Niskayuna Central School District

The policy committee meeting addressed several policy revisions, primarily concerning special education and Section 504 accommodations. Key discussions included amending the policy for children with disabilities to reflect updated eligibility age limits (up to age 22), affirming the practice of grouping students by similar needs while adhering to age/grade band regulations, and updating the preschool evaluation process. Amendments were also made to the Least Restrictive Environment policy to incorporate language regarding disproportionality reviews and to clarify rules around student participation in non-academic activities. Additionally, policy language regarding due process complaints and selection of impartial hearing officers was reviewed. A separate policy adjustment was proposed to modify public comment procedures, specifically changing the format from one public comment period to two (one at the beginning of business and one at the end), along with clarifying where forms for addressing the board would be provided.

The meeting began with a presentation by A. Van Antwerp Students First regarding the building of a VA Community. Key discussions included concerns raised during the Privilege of the Floor regarding the embedding of honors designation within science courses, suggesting a pause to develop effective teaching plans and seeking clearer communication on curriculum changes. Student board members reported on the success of the Math Counts competition, progress on the nickname committee, concerns over the new Earth Science pilot plan, and high interest in the Seal of Civic Readiness and Seal of Biliteracy programs. The Superintendent reported on successful multi-genre performances and high interest in new high school electives, as well as the availability of Spring Continuing Education Programming. The Audit & Finance Committee reported a favorable internal audit with a 23% drop in exceptions and discussed the feasibility of ordering additional Electric Vehicle (EV) buses. The Academic Programs Advisory committee discussed middle school redesign and student mental health supports. Action items included approving the Culture & Climate Survey high-level results, receiving the Maintenance of Effort budget development presentation, approving a Memorandum of Agreement regarding a retiree incentive, receiving the draft 2026-27 District Calendar, and approving updates and repeals to the 7000 Student Series Policies. The Consent Agenda included approvals for student placements, regular staffing actions, financial reports, and two school-sponsored student trips (DECA Club to Rochester and Master Minds to Syracuse), as well as establishing the Lili Friedman Dunn Scholarship. The Board also received monthly construction and enrollment reports. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss student discipline and legal matters.

The document is metadata and content for an event titled "MS Select Ensembles Concert". A representative from the "Nskina Friends of Music" booster club provided updates on various music department activities, including a summer sonata experience, high school coral student workshops, selections for All State Ensembles, and the upcoming Skenctity All County Music Festival culminating in a concert. Future events mentioned include the high school musical production of The Wizard of Oz in February and an orchestra festival in March. The representative also solicited memberships and sponsorships for Friends of Music, listing various business sponsors at different contribution levels. The latter portion contains segments of musical performance and concluding remarks.

The meeting commenced with special student recognitions, including numerous awards for academic excellence, such as National Merit Semi-finalists, and recognitions for achievements in athletic competitions, including sectional and state championships in Girls Soccer, Varsity Football, Team Doubles, and Girls Swim. Public participation included a resident speaking regarding residency requirements following a family tragedy and requesting compassionate consideration. Another significant discussion focused on community concerns regarding the district's proposed plan to remove or merge honors classes in the science program with regent science courses, noting a perceived pattern of removing enrichment programs without sufficient communication or supporting data.

The meeting commenced with a segment called 'Rosendale Students First.' Key discussions included an update on the state budget cycle, legislative priorities such as universal child care and per-pupil expenditure changes, and the proposal for a pilot program allowing all ninth-grade students to pursue an honors designation at the high school, focusing on Earth and Space Science. The Board conducted a public hearing and subsequently approved the updates to the District-Wide Safety Plan. The consent agenda included approvals for student placements, regular staffing actions, financial reports, the bid award for snack items to Roberts Foods, adoption of the 2026 IRS mileage rate, an agreement for ice hockey rental time at M&T Bank Arena, health and welfare services contracts, approval for a Varsity Basketball trip to Springfield, MA, and receipt of the Monthly Construction and Enrollment Reports. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss student discipline, a personnel matter, and collective negotiations, before returning to public session.