Board of Education, Regular Meeting transcript: FUTURE HUDSON

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10:14Uh, good evening. Thank you all for being here. I'd like to call the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and ask everyone please stand for the pledge of
10:22allegiance
10:27to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all.
10:43Leslie, roll call, please. Mark Deace
10:50here.
10:50Amanda Grubler
10:52here.
10:52Kirstston Gustoson.
10:55Calvin Lewis.
10:57Diana Howard
10:58here.
10:59Matthew Macker
11:00here.
11:01Moren McDonald.
11:04Sheridan.
11:06Oh, I'm sorry. Moren Sheridan
11:08here.
11:13Okay. I make a motion to accept the agenda as presented.
11:18Second.
11:19All in favor. Um, our student rep is not here today. So, that brings us to our recognitions and presentations. Uh, first up, we have the Pioneer Charitable Foundation.
11:40Um, does this work? Where do I is where do I stand?
11:44Right there. Okay. Yeah, you can like lift the mic up a little bit.
11:48All right. Um, good evening everyone. Good evening. Um, and thank you so much to Dr. Pennyman for inviting me to speak tonight on behalf of the Pioneer Charitable Foundation.
12:00My name is Alexander Armstrong and I'm a financial adviser as well as a member of the Pioneer Grant Committee. I'm proud to say that I spend my days right here in Hudson as part of Hudson Financial, a business has been part of the community for over 17 years. Besides working with local families and businesses every day, our team has supported many great local initiatives over the years.
12:22Organizations like Clover and Hudson libraries, Columbia Memorial Health, the Backpack Program, Habitat for Humanity, and Makea-Wish, just to name a few. A couple of years ago, we partnered with Pioneer and now operate as a subdivision of their wealth management team. One of Pioneer's major focuses has always been community involvement and I'm thrilled about their commitment to expanding those efforts here in Columbia County and grateful for the opportunity to advocate for this this area I love.
12:50My roots here run pretty deep. My great-grandparents and grandparents all grew up in the city of Hudson and my soon-to-be 97year-old grandmother was also an Italian teacher in the district for many years.
13:05My parents and most of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends all attended Hudson. I even I've even worn a passed down class of 1957 Hudson High School ring every day for the past decade. But that's enough about me. Um, let's talk about the foundation and all of the incredible work they do.
13:23Um, to kick things off, I'd like to share a short video that highlights our mission of helping kids be kids. Um, and it'll introduce you to some of the other faces behind Pioneer. I hope this works.
13:43One more. Thank you.
13:51We started our charitable foundation in 2018 and then we initially funded it with our initial public offering in 2019. We've had a tremendous impact since then.
14:01We have contributed $1.6 million to our local community organizations and our employees have volunteered 12,000 volunteer hours. A child should never have to worry about what am I going to bring to school, where am I going to get my school supplies, how am I going to eat, what am I going to eat tonight. No child should have to worry about those things.
14:26Well, you don't want them to be responsible for things like food, clothing, shelter, education, safety. We own that as adults. So, we have a charitable foundation going to take away as many of those problems for those children as we possibly can.
14:41You know, it's just nice to give back to the community because I feel that I have to be able to go ahead and do that also. One very unique aspect of the founding for this gets bigger and bigger as they find out more and more.
15:07Insurance is covering less and less of some of these adaptive equipments. For instance, Medicare will cover a wheelchair. It will only cover every 40 and 45. You're not changing a lot. When you're between two and seven, that's a huge five years. to stop receiving requests that they don't have enough either to the kids.
15:29We just keep getting more applications worth more money. And while we have been lucky to raise and have donors that support us, I do worry at a certain point we're going to have more than we can have.
15:45This 25 kids off the floor.
15:51We are so grateful for that are there to help us do the work we do.
15:56I'm very very passionate about the foundation. It means a lot, you know, like personal experiences and things when you're a kid and maybe you yourself have not had a lot to know that there is an organization out there know that pioneer is so willing to help others like that. It means a lot.
16:12The employees are doing this because they want to do it. We're not we're not requiring our employees to step up and do all this work. themselves.
16:22So the fact that our employees are highly engaged, they want to make a difference in our community. They want to give back to helping kids be kids really inspiration for um so the foundation's mission of helping kids be kids is a commitment to supporting
16:42There we go. um local organizations that enhance the lives of children through education, wellness, youth sports, school supplies, and essential services.
16:53Um and every dollar raised supports this mission since Pioneer covers all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds goes directly to community-based nonprofits. Since its founding in 2018, the foundation has distributed over two million in grants to over 400 nonprofits serving children and families throughout the region. Pioneer employees also log significant volunteer involvement with a participation rate as high as 71%.
17:19Before I get into the school supply drive, I just want to briefly touch on some of a couple of the other programs within the foundation. Um here we have our two cornerstone events um which have collectively raised over $200,000.
17:32The Grand Carnival, which takes place annually right in the parking lot at Pioneer Headquarters on Wolf Road. Um it's where we invite families in the community um to visit for a fun day of games, entertainment, and food. Um our seventh grand carnival will take place this September 13th. Um and then we have the mini golf tournament where corporate teams compete against each other playing putt putt for a great cause. This year's tournament was our most successful yet, raising $16,000.
