Melissa Estrella

The meeting reconvened after an executive session. Following the pledge, the floor was opened for public comment, adhering to established protocols. The consent agenda, covering items 2 through 9, was approved, which included approvals for previous minutes, CSEPs placements, substitute listings, inservice credits, unpaid work hours, appointment of a deputy payroll officer, and contracts for tax services, Cardinal Hay School, and Dos Ferry Health and Welfare. Budget transfers over $25,000 for a specified period were also approved. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the 2026-2027 budget planning presentation for curriculum and instruction, emphasizing mission, vision, and core values, particularly the focus on empowerment. Discussion included staffing changes due to retirements and resignations, and the expansion of the middle school Spanish program. Enrollment projections for secondary and elementary grades were reviewed, focusing on class size considerations, particularly for the third grade cohort and balancing sections across grades due to cohort shifts. Key instructional initiatives included continued focus on quality explicit writing instruction utilizing the Writing Revolution strategies, introduction of the Dibbles M8 as a new universal screener, and expansion of the Foundations program to fourth grade, emphasizing vocabulary development via morning announcements.

The meeting included the approval of several consent agenda items, such as accepting minutes from previous meetings, approving an amended 2024-25 substitute listing, approving CSE/CPSE placements, authorizing additional or unpaid hours for various staff members, approving leaves of absence for two special education teachers, and authorizing the Superintendent to enter into several agreements, including one with Dutchess Community College and for turf field resurfacing. Key action items involved appointing a K-12 Instructional Specialist for the 2025-26 school year, appointing a new probationary special education teacher, appointing several leave replacement teachers, accepting a resignation of a school monitor, and approving the second reading of Policy 8113 regarding Extreme Heat Condition Days. A significant resolution authorized the financing, estimated at $13,494,000, for construction improvements and reconstruction across the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, funded by Capital Reserve Fund monies and serial bonds. The board also authorized adjustments to restricted General Operating Fund Reserves pending the annual audit. Presentations were given on the K-12 writing continuum and BOCES Career and Tech Programs. During public comment, several individuals addressed the phasing out of the Mandarin Chinese program, which the Superintendent explained was due to declining fiscal responsibility despite the teacher being highly valued. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session concerning the employment history of five individuals.

The meeting convened with an Executive Session to discuss one matter of collective negotiations and two matters of proposed litigation, lasting from 6:02 PM to 7:02 PM. Upon reconvening the main session, the meeting addressed the Treasurer's Report for November 2025. The Consent Agenda included the approval of various items such as CSE/CPSE Placements, the revised 2025-26 Substitute Listing, approval of mid-year in-service and graduate credits, amendments for staff work hours, the appointment of a Deputy Payroll Officer, and approvals for multiple contracts (including Putnam County Real Property Tax Service and specialized schools) and budget transfers over $25,000. Presentations included the 2026-27 Budget Planning for Curriculum & Instruction. Reports covered student activities, including wrestling team achievements and a meeting with new town officials regarding capital project phases and union contract negotiations. New Business actions involved the appointment of a teacher (Catherine Morgan) to a probationary term, appointment of a long-term substitute teacher (Alexandra Gagnon), appointment of another substitute/long-term substitute teacher (Trevor Spadafora), appointment of a Teaching Assistant (Kristina Turner), acceptance of a teacher resignation, and setting dates for the 2026-27 District Budget Vote and Board Election, including authorizing the District Clerk to prepare necessary voting equipment and approving the required public notice.

The meeting included a presentation on athletics, highlighting the district's recognition as a New York State Public High School Athletic Association School of Excellence for the first time, supported by over 75% of varsity programs maintaining a GPA of 90 or above. Key athletic achievements included 247 scholar athlete awards and multiple sectional and league championships across various sports. The presentation detailed the structure of physical and health education staffing, the offerings across fall, winter, and spring seasons, and the use of merged sports programs. Departmental focus areas included the implementation of the Final Forms registration platform, which facilitated extensive communication, and the 'Inside Out' initiative which shifts coaching from performance-based to purpose-based, alongside the 'Tiger Talk' small group discussions aimed at building empathy and resilience. Budget discussions focused on four areas: stipends/hourly compensation, contracts (including conference and reconditioning), events/tournaments, and materials/supplies, noting anticipated increases offset by fundraising and revenue generation. Updates were also given on the implementation of the K12 physical and health education curriculum support tool, Platform, and upcoming professional development.

The meeting commenced after an executive session concerning 17 employment history matters. Key discussions focused on Special Education budget planning and updates. Presentations detailed district enrollment trends, highlighting the increase in new special education students, including those from the preschool program, and projections for future needs, which may necessitate additional special education teacher and support staff hiring. The RISE program at the high school, designed for students needing intense academic, social, and daily living support, was reviewed, noting successful peer engagement through Best Buddies and new community partnerships. Professional development focused on mental health (DBT counseling pilots, rolling out Character Strong), technology integration (training for AAC devices), and strengthening inclusive co-teaching models (ICT frameworks). The Board also discussed potential Medicaid revenue collection for related services and plans to expand post-graduation internships into the broader community to facilitate employment transition.