-57:59 Speaker 1: I am here tonight because I wanted to address something that Mr. Zopf said at the November 23rd board meeting regarding parent involvement in our school district.  You mentioned that these are business meetings for the district, and of course you are correct about that, but they are also meetings where we get to hear a lot about what’s happening in our schools like we’ve heard tonight and a lot more than that.  We review programs PTO reports etc.   I come to these meetings because I am interested in the business of the district. I want to see how my elected board members vote and how my money is being spent etc. Mr. Zopf (and you know not to single you out you seem like a nice guy) but at this meeting you suggested that parents should instead be attending the scheduled superintendent forums to discuss issues and ask more complicated questions that we might have about the district. You mentioned low attendance at the last two forums and you told parents that it doesn’t send a good message that people really are interested in finding out what is going on in the district.  Well, as you have noticed we have a broad number of parents at board meetings every two weeks.  I myself have talked to teachers, administrators, even former board members who have expressed that this is the most parent involvement they have ever seen in the district.  Someone even said that this is the most they’ve ever seen in their entire careers.  I personally often have to hire and pay a babysitter so that I can attend these meetings.  My husband works for a large corporation.  He’s never home for dinner most of his day is spent in meetings with upper management.  Most days he has to sit through several meetings and is forced to work overtime in order to get his work done.  My point here is that more meetings isn’t necessarily a real solution to the parental involvement in the district.  I’m here because I want to see you do your business I’m not able to watch the Board of Ed. Vote at a superintendent’s forum.  I’m not able to make a statement for the public record or have our leadership answer me on public record at a forum.  And I am not willing or able to pay another babysitter so I can attend another meeting.  You are all volunteers I appreciate that I know how that is.   I volunteer extensively in this community as well.  I’m on the board of the Weeplay Project, I’m active in the PTO at Sargent, I’m a mom, I’m an artist, most days I feel like I invented overworked and underpaid.  So I appreciate what you are doing here.  Much has been said from this board about wanting to have a culture of respect and I hear you.  The board wants to have a respectful relationship with the parents rather than an adversarial one and I agree with that.  But respect works both ways.  When you say it doesn’t send a good message that the parents are not attending these off the record forums who is this message being sent to?  I ask because every week after a board of ed meeting parents are watching our comments and statements and many of them reach out to me and say thank you for speaking out wondering how they can get more involved so I don’t’ think it’s the parents that are sending the bad message.  –Time is up-

​-1:01:57 Speaker 2: I was also at the last policy meeting and one of the policies that was on the agenda but the board didn’t get to was the parent involvement policy and I have a couple of questions about how it’s written.  There are parts that are in italics and asks for examples about what our district is doing to fulfill the goals of the policy and I wondered if this was something that was going to be discussed in the policy and actually filled in for the policy when it gets reprinted.  I only recently discovered that parental involvement is actually required by the law especially in the case of title 1 districts and the policy states that parental involvement is “essential to student achievement and thus encourages such involvement in school educational planning and operations.”  I am wondering if this plan is included in the district improvement plan or if it’s a plan in it’s own right.  I’d love to hear Dr. Walkley and the Board Member’s thoughts on how this district is doing with drawing parents in to be more involved.  In fact the policy states that the board along with it’s superintendent and other appropriate staff will conduct with the involvement of parents an annual evaluation of content and effectiveness of this parental involvement policy and the improvement of academic quality of title 1 schools including the identification of barriers to greater participation by parents and activities under this policy and the revision of parent involvement policies necessary for more effective involvement to facilitate this review the district will conduct the following activities and there is a blank… And I’m just wondering if that is going to be written.  Seven years ago I was very involved with the former superintendent Dr. Aefsky's Parent University and that was actually fairly successful.  We had over I think 150 parents the first time we did it but it was a lot of work and you Mr. Zopf were in there also.  So I think that is kind of great but I think well if no one is coming to the forums maybe I think family fun nights are really well attended so maybe that’s a place to be where the parents are.  Sometimes parents are as you all know very busy and sometimes you have to come to the parents.  I also just wanted to mention a great book I’ve been reading called “Beyond the Bake sale” I actually picked it up because I thought it was about fundraising, which obviously I’m very excited about.  It’s really about parent involvement and how parent involvement is essential to a successful district and it actually made me think totally differently and the one thing it says is the first thing we have to think is that every single person thinks that they want the best for their children. We all need to think of that.

