SPECIAL REPORTS

• Mike Gala, director of transportation, presented an annual review of the Department of Transportation. One point of pride: The Department undergoes regular inspections by the New York State Department of Transportation and has earned a 100% rating.
• Becca Johnson and Amanda Schantz presented an update from Penfield’s Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA).
  • SEPTA aims to provide services, partnership, and community to families navigating special education needs for their students. Attendance at meetings continues to grow and SEPTA has strengthened its partnerships with building PTAs. Families can connect with SEPTA through penfieldsepta.com, Facebook, and Instagram.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS

• Dr. Tasha Potter offered congratulations to Penfield Central School District students and staff who were recognized in the agenda honors.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS

• Dr. Dan Driffill, assistant superintendent for business and finance, gave an in-depth look at the 2026-2027 budget. Of note, the District is looking to purchase 14 new buses (9 large diesel, 5 large gasoline). The total cost is $2,344,170 and will require voter authorization at the May Budget Vote. Budget development next steps include:
  • March 3 – Board will review updated budget draft
  • March 24 – Board will review third budget draft, identify ballot propositions and issue of notice of budget hearing and vote
  • April 1 – New York State legislative budget due
  • April 21 – Board adopts proposed 2026-2027 Budget

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS

• The student representatives highlighted several engaging events and activities that took place at each of the elementary schools, including field trips, concerts, LEGO & STEM Night, and more. The student representatives also share details about assemblies that focused on respect, positive problem-solving, and acknowledged and celebrated Muslim American Heritage Month. 
• Finally, student representatives discussed activities at PHS, including a blood drive hosted by the National Honor Society, the Elective Fair, and PRISM Concert.

BOARD BUSINESS

• The Board approved the Consent Agenda.
• The Board approved the Treasurer’s Report including the Cash Report, General Fund Cash Report, the General Fund Revenue Status Report, General Fund Budget Status Report, School Lunch Fund Cash Report, and School Lunch Fund Revenue and Expense Budget Report for the month ending October 31, 2025.
• The Board approved 2021 capital project change orders as presented at the meeting.
• The Board approved contracts with SEI Design Group Architects and Campus Construction Management Group, Inc. to provide services for the 2025 Innovation and Preservation Capital Improvement Project.
• The Board approved the submission of the tax levy limit of $76,067,287 as calculated in accordance with guidance set forth by the State Comptroller, the Commissioner of Education, and the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance. This tax levy limit represents an increase of 4.33%.
• The Board approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar.  

BOARD MEMBER REMARKS 

• Several Board members reported on the Legislative Breakfast held in early February, which was an opportunity for students, board members, and administrators from across Monroe County to meet with elected officials and advocate for education.
• Board Elections are in May; there are two open seats. Key dates include:
  • Friday, March 6 - Board candidate nominating petitions available
  • Thursday, April 9 – Candidate personal biographical data and statement of qualifications and issues due to the District Clerk
  • Saturday, April 11 – Monroe County School Boards Association Prospective School Board Candidate Seminar
  • Monday, April 20 – Petitions due to the District Clerk (85 signatures of qualified voters are needed on the petition)
  • Monday, May 4 – Meet the Candidates Night
  • Tuesday, May 19 – Election and Budget Vote

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• Tuesday, March 3 – Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24 – Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Download a .pdf version of the Board Bulletin

SPECIAL REPORT 

• Ted Wilson, safety and security coordinator, presented amendments to the DistrictWide School Safety Plan and Building Level Emergency Plans to reflect Penfield’s new Cardiac Emergency Response Plan.
• The plan is aligned with Desha’s Law, New York State legislation that requires all New York State schools to incorporate a cardiac emergency response plan into their school safety plan.
• Components of the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan include:
  • Venue-specific procedures for responding to sudden cardiac arrest, or similar life-threatening emergencies, on any school site or at any location of a school event, including but not limited to athletics.
  • The use of appropriate personnel to respond to any such emergency and the integration of nationally recognized, evidence-based core elements, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association.
  • Annual safety training for school staff must now include a component on recognizing and responding to sudden cardiac arrest, in addition to components regarding violence prevention and mental health.
  • Voluntary training to relevant staff regarding sudden cardiac arrest, including CPR, use of an AED, and first aid.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS 

• Dr. Tasha Potter offered congratulations to Penfield Central School District students and staff who were recognized in the agenda honors.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS

• LaShara Evans, assistant superintendent for human resources, announced the retirement of Scott Hirschler, principal of Scribner Road Elementary School, at the end of this school year. For the remainder of the academic year, Sheonaid Vanderzwan will serve as acting principal of Scribner and Hirschler will serve as a principal on special assignment. Will Kaufman will transfer to Scribner to serve in the assistant principal role.
• Dr. Dan Driffill, assistant superintendent for business and finance, gave a brief overview of actions needed to be taken by the Board, including approval of 2021 capital project change orders, 2026-2027 Budget Development Goals, Guidelines, and Factors, as well audit reports, the service contract for graduation at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the 2025 capital project bond resolution.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS 

• The student representatives shared details about the many ways Penfield schools celebrated the holiday season, including musical performances, festive activities, and food and toy drives to benefit members of the community.
• The student representatives also highlighted faculty members who engaged in professional development, attending and speaking at conferences across the country.
• Finally, student representatives discussed efforts by PHS’s Student Advisory Committee and Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council to make positive changes within the school.

BOARD BUSINESS

• The Board approved the Consent Agenda.
• The Board approved the Treasurer’s Report including the Cash Report, General Fund Cash Report, the General Fund Revenue Status Report, General Fund Budget Status Report, School Lunch Fund Cash Report, and School Lunch Fund Revenue and Expense Budget Report for the month ending September 30, 2025.
• The Board approved 2021 capital project change orders as presented at the meeting.
• The Board approved the 2026-27 Budget Goals, Guidelines, and Factors.
• The Board approved the Extraclassroom Activities Financial Report and Single Audit Report, both for the year ending June 30, 2025. 
• The Board approved the Facility Use and Service Contract with the Rochester Institute of Technology for Penfield High School’s Graduation Ceremony.
• The Board approved the 2025 capital project bond resolution. 
• The Board approved several Policy 6410, Policy 6411, Policy 6480, and Policy 7314 as presented at the December 9, 2025 Board of Education meeting.

BOARD MEMBER REMARKS 

• Board members Susan Gilbert-Collins and Dr. Scott Wilson shared brief updates from the Monroe County School Boards Association and the District’s Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee.

UPCOMING MEETINGS 

• Tuesday, Feb. 10 – Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 3 – Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Download a .pdf version of the Board Bulletin