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Board of Education Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 27, 2026 Regular Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
Administrative Offices, Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Building
Michael A. Mirizio, President Dr. Terry Ward, Superintendent of Schools Paul Farfaglia, Vice President Michael Baroody, Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent Robert Crabtree Donald F.X. Keegan, Associate Superintendent Joshua Ludden for Business Services Amanda Sugrue Jilian K. Herrera, District Clerk Matthew Hermann Carol Goehner Cheryl McDonald 6 Visitors Mark Thorne Mia Lieu, Student Ex-Officio
A. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
President Michael Mirizio called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. Moment of Silence
Mr. Mirizio asked for a moment of silence observed in memory of the following school community members:
James Matthew DeSantis, a graduate of the North Syracuse Central School District, Pamela Keyes, a retiree of the North Syracuse Central School District, Vera Desimone, a retiree of the North Syracuse Central School District, and Hazel Pugh, a retiree of the North Syracuse Central School District.
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No presentations were scheduled for this meeting.
No Comments from the Audience. (Note: Individuals wishing to address the Board during this portion of the meeting were required to register by Friday, July 17th at 3:00 p.m.)
A. Board of Education Committee Reports
There were no Board of Education Committee Reports presented.
B. Superintendent's Comments
Dr. Ward provided an update on the District’s leadership professional development summer activities, which took place over two days at two separate locations. The administrative team continued its work on strategic planning and spent considerable time discussing District culture and the purpose behind Opening Day. The team also discussed the Portrait of a Graduate initiative, with a presentation planned for the Board in August. The second day of professional development was held at Onondaga Community College (OCC), where the team explored the possibility of reimagining some of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) spaces at Cicero-North Syracuse High School and potentially the junior high school.
Dr. Ward also shared information regarding employment opportunities in the region, noting that Upstate University Hospital is currently the number one employer in the area and has approximately 1,500 positions that need to be filled. The team discussed what students would need to know and be able to do upon graduation to successfully pursue these types of career opportunities.
Overall, Dr. Ward described the two days as a productive and valuable professional development experience for the administrative team.
C. Board of Education Comments Mr. Farfaglia shared that he attended the Leadership in Education Conference sponsored by NYSSBA this past week. He noted that all Board members received an email outlining his thoughts and reflections from the conference. Mr. Farfaglia also shared information regarding the annual NYSSBA Expo, which will be held in Buffalo for the next two years. E. Student Board Member Comments
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Mr. Crabtree reported that he also attended the Leadership in Education Conference with Mr. Farfaglia and participated in several valuable sessions. One of his favorite sessions focused on governing for student outcomes.
He also highlighted a session on elevating the voices of ex officio student Board members. Mr. Crabtree noted that this will be the District’s fourth year with a student serving on the Board and that the District was one of the first in the area to have a student Board member, prior to the Governor’s requirement that all school districts have a student representative on their Boards. He encouraged the Board to consider ways to further elevate and incorporate the student Board member’s voice in Board discussions and activities.
Mr. Crabtree also discussed the Board’s self-evaluation and expressed his interest in moving forward with the process, if the Board is in agreement. He suggested that the Board also have an opportunity to provide input when developing the annual Board meeting calendar.
Mr. Crabtree informed the Board that this will be his final term and asked Board members to begin considering potential candidates to serve as his replacement on the OCM BOCES Board over the next year to year and a half.
D. Student Board Member Comments
Ms. Lieu shared some of her goals for the year. Firstly, she would like to better support all of the extracurricular opportunities for students. She is currently gathering data on student participation and she reached out to several club advisors. Next, she would like to explore the trade school opportunities and information available to students in and after high school.
A. Consideration of Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Reorganizational Meeting and the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of July 13, 2026
Ms. Sugrue made the motion to approve the Minutes of the Annual Reorganizational Meeting and the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of July 13, 2026, as prepared and presented by Jilian K. Herrera, District Clerk. The motion was seconded and carried by Mr. Ludden with nine yes votes.
