Rebecca Bustelos

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss proposed, pending, and current litigation, as well as the employment history of a particular person. The regular session began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by reports from the Student Board Member and the Superintendent, which included District Highlights and a general District Update. During the Public Comment section, one virtual and one in-person comment were heard. The Routine Consent agenda involved approvals for minutes proceedings, Human Resources resolutions, Tax Refunds, Authorization to Enter Into Contracts, and agreements with several entities including the Center for Disability Services, Albany Leadership Charter School, MVP Arena, Northeast Parent & Child Society, Newmeadow Inc., Parsons Child & Family Center (two resolutions), and the Research Foundation for Ualbany, and St. Colman's Home. Discussions were scheduled for Policy, Equity & CRE Update, ENL Update, and Budget Update, though the budget presentation was postponed. The session concluded with another Executive Session regarding proposed, pending, and current litigation.

The meeting included an update from the student board member regarding ongoing student initiatives, such as the Albany High School Falcon Pass, which aims to incentivize exemplary attendance, GPA, and behavior, and progress on a student voice survey and a Debate for Change event. The district update featured recognition for the Albany High School unified botchi team for winning the division championship. Presentations were also made by GIFin Memorial Elementary School leadership detailing their school vision, mission, demographics, staffing updates, and key strategies focused on instructional improvement through lesson study protocol, integrated MTSSI, enhanced community/family engagement, and leadership development. Data regarding attendance rates and chronic absenteeism were reviewed, alongside updates on various community school partnerships and an in-person visit from the state team regarding the lesson study protocol and behavior intervention plan.

The City School District of Albany outlines its strategic direction to be a district of excellence, fostering caring relationships and engaging learning experiences that provide equitable opportunities for all students to reach their potential. This is supported by a mission to partner with the diverse community to engage every learner for success. Key goals include increasing student achievement and graduation rates while closing achievement gaps, enhancing instructional quality through professional development, building leadership capacity, empowering families, and strengthening community partnerships for student support. A significant strategic development highlighted is the adoption of the Equity in Education Policy in January 2019, which aims to guide future work in addressing systemic disparities.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss matters related to employment history, proposed real property transactions, corporate appointments, and pending litigation, followed by a public meeting opening with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included a Student Board Member Report and a Superintendent's District Update. The public was afforded time for comment. The Routine Consent Agenda involved numerous actions, including the approval of Human Resources, Committee on Special Education matters, the Albany Fund for Education, Budget Reports, Revenue Status Reports, Treasurer's Report, and authorization to enter contracts, along with several specific vendor/organization agreements. Certain items, such as a Scholarship Resolution, Field Trip approvals, and agreements with Hunt with K LLC and Second Chance for Adults Inc., were set aside for individual consideration before being passed or tabled. Discussions were also held regarding Pupil Personnel Services, School Safety, Building Condition Survey, and Budget Update, with the Budget Update presentation being skipped via amendment.

The meeting commenced with introductions and a welcome to Mayor Kathy Sheen, who was recognized for her 12 years of service to the community. Discussions highlighted the strong partnership between the City and the School District, particularly regarding the Summer Youth Employment Program, which a 2019 University of Albany study showed correlated with higher high school graduation rates, especially for students in the lower academic percentiles. Key student board member updates included finalizing details for the Falcon Pass initiative, which rewards student attendance, academics, and behavior; ongoing development of the student voice survey; and the completion of planning for the 'Debate for Change' event scheduled for the following week. Additionally, Albany High School senior Kais Bjay was recognized as a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist for achieving a score in the top 1% nationally. Presentations were also given by the principal of Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology, detailing their vision, mission, goals (including increasing student achievement and enhancing culturally responsive education), demographics, focus areas (evidence-based instruction, MTSSI, and community schools), high attendance rates, and extensive community and after-school programming.