-1:06:51. Speaker 3:  I have three things and I will try to get it under the three minutes.  Dr. Walkley the APPR is and has been a hot topic since it’s inception.  The governor through legislation as we all know changed the way the APPR is to be done.  Would you be willing to give a workshop at an upcoming board meeting and explain the various components of it?  For example scores, SLO’s, lesson plans, archival material.  Also can you share what part of the APPR is negotiated between the district and the teachers association?  What are the differences between the APPRs for teachers and administrators and finally is there an evaluation in place for coaches, advisors and other appointments for extra pay or is that a case where if you’ve done it in the past or previously you continue to be appointed. Also, on tonight’s agenda under the employment for professional staff item D you have IRP review teachers at Beacon High School effective date January 4- January 25th 2016 and item E is for IRP January RCT prep effective January 4- January 25th 2016.  Do these programs run at the same time and if so how will those teachers whose names appear on both lists fulfill those obligations to both programs?  And finally, Meredith had brought up the point about parent involvement communication I guess sometime in the beginning of the year the board appointed a parent communicator for $1500 does that count toward the parent involvement in terms of parent communications.

-1:10:50 Speaker 4: I attended the High School Players Christmas Carol it was done very nice and it was quite a spectacle.  We had a little problem Friday night with the audio but the students were told if anything malfunctioned you keep going and they did so they did what they were to do.  I thought the Santa Claus was terrible.  For the simple fact that it’s first impression and I don’t think he even had the word first so you can do better next time with making a better Santa Claus or a different Santa Claus next year.  That’s not a joke just so you know folks.  Last time I was here we had a meeting a safety meeting.  It was myself, Dr. Walkley, Bill Zopf, Craig from the Poughkeepsie journal was here and the next day San Bernardino happened.  We all know what happened in San Bernardino right folks?  It’s the norm. It’s the norm now.  Know how to get out.  Know two ways of getting out.  Get out.  Now we teach our students ABC’s and 123’s and you need to start telling our students how to get out of the building fast.  My comments need no reply tonight.

-1:12:46 Speaker 5:  At a recent BOE meeting I’ve been asking about district procedure on test refusals.  I’ve been asking about this for a while you know it’s a topic I’m interested in and interested in hearing about.  I do feel that it’s very important for the district to include parent stakeholders in the decision making process for this.  I was encouraged at the last meeting and when the superintendent indicated that there would be a meeting coming that would be discussing this issue and so my two question are what was the result of this meeting and can you please report on the status of the Beacon City School District’s plan on how parent test refusals will be handled as the school year progresses and secondly how will this plan reflect the priorities of parent stakeholders.

-1:17:09 Speaker 6:  My questions tonight are for the members of the school board because my direct questions to the Superintendent whose hefty salary is paid for by our tax dollars have been completely ignored meeting after meeting.  So to this full board I do want to thank you all again for your service.  You generously volunteer your time for this district and I know that this year has been a particularly rough one.  That being said you were all elected by the people of this community to represent us and our children and I feel that many of you haven’t been doing that and I would like to know why.  When the superintendent was asked when the school year started without classrooms having the proper and necessary supplies and week after week fails to come up with an answer.  I would like to know why the board doesn’t call her out on it.  When the superintendent ignores questions from community members such as what is your plan for this district which she was asked at three board meetings in a row I would like to know why our elected representatives are letting her get away with it.  When the head of the Beacon Arts and Ed Foundation who does so much to help this district makes a request at a school board meeting for help with costumes for a school play and the superintendent responds by rolling her eyes in disgust which is clearly displayed on a video, how do you not react with outrage.  You continue to throw around the word respect and you seem to forget that respect needs to be earned.  It is not earned by blatantly ignoring parents who take the time out of their busy schedules to volunteer their time for this district as well to try and fix the mess that this district is in. It is not earned by transferring 27 teachers with no explanation and expecting the community to get over it and forget it happened. It is not earned by continuing to remind us that you don’t have to allow public comment at Board Meetings.  Two meetings ago the President of the Teachers Union got up and spoke about the fact that there are teachers who feel disrespected, a sentiment that many of them have shared with me personally.   And Melissa Thompson responded by admonishing the public for applauding this comment because he showed disrespect by going over his time.  At the last board meeting Bill Zopf also admonished parents for not attending the forums and therefore not really wanting to communicate well let’s face it we all know that the forums are just an attempt to move this conversation off of the public record and keep the superintendent’s disgusted eye rolling off of the videos.  Do you really think that turning the tables on the community that elected really is the best way to handle this situation?  As the superintendent is very fond of pointing out everyone makes mistakes.  When you hired her without interviewing anyone else I’m sure that you believed that she ws the best person for Beacon but that simply hasn’t been the case.  Since she first took over and cancelled the overnight Sharpe Reservation trip things have been going steadily downhill for students, staff, and the community as a whole.  So my final question to the school board is what are you going to do about it.  I don’t expect an answer now I’m used to being ignored here anyway.  But I do hope that you are discussing these very real issues in your executive sessions and that you come up with a solution.  Because ignoring or spinning it won’t work we will not be fooled, we will not be shamed, and we will not give up.  I sincerely hope that you all have a nice holiday with your families.