18:04Um and then additionally we have our Pioneers with purpose program um which encourages employees to advocate about causes um that they are involved in and passionate about by applying for a one-time uh monetary grant on their behalf. Um it's entirely funded by employee donations and recipients are selected um by employees like myself who serve on the grant committee. Um and last but not least, we have tangible giving. Um, in addition to school supplies, this also includes food, winter hats and coats, bedding and baby supply drives. Um, items are collected across Pioneers 22 branches and through employee donations.
18:47This is our fifth annual school supply drive. Um, and hopefully our biggest yet. Um, last year's is going to be hard to beat at over 4,800 total items. Um, that was after Bill from the IT department really threw down the gauntlet and sent a bankwide email. Um, which started a donation battle between every department. Um, but I think we still have a chance this year. I'm hoping we'll do really great.
19:13Um, so I just I want to wrap up by saying how excited that the foundation is to be partnering with Hudson City School District and for the chance in a few weeks to meet the community in person at the back to school ice cream social. Um, getting to interact with the kids and families that we're doing this all for is truly the most rewarding part of what we do. Um, it's a great reminder that these efforts aren't just about supplies. They're about creating confidence and giving every student the tools they need to start this the school year on the right foot. On behalf of the Pioneer Charitable Foundation and everyone on our team, thank you so much for welcoming Pioneer into your community and for allowing us to be part of something so impactful.
20:00One more thing to say.
20:02I have one question.
20:03Um question. Okay. I was that was what I was going to do. Welcome questions.
20:07I'm sorry.
20:08Yeah, go right ahead. Um, I'm just curious, how do you refer a family uh that needs help or a wheelchair or any of that? How do they get referrals? So, we work with programs that
20:21So, something like Catholic Charities would reach out to you, say, "We have a family that
20:26Yes. Yep. Um, so we do direct grant um if a um a organization can approach Pioneer directly. Um, we have done that in the Hudson area. We've recently done that a couple times with Friends of Hudson Youth. They've emailed um just our our foundation and with a proposal. Um, and then you can also, you know, if you know an employee who can apply on your behalf, that's also a way to do it.
20:59Um, this is, I think, the first time I know of that we're doing a public event with the school drive, which is really great. Um, so I'm hopefully this will be a, you know, a long partnership with Hudson. Um, is there any other questions or Thank you. Um, I'll leave a few business cards in case anyone thinks of anything. Um, but thank you. Thank you again, Dr. Pennyman, I'm really happy to be here.
21:32Of course.
21:34Of course. Thank you. All right.
21:36Thank you very much.
21:43Uh, next presentation is our 90-day fiscal analysis. So, good evening. My name is Christy Ferry. I'm the executive director of business and finance here at Hudson City School District. This evening I'll be um just presenting to you um my 90-day fiscal analysis um strategic priorities and phase implementation. I started here just around um 90 business days from today and um just wanted to give you a brief overview of some of um the kind of the strategic planning and phase implementation that we've been looking at.
23:08So to start just to review our mission, we embrace all students and inspire them to achieve their personal best as Buhawks and beyond. Our vision, we create and continually nurture an inclusive learning environment that honors the many passions, cultures, and talents of our students. And as students, staff and community, we commit to learning, exploring, and achieving together. Also, our guiding principles as this relates to our six keys.
23:41Strengthening the instructional core. Improve datadriven practices. Proteitive inclusive school environment for all stakeholders. Strengthen instructional leadership capacity. Tiered approach to school support and intervention and increase monitoring and accountability.
24:08So, as part of this 90-day fiscal analysis, I want to take a moment to highlight several key accomplishments and milestones that reflect the progress made during my first three months in the role. To begin, the 2526 school budget was passed with voter approval, affirming public support for the district's financial plan and priorities. We also secured voter approval for the district's capital project, enabling us to move forward with critical investments in our facilities and infrastructure.
24:40In terms of external funding, we were awarded the 2025 SNAP ED community growers grant in the amount of $50,000. And this grant supports our efforts to promote wellness, nutrition, and community engagement through school-based growing initiatives.
24:57Operationally, the business office is now fully staffed, including the successful hiring of a payroll clerk, a key role in maintaining accuracy and efficiency in payroll processing. And in addition, we've established regular business office team meetings and rooted in the idea that clear is kind. These meetings are helping us align our expectations, clarify procedures, and build a more collaborative and transparent team culture. These early wins reflect a strong foundation for moving forward and are the result of both individual effort and collective teamwork.
25:41So as part of my entry into this role, I conducted a fiscal analysis over the last 90 days to develop a clear and objective understanding of the district's current financial practices and operations. So this analysis was not meant to solve everything in 90 days, but rather identify the conditions we're working within spotlight risks and recognize opportunities for improvement.
26:04The work was guided by four primary objectives. First, to identify high-risk fiscal and compliance issues. This included reviewing grants, revenue, and expenditure trends, budget coding practices, and any areas where our financial procedures may create exposure to risk. These are the items that will require prioritize attention moving forward, particularly within our multi-year planning framework.
26:31Second, to identify misalignments between financial operations and district policies. This involved evaluating whether our current practices like purchasing, reporting, and budget monitoring reflect the policies adopted by the board and the procedures expected across departments.
