[{"_1":2,"_88":-5,"_89":-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],{"_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",6622190,"mediaKeyId","2787422-6f1d50dee72e87ec87ab488a947366b6","parentId",2787422,"title","Board debates health curriculum and Planned Parenthood agreement; health-resolution fails and Planned Parenthood vendor vote also fails","audioSeconds",3628,"startMs",4148000,"endMs",7776000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2787422-6f1d50dee72e87ec87ab488a947366b6&start=4148&end=7776","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2787422-6f1d50dee72e87ec87ab488a947366b6/thumbnail_4148000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6622190/New-York/Board-debates-health-curriculum-and-Planned-Parenthood-agreement-health-resolution-fails-and-Planned-Parenthood-vendor-vote-also-fails","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622190-d3ddfbb943ce95ee74136f73589a96fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770503627&Signature=LH2~zxqv5m5OrzqerUC6iH9ypX~zljg~c~I8A8lxuP-7g-mAl2q5NLDfW6IVMmuMVWQ042Yk9eWXO70IRZWSStudtObRSuLxLbyQ4lh0bVVvlV3c~MJnYOrtAJD6R2GmmQCC8yhfZuFLcd-shvFoIwP8ORR86zRKCix59bBKEkU4BAWTOIEHaBNVnjfAAtLH~w9egjtrlxhuL7lDMNVc8KxHkMZx6QyWHv8OIeio5kL6OOQTTuI8BH4e7QCLDSPdgzneRmsdSdHLYI~eay7~S46P8fr0pbbG8atiLJF17LGy3CZdQvMAPnWZshMijFLbGuSfhyj1GZrb8oh-sKK3Nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Schenectady City School District","date","2025-03-27T01:15:46.647Z","article","The Schenectady City School District Board of Education heard a presentation on the district's K\u0000\u0000212 health curriculum and then debated two high-profile items: a resolution affirming district values and a proposed services agreement with Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Presentation and curriculum overview

Dr. Lorinda Chisholm, executive leader in the Office of Teaching and Learning, and Jason Nackel, director of health, physical education and athletics, described the district\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000K\u0000212 health program and New York State health education standards. Nackel said the district currently staffs six health teachers across five buildings (three at Schenectady High School and one each at Oneida, Central Park and Mount Pleasant plus Washington Urban Campus assignments) and that health instruction is formally delivered beginning in seventh grade and again in eleventh grade, with other health topics embedded cross-curricularly. The curriculum topics Nackel cited included child abuse and exploitation prevention (``Aaron's Law'' as presented), alcohol and drugs, HIV/AIDS instruction, mental health and social-emotional learning. He described a district review of curriculum providers (HealthSmart, Brain Boost Health, Quaver) and said the district wants to align instruction to state standards while providing teacher supports and cross-curricular opportunities.

Board discussion on scope and gaps

Board members debated whether the existing schedule (health in grades 7 and 11) provides sufficient continuity and whether the district should expand course offerings, add targeted electives or strengthen cross-curricular delivery and teacher supports. Several board members urged more consistent implementation and a teacher \u0000\"playbook\" or common resources to support classroom teachers. Student representatives and a student speaker also reported positive experiences with recent health instruction in the high school.

Policy and resolution votes

The board took three formal votes related to health and district values:
- Policy 82-41 (Health Education/Family Life) \u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000was presented for second reading and adopted by voice vote without recorded opposition.
- \"Affirming values of Schenectady City School District\" resolution (second reading and adoption): After an extended debate the board conducted a roll-call vote that resulted in a 3-3 tie, and the resolution failed to pass. Board members who spoke both for and against the resolution focused on whether a formal resolution was necessary given existing policies and the timing and possible political implications. Several board members said families had contacted the district expressing concerns; others said the measure simply reaffirmed existing values and policies.
- Proposed agreement with Planned Parenthood of Greater New York: After public comment and more than an hour of board debate during which speakers expressed strong and opposing views about Planned Parenthood's history and curriculum materials, the board held a roll-call vote that resulted in a tie and the proposed agreement failed.

Public comment and debate

A public commenter who identified himself as representing Planned Parenthood described the organization's work with youth and its role in local prevention efforts, urging the board to maintain a relationship. Board debate included strong, often personal statements: supporters noted the organization's community role and said the vendor would deliver New York State-aligned curriculum; opponents raised concerns about the organization's history and specific curriculum examples they deemed explicit or inappropriate for minors. Multiple board members also raised the legal and fiscal question of whether passing such a resolution or vendor agreement could risk federal funding, and several members said they had sought attorney guidance and discussed New York State law and ongoing litigation about federal executive actions.

