MOTION was made by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Dr. Arden and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss current litigation, collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law (Pelham Teachers' Association), the financial and/or credit history of a particular person and/or corporation, and the record of a particular student.

7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

7.1. Student Recognition

Mrs. Matthews briefly sumarized the contributions of student, Jen Mauro, to Colonial School. Miss Mauro, accompanied by her teacher, Mr. Sollazo, explained to the Board, her lunchtime duties with the students at Colonial. Ms. Matthews explained that Head Custodian, Bob Benkwitt, brought Miss Mauro's wonderful work ethic to her attention and that she was sure that the Board would like to meet her. Miss Mauro was presented with a certificate of achievememt from Dr. Lauro.

7.2. Administrative and Committee Reports

7.2.1. Second Reading of Proposed Amended Policy 5420

Dr. Arden said that tonight was the second reading of the proposed amended concussion policy. She said that she has not received any questions about the policy. The Board commenced a brief discussion on the topic.

7.4. Middle School Chinese Culture Program

Mr. Longobardi, Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Bloom, Ms. Eva Chi and PMS students were in attendance to talk about the current Middle School Chinese Culture Program. Mr. Longobardi gave some background about the program and Mrs. Thompson talked about acquiring the grant through the College Board. Mr. Bloom and Ms. Chi spoke about how they integrate the language and culture in the classroom and then led the Board through some student activities. The students introduced themselves, and in Chinese, counted and sang a song. They also assisted the Board with writing the characters that represent 1-10.

Mr. Longobardi presented the superintendent’s excellence certificates to each of the students, addressed future considerations of the program and then asked for questions from the Board. He concluded by saying that, at this time, he has no recommendation for the future of the program. He concluded by saying that the program needs to be discussed and researched.

7.3. Middle School ELA and Math State Assessments/Curriculum - School Report Cards

Mr. Giarrizzo came before the Board and announced that tonight the 6-8 ELA and math results would be shared. Mr. Longobardi said that these assessments have become very important and that we utilize the data more than ever before. Mr. Llewellyn, Curriculum Supervisor, English 6-8, addressed changes in ELS testing and shared the Middle School’s response to the results. Ms. Sabia spoke about academic intervention services and other supports for struggling learners. Mr. Eicher took questions from the Board.

Mrs. Vitale, Curriculum Supervisor for Math spoke about the math department’s response to the new cut scores and the areas that need to be addressed. Mrs. Vitale fielded questions from the Board.

Mr. Giarrizzo, following Mr. Eicher’s request, commented on the Investigations Math program.

Having deferred his opening remarks until now, Mr. Eicher took a few moments to address, among other things, the recent community communications received by himself and the Board, the new budget law, budget matters and process, and BOE committee meeting practices.

Community Engagement Committee Report
Mr. Hearle reminded everyone that public access channels 42 and 77 cover school district activities. He said that the committee would like to engage members of the community who feel that their voices are not being heard. He suggested community meetings be held before the upcoming budget hearings begin, during which the Board President and Vice President would hear and discuss a wide variety of topics.

Student Life Committee Report
Mrs. Kiernan reported that PACT and Pelham Guidance recently attended a meeting and spoke about the results of the student survey on drug and alcohol. These two groups will also present the survey results to the community at the November 17^th Board meeting.

Finance Committee Report
Mr. Eicher announced that the treasurer’s report has a new format and that the committee approves of it. Some other items discussed were the sale of stock, the cafeteria fund, payroll direct deposit issues, debt service fund, update on capital fund project, and the expected reduction of state aid.