26:50Third, to identify gaps in transparency and internal controls. This included assessing how clearly responsibilities are defined and how well financial information flows across teams and where improvements in oversight or documentation are needed. And fourth, an analysis aimed to identify areas where we need to build long-term financial s sustainability and capacity. That includes looking at staffing levels, business office workflows, and the systems and tools we use to support sound financial planning and forecasting.
27:25The results of this 90-day analysis are intended to inform a thoughtful phase response, one that will be outlined in a three-year financial improvement plan. That plan will include clear action steps to address the issues identified while building a stronger and more sustainable foundation for the district's f future.
27:57I have organized the key findings into four distinct priority levels. These priorities reflect not only the urgency of the issues identified but also the types of systemic work required to support continued improvement. Each level is designed to build upon the other. Moving from compliance and control towards alignment and sustainability. The first most urgent priority is compliance. This includes the identification of high-risk issues that may expose a district to regulatory concerns or audit findings. These areas primarily relate to grant fund management, expenditure classification, and procedural adherence. Timely attention to these items will help safeguard district resources and ensure our operations remain in good standing with state and federal requirements.
28:44The second priority is improving operational pro processes and internal controls. While not all of these issues are urgent, they are foundational to the district's financial integrity. This includes clarifying approval workflows, ensuring consistent documentation and strengthen strengthening internal checks and balances, enhancing these control systems for promote greater accuracy, accountability and efficiency across departments alignment.
29:11This focuses on ensuring that our financial resources are tied directly to instructional and operational priorities. Specifically, it involves conducting a thorough review of staffing, program costs, and building level allocations to ensure that we are meeting student needs effectively and equitably.
29:34Stability and capacity building. This fourth and final priority is to promote long-term stability through increased coordination and capacity building. This includes providing professional development, improving cross-department collaboration, and establishing systems that support multi-year financial planning. A stable and wellsupported business office is essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring that improvements are sustainable.
30:04So, while the 90-day fiscal analysis was not intended to resolve every issue and um for this evening um it's just the overview or the summary um for specifics that will be coming at a later time. Um it's not intended to resolve every issue or um in an immediate way. It is provided just a roadmap for targeted strategic work going forward.
30:36So, it's important that the work is grounded in clear values. Values that guide not only what we do, but how we do it. The following guiding principles will anchor our financial decision making moving forward. Transparency. Um, transparency means providing clear, accurate, and timely communication about the district's financial position. This includes regular updates, straightforward budget presentations, and open dialogue around funding decisions. Transparency builds trust and allows all stakeholders, families, staff, and community members to understand how public funds are being managed in service to our students.
31:14Accountability is the commitment to using every dollar responsibly. It means aligning spending with priorities, adhering to policy and regulation, ensuring that resources are used as intended. Accountability also includes internal oversight, making sure processes are followed, records are accurate, and that we continuously monitor our impact. Ultimately, it's about honoring the trust placed in us by the public.
31:41Stability means creating systems that correct past issues while preventing future risks. It requires disciplined financial management, strong internal controls, and consistent practices that allow us to navigate change without disruption. Stability allows us to plan with confidence and support our schools without having to rely on shortterm fixes or reactive measures.
32:06Sustainability focuses on the long term. It means building a foundation through staffing, technology, training, and policy that supports continued success well beyond a single fiscal year. It's about aligning resources with strategic goals and ensuring that today's decisions won't compromise tomorrow's needs. Sustainability is what ensures the district can remain strong, responsive, and student centered over time.
32:44So, as we look ahead, I want to share just a path we're committed to following. One that's grounded in fiscal responsibility, operational excellence, and most importantly, our responsibility to students and the community. Um, this road map is not just plain on paper. It's a declaration of where we are, where we need to go, and how we'll get there together. Um year one is really about um stabilization also um looking at a three-year um financial road map. The idea is just to emphasize that this is a longterm um plan. However, if we're able to stabilize in a shorter time, then obviously we can move into strengthen and sustainability quicker. Um but to start is just to look kind of at a long-term um solution.
33:35Year one is really about stabilization. Um this is where we confront what needs to be corrected. We identify the compliance risks. We correct inaccuracies and we bring clarity and structure to our systems. It's about taking responsibility for the processes we inherited for the procedures we need to improve and for the trust our community places in us.
33:55Um, we're really looking at stopping short-term fixes and um, shifting to long-term thinking. We're invested in the groundwork, making sure every policy, code, and every dollar is tracked, aligned, and intentional. Um, this is when we really need to stop reacting and start leading. Um, next, when the foundation is stabilized, um, we start to build. We refine our systems, strengthen our controls, and empower our teams. Um, we look at what's working, what's not, and we do all of the work of aligning our fiscal practices with the district's instructional goals. And this also really looks at resource allocation review.
34:37For year three, it's where we're looking at sustainability. Um, when we're stable, our systems are strong, and we build infrastructure to carry us forward, not just for the next year, but for the next decade. Um, so we're prioritizing long-term financial health and we embed continuous improvement. We give our schools the clarity, consistency, and confidence that we need to plan, innovate, and grow.
35:11So the path forward is really about follow through. What comes next is shaped by three clear priorities that will guide our financial leadership in the months and years ahead. First, we will continue providing updates to the board in the community. Communicating communication must be ongoing, not just when there's a budget vote or a crisis. We will keep financial information flowing regularly, clearly in a way that supports both understanding and accountability. Um, we can also um share ownership for the work ahead.
