Pelham Union Free School District

The meeting commenced with the appointment of Dr. Champ as clerk pro tem and a review of executive session discussions pertaining to employment history and student records. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the proposed 2026-2027 budget, emphasizing transparency, discipline, and compliance with the tax cap, while aiming to preserve programs and support special education. Key budget priorities included responsible staffing management and addressing rising costs in healthcare, special education, and transportation. Discussions also covered athletics, noting the strong program participation and careful evaluation of new sports expansions. Furthermore, administrative updates were provided regarding scheduling for the next school year, the ongoing transition to electronic registration for incoming 9th and 6th graders, and adjustments concerning AP Biology instruction due to differing Next Generation Science Standards among student cohorts. The commitment to supporting faculty and staff, enhancing integrated co-teaching programs in special education, and implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for personalized learning were highlighted.

The board meeting commenced with the affirmation of executive session motions regarding employment of a particular person and student records. Discussions included student recognition for a high school senior named Emily Wal, who achieved Top 300 Scholar status in the Regeneron Science Talent Search for her research on English language cognitive test bias in Spanish speakers. The board also heard an overview of the results from the district's scope communication survey. A presentation was given on the proposed 2026-2027 budget, emphasizing efforts to preserve robust programming despite financial pressures in areas like healthcare and special education, while managing expenses and remaining tax-cap compliant. Updates from committee meetings regarding bond projects included design submissions for Prospect Hill and Colonial School facilities, with anticipated construction start dates in the summer. Site testing occurred at the middle and high school campus, and geotechnical testing was conducted at Siwanoi, including an informal poll on hybrid construction feasibility for the Siwanoi project. Six policies related to students with disabilities were up for third reading, and one for first reading. Finally, the board addressed development matters, noting the district's lack of participation in the Picture House RFQ process and reiterating the importance of coordination with the village on future development to plan for enrollment impacts.

The board meeting commenced with welcoming remarks and acknowledgment of a Trustee joining remotely due to recovery from surgery. Key discussions included the arrival of a $150,000 State of New York grant for the outdoor classroom at Prospect Hill Elementary School. The board reviewed 13 policies, with six presented for first reading related to students with disabilities and seven for second reading. Substantive revisions were made to Policy 1510 regarding public comment. Updates on construction projects detailed plans for submitting renovation plans for Prospect Hill and Colonial elementary schools for summer work, and progress on Sonoy Place schematic plans, while noting a communication error led to an unannounced drilling event. The board also initiated discussions on the draft calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, proposing alignment with Bosey's calendar, and announced the posting for the Sonoy Principal search, with a goal of filling the position by July 1st.

The meeting included the presentation of 2025 Fall Athletic Awards, recognizing achievements across various sports including tennis, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, swimming, cheerleading, cross country, and football. Key business items addressed included the presentation of updated designs for the Simonoi school expansion, which incorporated community feedback regarding setbacks and elevator repositioning, and the exploration of modular construction options. The Board discussed a significant tax certiorari settlement, deeming it the most financially responsible outcome for the district. The receipt of grant money secured by a former state senator for enhancing the security camera system was noted. Policy work by the policy committee was also mentioned. A significant portion of the meeting addressed community concerns following an off-campus armed robbery allegedly committed by a student, confirming student residency, detailing the district's threat assessment protocol which determined no on-campus risk, and explaining the process for handling off-campus student misconduct and due process rights. The President also clarified residency enforcement procedures, noting increased investigations and confirming the student involved was a resident, while emphasizing legal constraints on disclosing individual discipline outcomes.

This five-year strategic plan, adopted by the Board of Education, is designed to inspire a standard of excellence for all students by guiding the district's work through 2029. It outlines three strategic priorities: Personal Growth & Achievement, Belonging & Wellness, and Facilities & Sustainable Learning Environments. The plan aims to foster high expectations, provide well-rounded programs, ensure evidence-based interventions, recruit and retain diverse staff, create inclusive practices, enhance support systems for well-being, promote a balanced culture, and modernize facilities for sustainable learning environments. The overarching vision is to prepare students to be knowledgeable, creative, critical thinkers who make ethical choices, explore their paths to excellence, embrace diversity, foster belonging, and adapt to a changing world.