[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6395738,"mediaKeyId","2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a","parentId",2098287,"title","Policy committee updates: district to seek counsel on code of conduct; attendance and field‑trip policies go to 28‑day read","audioSeconds",324,"startMs",2369000,"endMs",2693000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a&start=2369&end=2693","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a/thumbnail_2369000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6395738/New-York/Policy-committee-updates-district-to-seek-counsel-on-code-of-conduct-attendance-and-fieldtrip-policies-go-to-28day-read","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395738-745cbba2ea26ab8df43ca5bda7744838/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095934&Signature=NpglhKJvm7zTgJUqqU7wms9wSUbm4AG05KOPcRfhl9~bnz2MQ1NQRh6uT~gvNo6MFjlZtTTbMxks~lSW3Q7hCkMMlRIIwICDt2Wu0eFZ7O44Lfz7Zz4pEcgz9gB7a71VmgxI7AWVr6L1~wU2rbtVfgIhCAFAMjGiBOzh9BzjkYGNFk8~5H~8CIeT37lYSBow7K3BGz4KLs3X2qxu2n8nad40iz4BdeAturMU56TPdL8JeGdquRzF~O7NcX~W~abh1D4HTGkTx5d96Br8wVLMTZ9bZIrdslZPfAiX0BsFPpYNPlkH5pkhY7L4F4V-0IIqEpy4QxszXFHwkDZXNlNmSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-09T13:01:24Z","article","A policy committee report at the Jan. 8 board meeting outlined ongoing work on several district policies and identified upcoming 28‑day reads.

The reporting committee said administrators completed an internal review of policy 7310, the district code of conduct, and that the committee will seek counsel on recommended edits. The committee is also continuing work on policy 3421, listed in the report as relating to Title IX and discrimination, while exploring potential edits.

Policy 7110, the comprehensive attendance policy, has been amended to include updated language on what constitutes excused and unexcused absences and will be up for a 28‑day read at the next meeting. The committee described district priorities on improving attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism as a central focus tied to student achievement.

Policy 7132 (elementary attendance areas) is being amended to explicitly include single‑family rental homes within flexible attendance areas so students who move within the district between rental properties can remain at their original elementary school. The committee said this change addresses instances where families moved within the district and students were required to change elementary schools; the revision will be a 28‑day read at the next meeting.

Policy 8460 (field trips and student travel) was substantially revised to reflect practice where certain postseason or sectional events (for example, track or robotics competitions) may occur before a board meeting where the trip could be approved. The revision allows such trips to proceed with the proper paperwork and requires students to remain subject to the district code of conduct on trips. The committee reported that the field‑trip policy will also proceed to a 28‑day read.

The committee emphasized that the policy edits are intended to align rules with operational realities and improve clarity around attendance, discrimination response and approval of certain time‑sensitive student travel.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ballston Spa Board of Meeting - January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A policy committee report at the Jan. 8 board meeting outlined updates to the code of conduct, Title IX/discrimination policy work and 28‑day reads for attendance and field‑trip policies.","taxTitle","Ballston Spa Central School District, School Districts, New York","taxId",38768,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6395749,"Superintendent presents mixed K–12 assessment trends; district cites AP growth and MTSS work",1311,386000,1697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a&start=386&end=1697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a/thumbnail_386000.jpg","/articles/6395749/New-York/Superintendent-presents-mixed-K12-assessment-trends-district-cites-AP-growth-and-MTSS-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395749-6b0e3b5be6aed0e35e4fe06ac79a6cf9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095934&Signature=eY5Jw~DUxCpG9fBXWMZ22bNfJvIXnPb-bCXnXjLwlx-bsWhoz6suGkMVgMptCAmHjoBKbBsVDTfRfQisnqmFmv8cYshm25shJ2wXSNj51H4OaZRrHDr8Pggb3UvOAQ3hGU9cVQWI1072ZtS3isOE-xu-TzuJW2ynnu9PObny0D2vabXHkEoROfHNPWrqKByO6VZeim~F0FoxvIa9h-1vGRtnUk0HVNR2ZAvFvljIuleHLlYIDjhvPtJP0S~T1LNdrSqke9PvqeIpJ-j6YjR6KhnGYSAVHaoEVQwpx2qBvuq4UfQVeQg9uIoGr0JF3UhprCtyyy64vo95sll1bohrNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The superintendent of Ballston Spa Central School District presented a districtwide review of K–12 assessment data at the Jan. 8 board meeting, summarizing results dating to 2018 and outlining next steps for improvement.

