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Board and staff discuss student scheduling conflicts, Regents testing errors and electric-bus costs
Summary
Administrators reported scheduling conflicts affecting up to eight students if ensembles move to a single period, explained a delayed chemistry Regents due to ordering and regional testing procedures, and outlined preliminary electric-bus infrastructure cost estimates.
District administrators briefed the board on three operational items: high-school scheduling and ensembles, a Regents testing delay, and an electric-bus infrastructure study.
Presenter S7 described a review of the high-school master schedule that found returning ensembles to a single period could affect about 10 teacher schedules and create conflicts for roughly eight students (examples included a senior choosing between ensemble and a SUNY Delhi college course and other students unable to fit electives such as studio art). S7 said staff will continue reviewing options to minimize disruptions.
Board members raised concerns about a chemistry Regents administration in which students received the wrong test at the scheduled time, delaying the exam and potentially affecting performance. S7 explained that the district had ordered the new chemistry test and that regional testing center procedures require correct delivery on the morning of the exam; when the wrong test arrived, staff obtained the correct test from the regional office and the exam started later than planned. Board members asked whether test administrators were appropriately trained; S7 said all proctors receive training and the district is reviewing whether the delay affected scores.
On transportation, the staff member reported the district’s electric-bus study is ongoing and estimated that infrastructure work could total roughly $10,000,000 for the district, while buses themselves can cost around $400,000 each. The staff member cautioned that current electric-bus technology and charging infrastructure create challenges in a geographically dispersed district, and that many districts have relied on grants rather than general-fund purchases. Board members discussed hybrid alternatives and noted that state-level capital planning would likely be required for full fleet transitions.
District staff said they will continue to analyze scheduling options, follow up on testing administration concerns with the regional testing center, and pursue detailed cost estimates and grant opportunities for transportation upgrades.
