[{"_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",6077300,"mediaKeyId","2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6","parentId",2965276,"title","Penfield convenes review committees after three library book challenges, Bluest Eye not currently required reading","audioSeconds",248,"startMs",1301000,"endMs",1549000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6&start=1301&end=1549","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6/thumbnail_1301000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6077300/New-York/Penfield-convenes-review-committees-after-three-library-book-challenges-Bluest-Eye-not-currently-required-reading","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077300-c6d1ff875188149cb01645895b5f1fbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087885&Signature=JX5kUOkkW41XPJiZYVGqnHbedgpYJxjOmUmPVQISjaQ9qbdL-RNJNIUx0mNTwDf3~PIzZt7uCWXGFuNNJY1bV5-EN3JKxNKbxX~9i-dlfsgGkhHvrYTA3JGzkEcOGdia6f5HGWI~SglcEhqDeQDku2ZFpCmJI4944Y-4s3NWNE2-kY4n2jTC-0GLnyC26a7uFfWfUJoptDbuiLPEE5vf-JG9gF7sfiMOyjmQqGvAUjgdib5wrLli82mSSCE582JYR9laUUBtS6dSzMU3NNBYu32Q6llNBt4EzLLXsSF6yGXfxu7VNkdQip-WpgijtA~GQkGK7oJFWVGBNbLehbo7Cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-09T23:00:07Z","article","The Penfield Central School District on April 8 said it has received requests to reevaluate three books in school libraries and has formed three review committees under Board of Education policy 83‑30 to examine the materials.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Maloney said the three challenged works are The Rainbow Parade by Emily Nielsen (as read out in the meeting), Aliens and Other Visitors Not Near Normal: The Paranormal by Ruth Owen (as read out in the meeting) and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Per Board policy 83‑30, the superintendent appoints review committees that may include a library media specialist, a certified teacher, a curriculum administrator and, when suitable, a parent or student. Stakeholders who expressed interest were invited to serve and committee membership was randomly selected from volunteers.

Dr. Maloney said each committee will read the full work, review the district’s Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education Framework and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statements, and evaluate the work against the 20 selection criteria listed in Board regulation 83‑20. He emphasized that committee reports need not be unanimous and that majority and minority reports are permitted. Findings will be compiled and provided in writing to the person who filed the original challenge, and any material removal would apply only to the specific library where the objection was filed unless the committee recommends broader action.

On the Bluest Eye, Dr. Maloney told the board the book “is not currently required reading.” He noted that while the district previously approved The Bluest Eye for use in the AP Literature course, the book is not presently being read in that class.

Ending: All three reevaluation committees were convening during the week of April 8 and will submit written reports to Superintendent Dr. Potter for further administrative action per policy 83‑30.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Penfield CSD Board of Education | 04/08/2025 Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The district convened three reevaluation committees under Board policy 83-30 to review challenges to library holdings including Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye; officials said the Bluest Eye is no longer being taught in the AP Literature course though it had been approved previously.","taxTitle","PENFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38742,"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},6077307,"Penfield forms advisory committee to review proposed statewide cell‑phone ban in schools",173,1083000,1256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6&start=1083&end=1256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6/thumbnail_1083000.jpg","/articles/6077307/New-York/Penfield-forms-advisory-committee-to-review-proposed-statewide-cellphone-ban-in-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077307-793aee0edfce139ce03f380a19e644c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087885&Signature=QcD-sgPD5LnELgd2JCGdOvqVcJS~tq3DPKh5re8jEjCcaUuJRp6SIo5xDk8RObFH543-LjKVdEm8BMalbUDq9RAFRCq4e8C9nGiGZvUPffn4-MoJt26QMt4cr1TOeEQVap8mC4zu9DUVeS1E16rKLnrBGygvTbO5Gs0phYueo2VjK72D53YG2Jf2rdrYf1g~DAdbsWfEGRJF3gGAn-kZhRaQ57sWMaKoTW81DLsFUk1f4XXKQKWeh2gEgYsLOuHN81qIH8cQfFDruhPKI3B6KhYafb75IamD4vSj8U4~RIis~iEqQoXpZb2m677JjOiyE7cpl7SirWbE5Ro5Z6Bvng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Penfield Central School District has convened a district advisory committee to study a proposed statewide restriction on student smartphone use and to prepare a local implementation plan should the proposal become law.

