[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6374545,"mediaKeyId","2144323-069a5fcbd5a9ee7ba2ac5e3fec87820c","parentId",2144323,"title","Board approves routine measures and architect contract; votes at a glance from Jan. 21 Greece Central meeting","audioSeconds",7181,"startMs",99000,"endMs",7280000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2144323-069a5fcbd5a9ee7ba2ac5e3fec87820c&start=99&end=7280","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2144323-069a5fcbd5a9ee7ba2ac5e3fec87820c/thumbnail_99000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6374545/New-York/Board-approves-routine-measures-and-architect-contract-votes-at-a-glance-from-Jan-21-Greece-Central-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374545-1cb24196367390e00c8940f86bc8f333/orig.mp4?Expires=1777149026&Signature=jGcdqRJYIHFjtxq3IfP1CuKCxnmeFVhKxGtlzkxIkchwkFqZVQ52-PaoO~fy6~TM1zoQMiKgKhmOT~zHbUeiZ7~ZG1V8GbC6yCA5nSfxLjmYjmJpY0~Lirh5hVOwNhBqjLCo18NT3-cKWZ78j0-7jbg9nHkIqj56ScICZR7Zp~rjn-Q3cy36AqMd0JuqnI0Gb836M1Uk69pVABjO0gD58WgpmLBCU5OI~97BugoPhFHZcJ7OpJ92g85zAfTlTzwd55e~He5YJ0oHNPR7q6z9LV0dF1EZMWDd5xbsHpx3ZCT3DeSZWic5DeKVaMGjzTwXHuGDyhK4alcl-z5rHI2JYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-22T13:40:51Z","article","GREECE, N.Y. — The Greece Central School District Board of Education took a string of procedural votes and contract actions on Jan. 21. Most motions passed unanimously; the board also discussed and ultimately tabled further action on regionalization litigation (Article 78).

Votes at a glance (key items and outcomes):

- Agenda approval as amended: moved by Mr. Stetzel, seconded by Mr. Butler; passes 9–0. (Board added agenda item 6.06, resolution for architect design services.)

- Staffing items (moved to the table): moved by Mr. Bonagorio, seconded by Mr. Butler; passes 9–0.

- Tenure area changes: moved by Ms. Slaik, seconded by Ms. Mallor; passes 9–0.

- Quarterly reporting of professional services contracts greater than $50,000 (item 6.01): motion to table moved by Mr. Stetzel; passes 9–0 (written informational material provided).

- Tax tertiary settlement refund (item 6.02): moved by Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Butler; passes 9–0.

- Extra Classroom Activity Funds quarterly report: moved by Mr. Bonagorio, seconded by Vice President Farmer; passes 9–0.

- Authorization for emergency replacement of the warehouse floor (transportation support services center): moved by Mr. Stetzel, seconded by Mr. Butler; passes 9–0. The board and administration noted a lawsuit has been filed; the repair work will proceed and the district expects to seek reimbursement if litigation is successful. A specific appropriation will be presented to the board later to fund the repair (estimate referenced at up to $912,000).

- Updated yearly appointments: moved by Mr. Stetzel, seconded by Vice President Farmer; passes 9–0.

- Resolution for architect design services (item 6.06): moved by Ms. Moore, seconded by Vice President Farmer; passes 9–0. The administration reported two proposals were received after a revised solicitation; the committee recommended awarding to SWBR based on capacity and experience with multi‑phase projects. Board members who participated in the vetting process praised the committee review.

- Consent agenda (various donations and extra classroom funds acknowledged): moved by Mr. Stetzel, seconded by Mr. Maloney; passes 9–0.

- Student trip approval: moved by Mr. Stetzel, seconded by Vice President Farmer; passes 9–0. Presenter noted the trip cost is funded through Title IV.