1:28:09 Speaker 7:  I’m back again to ask a question about the same topic.  I wondering the district’s specific plan is to ensure that all elementary students are receiving technology, media instruction in the six day cycle.  As we saw in the South Avenue report they do have Library/Media instruction.  They do not have that at Forrestal.  They do not have that at Sargent.  I believe they have something at Glenham.  What are you doing to ensure that all students are getting media?  My second question is to the director of technology.  He stated in his presentation that he has reached out to the PTSO’s of the different schools to include them in his technology committee as of now Forrestal for sure because I am an executive board member has not been reached out to.  So, I encourage him to reach out to Forrestal PTSO specifically and all of the other PTSO’s who have not been reached out to.

1:33:33 Speaker 8: The technology report that was given before.  I taught in the schools and my second career was in technology so I have a great love of it.  One of the things that I am really hoping is that part of, (there was no real explanation) is how this committee is [formed], who’s on it, or how we expand it.  I hope there is some allowance in it for all teachers to brainstorm on what technology might mean to what they do in their classrooms.  I take that from when I was teaching in an inner city school in Detroit and some teacher, before any of us had computers, but the were around, and she somehow got a computer and hooked up this project that she had read about where kids in different parts of the united states had to adopt a country and had to communicate via this amazing computer and talk to kids in other places.  I think if the teachers don’t get to sit around and brainstorm and think about what they want and this is a top down approach then you are going to miss maybe all kinds of super ideas that might come.  And it’s just a hope that everybody gets included.  Secondly, I’m hoping, that somebody will find the time to look more carefully at grants that may be out there.  It’s great that we got this one grant but I just realize when I started looking for example that Verizon had done some grants I think not in NYS but in other places where they gave whole districts mobile devices like iPads and not only that but also gave them cellular data so kids automatically were able to connect to the internet.  My guess is there’s more stuff out there and I’m hoping that we could be a little bit more aggressive and look for some of that.  Because we’re poor and we could probably get it.

no comment

1:35:47 Speaker 9: I’d like to briefly address Speaker 5 about the refusal committee that was formed.  I’m on that committee.  It is our attention that regardless of what the state hands down in January we’ll totally, and there are steps in the right direction, that there will still be a clear process for parents that choose to refuse the test. I would really like to thank the principals that have been working with us.  I feel like it’s been a team effort.  We have letters that we have formed and the elementary school has different needs than the middle school and the letter is tweaked for those two different demographics.  Parents will have access to those letters via the PTO I believe is what we decided.  It will be a letter that parents can do their own letters if they’d like, but this is a clear way for parents to send something in ahead of time stating what their intentions are.  I have been told that they will not then receive a letter saying you can’t do this your child has to do this it will be the parent’s decision.  The children will not have to speak for themselves on the day of the test. I am available for any questions as are other members of the committee.  I am also just noticing on tonight’s agenda, perhaps you will get to this further on, but in case you don’t, I am curious about the two approved consultants, Priscilla Kelly and Adriana Beckwith.  I’m hoping that is something that will be addressed.

