Shen School Board approves policies after public comment and celebrates robotics team achievements

The Shenendehowa Board of Education convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including policy approvals, community achievements, and upcoming events. The meeting began with a presentation of policies for a second reading, which had been reviewed in February and first read in March. After a brief discussion, the board unanimously approved all presented policies.

Following the policy discussion, the board opened the floor for a second public comment period, but no members of the public chose to speak. The meeting then transitioned to a segment celebrating recent accomplishments within the community. Board members expressed gratitude for the successful chess tournament held over the weekend, which had seen significant participation from students. They acknowledged the efforts of the facilities staff who managed the event despite not being notified in advance.

The board also highlighted the positive culture within the schools, particularly praising the teamwork and support evident during community conversations. A special mention was made of the preparations for the upcoming 75th anniversary celebration of the school district, with board members recognizing the hard work of staff members involved in organizing the event.

In a notable announcement, the board celebrated the middle school robotics team, which is set to represent New York State at the World Championships in Houston, Texas. The team’s participation marks a significant achievement, as they are the only team from the state to qualify. Additionally, two individuals associated with the robotics program received accolades: Nitya Bajaj, a junior, was recognized for the Dean's List award, while Mikayla Hugg, a new coach and former student, was honored with the Woody Flowers Award.

As the meeting drew to a close, board members expressed their best wishes for a productive spring break and discussed plans to share information about the robotics team's achievements on the school website. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters, which was approved unanimously.