[{"_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",6346753,"mediaKeyId","2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905","parentId",2246514,"title","Votes at a glance: board approves settlement, temporary bans and several policy readings by voice vote","audioSeconds",41,"startMs",6998000,"endMs",7039000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905&start=6998&end=7039","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905/thumbnail_6998000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6346753/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-board-approves-settlement-temporary-bans-and-several-policy-readings-by-voice-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346753-83027281b1a2ea9bfb1b5c1464f8fa59/orig.mp4?Expires=1776310995&Signature=Nv9oWBjiAbHnUXeVQpA4TxHbLlyhQL8Rq4Zh1ID1KE6mdrgasTFYh05cIe9AUKelA3jBuw7XQe6OyC12eKsjW8XfAmdH5vzWQa-ENxjU80d~mNI9WlP4Dg4cqA0qMwacXTzAIR0Y2Iyu6sI~7onm5VE5wv9mwpgJGOdZzTEWu8n2Z4iym68qsKbwniIZ~gWIpWng7Gi4wozUCqlDPyCxdpYjj891DjCJumOyOlp-BHWIdsWfBHYj3FIPxSp1tFPcxV8tdj40Z5htHrRktQCuDx0DPfcgLSJOtsFtOir3Creu7rU3Uf~3bepYWGexEjzL4Th1KGWIVz3vpNhjNpgx1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-06T14:05:40Z","article","This meeting record includes several formal votes and motions recorded by the Board of Education. The transcript records voice votes with motions carried in each case; the excerpt does not include individual roll‑call tallies or named movers and seconders for the motions below.

Summary of recorded actions
- 25‑2‑SR‑1 — Stipulation of settlement regarding a special‑education student: Motion approved by voice vote; transcript records the motion and that it carried.
- 25‑5‑SR‑2 — Temporary ban from school district property for a code‑of‑conduct violation (agenda item labeled 205‑2‑SR‑2): Motion approved by voice vote; the transcript records \"Move it. Second.\" and \"Motion carries.\".
- 25‑5‑SR‑3 — Temporary ban from school district property for a code‑of‑conduct violation (205‑2‑SR‑3): Motion approved by voice vote; transcript records similar procedural language and \"Motion carries.\".
- First reading of Policy 53.6 — Code of Conduct: Student searches and interrogations (25‑02‑PO‑1): Motion approved by voice vote; the board later voted to waive the second reading for that policy and the waiver carried by voice vote.
- First reading of Policy 5100 — Attendance (25‑02‑PO‑2): Motion approved by voice vote.
- Acceptance of minutes (special meeting Jan. 21 and regular meeting Jan. 22) and consent agenda items: Motion carried by voice vote as recorded in the transcript.

Notes on procedure and tallying
The transcript records outcomes as \"All those in favor? Opposed? Motion carries.\" and similar phrasing for each action. The excerpt does not show individual yes/no/abstain votes or named movers/seconders. Where the motion text included an agenda identifier (for example, 25‑2‑SR‑1), the transcript printed that identifier aloud during roll calls of the consent or superintendent’s report.

What the transcript does not show
Detailed vote tallies, individual member roll‑call votes, or any dissenting recorded votes are not in the excerpt. The transcript does not include the text of the settlement nor the facts underlying the temporary bans beyond the agenda labels for those items. The transcript does not provide the final policy code language for Policy 53.6 beyond the reading and the one line summary used at the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Middle Country CSD Live Stream - Board of Education Meeting - 2/5/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a stipulation of settlement, two temporary bans from district property for code‑of‑conduct violations, accepted minutes and advanced several policies by voice vote during the meeting; all motions were recorded in the transcript as 'motion carries' with no individual roll‑call tallies shown.","taxTitle","MIDDLE COUNTRY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",13430,"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},6346763,"District outlines world‑language rollout and English‑as‑a‑new‑language services; board asks about elementary language offerings and assessment results",1277,3983000,5260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905&start=3983&end=5260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905/thumbnail_3983000.jpg","/articles/6346763/New-York/District-outlines-worldlanguage-rollout-and-Englishasanewlanguage-services-board-asks-about-elementary-language-offerings-and-assessment-results","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346763-09e6f3308d66c117ac62d8df8d3c34ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1776310995&Signature=gtkLubH1pd-C2P5aW1WrCG1zPScYypQiUyDVXZZaYsfzP-kkgPqcEFwjMMkB1SUE9dQd8-sBb4XEAahoBYu6PZSDNr0mw-rtlou3ck1bxGk0~2ZOPt0xeIlf0B-R-WInlUYEqxa7UkFQKJonde6mkTDH0DWOWxHC3tLBozZ4vXIems3uv8ByOtKZ3f8vTZbfob-j69jzlrOpUkTMoPT1o8J4DpgRxe0RFhKxz8nvz6CH7L34xxXDFvfFoP5jAOSoq0XRgxts48C5dGrlgP-bAnSMN6yFZ99PmYDueyJUJAypiO8p3wjWiHlmaM8qtdwKY8yvosahfjKAytPfJAgIuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Middle Country Central School District staff presented an instructional overview of the world language program and the district’s English as a new language (E and L) services, describing curriculum changes tied to revised New York State language standards, assessment practice, family communication tools and Title III funding that supports multilingual students and families.