- Article 78 / regionalization matter: the board voted to lift the matter from the table for discussion (vote to lift 7–2), then later voted to lift it again for discussion (vote 8–1) and ultimately took a non‑debatable motion to table further action until the board can receive follow‑up from counsel; motion to table passes 9–0. Counsel told the board that a court scheduling order is likely to extend normal timelines, giving the board time to vet options before deciding whether and how to participate.

- Adjournment: motion to adjourn passed 8–1.

Why it matters: most approved items were routine fiscal and administrative actions that keep district operations moving and allow time‑sensitive repairs and procurements to proceed. The architect award advances a multi‑phase capital planning effort; the warehouse floor authorization allows emergency repairs to start while the district pursues reimbursement through litigation.

What the board asked for: members requested future detail on the warehouse floor appropriation and reimbursement plan, additional context on pupil‑activity account balances, and more information on participation options before acting on the Article 78 litigation.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GCSD Board of Education Meeting - January 21st, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a series of routine agenda items unanimous or by large margins, including moving the agenda as amended, personnel and contract reports, emergency warehouse floor repair funding and a resolution awarding architect design services; a separate article‑78 matter was tabled for follow‑up.","taxTitle","Greece Central School District, School Districts, New York","taxId",14392,"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},6374550,"Budget timeline, state proposals and potential aid changes outlined for Greece Central; governor proposes universal school meals and other initiatives",1862,4176000,6038000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2144323-069a5fcbd5a9ee7ba2ac5e3fec87820c&start=4176&end=6038","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2144323-069a5fcbd5a9ee7ba2ac5e3fec87820c/thumbnail_4176000.jpg","/articles/6374550/New-York/Budget-timeline-state-proposals-and-potential-aid-changes-outlined-for-Greece-Central-governor-proposes-universal-school-meals-and-other-initiatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374550-0fdfeab89e7d5985ef04814b43840c1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1777149026&Signature=d5-lNFDMhSK6~uhfhW3yiGq~XNREVJ2JMKuNr3XWwU~2MfhIKjqkv66Tv82dZwCpB73VdKaECPyZYyyvInJ3AL7-27xtJTcfRmfnYLr~vPT5zh9Y7AIXWGmcCaiDKsWv-vIFtBFJ-I9x20pqsEwj6gCGchNJ9XXQzne7Y5A2XksXD20FZyrtLitQrEcbU8Az4tSA9Id9bZ5jmx2OjnYsZPjwzNXQ6vEr6fwhoCRr77MoyWo-~v69w0mpIISxEz888i9z5qhP9~LiAJ9eFPutCNbokIYBdLIRN0V9TzCOqpGFpxHo2~-pzPmEPBAcHfu2e4IIsfEdG2~reYQnrDfG5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GREECE, N.Y. — The Greece Central School District Board received a budget development update on Jan. 21 that outlined the district’s internal process for building a sustainable 2025–26 budget and summarized the governor’s state‑level proposals that could alter state aid and policy priorities.

Executive presenter Romeo Colelli and the district’s finance team reviewed the district strategy: roll current positions into the baseline budget (with contract increments), analyze major expenditures (benefits and debt service), and align new centrally budgeted initiatives to the district’s strategic plan (REACH 2027). Colelli told the board the district had “right‑sized” budget lines last year and will refine estimates this cycle.

State proposals and aid: the presenters summarized the governor’s state of the state and budget highlights that were released the same week, including a proposed initiative for universal free school meals (the presenter cited approximately $120,000,000 in additional statewide funding to close the gap) and expanded youth mental health funding and media‑literacy initiatives. Colelli noted the governor’s proposal would combine three streams for early college high‑school funding, target economically disadvantaged students for college credits, and include a “New York Plays” initiative funding playgrounds and youth activities.

Colelli also flagged changes recommended in the Rockefeller Institute review of Foundation Aid (census updates, revised data elements, possible changes to ELL weighting and special‑education funding) and said the enacted legislative budget in mid‑March will determine final state aid. He said preliminary state aid runs showed foundation aid up compared with last year but the district awaits the enacted budget for certainty.

