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e I'm calling this meeting to order March 19th 2024 governing board advisory committee to review policies um first order of bsiness business is we'll call to the order we already did that uh Second order of business is an approval of the agenda can I get a motion to approve the agenda please any a second all those in favor I motion passes agenda item number three this is a call to the audience do we have any calls to the audience okay moving on to agenda item number four this is discussion on the policies that we have undertaken so far the last time that we were here we finished JK and J I ca and j i a r a and Our intention was to work on jld DB then finish JK and then start working into jic and jic KR so that's where we're at for right now um I would like to uh take a little brief pause just to kind of throw it out there um don't have to really just kind of turn it around in your head um there were uh and I don't know if it's not appropriate for this body to even discuss it please let me know but there were two things that came up and um I was wondering if they were related to these policies or if they weren't and um the first one was uh connected to uh specifically policy um when it comes to discipline on um uh hate speech and racism um those are two items that come up on a regular basis and I know uh it's a discussion within the assistant principles on how to approach that from a progressive discipline standpoint um restorative practices are pretty easy well not easy but a little bit more um there's a little bit more of a practice in place to address those things uh for that process but I'm unaware and I and I feel like if there isn't a policy that's connected to that I feel like there should be um and I was just curious what other people think I think that it would make sense to have a policy I I think though when we were at we had wasn't there already a section that talked about whether or not we were going to do that I think in the very first one we did so I don't know if we want to go back and flesh it out was there because when I looked up a policy on on that those particular key words there was not much of anything there that I could see only thing I could see was uh dress when it was connected to wearing a shirt that had a racist Mark remark or something hate speech related on it but other than that I did not see a single policy that was connected towards hate speech and or racism um I mean we have when we did things like students who impact others negatively or break the community agreement of the district May face corrective Endor disting actions that are logical equital proportional Progressive right um to me that reads you have cart blanch to discipline students that like participate in hate speech or like racist comments right I think that I don't I don't necessarily see a reason we need that specifically spelled out because what would we say other than hate speech is not allowed which I think that's pretty clear for any of our community agreements or school rules like I don't think we have a school where so I I think for at least from the discipline side of things for assistant president principles it's sometimes an awkward uh not an awkward conversation but it's an awkward way to approach discipline um when you're trying to differentiate on uh The Matrix and uh if you don't have policy guiding you um it is difficult to approach it because uh it the conversation is hard to separate um uh sometimes hate speech and inappropriate language is it one is it the other um I've heard the phrase used if it's uh not directed at a person but it's just said out loud that that is one approach and if it's directed at a person it becomes something more uh indepth and it's just it it it it's a I see it as a problem I know other assistant principles see it as a problem and I think sometimes it's not always clear on how you approach the progressive discipline side so so I have a couple thoughts you like beat me to it because that's what I was saying it's like in our student rights that we had it um it I guess it would make most sense in JK um but my Wonder is if we should T like table it and add it as like discussion so that way we can get through what we know for sure we have perview on um because I do agree that it is challenging um to determine what we're doing like uh we we for instance say like hate speech is hate speech and it's just like the delineation of the consequence but we do have that separate from inappropriate language in terms of like the violations that we give so there is probably things that we need to parcel out for them I just don't know and I know there's a I think it's Peoria if I'm not mist mistaken there was a district that was being investigated by the federal government I want to say 2020 2021 or something like that uh specifically around how they approached uh hate speech and uh racism in general I think um I'm gonna because we just had our our meeting about this today um in regards of the the board and superintendent and the student outcomes focused governance that that we're doing um so one of the guard rails for our board is the board will not operate without an annual self-evaluation of strengths and weaknesses and a plan for t team building and board professional development that includes anti-racist training so I know um as of late you know like the focus on on equity and um anti-racism like is has been kind of a uh a focus um and I think it's important to put out there I just that in this District you know I think I think maybe that's one way to to kind of embrace that and like somehow spelling that out I don't know I don't know what we could put in policy that would make it easier for the aps like I'm looking at this Poria thing for example and these are some things that this the Poria School District allegedly did not respond to race based slurs such as the n-word um mimicking H Hitler salutes drawing swastikas on photos of students faces um a lot of very racist things about black people that I don't really want to repeat right I I would hope that if any of these things came across our desk their desk our APS wouldn't be like well is this inappropriate language or is this hate speech yeah like I don't know what I could put in policy that would make that clearer you know what I mean like I like yes we could have something in policy that's like hate speech is not allowed and not tolerated but I'm not really sure how that would actually help with the actual process of it administra discipline what if we what if we do this as a compromise volun tell you guys thr I know this isn't the appropriate place for I just think it's not I don't think it's appropriate time I don't think that we are ready for it but I'm wondering if we can volunteer the aps sorry APS um when you guys meet uh on Thursday if you guys could just like bullet point like what would be helpful to have in policy and then we could maybe consider including it where it says regulating off-campus speech maybe it's like regulating speech off- campus on campus and we could delineate it that way no that's a good idea policy is meant to provide parameters for the functioning of the district and like our student discipline policy starts with the superintendent shall create procedures for discipline yeah I mean not quite wor but that's basically what it is and the rest of this is to provide some parameters to that so unless we're feeling like we need to Define certain terms under certain conditions to equate to hate speech which my concern with that it takes away the ability for individual situations and circumstances to be taken into account because there are lots of things that could be that I'm just concerned about yeah putting such a a policy based restriction on on procedures when what we've been doing is trying to right make it so that there's actually more breathing room for them to actually be more thoughtful about what the situation Act is in that given moment instead of instead Pol instead of from a policy perspective dictating something I mean an example I can think of is like if you have a school where staff and students feel like racist comments or racism is is has become like a endemic problem your discipline policy is going to be probably be a lot stricter and a lot more heavy be handed than a school where there's extremely few instances of racist language and one kid says something that is ignorant or you know minorly racist right and it's a oneoff thing that happens rarely right that's not necessarily reflective of our schools um but I think I agree with Al I think this is just something they gotta figure out I don't really know that if the aps can come up with something they want that' be nice but so I I for me like you cited some of the extreme and to me black or white examples I and I agree with you those are pretty straightforward um I've had conversations with students where they have uh things that at least in their mind U not in my mind but in their mind has gray to it um for example uh I know that uh some students they like it's not uncommon in so in certain cultures where you have nicknames right um chongo Goro things like that and those are Terms of Endearment you know those are things that people don't take seriously they're all in good fun and sometimes that transfers over to other types of things which in my mind are boring on Races but in the minds of parents and kids they're not um black monkey um stuff like that uh brownie uh these are terms that like they call each other and uh they're like that's my buddy that's my friend you know and they have those kinds of things and it's just I think that the the greyness of it is where it becomes a little bit more challenging on how to educate and how to approach with Progressive discipline is that is that something that should be Progressive discipline is that something that should be restorative like I said maybe it doesn't live here I don't know um but it's it's definitely in terms of consistency um it would it would definitely be helpful for me if I was had a little bit of guidance and maybe that's where it lives the only I can think is maybe in our student rights what we do say you can't whatever that part so I you you said you mentioned James tonight we're we're supposed to talk about jic and jikr right as well as the re the um um restraint and seclusion policy which you think I remember which that one but anyway um ironically I mean GIC is student bullying harassment intimidation like maybe we can we can have this thought in mind as we're going through that and because that policy might actually address it already I don't know maybe because honestly I just actually I just created a copy of that of that policy in our folder because it there wasn't one in there so I know I haven't read this policy that that J policy yet so yeah and I know in the behavior Matrix that the way Progressive discipline works with inappropriate language is very different in terms of consequences than um stuff that is under the category of harassment intimidation B start at completely different levels and the progressive discipline is much more extreme and you know some people might say it fits here some people might say it fits there I guess it's I don't know maybe maybe it's maybe it lives somewhere else I just like to bring it up anyhow Okie do jld DB is what we're supposed to be starting with restraint and seclusion all right I'm just going to take over the microphone since I did most the coming so the first thing is I didn't do any changes directly into the text because every except for the words that I indicate I added everything that's in here is word for word out of revised statutes this isn't it was never actually written as a policy it was literally a copy and paste of what's an ARS which makes no sense whatsoever for writing a writing it as a policy so some of the word changes I'm suggesting are to like make it less revised statutes and more policy sounding so I suggested starting with as we um have in others I'm adding that opening couple of sentences just to again this is about right policy is about guiding the superintendent on establishing regulation so so that you added that I added those that first two sentences yes thank you good to me um on all the rest of these I added the numbers one two three just to help break it down because of the way I wrote that first part so um I didn't see anything I didn't have a problem with anything on number one again um so the people who are listening out there and in um um on YouTube um I'm I'm speaking as I'm sharing my thinking I oversee and I'm and the lead trainer for the district on on restraint restraint procedures so that's so that's kind of the mindset that I have as I'm going through this is um anyway so um number two um I just want like to again because it's like a school May permit which is out of the law and so I just wanted to suggest changing that to the wording that I have in the note which is that should read the use of restrainer seclusion techniques on any people may only occur if both of the following apply okay thanks we'll TI team our way through this um and then moving into three so in number number three we're talking about um so some some parameters on restrainer inclusion um and again some of this is just word is wording changes because it's changing it from law regulation F State regulation to policy oh yeah absolutely I mean I don't that we change it much because it's literally the law we're looking at just a or all the letters a under number three let's goes through e though I know but before I talk she's say before I talking about why I wanted to change the wording on C are you guys okay with the wording on A and B yes so that we're just kind of flowing okay yep we're all good and again for C I'm changing the word school to dist because it really isn't because it's it could School Personnel implies something but like I'm a district I don't work at a school I work for the district and so theoretically right um and then I added the last sentence um so um in an older version of the revised statutes there it did require annual training the revised statutes in Arizona no longer require annual training and I will tell you that as as a policy I think it just makes sense for us to require that that during the course of that the school and I wrote it the way I did because it's not necessarily on day one but at some point that they're getting that training and some people get their train a refresher training later on in the year so we can kind of balance out the calendar things like that so are we good with the added text on on C so is that is that your is that still saying that they only need to be trained once or is that at least once during the school year that's my question yeah it is every school year it is every school year oh I don't know that that's clear just says once during the school year change each school year yeah I think that's appropriate it's all good um Adriana you're this on D is your note uh I just appreciate that it talked like specifically about um the students's ability to breathe and I know again I was also going off NCI and the CPI all that stuff and we talk about we no longer do like the prone like neon back so I just wanted to see do we want to clearly delineate like you're not doing a hold that was off yeah and I appreciate that and I thought about that when I was reading it as well CPI which because that's currently the version of of restraint restraint training and practices that we use as a district um there is actually an advanced hold which is a prone hold but it does not include anything being on their back or their torso as a part of that um we don't train any we don't currently train anybody in that process none of the trainers in the district are trained to train it um so it's it's a moot point however if at any point in the future we felt there was a need for a particular program or whatever to have that level of training I would hate for us to be po blocked by policy from being able to provide okay a you know but right now there's nobody who'd be able to do that do the that kind of resar well that's why kind of I was like if you can't do it should we put it in there but you're right if we have other time I'm kind of indifferent an example of a time where whole could be useful I mean I'll say in the five years that I've been doing holds um I've never needed to do it like I've never felt like we were at that point the holds that we've been certified to do um have sufficed I feel like I'm almost feeling like if there's a prone hold at this point you would end up calling outside assistance well perhaps that's a whole different yeah yeah and that's a whole different piece in here but theoretically yes but I I would probably be think I'm thinking about the potential maybe in Our Stars program our emotionally disabled kids who tend to but even they really overall don't need to use that they barely they don't know they don't they don't necessarily even do restraints as much as people might think that they do much less needing to do a PR restraint I don't at this point we don't we have not seen a need in the district to introduce that training which is why we haven't done it so um there's limitations even on the Phoenix Police Department's operation orders for pro restraints um so there's certain ones that they can do but especially not a Peron kateed restraint where you're like holding someone down and have your you know arm around their neck or pushing down on their neck um but also most of the time what they do is like a kneeling on the back or buttocks and holding like the arms basically but even then those are like I try to attack them for those things not really looked and current currently seems like in this day and time especially over the last couple of years or so that just seems like a really bad idea all around good thing I I I don't disagree I don't disagree here's here's where I I there are other pieces of the law and we RI and we talked about this in in the student discipline policy and put it on hold because we wanted to do this one first that speaks to any staff member has the legal authority to use the minimal amount of force needed to ensure safety and when you're and when you've got an untrained staff member who like like this is life or death we don't have a choice until somebody who's trained can get there things can go wrong and um and you could I mean even as a trained person like you sometimes got a kid that we all end up on the floor um and you want to make sure you're thoughtful about we can't be prone we can't be do you know and if we end up prone we need to make sure we're thoughtful about getting out of that yeah it's just you're not get pin right and we don't want to pin them more importantly um sorry open to Candle worms I'm open to either thing no I no but I mean the reality is most people in our district who are not trained don't think about and don't necessarily do this stuff and so they're fair questions so I mean my just my my gut instinct is just to say no that's not something that's okay and if there's some need later on the policy could be revised I'm trying to imagine I need that's that's my takeway what do you think I mean the way it's written do okay I mean obviously you want kids not breathing so the other thing about D I'm sorry because I'm now rereading d as it's written because it says restraint technique imployed may not imped the pupil's ability to breath and the truth is that actually the team control position which is one of the positions we do train it has it could it potentially has this I mean it has the student bent over and is a part of that physical control and it could theoretically um start to impede their ability to breathe which is why it's so important that we have somebody paying attention to that and watching for that um in terms of safety so which is different than the prone restraint I'm wondering if if if to try to like compromise for all of them the cor I can't remember cored pose like basically anything that's like neck based is not allowed well but yeah because what's written here because when you're in that um when you're in that when you're in that bend over position right it actually can restrict breathing because of the diaphragm is can be restricted um so I will say for that one though that one has been one that we've like needed to use just to like calm down a kid so you know because like the prone one we don't ever use it we're not certified to use it so it makes sense like just don't put that in there because it's it's a moot point but the team control I have seen used in the past soit is what's there now for 3D was that what was there that's what's there and I just put a question do we want to put Pro in position and I got rid of it but do you want to just so you were considering your suggestion was to add that I did think that we could add it but but I did not think about future if there was like a need to have it before I was just like well we don't do that either so maybe we include it do you feel like there's a need to add it to add the to add not using a prary train yeah I just felt like I don't know I you're right like we don't train people on it so why would they use it I just also when reading this I was like well yeah you're definitely not doing that and you're definitely not doing a prone one so I just think we we were giving Behavior talks to kids and that oftentimes when a kid is in trouble their response is I'm not saying adults or kids but it's it's an analogy they're like well I didn't know you didn't tell me I couldn't do this and I just extrapolate that argument out you know maybe there's someone that would think that something like that is okay well except so in and I know you haven't been through the trainers but but I mean but in the training when we're when we're teaching the restraints or we we're doing our annual like we talk about like when you're in any of these holds if if the child goes ends up going down to the floor you you safely guide them down in whatever hold you're in and then as soon as they're safely on the floor you let go and you back away and you're no longer in any no physical intervention happening at all on it once they're on the floor so that's part of what we train so we do explicitly train them that they're not allowed to be in physically intervening with a child once when the child's on the floor so this prone pose is that Pro means the child would be laying flat on the ground is that what is that normally used like for like in group hes or what probably is that something that's like a law that we can't use it or just our district has decided we don't as a district we've not found a need to to to present to preent present that training so we've never had anybody GO train in the case of you know say years down the line there's a different militant superintendent and board and they decide to use prone if as right now as parents and teachers and principal if we want to make sure that does not become a thing and we could throw prone in there well if I mean we had a militon board and superintendent to change the policy yeah they might not know it's in there for a while but I think I think intuitively if a kid's prone if they're lying flat on the ground you don't need to restrain them they've effectively restrained themselves um I think it's very common in popular media and policing that people are held down on the ground right yeah so I think that's where a lot of that comes that's a lot of people's Inn to hold kids down sometimes but I think our policy islin pretty clearly that if you are trained to do holds you are not trained to do that you are not trained to do holds you can do whatever you feel like you need to do to make the situation safe until someone shows up which realistically if a kid's like throwing pencils like I don't know any teachers that are going to run in and body slam a kid and do a hold on and if they do then yeah I think policy's already pretty clear on that not being an immediate threat to Danger so yeah and I mean if you've got an incident and you're in the moment you're not going to run through all of them in your head you're going to go for whatever movement you're not going to go check policy best position to do right so I think the policy is fine I yeah the vast I mean every situation I've ever heard of um actually in any District I've worked in when when staff untrained staff do feel the need to do something physical in order to ensure safety they're usually doing the very minimal amount of whatever they can figure out how to do because they don't want to do it right in fact most people who are trained don't actually want to do the stuff they're trained to do so and I imagine also I'm all of my experiences are informed by working in a high school and I had many kids who were like six2 players which is a whole different ball game when you're like this classroom stays safe right now correct how about we get you in the hallway instead of you throwing that entire table across the room yeah yeah all right are we good to move on um and then actually e interestingly enough even though there wasn't a comment actually kind of goes to what I was just saying about people don't actually want to do more than they need to do typically anyway um on four and five both of those are just recommended changes that again it's taking the language that was statute and making it sound like policy so you can read those two notes and real quick I have a question about seclusion yeah like put them in the room by themselves there's a there's a definition somewhere coming up um for that we so we'll to that probably be easier for me to answer questions about that once you've read read that are we good with the Chang to four and the change to five yeah I saw earlier are you guys good it wasn't wasn't I mean it's not I don't think it was dramatic rewarding just for example chair I would take the class outside and close the door the like yeah and then but then or like if we have to like if they're going to have like a witness statement because they're in we might have them in like a on their own technically they've been secluded oh so 3A so School Personnel shall maintain continuous visual observation so I'm just wondering if yeah frankly it's unwise to close a room for the kid inside there's no window much for um on I'm sorry you you guys are welcome to then read a b and c under number five and if there's anything anybody wants to do with that honestly all of this it feels like these revised statutes were literally written based on the training that we the training system that we already use as a district uhuh it's one of the most common ones in the country yeah that isn't okay um so I'm after the paragraph that comes in after number six so this is referring back to it's like a repetition of those two PA those things that we talked about in the other policy um because this is actually not this is actually just referencing that General anybody can do that that's what 15843 is is that anybody can use use that minimal amount of physical force needed to ensure safety until um I think it's necessary here because restraint is physical Force right I think it's a good reference to have and seclusion can also be in some situations a demonstration of physical Force if I have to close a door on a kid right I thought of