35:40Second, we will develop long-term financial planning aligned with district goals. This really moves beyond annual budgets and short-term fixes. So, we'll be working on building a multi-year financial strategy that supports staffing, programs, and student success. And finally, we continue to build public trust through transparency and consistency. Um, trust doesn't just come with statements or presentations. It really comes with consistent work over time. And that means staying open to what we're doing and clear about our why.
36:17Um so the path forward is really grounded in clarity, communication, and commitment. Thank you. Any questions?
36:41Um, you mentioned that so you did this initial like sort of fiscal analysis and then that rolls into a three-year plan. Is there a deadline for or an anticipated timeline for when there would be more details?
36:55So I think shared
36:57Yeah. So absolutely. So some of the details I think that um I provided to the board and the board weekly. Um however in terms of um details will also come out in our audit. So, we're we're in the middle of both our internal external audits and those will absolutely been be identified in there and I'd like to combine those with the things that I had already mentioned.
37:23But there's also like a three-year plan it sounds like that you're developing.
37:28So, yeah. So it has to do with the on what needs to be
37:34I think arranged first to correct any compliance issues that'll be addressed first.
37:48Okay.
37:48I have a question. Um so can you give us any idea what what you've identified so far? So, we're three months into the year that you're the first year that you're talking about and and I know you're talking about having goals and working towards them. So, I'm just wondering um if you have any more to share of what you're going to be working on during this first year or future goal, what what is it that we need
38:20like specifically?
38:22Yeah. Um so one of the specific things is really working on our um coding and ensuring that everything is coded accurately. So I've started that recently with our administrator retreat and really explaining um budget codes and the responsibility of um who supplies budget codes and that makes sure administrators are aware of how to access um what they needs in terms of of funding. The other thing is the difference between a general fund and a federal special aid fund. And so that's an understanding that really needs to be um further explored and how to choose which code to spend which item out of um and understand that there's over $3 million of grants here at Hudson City Schools and um everything needs to be coded accurately and
39:16and so that wasn't happening. Do you any do you have any idea of why why wouldn't that be why wouldn't that be happening? Why is it taking you you know a new business person coming in to to make to identify that that needs to be done?
39:38No, I identified that immediately. And so the issue is is to find where the funds have been located from the grant. If they're put in a wrong code, it's like looking through $58 million and finding every single requisition to identify if that's supposed to go in the general fund or in a grant fund. And so that takes a lot of time. A
40:02absolutely. I guess my question is um I'm questioning why um that's just happening now. Why isn't I mean, I know you're new, but but and I guess so I'm just putting that out there to to everybody, you know, why
40:19I I mean, I think that the short answer is there's been a a tremendous amount of turnover in the business office and, you know, I wouldn't say that that's an excuse, but it is certainly the um the reality.
40:31Yeah. Um, so it would, you know, sounds like there are, uh, systems and norms that people got away from and, you know, now we're trying to course correct and, you know, create a plan that makes sure that doesn't happen again.
40:44Yeah.
40:45Yeah. And just to be clear, I'm not the one that like coded the materials and supplies inaccurately. Oh, I wasn't trying to I I was actually giving you credit for recognizing it and and doing something about it. I was just wondering why it wasn't being done before you came.
41:06Right. I I mean I don't I don't know that. I wouldn't know that.
41:13Right. Answer that question. Thank you.
41:18Great. Any other questions?
41:22All right. Thank you very much, Miss Ferry. Uh, brings us to board reports. Uh, audit committee.
41:33Uh, the audit committee has a meeting tomorrow morning. Um, but nothing to report until.
41:39Great. Thank you. Facilities committee.
41:42Nothing to report at this time.
41:43Thank you very much. Uh, policy committee.
41:46Uh, we have not had a meeting since the last board meeting for once.
41:51All right. We'll call out all the upcoming meeting dates at the end of this meeting. Um for the board president's report, um we have been uh busy collaborating with the central office trying to conduct a full audit of all district staffing numbers, ensuring um there's a long-term roadmap that addresses the needs for both the upcoming school year and in the future. Um we know there are many positions still to be filled. We're eager to hear how those are going and hope to have a comprehensive uh overview in the coming weeks. Um, I'd like to commend Matt and Diana for attending the NISSBA school leadership conference in Albany over the weekend.
42:26Um, it's events like that that help us continue to uh learn and grow as a board. Um, on that note, yesterday we held a board retreat um moderated by Mark Snyder from NISPA. Um we covered uh subjects such as um board governance, agenda setting, parliamentary procedure um and board planning. Um it's very uh you know great environment to be in with our fellow board members and Dr. Pennyman and learning new ways that we can continue to uh grow and improve our board meetings. Um so we hope to try out some new things in the future and hope that uh you know everybody agrees that they lead to more um conducive and inviting and informative board meetings.
43:19Um and next we have the smart schools investment plan public hearing. Um, I make a motion to open the Smart Schools investment plan public hearing at 6:34 p.m. Second. All in favor? Um, now at this time would invite any comments or questions um from the board or from the public about our smart schools investment plan. Um, I'm sure Miss Benovitz would be happy to answer uh questions that anybody has.
44:07Mark, maybe can you um just give a little quick synopsis of what what it is maybe just for the public or so everybody knows what
44:16Absolutely. Yeah, I'm sure Miss Ruben would give a very very fast uh overview. Sure.