\"Thank you for this opportunity to present to you, updates on the world language and English as a new language department,\" said Miss Pacifico, the district’s director of world studies PK–12, who led the presentation. The presentation covered the state’s revised world language standards, implementation checkpoints (A, B and C), the district’s use of the FLACS consortium assessment for checkpoint testing, and a plan to fully implement revised standards by the 2028–29 school year.

Nut graf: Why it matters
Board members heard that world language and E and L programming affect graduation pathways, assessment requirements and family engagement. The district described tools and programs intended to support biliteracy, academic progress and family communication, and outlined how Title III grant funds are used for supplemental supports.

Key details from the presentation
- World languages: New York State identifies checkpoints (A, B, C) that map to proficiency levels. Middle Country begins language study in seventh grade; students take the first checkpoint assessment after eighth grade and a second checkpoint in tenth grade if pursuing an advanced Regents diploma. The district partners with the FLACS consortium for standards‑aligned assessments and with Suffolk County Community College for some dual‑enrollment/college‑level courses.
- Seal of Biliteracy: The district is exploring the New York State Seal of Biliteracy as an endorsement for diplomas. Staff said students would demonstrate high proficiency in both English and a world language, often through coursework and a culminating project similar to the district capstone.
- English as a new language (E and L): Programming follows NYSED Part 154 regulations. The district uses the New York Identification Test for English language learners (NYSITELL) for screening and the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in spring for annual assessment and exit decisions. The district provides stand‑alone E and L periods plus sheltered ELA instruction delivered by dually certified teachers. Staff noted that many supports—translation of report cards via PowerSchool, TalkingPoints two‑way messaging and pocket translators—are funded partly through Title III grants.
- Family and professional supports: District E and L teachers run a professional development committee, monthly tips and a Google Classroom for staff resources. TalkingPoints was cited as a widely used two‑way messaging tool that translates messages into parents’ preferred languages.

Questions from the board
Board member Mr. DiBenedetto asked whether the district had looked into an elementary‑based world language program or the federal Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAS). Miss Pacifico said the district had not participated in FLAS and noted capacity, staffing and resource constraints would need evaluation, but also noted a large number of heritage/native speakers in the district that could support future biliteracy options.

Board member Ms. Haggerty asked about published FLACS results: the presentation slide showed 32% mastery in Spanish A for June 2024. Miss Pacifico characterized that figure as an outlier reflecting students repeating high‑school language requirements or students newly arriving from out of state; she said it does not represent the typical progression at the district’s standard checkpoints.

What the transcript does not include
The transcript does not include final decisions to launch an elementary world language program, changes to staffing or a formal vote on the Seal of Biliteracy. The district said it is exploring the seal and would leverage existing capstone structures if it offers the Seal program.

