Laura Hart

This strategic plan is designed to inspire, prepare, and empower students to lead fulfilled lives as compassionate, productive, and engaged citizens, aiming to be a leader in PK-12 education. The plan is guided by core beliefs prioritizing student well-being, learning, safety, diversity, and community engagement. Its strategic pillars include 'Support' for social-emotional health and addressing inequities; 'Engage & Empower' through dynamic and diverse educational experiences; and 'Collaborate' to build strong relationships with families and the community.

The Professional Development Plan outlines the Potsdam Central School District's commitment to achieving its mission and vision by enhancing staff capabilities. Key strategic priorities include implementing trauma sensitivity training, designing targeted professional development to address academic barriers, and fostering a student-centered approach through inclusive practices. The plan also focuses on aligning the PreK-12 curriculum with Next Generation Learning Standards and New York State assessments, with specific programmatic implementations in Math, ELA, and Science, aiming to improve student performance and teacher practice.

The Potsdam Central School District's Professional Development Plan outlines strategies to achieve its mission and vision of providing quality education and fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment. Key goals for 2025-2026 include implementing trauma sensitivity training for all staff, designing targeted professional development to identify and remedy academic barriers, fostering a student-centered approach through inclusive practices, and aligning the PreK-12 curriculum with Next Generation Learning Standards and New York State assessments.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to employment history. Following this, the regular meeting agenda was adopted, and the minutes from the previous regular meeting of November 18, 2025, were approved. The Consent Agenda items approved included the Treasurer's Report for November 2025, Bills & Payroll Memo, minutes from various committee and special meetings, the Donation Report, and Extraclassroom Activity Fund Statements. The Board also approved the 2025-2026 Uncollected Tax Report. Key personnel actions involved approving resignations for the Secretary to the Superintendent (effective December 30, 2026, due to retirement), a High School Guidance Counselor (effective June 30, 2026, due to retirement), a Middle School World Language Teacher (effective June 30, 2026, due to retirement), and an After-school Mentor Teacher. Additionally, a new Teacher Aide position in the elementary school was established, and appointments were made for a Custodial Worker/Bus Driver starting January 5, 2026, and a Teacher Aide starting January 5, 2026. An After-school Mentor Program Teacher was appointed effective December 2, 2025. Under superintendent reports, building principals presented school data and accountability test results. Committee reports indicated future meeting schedules for Program & Policy, Building/Grounds/Transportation, and Personnel & Negotiations committees.

The Board of Education held a regular meeting where they discussed various topics. These included going into an executive session to discuss personnel matters, adopting the regular meeting agenda, and approving the consent agenda items such as the Treasurer's Report, Bills & Payroll Memo, CSE Minutes, CPSE, 504 Minutes, Manifestation Minutes, and Internal Claims Audit Reports. The board also approved the 2026-2027 Budget Prep Calendar and personnel consent agenda items, including resignations, leave of absence requests, and appointments. Additionally, there were reports from the Superintendent of Schools and Board committees, and an open board discussion regarding a student suggestion box.