44:22I'm just gonna have Austin pull up the website.
44:24Okay, great.
44:25So, for So, good evening. And for those who don't know me, I'm Cheryl Rabinowitz. I'm the manager of instructional technology and our smart schools investment plan. We've been working on that for a few years, and it's been a very collaborative effort with the community, the technology committee, the technology department.
44:43Um, in order to apply for money that's funded by New York State, we had to have a district technology plan. We had to do assessments of what we needed and we had to do surveys. So all that work was done behind the scenes. Um we got a lot of input. Oh, thank you Austin. And on our website is this mouse working? Okay. If but I could speak so it's no problem. On their website is our smart schools investment plan.
45:10I presented to the community back in January. Then I presented again in May and that was more in depth of what we were using the district technology funding for. So what we're making a recommendation for. Is the mouse working? No. Okay. Could you pull up the district? Can you pull up the smart goals plan? And I can keep speaking, but the plan will tell you what we're looking to use the money for.
45:37Great. So right now, this is what's been on the website since May. and we had an email address set up so people can review the information and respond. So that's the background. What we're looking to do, if you could scroll down, Austin, keep going.
45:53Okay, so it's aligned with our district. It's aligned with goal four in our district technology plan. Put my glasses on. Okay, go scroll down a little bit more. and what our district technology plan says. We need to ensure a fully functioning robust network and wireless. So that's the alignment to the goal in our technology plan.
46:16If you scroll down, this is what we're proposing to use the money for. Upgrading the cabling of the network for wireless security camera PA systems and phone systems. upgrading the wireless access point to continue to support computerized testing and instruction in the classrooms for teaching and learning and also for guest Wi-Fi and work productivity.
46:43We're upgrading the security camera systems, the clock and the PA systems and the phone systems. The money that's allocated for the smart bond is 1,771,233.
46:56So, we did the plan. This is what we're looking at today. And then if it's accepted and approved, we submit it to New York State. And then once they approve it, and I will be honest, it takes from six months to a year because it has to go through all the approvals. Sometimes we'll get a bounce back and let ask us to be more specific on something. Even though we're very specific, they're those are the reviewers and they're looking at everything.
47:20Once it's approved, then the district can move ahead with purchasing this equipment that we're allocating here. And then we get reimbursed. And that's basically the whole idea of the plan. It's in two areas. It's in school connectivity and high-tech security features. So, I hope I wasn't too elaborate, but I just wanted to give the community and the board the background on this.
47:45Yes.
47:45If you have any questions, I'm happy.
47:46Very helpful. And yeah, just to clarify,
47:49sure.
47:49We we front the money. uh and then get reimbursed for it. So it is of no cost to the taxpayer.
47:55That's correct. There is no cost and it will take six months to a year, you know, and then we the board would decide when they want to do that.
48:03But once we get the approval, then we can move ahead.
48:06Were there any other questions?
48:08If someone that's listening on the YouTube wants to reach out with a question, who would they contact?
48:14Great. So there was a email address. It was smart schools hudson hudsoncsd.org. org. Um, it's it's been the last since May. It's the last 90 days. And that email would go to went to Dr. Pennyman, myself, Miss Ferry, and Tyler Critzman. To this date, we haven't received any questions or comments, you know, and a lot of the information was out there through the presentations, through the recordings, but no one has reached out with any questions.
48:46Hope that answers that. Great. And then once the board votes on it tonight, then tomorrow I would submit it in the portal. It would go to Dr. Pennyman and then Dr. Pennyman review it and submit it in the portal to Dyson.
49:00Thank you.
49:02Great. Any questions or comments from the public?
49:13It was a whole team effort. It really was. Thank you. Thank you. Um, so make a motion to close the smart schools investment plan public hearing at 6:40 p.m.
49:25Second. All in favor?
49:30And make a motion uh to approve the preliminary smart schools investment plan dated May 20th, 2025.
49:40Second.
49:40All in favor?
49:44Um, next that brings us to the district safety plan public hearing. Um, our district safety plan is uh something that is mandated by New York State. Um, we have a um district safety uh committee that works in conjunction with uh Quest 3 Boseies to develop this plan. um has been posted for um uh for the uh public comment period starting um July 3rd. Uh and so I'd like to make a motion to open the district safety plan public hearing at 6:41 p.m.
50:29Second. All in favor?
50:32Um, and at this time would open it for questions or comments from uh the board or community.
50:39I go ahead, Wayne, and then I'll go.
50:42Um, I think there are some edits that need to be made to this before it's ready to be finalized because we don't actually have the district safety team filled out in the chart.
50:56Um, so that's just
50:57I did ask last meeting.
50:58Yeah, we talked about that. I think at last meeting we flagged that that was blank and we had talked about filling that in. Um and there are also some dates missing in terms of the like timeline of required things. So I just I don't think this is ready as is here to talk to us from
51:14Yeah, I I believe that was a recommendation to not have actual names and just have job titles from Quest Arman Health and Safety.
51:24We can't hear you. I'm sorry.
51:25Can you hear me?
51:26I'm too short.
