[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6519701,"mediaKeyId","5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a","parentId",5348042,"title","Facilities update: Bailey curtain wall and capital‑project sequencing; air‑conditioning upgrades face phased constraints","audioSeconds",1081,"startMs",2705000,"endMs",3786000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a&start=2705&end=3786","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a/thumbnail_2705000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6519701/New-York/Facilities-update-Bailey-curtain-wall-and-capitalproject-sequencing-airconditioning-upgrades-face-phased-constraints","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519701-dca8335b162c92618dc1ed69c2d55063/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161062&Signature=ZpHH~PmNyxQp9zT0lpQHoBpM4epJ1LLxLpUhdqA1ak3x6GL5oN7CkW-4lVihzJY5kILyeF9RYeYZuyu60HpvAhdN7omCXnc4tjd9HO4zGsSa19Z-xSkQ9P65QFjGByvMlFoufiZjbC01IVB-NJOALTeqrAKQNsTedebHYhDXNKXQjFUXYQpjZgGqHDEldM3ZZmUibqn7KfXVUWHS4u1hUbshCTb0VT71coF1pMdv1EzW80EZJmRRzuPQri--M1mNn5ulIFZ6TQHgCmCR9Ih0nfmfQ4fXw9Qx7ZMyPMySJOg2E0B7uZIw7ZTiHz~Nho19jyGC9x73iB1RTrC0HyoMyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kingston CSD","date","2025-07-10T02:10:32.737Z","article","District construction managers and the superintendent reported progress on the capital project and other summer facility work and explained constraints on adding or accelerating building air‑conditioning retrofits.

The superintendent said demolition and curtain‑wall removal work at Bailey Middle School is underway, parking expansion excavation and rock removal are in progress, and curtain‑wall installation was tentatively scheduled to begin the following week. He reported interior abatement and administrative‑area demolition nearing completion at Edson and that new window frames had been installed on the playground side of that school’s cafeteria.

The facilities committee report noted other summer projects outside the capital plan: IT‑closet split‑air units at Meagher and Crosby, playground resurfacing at Meagher, fencing at Graves and Bailey, paving and catch basin repairs, and routine cleaning and maintenance.

Board members asked whether air‑conditioning installation could be accelerated at some buildings. Administration cautioned that retrofit work often requires replacing supporting systems (electrical, ceilings, ventilation) and that performing stand‑alone AC installs now would risk duplicative work or higher cost if later phases require opening the same cavities or replacing infrastructure; the superintendent said some schools had already reached their maximum state aid allowance for recent projects, which constrains immediately funded additional projects.

The superintendent offered to bring construction staff and architects to a future committee meeting to provide more technical detail on phasing, state aid, and capacity for additional work.

Sources: superintendent and facilities committee report to the Board of Education (transcript excerpts).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","KCSD Board of Education Meeting 7/9/2025","oneSentenceSummary","District construction contractors reported the curtain wall removal and other early works have begun at Bailey; administrators and architects said air‑conditioning upgrades across older buildings face sequencing, electrical and state‑aid constraints that limit immediate retrofit options.","taxTitle","KINGSTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",66405,"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},6519706,"Board pulls R19 calendar resolution for review, discusses attorney attendance and meeting‑day conflicts; sets next meeting for Aug. 6",1191,3403000,4594000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a&start=3403&end=4594","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a/thumbnail_3403000.jpg","/articles/6519706/New-York/Board-pulls-R19-calendar-resolution-for-review-discusses-attorney-attendance-and-meetingday-conflicts-sets-next-meeting-for-Aug-6","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519706-541ed79ddb9c7760e21c1ccf0f8766f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161062&Signature=W6txO7CU5BFS96kccHZQlkLQY6weYsTkNBwJnxkmoXyLM3VzIqJTgw0clgDKKGtS-SY3uSp8i10rxHWxzaaXe9x2CxPMHlOUsjlFShJ2giXpnKAgTmTLVXMLH44vfTNBgR44n5BWs1KkpwTvGyhM~0N422~Vy2Fq~mnO6LdOfYBTu4UmBFTCDK01PU~QyoJY5t6yfsliq4l1tSxnHUv79RVsbY8qiNUliRgxaNJqQnVEcYLoAd7qW1fUY6fJKnlCa7r5zBHT49btfokhURUDDXPSuhO4tWXa~nj7L0nRtp4I59cIxhuHXcV6Osf2JCvpTTjaODy3w1ue5gYJf~0KqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board approved most reorganizational resolutions as a consent block but removed R19 (the calendar) for additional discussion. Trustees raised two recurring issues: attorney presence throughout meetings and whether meetings should remain on Wednesdays.

