[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6179090,"mediaKeyId","5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963","parentId",5133709,"title","Yorktown superintendent outlines six areas of focus for 2025–26, highlights mental-health partnership and bond timeline","audioSeconds",854,"startMs",541000,"endMs",1395000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963&start=541&end=1395","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963/thumbnail_541000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6179090/New-York/Yorktown-superintendent-outlines-six-areas-of-focus-for-202526-highlights-mental-health-partnership-and-bond-timeline","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179090-72e9a0d559d3c4a97c79b1cb0ba42b61/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169737&Signature=bkGJYVAIXyhlDv6zYoHagPNsoy5-a4sfqtqgiC7eNDVd4lX-FCiD2gEeqwMFntGFuUpitasKDDBIuKTBFIskSaXhdqidkAnnbJIm~ZIhmKobvgbvmFmFaFoa0ZSxLIL7KVFMbP3jHospPxVrNmZ3jTcgbgmyToS0Zkla3Kq7acUeydNzmvChwf73rYaBMafuO0RN556tTmLmj~vD8LWre68oJQUi6n0chDPlWsNtAJSBc8O7Tv2Hn7Bvn30FOyyAtd1DJV-33q9XbAi07rp9-uB-HtfbAW43uT9qrOWhFHmqhFNhSf0bHpmvbgw06qmP7HgKDyQ4J58-Agm1snyeAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-04T04:52:59.61Z","article","Dr. Ron Hatter, superintendent of schools for the Yorktown Central School District, presented six proposed areas of focus for the 2025–26 school year, emphasizing student connectedness, an intensified focus on student mental health, strengthened communications, fiscal responsibility, course and scheduling alignment, and energy-efficiency initiatives including LED lighting and food‑waste reduction.

Hatter told the board the district will pursue partnerships as deliverables, including an exclusive mental‑health partnership with Westchester Medical Center Health for K–12 support; he said contracts are “with attorneys” and that on‑site services would proceed with parental consent. He also said the district is managing the timeline and costs of a $54,000,000 aggregate bond (described as roughly $44 million and about $10 million in two parts) and is considering LED conversions and other efficiency measures to reduce energy use and food waste.

Why it matters: the plan frames spending priorities and partnerships that affect instruction, student supports and capital projects. Commitments such as a districtwide mental‑health partnership and bond timing will shape budgets, vendor agreements and family‑facing services over the coming year.

Most important facts: Hatter said student connectedness and cultural‑awareness work are linked by shared goals around belonging, while student mental health is large enough to merit its own focused attention and potential on‑site services. He described tangible next steps: surveying for course interests (to guide new course offerings and scheduling), weekly communications to families, partnerships for mental health supports, and planning for LED lighting and food‑waste efforts.

Board members pressed for measurable goals and caveats. Trustee Jack (first name used in the meeting) asked for measurable targets; Hatter said some items are binary (happened/didn’t happen) while others (quality of communication, energy savings) require benchmarking and noted measurement caveats if the district adds air‑conditioning units that change energy baselines. Trustees also asked that the district consult peer districts on food‑waste metrics; Hatter said staff had already contacted Tarrytown for insight.

Discussion vs. decisions: the board held a discussion; the superintendent framed proposed priorities and committed to develop deliverables and measurement approaches. No binding financial commitments or contract approvals for the partnership or LED projects were recorded in the meeting minutes; Hatter said legal review and future board items will follow.

What’s next: Hatter said the administration will develop specific plans and metrics through the year; he identified partnerships, schedule and curriculum work, and energy projects as topics for future board review.

Quotes: “We’re looking at an additional partnership with Westchester Medical Center Health, and it’s an exclusive partnership that can support our high school, middle school, actually, all of our students K through 12,” Hatter said. “Right now that process is the contracts are with attorneys.”

Ending: The board expressed broad support for the priorities and asked staff to return with quantifiable metrics and proposed timelines as items move from planning to implementation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Yorktown CSD Board of Education Meeting – July 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dr. Ron Hatter, superintendent of schools for the Yorktown Central School District, presented six proposed areas of focus for the 2025–26 school year, emphasizing student connectedness, an intensified focus on student mental health, strengthened communications, fiscal responsibility, course and scheduling alignment, and energy‑efficiency initiatives.","taxTitle","YORKTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38795,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6179070,"Board extends Whitsons food‑service contract for 2025–26; superintendent praises vendor transition",55,3115000,3170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963&start=3115&end=3170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963/thumbnail_3115000.jpg","/articles/6179070/New-York/Board-extends-Whitsons-foodservice-contract-for-202526-superintendent-praises-vendor-transition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179070-6c195ef632a1a3055059d3580a95962f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169737&Signature=Ww0gcjbAxyoyBsfuVmEzseaHjL032fnNRYoYGblHyo5UV0z97g~W~i2DYC1XIn1a-KLcZPH7Q34GUXY7Fe1ikNscyEr4l~d0aLCPugT~0wrag04sXRPUbguXwluWNHJ-4p-LrkLExDHOXntTyJyCsv9IzeALrvs8irT9D39KOuf4ZeFSQ~9XKYLhwj-FUhr8HhUa5sdwWYdoVv8yC931Eiik6UFBem~PGVjSsB0IKvoUvAaa-yyJS8gExzzoj6CbxHQs~CIH-dxJRB2FD5zvkXintbtoN8yogd~zYlItERuW-Nvg~U9rBHut6k0GqV4bPA7~Qa5vdy33eSV-PK0CyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yorktown Central School District Board of Education approved a one‑year extension of its food‑service management contract with Whitsons Nutrition LLC, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

During discussion, Superintendent Dr. Ron Hatter said Whitsons “exceeded my expectations” in the district’s first year with the vendor after a long relationship with the prior provider. He praised the director of food service operations, naming the director and staff for retaining leadership and executing menu changes and special events.

Why it matters: the contract governs cafeteria operations and menus for all district schools and affects students, families and food‑service employees. The superintendent’s positive assessment signals continuity in service during the upcoming school year.

Action: trustees voted to extend the contract; the motion carried with recorded “Aye” votes.

Related business: at the same meeting the board approved multiple other business items related to services for 2025–26, including agreements for transportation cooperatives, Dons Towing and Recovery, YMCA pre‑K operations (163 of 188 seats filled reported by staff), and approvals for school health providers pending insurance documentation.

Quotes: “They exceeded my expectations… the leadership and the staff retained… has been just so integral in a seamless transition,” Hatter said of Whitsons.

Ending: With the extension approved, food‑service staff and Whitsons will continue operations under the existing management arrangement while the board advances related nutrition and meal‑account policies for the upcoming year.","The board voted to extend Whitsons Nutrition LLC's food‑service management contract through June 30, 2026; Superintendent Hatter said Whitsons exceeded expectations in year one and complimented local food‑service leadership.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6179075,"Yorktown board names Lisa Rolle president, Reshmi Bose vice president and finalizes committee rosters",142,1000,143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963&start=1&end=143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963/thumbnail_1000.jpg","/articles/6179075/New-York/Yorktown-board-names-Lisa-Rolle-president-Reshmi-Bose-vice-president-and-finalizes-committee-rosters","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179075-10dd50881ff234138ede731ad808a548/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169737&Signature=GTFlacShPnQ-t3W-jPQ03TOrWW6wDpEL8VgK2q4sZc6uQG4vUd7UDXeSXCJOXIi1q51ZSt47oIm8N-Uvg47j174HGI7odjr4-rGYIc~ELVFsJ~PtQz9S3GjMzq7u-PJ4lTjlUzWrrFyftx1u9GzkgQAp-mzJ-TCvYjbcxcLhDXyilc5H46~XdqmBViM~yM~E~MypnyCmmL0kakhbsNIZAmkinIZNMODVQ-UUa8MGdglc8zUZauuQ-P0hj2ICY2R13qXbuHqlLja9yR7nNG08UaTDa4AmmkQOEcQYiurHbYcychiU2DFko3wqcFMZlpWq6JPro71FdDTspQlflzKztg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yorktown Central School District Board of Education completed its annual organizational actions on July 1, electing Lisa Rolle as board president and Reshmi Bose as vice president and administering oaths of office to re‑elected trustees.

The board approved appointments for 2025–26 including Evette Siegel as district clerk, Alicia Sigvartsson as district treasurer, Denise Zapata as deputy district treasurer and Steve Robbins as claims auditor; the board also approved multiple routine authorizations, designations and the supplemental defense and indemnification resolution.

Trustees confirmed standing committee assignments for the year: Reshmi Bose will chair the audit committee (with John Gridley as the external community member); Peter, Mike and Jackie (outgoing president) will serve on audit/fiscal as discussed to ensure quorum flexibility; Mike and Jackie will continue on the facilities committee (meets every other Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.); Cheryl will remain chair of the policy committee; Catalina will chair the educational‑vision committee with a flexible meeting cadence. Trustees discussed meeting times and agreed to leave several committee schedules unchanged because of outside participant constraints.

Why it matters: leadership elections and committee assignments determine who sets agendas, chairs reviews and represents the board on finance, audit, policy and facilities matters for the coming year.

Actions taken: trustees voted to approve the oaths of office, the slate of district appointments, authorizations and committee assignments; several motions were approved by recorded “Aye” votes.

Quotes: After her election, Lisa Rolle took the chair and trustees thanked outgoing president Jackie for long service: “Thank you for 18 years as 19 years on the board, 18 years as president,” a trustee said during the meeting. Trustee Peter praised Jackie’s service in board comments: “You've carried yourself with grace, integrity, professionalism for a very, very long time.”

Ending: With leadership in place, trustees moved into routine business items including policy votes, contracts and personnel actions.","At the annual organizational meeting trustees elected Lisa Rolle as board president and Reshmi Bose as vice president, swore in re‑elected members, approved district officer appointments and confirmed committee chairs and membership for 2025–26.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6179080,"Board discusses creating AI and emerging‑technology committee to advise district",204,2471000,2675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963&start=2471&end=2675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963/thumbnail_2471000.jpg","/articles/6179080/New-York/Board-discusses-creating-AI-and-emergingtechnology-committee-to-advise-district","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179080-4c65e7f8b9691567f61827f614781a07/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169737&Signature=aPpLhYY2t57U5X~rwz-euS092GkUtKKHfmToXmqSS1957gU~LgxEO8CkDsJZPMMQERzWb7Yp74HtCbZnLZ~53c9uwvi9Ax5AmAxeeZLLHhdW6ryGHwv9lcT7YbqKTkW-8qtLGGyE3beO9E1KPoIzh3sKhAtOVPplShNkWquN0dMhpV0~aGU5Ss1RjEebR~Ey6jLUdHVd~k~~O6cMjgXVluoFbJd2vLyQJarvT9w2Mn5lBOXkCCMeCKgHfDREzFh1PXhAB5ql4mdtObQu4ugdagMUM9G7S94wrJBrG420c6K59ILH48cnt2bpt9PGhPLeNcEaKb-OudtX5gAgiPpFtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members discussed establishing a standing committee on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to advise the district on opportunities and risks, gather industry expertise and recommend classroom and policy approaches.

The proposer (identified in the meeting as a board member) said the first phase would focus on information gathering. Trustees Pete and Mike expressed interest in serving; the board discussed inviting external participants such as district administrators, technology staff and outside experts (examples given included Dr. D'Adraw, Chris Miller and Pam Chesser). Trustee Catalina said daytime meeting times work better for industry guests and noted scheduling constraints for some trustees.

Why it matters: trustees said AI is reshaping learning and district operations; a dedicated committee would allow the district to pilot an approach and assemble expert guidance without immediately committing to broad classroom changes.

Discussion vs. decision: trustees agreed in principle to form the committee and to begin with an information‑gathering phase; no formal charter, membership list or meeting schedule was approved at the meeting.

Quotes: “I always begin with the mission statement because it keeps us grounded... I, wanted to, get the board's thoughts on establishing an AI and emerging technology committee,” a board member said. Trustee Mike said, “When you look at it from a business standpoint, it's not taking over, but it's totally incorporated into most businesses now.”

Ending: trustees asked administration to return with a proposed scope, membership and meeting cadence; initial work will emphasize learning and limited time commitments.","Trustees supported forming an AI and emerging‑technology committee to learn about and recommend how artificial intelligence and other technologies could be used or governed in district classrooms; initial phase will gather information and industry input.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6179085,"Board adopts student personal‑device policy; superintendent clarifies one free school meal per student for 2025–26",2231,720000,2951000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963&start=720&end=2951","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133709-974d8da796b74fd732bdf35a6fd59963/thumbnail_720000.jpg","/articles/6179085/New-York/Board-adopts-student-personaldevice-policy-superintendent-clarifies-one-free-school-meal-per-student-for-202526","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179085-988af85c9af4b031c6cb2d346c6d66b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169737&Signature=FfXCBG4dcmzLv3XcGloZpsbfT~blqOGzm7tiDelKdp-IXXkfiMMFdurxBdjWHv1nXbDH87QPyLcljbL~t7ruracQlJdmfZJmuHF2pfEx16jIAot3muC3Ozbtkck-90nE9PXko3CtZFza8NyY8xLh07PsdESnO~kHYsRgdBFD6ypD8tT2vaTHU53deNpjymYX0J9iL8WISpoELggmXwaP-D6NO9Z~hF9UoX8RUFG8zLL~y4f-FhUgyeIAelzle9eMrTTGKHeZloImFe2j2Z5xFNbUo5XgUrLuk0oMK-1TOyhsk6ZloGF~cyA-QXCHx5DO3b0hAFfG95xCpz~j5ao3eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Yorktown Central School District Board of Education approved the second reading and adoption of policy 56.95 (students and personal electronic devices) during its July 1 organizational meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Ron Hatter reviewed planned policy communications and also outlined summer policy work. Separately, Hatter said the governor's budget funds one free meal per student for the 2025–26 school year: \"every student irrespective of income … will qualify for one free meal,\" he said, and added that a la carte items or additional meals beyond the first would be charged. Hatter said the district will send a mailing to families to clarify the change.

Hatter further described how the district will handle meal account balances. In response to a trustee question, he said the district is “allowing a balance to go no more than $25” and that there are “incidental negative balances” when students make small additional purchases; he said the district will communicate its policy to families. The board conducted first reads on two additional food‑service policies: 8505 (charging of school food items) and 8520 (free and reduced‑price food services).

Why it matters: the device policy sets rules governing students’ use of phones and other internet‑enabled devices in school; the lunch change affects every student and requires family outreach to clarify eligible meals and account procedures.

Discussion vs. decision: the device policy was adopted by vote; the universal first‑meal provision is a state budget provision the superintendent said the district will implement and communicate to families; the board did not vote on the meal entitlement itself during the meeting.

Quotes: “The first meal is included as part of the governor's budget,” Hatter said. On account limits, he said, “we're allowing a balance to go no more than $25. There are some incidental negative balances that happen … so we won't allow balances to go below $25.”

Ending: the administration will mail information to families about device rules, meal eligibility and account‑balance expectations ahead of the 2025–26 school year.","The Yorktown Central School District board adopted the \"students and personal electronic devices\" policy and discussed food‑service changes for 2025–26: the superintendent said every student will be eligible for one free meal under the governor's budget and described planned family communications and balance limits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Yorktown superintendent outlines six areas of focus for 2025–26, highlights mental-health partnership and bond timeline

Board extends Whitsons food‑service contract for 2025–26; superintendent praises vendor transition

Yorktown board names Lisa Rolle president, Reshmi Bose vice president and finalizes committee rosters

Board discusses creating AI and emerging‑technology committee to advise district

Board adopts student personal‑device policy; superintendent clarifies one free school meal per student for 2025–26