51:27There you go. Okay. Um, so Tracy Catalamo from Questar from Health and Safety. Um, because of that ask at the last board meeting, we did update and add in names. I know Leslie had shared a version of that with me. It asked me to fill in names and we did do that. I'm not
51:42I know that that was supposed to be the document and fill in all the dates. So, all the dates for all those things were based on um committee meeting dates from the district safety meeting, certain things that already have come to you um in the the board meeting, public comment, things like that. but she has
51:56that's not the version that's here. Um, and it also does say like regardless of whether or not names So, we do want names added, but there's also like one of the dates is that we've approved that safety team also as a board. So, I think we just have to get those two things in order here. Uh, you're talking about the top line on page
52:19top line says the district safety team was appointed by the board required action appointed by date check when completed.
52:26So that that did happen at our district reorg meeting. Um, so it's possible that we just don't have the
52:33the names here
52:34the latest version um in board docs.
52:43Um, go back and look at that in the board docs.
52:49Can I Can I Yeah, go ahead.
52:51Uh, good evening. Wayne Kenny, science teacher at the high school, past president, Hudson Teachers Association. Uh, I have been on the safety committee for about a year and a half now as when I was union president. And I just want to point out one of the things we've discussed that is supposed to also go into this plan by the beginning of the school year is what we're doing for the new legislation on classroom temperatures in terms of heat levels.
53:18Um I know Tyler was working on it with Questar. I don't know where you guys got on at this point, but like if the temperature gets to be 82 degrees, they're supposed to measure at a certain point in the classroom, come up with there's supposed to be a list of things to do to try to keep the classroom cooler. If it gets above 88, I think it is, then the students have to be moved out of that room. Um, I just want to make sure that people who weren't on the committee understand that we did look at that and Tyler was supposed to get back to us this summer and quest he was working on Quester on other districts. Like I said, Tracy might have an update on that. I'm not sure.
53:58I can speak to that. So originally, so that's a part of uh legislation that was signed by the governor in the fall. And then there was an amendment that was made when the session opened um in January that she signed and as part of that amendment um it removed a requirement to include it in your district safety plan. So a plan is in process with Tyler. It it's very specific as to certain classrooms.
54:18Um so part of the overall amendment um was that he talked about students being removed from spaces if the temperature reaches 88 degrees. And that amendment lists when practical because part of the understanding was if one classroom is 88 degrees, it might not be practical to close the entire building, right? It might be practical to say this this particular classroom and air conditioning unit's not working. It's, you know, a little elevated, but maybe we can move to the library where the the central air is working and there's no other classes.
54:50Um, so those specifics about what to do in certain certain rooms, certain buildings. Tyler was working on coming up with um a list of which classrooms had what kind of air conditioning, what possibilities were, what larger spaces maybe could be used. Um, but there will be a plan for that. But again, part of that amendment was it doesn't have to be included and written into the district-wide safety plan to be formally adopted by the board. And I think some of that is because it's fluid because it depends on the situation. and um what could or couldn't happen in various circumstances.
55:23And also we have action steps that are in place at the elementary school when it gets too hot. There's action steps that's been happening um this year. They move to the gym whether we so they're act we just have to get them in writing
55:39and and so that um and and you know it is fluid and yes so we're aware of the 88 rule there action steps that happen right now. and we know the classrooms at the elementary schools that aren't air conditioned. So, so there are action steps that are actually happening. We just need to put them in writing.
55:58Um I don't think on July 2nd the the names aren't there on July 2nd either. So I do still think we need to approve the committee unless I'm missing something there.
56:07Right. Um okay. So I guess the question then is what is the latest date that this safety plan needs to be approved by? So the plan needs to be approved by September 1st, but the committee members don't have to be written into the plan. It could just be like I know there's a list of titles in there. So that comm the list of committees, a lot of school districts um with change in staff, with change in different positions, um responsibilities, leadership, things like that. Um they will add in their names in an October or November meeting even. So that can be something that can be done after um after the fact and added back in in that chart.
56:45But it sounds like you do have the names and there is a version with the names so we can just approve it at the next meeting and still be good by September one.
56:51Yes.
56:52Okay, great. Um, are there any other any further comments uh from the board or from the public? Okay. So then I'll make a motion to uh close the district district safety plan public hearing at 6:48 p.m.
57:14Second.
57:15All in favor? And then also make a motion to table the 2025 2026 district safety plan um for uh discussion and approval at a later date.
57:29Second.
57:30All in favor? Um, so at this time we do have a need for an early executive session. Uh, I make a motion to enter executive session at 6:48 p.m. for the purposes of discussing the employment history of a particular person or persons.
57:51Second.
57:52All in favor. All right. We will be back as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
1:13:25Okay, thank you everybody for your patience. Uh, I make a motion uh to exit executive session at 7:04 p.m.
1:13:35Second.
1:13:35All in favor. Um, brings us to our personnel agenda. I make a motion uh to accept personnel agenda items A 1-10 and B 1-2. Second.
1:13:52Uh any
1:13:53Can you just give me one second?
1:13:54Yes, please. Yes. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
1:14:06I don't know if it's that important, but I did notice that the on the um field trip from My Brother's Keepers that it wasn't signed off on by the administrator.
1:14:16That's Yeah,
1:14:17this is personnel there. Yes,
1:14:19we're new. Excuse us. I'm good. I'm good, though. I saw I looked at what I wanted.
