Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board weighs NYSSBA resolutions; backs amended language for daily recess (K–5) with sixth grade discretionary
Summary
Patchogue‑Medford trustees reviewed dozens of NYSSBA resolutions and bylaw amendments on Sept. 15 and agreed to endorse amended language that advocates daily recess for kindergarten through fifth grade and for sixth grade at local district discretion.
The board reviewed a slate of New York State School Boards Association resolutions and proposed bylaw amendments at its Sept. 15 meeting, considering which items to recommend to the association ahead of its conference.
Trustees discussed more than 30 proposed items, including opposition to expanded mayoral control beyond New York City, proposals on testing overhaul, restrictions on charter school expansion, and proposals related to AI and school safety drills. Several items had been recommended or not recommended by the executive committee previously; board members debated amendments that would better reflect district or regional positions.
A district‑sponsored resolution advocating mandatory daily recess drew particularly detailed remarks. Original language sought mandatory recess for students in elementary grades; board members and NISBA/NISBBA delegates suggested changes to accommodate districts with different grade configurations. After discussion the board agreed to back revised wording matching language in state bills and counsel suggestions: require daily recess for kindergarten through fifth grade and allow sixth grade recess “at the discretion and authorization of the local school district.” One board member summarized the preferred language: “Go with Bob’s version K through 5 and for students in grade 6 at the discretion and authorization of the local school district.”
Board members emphasized that procedural and wording choices matter when the resolutions move to the NYSSBA floor and that some items will be discussed further at the resolutions dinner.
No formal, binding votes on the NYSSBA positions were recorded in public session on Sept. 15; the board deferred some items for additional discussion.
