Lindsay Marchese Ali

The meeting included a budget work session covering curriculum, instruction, central services, special education, and technology support services. The Board approved resolutions for an upcoming capital project vote, poll worker appointments, and the 2026/2027 school calendar. Additionally, the Board reviewed professional and support staff reports, including appointments, resignations, and retirements. Other approvals involved a high school robotics team field trip, various bid awards, committee on special education recommendations, and acceptance of multiple gifts to the district. The Superintendent provided updates on district athletics, long-range planning, and the budget reduction process.

The meeting agenda included a budget work session and a review of various financial, human resource, and special education reports. Key action items involved the acceptance of the Treasurer's report, the second quarterly extraclassroom activities report, and the approval of capital construction project change orders. The board considered resolutions for the purchase of a transportation van, the disposal of scrap equipment, and a food service consultant proposal. Additionally, the superintendent's report covered the call for an executive session, the approval of several out-of-state field trips, and the acceptance of gifts to the district.

The meeting included principal reports from Caukins Road Middle School, focusing on three key areas: the school's 20th anniversary celebrations, including theme days and the development of legacy posters based on four pillars (creative, resilient, mindful, spirited); the revamp of the school's mission statement to incorporate these four pillars; and updates on technology growth and social emotional learning (SEL). SEL discussions covered staff surveys regarding technology use, including AI, and the successful implementation of faculty training sessions. Furthermore, a student survey of eighth graders indicated high interest in AI's impact on job creation and loss, prompting plans for a video featuring community members discussing AI in their fields. The discussion also covered the cell phone rule, which saw high compliance. Finally, the principals highlighted Spirit Week, which celebrates school culture and community through student-driven events like a building-wide rock paper scissors competition.

The budget workshop focused on presenting and reviewing proposed budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, starting with building budgets, which are approximately 94% staffing costs. Discussions covered the 1.07% overall increase in building budgets due to contractual salary and benefit adjustments, noting that elementary budgets did not see a reduction due to fewer staff retirements compared to other levels. The presentation detailed per-pupil costs, breakdown of discretionary versus state-aided funds, and CTE program statistics. The central administration budget, representing about 1.25% of total operating expenses, reviewed restructuring efforts and staffing neutrality for the upcoming year. Key forward-looking items included supporting new staff, integrating Habits of Mind with academic instruction, managing anticipated budget gaps, and continuing strategic planning efforts.

Key discussions and actions included a presentation by the PCSD Robotics Team and a Principal's Report showcasing Sutherland High School activities. The Board accepted the Treasurer's Report for November 2025 and accepted the Single Audit Report and the Extra-Classroom Activity Funds Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2025. A resolution was approved regarding the SEQRA Negative Declaration for a capital improvement project involving HVAC upgrades, roof coatings, boiler and water line replacements, and other improvements. The Board also authorized the submission of a proposition for the 2026 Capital Project (estimated maximum cost of $48,700,000) to be voted on at a special meeting on March 5, 2026. Furthermore, the Board awarded a contract not to exceed $94,000.00 for a capital construction project to McGrain Mechanical, Inc., declared an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) project as a Type II Action under SEQRA, and approved authorizing a Lease Purchase Agreement of up to $12,646,325 for the EPC financing. Other items included ratifying capital construction project change orders, establishing non-resident tuition rates for 2025-26, approving the Professional and Support Staff Reports, and discussing enrollment projections and the Superintendent's update on budget gaps, solar panels, composting, and the strategic planning initiative. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session regarding the employment of a particular person.