this more that like this is talking about when a crime is being committed self-defense defense of others and defense of property because you can only use those in defense of a crime because the idea would be it's an affirmative defense therefore if you're doing it and nobody's actually committing a crime you're actually committing a crime yourself so um the way I'm reading that is like there are instances I'm where students can be committing an offense like this right and you are entitled to use physical Force to stop them from committing a crime and I think that's what this is getting at yeah and and I'm fine with leaving that paragraph I just wasn't sure to do with it so um hold on I'm just going to 15843 really quick I think it's I think this is useful I mean I've reference this with teachers as like a union rep where you know you'll get teachers who kind of are a little exasperated and they'll be like so if a kid's like throwing things at me I can't do anything about that and it's like no and I referenced this language specifically to say there are things that you can and probably should do if you feel like you're in danger or other kids are in danger right just because you're not CBI trained doesn't mean you just have to throw your hands up and get hit in the face right yeah the only thing that like what we talked about in the other one was like the defens of property thing for me yeah it's a little don't touch my pencil yeah that one's just the gray area I feel like well and defense of property would not be a circumstance under which we would be training people to use um restraint yeah which I feel comfortable removing that in this section because there is is about restraint right okay so you're S Suggest I'm suggesting getting that rid of that so rephrasing it to uh in self-defense and defense of others yeah um let me see just really quick too since we're on this it does feel weird because when I read it I think it's kind of letting kids it's basically letting parents and kids know like hey we are going to allow our teachers to defend themselves and others and that doesn't feel like belongs here yeah like in the other one is it this one feels student specific I just don't know if the other one is I think the other one if it covers everything then I guess we don't need it here but M I just thought this was like making it clear that this can be used with this can apply to students who are committing a crime that could put possibly be putting other students or other people in physical danger is what I was thinking yeah and I don't know what 15843 I mean I looked 15843 is the pupil disciplinary proceedings so basically it says the governing board and consultation with teachers parents or School District shall prescribe rules for the discipline suspension and expulsion of pupils the rules shall be consistent with the constitutional rights of pupils and shall include at lease the following one of those subsections is procedures for the reasonable use of physical Force by certified or classified Personnel in self-defense defense of others and defense of property um but if we already have it in another section then yeah if it's redund yeah that's fair actually well and maybe and we may want to go back and just compare back and forth and one thing I would add for whatever one it just stays in if it gets Del lead out of this one but if we want to add it to the glossery I think we should Define physical Force self-defense and defense of others in the glossery wherever that yeah I'll find it and there's statutory definitions for that too okay so just leave it there for right now and I'm going to put a comment and all right so moving pass that for now um then then we have a couple definitions we have a definition of Restraint of what restraint includes or doesn't include the definition of restraint again this comes straight out of the revised statutes it does include both like phys like a staff member physically holding a a student um that's what physical force would be in terms of what's here for restraint it also talks about Mechanical Devices we don't train on the use of mechanical devices and don't use Mechanical Devices um as restraint procedures in this District um sorry what are those what would be an example like a taser like a table where you'd like shackle someone oh like a four okay I don't know because I've never wanted to bother exploring that I'm like I don't want to know there are yes I'm G to stop being trainer if we what are your what you're thinking of um Daniel is correct there are tables that you can restrain people to and tie like shackle their leg and hands in like an X kind of position right I in other countries use those things that are like prongs on like sticks that you like just pin people to walls with well this happens in the marova county J and the marova county like or the Arizona State Hospital yeah be totally okay with taking the or Mechanical Devices out of this as a definition if you have mental health issues there you could land yourself in one of those beds oh okay yeah I think take it out assuming maybe also I don't know a straight jacket could probably be a mechanical device yeah and yeah that is true but we also don't train for that kind of no huh it's a deescalation tool but it's not rest strengths and in weighted so we've got this restraint but then if you then start reading numbers one through whatever underneath that these are the exceptions and so that would be me devic Implement by trained School Personnel or used by people for specific and approve therapeutic or safety purpose so like a weighted vest is something that is therapeutic in nature um we would want an occupational therapist to have given very clear directions on when it can and when it can't and how much weight like they're like that would fit under number one so I feel like we should it do devices because some of those devices include the weighted vest that's being said well again so remember numbers one two three and four are right we have this definition of what restraint includes and then it says but it does not include the following four things okay so any any of those um sensory types of of tools would fall under number one is it does is not considered a restrained so then take out devices yeah I'm yeah I love my rated blanket there you go very Co anybody's anybody familiar with Tempo Gren she had her Squeeze Box um I'm recommending taking out the definition of school because with all the rewrites I did and because it was I mean they Define school is like anyway because of all the rewrites it doesn't matter it it's just a silly definition for us to have that was part of the law again it's why we policy shouldn't just be copy and paste regulations I mean yeah that's weird that it's just thrown in there well remember yeah they wrote like a school May do this but they needed to Define as a school district as opposed to like individual schools within a district that's right and then there then we've got that definition of seclusion in C um which I didn't make which I didn't make any recommend read that and if anybody has we I will tell you that at as of today I don't believe we've ever done any actual training on seclusion um teachers are trained um to use cusion as a tactic when kids are being destructed primly of property but also yeah but removing the rest of the class yeah that is true I think that's a fairly commonly used thing well yeah that is true so thank you for clarifying that because what most people think of when they think of seclusion um with the with the exception of um having but even that it's it's a it's a quiet space where they're supervised they're not alone it with with our Stars program so it just it really actually doesn't even meet this definition of seclusion so it's interesting it says that a uh the uh time out is not considered a form of seclusion correct really seclusion seclusion is usually like a room that's designed like you put the kid in there and you close the door and they get to just do whatever they're doing until they calm down then you let them out and like those things they like they I've seen schools talk about the safe space is that a sensory room we always have an adult with the kids yeah see that's the thing if they're if they're not left alone it's not seclusion so so when we talk about right the safe space or the or the sensory rooms or whatever each school's calling that those kinds of places they're not supposed to be being left alone oh well the difference between seclusion and like a timeout is it's timeout is technically voluntary because usually parents the student Etc agree beforehand hey these are the rules whatever if you throw the blocks you go to timeout that's different than a child like freaking out and needing to be secluded which is in voluntary right if you were to involuntarily put a kid in timeout by like physically secluding theming aboutus well I there was a question earlier about what seclusion is I wanted to make sure that that that I could I answered that question and so I so I think we're ready to move on yay done and done well except for having to do that back and forth comparison between this and other spots because because in the in JK there's that piece that we where we talk about where it talks about confinement as a disciplinary action which is different than seclusion but I want but at the time we're like wait let's make sure we're we're clear on what we're talking about there all right so I'm moving um just for you guys to see sorry I was gonna say do we want to PIV it to JK now yep I put it up on the screen for everybody so it's it's on page four if you're looking in the JK edits and and I think philosophically to just to start off I think these two different terms are being used because seclusion is not meant to be disciplinary in nature it's meant to be an opportunity for them to deescalate and get out of whatever crisis they might be in and then there might be disciplin stuff whereas confinement in this policy is a disciplinary action that's or part of a disciplinary action that's being taken and I don't know so do we want to either include in what I would be scre so I'm going back to jld DB do we want to put um definement as like a c definition here and Define it so that people have it here so that they know there's a delineation or and or do you want to just put it in the general like definition terms well I want to start with like is confinement a something that is that we want to be recommending continue as a an available policy discipline action under policy before we even have that conversation because confinement is not seclusion so it's well I know there's some schools who they have a they have like an alternative placement room so instead of kids going to like a teachers room or an ISS room basically and I think if I'm hearing you correctly then confinment would be those ISS rooms and I do think that's really helpful like we don't have one for like they're not for like a moral standing reason we just don't have one of those rooms but I do know like if we had somebody who could like be with the kids in that individual room it would take a lot of stress off of our teachers we just don't have the capacity for it so long way of saying schools are using them for ISS room it does feel like it's effective for them so I think we should keep it C can you repeat that the long way or the short way um are you are you saying like the like an alternative placement is because this is like students are left alone I know like it depends on what we mean by alone they're not truly alone but there are some schools that they have the kids totally separate for their ISS and there's like one person monitoring the ISS room which I think is is close to what this confinement policy is and I know that it's working for those schools really well um and it's taking the pressure off of their teachers we're on the flip side if one of our kids gets an ISS they go with a different grade level classroom and they spend the entire day with that grade level that's difficult and distracting for teachers which is not very effective so I think that you don't consider that room seclusion you consider it confinement well according to what he we just mentioned right seclusion is like a deescalation point and a confinement would be like a disciplinary without being confined yeah I guess that's what's confusing to me is like no that's what I'm saying it's so like confinement doesn't necessarily mean like being secluded doesn't necessarily mean you're being confined so this wouldn't apply to well seclusion means the involuntary confinement of a people I get it but I guess what here what I'm reading is an enclosed space seclusion doesn't require an enclosed space necessarily depending on where this is happening it just says in a room from which egress is prevented that would an ISS room would meet that says pupil's left alone too to me that seems like solitarian so that would be the part that I would take out if because I don't think that any body is leaving kids alone in that room oh then Al I mean technically like I guess if you're like in there I'm pretty sure this refers to the rooms that we no longer use in this District or that we don't have so like when my brother was in an self-contained classroom in the mid 90s within that self-contained classroom at manav Vista I'm guessing these rooms got rid of when many of the schools got remodeled but there were two or three from what I recall from being in there rooms that had padded walls one door no windows but a window on the door so no windows within the room and some there would be no furniture in there and so in some instances my brother who had very serious behavioral issues would be placed in that room for some time until he cooled down or sometimes I would be called out of class to come speak to him through the window to calm him down is that confin me or is that I mean he's in the room by himself well and with the door locked you're right I mean the our definition of seclusion is means an involuntary confinement I mean they're circular terms at this point yeah that's weird so confinement is the rectangle and seclusion is the square no right I mean I mean if we're trying to figure it out like seclusion confinement and seclusion are ultimately kind of being left alone but seclusion has a little bit more parameter to it because it's involuntary well so I I think that the diff distinction between the two is the reason that we're doing it I think it functionally might look the same but one is we are putting this child here because we are disciplining them for some for Action they take and that's confin confinement as opposed to seclusion and and I'm saying this because seclusion is connected completely to restrained that's something we only use when a child's in an emotional crisis and is not able to safely manage themselves and they need us to manage them until they're able to safely manage themselves those are two different things um and seclusion needs to end as soon as there's no longer that threat of harm whereas confinement theoretically can be confinement could also like I would assume most situations that restraint and seclusion policy is going to apply to kids who have IEPs for the most part right and I would see this confinement applying to any student so I think potentially I'm going back back to what I was originally saying can we go ahead and like write under seclusion right now put confinement and let's write it out so everyone has it to refer back to oh so we can see both definition two parameters sure okay so I'm back in jld DB if you are following me and the screen well would it be faster we just copying and pasted it you know what stop fighting me on things I'm just um I was going to okay so I'm going to put it above here then okay so now we're going back to I myself spent a lot of time in an ISS room in middle school did you yeah for some reason I'm not surprised I'm right there with you man so I was like you can't bother my parents at work I'll just hang out in this room please please don't call their office and my dad's a truck driver good luck well and then what's also interesting with this confinement again it feels like it's worded I I don't understand how it's policy the way it's worded it's like it's clearly revised Statute yeah if confinement is authorized by the governing board well but like it have to yeah I mean it is because it's in this statute I guess but then it's also like not really because we didn't really do much it's just saying a process but then where's the process does it live somewhere else because this is just still saying exactly what the statute says weird I don't know I'm confused by the difference between the two still I know I'm trying I think we should move on like I guess the question is do we even want this in there conf and I think I what I was hearing what you were saying makes sense it's just not explained it's not actually this is I think that would be actually adopting the policy rather than saying that you can adopt a policy so you know what I'm saying yeah that's fair so then maybe someone could draft or not that I'm trying to give anyone work to do but draft something that would like fall under this that that talks about kind of what you were addressing unless there's other situations where you think that somebody needs to be left alone in an enclosed space I don't know I'm open to changing it I feel like there a big thing that's missing is the the ISS rooms or the teachers like using it the administration using it so it has to happen so well no I think that okay technically just having kids at school at all is confinement because they can't leave right they're not allowed to just walk off so we're confining them in the school building right they're not left alone right so that when they're left alone that is seclusion so I don't know why we need to talk about confinement at all well it says in here involving the confinement of pupils left alone and enclosed space yeah involuntary confinement of someone left alone is seclusion I guess seclusion is really only applying to kids with in my mind in that policy is really only applying to kids with IEPs or we're not really training or emergency scenarios yes yeah so this would then apply in pretty much every other scenario is what I was thinking confinement that's yeah well even look so ISS an ISS room is not invol like it's not involuntary confin it's not seclusion like we are welcome to do that because technically when a kid's like can I go to the bathroom and I'm like no they're confined in my room right if I'm like oh it's the last five minutes of class you can't leave they're being confined right I'm not going to physically stop them from leaving but if they walk off there's discipline they can't just walk out in the street right we're not going to let kindergarteners wander in the street that's confinement just the the process of putting kids in public school is confining them into a specific place we I don't think we need policy around it seclusion is specific because they're being left left alone in a room right and they're not allowed to leave like physically okay and that's only used in my understanding emergency situations and like we something interesting also is this word seclusion never comes up in the statute for pupil disciplinary proceedings only this section about confinement does and so I think that's what I'm really trying to get at is confinement is being used as a disciplinary tactic which is what you said before while seclusion is being used as like a deescalation such thing that's what I'm getting at right is that the difference between the two at least in the way the legislators probably trying to that yeah Bas based on the fact that confinement is used under one regul one statute and seclusion is in a different statute um they just are very they are defined in ways that make them sound and they would literally look very pretty much the same in terms of what it looks like if you were to see them in a snapshot but but the intent of again because seclusion is in the law connected to restraint and there are very specific right there are very specific situations under which those can be used confinement is not limited by those same yeah and also even in ISS room kids aren't alone I ISS room like 10 kids when I a kid right well some schools they well no they're not they're not they're not with their community so that's like the alone that's exclusion that's ustation it's not that's not confinement yeah find they're not or that's not seclusion sorry it's also right it's also not it's neither one it is it is confinement okay they're in a room they can't sounds like majority of us like to get rid of it can we just but not as not as defined in their statutes so revised statutes defines confinement in part as the pupil being is being left alone in that space Oh okay okay yeah yeah inary procedure right so that's they're both defined very that's why I'm saying they are both effectively defined the same way just really intent and purpose I'm trying to figure out where seclusion is in statute um in the definition statute but then where it's being defined for some purpose but in what statute do they I think um it is um um so I know it's in 15105 the definition but I just don't know what no but it it is um 841 I think it's yeah I think it's 8:41 841 let me look yeah we um alternative education maybe not okay so another question I have darn it and ultimately at this point I don't care whatever you guys want to do I think for the purpose of our school district we're good to go but I think the other question for me is I have a kid who's going to be suspended right um and the parents can get can't come get them I get it if confinement is only if it's they alone you're right we never do it but if I have kid who I'm going to suspend and they cannot go back to their classroom and they're up in the office I feel like this is also besides the left alone part this also is touching on that I I strongly disagree this has nothing to do with that confinement well what does I guess it stop talking about confinement for a second and help me clarify this where in our policy does it share that when we do take kids out of their classroom for an ISS or for just like a investigative purposes where do we have that in here because I might put a kid in the conference room while I'm trying to figure out does he have drugs on him he give the drugs to somebody and if we don't need we don't need to justify or have policy for that's fine but those are the dilemmas I'm feeling and they only seem to kind of fit here so I we haven't run into that but because what you've just described is actually a part of uh insuring due process and it's the inves discipline hasn't happened at that point yeah or we're waiting to make it to execute it for families and whatnot yeah I would argue that that happens a lot actually like when we're when we're you're right due process but like when we're investigating or if we've like just had a fight we separate them they do get confined they do get separate and there are times where like I'll leave this one kid in the room to take this other kid to the nurse yeah they're not in their community and they're not learning so something's happening to them so what do we call that and where is that in here or does it need to be and then sometimes the investigation is complete and you're waiting to have the parent pick them up and the parent so they are so they're still secluded but at that point you but once you've done I would say that once you've done your investigation you are now implementing discipline and well you may be waiting for not a school suspension to start because you're waiting for the parent to pick up you're effectively in school suspending them until the parent shows up that's part of discipline once you've once you've made the decision that that's what you're doing we have no definition of suspension that distinguishes between out of school and in school there's a practice and I I've been told it was called alternative placement so that's a different thing yes there is a difference that is an additional way that we do I think if someone had to held your feet to the fire you'd say hey this kid was alternatively placed in the office for 30 minutes while this investigation concluded like technically like per policy that's probably what's happening but you can't discipline see here's the thing you can't discipline a child until they've gotten their due process which means you need to complete the investigation before you can imp call are we making sure it's okay yeah well an alternative would whoever wrote these laws had a brain and was logical and thought about all the other laws that no but I part of that too is I think that's why it's important that these particular policies and it's why I added it to the restraint and seclusion start with the superintendent shall recommend policies and develop procedures for the students that comply so it really lives out it's the policy are meant to provide the parameters under which the superintendent ensures that th these are the practices that we're doing that align to this policy so what I hear you saying is that what I'm concerned about does not pertain to this and if that's the case we'll just take out confinement are we there I I it doesn't taking it out doesn't get rid of the statute that permits us to do it and so if we want to do it at any time we can do it at any time we can take it out it's not a big deal because it's literally not even anything it's just saying you can do it it's not even take it out go for it okay none of us liked it there anyway so you have the power you and your ning bottle wait do I um I can't take it out what's happening here 15843 but if we take it out then does that leave it go ahead it just skip well that's why I thought that that's why I this conf because what I read in the practice there's practice like attached to this so that's where I was at too but it sounds like this is just going to probably be repeated think PRI notification is going to be included in any disciplinary procedure so actually yeah cool what are we done finally with this one policy I'm sorry which one policy are you asking I things no there's clearly some work still in here but we' gotot done it oh we had done a bunch except for we skipped that part and then there's some left at the bottom the threatening educational institution and temporary removal I think is all we haven't done or because there's also start here for our next meeting regulating off-campus speech but we just were talking about that at the beginning of this meeting yeah well we've talked about that we talked about that I believe at the meeting you weren't at so the one thing that we're trying to figure out is is Daniel just one what thank you miss one we're the reason it says start here for this next meeting is because Daniel's comment for C and D we weren't sure what we wanted to do with that that's why that's there so it really wasn't like the next meeting but that part we didn't figure out we're off C spech I think I've missed a meeting yet it was I missed the we Hilda look back at the I think it's just Jay that's missed a meeting I missed oh three there you go not that you're keeping you know it's it's not a contest check I'm not trying to all right so mainly because I was like