1:37:45.2 Dr. Walkley:  The two consultants are actually for the New Covenent.  We received Title 1 monies from the state and now public schools, the state determines a small amount of money that they take from our allotment that is available if non-public schools choose to apply with us and use that money.  New Covenent is one of the schools that does apply for the money.  However, the rules of Title 1, I’m looking over at Anne Marie to help out here, I believe that first they have to choose consultants and activities that fit in under the title 1 guidelines and in addition to that that money, just like Tim was talking about earlier, we don’t have to write them a check, they run that money through us.  They earn that money through us and through the activities that they do.  So that is two consultants for their school.  They are going to be providing an after school reading program for their students. 
 
We talked about that we thought would be very helpful to parents was a presentation to find out more about testing.  Whether we like or don’t like the test we talked about having an opportunity for parents to come and learn more about the test. Learn more about the process etc.  That was something that was suggested.  It wasn’t set in stone but it may be something we’re talking more about. 

1:39:44 Speaker 10: I actually was very excited about the smart bond presentation and the idea of putting together a plan that would incorporate how the district would spend that money along with their existing budget in the best and most efficient way possible.  That is why the response about the disparity in resources available to different elementary schools struck me as a concern.  I want to hear that there is some plan in place to actually make it possible for the planning of how to spend that money, incorporating an assumption that the elementary schools are going to have resources similar to every other elementary school.  I don’t particularly want to have Forrestal be left behind because they don’t have resources in place that would actually make it possible for them to use that money as effectively as other elementary schools that do have a full time instructor or the level of units in that week that students can attend.  I’m hoping that there is something besides just a budget item but also some strategy that the district is putting together to actually try to bring up the resources to improve the capability of what’s already there, to deliver more to Forrestal schools and to be as involved as all the other schools in planning how to use the money that we’re going to see in the most effective way possible so that as an elementary school at Forrestal we can participate just as well as all the others.  I appreciate any information that you have about whether that’s in place.

1:43:28 Speaker 11: Thanks Ms. Conrad for presentation on South Ave.  You are looking for items in the budget that might offset that maybe not having the TOSA’s and having instructors would actually offset whatever the cost is to even out the disparities on the schools.  I don’t know I think this is a really important issue.  It is a perception of having one school having one advantage over the other doesn’t necessarily promote harmony within the district.  Looking at what’s in your budget now and trimming some of those things could possibly even it out.

1:45:16 Speaker 12: Just to follow up on what I’ve heard.  It’s my understanding that this district can make mid-year adjustments instead of choosing to punt for the next budget cycle you could make an adjustments that are within the restrictions just to put a buzz in your ear.  But that wasn’t what I came up here.  Just wanted to wish happy holidays to the board, the administration, the parents, students, and community.  I also wanted to come up and say that I come to these meetings and ask questions because this an official record and my right as well as it is consistent with transparency of governmental law.  I am not trying to get personal in this venue.  I mentioned at the last board meeting that unequal use of in school suspension versus out of school suspensions based on race rather then severity sounds like discrimination.  This past Friday I received a report of a child that was taken by her hair and slammed against the wall by two girls known for bullying.  In this case the parent wasn’t immediately called when the event happened and the parent had to live with the frustration over the weekend and wait till school was back in session to find out more information.  I don’t believe this problem is school specific.  It may vary from school to school.  I know this bullying policy, and it’s no surprise that it includes prevention; it also includes the requirement that the board will receive an annual vetted report as well as other state requirements relevant to bullying for each building and for the district as a whole.  Based on the review of the data the board may consider further action including but not limited to the modification of this policy and additional training. It is also my understanding that Ms. Baez has instructional exercises to help improve school climate.  I would like the school district to encourage her to start a mentoring the program where parent volunteers can also help.  My name is ___ I’m trained in conflict resolution through my time in AmeriCorps which I think could be helpful.  I’m already in the NY Teach system and I would like to volunteer for something like this.  I also would like to commend the South Avenue Student Council and the Principal that was a wonderful video and I would love to hear more duration of the same throughout the district.  My question is can we work on improving the school climate for the students.

