After a lengthy discussion at last week’s Marlboro School Board about the wearing of masks, Superintendent Michael Brooks and the board agreed that with the opening of school this week the district will adhere to guidance given by the Ulster County Board of Health on Covid 19 protocols.

In a letter to Marlboro families Brooks wrote that the district recommends that eligible employees and students get vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals should consult with their physician to decide if getting vaccinated is the right decision for them. All employees and students should wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Masks are optional outdoors. Masks can be removed while actively eating or drinking. Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated that she will require all individuals to wear masks while in schools and masks are required to be worn on school buses, similar to public transit, and students should separate as much as possible when on buses. Mask breaks will be part of the school day. If there is an exposure to an individual with COVID-19, the district will cooperate with the department of health for quarantine requirements of those infected with COVID-19. The district will also notify affected families if we are aware of a school related exposure to COVID-19. Anyone exposed to COVID-19 should monitor their health condition and seek advice from their healthcare provider on managing any potential exposure. Generally, masked individuals and those fully vaccinated will not need to quarantine due to an exposure to Covid-19. Enhanced and regular cleaning protocols from the last school year will continue in the 2021-22 school year. Additionally, the district has a fully automated heating and air conditioning system that meets or exceeds air circulation and fresh air mixing guidelines.Proper spacing of desks 3 feet apart will occur in classrooms as much as possible and students and employees are encouraged and expected to maintain proper distancing. Everyone is expected to follow good person hygiene habits including thorough hand washing. Students, staff and faculty should not come to school if they are displaying any type of illness. If a child is ill, they should stay home until the illness passes. Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 should follow the directives of their healthcare provider and the department of health; School will be open for all students and follow the regular adopted school calendar. Students who need special health accommodations will need to apply through the special education department or file with your principal for a 504 accommodation. Contact the office of Robin Hecht, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction or the school principal for basic information on these two processes.

Requests will need to be submitted in writing along with supporting medical documentation. It should be noted, unlike last year, there is no remote option. Families requesting an accommodation due to a health matter will need to provide the District with documentation and participate in the special education or 504 process to determine if their children are eligible for services. Decisions for eligibility will be made on a case-by-case basis. Extra-curricular clubs and activities will run normally in our schools and sports will run in accordance with Section IX and MHAL guidelines and rules.

Rosanne Mele, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Personnel, said tax bills were mailed out on September 1 and can be paid by mail. There is no penalty if it is paid in full by September 30 but a 2% penalty if paid in October and a 3% penalty if postmarked on or before November 3 and not by November 30.

Mele pointed out that on a home assessed at $200,000 taxpayers across the board will be paying $259.52 less than last year. She said if anyone has a tax question they can contact the tax collector Susan Canfield at 845-236-8000 x1400.

Brooks highlighted the Reserve Funds, noting that the numbers were discussed by the Finance Committee and finalized with the district’s auditor. He said at the recommendation of the Finance Committee, there is $5,192,474 that is listed in the Unassigned Fund Balance [at 8.9%], “that we can utilize towards additional money on top of existing reserves and funds.” He said they had discussed the option of taking $1 million of this total and putting it in the Capital Reserve, which is specific to capital expenditures. That 10 year fund was established by the taxpayers 2 years ago at $10 million but has not yet been funded. Brooks said the Facilities Committee suggested looking at the district’s financial position at the end of the 2021-22 school year, “to see if we want to fund the Capital Reserve. We will know more [then] about Danskammer as it is up for approval or not this winter. We will also know an awful lot more about where we are on funding from the state budget and as you know the 2021-22 school year should be our second year of getting well-due Foundation Aid.” He added that the district will then know if there were any unanticipated expenses, maybe related to the ongoing pandemic.

Brooks said this year the district has to conduct a conditions survey that will be done by an outside firm who will review the school buildings and make recommendations of things that are in need of repair or must be fixed.

Brooks pointed out that last year for the first time the district carried a nearly 7% Fund Balance, while the “rule” of the state Comptroller’s office is to stay at or below 4%. Brooks, however, said this higher amount is a prudent move, “in these uncharted times.” He said putting it all in the Unassigned Fund Balance gives the district the “ultimate flexibility on how we use that money going forward. It is not money in our budget to spend, it’s money that is sitting there in case there is an issue we need to bring to the board and that money can then be spent.” The board unanimously approved the action that Superintendent Brooks suggested.

Robin Hecht, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, gave an instructional update, reporting that she will have received all of the applications for pre-K by the end of August. Curriculum resources have been ordered and professional development has begun, “and we actually had a couple of K teachers doing that development for us.”

Hecht said the district is preparing ways to help students who may have experienced some learning or emotional challenges during the last year by hiring new Academic Intervention Specialists [AIS] along with creating an AIS Suite; a literacy coach for reading and writing; additional Social workers and getting 1,000 Chromebooks ready for distribution.

Mike Bakatsias, Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Personnel, touched upon the progress of the Vision 2020 project; at the High School Offices, Main & Counseling center is complete but there is still work to be done at the entry/greeters station; the High School Instructional spaces are nearing completion and will setup classroom technology as soon as possible; the Middle School Offices, Main & Counseling are also almost finished, with planning and setup of those offices systems to follow; the Middle School Instructional spaces are also nearing completion.

The district received final approval two weeks ago on the Smart School Bond and complete replacement of the Smart Boards will follow; there have been Surveillance Video upgrades along with wiring of the Middle School for the Smart Boards.

The Elementary and High School work is finished, however the Middle School is on hold until more instructional spaces are available. The contractor may begin on the 2nd floor and TEQ will be installing the Smart Boards.