yeah I don't want to miss the meetings then I'm like what if Jay's not there so the big thing that was left on this one is C we said we were gonna cross out but then I think the whole thing was like is this plagiarism and where do we want that to go if I remember from Daniel's comment like what is this what are we trying to do here with off-campus speech with the lessons and computers on bre I was going to say actually sorry um I was reading through the bullying and harassment policy that one covers a lot of off-campus speech stuff that I think would be a better home for it than here okay and we're still going to go over that yep so like cyber bullying for example is covered in there I mean technically harass talking about C and D are you talking about the one no I'm talking about completely different policy I think we can probably mix the weird parts of this and move on to the bullying and harassment one and it'll be a more productive conversation than trying to like needle this language got sure so we're not worried about the plagiarism thing that you were wondering about last time um subsection C that that's that's why we're here all the other stuff is good the or the a b e through G we want do we want to make C just the failure to follow rules concerning plagiarism and erase the specific weird specific examples I think that's fine and then I think we had no idea what we meant by breach of school security devices like hacking hacking the alarms that's what we were in the locks and then so that was like is that off campus speech like I guess it would be like posting I mean you could say I post a bunch of kids lunch numbers on my Instagram so you could go and mess with their student riew things like that right so if I'm hearing us we're thinking we're not necessarily like lessons or plagiarism but also sharing like a test key or something like that that you've gotten by getting into the teacher email or something like that yeah okay so fail to follow rules concerning cheating Andor plagiarism none of the examples so that was the first option for this and then breaches of uh school security devices through hacking is hacking really the only thing that you like common breaching toward well I mean actually it could be tearing a camera down or spray painting the on so the school security devices are going to be anything from a fence to a doorway to a camera to an alarm syst and again I go back to is that speech well you could so for example let's say a kid posted on Instagram oh here's how you can disable the school cameras that's like a far-fetched thing but right that would be speech that would be speech determining surrounding the breach of a school security device oh here's how you can oh I mean here's another here's how you can Jimmy the door on the side of the campus to sneak in and smoke during the summer right whatever things like that like that's probably more realistic right um like that's off- campus speech regarding the breach of but we also added G which is encouraging criminal activity so you know I'm fine with taking out D and putting Under the Umbrella of G sure and then I think your comments are covered Daniel can I resolve that one yep I don't understand who made this policy that they didn't use like bullets for this they just put letters it's because it's copied and yeah but it should copy and paste the too right I'll fix it when we more formatting formatting and then did you have besides we can do a better job here did you have anything I don't even I thought we had talked about that one last time but I don't remember now I think when you had a couple of better jobs and they were about like the age thing and this they were like on the suspension things like we could do better than 10 days or whatever so I'm not oh but was like never mind I already know why that's there because it's so we cleared those the notice stuff so I didn't even I wasn't thinking about that sorry I just went off on a tangent because I think that language from breaching security devices is from a Supreme Court case so I'm just looking at it really quickly thank you for um the honey Area School District versus this minor and father let me look so while you do that does anyone have want to take a stab at the last comment on page page five the district may take affirmative steps to work with the student short of discipline to engage in future respectful and accountable digital citizenship which policy was that uh JK last page or sorry not last page page five I feel like we have something like this my question would be why is it to digital I think I think it's because they just put it with the off-campus speech but we technically have that in our I was gonna say is don't we already speak to I think we have on the student discipline it's like our intro paragraphs on the student discipline ones that we did I me yeah because Tech I mean technically yeah it's the paragraph I added right that's right develop to work in tandem with positive behavior and supporting systems within the district such as social skill instruction emotional regulation skill instruction D we could just add digital citizenship to the list of so why don't you do that and we take this out yeah everybody yep okay let me just see there's okay so this this is fine because we took out the confinement policy do we wna I think we just didn't clear out the comments because at least my well my comments that are left we actually figured out for sure so there's a case from 2021 from the Supreme Court where they said that while Public Schools may have a special interest in regulating some off-campus student speech that special interests offered by the schools are not sufficient to overcome be's interest in this case so I didn't read the specific facts to this case but it looks like it had something to do with whether or not her Snapchat post cost substantial disruption at school okay so then um the Supreme Court is basically saying that in Tinker they indicated obviously that schools have a special interest in regulating on cap of speech that material disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder invasion of the rights of others they go on to elaborate in this case that the special characteristics that give schools additional license to regulate speech do not always disappear when the speech takes place off campus circumstances that implicate a school's regulatory interests include serious or severe bullying or harassment targeting particular individuals threats at teachers or other students the failure to follow rules concerning lessons the writing of papers the use of computers or participation in other online school activities and breaches of school security devices that's where they copy the language from once again copy and past from a Supreme Court case so that's why that's there a defined interest of the district yeah okay um I have a random question before we go on to the next thing uh the student dress code jic and jic R A we finished right there's two comments on there but I think that they're I think both of those comments were like we wanted we just want to go back and rewrite some things and we just decided we all agree what we wanted it to say we just nobody's gone back in I'm just trying to stay consistent to what I did with the initial naming things and so everything that you'll see in our shared drive if it says draft one it means that we've completed all edits and that we just need to finalize like word smithing to it um just so that it's clear for us so now we have jic and jic KR correct yeah I would just like to say that um W I already uploaded that case I just read from in the drive my mind doesn't apparently I did that in the past um the bullying and harassment policy is actually really really good and I wish we implemented this at all District which one is it j j i and j i Ki there okay I'll be honest I didn't think that we were going to get this far so I I didn't review it did anybody has everybody already reviewed I'm trying to recall because I feel like at the last meeting you guys were all like we have spring break let's not have homework but you're gonna have maybe me go through something at the meeting I think we were that that would make sense because that we haven't done that yet we're you were like here's what you can change or can't change but you didn't get a chance to do this because he just copied and pasted it so we might be I mean I could have done it but clearly I didn't it's been an interesting couple of weeks would we like to I mean we could take 10 minutes to quietly read this add comments and start here next time I don't know how many more meetings we have but we have three that I saw on the paper and I think we do that just end and then yeah our actual end I mean our calendar end time is 6:30 usually we go till 7even but I don't I feel like we just end that way everybody has time and yeah then we can come at this fresh yeah when we've all had time to really digest it not just can we have comments on it by the start of our next meeting I think that that's a fair request a reminder of our next meeting date I know it's in our calendars it says April 4th April 4th okay um okay so oh that's soon I want to cross these off jic we finished jic um JK is done now students rights and responsibility restraint and seclusion we still have one two three four five we still have five things but some of these like secret sties and gang activity I cannot imagine that going very long and same with the removal I think we're fine to we could probably knock out maybe just so that we ready to go maybe if everyone could look at jic and like one more of these one of these easier ones should we do the gang one because that'll probably the jic f um heads up I will not be here for April 4th but I will leave comments okay thank you so and also just just James you mentioned it earlier as I was reading through this I mean I think hate speech is pretty pretty cut and dry seems like depending on the is either bullying harassment or intimidation depending on the usage like giving someone a friendly racist nickname kind of feels like harassment you know what I mean agree with that too yeah it's just up to the AP to make that call I think yeah and that's goes back to what you all were talking about in terms of how you all decide to culturally deal with that and some of those are going to be like learning conversations and then once you've had the learning conversation if things continue then maybe it's a different conversation and like even there's a line in here about social exclusion or ostracism right like vling that like rates like racist comments that aren't quite hate speech yeah are pretty clearly like social exclusion right othering someone because of their race their sexuality get what you're saying one about the nicknames but also like for example I had a student in Portland who was from Cuba and referred to herself as mulata as like a nickname I had to have a conversation with her about the historical context of that term in English and in the United States versus maybe her experience being a Cuban person with that term and so like it was a very weird cuz other kids were like why would you call yourself that and then she was like very confused why people were upset and things like that so I totally get what you're saying and I think that there's still like we got to have those conver got to find way to have those conversations but that can be up to you all yeah I feel like maybe I'm getting stuck in the i in the concept of uh Progressive discipline and not enough in the side of education and restorative uh conversations and trying to educate because I I agree I think some of it is cultural and I don't mean cultural like as in ethnicity I mean cultural within the school itself and within the small groups of kids that are in that well thankfully on The Matrix there should be lines for bullying harassment and intimidation right yeah but these I mean for these kids they genuinely don't see it as bullying or harassment yeah I can see that because they're terms of yeah it's hard to have that convers they're like don't worry I didn't use the ER and like oh it's not it's not okay stop fighting yeah it's a yeah I think it's probably more of an educational aspect um and we're working on those conversations within the culture itself um but it's I think maybe I'm just fixating too much on the Progressive discipline and I don't I don't feel like the answer is there do you want like a so I so let me start over in the governing board policy thing I've labeled the two things that we might be looking at as like here's the policy feedback due April ail 3rd do you want to have a date where you would be able to go through and highlight the purple did you highlight what we could change or you highlighted put highlights and then maybe I kind of put notes I'll just do that again so the third is two weeks that's when we'll it'll be do we're meeting on Wednesday very strange are we oh no we're meeting on Thursday the 4th you want to done by I was like huh yeah okay so I just need to get it done by like next Wednesday or Thursday on GCF there's also GCF are then we should probably that and you and I were I started creating those documents as well so oh okay do you already have it copied and pasted I do yeah they're both copied and pasted in my version okay so can somebody repeat back we just so I know we finished jld DB we finished JK we're looking forward towards jicf and jcfr as well as jic and J yeah so I think I think we talk about starting with jic k and jic KR and then doing jicf and J which is B basically one page of very quick reading and then I put when you go in there you'll see click on the ones that say feedback do April 3D those will be the ones you'll want to look at so um should I delete the nope I I deleted mine and added it no I see oh I just haven't upd refresh my screen um I will put a reminder in my calendar right now [Music] for Wednesday March 27th okay to get that done so then I can do is you're GNA do March 27th yeah so then I'll do a invite for everybody now um polies dri so Thursday March 28th all day there we go my work phone right no so wait are we adding a date to the calendar I'm doing now for you I'm literally just doing begin governing board policy feedback the day after she's doing it up to the 3 okay but are we meeting no no she's just putting a calendar invite to remind us to go in and put our notes in oh gotcha got got I put a calendar in for myself because then I'll forget to even go look at it do you have a um or do you want me to send you the calendar invite and if so can you send me your emaila y you are are we entertaining on motion to adjourn I move we adjourn oh can I can I get a second all those in favor I all right meeting adjourned

e surprise it is now 7 P.M Tuesday March 19th 2024 and I call this meeting of the Board of Education Cindy would you please call the role present present present hereon Thomas present AR here all right thank you um next is the Pledge of Allegiance and Aaron has stepped up to the I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liy and justice for all all right now we um Tom are there any items to remove or add to the agenda today no sir all right great and then hearing that uh so to we come to our point of one of the highlights of our meetings is celebrating successes so um we are excited to invite Jenny Baron to the podium Jenny is a speech language pathologist at BHS and the recipient the 2024 Isa fellows award Natalie assel is here to say a few words about Jenny hi it's with great pleasure that I'm here tonight to extend our deepest congratulations to Jenny Baron she's a speech and language pathologist at bavia high school um She was recently announced the 2024 Illinois speech at language hearing Association fellow and I'll refer to that as Isa from here on out this prestigious recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication and outstanding service within the profession and the state of Illinois is the ISA Fellowship Awards recognize individuals who have um who have provided uh outstanding service within the profession and the state it's a testament to Jenny's unwavering dedication and outstanding service the honor reflects her years of active involvement in the profession at both the local and the state level she's been an instrumental part of our speech and language department for many years and is highly regarded as a respected leader both within the department and the district with her colleagues and a wealth of information and support for Tavia 101 Jenny was honored recently during the honors breakfast scholarship fundraiser at isa's annual convention and that was on Saturday February 10th please join us in congratulating Jenny on this remarkable and well-deserved [Applause] achievement thank you very much where's the speech I know no whoa whoa whoa speech come spee do to say no just hard well congratulations Jenny and it was well deserved and and as you may have heard me talk my wife's a speech language pathologist over in canand and so I know the work that you do and how rewarding and otherwise it may be occasionally so congratulations thank you uh next Scott Bayer has some exciting news about our BHS wrestling program Scott would you like to fill us in on the exciting news yeah if I could have um I'm gonna speak for a little while Sydney and Lily come stand over here if you guys wouldn't mind or you want to come over later it's up to you how long is that was the right question wow that was the right question I love that so here's here's the thing they both had me in class and so they know they could be in for something here um so I thanks uh by the way for uh inviting us here to celebrate um you know one of uh two of and and uh in particular you know one of pavia's favorite daughters uh Sydney and soon to be one of her favorite daughters Lily Enos um and and also the accomplishments of the uh rest of the uh girls wrestling team I I should say that it's it's for me it's an exciting time to be a part of the sport in that um you know the sport is one of the fastest growing uh Sports not only you know around the country but also in Illinois in in bavia in particular um and it's uh my second year doing this um and so we've had a lot of first this year uh we had our first uh female assistant coach she's a uh combat athlete um and she wrestled for a year at uh Aurora University um Bri Christen she's not here tonight but uh she did a great job for us um we uh had alumni come back Erna husovic who graduated in 2021 who helped out this year on a voluntary basis as well and um so and and we had a bunch of first and second year uh girls in the team this year we had 30 girls overall and it's the biggest group uh we've ever had there I hope to uh be as large as the boys team next year um you know the the the girls were led by uh Sydney Lily this year uh and um I think that it's important for me to kind of you know talk on them just a little bit I mean these guys have guts they uh joined wrestling when wrestling was a predominantly boy sport uh they're both tough as nails they had to wrestle boys all the way through uh kids club and into Middle School they both started on the middle school team I remember I first uh heard about Lily or uh Sydney when um Dave Andrews son who was an eighth grader at the time uh Dave had come uh to school that next day and I asked him about the upcoming tournament and I I was expecting to be at a certain weight and uh Dave had to explain that uh his kid kale who now wrestles The Division one uh got beat out by a seventh grade girl and I knew who Sydney was and so uh he was like yeah he's he has to challenge for his spot again next week uh but Sydney beat him out and I knew we had a force uh to be reckoned with you know coming into the high school so um we started a girls program back in 2018 around you know that time uh and uh it's you know we we had some issues over covid you know recruiting and things like that but uh we've kind of you know boosted that back up and so um one of the things that I I want to I want to in particular acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments uh that Sydney has has uh done here over the last four years and then I want to talk about both these C state tournament um she's a pretty special kid um her accolades are things like uh she was 117 and0 uh in high school wrestling she uh won every tournament we put her into uh she in 2021 as a freshman went out and pinned the number four uh rank kid in the country uh in the finals kind of she had arrived at that point Point uh in 2022 be she became the first uh girls state champion in IA history so uh they actually picked her weight to go first uh we were in the tunnel she wasn't even dressed for it so we had to get her get her ready to go and and she came out and uh won the first girl state champ individual State Championship uh last year uh she defeated uh a number one nationally ranked girl in the finals it's the only High School match I've ever seen her tested in but she came back to win it um in the third period uh and then this year was uh Total Domination she um bonused points which means large margin Victory all the way through the tournament defeated undefeated wrestlers soundly the only points she gave up were uh sympathy points or points where she let the girl up so she could score another takedown and so um a dominant state tournament uh for her um on the national stage you know she's a two-time Fargo National Tournament finalist uh she um placed uh she's a silver medalist in the PanAm game GES two years two summers ago she was fifth in Rome uh that same summer when she made a junior world team um and uh both she and Lily this year uh both had phenomenal state tournaments Lily um is a uh you know she's a lifetime wrestler I remember both These Girls when they were little kids in our club coming to um you know clinics and things like that and uh Lily is now a two-time state place winner in her own right she placed fifth last year uh she lost in the semis but battled back to place third this year and kind of cool uh this is the first year that they awarded um State trophies for the team and these two these two kids went into the the tournament just two of them uh and they earned enough team points to place uh to represent bavia in place third in the State uh which is pretty remarkable and uh Ellie is holding the trophy right there hold it up Ellie pretty proud of that so um you know really kind of a remarkable year I mean our Our Girls team um a lot of them like I said are are first and second year wrestlers and uh we I you know I think that you know rankings don't to us they don't really matter it's kind of just you know uh how people talk about your program but we were proud to be ranked in the top five or six all all season long we don't have a dual meet team so these guys uh earned us to stay trophy um through their uh hard work their dedication over many many years to the sport and just and gutsy performances uh so we're really proud of that but I I will say too it was kind of fun uh yesterday um you know Tom and and uh Tony glacy came over to the uh City Hall where Sydney was awarded a uh home of Sydney Perry sign that's going to go up uh near um I think on Main Street right near Randall Road so we have a lasting uh reminder of one of bab's favorite daughters do we have that here we sure do that's outstanding it's really big Lily could hide behind that big yeah that's GNA go at the high school so we're going to send it over tomorrow oh it's going [Laughter] while put up their signs but that they gave us one to put up I've got one more bit that I want to say that I think is probably the most important thing and that is that um uh Sydney is is her accolades are are you know Second To None I I I have to tell you that you know a lot of girls with her uh competitive pedigree may have not chosen to wrestle for the high school they may have chosen to go into some Junior RTC program um or just kind of enter in College open tournaments which violates I I just say uh bylaws but um she has demonstrated extreme loyalty to the program and leadership as well uh to where over the last three years she you can You Can Tell She's humble she didn't she doesn't want that high that uh sign up at high school because then kids would know what she did um but she's humble she is uh dedicated to the Improvement of the kids around her uh every time I've gone to the Middle School to recruit or anytime I've gone to a Grade School uh she's been right there you know telling little girls they can do this too um you we run when we run camps you know she's the first one to look at that first grader who might be in tearers who's kind of overwhelmed and nervous to pick them up um and so she really understands I think her role as an ambassador uh and I think that's and as a leader on our team you she would bring girls to the side and you know kind of you know correct you know things when when she saw it I mean she was the first one to you know give them a kick in the seat if they needed it or the first ones to lift them uh when they came off the mat so I had an additional assistant coach this year that didn't I knew I could have but I didn't expect to have and so uh her Legacy is bigger than the accomplishment she has her Legacy uh will live on and all the girls that end up deciding to do this because they saw her do it first uh these girls are Trailblazers we're proud of them uh and thanks again for having us in anybody has anything to add I would just like to say a couple words um so I want to say congratulations to all the girls uh to Sydney and Lily uh outstanding but the whole team as your coach said Mr Bearer that you guys are Trailblazers I'll share a couple stories um but one is just that you guys your impact is going to be felt for Generations after you're gone because there's this whole generations of girls like uh Mr Bearer said that until you see it you can't really picture it sometimes and like one of our neighbors who's a fifth grade girl uh was downstate this past weekend in the junior program and the feeder program and our entire neighborhood was getting updates on how she was doing in her matches and little video clips and what it's great about is one we were supporting this student athlete but two let's be honest like 20 years ago if we said a girl was wrestling that might have been kind of unusual and now everyone's like yeah go kick butt go do it so a lot of that's due to you and then I just want to say to Sydney um I'm great it's great to see that sign I mean bavia has been graced with a lot of amazing athletes we have a NBA Hall of Famer an NFL MVP a lot of state champions I think if you were making a Mount Rushmore of bavia athletes you'd be right up there um because of your accomplishments and the Legacy and the impact you're creating for those behind you so congratulations to you and congratulations to all the girls we're so proud of you and can't wait to see what you guys do next so anyone want to try to follow that up congratulations amazing yeah I just have one question um what's your future plans are you guys going to wrestle in college uh yeah so I'm hopefully going to commit either in north central or Iowa haven't committed so kind of everywhere's open but those are the top two right now um kind of wrestle there um off of that I can make World teams