Where this was recorded in the meeting transcript
The instructional overview began when Miss Pacifico came to the podium for a world language and E and L presentation and concluded at the end of her remarks when she invited questions.","District staff provided an instructional overview of world language and English‑as‑a‑new‑language programs, including FLACS assessment use, NYSED Part 154 compliance, Title III supports (TalkingPoints), and exploration of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.",{"_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},6346767,"Board advances revisions to code of conduct to allow metal‑detector wands after public hearing with no comments",5519,1626000,7145000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905&start=1626&end=7145","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905/thumbnail_1626000.jpg","/articles/6346767/New-York/Board-advances-revisions-to-code-of-conduct-to-allow-metaldetector-wands-after-public-hearing-with-no-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346767-e9d3ca672022b5b4bbb888a9f151c8ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1776310995&Signature=DNySvgXYGfshIBVR3tKsm7nY2OLbNd3LcnFRFBWbthypw3YWHxQXbKMTkvoJEgYue7aLc0tNTJQCciXZ9vvntQ1cDY9tRgTeyEViJGd3VFt~Mgw940TS05bR8~FdW8qCMcehLvlHpsNNLU7kRcOgN0FnpGAfMz9v~mX79hE1H7tsys-u~6~HbFeCSlkdKM-hCCpOVn58vfq6HglSQD6SPZq6yn9e9OAZ3rZ7dTyOOU~lRiR-7j8N05aXCqEhiEaI9oTtb5PpQE-~xJ3eBhM3woR-jcTQppNa~8grSfRzZdQKJ0Xr0wcJu6f~lqnjIeBkBcOqqSWfM17hNqnjbIzGkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Education of the Middle Country Central School District held a public hearing on proposed revisions to the district code of conduct that would authorize staff to use metal‑detector wands to search students suspected of carrying impermissible items in school. The hearing opened and closed with no questions or public comment, and the board later approved the policy’s first reading and voted to waive a second reading.

The proposal shown at the hearing would permit staff to use handheld metal‑detector wands during searches when a student is suspected of possessing prohibited items. During the public hearing a district presenter summarized the change, saying the revisions \"authorize our staff to use metal detector wands to conduct searches of students who are suspected of carrying impermissible items in school.\" No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

Why it matters: The change would alter the district’s procedures for student searches and intersects with student privacy and school safety policy. A formal change to policy 53.6 would change how searches are carried out in Middle Country schools and may affect implementation steps for staff training, notice to families and operational procedures at building entrances and events.

Meeting actions and next steps
The board recorded the first reading of Policy 53.6, “Code of Conduct: Student searches and interrogations,” and the motion carried on a voice vote. Board members then voted to waive the second reading for that policy; that motion also carried on a voice vote. The transcript does not show individual roll‑call tallies or named movers/seconders for those motions.

The board also conducted a first reading of Policy 5100 (attendance) during the same meeting; that motion carried on a voice vote. No further policy text changes or final adoptions beyond the readings and the waiver were recorded in the transcript excerpt.

Implementation details and limits
The transcript does not specify detailed operational rules (for example, where wands may be used, whether searches can occur without prior parental notice, whether exceptions apply to certain student groups, or what training staff will receive). Those items were not specified and would need to be resolved in administrative procedures if the policy is finalized.

Public‑meeting compliance and context
The board opened the public hearing in accordance with the referenced open meeting law provisions and closed the hearing after receiving no comments. The transcript records citations to open meeting law sections 105‑D and 105‑F in other agenda contexts; no legal challenge, formal complaint, or litigation outcome related to the metal‑detector proposal appears in the recorded discussion.

What the transcript does not show
The record does not include a final policy adoption vote (the record shows a first reading and a successful motion to waive a second reading). The transcript also does not show any named individual moving or seconding the reading or the waiver, and no roll‑call vote totals were given in the excerpt.

Where this was recorded in the meeting transcript
The hearing opening and the summary of the revisions appear early in the transcript; the first reading and waiver motions occur later in the business section of the same meeting.","The Board of Education of the Middle Country Central School District held a public hearing on proposed revisions to the district code of conduct that would authorize staff to use metal‑detector wands to search students suspected of carrying impermissible items in school, and later approved the policy’s first reading and a waiver of the second reading.",{"_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},6346758,"District finance chief outlines 2025–26 budget drivers: fiscal‑stress score, low reserves and a roughly $1 million gap",817,5515000,6332000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905&start=5515&end=6332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246514-a9e561ddadf2caf96a7348f5790c7905/thumbnail_5515000.jpg","/articles/6346758/New-York/District-finance-chief-outlines-202526-budget-drivers-fiscalstress-score-low-reserves-and-a-roughly-1-million-gap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346758-76aa6251a39deaa6e1c55259780028d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1776310995&Signature=J4Q8Pxh04FOAQB33Xhv1dHHY5CT3A4um8XVPTJNPU3r90iq-8PxzJ8k~jbdBvMQ8HNyKnVKaV39NiUCC~TLMXgm4BZWcaKYzs5CIGLQ0Pm0kPpnQKO0QrY6lrfvoJSc0pJE9enbxymDrUHDjoeSPgGq8Vr33khDfrfEmGJ-x-e94KqNuSrhL9T7lqgPj18vo5Q13YWcCmZu6VtcgER5PRZT1Lr6feRNkwE1Ea9teQeMQJ9gIZoFzRkdeREMcfabj7vlkBjhoYscSYOCdgTtvTpsp6HeWEtclgd7sHzokI1WJ0pB5od~SXergLhT4Sj9N7wN~dDBLtvVtCo6XPnfe8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Middle Country Central School District presented preliminary details for the 2025–26 budget, focusing on the Comptroller’s fiscal stress indicators, reserve balances, major expenditure drivers and projected state aid. The district reported a fiscal stress score of 21.7 points under the Comptroller’s monitoring system and described use of reserves in recent years; staff presented a working budget gap of just under $1 million that the board will continue to close before adoption.