A. Policy 7215 - Secondary Summer School Admission (7-12) - Amendment and Readoption
Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve the Amendment and Readoption of Policy 7215 - Secondary Summer School Admission (7-12), as recommended by the Policy Committee from their March 10, 2026 meeting. The motion was seconded and carried by Ms. McDonald with nine yes votes.
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B. Resolution to Create Position
Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve the foregoing resolution.
WHEREAS the North Syracuse Central School District, in reviewing the most recent enrollment data,
staffing, and student needs, has determined for instructional reasons it is necessary to create a certain position, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
I. Administrative Tenure Area: Assistant Director
The following positions be and hereby are created effective September 1, 2026:
Ms. Goehner seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes, one opposed.
C. Amendment to Appointment of Claims Auditor and Establishment of Bond at $1,000,000 (Ed. Law 1709(20-a), Comm. Reg. 170.2; Public Officers Law)
Mr. Ludden made the motion to appoint Suzanne Lepkowski as Part-Time Claims Auditor at an hourly rate of $46.74 per hour effective for the 2026-2027 school year and Establishment of Bond at $1,000,000 (Ed. Law 1709(20-a), Comm. Reg. 170.2; Public Officers Law) Mr. Thorne seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
D. Appointment of 2026/27 Board of Education Committee Assignments
Ms. McDonald made the motion to approve the following North Syracuse Central School District 2026-
• Executive Committee: Michael Mirizio, Paul Farfaglia, Amanda Sugrue, Joshua Ludden • Policy Committee: Michael Mirizio or Paul Farfaglia; Mark Thorne (Chairperson), Cheryl McDonald, Carol Goehner, Mia Lieu • Legislative Committee: Robert Crabtree (Chairperson), Paul Farfaglia, Joshua Ludden, Matthew Hermann, Mia Lieu • Budget Subcommittee: Michael Mirizio, Paul Farfaglia, Amanda Sugrue, Joshua Ludden • Facilities Committee: Michael Mirizio, Paul Farfaglia, Matthew Hermann, Bob Crabtree
The motion was seconded by Ms. Goehner and carried with nine yes votes.
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A. Instructional Personnel Report
Mr. Ludden Made the motion to approve Instructional Personnel Report A as submitted. Mr. Hermann seconded the motion and it was carried with eight yes votes, with one board member abstaining.
NAME: Bresadola, Mia ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Level I, dated 2/1/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $27.72 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Blakeman, Sarah ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Childhood Education Gr. 1-6; dated 5/2/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $28.24 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Buza, Darcy ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Level III, dated 12/6/24 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $28.24 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Chillemi, Gina ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Initial, dated 6/12/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $28.24 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position NAME: D’Auria, Lynette ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
Continuing; dated 9/1/91 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/29 SALARY: $28.24 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Farnett, Kimberly ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Initial, dated 4/21/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $28.24 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Kurt, Lydia ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Kindergarten Teacher
LOCATION: Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
Early Childhood Ed. Birth-Gr. 2, dated 7/18/26
$74,461 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Kindergarten Teacher; replaces
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Taryn Sherwood.
NAME: Nelson, Rebecca ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
Childhood Education Grades 1-6, dated 6/5/25
$75,255 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a long-term substitute Elementary Teacher; replaces Marissa Lisi.
NAME: Pascarella, Alexis ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Social Worker
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
School Social Worker, dated 7/14/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 TENURE AREA: Social Worker
$80,821 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as probationary Social Worker; replaces Felicia Lattanzio.
NAME: Patapow, Alita ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Level I, dated 6/5/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $26.93 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Root, Anne ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Level III, dated 2/19/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $28.24 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Wager, Jennifer ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
Level III, dated 1/29/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $27.98 per hour EFFECTIVE: 1/29/26 ACTION: Replaces Lisa Madia.