and travel interally next Olympic Year I'll try to go for the Olympics nice awesome good luck good luck and you better be wrestling right well thanks everybody that's awesome thank you congratulations to you guys and to the rest of the team it's amazing good work to the coaches you guys have had good people leading you so thank you all right next next uh do we have um anybody that would like to speak today we have a single public comment okay one public comment so uh welcome to the meeting of the Board of Education if anyone wishes to address the board this evening please see our recording secretary to submit a form for addressing the board please put your full name and address on the form um as we have one in general the board will not answer questions or engage in dialogue during public comment this does not mean we do not take your concerns or comments seriously the board values active communicative participation in the District's Endeavors and encourages people to engage with the district using appropriate channels and systems designed with your input in mind board members are not involved in day-to-day operations of the district and cannot engage in District business individually if you have specific questions or would like to further engage with the district you may submit your questions using the link on the website an appropriate staff member will communicate with you who do we have today we have Christine Beardsley one the one and only right you will have a three minute timer projected up on the screen we ask that you uh be mindful of that time we will ask you to exit the podium when that time up all right I promise well good evening everybody it's really great to be here my name is Christine Beardsley I've been a teacher at Rolo Middle School since 2001 I have four kids of my own who've all gone through bavia schools and I can say honestly and proudly that it's been a great educational experience for all of them my oldest son grad uated in 1987 and then my younger children all graduated in the early 2000s and I have never been um more pleased with the a CH a child's education than looking at my own kids education so I have really nothing but kudos to offer to bavia um as a teacher and this is my year that I'm retiring finally so it's about time so but I thank you for this opportunity to speak with you please know this is about the library at the middle school all right I know that we've had teachers here in the past who talk a little bit about the library and some of the problems with Staffing so I just wanted to add my voice to that because as an Ela teacher I think access to the library is pretty important so please know that the rtoo staff has grown increasingly concerned regarding the lack of Staffing support for the RMS library due to administrative decisions the net effect of these decisions is the closing of the library for part or all of some school days and the conflicting message sent to student students about the fundamental importance of reading and literary skills I'm sure we can all agree that a school library is a critical instructional space it serves a purpose well Beyond Simple book checkout our RMS librarian Diana wolf is a certified and exceptional teacher in her own right she implements many excellent initiatives and programs which Foster reading as a lifelong skill unfortunately without adequate Personnel support many of these initiatives cannot be fully realized Diana has to this Lear she's had to close the library every day from 11:11 to 1:16 in order to teach a class in reading skills making the library inaccessible to all the other students in the school at that time we have readers in the true sense in the e8th grade this year our team provides a total of 20 minutes of free reading time daily across language arts and Bulldog block all other middle school teams are current are similarly nurturing reading earlier this year I would have had an average of 10 to 12 students requesting to use the library Dome bul block and they were visibly disappointed when I had to tell them that the library Services were unavailable sadly my students no longer request to go to the library to check out books during Bulldog block because they know it's closed now at this time I want to add though that I was talking to our librarian Diana excuse me I was talking to Diana and she said that her um job her teaching job will not be o 29 seconds will not be um she won't be teaching next year so the library will be open during Bulldog block the RMS library is vital it should never be forced to close norace program Cuts due to District Administrative decisions the librarian RMS used to have a full-time assistant but after covid uh shut down the school that position was never refilled so my big request tonight is that the district and School Board considers rehiring an admin ministrative assistant not administrative but a library assistant for our librarian thank you I see I'm out of time I had another whole page thank you very much though for listening any others Holly that is the end okay all right next is uh BPS Partners Todd if you guys need to escape go right ahead fine'll wait a minute for you I won't take it personally [Laughter] well good evening everyone um for the first part of my comments I just wanted to focus on the celebrations that we had uh just a little bit earlier so first I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate the brown gring efforts of our bavia Bulldogs girls wrestling team and the entire girls wrestling program on their amazing accomplishments from producing state champions to simply giving girls the chance to experience train compete and grow in a relative ly new sport for women Athletics in the state of Illinois our coaching staff has done an amazing job of embracing this Sport and the opportunities it provides for our students their leadership is truly one of the reasons of this program being so successful and also I think Jenny's still over there congratulations as well to Jenny Baron on her recognition as recipient of the 2024 Isa fellows award Jenny has impacted the lives of many BPS students from our youngest learners in Early Childhood Center and is now doing the same at the high school level this is a much deserved recognition for an amazing educator in BPS so now to the board I want to remind you of a very important date Friday April 19th this is the date of the first Bea scholarship music Bingo night sign up information will be coming out to you this week and you'll be able to sign up digitally using a QR code to pay for admission purchase raffle tickets and even make additional donations to the scholarship ship fund this year focuses more on individual rounds of Music bingo so you'll have a bingo card on your phone for each of our rounds the rounds will have a different Musical theme to it like the 80s um show tunes Disney so whatever your genre might be uh there'll be different rounds that you play and you'll fill up your bingo card and there'll be a designated either uh diagonal Four Corners like traditional bingo so there'll be about 8 to 10 rounds at night a bingo that you can take part in and after those individual music rounds of bingo are over um we'll have some other special surprises but I'll get to those in a second uh but just to let you know as a board you can come still as a group even though this is an individual night uh you guys can all sit at the same table you can sit with table of your other friends you can have a table theme like normal you can bring snacks you can dress up like your theme so if you think you know a special music genre or maybe there's a a a musical that you all want to come as as little top of Horrors or something you know whatever it is you can come dressed up for that night to participate in and match your theme to whatever your table theme would be so I spoke about the opportunities uh between rounds of bingo so there are going to be opportunities for karaoke between each of our rounds and you even have the chance to put people in What's called the karaoke Pokey and the karaoke Pokey is kind of like a prison uh where in order to get out of the Pokey you you are either going to have to do karaoke in front of all in attendance or you will have to pay to not do karaoke and get out of the Pokey so there's a couple new little spins on our night so it's going to be a night of a lot of fun and uh all music centered and our raffle baskets this year each basket the buildings are putting together will have a different Musical theme uh we picked a different song uh for the basket themes um I think one of them is Sugar Sugar so you can imagine the things that are in that basket candy and sweets related uh we have Girls Just Want to Have Fun so be like a girls night basket so there's just like all kinds of different musical themes with our baskets as well so just to remember April 19th make plans to come to the BFW uh for a night of fun fellowship and helping the Bea award two scholarships one for a future educator and one for someone entering into a technical trade and again I'll be giving you guys the sign up link so you guys can do that online Okay um I'd like to thank those of you on the board who have been following up with your buildings that you represent as liaison to the board as well I've heard from several members that invitations have been extended to you and that you've been attending some amazing experiences in the buildings you represent as the year continues on after break I know there will be many more opportunities for you to get out into your buildings to connect with staff and students so look for more invitations coming your way after spring break and speaking of break my hope is for my members and the staff and BPS that next week is a time for ourselves to take the ability and step away from our BPS roles to reconnect and to recharge whether traveling hundreds of miles or traveling to Home Depot or Costco be safe be mindful of your own needs and have a great break we'll see you next month thank you Todd all right next is Laura from Besa good evening uh tonight I would like to recognize two of our very own best employees Greg bver and Tori prior for being Hall of Honor inductees and that is such a great honor and um I just wanted to say that we are very proud of them okay so this year I had have been introducing um bestall members and giving you a little bit of um their life of what's going on with them so we are actually at the end and we're going to conclude uh these sessions so the past board meetings we've been presenting highlights of Besa members and then we shared an inside look at some of the bespa staff members we POS some random questions to help them get started as it is not easy for some of us to talk about ourselves we asked how long they have worked at BPS their BPS Journey their Hobbies their family memories share something Unknown about you and lastly we asked if there was anything that you could change about your job what would it be and our best bu members did not disappoint us sharing how resilient dedicated hardworking and interesting they are they came through putting their guard down in front of the public and being very transparent allowing you to look inside their heart thank you besta members for going out on a limb yes that is a p and uh let's begin the breakdown of the education tree next please so the tree starts with roots family represents the roots the family would be our student families parents siblings grandparents and who is included in that family the Root's job is to keep the tree straight and stable absorbing water and nutrients from the soil The Roots which is the family are responsible for the Health and Longevity of the tree The Roots keep the tree grounded next please next slide we have the trunk School administration represents the trunk the administration includes the superintendent administrators and administrative assist assistance the tree's jab I'm sorry the trunks jab is the central base part of the tree that balances and structures in harmony the stability of the tree the tree trunk helps identify who or what this tree is the tree trunk protects all of its vital parts and pieces of the tree next please branches that's the support staff bespa the tree branches are flexible arms of the tree providing support to the entire tree structure stems and fruits the support staff represents the branches the branches are the custodians maintenance secretaries campus monitors ground Keepers and Par professionals next please stem stem are the teachers stems are providing direct educational nutrients to the fruit as it continues support through the fruits and tires growth the teachers are the support for whatever is growing whether it is a fruits leaf or Berry the stem supports the product until it is ready next slide bees bees are the school board members bees are essential for providing biodiversity and economic stability bees provide the source of pollen and nectar to fertilize the tree so it can produce the very best fruit without the bees there is no fruit next please nutrients community and school support Partners provide nutrients nutrients provide unconditional support to help contribute to the growth of the tree PTO Chipen bavia Foundation bavia mother's club and just so much more are just an example of the nutrients providing support next please fruit our bavia school district students are the fruit the finished product of the tree developing from having every single support of this educational tree fruit is the reward of hard work next please this is the educational tree every part of the tree is essential for proper growth and survival I would like to say that Pavia school district has an ex ceptional educational tree every person working at the school or support the district has made bavia School District what it is today the fruit is the ultimate product of what the tree is about we all care about the students we want to help nourish and be a part of supporting each student to their full potential basa is proud and honored to be working here serving the amazing bavi bavia community and families there is not one part of this educational tree that can survive healthy without each other besta stronger together thank you thank you Laura all right next student ambassadors s andit do you want to introduce yourself hello again I'm jarit and I'm Zora and we're the student ambassadors um today I got an amaz an exciting opportunity to visit um NIU Campus and I got to learn about Campus Life over there and other important details such as like application and financial stuff which I would like to stretch is really important and like helpful as like Juniors and seniors try to figure out which like school is the best match for them and to celebrate St Patrick day we have a tradition of playing School Bingo which is really fun um at the end of each block they call out like numbers and if a student win at the end of school um you have opportunity to win um either gift card or candy and also last weekend um we had Rock The Runway and everyone that went told me that it was amazing and they put up an amazing show and I would just like to give out a quick shout out to Rachel Agro which which she won first place and also students in athletic uh fellow Christian Fellowship also did like um boxing pack package to um support and um individuals who have cancer so yeah so a lot of great things there and we've had some amazing Sports as I think you can already tell from the other presentations um softball season has started baseball has started I believe they actually have a game today if I'm not wrong at NE Central and then um wrestling as you can tell has been doing amazing shout out to Lily Eno Sydney Perry crazy they're going crazy at State and um color guard has been doing amazing as well um they actually went uh I think they went to Chicago regionals and they won second place at the Hershey competition which is insane and soccer has been starting up and a little shout out for the girls track and field we won decain conference varsity and JV um guys track and field has been doing great great they won their 4x4 race which is the last race of the meet so a lot of great things so far so we're fired up for the season and I think that's all we have for today yeah thank you thank you all right uh board liais on committee reports soe do you mind starting do you have any committee reports uh sure I can just update kind of referenced a little bit earlier the Hall of Honor um we've announced the class of 2024 uh the event will be held on September 12th at 6 pm.

testing testing one two 3 testing one two e test test one two 3 test test one two e all right I would like to call this meeting to order today is tu Tuesday March 19th 2024 it is 6:30 or 18:30 military time this meeting is our regular school board meeting for creeky 201u Madam Secretary protim Jamie can I have a roll call please Mr Al here Mr Brown here Mr gagos here Dr Hall here miss root Mr swales here miss s stus is here okay I would like to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by board member Alex gagos followed by the mission statement led by Dr Hall I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all our mission statement is to empower each student to positively impact the world or a bright new future thank you both Mr gigos and Dr Hall do we have any public comments I have a couple here couple three any electronic emails okay the first one we have is by Mrs dumbrowski and also you can stay up there and remain after your first one we actually have a second let's do the first one here let me know when you finish okay and this is uh child safety hi hello members of the board I would like to take this opportunity to share a recent experience I had at Creed Elementary please do not misunderstand me I am I'm not not coming to you today I am coming to you today as a concerned parent who is being transparent and openly communicating I'm not speaking from anger or contention on February 15th I was called by someone at the school to let me know that my son Damian who is a first grader was hit in the head with a foam ball in PE the person reported that Damien was fine and did not want an ice pack or any other forms of treatment this person identified themselves as Christina and no other information was provided to me regarding her role at the school nor did she confirm that I was Damian's parent I did not recognize Christina and the only reason I knew it was for somebody from the school was because I looked through the directory after the phone call to confirm the phone number that's a scary thought when you're at work since this call I've had my Advocate reach out to the district to understand Christina's role in The District the school district has confirmed that they had no one by the name of Christina that works at that school and that they were saying the school is saying it was somebody else who called me uh they said it was the nurse Dana who called me which the week before on February 9th I did receive a call from Dana and she it was an unremarkable phone call because it was very professional and this call from Christina was far from it I was wondering who Christina was and and is the district concerned for my son's safety and the safety of other children in the school and who else has access to the personal information because they knew my number they knew my son's name they knew my name they had access to all this personal information that is it on the first one okay thank you thank you and again our superintendent or whoever she designate to get back to you on that matter we appreciate it now you want you have two more okay you have one more M I'm okay and this this topic is information again by from Miss dumbrowski um my second concern that I'm bringing to you guys tonight is um the the the safety of the information that we as parents present to the school to get our kids into the school district um I found out last night that the school actually I found out today when I was at work that my Advocate called me and told me that the school lost my residency paperwork saying and when they sent me a letter home saying that my son would be kicked out of the school district um this ain't the first time personal information has been lost at the hands of the school my son son's school physical has been lost more than once um my son's OT prescription was lost um my residency paperwork was lost once before um and every time we address I address the school regarding the information they turn the school district turn on tells me that I never turned it in there is no way that my residency paperwork disappeared because I couldn't get my son into school without it I could not get my son into school without the school pH physical form every time I address the school regarding the handling of private information privileged information I get the the stone wall I get um the teacher the staff gets defensive or I get downright harassed um I am addressing this issue because um with the residency paperwork they lost my banking information which could lead me to identity theft um they misplaced my son's Medicaid card and my Medicaid card at the time which could lead to Medical identity theft which has happened um they lost my parents information because I have to double down because I live with my parents uh they lost um uh they VI with the misplacing of my son's school's physical form they violated the privileged information between the patient and the doctor um I just want to know what can be done to make sure our privileged information that we entrust the school to keep our kids safe at school is not in the wrong hands thank you thank you thank you and again the board uh deeply apologize for any inconvenient and wrongdoing if that is f found to be true that our superintendent will follow up back with you via email and if you feel that your the respond you receive is not appropriate please reach out further thank you so much next public comment is on Construction Construction consideration we do not have a name I'm sorry oh how many times how many times you f out this form put it like this we do not need a name good evening ladies and gentlemen of the board Mary brag from the Creon Education Association Mr Brown I am so sorry about an incomplete form no you're um I did want to uh reach out to you the board and administration I do know in this evening's packet you are um um have on the agenda the Motions to approve the letters of intent for construction for the um uh future athletic facilities and I just um want to make sure that you all remember our concerns of having appropriate and proper learning spaces over at the middle school for all of our students so um that is our first and foremost you know we're School District learning adequate learning spaces for our students for our children are and should be top priority so I just want to bring that back to light thank you very much for your time thank you thank you Mary and and again the board assure you that the middle school project will will right now move ahead it's actually I don't know if you saw it it is on the agenda okay thank you appreciate it okay do we have any board updates uh yeah so on Thursday we had uh bpac uh information night uh that was actually in this room and um a lot of people um uh volunteered and and helped out get uh get help for our Spanish speaking families here uh there was people from Park Forest mon uh Creet uh up uh to help out with food drives uh clothing drives um the diaper Depot um there was a lot of information they even had like lawyers here uh to answer any questions that parents might have uh they had pizza and the kids could play around in the uh cafeteria over there and it was uh they had free books uh it was a really well put together um event uh that uh that did a lot lot of good for the parents that were here uh that are new to the district um and that uh so it goes It goes a long way to show that uh we're supporting uh all of our all of our students and and families what is bpac bpac is the bilingual parent uh act advisory committee okay and uh so but it's not just in Spanish it's not just Spanish speakers but um that is one of the uh most used uh other language here uh in the district um last year I went to a conference for bpac and they had uh translators for like 40 different languages so which is really cool but we don't need 40 different languages here okay wow great okay thank you Alex that uh great news thank you for being so engaged with that process and anybody else have any updates well I can also say in this room yesterday we had a very productive meeting gen all right uh with the Early Learning initiative and project and what I did him say about the meeting was going well until he list a bunch of lawyers been at his meeting just kidding but good news thank you Alex appreciate it lot of good things happening in the district I don't know uh I guess I there's a I was listening to the concern I don't it's not an update but my question that keeps bothering me isn't everything uploaded it is so then okay so we'll look into that and we'll give her a call so we can kind of walk through that with you yeah and if you can put in your FYI just kind of the results a followup appreciate it okay all right no further board Updates this on you superintendent for administrative updates uh I just have one that I wanted to share and that is uh just reminding uh everybody that we have our second strategic planning meeting tomorrow in this room with all of our community something about it's a busy room and I know we've got many of our board members that do participate in that process and I can just share last time it was just a very productive process a lot of really good dialogue uh we just met with uh Dr Mueller with our executive team today to plan and talk about uh tomorrow's event and we're really looking forward to that so we're about halfway through and we're on target to present uh the Strategic plan at the June board meeting so anyway just excited about that process okay was that our good news it is that's a good news okay all right continue on please all right under business uh believe Mr surma will be coming up uh we wanted to present some information that we became aware of regarding the district attendance zon so he's going to share a little bit about that and open it up for some discussion good evening board evening administrators those in the public um this has come to light because we had a residency case come up um and I think Eric actually Dr melan Cho brought it to us where there was a question of where the person was residing where they were paying property taxes and I went and looked into it and I found quite honestly that The Residency zones the attendance zones that were on our website that were posted in 2010 are wrong okay so and I mentioned 2010 because I wasn't here nor was I I don't know any of us were here but so I want to go through with you kind of the process that we went through to show you what the issue is and uh to share with you what the differences are um as we went through this proess process so you're going to see a lot of maps uh stop me at I I've looked at this 100 times so I'm familiar but stop me at any time if if something gets confusing because it can be so this map shows what our attendance zones were on our website that were posted and you'll see a date up there it says August 30th 2010 7:30 a.m.