Votes at a glance

- Policy 82-41 (Health Education/Family Life): adopted (voice vote; no opposition recorded).
- \"Affirming values of Schenectady City School District\" resolution: failed by 3-3 tie (roll-call).
- Agreement with Planned Parenthood of Greater New York: failed by tie (roll-call).

Next steps and context

Several board members asked for additional information and suggested further public discussion; presenters and staff said they would continue to work on curriculum alignment, teacher supports and community engagement. Board leaders said an item like a vendor agreement could return in a future meeting if members request more review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting: 3/26/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board heard a K\u0000\u0000212 health curriculum presentation and then split on a district \"affirming values\" resolution and a proposed services agreement with Planned Parenthood of Greater New York; both the resolution and the vendor agreement failed on tie votes.","taxTitle","Schenectady City School District, School Districts, New York","taxId",14410,"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},6622195,"Schenectady schools present $291 million draft budget with $5.1 million planned fund-balance draw",1238,2434000,3672000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2787422-6f1d50dee72e87ec87ab488a947366b6&start=2434&end=3672","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2787422-6f1d50dee72e87ec87ab488a947366b6/thumbnail_2434000.jpg","/articles/6622195/New-York/Schenectady-schools-present-291-million-draft-budget-with-51-million-planned-fund-balance-draw","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622195-44f2fdfed7d56d9415d4c0beed271761/orig.mp4?Expires=1770503627&Signature=WeR211vSgOm4c37~u955nuQHASpVRk9wJhq5aRw0hhj6puu8Dfyu9~QEC7dNLv2ZE9A9Hb~~xqZ6LEjbUBLC2WG2DvieFxaCu6yr6dLMqz2uISjMGV4sRZcbCgQFhR3BvhUOnDaU9Tl1-Wdo48-4Fj2xOrh371nbPUSorwc1PzmCU9~vKs9zow2rtf2cy0nn3JmXOPvEqnsvQ6AIfp1vmZ4wh88xcK5TI5ZKBp2Gwz-GsKagHwqfqTJ70PKuZYs6fgq~-lELDMMDk8vhKjdM8-ijUYV4~k2o-vEsP2T0Ck~q2F5k4bmKucz~PbGolWyc9qnvShtdnfiljUx9wkBatA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","CFO Terry Galuli presented the Schenectady City School District\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000budget overview for 2025\u0000\u000026 2026 on March 26, saying the district is proposing $291,099,922 in total expenditures, a $13.4 million (4.81%) increase from the prior year. He said the draft maintains existing programs and staffing, includes requests for additional positions under consideration, and assumes current state aid proposals absent final state action.

Galuli told the board the revenue mix under the draft is dominated by state aid (about 76.6%) and local taxes (about 20.4%). He said the district is preparing the budget with the governor\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000proposal figures in mind but without firm final state guidance, and the presentation uses the governor\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000proposal as the working estimate. He noted foundation aid and building aid remain significant revenue drivers and that small changes in enrollment could move millions of dollars in aid.

Galuli said the district expects to use $5,100,000 of fund balance to balance the 2025\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000budget and said the current-year savings that create that fund balance are in part the result of unfilled positions and lower-than-budgeted special-education tuition costs. He said a $5.1 million draw would equal less than 2% of the proposed budget and keep the district near its 4% unassigned fund-balance target.

On expenditures, Galuli said general instruction (27.3%) and benefits (17.5%) are major categories and salaries account for roughly half of spending. He noted charter tuition increases are projected based on current charter enrollment and that instructional technology, transportation and special-education tuition are areas of focus. He also described the district\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000capital projects planning and the district's desire to retain flexibility to apply available general-fund resources to urgent building needs rather than borrowing where feasible.

Board members asked follow-up questions about the school-lunch program and the risks if federal nutrition funding changed. Galuli said the district currently participates in Community Eligibility for universal free meals and has a school-lunch fund balance that could support food purchases for a limited period; he said the state contribution would not replace lost federal funding at current levels and the district would need to decide whether to use reserves, cut other spending, or charge for meals if federal funding changed.

Galuli reviewed key calendar dates: a budget hearing scheduled for April 7, a board adoption meeting on April 23, and the budget vote on May 20, 2025.","CFO Terry Galuli presented a $291,099,922 draft budget for 2025\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u000026 that maintains current programs and would rely on $5.1 million of fund balance to balance the coming year if adopted.","actionData","errors"]

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Board debates health curriculum and Planned Parenthood agreement; health-resolution fails and Planned Parenthood vendor vote also fails

Schenectady schools present $291 million draft budget with $5.1 million planned fund-balance draw