-1:49:25 Speaker 13:  I wanted to make sure that the Board of Education was aware that the US Dept. of Education office of Civil Rights is actively investigating the violations of Title 9 that Dr. Walkley has allowed to occur in the school.  The lead investigator told me that they have requested and have received information about the investigation from the school.  So I want to make sure that you are aware that this investigation is going on because sometimes you may not know everything that’s going on.  As far as the facts, I did submit awhile back, a whole packet to everybody which has all the detailed facts about the investigation and about the case.  Second point I have is actually a question as Mr. Zopf has stated many of the questions that come up here can be complicated and maybe should be taken outside.  We have a lot of questions tonight some were answered in detail some were not.  Why isn’t there a log of the questions that people ask written down detail.  I know some are paraphrased the log of the questions so they can be answered either verbally or in writing so that we have a record and you can say hey, we already answered that question and here is our statement.  So why is that not done?  Next question is back during the time there was voting about the TOSA positions there was extensive talk about metrics.  A lot of metrics that were going to be had, developed to track performance and the impact the TOSA’s have.  So when will these metrics be published and when will they be provided to the public so that we can see the results?

-1:54:02 Speaker 14: I have two questions, one, I really loved the film that the Student Council put together and I wanted to just mention this while it’s fresh in everybody’s mind that you got a really good look at our playground at South Avenue.  Playground with one piece of equipment provided by the district and one tiny piece of equipment that you may have seen flash by that was paid for by the PTA.  I have been at South Avenue for six years now and been a member of the PTA for six years and every year we devote most of the fundraising to trying to get something more for that playground.  If you are wondering, well we only saw a little corner of it, no you saw all of it.  That’s it.  There is a dusty field and two pieces of equipment.  So when you guys are reviewing the inequalities between all the different elementary schools I hope that gets discussed because South Avenue really gets the short end of the stick when it comes to outdoor play equipment.  The PTA this year is devoting I would say a huge amount if not all of it’s funding to try and get more playground equipment.  Which is awesome. I’m very supportive of that.  But I do think that the district needs to look at it and evaluate it a little bit more money in the budget toward something to make it equal with the other schools.  My second question, I hope I’m not to long, if you could explain how with the new Tech Bond it’s reimbursement bond, if you could just explain it to me so that I understand I a little bit better.  Let’s say we have a million dollars in the budget and we spend that much and we are reimbursed how does that free up the budget for the next year since there is money given back into that budget and not affect the tax cap.  How can we use that to our advantage? I am confused about that.  

-1:57:08 Speaker 15: Coordinator of the Lifted Program wanted to say a few words tonight.  She is very excited to share that we have had a beautiful jumpstart at South Avenue School, which is our first pilot program with the help of the Principal, and staff and our Lifted Team.  Our first seminar was navigating your way through South Avenue School. Our second one, which was just this past week, and it was reading readiness with our ELA teacher of South Avenue.  We are looking for parents to come out and learn from our new Parent Academy.  Our next workshops are concerning with health and Special Ed and CSE 101. And parenting tips for the new parents that are entering their new school district.  Also robocalls have been sent out and we have had very low parent engagement.  So we as the Lifted Team Program are here to help parents cope with their fears and their hopes so that their children will work better with each other and with us and the community at elementary level and also I’m very excited to be a part of the board helping you guys connecting the bridge with other parents and I hope to be seeing you for our next seminar in January. 

-49:34 Speaker 1 Physical Education Teacher at Sargent spoke of her experience in the past with the BTA and how she felt it improved under the leadership of Ms. Pilla.  As the changes with Common Core and during our constant turnover of superintendents Ms. Pilla was there collecting information and distributing among members.  She has not heard a public statement of gratitude to Ms. Pilla and she would like to thank Ms. Pilla for her service tonight. 

-53:22 Speaker 2 talks about the petition that asks the Board to look into why the teachers were dissatisfied.  The petition was made in response to the Union President's letter at the prior board meeting.  Some signatures include the Mayor and several City Council Members and many others.  She provides the Board of Education with the petition and urges them to look into the underlying cause for the current discontent.  There are ethical concerns and we look to the BOE to provide leadership in this area. 