e anticipated by the chair to be discussed at the meeting not all agenda items May in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent committed by law so we'll call the meeting to order at 6:04 um and as always citizens participation um Mark we out for us today good day spring welcome to Spring by finally everything's okay here the house may be by myself and all but it's it's all normal I would like to thank the Board of Health for another winter to get through with all everything into the town itself and add with your with your uh um way of doing your things all the time every single second you're out there I just wanted this is make it real quick and um just say that we're all good spring ahead and we all won't look dead thank you go all right thanks Mark um number three up Medical Reserve Corps update with Michaela um Raj you want to make the introduction yes sir so uh we have Michaela we have Brenda U from from our middle folk uh uh MRC that this is our group now uh after we SP split the our MRC into three parts you know so I'll give it to Micha Brenda and I guess Mr David is also from MC he's here you know hi as I'm M thank you hi Michaela thanks for being here yeah and Brenda's here too she just um had surgery yesterday so she's gonna be off camera but she's my unit leader and I'm the unit coordinator for our unit um okay so I just wanted to come here and give background and updates um on the MRC so ashin is one of 10 towns in the middle folk unit the middle folk MRC unit um the other towns are Dover Framingham Holliston hackington Medfield Millis Norfolk Sherborne and R them so you guys are one of 10 um I currently have 90 volunteers right now active and Deployable um 14 of those are yours from Ashwin just as an FYI there um I do want to give just some history on the MRC just because some people might not know um so back when 911 happened um there was no real organized system for utilizing the medical and health professional volunteers that were willing to um participate and help their community in a disaster so in 2002 that's when the MRC was created and now today I think there's like 800 units and like 300,000 Volunteers in the country so it's grown um and you guys are part of it so that's good um as raj knows these volunteers are for the T for your town to use um and you can use any of the volunteers like you can use framingham's volunteers do what have you um and Raj knows to request these volunteers from me for parades fireworks road races vaccine clinics um and disasters obviously um and if you have health fairs or something too um and then so the update part is we had our meet and greet in Framingham um ashlin's meet and greets coming up on the 30th um and this is a good time to recruit because you guys only have 14 volunteers right now so anything I can do to help I can work with Laura Raj to get the word out there um and this meet and greet is when they can this is for them to sign up um get to understand what the mrsc is all about um usually the veteran volunteers come too so that's actually really helpful because then we can get everybody to mingle and get um advice and experiences um and there'll be a PowerPoint too there for any new people um so yeah I'm excited you guys are going to have your meet and greet April 30th so I'm excited for you guys question for you Michaela nice to meet you thanks for coming did you did you say you already had one meet meet and greet yep and Framingham okay so ours is April 30th yep I mean anybody can come to it though I want like Framingham can show up everybody can show up but you're just to make it to get your volunteers there um and I'm trying to get everybody like right now my main focus is getting everybody's cories in and making them making sure they're Deployable their credentials are done everything because um because we need more people um so I'm hoping I can recruit more people at this meet and greet um and there is a flyer I think Laura has a flyer that um she created for this to get the word out okay so um would I contact you Michaela so there's an event and I don't know if Raj told you about it it's a h free medical clinic in August that we're trying to get some volunteers for um actually Dave Kinsman here is part of the um team that's recruiting would you be the person that we contact directly NOP so you would tell Raj and he would fill out a it's called a volunteer request form and he's email it to me and then I do the work from there so everything goes to Raj okay got it Raj you may have told me that sorry if I forgot no Dr J we'll work on that you know so but give me give me the numbers you know and then I'll put the question okay great thank you nice to meet you yeah yeah hi Michael how you doing um you had said that we have 14 volunteers you know in your opinion what would be our optimal number for many as possible there's no um I don't really I'm brand new so I don't really know like what other units have I would probably refer to Brenda on that one she's got more experience um but definitely as many think well I think you said what there's 190 in the 10 Towns so and there's 10 Towns so that it would average 19 so I guess we're a little low in that respect I don't know how many you know other towns have oh sorry there's nine zero so nine zero yeah we're we're above the average then yeah we're very small okay um okay most most towns um I started out as a member of the wle MRC before I took the public health nurse job in Medfield and Walpole probably has 110 volunteers Medfield has 20 I mean it's an up and growing thing you can never have too many and we can always use if you request 10 volunteers we're going to put the word out for 15 because as we all know five people get sick or can't come at the last minute and been a really good job with that so far okay all right thank you and we do tap in what people don't understand is if Ashen needs volunteers it goes out to all 10 Towns so people can help in in event of in a real emergency in ashin you're going to get volunteers from all 10 communities maybe not the parade but and in emercy well right okay all right anybody else any have any questions comments no okay Michaela thanks very much and um you know as well as um is it bar Barbara I'm sorry Brenda Brenda yeah thank you very much for your time you're certainly welcome to stay on you probably have better things to do on a Tuesday night we appreciate the the introduction and you know a little bit of history about you know the MRC and um we'll see you on the 30th yep I'm excited see you guys on the 30th all right yeah thank you excuse me David rosan I'll say goodbye to I'm a member of the MRC you gets anyway good see all right thanks Dave okay thanks Dave okay um so um L informed me I think before we started that um apparently we don't have the revised Board of Health fee schedule so I think Laur did you say you want to just share your screen and then Raj you or Raj can go over it okay yes I I can I can go you know do you see it okay it's coming oh there you go Mr we we actually have done three three changes in the fee schule uh right two two of them is for the swimming pool uh we have couple of requests you know uh we have a new swimming pool coming in town at 1900 Chestnut Street and uh the pool at the Jo Drive Chestnut uh Place Apartment need a major renovation so we didn't had u a item on the fee schedule to charge for these Services you know so we have put uh new pool construction at $150 and then a swimming pool renovation for at $100 fee for for the Department uh these are two items and we didn't had on the fee schedule is for any late applications you know when when early uh in Jan we process our new permits or end of end of year uh we didn't had a fees in in the schedule so we have put that uh $50 uh fee for The Late Late Late applications you know so these are these are the changes uh we are proposing for the fee schedule okay is that something we need to vote on that should that is correct sir yes okay all right and everything else is the same that is correct okay all right anybody like to make a motion to approve these updated fee schedules I I'll make a motion to approve appr the fee schedules as presented that's great any seconds I'll second okay great all in favor I hi hi hi hi Barbara how are you okay it looks like that pass is H five nothing thanks Raj thank sir thanks Laura okay um item five uh the uh mary mortensson public health award you know voting on the nominees um I know that somewhere I read that there were a few more you know potential nominations I know we have two letters you know of uh recommendation for Jay that you know we've had uh you know on the docket so uh one from Stephen Mitchell and one from you know Rob St Germain so you got glowing recommendations for them I know you had already been up for it I think we had one of the school nurses or Public Health nurses I think that Ed had said are there any other uh recommendations or nominations did did we get any nominations from the I know it was publicly disclosed right in Michael's newsletter um or am I mistaken but I I know that we were trying to get the uh public to think about that is correct Dr J so we we didn't I to what I'm aware we didn't had anything else you know besides your two and last time we we discussed you know as Mr bman nominated that School nurses we already gave them the award last year you know so to my knowledge we didn't had any any other nominations come through so yes we we went to social media we tried all the outre you know so and Mr chair that only two nominations are for Dr J you know okay all right can anybody start or or no anybody like you know like to you know make a nomination I you know I I I obviously there's nobody that isn't worthy that's you know putting their time into in the public health you know just from a personal stand point I think uh you know Jay is you know spearheaded the you know the remote access you know or Area Medical and is doing it again this year and I I certainly think that's you know a very time consuming Affair and I know you have a lot of help you know but certainly you know you were the you know the one that at least you know was the go-to guy and and thought about bringing it and I know Ed's obviously invaluable I know Ed Hart is and Steve Mitchell and everybody else who volunteers and Raj but you know I I certainly think you know that that's a a really you know worthy reason to have this not only to do it once but then to torture yourself and do it again you know is really all all the people that you helped you know at least what I I think you know one of the letters said at least 300 people you know you know 300 visits last year and there's going to be at least that many or more this year so um you know I I would certainly nominate you know Jay even though I obviously like I said whoever you know the the nurse that Ed um had nominated obviously is is worthy as well Hey Ron Ron can I say something yeah sure I tried last time with this to nominate myself but I'm not going to do it again this time so I'm not going to nominate myself but I'll I'll second whoever gets it even though I'm a citizen okay I second to whoever gets it I B up myself but I am on the astion democ town list committee that got about thousand votes so I'm blowing my own horn for that okay all right well yeah and you're always at the meeting so you definitely deserve to be commended for that that's for sure yeah Ed Dave Barbara anybody else Jay um I just uh one point that's worth bringing up is Laura had sent around a list of uh the previous recipients and um as I think we did mention at our last meeting the School nurses were included with the co Response Team um of the ashon fire department the police department the School nurses uh in I guess a couple of years ago um so U I personally um joined the Board of Health just before the um the whole uh the actual execution of the ram Clinic last year but uh from everything that I can tell it it was really uh Jay who who was the the impetus behind the whole event so I certainly second Jay's nomination okay anybody else any further discussion okay all right um but say we can vote on it um favor excuse sorry did somebody make the original nomination motion yeah I I I did if if that was if that counts for me to do it I know other times I have to ask for it but I thought with this I could do that so okay unless I have to I need to abstain from the vote Yes I think we have enough people here right yes yep right right I think one person would be enough you know but um anybody else have anything to say Barbara no I just um no okay all right all right you know all all in favor of recognizing Jay for this you know uh for this award I hi right hi yeah all right all right Jay that that's great congratulations you know thank you for the the hard work I look forward to you know giving you that award maybe we need to this R over but you know yeah you definitely good defitely are yeah yeah well thank you very much I do appreciate it all right now get to work you're up next so we are uh in we've submitted almost all of our funding applications there's one right now in progress for the Metro West Health Foundation it's a little bit larger it's not huge but it's a little bit larger than the the ones that we've done um before the other five which are for banks and other organizations so we got six applications in the works I think if we get uh funding from five of those we should be good um so I'm not worried about it at this point I don't know if I mentioned this before but we have secured Framingham State for the dorms for a second time for the second year and these yeah they're the dorms for Ram there's 30 uh RAM staff and volunteers that come in uh their core volunteers their team um or their what they call their subject matter expert so they'll they they need a place to stay so Framingham State did it last year and they have agreed to um to do it again this year um let's see what else and then I don't think I mentioned this before but um we need a dental license from um I believe it's the Massachusetts Dental Society um and I may be butchering that name is that right Ed do you know yeah so anyway that correct yeah thanks that license is in the works um and and that shouldn't be an issue we got the license last year so U that those are the three updates that's it it's it's we're moving forward okay all right that's great just just a question what what is you know what what are the um Financial requirements what are you looking for for you know for donations we're looking for 30,000 um that's the budget that's required to carry it um and so we put out um a a donation request form with different levels of donations and these would be like corporate or organizational donations and then for with each donation each level of funding um or sponsorship um they get um something related to advertising names on a t-shirt names on Flyers um any um you know any any public uh statements that we make we make sure that we we name these folks so yeah so that's what we're looking for and then if we come in under that 30,000 we will go out like we did last year and ask individuals to donate so these are smaller amounts and that's how we we put it all together last year so and ideally we have money by June um so that we can start yeah that's what I was going to ask when by June okay yeah so you have another few months to to get it together okay another few months and then also we we can't really make a large batch of flyers or uh promotion material certainly can't make the t-shirts until we know who is going to be sponsoring so I I think uh there's I don't want to I don't want to I can't remember exactly so I don't want to miss speak here but I think it's anything from $5,000 and upward you get your name on the back of the T-shirt so we can't make those 300 odd t-shirts until we know who's sponsoring so the sooner we get these funding applications submitted um and hear back the better okay yeah right great all right thanks anything to to add um Jay I think um when Raj does the application for the MRC I I if Raj maybe if you could be very specific when people from the MRC sign up to volunteer on the website um if they can identify if they are bilingual or trilingual so that we can use them in that capacity I really I will put that request so yes you know yeah definitely that's a good point and Raj um I was just I was going to send you an email but I might as well just ask so on April 30th when they MRC has its meet and greet I didn't catch this do you know what time and where that's going to be so Dr J this one is at in in at Ashland Town Hall right so this is going to be our event 6 to8 um at the select boards room okay last time we discussed remember that I guess you was traveling right when it was a firmingham event right so yes so I I guess it's going to be a good event you know and I mean that's why we we took this early so people enroll for it and we can get them into RAM Clinic you know so that's the rational you know hopefully hopefully people show up you know and sign up for for us you know yeah yeah excellent well I'll be there so well wait wait a minute now so 6 to 8 um yeah we don't have a board of health meeting on the last last week I'm sure I have something else but I can move things around because I'd like to make it yeah only thing is like if if if three or more board members are going to come then we we have to post this meeting you know so we I will I will talk to everybody you know just to make sure that in case everybody's coming we just post the meeting just just to cover ourself You Know M makes sense thank you y thanks all right okay moving on to uh the health director's agenda Raj thank you Mr chair so first thing we have some staff changes uh coming uh with the public health nursing uh Jessica who who's with us for almost over two years you know as a staff member or with the shared services she have actually put two weeks notice a two months notice you know she's actually getting her license uh to to practice uh um as as a nurse practitioner you know so she she's going to college she have full-time job at Newton Wesley you know so she she's not able to take the load so she she's she's going to be you know taking a leave from the clinic um brid who our new public health nurse with the shared services uh will be assisting US during during the time or during the Gap you know and then we have Kate Pander also who is our part-time Public Health Nur uh so that's the update on that uh we'll be presenting I'll be presenting uh before the Citizens Academy on the 27th uh along with conservation sustainability and Library this is on March 27th in the evening uh 628 again U I did get nominated uh for for the dph environmental health Advisory Group uh these are the new groups they are forming at the State uh I did send them the paperwork in I I feel like you know being a member or in Advisory Group we going to help Ashland as well you know for for me to know more stuff at the state level and you know make some contacts you know so hopefully I get that uh position in The Advisory Group easy convenience this is from the last time uh we have a ownership change going on here um the new owners was here today uh to get the applications for the food as well as the to back uh update on mil Pond uh they did submit addition of the equipment application to us on March 7th and we have approved it uh once once they are done with the work we'll go out for inspection with the housing cases U we did had the meeting uh uh last week you know uh with the chestnut Place Apartment owners uh they came to the town hall we discussed all the ISU ues that all the Departments are facing at the apartments uh including us building department uh and we had a good meeting uh only other thing uh they are changing the management company uh I guess they starting this Monday and I'll update the board about the new company will be managing the chestnut Place Apartments uh with the cus Apartments uh um Town manager have actually set up a meeting for next week uh we'll be meeting the management on site um there's a district manager director level person uh coming out to meet us again about the trash issue we have or the housing cases we have at cus apartment 137 Pawn Street uh I did had a call with the AG's office today we're making progress hopefully U uh the case will be filed in in front of the court you know soon 233 Trail side way I know I guess Dr J asked me last time so uh the occupant who have locked the complaint with us uh is evicted now and he evocated the residence uh so I got a email from from the owner that they'll be making their pairs uh before they put the unit up for uh renting again and we'll do the inspection with the disease investigations we picked up a case of pacis this week uh we're working on that we did pick up another case of TV so we have two Active cases we're working on right now with the clinics U we have a clinic coming on the 26th uh so far this season we have done 16 Clinic uh and this is going to be our 17th Clinic uh this season U this is just the combo Clinic that doing with the pharmacy all total all from the time we have started this uh vaccine clinics right we have done 3,368 shots so far uh so all thanks to Mr Burman you know Barbara everybody who comes to the clinics you know feel very proud about uh giving these many shots in past couple of years to the residents and I'm up for any questions now please I have a question for your Raj um so for on the 27th when you do the presentation for the Citizens Academy is that at the Town Hall oh it's at the library s Library okay all right thanks so Raj what's the what's the expectation with the uh with the pawn Street piece of property what's what's likely to happen with that so a couple of things right the issues with the bed bugs hopefully that subsides right and then they had to make some repairs in the kitchen you know for that they have submitted us the application with the sprc sheets and all that and they're working on it you know so once we have that you know it'll be cleared from the kitchen side that the kitchen will be updated to the code and hopefully you know we resolve the case with the bugs you know and hopefully when when the transition happen I I'm not sure when that is happening but like the new owners know about issue and you know work on work actively on resolving resolving the issues right yeah no I get the the mil Pond I was wondering more what the expectations were with the property at at Pond Street on on you know on pwn Street to 137 is that you know gonna be torn down and that'll be now Ashlin property or how does that work so sir um as you're aware I'm sorry I thought you're talking about the mil p pa street it's the the case right now is with the AG's office right so they working uh to my understanding how it works is once they file it in the court the court is going to uh grant us an what we call is as a receiver you know rece uh receiver of the property MH uh the receiver then make uh you know he's going to survey the property of what best outcome can be like you know first they work with us as a enforcing Authority or agency right like how we can resolve this right and they will come up with various options like you know what to do with the property either do repair or put a new building or if they s need to happen you know so all that stuff he he do a survey and then present it to in front of the judge and the judge make decision what's going to be happening with it moving forward you know only other thing the brother the younger brother was here you know last week you know upset about about the timelines or what's happening you know and he's in contact with the AG's office as well as I spoke with the Assistant Attorney General today you know she she updated me on that you know okay all right thank you for that anybody else Dave Barbara no Ed okay all right moving on to uh item eight the uh consent agenda review and approve the Board of Health draft meting meet it's for uh February 20th 24 and review and approved fiscal year 2024 year-to dat budget reports anybody like to make a motion to um approve those as presented I I'll make the motion to approve the consent agenda as presented okay that's great any seconds yeah Jay seconds that that's great all in favor I I everybody okay that's great looks like that passes uh five uh to nothing and uh item nine discuss future items meeting dates April 2nd and uh 16th for next month um you know anything uh anything you know that you can think of Raj guess you're going to be you know start to do all the the reviews of pools and things like that or it's correct sir again we other thing is right this Thursday I'm attending uh meeting conference on ticks and mosquitoes you know so uh plan to present some data uh with working with the app pie at the Shar services to pull a fiveyear data you know of TI mosquito Bond diseases the numbers in asland and we have sent a lot of and myself worked on a article that we have sent in the town pages regarding T you know lch season so that will be one of the topics we'll be discussing next meeting or should discuss next meeting okay all right that's great thank you and I know there's there's some Town service where sometimes you can add is it either for ticks or mosquitoes or both if you know if you're coming around spraying so we can review that as well with people right so more on mosquit Springs early spring you know especially with Triple E or you know westnile and then individual people you know can request Services uh we got spreaded some pools you know abandon pools and all that last season as well you know so just just to keep the is Clow you know we'll we'll try to do actively work actively on those kind of situations okay right great anybody else with anything to add no no okay no all right looks like we're we're good anybody want to make the motion to adjourn I guess I'll make a motion to adjourn okay at 6 okay thanks any second second yep all right J second that's great all in favor hi hi all right this one doesn't this one never doesn't get a unanimous vote all right everybody thanks very much we'll see everybody in a couple weeks thanks Laura night than you all right thanks thanks Raj yeah good night everyone night all right bye for e for

I okay e yeah for all how you s for Sora you're going to move over you're going to move down hello are you they're all thank you you hello Alan I'm I'm doing fine I hear I understand where you're yourself comfortable yeah that layout let see if I can get you some there hey okay calling the meeting to order at 7 pm uh marel can you help us please um with the roll call uh and before we start uh sorry Mar um welcome to everyone for uh thank you for being here um especially with such short notice I appreciate seeing each and every one of uh you here um we're going to go ahead and start with a roll call I just want to explain a little bit um and do our general procedure in the beginning and there will be an opportunity for um public comment on the Clos session in case you're wondering before we break out to close session uh so thank you for your patience and Mar can you help us with roll call please today is a special board meeting of March 19th 2024 at 7 p.m.

