education.

The meeting included discussions and concerns regarding the virtual learning model, its effectiveness, and the level of engagement and support for students. There were questions about the allocation of funds and the impact of potential budget cuts on educational opportunities, sports, and extracurricular activities. Concerns were raised about the quality of remote education, the challenges faced by students and teachers, and the need for improved communication and support within the district. The instrumental music department requested a change to the student instrumental rental policy, specifically the elimination of rental fees.

The strategic plan for The Greater Amsterdam School District Lynch Literacy Academy for 2023-24 focuses on strengthening connections among students, staff, and parents to address social-emotional challenges and improve relationships within the school community. It also aims to provide engaging classroom experiences that lead to stronger student academic performance by supporting teachers with instructional strategies and creating a successful academic environment for all students.

The 2022-23 School Comprehensive Education Plan for Amsterdam High School focuses on strengthening the curriculum to meet the needs of a diverse student population and building social connections within the school community. Key strategies include professional learning communities focused on data-driven instruction, curriculum review, progress monitoring for seniors, and increased cultural responsiveness among staff. The plan also aims to enhance extracurricular activities, expand in-school student engagement, and strengthen relationships between the community, families, and the school.