NAME: Webb, Raegen ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
Level I, dated 9/25/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 SALARY: $26.93 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Newly created position.
NAME: Wieboldt, Jessica ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Special Education Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
Students w/ Dis. (All Grades) dated 9/26/25 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
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TENURE AREA: Special Education SALARY: $81,909 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a probationary Special Education Teacher; replaces Alissa Martin.
NAME: Woodworth, Natalie ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Elementary Teacher
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
Childhood Education, Grades 1-6; dated 9/1/22 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30 TENURE AREA: Elementary SALARY: $74,548 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Hired as a probationary Elementary Teacher; replacing Patricia Burns.
July 2, 2026 – August 13, 2026 SUBSTITUTES:
Name Position Rate Brown, Megan Occupational Therapist $165 per day Substitute Teaching Assistants (Retirees) - $23.25 per hour Merritt, Renee ATHLETICS – SUMMER 2026-27:
Howell, Joe Summer Facility Manager $6,612 ATHLETICS – FALL 2026-27:
Ryan, Jim Head Varsity Football $13,225 Cosselman, Dan Asst. Varsity Football $11,240 Meola Sr., Mike Asst. Varsity Football $11,240 Gates, Matt Asst. Varsity Football $11,240 Diego, Ron Head Junior Varsity Football $11,240 Marzullo, Joe Asst. Junior Varsity Football $9,258 Wise, Dave Asst. Junior Varsity Football $9,258 Guindy, Ramy Asst. Junior Varsity Football $9,258 Ramos, Jordan Asst. Junior Varsity Football $8,032 Mancabelli, Rick Head 7/8 Modified Blue Football $7,934 Caraher, Ryan Asst. 7/8 Modified Football $6,612 Colasanti, Jeff Head 7/8 Modified White Football $7,934 Ellis, Steve Asst. 7/8 Modified Football $6,612 Button, Mark Asst. 7/8 Modified Football $6,612 Ranieri, Brad Head Girls Varsity Swimming $11,903 Vito, Keri Asst. Girls Varsity Swimming $9,918 Gill, Paul Asst. Girls Varsity Swimming $9,918 Thorne, Maddie Girls Modified Swimming $6,534 Feeney, Brandi Varsity Girls Tennis $7,624 Mirizio, Alissa Head Girls Modified Tennis $6,884 Lucia, Mike Head Boys Varsity Volleyball $11,903 Freytag, Michael Asst. Boys Varsity Volleyball $9,918 Knoop, Phil Junior Varsity Boys Volleyball $9,481 Nash, Alicia Head Girls Varsity Volleyball $10,065 Caputo, Kwinn Asst. Girls Varsity Volleyball $9,481 June, Jon Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball $9,918 Sims, Jordan Varsity Cheerleading $8,236 Ingison, Britani Junior Varsity Cheerleading $6,709 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 7/27/2026
30 Campbell, Dereck Head Boys Varsity Soccer $11,903 Byrnes, Nolan Asst. Boys Varsity Soccer $9,918 Haight, Jason Junior Varsity Boys Soccer $9,918 Smith, Eric Head Boys 7/8 Blue Soccer $7,934 Cook, Todd Head Boys 7/8 White Soccer $7,934 Lenchert, Jeremy Head Girls Varsity Soccer $11,903 Liberati, Stephanie Asst. Girls Varsity Soccer $9,918 Siechen, Robert Head Junior Varsity Girls Soccer $9,918 McPhillips, Kerry Head Girls 7/8 Blue Soccer $7,934 D’Avirro, Sandro Head Girls 7/8 White Soccer $7,934 Kennedy, Patrick Head Varsity Field Hockey $11,903 Karas, Olivia Asst. Varsity Field Hockey $9,043 Smith, Eileen Junior Varsity Field Hockey $9,918 Moore, Pete Asst. Junior Varsity Field Hockey $7,934 Dengos, Shannon Head Modified Blue Field Hockey $6,884 Schlotzhauer, Jim Head Modified White Field Hockey $7,934 Froelick, Scott Head Boys Varsity Cross Country $10,590 Rockwell, Kevin Asst. Boys Varsity Cross Country $9,918 Ross, Mackenzie Head Girls Varsity Cross Country $11,903 Harbold, Jack Asst. Girls Varsity Cross Country $9,918 Lucia, Kim Head Girls Modified Cross Country $7,934 Purkiss, Nina Head Boys Modified Cross Country $6,709 Banks, Chuck Head Boys Varsity Blue Golf $9,258 Shannon, Jason Head Boys Varsity Green Golf $9,258 Howell, Joe Facility Manager $15,870 Volunteers:
Meola Jr., Mike Varsity Football -0- Toia, Vito Varsity Football -0- Marchant, Zach Varsity Football -0- Razmovski, JJ Varsity Football -0- Giannuzzi, John Varsity Football -0- Kozlowski, Justin JV Football -0- Blidy, Nicole Girls Swimming -0- Bryerton, Kevin Boys Varsity Soccer -0- Lax, Jacob Athletic Dept. -0- Garnes, Lia Athletic Dept. Photographer -0- Ordway, Mary Kate Girls Soccer -0- Valenti, Rachel Girls Soccer -0- King, Olivia Modified Girls Soccer -0- Petizano, Rebecca Girls Modified Tennis -0- Bough, Nick Boys Golf -0- REQUESTS FOR LEAVE:
NAME: DiGiovanni, Danielle ASSIGNMENT: AIS Math Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
9/2/26-6/30/27 ACTION: Requests a child rearing leave.
NAME: Messecar, Elizabeth ASSIGNMENT: ENL Teacher
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School
9/2/26-6/30/27 ACTION: Requests a child rearing leave.
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NAME: Pitonzo, Marina ASSIGNMENT: Social Studies Teacher
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School Effective: 9/2/26 ACTION: Requests a child rearing leave.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: Jaquay, Christian ASSIGNMENT: Music Teacher
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Middle School
7/14/26 ACTION: Resigns position.
NAME: Pascarella, Alexis ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Social Worker
LOCATION: Allen Road Elementary School
6/30/26 ACTION: Long-term substitute position ends, and will return as a probationary Social Worker, due to issuance of NYS certification.
AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES OF JULY 13, 2026: NAME: Stefanovich, Allison ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Teaching Assistant
LOCATION: Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
Initial, dated 4/25/26 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 9/2/26 – 9/1/30
$28.24 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Amend probationary period from 9/2/26 – 6/30/30 to 9/2/26 – 9/1/30.
B. Support Staff Personnel Report Mr. Thorne made the motion to approve Support Staff Personnel Report B as submitted. Ms. McDonald seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes.
APPOINTMENTS:
NAME: Brown, Megan ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Occupational Therapist SALARY: $165 per day EFFECTIVE: 7/1/26
NAME: Goff, Scott ASSIGNMENT: Maintenance Mechanic
LOCATION: Maintenance and Operations Department
$5,000 EFFECTIVE: 7/1/26 ACTION: Stipend for managing the District’s Siemens Building Automation Systems for the 2026/2027 school year.
NAME: Kondrk, Suzanne ASSIGNMENT: Teacher Aide
LOCATION: Gillette Road Middle School SALARY: $21.77 per hour EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Replaces Marisa Bryan.
NAME: Massi, Emily ASSIGNMENT: Probationary Physical Therapist
LOCATION: .6 Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School/.4 Cicero Elementary School
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$75,163 EFFECTIVE: 9/2/26 ACTION: Replaces Cindy McCreary.
NAME: Suflita, Melissa ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Typist I
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building SALARY: $24.57 per hour EFFECTIVE: 7/1/26 – 7/13/26 ACTION: Hired to continue as a long-term substitute Typist I though replacement transition.
