[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6650872,"mediaKeyId","2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0","parentId",2501781,"title","Board accepts consent agenda; district recognizes long‑serving teacher and athletic donations","audioSeconds",72,"startMs",126000,"endMs",198000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0&start=126&end=198","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0/thumbnail_126000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6650872/New-York/Board-accepts-consent-agenda-district-recognizes-longserving-teacher-and-athletic-donations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650872-d4aaac30b1a2ee5fee60f128e2967e26/orig.mp4?Expires=1775205807&Signature=OnSsfDawGNhctEf2WPfVYlz272A6id275DIsIsQoPZ1Q4mtABJczBCuTKXxQuy53vXWFthrInuRRXBQA5e8aktvUZFf8CsXbFNXyh9RXYxW-V-aBX1Pv5tw88bP9tuIsbHeZxFD~yn0lQjU51V4NvqxBT8ROiRaIPFLxkzanzXC9Z3ixREXabaDcvfW~LWdZJM5vw4xoQrNg48bPVpjc23u1v3JqUZxhyCSVxAIZHc~kTFDAmvBkpbhbzgZGBPI8JkFv2g9Cph5UNjJXstodyTJ2qzGSin2Ob1SRS3StEPA5QdIyuXylBPbrJfTNe8Vek05o79--iWfKiXIAPFTLXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Byram Hills Central School District","date","2025-03-05T16:14:50.08Z","article","The Byram Hills Board of Education approved the consent agenda at its March 4 meeting, which included personnel items, CSE/sub‑CSE/CPSE recommendations and business consent items.

Personnel recognition

The board and administrators acknowledged the retirement resignation of John McNamara, identified in the meeting as a physical‑education teacher who submitted his resignation for the purpose of retirement. Board members and staff offered remarks recognizing his long service and contributions to the district’s athletic programs and coaching.

Community contributions

Administrators thanked local organizations—named in the meeting as Bobcat Baseball and the Armand Baseball League—for contributions to district athletics: $45,000 to the baseball program and $17,882 to the softball program for spring training and equipment. Staff said those funds support student preparation and the high‑school program.

Other recognitions

The meeting included a series of staff and student recognitions in administrative reports: finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program, arts exhibits, Global Scholars project funding and the high‑school theater production schedule. The Board also noted recent athletics achievements, including the varsity boys’ basketball sectional championship.

Ending: The consent agenda motion passed by voice vote; the transcript does not provide a roll‑call tally for that motion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting - March 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved its consent agenda and acknowledged the resignation/retirement of long‑time physical‑education teacher John McNamara; the district also thanked local baseball/softball organizations for $45,000 and $17,882 in contributions.","taxTitle","BYRAM HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",42863,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650878,"Board adopts several policies including ex‑officio student member; multiple votes recorded",92,2839000,2931000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0&start=2839&end=2931","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0/thumbnail_2839000.jpg","/articles/6650878/New-York/Board-adopts-several-policies-including-exofficio-student-member-multiple-votes-recorded","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650878-e32391f087f2fc375adea63a50d72776/orig.mp4?Expires=1775205808&Signature=gx-y5IzWgLKTVesZ4SSzHeENTrCbSQkCbQX~94CN-J1~D9qgGEM7IU2W8aQWmquNxJ6CmzJCUrFck0hWB52I8KQRmEqotwHwSTetH52jiRB64Sm-tEXa68N1pXlFDN0VNgv9Fl-OwoKhIVpLbxykCudMolPqE-Fdk3noWvaXPtrgpuaK6tSa2dqbrR474GTjXndEl374maPc6akcBm-WChjzp870o2WJMs~p~E8UTf918pUImS4S9SfGAEoevX0cIRth1TE8HgmbG08ZTi6iroG5CmUw6sexZKp5XM6KMIXJNYu35YaPrCcPz85AS9LlGZ7s6ras2wD-jfCmg86GGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Byram Hills Board of Education voted on multiple agenda items March 4, approving a set of policy adoptions, the consent agenda and the meeting minutes.

Key votes

- Policies adopted (second reads): The board voted to adopt the listed second‑read policies (policy codes read aloud during the meeting: 4321, 4032011, 4032012 and 4321.7). A motion to adopt those policies passed by voice vote.

- First reads advanced to adoption: The board moved to adopt six policies that had been presented as first reads, including a new policy establishing an ex‑officio student member of the board (policy 202405) and updated special‑education policies. The student member policy specifies a one‑year term (July 1–June 30), selection procedures to be set by the high‑school principal, and exclusions for voting, executive‑session participation and access to personnel records.