1:14:23Okay, great. Uh, all in favor. Okay. Uh, brings us to welcome new staff.
1:14:36Okay. Good evening. Olivia, please stand.
1:14:50Olivia Stavy is our new teacher um that's going to be joining our team here in Hudson. She was born and raised in Socrates and she calls the Hudson Valley her home. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts and Adolescence education with a concentration in English. During her studies, she completed fieldwork at the Kingston High School and co-taught the Hudson Valley Writing Project Workshop at VSAR.
1:15:19And this past spring, she fulfilled her student teaching requirement at the Hudson High School and Kyra Dorm Junior High. She's an avid reader, writer, and traveler. And a fun fact is she's currently learning how to bookbind. She's grateful to Hudson City School District for welcoming her and supporting her studies and career as an educator. And if you'd like to tell everyone where you'd be, 10th grade ELA teacher here at the high school. Welcome.
1:15:53Welcome.
1:15:54[Applause]
1:16:06I gave you another one. Nicole Goins, please stand.
1:16:26Nicole Goins graduated from Sunni Newalts in December of 2024. She earned a bachelor of science in early childhood education and since graduating she's worked as a substitute teacher for K through 8 throughout the Roundout Central School District and she also has uh experience working as a preschool teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, cooking, reading, and spending time with family. And Miss Goings, uh, please let everyone know where you will be next year.
1:17:03Fifth grade at MCSEs. And welcome to our team.
1:17:07Welcome.
1:17:15Great. That's everybody.
1:17:17Yes.
1:17:19All right. Uh, next up brings us to a public forum. Leslie, anybody sign up?
1:17:27I have Nikki Chenito.
1:17:29Thank you. So, everybody know each speaker has three minutes uh to present their concerns uh or comments. Um uh we cannot permit public discussion about individual district personnel or students. Um, and the board is here to listen and we'll respond either at a future meeting or have the appropriate administrator get in touch with you.
1:17:54Hello everybody. I would like to present question. somebody said that we are going to save money because we are not going to replace you made at your presentation. So, I'm really confused why I'm still asking this after four months. Thank you.
1:19:06Yes, understand, Nikki. And like I said, we've been actively working with the central office to try and uh gather all this information and we'll hopefully You should know what are you find
1:19:35like I said I understand completely. I do and I understand your frustration. Um, thank you, Nikki. Anybody else?
1:19:55No, that's it.
1:19:59Uh, brings us to the superintendent's report.
1:20:13Good evening. So last week we had a wonderful administrator retreat.
1:20:21We also became creative. Thank you Miss Coons. Where we were able to schedule our retreat at different locations. So we had a retreat at the Chamber of Commerce one day. Then the next day we hopped to the Hudson Library. Then the next day we hopped back here to central office and then back to the library. So um thank you for your help with that. We talked about what's happening next year. We talked about MTSS, PLC, etc. All of the initiatives for next year and that information will be forthcoming.
1:20:57But we plan together as a team. We have finalists for junior high school positions. So, in case anyone's wondering what's going on with positions in a junior high, we do have some teacher finalists. um that uh are going going to be coming to me later this week and I had one finalist this afternoon for the elementary. So we are filling those slots that are still open for the junior high and the elementary the belltobell band.
1:21:29So this week I had a chance to meet with um student representatives to read through um our belltobell um policy and as you know um we have one completed but it doesn't mean that we can't go back and u make adjustments as necessary. So on the there'll a letter we already have a letter that's there to remind parents about this um you know that will go home with students on the first day and then we'll also put it on parent square before the first day. I have that letter and then um students will not be allowed to access their devices from the start of the school day until they're ready to depart for that day.
1:22:17And I'm working very closely with the principal. So all of this will be covered during the professional development on the superintendent conference days in September. But the the information has been out there um for staff as well as um families uh to read and the principles did weigh in on this. They had teams that uh they develop in the schools to weigh in on this policy. So, this did not just come from central office. Everyone had chance to um to weigh in on it.
1:22:57We had a backpack program this summer um where for those students that weren't attending summer programs um we bought backpacks uh with books and reading for them and some of those students weren't able to pick up their books. So, we've been delivering them. I dropped some off this morning. I'm going to continue to drop some off tomorrow morning. Miss Padusi, Mr. Brenamman, we're all working together to get these backpacks. Also, if you have a junior high student, there was some Scholastic books given to junior high students.
1:23:31So, what I'm saying to families that are listening now, if you did not get uh your scholastic books for the junior high students that are not attending summer program, please contact Mr. there or um Miss Patch. That's all for my report and thank you.
1:23:54I have a quick question if I can ask a question.
1:23:57Uh I noticed on the first slide there was a picture of uh Mrs. Paduzi at the administrator's um
1:24:04Yes, I can explain that. Miss Paduzi is a TOSA teacher on assignment who works with us for as the literacy um coordinator. She has been a part of the planning with the former executive director of teaching and learning and I have too, but Miss Padusi is very intricate with implementing these programs and supporting the schools. She didn't come every day on the days that I needed her to be there when we had like Friday we had branch and minds MTSS presenting on the days that we were discussing the areas of which she will support within the schools those are the days that she was there she did not attend every day so she does not work in a supervisory capacity as you know she only works in a support uh capacity
1:24:54yeah my understanding was just that the administrative was retreat was for administrators that's why I asked Oh.