CHANGE IN LOCATION, CLASSIFICATION AND/OR SALARY:
NAME: Bethea, Marcy ASSIGNMENT: Custodian I
LOCATION: North Syracuse Junior High School
8/11/26 ACTION: Voluntary transfer from Cicero-North Syracuse High School to the North Syracuse Junior High School; replaces Amanda Johnson.
NAME: Bushnell, Jeffrey ASSIGNMENT: Custodial Worker I
LOCATION: .5 North Syracuse Junior High School/.5 North Syracuse Junior High School
8/11/26 ACTION: Location change from .5 Cicero-North Syracuse High School/.5 North Syracuse Junior High School to .5 North Syracuse Junior High School/.5 North Syracuse Junior High School; position follows custodial trainer (M. Bethea)for coverage when training.
NAME: Haberek, Melissa ASSIGNMENT: Teacher Aide
LOCATION: Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
9/2/26 ACTION: Increase in hours from 26 hours per week to 27.5 hours per week; replaces Rachel Hujar.
NAME: Kondakoff, Janel ASSIGNMENT: School Nurse
LOCATION: .5 Allen Road Elementary School/.5 Karl W. Saile Bear Road Elementary School
9/2/26 ACTION: Location change from .5 St. Rose Parochial School/.5 District-wide to .5 Allen Road Elementary School/.5 Karl W Saile Bear Road Elementary School; hired to fill an open position previously held by June Chamberlin.
VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS:
NAME: Johnson, Amanda ASSIGNMENT: Custodian I
LOCATION: Roxboro Road Elementary School
7/28/26 ACTION: Voluntary transfer from the North Syracuse Junior High School – 2nd shift to Roxboro Road Elementary School – 1st shift; replaces John Figueiredo.
RETURNS FROM LEAVE:
NAME: Lauth-Emery, Jasmine ASSIGNMENT: Typist I
LOCATION: Administrative Office Building
7/5/26 ACTION: Returns from a family medical leave.
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
NAME: Marr, Cole ASSIGNMENT: Maintenance Worker II
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LOCATION: Maintenance and Operations Department
7/24/26 ACTION: Resigns position.
AMENDMENT TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 4, 2026: Summer Security Guard – Roxboro Road Middle School:
July 2, 2026 – August 15, 2026 Booker, Roger 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. $27.88/hr.
ACTION: Amend time from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
C. Administrative Personnel Report
Mr. Farfaglia made the motion to approve Administrative Personnel Report C as submitted. Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes. C. ADMINISTRATIVE:
NAME: Lunden, David ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Building Administrator
LOCATION: Any School Where needed
School district Administrator; dated 2/1/04 SALARY: $350 per day as substitute Associate Principal; $400 per day as substitute Principal EFFECTIVE: 9/1/26 ACTION: Hired as a per diem substitute Building Administrator.
NAME: Yonko, Charles ASSIGNMENT: Substitute Building Administrator
LOCATION: Any School Where needed
School district Administrator; dated 9/1/26 SALARY: $350 per day as substitute Associate Principal; $400 per day as substitute Principal EFFECTIVE: 9/1/26 ACTION: Hired as a per diem substitute Building Administrator.
CHANGE IN LOCATION/CLASSIFICATION, AND/OR SALARY:
NAME: Rosario, Ariana ASSIGNMENT: Associate Principal
LOCATION: Cicero-North Syracuse High School EFFECTIVE: 7/27/26 ACTION: Voluntary transfer from Roxboro Road Middle School to Cicero-North Syracuse High School; replaces Kimberly Rice.
D, E. Executive Session
Mr. Mirizio made the motion to move into Executive session for the purpose of discussing particular subject matters permitted by law, with no action to follow. Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was
carried with nine yes votes.
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Mr. Mirizio made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Ludden seconded the motion and it was carried with nine yes votes at 5:16 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jilian K. Herrera
District Clerk
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education 7/27/2026