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Mykonitza Perez said the district formed the committee proactively after learning Governor Kathy Hochul had proposed a full‑day restriction on unsanctioned smartphone and internet‑enabled personal device use on school grounds, including classroom time, lunch and study hall. The proposal also would provide implementation flexibility allowing schools to select a storage method for devices and would allocate $13,500,000 in state funding for schools to purchase storage solutions such as pouches or cubbies.

Perez described the advisory committee’s timeline: an initial foundation and exploration meeting on March 27, an analysis and brainstorming meeting scheduled for April 22, and a final meeting on May 22 to present a cell‑phone policy draft and implementation plan. She said the committee will review the district’s existing digital citizenship policy, examine policies from other districts, and solicit stakeholder feedback from students, staff and parents. The district announced a partnership with ThoughtExchange to gather community input.

Perez said the committee will consider communication needs for families and ensure a way for parents to contact students during the school day if necessary, as referenced in the governor’s proposal. She noted the state budget remained unsettled but said there was “a likelihood” the restriction could take effect for the coming school year.

Ending: The advisory committee’s next meeting is scheduled for April 22; a draft policy and implementation plan are planned for the May 22 committee meeting and then would be shared with the board and the community for further review.","The district convened a cell‑phone policy advisory committee to study Governor Hochul’s proposal that would ban unsanctioned smartphone use during the full school day; the committee will use ThoughtExchange for stakeholder feedback and plans a policy draft by May 22.",{"_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},6077309,"Penfield board reviews draft $128.5M budget, approves phase‑3 bids and small change orders",1708,2642000,4350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6&start=2642&end=4350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6/thumbnail_2642000.jpg","/articles/6077309/New-York/Penfield-board-reviews-draft-1285M-budget-approves-phase3-bids-and-small-change-orders","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077309-3240e93b66a64ca0a3cf1694e423ca7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087885&Signature=ZGwdxVhOS~f5eYK1ePPZtOfsNRCJpWynQm~0jHI6zgvcMqdJZsKvyb1I-EAl4O2VejqYbK3tW88c8Qqe3DIjMewj4pqTEtl4ZDTl0ZfsWarXiWidDHWR9SzgBAocjFkEmxpt~nS1~yQJ~hnGMUlIey5Q7URnoqWGbUO7vDAEuiHhEFl40IB7uNdYqKP~GLXW4lWB8DJx9Xh8yziOCY99Bp4PD-6oifQ7cia~~UTx0Aw2kmRAsA0HedD8gan3yJyQ9jsWuO9R7dhxmNeLN1~XVjyYBITimKIAQc12oPuYeW8VB~4EthxunzoAf2XpmvEZmPvnHh7VYjuWmzZs-ymsFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Penfield Central School District presented a second draft of the 2025–26 budget and approved contract awards for its phase‑3 capital project and several small change orders during the April 8 meeting.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Dr. Driffill told the board the proposed 2025–26 budget is projected at about $128,500,000, an increase of roughly $8.8 million (about 7.5%) over the current year’s budget of $119,600,000. The district plans to propose a tax levy increase of $2,300,000, or about 3.33%, while noting the district could raise up to $3,200,000 (4.54%) under the statutory formula but did not plan to use the full allowance.

Dr. Driffill said personnel costs and employee benefits are the primary drivers of the increase; he noted that roughly $6.2 million of the increase is linked to wages and benefits, with benefits accounting for about $3.2 million. The draft budget includes several proposed hires: four teaching positions added earlier in the process (two special education teachers at Bay Trail, one special education teacher at the high school and one technology teacher at the high school) and additional anticipated hires before final adoption (a special education teacher at Scribner, another at Harris Hill, an associated teaching assistant and an additional technology services position).

On capital projects, Dr. Driffill reported that phase 3 of the current capital project was approved by the New York State Education Department Office of Facilities Planning and that the bid opening for phase‑3 work was scheduled for the Thursday following the meeting. He described the phase‑3 scope as work at the transportation facility on Five Mile Line, the four elementary buildings and Bay Trail.

During the meeting the board moved to accept bids and award contracts for the project “as recommended by the project architect and construction manager.” The motion carried with the board chair calling, “All in favor, none opposed.” The board also approved the described change orders; that motion likewise passed with unanimous voice vote.

Votes at a glance
• Approval of April 8 agenda: Motion approved (unanimous voice vote).
• Resolution to amend superintendent of schools employment agreement: Motion approved (unanimous voice vote).
• Consent agenda (various routine items): Approved (unanimous voice vote).
• Treasurer’s report (month ending 01/31/2025, multiple fund reports): Approved (unanimous voice vote).
• Accept bids and award contracts for phase‑3 project: Approved (motion and second; unanimous).
• Approve change orders described on agenda: Approved (motion and second; unanimous).

