Hermon-DeKalb Central School District

This Technology Plan outlines the district's strategic approach to integrating technology into instruction to empower students and enhance learning. The plan focuses on three key areas: ensuring 80% of instructional staff effectively integrate technology through professional development, achieving 100% weekly integration of district-approved software by teachers, and ensuring 100% of teachers utilize Google Classroom weekly for assignments and activities. The overall vision is to create a safe and nurturing community where technology facilitates student-centered, engaging, and collaborative learning, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for an ever-changing society.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports from the Assistant Principal on staff goal setting and student recognition programs like "Demon of the Week," and updates from the Principal on state testing schedules and upcoming events. The Superintendent addressed current enrollment, strategies to boost attendance, the timeline for the Portrait of a Graduate initiative, and outcomes from Legislative Advocacy Day, noting potential state budget delays. New business comprised the approval of the Tech Plan, changes to the school calendar, approval for Baseball and Softball Trips, authorization for the sale of surplus items via auction, and participation in the Oswego County BOCES Cooperative Purchasing Program for water testing services. Personnel actions involved approving several coaching and scorer appointments, effective March 3, 2026. The Board also waived the second reading and approved several policies related to organizational meetings and student health. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss the Superintendent's Evaluation.

Key discussion and action items for this meeting include the presentation and potential approval of the Tech Plan, approval of School Calendar changes, and discussion/approval for a Baseball and Softball Trip. The Board is also set to consider the approval for the sale of surplus items for auction, complete with a formal resolution authorizing the disposal process. Further items involve approving participation in the Oswego County BOCES Cooperative Purchasing Program for water testing and sampling services. Personnel recommendations for coaching and scoring positions are listed for approval. Discussions are scheduled regarding the 2026-2027 Final Tax Cap Submission, Draft Budget, and Capital Outlay Project, alongside a Route 11 Update and discussion of Board of Education positions. Finally, the Board will address the first and second reading and acceptance of several policies (Policy 1620, 1640, 7513, 7521). The session is scheduled to conclude with an Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent's Evaluation.

Key discussions included reports from the Assistant Principal regarding staff development focused on HD5 review, engagement strategies, and Character Education progress, as well as Principal updates on testing simulations, upcoming trips (ice fishing, skiing, Starbase), and the success of the Finding Nemo Jr. musical. The Superintendent shared updates on current enrollment (382), potential collaboration with NYSDOT regarding an intersection, new state requirements for Seasonal Water and Ice Safety instruction, ongoing PreK and Kindergarten registration, and efforts to establish a Community School CoSer for shared services like medical direction. New business involved the approval of the 2025-2026 guidance plan, the 2026-2027 school calendar, and authorization for a Transportation Proposition to finance two gasoline student transportation vehicles not to exceed $405,000, to be voted on in the May 19, 2026 election. Personnel actions included the appointment of Robert Bice as Varsity Softball Coach and Ben Averill as Varsity Baseball Coach, both effective February 3, 2026. The board also discussed State Aid projections, the Property Tax Cap, estimated Fund Balance, future building projects, and legislative meetings. Furthermore, the board accepted the second reading and ultimate approval of four policies: Policy 1210 (Board Members: Nomination and Elections), Policy 3311 (Notification of Disclosure of Employee Disciplinary Records), Policy 5681 (School Safety Plans), and Policy 5851 (Cybersecurity Incident Response). Public comments focused on concerns regarding mandatory playing time for modified student athletes.

The Hermon-DeKalb Guidance Plan outlines a comprehensive school counseling program designed to advocate for and support student achievement across academic, career, and personal-social growth. It focuses on three main pillars: Academic Development, Career Development, and Personal/Social Development, aiming to equip students with the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills to become productive members of society and achieve success in a global context.