-56:45 Speaker 3 reads comments from the petition and states that we need a culture shift and everyone is coming together to say that.  Until we find a positive relationship between the teachers and the admin we are never going to be able to excel as a district.

-58:08 Speaker 4 shares some observations she had at one of the first meetings she attended.  Dr. Walkley gave a sobering report on our high school and it's focus status and the areas where we need to show improvement.  She states that Dr. Walkley spoke extensively about Rigor (she later learned that there is an educational definition of Rigor) involves creative thinking, complex problem solving, etc.  At the same meeting she heard parents make comments of outrage involving teacher transfers asking for explanations.  In subsequent meetings she has developed concern for low APPR rates and how that seems to have been mishandled, dismay over programming for the arts especially in relation to BAEF, lost or underutilized BOCES contracts, money being misspent or not spent when it could be going to increasing these programs, missing or late book orders, approval of expensive consultants, disparates between the elementary schools in art and music staff.  Serious issues are being brought up at meetings sometimes they aren't even acknowledged in responses.  With own research she has learned about status with the state.  Learned about what other cities have done to get out of focus status.  New Paltz BOE rejecting criteria, Haldane has given detailed explanation on their TOSAs, examples on how healthy districts operate and integral to this is leadership with vision and culture of outreach.  Beacon has terrible reputation.  Known as "the little District that could and then didn't"  This is disheartening news.  How are you on the Beacon City School Board going to apply the necessary "Rigor" to once and for all address the inherent dysfunction and lack of vision in our administration that is clearly keeping us from living up to our full potential. 

1:03:47 Speaker 5 reads comments from the petition

1:05:55 Speaker 6 at last meeting we learned about Glenham's STEM program that their librarian is implementing.  While all is this is happening at Glenham, JVF and Sargent are sharing both a librarian and an art teacher.  How is this fair?  Why are Forrestal and Sargent (2nd largest elementary school) having to share teachers?  Why is the curriculum not the same throughout the entire district?  What is the district going to do to ensure that all elementary schools are afforded the same opportunities regardless of which school they go to?  Also, what has been your experience with Bond Elections and please describe your specific responsibilities and results. 

-1:07::37  Speaker 7 BTA President is tremendously humbled by the support shown by the parent's group and on behalf of all the teachers that work in Beacon he wants to say thank you.  He can no longer hear the Superintendent state how well she is working with the BTA when nothing can be further from the truth.  There are still textbooks that heaven't been provided,  The Superintendent has violated contract by not supplying mentors required by NY State in a timely fashion for our new teachers.  He believes that they were intentionally put on the back burner to cement the TOSA positions.  TOSAs are supposed to be voluntarily used by the teachers, but the Superintendent has threatened that if classrooms aren't opened to the TOSAs she will pull teachers from class for mandatory training.  At a cost of $500,000 a year, the Superintendent has oversubscribed the number of TOSAs.  Superintendent has failed to pay six school psychologists for 100's of hours of work they did last year on the committee for Special Ed.  Work the Superintendent agreed to pay for.  They school psychologists performed the work, submitted claims which were signed off by a supervisor, and they are not paid.  Central Admin. will not respond to emails.  Superintendent has failed to address critical shortage of substitutes.  Substitutes leave district to go to higher paying districts.  The Superintendent has said that the reason we don't have enough subs is because the teachers take too many sick days.  When I asked which teachers there was no answers.  Superintendent asked BTA to sign MOA to move a morning PE to the afternoon.  I said send it to me and I'll sign it.  For two weeks I sent emails and received the response we are waiting on the lawyers.  I received the MOA and the Superintendent expected me to sign and return it in one day.  This passive aggressive way of doing business is the same way she dealt with us on proposed APPR.  Does Superintendent not understand that the teachers want a well vetted APPR especially in light of fact that once again the government has put forth a document heavily weighted against teachers?  And is our hesitancy to sign proposed APPR a mystery to the Superintendent when it was she and the ex-BTA president that were the architects of the last APPR which resulted in approximately 70% of our teachers being rated ineffective?  The list of transgressions is an exhaustive list.  BTA is at a crucial junction in our relationship with the Superintendent.  The BTA leadership asked to meet twice a month to try and work collaboratively and to improve the district.  Superintendent said let's stay with once a month.  I offered my cell # and said call anytime, the Superintendent replied you have my office #.  We are at an impasse.  The District is not performing well according to NY State.  It will be a disaster for the district to go into receivership.  (Interruption) You need us Mrs. Thompson and we want to work together.

