| Board of Education Newsletter |
GREENVILLE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT |
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There were no speakers or emails for the open forum.
The Board of Education directed the District to lower the American Flag in front of each school to half staff through Friday, February 13, 2026, in honor and remembrance of Anne Mitchell, a former Board of Education member and dedicated Greenville Education Foundation trustee.
Anne Mitchell passed away on January 31, 2026. Her commitment to Greenville's schools, students, and community left a lasting impact that will continue to be felt for years to come.
The District is deeply grateful for Anne’s 18 years of thoughtful leadership, tireless advocacy, and unwavering dedication to Greenville’s children and educators. Her passion for public education and her service to the community exemplified the very best of what it means to be a steward of our schools. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Policy 3160 states, "The District flags shall be flown at full- or half-staff pursuant to law. In addition, the flag may be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of a present or former member of the Board, and also of a present student or employee of the District." |
Senior Class Trip Proposal
Members of the Class of 2026 presented their senior class trip. Class President, Julia Reinhard, proposed a six-day, five-night Royal Caribbean cruise to Bermuda for $982. The price is inclusive of all food, drink, transportation, and lodging, as well as two excursions.
The Board of Education had several questions regarding logistics, participation, safety, security, and insurance. Tracy Young, Board President, shared that the trip could not be voted on without more information, such as a detailed description of the cruise’s insurance policy and whether or not the District would need to provide an additional insurance and medical rider to cover the trip. The Board of Education will make a decision after all supplemental information is received and reviewed.
Proposal Presentation |
Board Retreat
The Board held a retreat in January led by a consultant from the New York State School Board Association. The consultant answered procedural questions and helped develop strategies to increase transparency and communication among the Board and the community. Tracy Young shared, “It was very productive, and I am appreciate everyone’s honesty in sharing information.” Committee Reports
Eric Herbstritt gave a report on the District Facilities Committee. He shared that the committee focuses on ensuring campus facilities are kept up to date by assessing the District's needs, establishing and tracking projects to meet those needs, and ensuring the facilities are maintained. He shared that the committee held extra meetings throughout the most recent capital project, and that based on the current information, the current schedule for the next “big” project is around 2034.
Kelly Hubicki gave a report on the District Level Team. She shared that the committee is a shared decision-making group that covers all three buildings. Each year, the committee typically has a goal or task it looks to complete. Last year, they updated the Code of Conduct. This year, they’re working to identify the enrichment activities the district offers (clubs, activities, electives, pathways). This will help prepare the District for changes coming from the State through its Portrait of a Graduate initiative.
Cell Phone Policy Update
Middle and High School Principals, Brian Reeve and Kristy Goergen, gave an update on the implementation of the State’s distraction-free mandate. They shared a reminder of the Board policy and consequences before reviewing the data of referrals collected since September.
Middle School
- 11 Total Referrals
- 1 Referral (10 students)
- 2 Referrals (1 student)
- 10 of the referrals were cell phone related, one was related to earbuds. High School
- 130 Total Referrals (attributed to 86 students)
- 1 Referral (57 students)
- 2 Referrals (18 students)
- 3 Referrals (7 students)
- 4 Referrals (4 students)
Goergen shared that 38 of the students who were written up had never had a referral in their high school careers. She went on to say that the majority of infractions were not from students using their devices to call or text, but to scroll, citing the addictive nature of cell phones. Additionally, she shared that they tend to see an uptick in infractions after a long and/or unexpected break (snow days). Reminders about the policies and expectations after breaks have proven helpful. Reeve shared that the Yondr pouches have been helpful, making the policy easier to enforce and removing the questions from the equation. They also shared that parents and families have been supportive of the policy, and teachers have been appreciative of the impact the policy has had in the classroom.
Dave Finch asked a few follow-up questions about the durability of the Yondr pouches and the teacher’s consistency with enforcing the policy. Reeve and Goergen spoke positively about the quality of the pouches and said that very few will need to be replaced next year. They also shared that teachers are supportive of the policy and are enforcing it well.
Tracy Young asked whether the cafeterias are quieter (they’re just as loud as before!), prompting a brief discussion about what kids miss most without their devices. Goergen shared that at the high school level, kids miss their music. As a result, the school purchased wired headphones that students can borrow from the office at any time to listen to music on their Chromebooks. They also shared that they purchased games for students to play during lunch.
Kelly Hubicki asked if there have been any problems with devices at the elementary level. Principal Matt Urban shared that they have not had any issues. She also asked whether the Board should anticipate the need for policy changes, but both principals shared that the policy is effective as is and that no changes are anticipated. |
Finance Reports
Dave Finch inquired about the purpose of line item six on the budget transfers document (referring to a $12,000 transfer to cover K-3 teacher salaries). Assistant Superintendent for Business, Todd Hilgendorff, shared that without going back and looking, he couldn’t be 100% sure, however, it can likely be attributed to one of three things.
When the budget is created, the business office does its best to guess where each teacher will be placed. If someone was placed in a different grade that wasn’t anticipated, money would need to be moved from their “original” budget code to pay them in their current position. Teachers earn in-service hours to move over a column. Twice per year their salaries can increase if they have the in-service hours to do so. We use tutoring hours to support students, whether they are out of school for disciplinary or health reasons. However, if a student is receiving tutoring for RtI reasons, that money would come out of the teacher salary codes, not the separate tutoring code.
Approve Resolution dated February 9, 2026 of the Board of Education of the Greenville Central School District authorizing a proposition to be presented to the voters at the Annual District Meeting
Dave Finch inquired about how many buses will be voted on. Todd Hilgendorff clarified that the proposition is intended to cover six diesel buses (two small, three large, and one large with compartments). James Bucci inquired about the proposition being specific by detailing the types of buses purchased and asked if we could share that information as part of the proposition itself. Hilgendorff explained that we do not because of problems that may arise, like inventory changes. If voters decide on purchasing a specific number and type of buses, the District is locked into that purchase, even if that inventory isn’t available for purchase at the time. By allocating a certain amount of money toward the purchase of buses in general, the District is able to meet transportation needs regardless of any problems that may arise. This also ensures the District does not need to hold a re-vote if a problem arises.
Approve Tuition Rates for 2025-2026
James Bucci asked for clarification on the tuition rates because of the increase from the previous year. Hilgendorff shared that these rates are based upon a formula provided by New York State, the District does not set these particular tuition rates. He further clarified that these rates are typically used to bill other Districts for foster students. If a foster student enrolls at Greenville, the District then bills their home District for the tuition. Each school has a different rate set by the State’s formula. He noted that this rate differs from the special education rate that neighboring districts get billed when they send a student to Greenville to attend a special education program. That rate is set by the District, and is not the same as the rate being voted on.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2026
BOE Retreat
4:00pm - 8:00pm
MS/HS Library Monday, February 9, 2026
BOE Business Meeting
6:00pm
MS/HS Library Monday, February 23, 2026
BOE Business/Budget #2 (Program Component)
6:00pm
MS/HS Library Wednesday, February 25, 2026
BOE Workshop (Mid-Year Analysis)
6:00pm
MS/HS Library Saturday, June 6, 2026
Relay for Life
To create/join a team, to participate in one of the fundraisers, and/or assist with the planning click here. Questions? Reach out to Tonya Frickey |
This is a summary prepared by the District’s Communications Specialist to provide an overview of the major topics discussed at the Board of Education meeting.
This is not an official communication from the Board of Education. It is not intended to be a complete record of all items or discussions from the meeting. For a complete list of topics, please review the meeting agenda and/or the meeting video. For questions regarding this summary, please contact Sierra Pizzola at pizzolas@greenvillecsd.org. |
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