Victoria Borsella

The Policy & Personnel Committee meeting involved key discussions on personnel updates, including recruiting for retirees and planning to present potential new positions. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presenting and discussing the results of a voluntary online survey conducted among high school students regarding proposed changes to the grading policy (Policy 4710). Topics covered in the survey included the use of Regents and FLAX exam scores, course weighting, and quarter weighting. The committee also began discussions on the policy concerning the ex-officio student board member, specifically debating the composition of the voting body, particularly whether graduating seniors should be included, as advocated by student representatives.

The meeting commenced with a musical presentation by the Shriber Jazz Ensemble. Following the adoption of the agenda, the Board recessed into executive session to discuss employment matters and board development, returning approximately an hour later. Upon reconvening, brief remarks acknowledged School Counselors Week and Black History Month. The Superintendent highlighted academic achievements, including the Shriber High School Science Olympiad teams qualifying for the state tournament and two science teachers being honored by the Harvard Club of Long Island. The arts saw recognition for student winners in the Youth Art Month design contest. Key agenda presentations included an update on the climate survey results covering school climate, safety, and professional learning, and discussions regarding the preliminary budget, tax cap calculations, and implications of state aid proposals, including a 1% increase in foundation aid and expansion of Universal Pre Kindergarten (UPK) funding. An update was provided on federal lobbying efforts concerning Title grants, noting that proposed reductions were ultimately removed from the final legislation. The Deputy Superintendent presented enrollment figures, showing a decrease compared to the previous year. Committee updates covered progress in selecting reading programs for piloting and revisions to the RTI document. The executive student board member raised two discussion points: the need for additional cafeteria seating to accommodate students during inclement weather and a request to allow seniors to vote in the election for the next executive student board member, citing their greater familiarity with junior class candidates, though the latter point required a potential policy amendment due to existing policy excluding seniors.

The policy and personnel committee meeting focused heavily on grading policies and the status of Regents exams. Key discussions included the subcommittee's recommendation to stop counting Regents exams in final grades and the implications for student testing and equity. The committee analyzed hypothetical data showing the impact of counting Regents exams (at 20% and 10% weighting) versus excluding them entirely, based on various student levels (Regents, Honors, Plus/Academic Support). Concerns were raised regarding double testing, where students might face both a Regents exam and a local final, and the development of policy language to ensure fairness and avoid unnecessary student burden, such as implementing a 'do no harm' approach.

The Policy & Personnel Committee meeting primarily focused on reviewing and editing the field trip policy (4531). Key discussions included ensuring no student is excluded from a field trip due to financial reasons, distinguishing between curricular and district-run field trips (like international excursions), and striving for equity and consistency in field trip experiences across different schools and houses. The committee also discussed adding philosophical language regarding the value of field trips to the policy's introductory section. Additionally, the committee reviewed policy 4710 related to board direction on broad topics and specific weighting sections, noting that a new draft reflecting board philosophy was created. The discussions also touched upon general personnel updates regarding 16 retirements under the PWTA contract.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing the results of the recent climate survey conducted across the district. Key discussion points involved analyzing survey responses from families, students (Grades 4-5 and 6-12), teachers, and staff members across various categories such as safety, belonging, and school climate. The analysis included a longitudinal overview comparing 2026 results against previous years (since 2022), noting modest declines in some areas potentially linked to increased academic rigor and survey adjustments, as well as an administrative error affecting initial family response rates. Specific topics detailed included questions regarding bullying, homework load compliance with policy, and facility strain, particularly cafeteria space limitations. The discussion also covered mapping survey feedback to district priority areas, such as professional learning (with an emphasis on future instructional coaches), culture of care/well-being (including 'green time' post-recess/lunch), and the desire for expanded elective offerings at the secondary level.