- Extreme‑heat policy: The board advanced or adopted (per the meeting sequence) a new policy on extreme heat conditions in school buildings that sets two temperature thresholds—measurement and response at 82°F and a shutdown/relocation threshold at 88°F—and requires inclusion of the policy in emergency plans.

- Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda covering personnel (item 6.1), CSE/sub‑CSE/CPSE recommendations (7.1) and business consent items (8.1). The consent motion was made and seconded and passed by a voice vote.

- Minutes and adjournment: The board approved the February 11, 2025 minutes; the meeting record indicates there was one abstention on that motion. A motion to adjourn passed at the meeting end.

The meeting transcript records motions, seconds and voice votes but did not provide roll‑call tallies or mover/second names for all items. Where a formal tally was recorded, the transcript reported “Yes” by voice or noted an abstention on the minutes vote.","The Byram Hills Board approved second‑read policy adoptions, advanced first reads, accepted the consent agenda and approved minutes (with one abstention). The board adopted a policy to allow an ex‑officio student board member and approved updated special‑education and an extreme‑heat policy.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650881,"Board reviews $107.3 million proposed budget for 2025–26; health insurance and bus electrification noted",867,3503000,4370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0&start=3503&end=4370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0/thumbnail_3503000.jpg","/articles/6650881/New-York/Board-reviews-1073-million-proposed-budget-for-202526-health-insurance-and-bus-electrification-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650881-a023cc7be51d1fb6f062cc62bdbca223/orig.mp4?Expires=1775205808&Signature=et3AcHlpJ0KQ3DGGdx8W0Xdup-psD9FMyklAW6eGdy9~p9SEVkjhRIuhgYn9WJG4R5MGSV5jF4S8zN~eslEqTXGvjwiCO~ReEWXuSNcxOjXQau7K1kettLeAWByRsQ~zNFrGJt7iz7qeLxdapCq6lKgftfV4OANOLsNe4tzSORN-dD2JH2mm03OtI0icG50j0meWyAsAmZvT~232HkzLTwcuPJMyQEyjfL1SGquFNOGV7GMJrr2iJHdFB8eIKZSzeEKkKcUJjObVWN7nXzfHXo-zapuekDmE9F9L2csC8C~B0e3IDUlfWf3PV~GnTaJPvCGyvH25gwHyZjzZJMowSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Byram Hills staff presented the administration’s proposed $107,327,289 budget for the 2025–26 school year at the Board of Education meeting on March 4, a $3.8 million (3.73 percent) increase from the 2024–25 budget of $103,464,726.

The presentation, given by Kelly (staff member, budget presenter), laid out the district’s budget‑development calendar and key drivers: enrollment projections, rising benefit costs, transportation purchases and capital projects. \"When you see a budget‑to‑budget increase of 3.73, that does not correlate with an increase in taxes of 3.73,\" Kelly said, adding the district would present revenue, levy and tax‑rate details at a later hearing.

Highlights and context

- Enrollment: District enrollment was listed as 2,261 in February 2020 and projected at 2,336 for 2025–26, with a projected dip then recovery at the high school level in later years. The presentation noted elementary sections (for example, 10 kindergarten sections) and new housing developments that could affect future enrollment.

- Budget composition: The proposed budget was described as 72.8% program, 15.1% capital and 12.1% administrative.

- Benefits and health insurance: Staff said retirement and health‑insurance costs have risen in recent years; the presenter cited recent annual increases near 9–10% and an approximately 28% increase in health insurance over three years. The board was told those trends materially affect next year’s figures.

- Transportation and electrification: The district plans to purchase two buses and three vans next year and is working with NYSERDA on a plan for electrifying buses, including infrastructure needs. Staff said the district will continue following its replacement plan with a move toward electric buses before 2027, contingent on state guidance and funding.

- Athletics and capital: An announced increase in athletics spending (cited as 5.1%) was largely linked to one‑time equipment and installation costs for a new turf field; staff said maintenance costs should decline thereafter. Debt‑service payments are due to drop once next year’s payment is complete.

Next steps and public hearings

Kelly outlined the public schedule: additional budget workshops, revenue presentations (scheduled March 25), proposed budget adoption April 8, board adoption April 22, final hearing May 6 and the budget vote May 20, 2025. Staff encouraged public attendance at budget hearings 2 and 3 to raise questions before final adoption.

