Shenendehowa Central School District

This document outlines the academic progressions and pathways available to students from elementary through high school within the Shenendehowa Central School District. It details course selections across subjects such as ELA, Social Studies, Math, Science, World Languages, Career & Technical Education, and Arts, offered at Regents, Honors, and Accelerated levels. The plan emphasizes student choice, flexibility in pathways, the importance of foundational learning, and balancing academic rigor with student well-being, encouraging parental partnership in educational decisions. Resources for detailed course information are provided through the district website and program of studies.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance following an executive session to discuss board vacancy screening and legal matters. The agenda was then adopted and reorganized to prioritize student recognition. The Board recognized the significant achievements of various athletic teams during the fall season. Key recognitions included the Boys Golf team winning the section for the second consecutive year, the Girls Golf team's success and introduction of an intramural program, and the Girls Tennis team, highlighted by a freshman winning the New York State Individual Tennis Championship. Both Boys and Girls Volleyball teams achieved deep postseason runs, finishing third in New York State. Girls Cross Country had an unprecedented season, winning the Section 2 Championship, Regional Championship, New York State Championship as a team, and the Federation Championship, qualifying them for the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. Several individual athletes from these teams received various accolades, including All-Star, All-State Tournament Team, and All-American honors. The Girls Swimming and Diving team, which placed third in Section 2, was also scheduled for recognition.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session at 4:35 PM to discuss Board Vacancy Review and Legal Matters, returning to open public session at 5:58 PM. Key agenda items included the adoption of the meeting agenda and comments from Board members and the public. Student comments covered the upcoming Winter Break, Snowball Dance planning, and a $5,000 mental health grant received from the National PTSA. A public comment raised concerns about the Ice Hockey Referees dispute. The Superintendent's Report covered student athlete experiences, IPAC recommendations, and reflections on a recent winter storm. The Board formally accepted the Tenure Recommendation for Michelle Discenza. Information items included recognition for Board Member Gusta Miller and comprehensive Fall Sports Recognition, noting all teams qualified as Scholar Athletes. An update on IPAC presented new courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Writing Center courses, and credentialing existing courses with Hudson Valley Community College. A set of Policies & Procedures underwent a First Reading. Action items included approvals for an Emergency Replacement of an MS Boiler, bids for Groceries II and Tires/Tire Related Services, disposal of obsolete items, NERIC Coordination Fee approval, NERIC Purchase for Elementary Chromebooks, Scholarship & Local Grant Donations, and Special Education items related to Riverside Insights and Placements. Personnel actions involved approving staffing recommendations, including one new term appointment, the tenure recommendation for Michelle C. Discenza, and numerous probationary appointments, modifications of appointment, rescissions, leaves of absence, retirements, and resignations/terminations for both certified and classified staff. Other actions included the ratification of the SUSA MOA and Cook Manager MOA, the creation and abolishment of a Typist position, and a Second Reading approval for various Policies & Procedures regarding safety, emergency response, and district administration.

The meeting agenda included adoption of the agenda, Board and Public Comments, and the Superintendent's Report. Key information items for discussion included an update on the Superintendent Search, an overview of the 2026-2027 Budget Development process, the Mid-Year Financial Report and 3-Year Projection, and the preliminary 2026-2027 Budget Assumptions. The Board also reviewed several Policies & Procedures for the first reading, including certified personnel policies. Action items involved the approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar, approval of a Resolution for Elementary Schools, consideration of bids for Transportation Bus Parts, Fluids, and Fuel, contract approval for SpEd - Living Resources, disposal of buses, NERIC purchases (including Gemini AI Licenses), acceptance of Special Education Placements, approval of Staffing Recommendations, and the second reading and potential adoption of several personnel-related policies.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to address the annual superintendent evaluation and contract requirement. The subsequent open session included administrative updates and discussions concerning the arts program, highlighting student achievements in music and visual arts, including participation in regional and statewide festivals, and the positive long-term impact of arts education on students' careers. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to a presentation regarding the allocation of core teachers based on student enrollment and equity considerations, specifically analyzing free and reduced lunch data in relation to teacher-to-student ratios across elementary, middle, and high schools. The board also reviewed preliminary data on related service providers and nurses in elementary schools. Superintendent comments focused on welcoming the newly elected board member and arranging their orientation.