\"So we're gonna talk about the 2526 budget,\" said Dr. Rella, the district presenter for the budget briefing. The presentation reviewed the Comptroller’s fiscal stress monitoring system, which assigns points for items such as operating deficits, fund balance as a percentage of gross expenditures, cash position and reliance on short‑term borrowing. Middle Country’s 21.7 points placed the district off the Comptroller’s formal designation list this year, but staff said the score indicates continuing financial work is required.

Key financial figures and drivers
- Fiscal stress score: 21.7 points (Comptroller score components included a small operating deficit, low unassigned fund balance and a cash position the Comptroller considers below peers).
- Fund balance: Unassigned fund balance reported at 3.2% of gross expenditures; total fund balance at about 9.2%. Staff compared the district to Long Island averages (Long Island averages cited roughly 6.3% unassigned fund balance and substantially higher cash ratios).
- Historical reserve use: The district used reserves to smooth prior years; staff noted a roughly $300,000 decline in fund balance this year (an improvement from prior years when larger amounts were drawn down).
- Expenditure drivers: Contractual obligations, healthcare costs, five additional special‑education preschool classes, special‑education excess costs, transportation, retirement costs, utilities (partially mitigated by district solar projects), paraprofessionals/teacher aides and BOCES occupational education costs.
- Revenue side: State aid is a major revenue component. The governor’s proposed state aid (as presented) showed an increase larger than recent averages (a roughly $9 million increase in the presentation, larger than the district’s five‑year average). Staff cautioned the district cannot immediately access the full pre‑K grant allocation due to grant constraints; that limitation reduced usable revenue by about $400,000 in the district’s analysis.
- Tax levy cap: Using district‑specific calculations, the district’s estimated allowable tax levy cap for 2025–26 was presented at 2.21%; staff said the proposed levy in the working budget remains within that cap.

Working gap and next steps
Staff presented a working gap: proposed expenditures increasing by $11,830,402 vs. proposed revenues increasing by $10,839,838, leaving a gap of roughly $990,564 (approximately $1 million). Next steps outlined by staff include finalizing staffing and enrollment projections, completing retirement replacements, filing the tax levy cap by March 1, incorporating adopted state aid (due April 1) and continuing budget revisions to close the gap without relying on reserves.

Why it matters
The presentation emphasized district dependence on state aid (said to represent about 42% of projected revenue) and the sensitivity of the budget to aid changes. Staff urged continued attention to reserve rebuilding and to financial advocacy (including requests to state legislators to modify pre‑K grant restrictions and to increase aid for students with disabilities). Board members expressed support for the administration’s work to address the fiscal position.

What the transcript does not include
The presentation provided estimates and models; the transcript excerpt does not show final adopted state aid figures, employee retirements finalized for replacement calculations, or the board’s final adopted budget. The figures presented were subject to change as staff refine enrollments and revenue assumptions.","The district's 2025–26 budget presentation highlighted a Comptroller fiscal stress score (21.7 points), thin unassigned fund balance, historical use of reserves, projected state aid increases, and an estimated revenue/expenditure gap of about $992,564; the estimated allowable tax levy cap for 2025–26 was presented at 2.21%.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: board approves settlement, temporary bans and several policy readings by voice vote

District outlines world‑language rollout and English‑as‑a‑new‑language services; board asks about elementary language offerings and assessment results

Board advances revisions to code of conduct to allow metal‑detector wands after public hearing with no comments

District finance chief outlines 2025–26 budget drivers: fiscal‑stress score, low reserves and a roughly $1 million gap