Sue Giardini

This Reopening Plan for Cuba-Rushford Central School outlines the strategy for the 2020-2021 school year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan prioritizes physical safety, social-emotional well-being, mental health, and academic engagement, adhering to New York State health and safety guidelines. It adopts a blended learning model, categorizing students into color-designated cohorts, with a Virtual Academy option for those who prefer remote learning. Key operational aspects include daily temperature scans, mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing protocols, in-classroom meal service, comprehensive meal distribution for all students, and extensive cleaning and disinfection procedures for facilities and transportation. The plan also emphasizes a commitment to responsiveness to evolving conditions and guidelines.

Key discussion points included the presentation of preliminary budgets for Special Education, Technology, BOCES Services, Salaries, and Employee Benefits, alongside a review of the Governor's State Aid proposal and historical revenue/expenditure trends. The Board also addressed superintendent evaluations. Routine operations and business matters approved encompassed the 2026-2027 Board of Education Meeting Date Calendar and a Non-Resident Student Contract for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. Personnel actions involved the approval of a new Modified Softball Coach appointment, acceptance of a cleaner's resignation, and approval of a maternity/child-rearing leave of absence request. Administrative reports provided updates on athletic seasons, safety day, a middle school lockin, community events, and upcoming professional development.

The meeting commenced with budget presentations for 2026-2027, detailing a decrease in the Athletics budget, a projected increase in the General Support budget due to liability insurance premiums, and an anticipated increase in the Debt Service budget related to new BANs and interest payments. A tax cap calculation was also explained. The Board addressed a vacancy created by a member's resignation, moving to appoint Mr. Joe Haskins to the vacant seat effective March 10, 2026. The Superintendent provided updates on the single audit, the CABOCES dinner presentation, the status of an insurance claim review, the progress of the athletic merger with Bolivar-Richburg, the 2026-2027 school calendar, a lawsuit update, the installation of a freezer at MHS, a local newspaper's print schedule change, recognition of CRE as a positive outlier school, and a request for a tax easement by the Allegany County IDA. Routine matters included approvals for business office reports, the 2024-2025 Single Audit Report and Correction Plan, a 2023 Capital Project Bid Award, and the 2026-2027 School Calendar. Personnel actions involved approving multiple appointments for coaching, accompanists, and advisory positions for the 2025-2026 season/year, accepting clinical students, accepting resignations, approving a maternity/child rearing leave of absence, and updating substitute lists. Administrative reports covered National Honor Society induction, Ally meetings, Winter Weekend events, National Technical Honor Society inductees, a memorial dodgeball tournament, and a community build day. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel and litigation, followed by adjournment.

The document pertains to the Cuba-Rushford High School National Honor Society (NHS) ceremony, marking the consolidation of the Cuba and Rush chapters. Key discussions focused on the pillars of NHS membership: scholarship (defined as academic achievement and a lifetime pursuit of understanding), service (work done for others to improve the community), character (conspicuous traits demonstrated through dedication), and leadership (guidance by example and striving for improvement). Nine new members were inducted after demonstrating a cumulative average of 90% or higher and meeting criteria in these four areas. Individual new members were introduced by faculty members who highlighted their specific qualities, such as quiet absorption of information, consistent hard work and positive attitude, strong moral character, commitment to excellence, servant leadership, and empathy.

The document details proceedings of a Youth Court session, focusing on simulated trials related to bullying escalating to criminal charges such as first-degree murder or manslaughter under New York State Penal Law. Discussions included opening statements from the prosecution and defense regarding charges of murder or manslaughter stemming from bullying incidents leading to suicide. Witness testimonies were heard, followed by objections and judicial rulings during cross-examination segments. Sentences proposed by the prosecution and defense varied widely, involving prison time, apology letters, community service, and fines. A jury deliberation and sentencing conclusion were also simulated.