e just want to make sure you can hear me okay in the back beautiful well welcome everyone good evening my name is uh jiren Fred I am proud to serve as the assistant superintendent Educational Services for the Anaheim Union High School District and it's so great to have you here for our annual soapbox speech competition so thank you so much for being here before we begin I want to bring up our student ambassador Madison Romero Aron who's going to lead us on our salute to the flag hi everyone me anos to Anaheim uh if we could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and if you're wearing hats if we could remove them please put your right hand over your heart ready begin I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all you may be seated thank thank you thanks Madison so I'm super excited that you're here today to tonight you're going to be able to watch and witness the sophistication of the skills and the talents of our many many students tonight you're going to see a soapbox speech now our students have worked tirelessly to prepare for their soapbox speeches they have done research they have analyzed uh and articulated their viewpoints they have done so in a compelling manner uh I think it's important to know that they aren't doing this because they have incredible teachers their teachers have been bringing in uh the sophistication the talents of their classrooms through instruction that have allowed our students to really engage in the things that they care about connected to their content to be able to Showcase their skills their talents and their passions regarding this topic um I'm really really proud of the hard work of our students I'm proud of all those who put this event together we're going to save some of the thank yous for the end but I do want to give a quick shout out to Ruby patino he is here he's our curriculum specialist for social science he really has led this event so Mr Patino congratulations great job I also want to take a moment to acknowledge our incredible Board of Trustees we have our board president here miss anarie Rand Trejo we have borderes clerk Jessica Guerrero of course we also have our superintendent here Mr Michael matsuda I know he's here somewhere it's without the support of our board support of our cabinet of course our amazing teachers these events would be possible so thank you so much for being here with that I am so privileged to introduce our masters of ceremony uh Autumn Brown former retired teacher here but uh Drama teacher and just amazing person who's going to serve as our masters of ceremony thank you thank you jiren welcome everyone thank you so much for being here tonight as he mentioned I am recently retired I was the Drama teacher at Brooker junior high school for 25 years and now that I'm retired I pursue my two favorite things my love of theater and my love of not getting up to an alarm clock every morning so tonight is an amazing night you are going to be blown away this annual competition provides our students a voice to share their issues that are important to them under the guidance of our superintendent Mr Michael matsuda the Anaheim Union High School District is a recognized leader both Statewide and nationally for the Innovative work in the area of Civic engagement we have more California democracy schools in our district than any other District in the state of California and next week we will be recognized as the first California democracy School District next month oh next month at the Nixon Library I think that deserves a round of applause so what exactly is a soapbox speech well back in the day soap and other Dry Goods used to be delivered in a box a wooden box not the plastic tubs we get our laundry detergent in today and people would have issues that they wanted to let their neighborhoods know about and they would take those wooden soap boxes put them on the corner or out in the park and they would talk about what was passionate for them and call calls to action we need to do something about this in our community or that is a problem and we need need to fix it but they stand on their soap box so that's where the term comes from Talking passionately about something that's very important to you and that's what we're going to hear tonight I don't envy our judges to try to determine who is the most effective speaker tonight we have an amazing panel who have the challenging job of trying to decide first second and third place judges I'd like to take a moment for you to introduce yourself your name your role in the district and maybe one issue that you are passionate about our speakers have up to three minutes you have 30 seconds so if you would please let us know your name your role in the district and something that's important to you thank you Miss Brown good evening everybody my name is Mike Switzer I'm the district's English language arts curriculum specialist thank you everyone for allowing us thank you thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a great event um an issue that is always on my mind that keeps me up many nights is around the idea of literacy particularly for our most marginalized and most historically underserved communities hello my name is Jessica I am the science curriculum specialist and uh one of the things that I think is near and dear to my heart is what are the types of choices that we can make individually to less in the climate crisis and move us in a positive direction good evening my name is Katie chowers and I have the honor and the privilege of serving as our District's Mathematics Curriculum specialist thank you go mathematics um I am honored to also be returning I was able to participate in this event last year so I'm excited to see what tonight brings and a social issue that I'm passionate about is wage inequality thank you so much so what are our judges going to be looking for three areas first the content of the speech is it clearly explained second the delivery of the speech the body language The Voice the facial expressions the gestures and third structure and style is the speech organized does it interest the audience and capture our attention and does the speaker offer us any solutions our young people are to be applauded for coming up and overcoming the fear of public speaking this is our opportunity to hear what issues are on the minds of the students in the ahsd what you are about to see are the best student public speakers representing every Junior High and every High School each of these students has crafted a two to three minute speech soapbox speech regarding an issue that's important to them so we we will start with Junior High then take a 10-minute break here our high school speakers and then determine who's first second and third and now let's get started please welcome our first speaker and I'd like to tell you that this particular young man is from South Junior High and and part of the Dual language immersion program there so he will be presenting his speech in both Spanish and English please welcome Anthony [Applause] Silva I am a part of the Dual language immersion program and today I will be presenting a presentation that is both English and Spanish starting with Spanish Pap Junior Scholastic imigrant for immigrants rising.org or now I will translate my presentation to English many of you like me come from immigrant families I asked my dad dad what was your daily routine like on school days he replied every morning I had to wake up at 4:00 a.m.

2% of our budget the majority of which is for us to send students out of District to special services school districts or approved private schools for the disabled in New Jersey in other words students who we can't provide programs for here in District we then have to send out of district and we're legally obligated to provide that service for them which directly impacts our transportation costs you can see transportation is the next highest cost there we have to transport those same students we also have to transport all of our students to and from school so Transportation costs are pretty high we do Outsource many of our routes due to our lack of drivers and the driver the Nationwide driver shortage operations of our school facilities so that's for the maintenance custodial and general operation of our facilities none of those other costs are salaries there that's just to operate our school facilities quite honestly that's a very low number for a district of our size but our facilities department does excellent work so we've been able to manage and then of course we need to purchase curriculum and technology and all other costs is 7.4% you're going to ask what are all other costs all other costs for us is just the cost of doing business as a school district so that would be um providing for FICA reimbursement that we must pay for each of our employees and salaries that's going to be for waiver payments for anybody who Ops out of insurance coverages our registrations for all of our staff uh profession association fees legal fees judgments against the district um and our annual purs obligation which is a few million dollars they all fall under that other cost again just the general cost of us doing business as a district in New Jersey the biggest takeaway from this screen for anybody here would be that salaries and benefits make up about 76% of our budget what that means is before we've even begun talking about educating students directly 76 cents of every dollar is accounted for so let's talk State funding we're all familiar most of us in this room are going to be familiar with the S2 State funding reductions just to go back to the timeline that I had mentioned earlier school districts are going to submit their budgets in March that's for a July one implementation So today we're submitting our budget for July 1st school years run July 1 to June 30th of every year so what we're looking at back in 2018 was Eve sham Township balanced a budget with 13.9 million accounted for it from state aid the state said in March here's your state aid so the governor gives his BD budget address in February of every year and within 48 Hours school districts get their state aid notices and then we we're finalizing our budget because we know exactly what the state is going to give us we never know until after 40 or until 48 hours after that budget address so in March of Eve sham got their notice and said great we're getting $13.9 million fantastic and they balanced the budget closed the year they opened up in July and they started implementing their budget that year and this happened to many districts who were S2 losers across the state and then the state said in the same year that's fiscal year 19 because it was July 2018 through 19 the state said you know I know we told you you're going to get 13.9 million we're actually only going to give you 13.1 million we need that $800,000 back oh and by the way you have to hold an emergency meeting in July and you have to tell us what you're cutting and where you're taking it from and we're not just going to take it one year we're going to take it for the next seven years for eam that's $7.1 million in a total reduction down at the bottom or 68% of our original state funding number that is a massive massive impact so what does this mean this means that the state is Shifting the burden to the taxpayers the blue bar represents the tax levy the yellow or Red Line would represent the state funding you can see from the Box on the top right State funding used to represent almost 24% of our tax levy this year for July 1 or bisic year 25 it's less than 10% under ideal conditions that red line would follow the same trajectory is our blue Bars Under normal conditions prs2 that red line would have remained constant or flat today you can see that that Gap is widening and it's only going to get worse so I want to bring you back to this slide really quick before we move forward our total funding reduction if you just look at it in a vacuum you say year-over-year what did we lose last year we were given 6.7 million that's crossed out we then applied for a one-time stabilization Aid we received around $486,000 back from the state so our total state aid last year came in at 7.2 million this year the state said we're going to give you the 6,754 617 and they're saying it's an $18,000 difference year over it is from their original number but it doesn't account for the stabilization AG that was one time that we received last year how we what we're actually feeling this year is a $55,000 loss additionally $7.1 million keep that number in your head because it's farce in 201819 we lost $815,000 in 1920 we lost $925,000 but they never gave me back my $815,000 so my actual loss that year was $1,740 th000 every year they don't give me the money back or give us this District the money back we are absorbing those losses to the tune of $31 million that is what the state funding reduction has done to Eve sham and every year that they don't give it back to us we will absorb 7.1 million dollar more in losses uh for our residents in the room if you want to know what this tax levy is going to do for you this year top right this is kind of hard to see do you have it here is it here yeah sorry guys I will uh make this clear if we um yeah thank you this one yeah so next year our tax Lev is 69 mil 963 484 that is an increase of 1,730 $2,413 for the average assessed home in Eve sham that's that yellow bar going across um in the middle there that's 272,000 roughly and you might say my home's not worth that amount of money my home's more or less so for every $100,000 of assessed value it's a sliding scale you can follow all the way to the right your increase is $345 so again for every $100,000 of assessed value your increase year over is $345 and that's it for me all of this information I pull from the uh Burlington County Abstract of ratables and those sources are listed at the bottom there and then also the average residential assessment report from the state of New Jersey thank you thank you Mr Yates and we will uh as he said we'll make that bigger when we uh I'll be sharing this out tomorrow and we'll post it on our website so that 12.5 million so that 12.5 million that we are missing if we had an average budget and you might wonder where is you know why where did that come from Mr Yates just explained we've lost over 7 Mill ion in state aid added to that is another 3 million roughly in tax slavy revenue that we uh you know basically let expire which at the time our district was being fully funded so it was not needed but over time now it means we can't go back and get that again you know the state doesn't have a mechanism for districts to go be be able to go back we can't go back in time and get that we didn't need it then we surely could use it now but that 3 million plus the 7.1 plus the compounded interest on the 3 million gets Us close to that 12.5 million so we're going to go to non- Staffing first um as we have been doing for the last three years we are looking at increasing walking uh we are we have budgeted for two bus routes to be eliminated and we do this really twofold one uh bus driver shortage second uh budget savings activity fee increase as we have done each year we are going to increase that as well um just incrementally uh new Walking Zone this slide was actually in last year's budget presentation um and just as an illustration of the difficulty not just for districts but everywhere it it took um a lot longer than anticipated to get the crosswalk installed for this you may have seen it uh recently uh finished from Washington nav across Tomlinson Mill to the sidewalk on the MMS side um so those the schools is going to be communicating um with the families in briwood this will start on April 8th when we get back from spring break the other walking Zone because we budgeted two is still under discussion um it could well be uh Mees briwood which would be 43 students one bus route and we'll continue to work on that each walking route takes time right so we we work with the township we work with the township engineer we work with the police department studies are done it's slow gradual careful work and and um that's why we you know each year our town but is not uh designed for walking those you know who live here know that um you may recall uh it was last year that I was sending out links to the Delaware Valley Regional planning commission's survey on pedestrian and biking accessibility for Marlton they had chosen Marlon to do their study on specifically because of our accessibility issues for walking and biking um and they they met with some of our PTA ptas as well this slide is the hardest slide of the whole presentation this is Staffing uh the uh we're going to talk about each one of these in more detail but I did want to give you an overview um total Savings of about 1.5 million and uh the biggest step is the top one which is uh grade seven and eight teachers teaching a sixth class instead of Team time and we'll talk about that the only consumer science that was almost eliminated last year this year it is um one of the steps seventh and eighth grade small music lessons that's one position tier three restructuring that's another position Elementary class size increasing uh that's two positions we've done that every year for the last four years Elementary Spanish increasing Elementary class size Elementary Spanish one position uh I'll talk about the next piece it doesn't save anything but it just keeps us from having to add a position back and then Elementary related arts positional reduction of three positions for 18 total the right hand column the our right hand column where it says retire and vacant what every District what we wish 100% is that maybe those numbers in the second to right column and the right column end up matching you know we we've seen um enough retirements and vacancies in the past few years to almost keep Pace with the positions that we had to eliminate this year uh it's a little bit of a it's a bit different story at this point um but nonetheless um it's it's still an in process which is why there's question marks at the bottom we'll see where that goes so why is our district cutting over 1.6 million in Staffing we're only losing quote unquote only losing about a half a million in state aid so and this is the this is situation for all districts right you can only increase the local tax levy by 2% but meanwhile operating a district the cost of operating go up by more than 2% per year so salaries and benefits go up by more than two hiring costs Transportation special education inflation outside providers and I ran out of room for bullets but basically everything else goes up more than 2% in the state's wisdom they set that ceiling at 2% means that basically every year if state aid stays flat so if if we had gotten Flat state a this year we'd still be talking about having to cut 1.1 million because that's the ever widening gap between that the cost of operating and the 2% tax levy and that's what we'll be looking at next year the state has not said what's happening with state aid next year but looking at how S2 has gone um it's not I'm I'm not encouraged a person isn't encouraged about what will happen for a town like eam that's perceived to be able to basically pay pay its own way you know um and even though the state hasn't released all the state aid formula so there's ingredients missing from that recipe that they won't share despite lawsuits even if we look at the product that's coming out of that recipe with the missing ingredients it's not consistent anyone can look and we have it we there's ample evidence if you if we look at around our state there are sending districts and receiving districts and the what's happening with the receiving districts should be the same as what's happening with their sending districts in total it's the same families it's the same ratables same property values and yet it varies vastly couple things to keep in mind about our grade progression so we're the only District in the county with two middle schools two grade six to eight middle schools only District where all students of a grade first combine in ninth grade so if you you know just to if you live in one of our neighboring towns all the kids combin in fifth grade if you live in another one they all combin in sixth grade and here in in in and they all combine in ninth grade currently what that looks like for us is six elementaries feeding into two midds with four halls and then feeding into one high school starting next year based on this budget six Elementary feeding into two midds four holes in grade six modified holes grade 78 one high school we remain the only District in the county with students in smaller ponds before high school it's a very nice feature there's a town that's not much smaller than us that has a 56 building and a 78 building this is great for us to be two identical middle schools two smaller ponds just a picture of the forest of class size in IAM so as mentioned earlier we've increased class size each year for the past four years for elementary that is incredibly painful to have the class sizes increasing for the smallest the the younger Learners right we have not been able to do the same in Middle because Middle with the house system has locked us into five core content teachers per house per grade the only way we can achieve efficiencies with middle school is by modifying the house system I highlighted G5 and G4 there because well for one from a class size standpoint they're edging a bit higher than some of the Middle School class sizes and here we are again having to increase increase class size in elementary again next year in those two grades this uh grade 78 step that we're talking about is $700,000 it's the largest single saving step in seven years and it basically comes from currently as I mentioned the 10 core content teachers per grade teach five classes which is 50 classes total next year it would be eight teachers per grade teaching six classes total which is 48 classes so essentially the same number of classes but eight fewer positions what that means in terms of change for the teacher day so The Quirk and I say this like you know I was a G7 core content teacher at one point my first Public School teaching experience language arts and social studies with a section of health and PE so four subjects um in a in a in a middle school that was grade six through eight with a house system it doesn't have that house system anymore I'm sad to say grade seven and eight core content teachers that's Reading Writing Math Science Social Studies will teach a six class in place of three team time periods one independent study period and one duty period per week and what that will generally look like is those teachers splitting the grades and teaching their six classes within both grades so some seven some eight that's a big lift that's a huge lift to go from teaching five to six and in the process losing time that while team time could also have been used for other things is a lot and you know just knowing that again just little data point but it's I've done that it's not it's not easy at all it's not easy and I under I would I totally understand the we wouldn't want to be taking this Step at all period it's just trying to go back to that mission of what's the least horrible path with our resources to achieve the mission the uh I would want to point out that most etsd teachers have been teaching six classes are the equivalent or more because for years so that's elementary teachers Middle School related arts teachers some middle school special education teachers as with all these changes they need to be unpacked and discussed granularly right within the buildings about how to do the best approaches how to come up with the best Alternatives inrs and IP just as an example of that you know could could well look like it does in elementary currently change for student day PE Health Tech 5 days a week instead a four so they will not have their period per week of independent study they'll walk out of their Hall a bit more for core content classes they they already leave their hall for related arts PE lunch special education and more they'll be in class with students from both holes and I this is important right sometimes there is a gain in in loss and parents who have you know had kids kids go through middle know this is a real Dynamic when you go into two houses you say goodbye to some of your friendships from fifth grade and you may never you may never have those again the way Road leads on to Road you may never have those again and when those kids combine from four ponds into