1:25:01Uh, no. I chose to ask her to come. It was for administrators, but we needed her to be there so that they could know how she would lend her support for the different areas of the curriculum.
1:25:14Thank you.
1:25:20Okay, it brings us to our um consensus agenda. Um, I know there's a few things uh for discussion here. I think first thing want to do is um make a motion to uh table consensus agenda items D and E um for further discussion.
1:25:44Second.
1:25:46All in favor? Okay. Um any other uh changes suggested here?
1:25:57Uh I'd like to discuss G.
1:26:01Okay. So then I'll make a motion to accept consensus agenda items A through C, F, and H through R.
1:26:15Second. All in favor and uh make a motion to discuss uh consensus item G.
1:26:27Second.
1:26:31Um so yeah, I guess so we're seeing financials now. Um I appreciate it. I know we're working on process and um getting more timely information. Um I guess this is showing the general fund uh expenditures. I see it says we've only spent 32,000 on teachers retirement so far this year. And I guess I'm wondering what that's going to look like um if this is final or if we're going to have adjustments to this at some point.
1:27:14M Matt, you're uh you're looking at the June report and what's the code for it?
1:27:18So, it's code 902-8000, teachers retirement.
1:27:22What page is it?
1:27:24Uh it's page eight. So, there's a $1.9 million budget, but it says we only spent $32,000
1:27:30in the June, not the May, right?
1:27:32In June. Do we anticipate spending a million nine on teachers retirement?
1:27:49I can go back to you on that.
1:27:52Okay. Um and then there's the open question on the negative expenditure lines. Uh I mean they're in there. I'm not going to rattle off all of them, but um I'm concerned about the negative expenditures and how that presents in the the budget um compliance, I guess.
1:28:16So, um just to clarify, the current appropriation negatives or the
1:28:22year-to- date expenditures that are negative
1:28:23the the year-to-ate expenditures. So, as I mentioned earlier, there are several um things that have been miscoded in terms of grants, and that is a constant daily um working on in terms of discovering what items belong in grant funds that have been put in the um general fund instead. And so, still working on that.
1:28:46Okay. Um, do we have a timeline for identifying these ones specifically?
1:28:55I mean, my hope is soon, obviously. So, the grant funds um end many of the grant funds, the title funds will end in August and then um we have another grant that ends in um the end of September. And I do also have some amendments that are pending that have not been approved that will also kind of change in terms of um where funding has been adjusted.
1:29:20Okay. I mean, my overall concern is that the the statement itself is saying that we have $2.3 million unexpended in the general fund, but the TRS is a $ 1.9 million expenditure. The negatives are hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, I guess I'm concerned about the state of last year's budget compliance. Um, so I guess in terms of critical events that we're looking at, I I think that one's pretty pretty high in the list.
1:29:53All right.
1:29:57Um, any other any further questions? Everybody understand uh math line of questioning? Okay, great. Um, just to clarify, there are negative uh budget ite budget lines in the uh budget status report. Miss Ferry is suggesting that some of those may need to be coded to grants which would um uh decrease the negative uh in our general fund balance. So, we're going to make a motion to table this. Yep. All right. make a motion to table um consensus agenda item G.
1:30:35Second.
1:30:36All in favor?
1:30:39Um there is no new business. There is no old business. Um brings us to public forum.
1:30:49Nobody.
1:30:50Nobody else signed up. Um brings us to board discussion. Um, anybody have anything else they'd like to add or discuss?
1:31:03I just wanted to add about the uh the NISSBA leadership uh conference uh over the weekend. Um, I was able to attend it last year. I was able to attend it this year. Uh, it's it's good to to attend and uh spend time with fellow board members, an opportunity to just learn about each other. Um, and really really some great speakers. you get to talk to other board members around the state. You get to talk to administrators around the state. Um and uh they do a really good job of of programming. So, uh I think the opportunities that can arise for board members for development um you know should really be taken advantage of.
1:31:45Great. Thank you for sharing. Um okay, anybody else?
1:31:55Um, so brings us to upcoming meeting dates. Um, August 6th, 2025, there is an audit committee meeting in the district conference room at 10:00 a.m. Um, August 12th, 2025, there is a policy committee meeting in the high school library at 5:00 p.m. August 19th, 2025, regular board of education meeting, high school auditorium, 6 pm. September 9th, 2025, policy committee meeting in the high school library at 5:00 pm. Uh September 16th, 2025, regular board of education meeting in the high school auditorium, 6 pm. Um
1:32:40I'm sorry, I must have left off the facilities committee meeting.
1:32:45Thank you. That was my question.
1:32:46August 22nd, 4 o'clock.
1:32:49There you go.
1:32:49District conference room. It is a Friday. Okay. So, Friday, August 20
1:32:5522nd, 2025, facilities committee meeting, uh, district conference room at 4 pm.
1:33:04At this time, we have a need for an second executive session. I make a motion to enter executive session at 7:24 p.m. for the purposes of discussing the employment history of a particular person or persons.
1:33:19Second.
1:33:20All in favor? Uh there will be no further business after this executive session. Uh thank you all for being here.
1:33:27Mark, do you need to be
1:33:30Oh, and I make a motion to uh appoint Mark to Pace as clerk pro 10.
1:33:36Second.
1:33:36All in favor?

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