Tax cap and timeline: the district will present a tax‑cap calculation to the board on Feb. 25; the tax‑base growth factor calculation and debt‑service review are scheduled with fiscal advisers on Feb. 6. The district’s calendar for the budget cycle included a superintendent’s recommended budget and public hearing on April 1; ballots mailed April 24; and the budget vote on May 20.

Buses and mandates: presenters reviewed the state’s electric‑bus mandate and related advocacy points. They told the board that districts have flagged implementation challenges (infrastructure, cost increases for electric buses and federal funding uncertainty) and they urged flexibility in timelines or the ability to adopt low‑emission hybrid solutions where zero‑emission is not viable.

Board questions: members asked which of the governor’s initiatives included direct funding, how universal meals would affect districts already participating in CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) and whether federal or state shifts could affect implementation timelines for bus electrification. Presenters said some grants were competitive and dollar amounts were not yet fully specified; they said they were tracking the enacted budget to quantify local impact.

Next steps: the district will continue to refine revenue projections as state aid numbers firm up, present the tax‑cap calculation to the board in February, and return with a superintendent‑recommended budget in April.

","District finance staff reviewed the 2025 budget development timeline, noted early state aid runs and highlighted gubernatorial proposals — including universal free school meals, expanded youth mental health supports and changes to Foundation Aid — that could affect the district’s revenue picture.",{"_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},6374555,"Greece Central reports sharp drop in removals as district implements compliance assurance plan for students with disabilities",3657,513000,4170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2144323-069a5fcbd5a9ee7ba2ac5e3fec87820c&start=513&end=4170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2144323-069a5fcbd5a9ee7ba2ac5e3fec87820c/thumbnail_513000.jpg","/articles/6374555/New-York/Greece-Central-reports-sharp-drop-in-removals-as-district-implements-compliance-assurance-plan-for-students-with-disabilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6374555-43926813d643416f3dc8dff6e610ccdf/orig.mp4?Expires=1777149026&Signature=LDmfPqWnsaxmY5htqPeWeE~90B7yENwpf-CrtIkQNpEc5-NHcfQL6RtcLyhU67PN7qFcPj2oEtuvcMAk5KCpA-ZQmEa-c~lI~beCSv6f8rpJcaIkHnut6H3JX6Rpl5rWwks2gxed0hKqtY3QIajU2ZFScR2N03U06qFxSksBmprdY-0TbvD8tg0yKDbIxoAQt9xXwh8xC5taCd1tfiprrxt~mTz7kgLwhgJT-ho0DrmotlJWrIM7b8xHqn7rbIWorJ60B4DxAZX6VXp9X48Zl1mrvvMS0hHf4XeTCP6r6Dwv0PHNh7xUpxiJzyMUdInxpS8HXDkPj6ES32M81tBTwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GREECE, N.Y. — Greece Central School District leaders told the Board of Education on Jan. 21 that a new compliance assurance plan and changed procedures for disciplining students with disabilities have coincided with a marked drop in incidents that result in students being removed from instruction.

Superintendent Bernadette Smalene called up Stacey Brindisi, executive director of Pupil Personnel Services, and Melanie Stevenson, director of Pupil Personnel Services, to present the plan and associated data. Brindisi said the district has been on a multi-year corrective track after state review flagged disproportionate removal rates, and she told the board, “We were notified by the state education department. It's not another citation, it's just a different level of citation.”

The board packet included charts officials said show a drop in the number of incidents resulting in removals districtwide from 598 during the comparable period last year to 180 this year — “about a 70% decrease,” Brindisi said. That overall improvement included declines across secondary campuses, district leaders said, while noting a separate ongoing state citation (Indicator 4B) for an overrepresentation of Black students with individualized education programs (IEPs) who were removed for 10 or more days.