High School versus a little less than four ponds you know with a few more friendships before they get to the one Lake that's a positive what's not changing is daily student schedule they'll still have the same periods same length same next year as this year we tried a different way so this year at Dei grade six we tried because again trying to turn over as many stones as we can to avoid a scenario like this we uh we we dropped Dei down one position in sixth grade and the teachers to their full credit have done a great job picking up a different subject so they're teaching still teaching sixth but if you're reading you might be picking up a writing class or you might I mean if you're reading might picking up Social Studies if you're math you might picking up science it depended on certifications and interest and we can't do it again at Dei next year because the uh the class size the the grade enrollment is going up to 255 but Marton middle which is highlighted is going to go down to 229 so Marton middle is going to do it next year to Macy will'll go back to 10 teachers in grade six budgetarily it's a wash um and that's going to be more change for grade six at MMS family consumer science just giving you an example of what it could look like we we have some firsthand experience with this um grade 78 small music lessons our music programs are amazing they are absolutely fantas fantastic and I get this churning feeling in my gut talking about these changes and this one like music is where kids find belonging right it's one of those ways kids find belonging and grade three and grade four we start a little earlier here than in other districts so if we have to peel back we're going to peel back from the end because as they do progress onto high school they're not going to have small group music lessons and every family on that Journey as their kids progress through and we start earlier on that Journey here than in other districts every family is faced with that process of trying to identify how to keep private lessons how to transition over to private lessons along the way and that again like the other changes will get discussed Within the Music Department because those are the people who understand understand best how to make it work tier three so we have two Standalone tier three teachers here in eam um It's a Wonderful it's a wonderful thing our district did not always have that and we've been fortunate to have it so we're going to go to one and it'll be in middle school because Middle School is facing more change for next year than Elementary and our Elementary classroom teachers will those who were here before we had that talone position no firsthand but it'll it'll be back to the classroom teachers to differentiate for tier three related arts teachers have very busy schedules but as able they will help and meet independently Elementary changes is continued we're looking at increasing class size in grades four and and five to 26 and 27 that's those are those are Maxes that we try to stay within right so when we look at our enrollment which we start to do very soon here for the coming year and decide on the number of sections and that always changes and you have to monitor that all along until the start of the year but as we look at that we basically like split the sections steering by these class sizes now if there's 100 kids in a Grade that's going to be four sections of 25 in grade four right you know we don't but so it may not always achieve a savings that depends a little bit on the enrollment per grade per school why I call this especially painful is because the number one place where kids develop connections is in class with their teacher right and and the foundation of success is through that relationship building between teacher and student and there's a bit of math to that so the number of points in a day when a teacher is you know they have 23 Kids versus 26 in a class over time there's loss there I I mean that that is if if a bag of money fell right now from the sky because our elementary teachers have have had class size increase for the last four years should it be to let Elementary class size keep going up and do that something else with that money Elementary Spanish restructured going from four to three teachers and we have some experience with this as well from this year and again that means change for elementary teachers because um those potentially depending on the scenario we go with but they may be providing uh minutes and time of reinforcement of new material enrichment of new material for their uh students with support from our certificated Spanish teachers Elementary related arts that's been a perennial uh wish to be able to um have every school have its own related arts team budgetarily it's it's just not going to be possible to make it stick we tried um again this year but um we're looking at a reduction of three positions for elementary related arts non-certificated so uh two support positions one of those conversations has been had already one one is still pending um middle school so we had we've had four Middle School teaching assistants who have been funded by Esser money so that's the federal money that um every District in the country got which was not allocated equally some districts got way more based on smaller populations sounds like S2 doesn't it um and uh so what we we use some of ours to fund Middle School teaching assistance and every district is faced with the same Choice which is these positions that were funded through outside the regular budget you either bring them back in and you pay for them out of the regular budget or they elaps they Sunset and we're going to bring two back in and let two uh go essentially let two of those positions end at the end of the year budget arily to balance it we're trimming two Elementary teaching assistant positions so there's no budgetary impact um from that standpoint for a total of 120,000 there other steps we reduce departmental spending each year for the last four years we found this year that we had hit bottom with that grants always looking for Grants applying for any that are relevant and we're eligible for school resource officer shared services agreement with the township I want to thank the township for that we got that a few years ago it's still good through next year and it splits the cost of our SRO we have one per School building it's a fantastic um support and one that very few towns have um so always thankful for that transportation department so Mr eids mentioned earlier about Transportation costs our district has to Outsource about two-thirds of our bus routes so we have 27 drivers and that covers a third of our routes we're continually looking for efficiencies including we've even looked at start times and beer we move back 10 10 10 minutes uh last year as a way to try to accommodate some iron out some wrinkles with Transportation there were some sidebars on the agenda tonight all relating some way to Transportation but one specifically increases wages for our drivers because other districts are increasing wages all around us so we're all competing for the same limited pool um and one thing we started doing this year was we had all of our drivers start earning benefits which is something very important and we're hoping over time with those steps to be able to build up our transportation department every driver we can add lets us pull back routes that are outsourced and at this point since there there's really nothing left with non- Staffing to cut the cuts are coming out of Staffing so all any money we can save by pulling a route back can go towards um increasing Staffing ad to C with State elected officials do that every year there we've had meetings as well in between um but annually absolutely even if we're the only District uh in that you know virtual hearing um not sure how much good it does but it can't hurt um the I my updates my last two updates shared ways that uh anyone can help with that as well and I would urge anyone to go there and check out those ideas and uh if you have some time reach out to our legislatures uh you know going back to the $31 million cumulatively that we've lost through S2 that's 31 million reasons to be a little ticked off and it's a decision that's rolls down on us from way high leaving us 150 teaching positions short of an average District our size School Bus advertising that we we've tried that we've never actually gotten full capacity of advertising any any uh business owners out there there's there's room for your ads on our buses and it brings in about 4 ,000 and then facility use fee increases we've done that as well other steps um mention grants exploring property sale so we've tried for the past three years to sell our property I'll get into that a little bit more later solar panels and additional cell tower we explore that um we have a lot of solar it it we have a um guidance from uh like a solar broker and um at this point it's not recommended to expand that health benefits reimbursement we've tried uh we tried in the past um voluntarily serving staff it didn't result in savings um it would cost our district more to change if we increase the reimbursement because of course you know like when you do that then you need more people to opt out um subscription busing just another thing that mostly happens in North Jersey we tried it uh three years ago um and it definitely was like fell like ton of bricks um and uh was not well received so um not you know not to say that we couldn't always keep talking about any idea but um some follow-up ideas uh so appreciate you know ideas people have shared ideas it's fantastic um it's great to have people thinking about these problems so we wanted to give some responses to collectively to some of the buckets of ideas that were shared and the first bucket is busing so cutting courtesy busing or all courtesy busing we do work on that you saw in the presentation earlier trying to peel back uh routes each year it's gradual work thankful to the township as we work with that because the crossing guards are the responsibility of police and it does increase costs uh for the township as well as the improvements um to structurally to to roads and and sidewalks and so on cutting late buses that's one that came up appreciate that as well uh it would cost our district more to cut late buses so I mentioned earlier about our drivers earning benefits this year and that's how we keep them they would walk if they didn't have those um I know that because just from meeting with that drivers multiple times that is the number one uh concern and um so if we cut late buses we would they would drop below 30 hours a week and lose benefits and then we'd be Outsourcing more routes school lunch ideas that came in um increasing the cost of school lunch our our feeling on that is uh it would decrease the number of students who are purchasing and then potentially have fewer kids eating and eating well uh affecting our you know this the cut off for um qualifying for free reduce is not high and there are a lot of families who don't qualify but you know would struggle um with a higher cost of lunch cut the size of lunches uh lunch size is based on Federal and State requirements so we can't we can't do anything with that appreciate the ideas again um properties okay I wanted to talk about this so um yeah we've tried this goes back actually uh that subscription busting it goes back to really those days um in Spring of 2021 um the uh yeah I would just say it's it's an ongoing process um appraisals can vary um we're trying to find a a fair common ground and um we're currently seeking updated appraisals appreciate would welcome you know welcome all further discussion on that selling the admin building issues there uh moving brings costs uh and people may not know it but the uh that building has two stories the bottom story is completely full of our records storage and um it is the uh the depot for the district for um storage as well the um our other buildings uh don't have a lot of space for those those hallways um at the admin building and uh it wouldn't be used for um it wouldn't be rented it would definitely be a tear down uh from its age extracurriculars appreciate these as well eliminating after school activities um you know and and again like I just I think of a a district next door to us that um is uh does not have any Elementary activities it it has only middle school and high school activities um and it it is sad when you see the elementary school completely empty at the end of a school day um it would save 330,000 total uh our activity feed covers about 45% it's generally been a little higher than that but uh it dipped a little bit this year so we are looking at that and going to keep talking about if what we can do to reduce that Gap ideally uh there would be no Gap but um it's it's partly due to an increase in the amount of extracurriculars that we've been offering so that's a good thing and uh it's just something that takes a lot of care to do because um some to be to be frank there are kids who come to school just because of extracurriculars you know like it might just be because of baseball that's why I'm coming in and if they're not the key the first thing that has to happen is they have to come to school you know all the rest of this doesn't matter if they're not in with us so I I you know that's a that's there are huge benefits academically to a strong extracurricular program uh increased activity fee uh we could do that we have we have been increasing it each year the hard thing is um we you know we and we kind of uh gauge ourselves against um a local high school to make sure we're not you know because what a high school can offer is even more than what we can offer and so we can't really be charging what a high school's charging um and uh but we do we do look at at the activity fee and we increase each year so appreciate appreciate that um there's also that piece where if you raise it too much kind of like with school lunches then fewer kids are participating uh are engaging in that so that's a factor administrative reductions this one came up um cutting administrators uh I would say if we go back to this slide hold on I got to go all the way back here to the beginning so there's only two areas where we are absolutely the leanest of all districts out of the 71 districts in the state that are K8 with 751 kids or more and those two areas are both related to Administration so we have more students per administrator and if you look at that you can see that not only are we lean but as other districts over the past last five years their ratio of students to administr went down ours went up significantly and the other number one is total administrative costs so we spend Far and Away the least per student administratively and while that is understandably an area that people look to First the vital functioning of a barebones administrative team is important for the overall success of every wheel turning into a school district and lastly cut Dr Smith the superintendent I'd say just a couple data points there his salary is less than those of similarly or even smaller sized districts while quality might increase our our district would our district would pay more and the next person would be making the same recommendations firmly believe follow up to ideas suggested for academics pay Middle School teachers to teach a sixth class during their prep instead of replacing team time with a sixth class um couple wrinkles there one is it would cost a district money instead of saving money and also it would leave building to build a schedule is incredibly complex work that so thankful again who who's doing that work our administrators um to do it based on an Ever shifting voluntary basis of teachers uh with that sixth class would be impossible cutting technology classes from elementary school and again each of these suggestions is very welcome and it also helps to um kind of like illuminate some of the background reasons for things so our technology teachers help our students achieve required standards right so were required to meet computer science and design Thinking by the end of grades 2 and five and the technology classes achieve that as well as providing uh part of a teacher's contract classroom teacher contractual prep time the uh these two items I did want to follow up on from our last board meeting a claim that came up a bunch was a lack of transparency to that a district builds its budget timeline based on state timelines so and Mr Yates mentioned this when he was talking about the the late announcement of state aid for districts and how much it can change we saw a district multiple actually that we share borders with find out they were losing Millions more in state aid than they thought it's horrendous we can't share a budget until we have that information and then it takes even more planning one year we lost more than we thought this year we gained a little bit back but we still lost half a million we have to explore options internally that's sound process but it is human nature at the same time that that might increase rumors districts in New Jersey are requ required to give one Public Presentation on the budget and a lot of them only do that which means this presentation would not be happening this happens because we choose to share because it's important to do that as well as conducting eight budget meetings we did it last year and this year with staff individually and we started doing that last year because Staffing impact was growing um and once we do that as well that means information is out but not out right um and I'll just and many in this room were part of this story of our district going back to fall of 2020 a very difficult time when during covid we were talking about phasing out the benefits for some of our PA professionals that was a very public topic and if nothing else it underlined the very drastic and dire Circ cumstances of our district it's only gotten worse since then we've seen tonight the millions we lost since that point and that's where we were four years ago this is the opposite of surprising or should be where we are right now the other claim that came up was that we promised not to make certain changes if the fdk ballot question passed to that so nothing can be promised period right especially in S2 District we said what might happen in order to pay for full day kindergarten specifically to full day kindergarten that is a ballot question it's outside the regular budget additional money for something not in the regular budget at no point was anything said this will forever prevent these changes from happening nor would it have been any ideas steps and possibilities not addressed in this presentation please keep sharing them you know you saw tonight we included followup on a bunch of different suggestions there's time between now and uh and our final budget presentation and and approval meeting to to look into and um follow up on any other ideas and as we talked about earlier like knowing that the cost of operating a district increases faster than the tax levy we could well be looking at Cuts next year and the year after that certainly this year's process and the years before that it always starts with the list of stuff that we didn't that was fortunately a bridge too far that we didn't need to look at but we may need to look at at the things again next year it feels like a waking nightmare most of all for our staff questions from the [Music] board thank you Dr Smith um questions from the board or comments Miss um yes what uh maybe Dr Smith or Mr Yates um could you explain what would happen if this budget didn't pass tonight procedurally where would we go from there given the county deadline tomorrow yeah so uh it's not uh entirely clear but I could tell you that we would have to notify the county you know that we did not meet our statutory deadline most likely the county would then say you need to hold an emergency meeting as soon as possible to get the budget passed and submitted um what happens beyond that I don't know I would we would consult our solicitor who would probably do some research yes and um you know realistically it would be up to the county and the state what kind of um disciplinary measures for the lack of a better word they would want to take uh there may be some qac finding some kind of fiscal intervention uh it just really depends it would be in their discretion but most likely they would just tell you they would originally say uh you know figure it out um but they could also step in and try to start making decisions every County's different so in every situation is different so they handle it differently but we are legally required to submit a budget by tomorrow de line thank you Boo um one more question I find it frustrating that we're up against this uh County deadline tomorrow and I understand there were scheduling conflicts last week and yesterday and that's the situation we're in now and we're here um my question Dr Smith is obviously we have a lot of passionate community members and teachers here tonight writing emails um online what is the plan after tonight to engage in a dialogue with the community before the final [Applause] budget it's a great question and it's it's an opportunity a fortunate opportunity to be able to answer it now that we're all working off of the same information that's the that's another purpose behind a presentation like this is to provide information publicly consistently for everyone so that we can use the time between now and whenever we have our final budget meeting to continue talking you know and I can't even imagine what it would be like for district to present something only on the final budget approval meeting so we will work out opportunities to meet with our stakeholders to discuss ideas share information and and I'll be sharing that out about what that looks like and reaching out to those groups to to be able to set that up but we want to use the time between now and that final budget meeting now that we're all having the same information to try to Foster common understanding thank you Mr dearcy I I've spoke before about how crucial the situation is we face with the state aid cut so I'm not going to elaborate on that any further uh most of the people in the crowd tonight are Educators I'm sure that they are very well aware um in facing that challenge The crucial step is looking at every stone turn turning over every stone looking at every possible option as far as the budget goes and where you're going to have to make up that money uh you know for our sake and for our understanding would you mind answering what the process for that looked like sure so we start um it's a 12 months it's actually when you're in S2 District I'd say it's a never-ending process of how to build a budget you know and and thoughts about this year started at the beginning of the budget cycle last year you know so it was the budget got approved in May last year and we as a Cabinet as a board we already knew what we were looking at for this coming year then come fall we meet administratively and gather ideas as sort of like a district leadership team involving input from all departments that's from a sort of a looking at what should we what cuts should we make in order to reach the number that's been developed by the business office you know and that number in the fall was at one point higher than it is now and through different efficiencies we were able to lower it um so this this the story of this evening was even worse at different points throughout the fall um the um we have uh liaison meetings with ETA and have had some talk about like we can't quite share what's going to happen with the budget because it's not public yet it's not the Forum to talk about the uh the U the the full budget but theoretical discussions about what might be cut and offering basically like please any suggestions you know share um and that then we talk about what's shared um and I I'll I I can you know Mr renti who is our business administrator who retired on January 1st isn't here to talk about the process through the fall but I wouldn't mind just giving Mr y a chance to talk about the business office process since he came on board at the end of January sure so uh in terms of finding um or turning over every stone we're constantly evalu Val ating our current expenses we're determining where we can find efficiencies and we're working in collaboration with the dep departments and Dr Smith um for context there right you don't really want your business office making decisions that are going to have educational