Laurie Baum

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by fifth-grade students, followed by a student presentation featuring the 5th Grade Food Trucks projects which incorporated mathematics, design, and problem-solving skills. The Superintendent provided several updates, marking the start of budget season; updates included the ongoing High School Principal search process, strengthening school security plans, including family reunification drills, and recognizing National Merit Scholarship Finalists from Blind Brook High School. The Superintendent also recognized the athletic achievements of the basketball teams and cheerleaders and discussed professional development activities from a recent early release day, noting teacher work on curriculum alignment and MTSS. Board members announced their candidacy for a second term. Key business items included the presentation of the 2026-2027 proposed budget amidst a 2% tax cap challenge, first and second readings/adoption of several board policies (including those related to organizational meetings and visitor management), approval of various personnel appointments (including additional teaching assignments, substitute staff, and student teachers), approval of several special education and homebound instruction recommendations, and the acceptance and award of low bids for mechanical, general, and electrical construction work phases for RSS & BBMS/HS bond projects. Business resolutions also covered an Installment Purchasing Agreement with Southern Westchester BOCES for computer services, budget transfers, and contracts related to ballot printing, capital asset reporting, health services, transportation, and the use of SUNY Purchase Concert Hall for graduations. The meeting adjourned into an executive session to discuss a Student Matter protected under FERPA and a Personnel Matter regarding employment history.

This document outlines the District Goals for Blind Brook-Rye UFSD for 2025-2026, serving as a roadmap for systemic coherence. It focuses on four primary strategies: defining and articulating a Vision of the Graduate (VOG) and a Definition of Deep Learning (DODL); aligning critical goal-setting processes; establishing a balanced assessment philosophy; and creating an integrated curriculum template. Key ongoing initiatives include supporting student and staff wellness, K-5 Literacy, K-12 Science programs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, and revising the long-term financial plan. The plan aims to foster deep learning, enabling students to develop comprehensive understanding, apply knowledge, and enhance critical, creative, and collaborative thinking.

The meeting commenced with procedural items and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a welcome message and a student presentation featuring highlights from the Middle School Drama Club's production of 'Sponge Bob, The Musical.' Board Business included the Superintendent's report, covering the adoption of the 2026-27 school calendar (Version 1a, balancing AP proximity and regional alignment), the planned issuance of an RFP for Universal Free School Meals evaluation, details on a NASA visit for fifth-graders regarding the Artemis 2 launch, and an update on facilities work at Ridge Street School, including asbestos abatement procedures. Accolades were given for student achievements in Scholastic Awards, the success of the Debate Team, and the Robotics Team's Design Award. New administrator entry plans were presented by the Director of Pupil Services and the Director of Health, Physical Education & Interscholastic Athletics. Several policies underwent a first reading or immediate adoption, covering topics like the Annual Organizational Meeting, visitor management, motor vehicle speed limits, and confidentiality of computerized information. Personnel actions included approving additional teaching assignments, accepting the resignation for retirement of the High School Principal, approving stipend position amendments, and appointments related to the Spring Musical and Part-Time Night Cleaners/Teacher Aides. Educational resolutions approved included overnight trips for the DECA Club and Honors Science Research Students, CSE recommendations, and Homebound Instruction Providers. New business involved untabling and then approving the 2026-2027 Student Attendance Calendar (Version #1a). Business resolutions authorized piggybacking a contract for Fleet Electrification, awarded the contract for Clerk of the Works Services, adopted several revised policies, approved a budget transfer from Electrical Service, Legal Services, and BOCES Staff Development, approved a Health Services Contract with Harrison Central School District, accepted a donation of composting equipment, and approved the Treasurer's Report for December 2025. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss a student matter protected under FERPA, before returning to public session and adjourning.

The meeting included a student presentation by the Boys Varsity Basketball Team regarding their community volunteer work. Key discussion points included the Superintendent's report on the non-eligibility for the New York State Universal Free School Meals program due to opting out of the NSLP, and an update on the Governor's Executive Budget Proposal for FY 2026-27, noting limited financial impact. Achievements from the Model UN conference, including Best Large Delegation honors, and recognition for a scholar-athlete were shared. The Board also reviewed Data & Assessments presentation reformatted for focused decision-making information, and discussed draft Student Calendars for 2026-2027, noting community preference for an April Spring break. Consent actions included the approval of Certified Personnel appointments (AIS Instruction Providers, Lane Changes/Salary Increases, and a retirement resignation), Other Personnel Appointments (Stipend Positions amendment and Chief Election Inspector appointment), Educational Resolutions (CSE recommendations, Homebound Instruction Providers, and OOD Tuitions), and numerous Business Resolutions covering bid participation, policy adoption (School Food Service Program), consultant agreements, shared transportation agreements, pupil transportation contracts, disposal of obsolete technology, IRS mileage rate approval, a confidential settlement agreement, and adoption of the Treasurer's Report for November 2025. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

The Board meeting convened after an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Following the return to public session, attendees observed the Pledge of Allegiance and received a welcome message. Student presenters showcased their Lego Cafe projects. Key board business included the Superintendent's report, which covered facility maintenance, faculty news such as a doctoral defense and debate team achievements, and upcoming events like College Planning night and the next Board meeting date change. The Board discussed the Draft Student Calendar for 2026-2027, aligning on a start date before Labor Day while balancing snow days and holiday placements. A Capital Project update noted that Phase III is under budget. Policy first readings included Policy 5660 (School Food Service Program), and Policy 1338 (Duties of the School Physician) had its second reading and anticipated adoption. Consent agenda actions included appointments for additional teaching assignments, leave replacements, teacher mentors, and various personnel positions (Personnel Assistant, Custodian/Bus Driver, Custodian, Office Assistant). The Board also approved an overnight trip for the Junior Class, CSE recommendations, consultant agreements for Athletic Trainer Services, a construction contract for GC-1 Work, and determinations regarding non-resident tuition students. The meeting concluded with another executive session on a personnel matter.