Several trustees said they want the district’s legal counsel present for the entire meeting. One trustee noted the contract requires counsel to be present “for the entire meeting at the request of the board president” and asked that the district make counsel attendance a consistent practice going forward.

Board members debated whether changing the regular meeting day from Wednesday to another weekday would reduce calendar conflicts with schools, BOCES and other obligations. Administration said Wednesday had been used when scheduling other district events and that changing the regular day would require re‑coordinating many meetings but that administration would review scheduling conflicts and options. The superintendent offered to cross‑reference other boards’ calendars (BOCES and local boards) and provide a reworked calendar at the board’s next meeting.

Trustees agreed to pull R19 for further review and to set the next board meeting on Aug. 6 to give administration time to prepare a revised calendar and confirm attorney attendance procedures.

Sources: trustee discussion and superintendent remarks recorded in the meeting transcript.","Trustees approved reorganizational resolutions as a block but pulled R19 (the calendar). They debated whether Wednesday is the best day for meetings, asked that district legal counsel be present for full meetings, and asked the superintendent to review conflicts; the board scheduled its next meeting for Aug. 6.",{"_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},6519710,"Board debate over filling vacant seat ends with failed appointment; motion to appoint Middleton loses 3‑4",1602,4662000,6264000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a&start=4662&end=6264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a/thumbnail_4662000.jpg","/articles/6519710/New-York/Board-debate-over-filling-vacant-seat-ends-with-failed-appointment-motion-to-appoint-Middleton-loses-34","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519710-f6735aaa1c1d83e12ff035bcec41be1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161062&Signature=SDWffDnAKPq0DYY5rakxt8XTD1YpYYGBXOfUWNTedN82zHlMTi7ib-LDAH11m5wbqiK3nQwdTsd8NITcA29AbNrNwELAiy72DB-JZRnSu5HFR9FnVixBybZwJ5nw4Z3Lq3kYZQAt8rg~cZc3QkvqOlEQw7PcjWTolGWXgHblFpKqNzGHIg1OAVQpk2lBjZf9bNdFyahFNnvmfWkjV6bAhdzBud0SWVxypKISzVQ3tK5XK~tTaBk2LN2-zeQnqT6A5gqmkP8gXOds~M6omx5E8zjcFoEB2lVB4dNUQSkjEBmUsf6jqvUJ78uXCojzpKt6iUzRDBzA9FdTjbjZsSBP7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingston City School District Board of Education debated how to fill a vacant trustee seat—options discussed were leaving the seat vacant, holding a special election (which a trustee estimated would cost about $12,000) or appointing a successor. After public and trustee comment and more than an hour of discussion, a motion to appoint Erica Middleton failed on a roll‑call vote: three trustees voted yes and four voted no.

Discussion points included governance and precedent. Trustee Ryder said he preferred leaving the seat vacant rather than appointing, and said a special election was not wise in the circumstances: “My second preference would have been to have an actual election,” he said. Trustee Fitzpatrick argued the board should fill the seat to ensure broader representation. Trustee Spicer said the community had requested a nine‑member board and that appointing the fourth vote‑getter honored the voters. Trustee Collins said she would prefer the board appoint the next vote‑getter if the board chose to fill the seat; she expressed concern about the practical learning curve for someone appointed for less than a year.

At the vote, the clerk recorded: Mister Lamb — No; Mister Fitzpatrick — Yes; Miss Corzones — No; Mister Ryder — No; Miss Anderson — No; Doctor Collins — Yes; Mister Spicer — Yes. That produced three yeses and four nos; the motion therefore failed.

Trustees also noted they have up to 90 days from the vacancy date to act and discussed waiting for a fuller board membership (several trustees asked that newly elected member Kearns be present to weigh in). Several trustees cited prior occasions where appointments had or had not followed the next‑highest vote‑getter and noted the board has discretion about how to proceed.