-1:13:52 Speaker 8 asks about Technology grant and the workshop that is supposed to happen.  Do you have a date for the workshop?  And with the approval for the waiver how does that change the APPR for this year and if that changes the role of the IST (Instsructional Support Teacher) in charge of educating on the 3012D

-1:14:46 Speaker 9  Observes the Board is unable to act and follow through on certain things that they'd like to accomplish.  Some of that is not understanding Robert's Rules of Order to move things forward in a meeting.  She would love to see a meet and greet.  It can happen in a 10 minute recess.  Someone on board could motion for this to happen.   Also, Ms. Galbo shared that she would like to reach out to teachers.  She read the BTA contract and found a contractual agreement and stated she would like to invite BTA to come and meet with the board. She sees it noted in the minutes and I would like to know If that has made it onto the agenda? According to Roberts Rules of Order the President has discretion when moderating a meeting.  Policy is put in place to provide for general framework, but the moderator may use discretion.  She finds it highly disturbing the president of the teachers union, who was voted in by teachers, is not afforded a few more moments to speak.

​-1:17:29 Speaker 10 at the last meeting you addressed the concerns she had about the consultants hired whether or not there was staff buy-in.  You redirected my comment to Ms Kellogg wh responded that she had received emails about how helpful one consultant, Steph Harvey had been.  Speaker did not mean to imply that consultants can not ever be helpful, but she is wondering if given some of the basic needs of the district, like textbooks that are missing ten weeks into the school year and the book orders have been placed, signed for and delivered to central office last school year.   IEP’s are still out of compliance. A big concern is that there aren't enough, if any, substitute teachers in the district because this district still does not pay a competitive rate. Teaching assistants are being pulled out of their classrooms to sub leaving their teachers alone.  Full-time teachers for art and library are not in place at all of the schools. Are these basic needs perhaps more deserving of the money spent on consultants than a few days of reading and writing workshops Which often pulled teachers out of the classroom and may not be very helpful teachers that have been teaching for years and already masters of their craft.  Steph Harvey consulting for 31 days of reading workshops totaling $660 an hr. for total of $123,000.  Doug Ricketts at $800 a day for 25 days is $20,000 and I understand that you are using grant money to pay for these consultants.  Can you please explain if this grant money must be specifically used for Professional development or if this almost $150,000 could be potentially be used to meet some of basic needs in this district that I just mentioned. And if the money must be used for staff development are there alternative means that are perhaps less costly?  Or alternative programs, like the calico ball for example, (it only cost of this district a measly $6000 in comparison). Who does the grant writing for the district? How much grant money has been received this year for specific programs like bullying prevention, and how has that money been spent? Do you know which bullying programs are in place at each of the schools?  How much did Beacon receive in Race to the Top Funds? We are classified as a high needs District therefore we received extra funds from the Excel program. How much did we receive last year, and how are the funds allocated? Ms. Thompson can you please define what you feel the role of the BTA president is, or what it should be, if it is not to provide checks and balances on the district administration?

1:26:22 Speaker 12 ​She asks Dr. Walkley about the DCIP (District Comprehensive Improvement Plan) which is featured on the homepage of the Beacon City School District website. That is the plan we are currently following. It was submitted to the state on July 31, 2015. She just wants to confirm that.   She has seen something on Facebook that there isn’t anyone to help the Seniors do the yearbook.  Can we get someone to do that? She has a question to the board members who are voting tonight about the various consultant agreements, Engineering by Design, Carlie’s Crusade.  She wants to make sure that everybody is reading those agreements and that everyone knows how much money is going to each one of those things before they sign them.  