Why it matters: the district is working under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reporting framework and New York State’s performance metrics. School officials said the district must follow procedural safeguards before imposing extended removals for students with disabilities; failure to show improvement can trigger progressively stricter monitoring by the state education department.

What the plan changes: Stevenson described procedural and practice shifts that prioritize convening required meetings and notifying families earlier in the process, and enacting a “pattern determination” and manifestation review before extended removals in cases where a student has reached the 10‑day threshold for removal. She said the district has begun documenting services provided to students during suspensions so the district can show that special‑education services were actually delivered while a student was out of class.

Staffing and training: district leaders said they have added two assistant directors for behavioral response systems (identified in the presentation as “Jess” and “Greg”), and added district behavior interventionists and crisis interveners — a net add of three positions in each of those groups, officials said. Stevenson said the district currently has roughly 12–13 TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention) trainers, has certified 401 staff in TCI and registered 171 new participants in TCI training this school year. Officials also described new asynchronous and in‑person professional learning, digital badges, and a menu of interventions aimed at building staff capacity.

Alternatives to removal: as one practical alternative, the district is piloting a Saturday‑school program intended to operate as a consequence in lieu of an in‑week removal for certain lower‑level behaviors (for example, repeated skipping). Brindisi said, “It's gonna be starting the 1st week in February. I think we're a go for 1st week in February.” The program will start small (the presenters named Arcadia as an initial site) and district staff said they will work with families on participation; officials acknowledged the district cannot compel families to send students on weekends.

Scope and limits: presenters emphasized the plan targets reductions in lower‑level removals while maintaining removals for serious or dangerous incidents. Brindisi said long‑term and safety‑related suspensions continue to occur when warranted, and that the data showing reductions does not mean the district is eliminating removals for violent or otherwise serious conduct. She noted the state’s new interpretation requires meetings prior to some removals for students with disabilities and that the district has been changing the sequence of meetings and notifications to comply.

Equity and monitoring: the district remains on an ongoing citation for Indicator 4B for Black students with disabilities and is on year two of monitoring for that subgroup. Brindisi said the compliance assurance plan includes reserving and reallocating IDEA funds for early intervening services when required by the state; the presenters told the board that the business office already reserves funds annually for such supports. They emphasized that if the district appears again on the state list next year for any subgroup, it would enter a new level of monitoring and be required to redirect 15% of IDEA funds specifically for early intervening supports.

Board questions and concerns: board members asked for clarifications about the distinction between a “removal” (state reporting term encompassing in‑school suspension, out‑of‑school suspension and alternatives that remove a student from instruction) and the Saturday school alternative. Members also raised concerns about parents who decline Saturday options, how staff safety rights (including references to the SAVE Act and the Workplace Violence Prevention Act) interact with the new procedures, and edge cases in which a student who has already reached 10 days for removals later commits a serious act. Presenters said the state guidance has narrow exceptions for egregious incidents (weapons, serious bodily injury, drugs), but that those still generally require the meeting sequence the state now expects.

Next steps and reporting: administrators told the board they will continue weekly tracking of removals and will provide more detailed attendance and behavior reporting in future board packets, including breakdowns by behavior types that lead to removals. They also said hiring for open behavior‑support roles is ongoing and they expect additional staff to be in place as vacancies are filled.

Ending note: presenters framed the plan as both a compliance response to state monitoring and an effort to build district capacity so teachers and school teams have more tools to prevent removals by addressing behavior through instruction, intervention and training.

","District officials told the Board of Education that new procedures, staffing and training tied to the compliance assurance plan have coincided with a roughly 70% drop in incidents resulting in student removals, while the district works to address a separate state “indicator 4B” citation for Black students with disabilities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves routine measures and architect contract; votes at a glance from Jan. 21 Greece Central meeting

Budget timeline, state proposals and potential aid changes outlined for Greece Central; governor proposes universal school meals and other initiatives

Greece Central reports sharp drop in removals as district implements compliance assurance plan for students with disabilities