The Croton-Harmon Board of Education kicked off its February 13th meeting not with policy debates, but with a showcase of student talent, celebrating the district's "Tiger Day" initiative before pivoting to important announcements regarding the upcoming school board election. The evening began with a musical performance by two elementary students. Donald and Jake SV, a brother duo in fourth and first grade respectively, performed "Let It Be" by The Beatles. Board President Anjana Chaudhuri introduced the students, noting that Donald plays the ukulele and Jake plays the harmonica. "Donald loves The Beatles and when Donald was taking lessons, 'Let It Be' was the first song they learned to play," a board member said during the introduction. {{quote:150}} The performance was part of a recent Tiger Day, a scheduling innovation that allows the entire school community to come together. "One of the recent scheduling innovations at C [Croton Elementary] has been the start of what we're calling Tiger Day, which is an opportunity for the entire school community to come together to share in some wonderful common experiences," a speaker said. {{quote:25}} Following the performance, the meeting turned to administrative matters. District Clerk Denise Piazza announced that two trustee seats are up for grabs in the upcoming election on Tuesday, May 20. Piazza detailed the requirements for prospective candidates, noting that while 25 signatures are required for nominating petitions, candidates are encouraged to gather extra to account for any invalid entries. "Information on the school board experience, qualifications that are necessary for prospective candidates and candidate packets are available on our website in both English and Spanish," Piazza said. {{quote:225}} The board will hold two information sessions for prospective members: one on Thursday, Feb. 27, and another on Thursday, March 27, both from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the high school. During the meeting, seated trustees publicly announced their intentions. Sherri Chaudhuri confirmed she will run for re-election. "I do intend to run for another term on this amazing School Board," Chaudhuri said. "I believe that democracy happens in spaces like this... and I think elections are wonderful opportunities for dialogue, debate and expression of vision." {{quote:365}} In a somber moment, Trustee J. Stein announced she would not be seeking re-election after 12 years of service. "It doesn't feel like it's actually been 12 years, but it has," Stein said. "I've decided that I will not be seeking reelection this year... I feel that after 12 years it's time to pass the baton onto a younger generation of potential school board members." {{quote:420}} Stein emphasized that her decision was driven by a desire to make space for new energy. "The youngest of my kids graduated now six years ago and I believe that it may be time... to make some space for a candidate that could step into my shoes... and make a difference with newfound energy and excitement," she said. {{quote:430}} Board members and colleagues thanked Stein for her service. Outside of the election news, the district celebrated significant academic achievements. The board highlighted the success of the Croton-Harmon High School investment team, which has made it to the semi-finals of the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition. "Our second consecutive year, you're making it into the semi-finals of the top 50 teams among 1,800 submissions from around the world," a speaker reported. {{quote:90}} An audience member and Cornell University alumnus later praised the district during the public comment period. "As an alumni of Cornell University's SC Johnson Graduate School of Business, I cannot express how prestigious this competition is for high schoolers," the resident said. {{quote:740}} The public session also included critiques from community members regarding committee meeting scheduling and curriculum discussions, though no specific policy changes were made regarding those comments. The next regular board meeting is expected to address the ongoing construction logistics at the high school, which is currently shifting room locations due to capital project work.