Lora Bower

The meeting included agenda changes affecting reports and personnel. The Board President recognized the entry into the second half of the school year and thanked the community for its support. Key agenda items involved reports on an NYC trip proposal for high school students involved in the MCC STEP program, with details on itinerary, selection criteria, and funding being entirely covered by MCC STEP. A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to capital project updates, covering the 'Building Brighter Futures' project with substantial progress in the middle school music space, Florence Brasser renovations (including art, EML, and mental health suite turnover), and ongoing work on middle school fields. The 'Future Ready Capital Project' provided an initial update, focusing on demolition in the operations center and site work mobilization. Finally, a comprehensive report on Culture, Belonging, and Engagement highlighted foundational work over the past year, including training in restorative practices, relaunching the Common Ground Collective, strategic planning, and specific equity initiatives being undertaken at Florence Brasser, Gates Chili High School, the Middle School, Neil Armstrong, and Paul Road and Walt Disney Elementary Schools. Districtwide updates included the revision of the inclusive communication style guide.

The meeting began with a return to public session following a period of executive session. Key discussions included agenda changes concerning personnel matters, acknowledgments of various community events such as the Java Jazz performance and the Monroe County School Board Association legislative breakfast, and appreciation for student and staff efforts. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation requesting approval for the Gage Highlight High School indoor track athletes' trip proposal to the state meet in New York City, detailing logistics for transportation, lodging, and meals, which are now district-arranged following a change in state policy. Additionally, there was a comprehensive report from the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection program detailing outcomes for the 2024-2025 school year, including student mentoring, academic support, youth employment training, and key metrics on attendance, GPA, grade promotion, and graduation rates. Student representatives from the Hillside program shared testimonials regarding their positive experiences. The session concluded with an update from the student executive council, noting recent events like the cultural fashion show and an upcoming senior faculty basketball game.

This Instructional Technology Plan outlines the district's strategic direction for 2022-2025, focusing on fostering student-centered learning, creating self-directed and collaborative learners, and promoting global citizenship through technology. Key initiatives include implementing technology replacement plans for Smart Boards, teacher laptops, and student laptops to ensure up-to-date equipment. The plan also emphasizes providing enhanced learning environments that are equitable, diverse, student-driven, and collaborative, supported by ongoing professional development and alignment with NYSED goals for digital content, use, capacity, leadership, and accountability.

The meeting commenced with the awarding of GC Pride Awards to several outstanding middle school students, recognizing their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and positive role modeling. Discussions included agenda changes, specifically additions to personnel matters. Board President comments acknowledged the busy pre-break period, thanked the middle school staff and students for their presentations, and recognized students who attended the DECA conference. Key presentation topics focused on Gates Chili Middle School (GCMS) successes post-reconfiguration, including the alignment of the literacy program, new data tracking systems, staff professional development, and the implementation of new courses such as Reading Six, ELA6, and Reading Seven. Student leadership and engagement were highlighted through expansions in student council, the Above The Influence (ATI) program, and the SIT team. New events like the Minecraft event and the sound effects club performance were noted. Significant success was reported regarding the implementation of distraction-free schools and reduced individualized support for electronic device management. The middle school administration also detailed proactive systems of support, restorative practice training for staff and students, and a resulting decline in overall suspension rates. Operational updates confirmed less hallway congestion due to new grade-level pathways. Academic programming saw expanded elective offerings, including Digital Arts, Civics, and Computer Sciences. Social connections and class identity formation benefited from grade-level separation. Professional collaboration time for staff became more focused. A detailed update on the new tutoring center emphasized shifting mindsets from punitive to restorative, resulting in increased attendance and assignment completion rates, along with enhanced collaboration between general education teachers and tutoring staff. Future focus areas include balancing enrollment, reinforcing transition supports between grades (5-6, 8-9), and adjusting Grade 8 scheduling pathways.

The regular business meeting included discussions led by the Board President recognizing the busy winter season and upcoming events like concerts and the Harlem Wizards event. Key agenda items involved updates from the High School Principal and administrative team regarding the implementation of district goals. Specific focus areas included strengthening connection and community through restorative practices, such as monthly lessons on wellness and relationship building, and continuous professional development for staff in restorative practices. The high school reported on the successful implementation of the internet use/cell phone policy, noting a significant reduction in infractions and increased student interaction during non-instructional times. Furthermore, progress toward elevating academic achievement was detailed, including the use of new reading and algebra screeners for data-driven decision-making and plans for realigning MTSS structures. The administration also highlighted expansion in special education offerings, including a new 611 program, the creation of a life skills living space, a sensory room in progress, and expanded work-based learning opportunities through partnerships with food service and maintenance departments. A new peer mentor opportunity to support new students transitioning to the school was also introduced.