Ending: Board members asked clarifying questions about enrollment trajectories, course offerings and multi‑year staffing implications; staff said administrators will provide additional detail at upcoming meetings on revenue, special education and instructional‑program budgets.","District business staff presented a $107,327,289 proposed budget for 2025–26, a 3.73% increase over the current year. The presentation highlighted enrollment projections, benefit cost growth, a plan to work with NYSERDA on electric buses, and one‑time athletics costs tied to new turf.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6650886,"Byram Hills science chair summarizes Tri‑State review, outlines curriculum changes for new state exams",3043,244000,3287000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0&start=244&end=3287","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2501781-54ed49ed00307e6fb9707b12dd28ddb0/thumbnail_244000.jpg","/articles/6650886/New-York/Byram-Hills-science-chair-summarizes-TriState-review-outlines-curriculum-changes-for-new-state-exams","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650886-43ca472d33a9267f5ec710f70ff14e0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775205808&Signature=eyGLkgdfQCrlAvlyPC~YmQ4oRwLJK-uUGnApSHptTbpjz~MbvYZV3MQZbJ~459VXkeDsJmS2vQ8wIT80cJ~mTWhBgxUfrIlhpfe~M0KanEJEvn1myLzsFHhuN-Ri7Q3Z4JSB2kskJpMYPirJjFLPh6mEA3l5TdNFiY8DfiDq7T2Ve3pxldHc6a3XfDf0mpaStZY-~vXi4yMehrDLm9HP6mSTLXykylqbFgGXiWTznGJd6JAtIPlsJBKPkH4-fbip1Ic7HgjnPoH4F3YY3FaJNBkOGZ5qayJCCvWT-l~Wh2qNfb0Io4XbP-r34zEl5p1mK8KB~U-Q~DiuURusDNDc~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Byram Hills science chair Deb Kaye told the Board of Education on March 4 that a Tri‑State Consortium review of the district’s science program praised teachers’ work and recommended more systemwide performance‑based assessments to match New York’s new three‑dimensional science standards (referred to in the meeting as NSSLIS). \"I am extremely proud to be part of such a terrific department,\" Kaye said.

The Tri‑State Consortium, a peer review network of roughly 50–60 high‑performing districts, visited the district in November after the department completed a two‑year self study. The visiting team met with students, teachers, parents and administrators and issued a written report in the board packet. Kaye summarized the report’s commendations and recommendations and described next steps the department will take over the coming two years.

Why it matters: New York is phasing in revised high‑school Regents exams that incorporate three‑dimensional engagement—disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts—alongside investigations. Kaye said the district will administer new life‑science (biology) and Earth and space science Regents under that framework this year and must ensure students can produce \"gapless explanations\"—evidence‑based claims that meet grade‑level performance descriptors.

What the district will do: Kaye said department priorities include creating district storylines centered on phenomena, designing performance‑based assessments with common rubrics tied to state performance level descriptors, strengthening links between concepts and real‑world applications, and improving how the district communicates the shifts to parents. The presentation named several concrete steps: (1) develop consistent rubrics and progression measures from sixth through 12th grade; (2) expand interdisciplinary projects and performance assessments; and (3) use an assessment platform, InnerOrbit, to collect three‑dimensional questions and track student growth across grades.

Kaye described the Tri‑State visit as both a celebration and a critique: the review team commended that students and teachers already use the new vocabulary and that the district offers extensive opportunities—many students take more than the state‑required three credits in high‑school science, and nearly half the students take five courses. The review also highlighted the district’s science‑research program as a model for metacognition and sustained inquiry.

Board members asked whether the shifts would disadvantage students preparing for AP courses. Kaye and other administrators said AP assessments have been moving toward claims‑evidence‑reasoning formats and that the district’s approach aims to prepare students for both project‑based three‑dimensional work and traditional college test demands.

Kaye said Tri‑State will return in two years to review progress on the recommendations and that the district will hold teachers’ professional development, develop performance tasks, and provide parent outreach in the interim. \"We were really impressed that a group of strangers that only came in for three days was able to capture that,\" Kaye said of the Tri‑State report.

Ending: The board packet contains the Tri‑State report and the department’s self‑study evidence; Kaye said the department will report back on implementation milestones when the consortium returns in roughly two years.","Science chair Deb Kaye told the Board of Education that a Tri‑State Consortium visit applauded the district’s science program and recommended steps to align curriculum and assessments with New York’s three‑dimensional science standards; the department plans new storylines, rubrics and a purchase of an InnerOrbit assessment tool.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board accepts consent agenda; district recognizes long‑serving teacher and athletic donations

Board adopts several policies including ex‑officio student member; multiple votes recorded

Board reviews $107.3 million proposed budget for 2025–26; health insurance and bus electrification noted

Byram Hills science chair summarizes Tri‑State review, outlines curriculum changes for new state exams