The presentation reported gains in several elementary and middle-grade math cohorts and a five‑year high in Advanced Placement (AP) exam participation. “We’re committed to delivering high quality curriculum instruction to our students,” the superintendent said, crediting Margaret Keller, the district’s chief information officer, for compiling the data.

The superintendent explained state testing cut points used in the report: New York State grade‑3–8 tests count level 3 and 4 as proficient; AP exam scores of 3, 4 and 5 are treated as college‑credit‑eligible; and Regents proficiency was defined as scores of 65 and above. For grade‑level highlights the superintendent cited: improvements in grades 3–5 math across the three‑year trend, a spike in 7th‑grade math proficiency, and that 8th‑grade math proficiency reported at 51% would rise to about 68% if students taking Algebra I were included in the calculation.

On English language arts (ELA) the district saw some gains and some declines: 3rd grade rose from about 44% to nearly 48%, 5th grade rose to about 51% in 2024, while 6th grade showed a downward trend that the district said it is investigating with middle‑school staff. “We need to really explore why there’s a downward trend in 6th grade,” the superintendent said, noting possibilities such as whether writing instruction in grades 3–5 is adequately preparing students for 6th‑grade assessments.

Science results were described as roughly steady, with 5th and 8th grades near 53% proficient on the state’s new science exam. The superintendent said the district is reviewing curriculum timing to ensure students receive content before the spring tests.

Advanced Placement: the superintendent reported a five‑year high in AP exam participation at the high school, saying 425 AP exams were taken last year and 352 of those exams received scores of 3, 4 or 5. The superintendent said district staff are working to expand AP access for students with disabilities and to add AP offerings in fall 2026, along with supports to increase confidence and access for underrepresented cohorts.

Regents and high‑school results were summarized against regional suburban council schools: Algebra I proficiency was stated at 83%; Algebra II at 93%; Chemistry at 88%; Physics at 98% proficiency; U.S. history at about 83%; and English near 89% proficient. The superintendent noted that some courses place the district in the middle of the regional comparison and identified social studies writing and literacy as target areas for improvement.

The presentation emphasized that attendance and Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) are district priorities. The superintendent described planned intervention work: intervention teams will meet Jan. 28 to begin assembling a playbook of effective interventions by grade level and to make MTSS resources more accessible to staff. The superintendent also noted district goals that integrate MTSS, absenteeism reduction, and partnerships with families and community organizations.

Board members asked for additional breakdowns during the question period, including whether the AP numbers represent exams or students, the number of students taking AP exams versus exams taken, demographic breakdowns of AP participation, and the relationship between MTSS movement and proficiency. The superintendent said staff would provide the requested breakdowns and demographic data.

The superintendent closed by stressing that the district will continue targeted strategies — early interventions, MTSS improvements, and attendance initiatives — to raise proficiency and mastery rates across grade levels.

The board opened questions after the report; no formal action was taken on the assessment item during the meeting.","The superintendent of Ballston Spa Central School District presented a districtwide review of K–12 assessment data at the Jan. 8 board meeting, summarizing results dating to 2018 and outlining next steps for improvement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6395734,"Board approves scholarship change, bid award and student‑placement resolutions; consent agenda passes",102,2909000,3011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a&start=2909&end=3011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a/thumbnail_2909000.jpg","/articles/6395734/New-York/Board-approves-scholarship-change-bid-award-and-studentplacement-resolutions-consent-agenda-passes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395734-f4353887487c6e8532c499e86a2ad4aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095934&Signature=kVHupsSmGb0Kf6fcTYcR6Sr82nS7~OVwO~7B21q4W3IeDTgyYXTpcnUKFLfg1jMCJ1x-FHscM3P94aALcAckmTRuCYnAknoo4wr7i1-klhnYDng1QJxrPB7by5RlzxdQGWPUDrw88MaCgpE7T~f8bqDLE6t5rCD0uvrKy26GBgdljanY19WXqxXxZYH~mLqHqJQLr25Zxm8GLN6qfyWAHHHn9Y8-HNhxo0G4-BcnKZj7Xm0Hipri52M2ZoGHdrS9JvFrJEliwFjvgKStxpeOik1j9Soq0E9X7nhfjLdhaWzEYR1kkzAeLMo1syovxBxC19dcTaolzSqgxuTo4qSxbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education approved multiple resolutions during its Jan. 8 meeting.