Dr. Driffill noted state aid remains uncertain pending the New York State budget and that some assumptions in the draft budget are based on Governor Hochul’s January proposals. He said the district hopes for clarity before the board adopts the final budget on April 22, ahead of the May 6 budget hearing and the May 20 budget vote.

Ending: The board will adopt the superintendent’s proposed budget at its next meeting, make the full budget documents available online by April 29, hold a public hearing on May 6 and the budget vote on May 20.","District officials presented a second‑draft $128.5 million budget for 2025–26 with a proposed 3.33% tax‑levy increase and recommended staffing additions; the board approved contractor awards for phase‑3 work and several small change orders.",{"_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},6077312,"Penfield schools add safety coordinator, continue use of private security after recent threats",268,697000,965000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6&start=697&end=965","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2965276-76f5a386c477020b371ee119c2efa3e6/thumbnail_697000.jpg","/articles/6077312/New-York/Penfield-schools-add-safety-coordinator-continue-use-of-private-security-after-recent-threats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077312-d022e690997fc6bd35c65f841e2b43b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087885&Signature=BTKsYHlks0vUcCVjuBmL2q4W5VseKq1ZdxAr8TEodnWR9r5PV5oI-u1Qm0RFZU-0505iJeNqckSyE7XgZa1uU-wnGcCH3PQkdp4Hcu-cUp8KlwSwvJjlbcZYYaRewGYXzL-NTUdvPv-csMkwKd9orhOm22UJi7UA29ZZ5VwfNRk8iBfjJuLFSKZhcg0VtjbUUosAkXsI5YqSHegxkrFgH9TJPaRc-SFw17W8fDTXFf35H4x53Lo~1FTthBqOW9RCFJhI8GxMZbmHgKmcarB6tp-ViQfBqIgv38gpb-LQ8d23g-8ptHnpAfqzHrkltV4W7x9W7Gs8IHI6FXR7GIn4tA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Penfield Central School District on April 8 said it has hired a permanent Safety and Security Coordinator and will continue using an outside security firm to provide an external presence at school campuses after a period of threatening communications to the district.

Superintendent Dr. Potter told the board the district had consulted with legal counsel, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State troopers, the New York State Education Department and the Attorney General’s Office while planning its safety response. “So I'll just be clear that in collaboration and in partnership, all decisions were made with legal counsel,” Dr. Potter said.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Kenny introduced Theodore “Ted” Wilson as the district’s new Safety and Security Coordinator. Dr. Kenny said Wilson “comes to us with over 30 years of experience, not only in law enforcement, but as well as security,” and encouraged staff and community members to introduce themselves.

Dr. Potter and other administrators described a three-part plan the district is pursuing: (1) review and update safety policies and protocols; (2) build internal capacity by hiring a Safety and Security Coordinator and additional security workers and elevating some titles (including an update to hall monitor titles); and (3) retain an external security contractor. Dr. Potter said Blackhawk Security and Investigations will “continue to support our school campuses by providing an external presence. They will be patrolling the outsides of our schools, and they will also be joining us when we host our Board of Education meetings.”

District officials said the Security Coordinator will act as a liaison to families, support students and staff, and oversee future hires of on-campus security workers. The board also discussed possible capital or summer work to add audio enhancements and electronic door-locking systems and the potential acquisition of a district security vehicle as part of building internal capacity.

Board members and staff emphasized that the district could not solicit broad community input on some decisions while threats were ongoing, citing open meetings requirements and safety concerns. Dr. Potter said the district will reach out to families and community members for feedback as the planning for the 2025–26 school year continues.

The district also noted it will continue to post board bulletins and district announcements on its website so all community members can see policy updates and meeting summaries.

Ending: The district did not record a formal board vote on the security contractor or the coordinator during the April 8 meeting; administrators described steps already taken and outlined next steps for staffing and infrastructure. Community input sessions were promised as part of future planning for the 2025–26 school year.
","The Penfield Central School District announced a permanent Safety and Security Coordinator, plans to expand internal security staffing and continue an external presence from Blackhawk Security amid recent threats; officials said decisions were made with legal counsel and local law enforcement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Penfield convenes review committees after three library book challenges, Bluest Eye not currently required reading

Penfield forms advisory committee to review proposed statewide cell‑phone ban in schools

Penfield board reviews draft $128.5M budget, approves phase‑3 bids and small change orders

Penfield schools add safety coordinator, continue use of private security after recent threats