,1:28:53 Speaker 13 feels that the idea of respect doesn’t always come forward in sort of a neat and tidy box when you are dealing with hard issues about which people are passionate. Her parents also taught her about respect but she was taught about engagement, expecting more, being pushed to reach your full potential, to talk about problems, care loudly at each other.   What the BTA president was bringing forward was valuable feedback maybe it didn’t sound the way we wanted it to sound or maybe it was a little louder and harsher but it’s still important and it’s still an extremely important part of our education community.  Whatever opinions you might have about the person the message is still there and you have to dispassionately absorb that.  There is an irregularity about the first speaker went on at length mentioning names and paid tribute, and that was ok, but in his bringing up a name that was considered inappropriate and I just want to say nobody runs for a leadership position because they are seeking anonymity.  You know your name is going to be put out there.  People like and dislike your decisions.  In the end we all want the same thing and we can’t keep discussing how we talk to each other anymore because it is exhausting.  We can figure it out and we should try. 

-33:49 Speaker 1 reads her letter to the Board regarding the petition she has begun in support of the BTA President Mr. Burn's letter at the previous board meeting.   (link to  petition and letter can be found here   )  

-37:58 Speaker 2 supports the previous letter.  Whatever the intention of teacher transfers was there is a real problem with teacher morale.  This was evident by the letter by Mr. Burns at last meeting.  The way the transfers were handled has had a negative impact.  Failed opportunity for leadership. Top down management style.  What is the plan to heal the district?  What concrete steps is the administration going to take to improve morale, listen to, and better support our teachers moving forward?  Time to reassess how our district functions.

-40:46 Speaker 3 states that there is disfunction and a lack of vision.  Concerned about teacher's working environment.  Would like to see transparency.  What is the district's plan going forward?

-44:15 Speaker 4 is proud of Board Members for speaking on the disrespect being felt at meetings.  Speaker is supportive of the Board and the Superintendent

-46:06 Speaker 5 states that the Middle School is looking for costumes for their "Hairspray" musical.  Asks for saddle shoes, poodle skirts, etc. 

-47:03 Speaker 6 speaks on the demands of the state and their adverse effects on public education.  this district's position on APPR, opt-outs, consultants with no staff buy-in, teacher transfers, textbooks missing with the ball being dropped at admin. level.  Asks Board of Ed. to take stand with us

-51:31 Speaker 7 is the co-chair of the BTA public relations committee.  Thank you to Board on Board Appreciation night and handed out gift

-52:34 Speaker 8 asks why the former president of the BTA was able to have an internship at the district office.  Where was the Board oversight.  Questions these arrangements and the transfers.  Why is the Board not addressing these situations.

-56:42 Speaker 9 would like the BOE to look objectively at the Superintendent.  Why are there classrooms that do not have what they need?  Why are there children whose IEP's aren't being met?  Why is grant money going unaccounted for?  Why are teachers feeling disrespected.  Why can't we look to Highland Falls?

-1:00:44 Speaker 10 questions the proposed comment policy.  The President and Superintendent can reply during public comment.  Does this count toward the total 60 minutes allotted?

-1:01:52 Speaker 11 We need to respect our teachers.  Why do they not have their textbooks on day 1?  When will they be delivered?  Who is responsible?  Questions the board's last superintendent search.

-1:05:30 Speaker 12 at forum she spoke about 3yr. plan as part of the learning community.  She has asked specific questions about our current plan that she has not received adequate responses on.  Can we have a student Board Member?  What is the status on this.  Why is it taking so long to get this on the agenda?

-1:08:32 Speaker 13 Part of the group Beacon Speaks Out values the topic of transparency.  She'd like to offer transparency with the School Board's involvement with Beacon Speaks Out.  She appreciates board member Ms. Galbo attending weekly meetings building strong relationships between the community and the police force.  Assures that the police presence on the school grounds is part of the greater sectorial project the chief is implementing throughout the city.  She urges people that may have issues to contact her.

1:11:08 Speaker 14 We have been requesting data from the Board about teacher transfers.  Is the information releasable?  Will you be able to release information on who was transferred involuntarily or because of disciplinary action?  Why was there a sub hired at $65. Why are subs being hired at lower rates?

Minutes from the meeting beyond public comment can be found here: