Trustees praise student achievements, mark bus-driver appreciation and urge continued focus on school safety

Board members and the superintendent used the April 28 meeting to recognize student achievements and highlight safety concerns.

Multiple trustees praised recent theater productions (Mamma Mia at Royce C. Ketchum High School and Shrek at John J.) and congratulated students and advisors for performances and competition results. Superintendent Dr. Bon opened her report by thanking theater advisors and staff and asked the board and community to join her in applauding school bus drivers on School Bus Driver Appreciation Day; she said the district operates the largest district-owned transportation department in New York State and thanked administrators for accommodating recent schedule changes.

Board member Mr. Morgan condemned political violence and urged a serious national conversation about school shootings. Mr. Morgan stated that “through mid-April ... there have been 21 school shootings in K through 12 schools, colleges, and universities in 2026,” and said the district must continue to improve security even while acknowledging work by the superintendent to increase security presence at schools. That numerical claim was made in the meeting as presented by Mr. Morgan and was not independently verified during the discussion.

Dr. Bon said the district has increased security presence at schools in recent years and thanked staff and supervisors for their work on operational adjustments. Trustees also noted upcoming events — an English-as-New-Language night at John J. and AP exams next week — and students’ participation in Model UN, FFA Springfest and other extracurricular activities.

The meeting record shows no public comments during the public-comment period; the board adjourned at 8:31 p.m.