Approval of the 2025–2026 Budget

Representatives from Accounting Solutions New York presented the proposed budget for the 2025–2026 school year.

• The budget projected approximately $16.1 million in revenue and $16.2 million in expenses.
• The proposed budget included an anticipated deficit of approximately $140,000.
• The Finance Committee had previously reviewed the budget in detail.
• The projected deficit reflected conservative enrollment assumptions and anticipated staffing expenses.
• Leadership noted that actual enrollment and the number of vacancies filled could materially affect the final financial results.
• Leadership anticipated revisiting the budget in September after enrollment and staffing information became clearer.

Summer Boost Update
 

• Approximately 85 students were enrolled in Summer Boost.
• The program began on July 7.
• Representatives associated with the Summer Boost program conducted a site visit and provided positive feedback regarding the program’s implementation.
• The visitors specifically noted the school’s emphasis on supporting students through their native languages and translanguaging.
• The program included test preparation for students who had not yet passed required examinations.
• Updated Regents results were expected to be available in August.
  • Sixth- and ninth-grade students demonstrated the most consistent attendance.

High School Clear-Backpack Requirement

• Leadership informed the Board that high school students would be required to use clear backpacks.
• The policy was intended to reduce instructional time lost during backpack searches and discourage students from bringing prohibited items to school.
• Families were informed of the new requirement during a parent orientation, and leadership reported receiving no significant parent objections.
• Students who do not wish to transport laptops in clear backpacks will have access to devices at school.
• The Board discussed vaping among students and possible educational workshops and support groups addressing vaping and related health concerns.
• Leadership also reviewed the school’s existing practice of collecting student cell phones at arrival and discussed challenges involving smartwatches and other connected devices.

• Leadership reported that the remaining Flagstar funds were expected to be transferred and the Flagstar accounts subsequently closed.

• Board members were reminded to complete the annual board self-assessment.
• The assessment link had been sent to trustees’ personal email addresses.
• Several trustees had already completed the assessment, and remaining trustees were asked to complete it when available.

High School Leadership

• Leadership informed the Board that the former High School Director would not be returning.
• Felix Sanchez had recently been appointed Assistant Director.
• Dr. Melissa Melkonian would serve as Acting High School Director while leadership evaluated the appropriate long-term structure.

Staffing and Vacancies

• The school had approximately 13 remaining instructional vacancies.
• Leadership intended to fill as many essential positions as possible but did not anticipate filling every vacancy.
• Staffing decisions would be made strategically based on enrollment, scheduling, student needs, and the financial effect on the approved budget.
• Leadership noted that integrated co-teaching sections might not be available in every classroom, but student programs and schedules would be arranged to provide required IEP services.

Sixth-Grade Enrollment

• Leadership reported approximately 50 enrolled sixth-grade students, compared with a target of approximately 87.
• SchoolMint application data indicated that word-of-mouth referrals were the primary source of sixth-grade applicants.
• Leadership proposed offering a referral incentive to existing families when a referred sixth-grade student completed enrollment.
• The proposal had been reviewed for legal compliance.
• The specific type and value of the incentive had not yet been finalized.
• Leadership planned to announce the initiative and provide an update to the Board in August.
• The Board also discussed broader enrollment challenges affecting schools in the surrounding