Resolutions recorded as approved in the meeting transcript:

- Resolution 335 — scholarship changes: passed (voice vote). The board president called for discussion; none was recorded. “Resolution number 335 passes,” the president said.

- Resolution 336 — award a bid: passed (voice vote). The motion was moved and the president recorded: “Resolution number 336 passes.”

- Resolution 337 — placement of students with disabilities: passed (voice vote). The board approved the placement resolution after the motion was moved and seconded.

- Resolution 338 — placement of preschool students with disabilities: passed (voice vote).

- Resolutions 339–348 — approved as a consent agenda (board recorded a voice vote approving the consent agenda). The president announced the consent agenda and, after asking for discussion and hearing none, the agenda passed.

The transcript records the board taking voice votes (“All those in favor. Aye. Opposed? Abstentions?”) and announcing that each resolution passed; no roll‑call vote counts or individual vote names appear in the record. The meeting minutes and formal docket are the authoritative records for precise vote tallies and any detailed documentation tied to the resolutions.

No amendments to the listed resolutions were recorded in the meeting transcript, and no formal motions to table or postpone the listed items were recorded.","At its Jan. 8 meeting the Ballston Spa Central School District Board approved resolutions 335 through 338 individually and a consent agenda covering resolutions 339–348; all motions passed by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6395745,"Ballston Spa high‑school student tells board she was placed in fitness class, says doctor's note was ignored",127,207000,334000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a&start=207&end=334","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098287-01ba84ebe19ec768a64496b0c8ab692a/thumbnail_207000.jpg","/articles/6395745/New-York/Ballston-Spa-highschool-student-tells-board-she-was-placed-in-fitness-class-says-doctors-note-was-ignored","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395745-af28f7fa46ccb1a2e2c29e503134a6e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095934&Signature=ACBBbMq3ZHlptE69~UxUAcePY5S1jH9MxmcXYA9T5zl7MeCdapI44NpakYRmopRMlP-cvSmAoF9rL0MrY5uQTQjO-UOmsGfb2yUho1FDeAutPByHebxhdv3uTNwjZia5t2i0OJWJkhztAn2mIB1310yyADRsSEL4QEgvZidD7uPzRrzsj0iIQcNW1D0qC0Z17zAwOYkoD6U3iVg4QZY0NCSORKgwOtxwA8hBT0cgwJ0L1ZZWH~0c8lFxxGOYZCF6tqdBI2utOM6HjU-jhl5V7Kx3WnDb2hzYLQjiA7Y5Yj387hoH1X6BkcO90072cQr-EiDxPh7DqeWXeN1B~svcOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katie Lance, a Ballston Spa High School student, used the Jan. 8 public‑comment period to tell the Board of Education she had been assigned to the high‑school fitness class despite submitting a doctor's note and despite an earlier option system the district presented.

Lance said students were presented three gym options — lifetime activities, team sports and fitness — and that students believed they could choose. “When I had the choice to choose, I made sure to only do something that was good for me, but that chance was taken for me,” Lance said. She told the board many freshmen in her class reported they did not get the option they had selected.

Lance said coaches told students not everyone could get their preferred option when groups were full. She described a class session in which students were asked to attempt one‑rep max lifts and said one classmate “almost seriously injured” himself because students had not received adequate instruction for the exercise. Lance said she had a doctor’s note excusing her from upper‑body lifting but that her gym coach had disregarded the note and required her to participate. She told the board she was left with “Protect my health and safety or take a 0 in class.”

The board heard Lance’s two‑minute comment under the established public‑comment rules; the transcript records no formal board response during public comment. Lance identified herself and her residency before speaking. No additional evidence of subsequent staff follow‑up or formal board direction appears in the meeting record.

The board subsequently moved on to approve minutes and routine business.","Student Katie Lance told the board she and many freshmen were assigned to fitness class rather than their selected option, described insufficient coaching for weightlifting and said a doctor's note excusing upper‑body lifting was disregarded.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Policy committee updates: district to seek counsel on code of conduct; attendance and field‑trip policies go to 28‑day read

Superintendent presents mixed K–12 assessment trends; district cites AP growth and MTSS work

Board approves scholarship change, bid award and student‑placement resolutions; consent agenda passes

Ballston Spa high‑school student tells board she was placed in fitness class, says doctor's note was ignored