Samantha Burgio

The policy committee meeting focused on revisiting Policy 4710 regarding grading systems. Key discussions centered on incorporating stakeholder feedback received during the previous meeting, specifically concerning the interpretation of evaluating curriculum and instructional effectiveness to ensure it did not imply individual instructional staff evaluation or supersede negotiated agreements. The committee reviewed language emphasizing that grades should reflect achievement, effort, and process of learning, clarifying that effort should be integrated into the grade rather than awarded separately based on compliance. The meeting also touched upon the different types of grades (summative vs. formative) and affirmed that classroom teachers hold primary responsibility for determining grades in alignment with district policy and established expectations, based on clearly defined learning targets.

The board meeting commenced after an executive session. Key discussions centered on the long-range financial planning presentation provided by the district's financial advisors. This included an update on capital projects, specifically the $25 million project where Phase One (transportation facility) costs were finalized and filed in December. Financing updates detailed the expected issuance of another short-term note in the spring to cover Phase Two construction costs, with permanent financing planned for June 2026. The energy performance contract financing was completed in May 2025. The presentation also analyzed debt projections, noting the stable local share for the capital exclusion, and discussed the impact of anticipated property tax changes, including a significant potential PILOT item from the Champlain Hudson Power Express project in 2028. Furthermore, the board reviewed the bus replacement plan, which included a potential May proposition to finance electric buses with zero local share by utilizing reserve funds, while maintaining a steady local share for diesel buses. Historical fund balance levels showed positive trends, offset only by a planned use of capital reserve for the $25 million project in 2025. Projections for foundation aid assumed a 2% annual increase, while other expense-based aid categories were projected based on current purchasing levels.

Key discussions during the meeting included a review of the claims auditor reports, noting that most exceptions were related to capital projects. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an educational overview of the 2024-2025 state aid output reports, where the net state aid revision showed a minimal differential, primarily due to timing of final cost reports for capital projects and lower-than-projected private excess cost aid. The committee also reviewed the school lunch fund profit and loss, noting a positive trend and increased meal participation compared to the previous year. Separately, the Superintendent reported on severe bus driver staffing issues expected to cause route disruptions and staggered arrival times, and provided an update on facility maintenance, specifically a coil burst in a science room unit ventilator (Room 145) which caused water damage and rendered the room inoperable pending replacement parts.

The meeting began with exiting executive session, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call confirming full attendance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the achievements of the cross country student athletes, including individual and team sectional victories, State Championships qualification, and Scholar Athlete Team recognition. Other discussion points included updates on capital projects, such as addressing persistent roof leaks at the middle school and high school, progress on the elementary school asphalt area, and the installation of a new gate. The development of a new mascot, including plans for a naming competition, was also presented. Student board members reported on various school activities, including the middle school play, all-state music performance, cabaret fundraiser, student government blood drive, and various student signings. Finally, there were updates on the transition to ParentSquare for communication, highlighting high engagement rates and the creation of specific interest groups.

The meeting focused on several key educational topics. The first major discussion involved anticipated enrollment numbers and current class sizes, particularly for grades K through 8, noting the relationship between budget concerns and class size allocation. The committee reviewed the 'Wonders' elementary reading program, which is in its third year of implementation, noting the comprehensive professional development and coaching support provided, and subsequent positive teacher feedback and assessment alignment. Updates were also provided on external initiatives, including the Mobile Museum of Tolerance program, for which the committee deferred to department chairs for planning, and the RPI course on integrated circuit design and semiconductor technology, confirming participation in the pilot program.