No appointment occurred at the meeting; trustees left the seat vacant pending further discussion and potential future action.

Sources: trustee remarks and clerk’s roll call during the Kingston City School District Board of Education meeting (transcript excerpts).","After an extended discussion about whether to fill a vacant Board of Education seat by appointment, special election or leave it vacant, a motion to appoint Erica Middleton failed on a 3‑4 roll call at the Kingston City School District Board meeting.",{"_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},6519712,"Board approves assistant‑superintendent contract changes, grants posthumous diploma and confirms new hires",432,64000,496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a&start=64&end=496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a/thumbnail_64000.jpg","/articles/6519712/New-York/Board-approves-assistantsuperintendent-contract-changes-grants-posthumous-diploma-and-confirms-new-hires","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519712-3d1be723de7ebdbff9d3cddda2205e72/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161062&Signature=JbOyCqUmtnwJ~~5JOedfHBHlXmHjXpRekg2qnglvapXTArj7w78O3ng0O3EplkbAuXFqginbBhlryKEIMcyaxVymIp4SxgXFWGmsJWvv3ie45pXDy-DYQL8AUmH7PEKv0EdnHxKdQ29BdZsHgrw9Kf6vWyoaQpgOusT3rqUSFT33fbrl35TXElCt~lJfQ8DgEbz8w3iB9yOKbaymVyzmVor5JiZ2B5~3D9nGQK7ySPFL4cQEjUEaE-gJ58U-X8ZGdNp60c41EjMVAVMQxlnNUO~vxv6v0OUeTXWNlD0h6AwC3hQrL5rePCE6IzDynORx0LPryW8ss~P6Hq-8-totNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Education accepted changes to the district assistant superintendents’ agreements—described at the meeting as a one‑year contract extension and a salary increase “consistent with the Kingston Teachers Federation of 3%.” The resolution was labeled BOE o 5; after a motion and second the board voted in favor and passed the resolution.

Superintendent Dr. Paul J. Palino recommended the board confer a posthumous high‑school diploma under the New York State Department of Education’s Operation Recognition program to veteran Clyde A. Gaddis, Seaman Second Class, U.S. Navy, World War II, who died in 2011. The board approved the recommendation and directed that the diploma be sent to the veteran’s daughter as requested.

The board also approved the regular consent agenda, which included multiple personnel appointments. Several newly appointed staff members attended and introduced themselves during the meeting, including Janice (last name on hiring list) accepting a kindergarten special‑education position at Graves, Jessica Jacques accepting a sixth‑grade humanities position at J. Watson, and Jen Gardner accepting a 12:1:1 position at George Washington (roles listed on the district agenda). The clerk noted not all appointees were present.

Board members recorded no roll‑call objections on the assistant‑superintendent agreement and on the Operation Recognition diploma; both items passed by voice vote as presented.

Authorities and process: the Operation Recognition action was taken “whereas the New York State Department of Education has a program, Operation Recognition,” and the superintendent made the recommendation to the board at the meeting. The BOE o 5 resolution incorporated the updated agreement by reference into the minutes.

Sources: superintendent recommendation and motion to accept BOE o 5; Operation Recognition recommendation and subsequent motion; consent‑agenda roll call and personnel introductions recorded during the meeting.","The Kingston City School District Board approved changes to assistant superintendents’ agreements including a one‑year extension and a 3% salary increase tied to the Kingston Teachers Federation contract, conferred a posthumous diploma under New York State’s Operation Recognition program, and approved a consent agenda of staff appointments.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6519714,"Kingston High principal highlights higher graduation rate, Yonder rollout and new code-of-conduct language",1834,325000,2159000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a&start=325&end=2159","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5348042-c5e9bdb0c9173b70b0f46312f840a54a/thumbnail_325000.jpg","/articles/6519714/New-York/Kingston-High-principal-highlights-higher-graduation-rate-Yonder-rollout-and-new-code-of-conduct-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519714-1fa4586456e3a430ddaae8fe3d140c1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771161062&Signature=HfWPiIco9Q84t9UQOowSMboA3cO-0RRuUOIxdkJXWEVy38qVLcY8gSKNZUT19f72yutvyb7hqurIyUwnyqYEP5c87dv85obAWK8h8DauErkIqsaGUmQ-tqS4NJtAJhsJ7A8rcaQ76fhKa1e2grQA4NPyXdl5BvxernWWn64xu6hUchx~A1KapAVSXhY0uajtUGjSdBHVmtXg~1oWWARIXkeE01CB00zDgQY~U0ZHD0unjj1SZZ2QOcIRZ3jsbZsfccKTURVrGPyRj51KsamLLsOXl8zxs5bZRb4fMS8RHW2RGIoaRRhT34wfS95tzO3fs3qKHyTtakXYL5lu6CBjyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Rachel Skorka, building leader at Kingston High School, told the Kingston City School District Board of Education that the school’s overall graduation rate has risen to 87 percent and described several schoolwide initiatives aimed at improving climate and academic outcomes.

