What should have been a celebratory moment for a longtime district administrator—her promotion to Assistant Superintendent with her young family in the audience—instead became a flashpoint for a heated debate on board governance ethics at the February 26 Croton-Harmon Board of Education work session. The controversy centers on the appointment of Dr. Dubac, the former principal at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School, to the district-level leadership role. While the board ultimately approved the appointment at their previous meeting on February 12, the decision was immediately followed by public objections regarding the recruitment process, specifically citing Board Policy 9230. On Thursday, Board President [Unknown Speaker] used the President's Report to deliver a lengthy, detailed defense of the process and a pointed rebuke of the trustees who raised the concerns without prior warning. "I will go back to Dr. Dubac's appointment to the role of assistant superintendent last meeting where board policy 9230 was referenced in relation to the recruitment process used by the district to fill the administrative position." {{quote:266}} The President explained that the district followed a rigorous internal succession plan, designed to maintain institutional knowledge and avoid the high costs of an external search. Dr. Dubac, who has since been appointed, presented a "13-point plan" during hours of meetings with every trustee, who the President noted had agreed she was uniquely qualified. However, the tension arose from *how* the process was challenged. The President highlighted a "no surprises" governance norm—a standard protocol derived from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) handbook—which requires trustees to inform the Board President and Superintendent in advance of substantive questions to allow for preparation. "Had I been aware that policy 9230 would be raised at the meeting, I would have taken the opportunity to prepare to discuss that policy and I would have asked my colleagues to do the same." {{quote:361}} Because the policy question was raised without notice, the board could not immediately address the legal specifics of the policy, leaving the public confused about the legitimacy of the appointment. The President revealed that following the February 12 meeting, the district formally asked legal counsel to review if Policy 9230, which mandates a "high quality recruiting and hiring program," {{quote:16}} required soliciting external candidates. "It's also my understanding that counsel provided the opinion that hiring an internal candidate without conducting a wire search does not violate policy 9230." {{quote:500}} The President further argued that internal promotions are a standard part of the district’s history, citing prior promotions such as Carrie Bianke, Michael Plain, and Craig Campaniro. The breach of protocol overshadowed the professional milestone for Dr. Dubac. "I want to apologize to Dr. Dubac... for not having advanced notice that would have prepared the board, the administrative team, and even Dr. Dubac herself for what could potentially have been discussed that evening." {{quote:602}} The President closed the report by expressing a sincere hope that colleagues would better adhere to established norms to build community trust, allowing the board to focus on student success. {{photo:yt-VbgEFwXamTo:1498:Board President delivers a report on governance norms and hiring policy.}} **Composting Program Feasibility** Moving past the personnel dispute, the board turned to collaborative community initiatives. [Unknown Speaker] reported that the district and the Village of Croton have initiated discussions to restart a composting program. The program, which existed years ago but fell by the wayside during the COVID-19 pandemic, is seeing renewed interest from village officials, community members, and students. While no concrete plan is in place yet, the discussions will focus on the logistical requirements and costs needed to bring sustainability efforts back to the district. **School Board Election and Trustee Terms** With the May 19th budget vote and election approaching, the board clarified the stakes for the community. Three seats are up for grabs this cycle. Prior to the session's start, the Board President and Trustee Oshiro held an information session for prospective candidates. During the meeting, the incumbents publicly declared their intentions. "In May, I will be completing my 28th year on the board," {{quote:16}} one trustee announced, confirming their re-election campaign. "I am proud of my service over the years, pleased with what our district has accomplished and want to be part of our future work." {{quote:16}} They were joined by trustees completing nine and three years of service, respectively, all stating their intent to run for another term. The board also noted that the PNW Student Distinction from Croton will be honored at the upcoming March BOCES meeting. **Artificial Intelligence Policy Development** The district is moving to formally regulate the use of emerging technology in the classroom. The Policy Committee met on February 6th and is scheduled to meet again to continue "commencing discussion on policy related to artificial intelligence," {{quote:754}} according to the committee report. The committee aims to present new regulations for a first reading in March, signaling the district's move to govern AI usage proactively. **Student Athlete Specialization and Injury Risk** The Athletic Advisory Committee is reviewing data on student safety, specifically the risks associated with sport specialization. The board discussed a trend of students focusing on a single sport year-round, which leads to increased repetitive stress injuries. The committee, working with the athletic director, is looking at data linking this specialization to higher injury rates and aims to develop interventions to ensure student athletes remain healthy and safe. **Athletic Facility Lease at BOCES** In facilities news, the board was updated on BOCES operations. BOCES has leased a warehouse in Mount Kisco to relocate its Science 21 program. This strategic move will free up existing classroom space on the BOCES campus for special education uses, addressing capacity needs. **Mid-Year Superintendent Evaluation** The board prepared to enter executive session following the work session to conduct a mid-year check-in with Superintendent Walker. This is part of the annual evaluation timeline, which began with the presentation of the superintendent's goals in a public meeting last fall. **Student-Led Middle School Dance Fundraiser** On a lighter note, the board highlighted a success at the middle school. The PVC PTA reported that the second annual student-organized dance was a major success. The event, which is student-initiated rather than adult-run, was praised for allowing students to galvanize support and manage logistics. It served as both a significant social event and a successful fundraiser for the PTA. The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for March 10th at the BOCES Science 21 facility in Mount Kisco.