Voorheesville Central School District

This document outlines the formal process for shared decision-making within the Voorheesville Central School District, established around spring 2021, to enhance student learning. It details the structure and operation of various committees, including the District Advisory Council and Building Leadership Teams. The plan is guided by a mission to provide a strong foundation of knowledge and experiences and a vision for an engaging, supportive learning community. Key goals include student achievement, staffing, financial responsibility, communication, and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment, with an emphasis on collaborative effort, transparency, and continuous evaluation of programs and student performance.

The Facilities Committee meeting centered on several critical infrastructure and project updates. Key discussions included the capital project update, which involved addressing structural issues and change orders in a 100-year-old building, leading to schedule delays, although steel delivery has now occurred. The committee discussed options for releasing sections of the project sooner, though partitioning areas might hinder final completion. Further discussion involved postponing flooring work in occupied classrooms until the summer to minimize disruption to teachers and custodians. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the highly deteriorated exterior wall foundation, noting that initial superficial repair estimates are insufficient due to severe rebar and structural degradation discovered during sounding, requiring evaluation of repair scope and funding alternatives. Plumbing issues at the elementary school, including clogs from wipes and the need to replace 100-year-old jagged cast iron piping, were reviewed, with replacement being within the current project scope. Preventative maintenance on pump stations across various buildings was also discussed. Finally, concerns from a neighboring property regarding facility operations, specifically snow plowing boundaries and vegetation management near the transportation facility, were addressed, along with noise complaints related to the boiler operation.

The Policy Committee meeting focused on discussing Policy 47, specifically related to policy rating systems and grading. The committee discussed the nature of policy versus regulation, emphasizing that policy sets high-level expectations while regulations provide detailed implementation. Key discussion points included the clarification that the proposed draft policy is not intended to be the sole replacement for current procedures, and that a corresponding regulation will follow adoption. Stakeholder feedback, including input from student board members via survey, was highlighted as crucial for refining the policy. Specific language points, such as the term "positive indicator" concerning achievement metrics, were debated, leading to a decision to potentially remove the word "positive" and replace it with "measurement" or "indicator." The committee also discussed issues related to students assessed on goals not aligning with their report cards and the need for clarity regarding who is responsible for evaluating instructional programs.

The Voorheesville Central School District's Instructional Technology Plan aims to integrate technology into all aspects of teaching and learning to prepare students for college or career and global citizenship. Key strategic goals include increasing equitable and sustainable access to digital resources and technology, providing dynamic professional development for educators in technology integration, and establishing a robust plan for technology replenishment and infrastructure. The plan emphasizes digital equity, empowering learners, and fostering digital citizenship, with an overarching vision to support rigorous academic standards, improve student achievement, and ensure equitable access and differentiated instruction for all students, including those with disabilities and English Language Learners.

The policy committee meeting included discussions on the parent engagement policy, specifically addressing annual reviews and making necessary changes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to licensing and branding, particularly concerning the use of the district's logos and the upcoming mascot. The committee explored the possibility of creating a policy to guide licensing, considering aspects such as trademark law, potential benefits, and pitfalls. They also discussed the importance of outlining acceptable uses for the mascot and ensuring it aligns with the district's values, while also addressing the need for enforcement and protection of the district's brand.