Skorka said Kingston High has “just under 1,700 students” and noted increases in students earning college credit and recognized seals. She told the board 115 students earned the “seal of civic readiness,” a new school record, and highlighted students who completed at least 30 college credits through SUNY Ulster and students who earned biliteracy and trilingual seals.

Skorka described a program rollout of Yonder cell‑phone pouches this year and called it “incredibly successful.” She said teacher surveys showed students were more focused and that students ultimately reported being happier without phones in class; staff reported increased socializing in cafeterias and hallways. Multiple board members later praised the change during the meeting.

On disciplinary trends, Skorka said fights were reduced from the prior year to about 60 incidents and out‑of‑school suspensions declined. She said in‑school suspension (ISS) numbers rose in part because Yonder violations were initially handled with one‑day ISS to enforce the new system and that when those days are removed from a year‑over‑year comparison, the school saw improved behavior.

Skorka outlined a shift in responses to student possession of THC vape devices. Rather than automatic out‑of‑school suspension and a superintendent’s hearing, she said the school now uses fewer OSS days and pairs in‑school consequences with counseling and restorative work: “Students meet with our in house counselor, Mister Bailey, and complete some worksheets and a project on vaping,” she said. Skorka said that approach has reduced repeat offenses.

Skorka also summarized the high school’s three building commitments for the year—personal success, belonging and authentic experiences, and student voice—and introduced examples of student work. English teacher Al Needham presented the Agents of Positive Change research project by ninth‑grade honors students, which required local sources and culminated in an on‑campus research conference.

Deirdre Branford, who facilitates the high school’s Code of Conduct committee, described recommended revisions the student‑adult committee developed. Changes include clarifying level‑based outcomes and loss of privileges, adding “intentional misuse or unauthorized use of another person’s property,” specifying “unwanted or unwelcome physical contact,” and new language intended to address deliberate academic dishonesty and “intentional plagiarism, inclusive of artificial intelligence.” Branford said the committee chose deliberately flexible wording because AI practices and tools are evolving quickly.

Board members asked questions about specific programs and supports. Skorka explained the point system used to earn the civic‑engagement seal: a six‑point system that can begin in ninth grade and includes a capstone presentation. She also described cohort team meetings—weekly interdisciplinary meetings that track students over multiple years and include nurses, bilingual staff and an attendance dean.

Skorka acknowledged the loss of a beloved chemistry teacher, Marika Ouz Janums, and noted the school dedicated the year in her memory. She closed by thanking staff and community partners and reiterating the school’s focus on student supports and restorative practices.

Sources: remarks by Dr. Rachel Skorka, Al Needham and Deirdre Branford at the Kingston City School District Board of Education meeting (transcript excerpts cited).","At a Kingston City School District Board meeting, Kingston High School building leader Dr. Rachel Skorka reported a rise in the graduation rate to 87 percent, described a successful Yonder cell‑phone pouch rollout, and outlined code-of-conduct updates including language on AI use and unwanted physical contact.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Facilities update: Bailey curtain wall and capital‑project sequencing; air‑conditioning upgrades face phased constraints

Board pulls R19 calendar resolution for review, discusses attorney attendance and meeting‑day conflicts; sets next meeting for Aug. 6

Board debate over filling vacant seat ends with failed appointment; motion to appoint Middleton loses 3‑4

Board approves assistant‑superintendent contract changes, grants posthumous diploma and confirms new hires

Kingston High principal highlights higher graduation rate, Yonder rollout and new code-of-conduct language