impacts our job is to present the facts black and white here's where our gaps are help us identify how to close those gaps um we reevaluate our revenues too and our projections there see if there's anywhere where we might have some flexibility and then there's the the thank you Mr there's also the board process you know that the budget comes to tonight through our finance committee multiple meetings and since we started adding board Retreats a few years ago discussion through board retreat and discussion through any board member who wants to reach out and uh have conversations along the way which I know you did um shortly after you're uh swearing in yeah I have is my mic working no yep I have a few questions um speaking of the finance committee I I believe I saw in one of the slides about increasing fees um anyone from the finance committee want to explain uh did I see that right there was a slide about increasing activity Club activity fees yeah so we increased Club activity fees uh by $5 for elementary and $5 for middle which um you may remember from your time on the finance committee last year that um we we're following the same process we followed then um so there there we are um trying rather than sometimes the district will not make changes and then we'll drop a big change we prefer to go incremental wherever we can so I see okay I only bring that up because I had asked for um possibly looking at uh charging multiple fees in middle school and I'm just want to make sure that we look at that if that is something that's viable as we move forward rather than just raising that Middle School fee um possibly keeping the club fee at Middle School at a you know slightly lower rate and then also charging an addition to a sports fee where a student can play any sport they want throughout the year that's a suggestion that I had brought to the finance committee but perhaps it was too late and something if you could look at moving forward I'd appreciate that absolutely I'm just um I'm jumping to uh your suggestions anticipating um this slide you had it there we so no we we we do we want to look at that's it's really like a um coming up with a can we enhance longterm the way that we structure our extracurriculars in order to reduce the gap between what the activity fee covers and what our district is paying from the regular budget right okay fair enough and then also I I just I believe I asked this before this is a bit loud but as far as estimating a 35 or 34% increase for transportation for next year I think that's what's in the budget an estimate of a 34% increase in transportation I don't know what that is representing you know I was on the finance for many years and we discussed that quite often and we only saw numbers like that like for example when Hillman's came back and said we don't want to take the CPI we're going to increase by 25 27% is that what's going on here yeah so good to point that out so our transportation department this year has gone through a lot of change right so we we've actually we're actually on we so Barbara ol right was our transportation coordinator last year at this time and she served 53 years in the district fantastic right retired um after a long career and um then we had our assistant coordinator Patty Meer became coordinator um and um she retired on December 31st and now we have Rob Cedar who we're very glad to have back and Rob had previously been the coordinator in Vorhees before that he was assistant coordinator here so he kind of has an inside outside lens the issue though to that increase was during the process of that change is we had to Outsource more routes because we were losing some drivers due to among other things why we have the sidebar on the agenda tonight you know um other departments paying more and also trying to just strengthen the department overall right um which every coordinator brings positive elements and each did and now with uh Mr Cedar uh as coordinator I believe we're going to be able to strengthen the department um more and more and that'll result in being able to take back more routes but during that transition period we lost a few drivers okay so my question is then from and I'm sorry to ask a million questions but this year budget versus next year you're anticipating a a almost a million doll 34% increase in transportation am I reading that correct no um so if I can clarify that what your seeing is the difference between what was approved last year okay and what we're projecting to spend next year but what we're projecting to spend next year is closer to what we're actually spending this year gotcha it is not a 34% increase from our actual expenses so the expenses increased this year substantially and we did not anticipate that correct okay so that brings me to there are there is something on tonight's budget related to out sourcing a route to Helman I don't know if it's one or two routes that perhaps could give information on the increases I see a Helman yep so every time we have a we lose a driver or we pick up a route because we have to send a student out of District or whatever the nuances is are of Transportation if we don't have drivers to fill those um those roots we have to Outsource the Helman got or we Outsource Helman is our our primary source of Outsource I hope something changes $43,000 for two months there is the sidebar on tonight's agenda which we are hopeful will bring drivers back in District so we can then bring routes back in District I have another question for you Mr Yates I'm sure you have the answer but on the resolution it says capital projects this is on the actual resolution and you and I emailed a little bit about this but uh it says capital projects 1.8 48 but and you're moving money from the capital reserves but it's 1555 can you explain why that is different yeah not all of the expenses in fund 12 would qualify for a a withdrawal of capital reserve okay I don't know what fun 12 is our capital outlay okay so we are required to charge certain expenses there and the withdrawal of capital reserve is for those Capital Improv movements so those numbers almost never will match okay so our capital projects are exceeding the amount that we can withdraw from the reserves am my understand in correct the other way okay you're withdrawing less money from Capital the amount of money that we are required to budget in capital outlay exceeds the projects that would qualify for a withdrawal from capital reserve I see okay and what projects are within that part of the budget if you don't mind going over the because you and I emailed about it sure so we are going to be replacing our HVAC controls across the district um and that's going to give Mr Donahue and his team access to one touch on one screen control any building in the district additionally we are replacing fire alarm panels in two of our buildings Mr Don two of our buildings um the other buildings have already been replaced so we're now going to be upgrading fire alarm panels in the two buildings which have not been upgraded yet and there's a boiler replacement that we are going to be uh withdrawing for as well this is not boilers related to the capital emergent needs funding I did ask you that but and then also the control um you did you talk about the controls the psng that unite that is not the that is is not related to capital reserve withdrawal but those are also some of the projects that'll be going on and what about the there were bathroom projects projects on there as well yes I'm sorry so we're also withdrawing for a couple toilet room facilities at Jagger rice and deing okay and that's to be used from the capital reserves correct great okay I may have had another question let me check um nope I think that's everything thank you thanks Mrs no any other board members was to Mr visc uh Dr SMI Dr Smith um couple couple questions for you um one apologize here trying to find my wording um I want to talk about one of the things that irks me a little bit here um now first you know before I I say anything because I think it's really clear uh that we should all be on the same page about what tonight is uh tonight is a tentative budget approval all right to me personally that sometimes acts as a placeholder budget in case or for instances in situations like this where if the board has a lot of lot more questions or wants to see changes it has the time to make make doe until that final budget that final budget is what's really important to me tonight to me more like a placeholder and there's some things that I'm concerned about one of the things that that I'm I'm concerned about in particular um I I am concerned about the individual study aspect here that we'll be losing particularly in middle school 7eventh and eth if the board's wish is to go through with this plan and to be clear to be clear about this all right been doing these for seven years now um making these type of cuts and when I say the board's wish I don't think the board is really wished on any of this uh I I you know it's it's not like the board finds pleasure or Glee or or excitement uh it finds nothing but pain not the pain that you are feeling in the audience because you're living your life with this every single day um I I can relate to that uh being in in your shoes at another district and I I understand I understand um that gives you no Solace it gives you no comfort and I I'm and that's that's that's reasonable uh but I the individual study aspect if if let's say that this plan goes through all right I'm not comfortable with losing individual study I I think it needs to be charged that we need to find another way to incorporate individual study inside this curriculum inside for seventh and eth grade that we find a way that these seventh and eighth graders have the ability to still meet with their home room teachers in some capacity that's outside of because this gets thrown around and as an educator myself I get a little I get a little ticked by this the expectation sometimes from people is that well they can meet with them before school or after school uh or they can meet with them during their their their uh their contract at lunchtime and to be fair it that that makes the charge that that those teachers have nothing better to do which we we can't it's which I know is factually incorrect all right so where where I'm trying to say is I I think there's a couple things are important obviously teacher team times really important but we're looking specifically at the kids and and uh and and what their parents have been asking for and when we read these emails they're really worried about that individual study if we move to this system my charge here my charge is before we get to the final budget I should say is that we find a solution for that individual study within the realm of the time frame of the school day not before not after not at lunch for a time look does that am I saying that teachers shouldn't meet with with kids during lunch that's their prerogative if they want to do so but it also doesn't have to be the prerogative either if they want to look there are days that yeah I'll meet with a student at lunch and there's days that I'll tell a kid hey Home Room starts at 7:30 can you meet me over at 7:15 yeah okay that's fine but that's my prerogative to do so but I don't want I don't want to be as an educator pigeon held in into that idea so what I'm what I'm asking for what I'm asking for between now and then is to find the charge in order to find some kind of grounded time to create an individual studies uh it doesn't have to be in its form that it is now but in a form that is comparable all right that helps those kids because not every kid is utilizing individual studies but there are some kids who seriously they they need that they Absol they absolutely utterly need that um it's what gets them it's what gets them through some of their courses and I'm I am worried um about about the students educational well-being their mental well-being their emotional well-being because when you're a student and you don't get something something something that that accent came from when you don't get something all right it starts to fester in their brain I said my daughter I I I love my daughter I think she does great in school but man when she doesn't get a math problem my gosh the house falls down and I'm married to a math teacher all right so I am concerned about that and I want to make sure that that is um that is a charge that I I want to see taken care of uh before we get to that final budget because again whatever ever we do here tonight is a little moot comparatively to what that final budget is and I believe there are more discussions that need to be made I think there is more dialogue that needs to be made and I think that is a primary concern for people um so I just I want to throw that in I it wasn't a question I apologize I said it was a question but I didn't throw a question mark in the back of that I think it was more of a charge and I now you know and very appreciated and we can talk with our middle school administrative teams to to figure out what some options might be in that regard and then bring that back I just want to I want to make sure these kids are protected um now the question do you have about that I and I apologize and I I don't mean to take up people's time if I'm going over my time here just please let me know I talk too damn much sometimes um the Middle School aspect all right because sometimes this gets confused and even I was confused for a little bit here all right so the concept that you you brought up for the middle schools all right you called it a modification correct that was that was correct you referred to that all right so let's say for example let's pretend all right let's pretend that I'm in seventh grade green I'm in seventh grade green which I was back in 1994 when I had far thank you thank you I don't know who that was but Greenhouse love you guys um and I you know I had social studies with Mr mcol and math and Miss Ryback love them all right but the question was I was there now I stayed I stayed relatively in that pod and I crossed over that green the greenhouse pod I I crossed over for electives and I crossed over for lunch your charge here is that I may say I have social studies with my Greenhouse teacher I may have math with my Greenhouse teacher but I may have science and Redhouse yes am I getting that correct yes okay so go continue I'm sorry no no no yes so you would walk from green to Red so just green all right for are we looking at one or two classes here are we like what are we looking at here yeah so we both schools ran the schedule like basically vetted it out kick the tires on it to make sure that it works with the staff that we have it would look a little different depending on like which which subject are you walking for and so on that's that's all in in schedules that will still need to be built based on the current circumstances so we tried it we know it works which subjects kids are ultimately walking for will depend on how they how they are scheduled it won't be the same for every kid because just like you know when you're walking between classes you might have you know there are multiple science teachers multiple Math teachers Etc so so so like you could have you could be a Green Hall student and have the have math and Green Hall and Science and red hall or vice versa depending on which teacher is available that period okay but your primary base is still seventh grade green so you will when you're in sixth grade you're in your house you're in your hall right yeah and then you move to seventh GR grade and again what as the middle schools talk it out but you're as you're moving around you are in that you know you're basically grouped by house and then you're going to move and walk so by Home Room no I hold on I I I apologize I just I need I just need Clarity on this this is really important me for understand just because again it's been it's been a while since I've been in middle school and I Know M I know and I I know this from Walking The Halls just you know I I got lost in Marl to midle it's been since sixth grade since I've been here um there's still is there still a there's still a Home Room my daughter's in fifth grade so my daughter's going to middle school so I don't have the Middle School thing memorized like I used to have it memorized um is there still a Home Room Factor there there is still a home room that's all right because that's what the individual studies aspect had had that right yes okay so would that be their home base like for example where their lockers are located yeah where they where they know the teachers from the year before that's you know whether it's how much movement back and forth remains to be seen based on the schedule if that makes sense the the the here's here's the thing I I and and again you know we have talked about this for the next month and a half or so we we have a lot of a lot of moving Parts here right we have a lot of moving parts and I'm not just talking about this I mean it's like it's it's literally everything all the time and what I'm trying to find here and what I'm I'm trying to search for here is for allowing allowing for these students to have familiarity all right I change can be good but change needs to be incremental change too quickly can cause some some havoc and what I'm looking for here what I'm looking for here is if you're going to create this system to try to keep as much normaly in it as possible so that we eliminate some of the havoc and I'm what I'm looking for here is and again like we said this is tentative all right we're we're looking now into the month and a half all right I'm I'm looking for more consistency for those those those kids we want the same thing so when it comes to movement with the [Applause] students if there's availability in their pod in their Hall then that's where they're being scheduled but if we if they have to walk to Red then they walk to Red for that class and then they walk back you know and it's pod still takes precedent yeah yeah that's what I want I want the Pod to be precedent we what I would say is this until we build the schedule it's it's it's hard to say how those things will fall out but what I would say ultimately is the familiarity the foundation of familiarity they built in six and having their lockers and their kind of their main area still in the Pod that they came through in six means that when they're walking and they're identifying they're identifying with those house that house that they started in okay all right let me change the subject one more thing for you go any further here um and this is this is this is important um you talking about adding you know what actually let me I got to I got to rephase this that can you can you go another question someone else has another question I have to rethink what I'm going to say here sure I think I lost my my thought on that Mr that um yeah I basically I want to get some commitment down if we can lock that down I mean not you know the nuts and bolts of it but I really want to have you know representative public reach out um after this we have time after this since this is a since and I really want to get that like you know so we have like for example there's like you know I know there's one group you know parents United it's a you know well organized group get like representative leadership you know from there like for instance you know Cindy Rogers Jen pman Aaron sa invite them into like a finance meeting so we can actually have like dialogue with that and it wouldn't be like you know a whole room thing so like you know people just get into yelling and everything like that constructive dialogue every you know people pull together small group and then you know information can you know disseminate out from there you know um Jamie had a great idea about having you know another you know board retreat or anything like that you if we want to use time for that um or you know inviting him to like a finance meeting and dedicating time to that and extending that meeting you know a little bit um we you know might even need you know in the month and a half we have you know here we might even be able to do that a couple times if we need to can we get commitment you know for that and figure out like you know who we need to reach out you know who to reach out to and make sure we get that yeah absolutely and and I and I'm glad for your ideas about what that could look like you know we we we met um with a the the the phonics group recently uh at our administration building and I could see it looking a little like that where it's representatives from um different stakeholder groups that we all have a common interest in in trying to be able to try to walk together on on this budget yeah I I just want to make sure we have everything you know exhausted by the time the final vote comes out you know I know this is a preliminary um you know vote for the you know the tenative budget um but I really think that it behooves us you know to make sure that we have that reach out to make sure we are you know knowing everybody that every stone has been you know turned and figure out like you know if something else you know can come up and especially in the meantime you know parents please keep flooding the state you know as well um you know there's there's activity happening in that area you know please keep reaching out to them to see if you know maybe some something will happen in between now and then that you know they release some extra funds um you know keep that organization going as well um but and we'll make sure that we get you know a representative group together and you know thank you for you know being up for that if you're up for that yeah absolutely thank you can I add something here to I'm sorry but to Joe this is um I get a feeling that there was a little bit of politics here trying to add back the independent study because that was a a a a stickler for somebody but I'm glad you're asking questions this is about the entire team you you're saying you know make sure the independ independent study is not taken away uh it's not just about the independent study I'm a little confused by the phrase politics here are you accusing me of something there or I just got the Feeling with the you know a little bit of the conversations and um you know yeah I just don't know what happened in in the back room there and if it's trying to you know give an olive branch to somebody about independent study I think that you should look at the entire team model and not just focus on the independent study time well and and also I just want to say and I'm happy that you're you're asking questions thank you can I jump in before yeah okay yeah you may I wanted to say um in terms of Jamie and Dave meeting with certain stakeholders I also think a select view from the board doesn't have to be the whole board um I I think it should not just be administration at that meeting because I think everyone has some ideas and may comment things differently um sort of in in defense of Joe for me independent study like I I get the whole team time um one of the notes I took down I know my child had severe anxiety when she was younger in middle school she was not a kid that would raise her hand if she didn't understand things or go to a teacher in class and for kids like that it may not be feasible to come early or or stay late and it may not be feasible for those teachers so for kids like that independent study may be the only time that they can I know I couldn't help her with math I went to every Jagger math school night I still don't understand how bar models so for someone that a kid that needs help that may not be a kid to speak up I think for me like yes that independent study is the most important part of the team model to me I understand that everyone has their priorities but that's appreciate it and we're going to look into that and see what we can come up with in terms of uh alternatives to keep independent study in some fashion the way you've described it so Mr Marcy thank you um first of all just as a disclaimer I don't think politics is a motive of anybody on this board putting that out there um either way either way I'm concerned my biggest concern with all of this uh Remains the mental health support that a student might be able to receive as a result of the planning and the initiatives created during extra time out at that is my [Applause] biggest I mean speaking on behalf of an entire generation I don't even think I'm qualified to do that you have in the aftermath of covid-19 it's a crisis it it is it is a huge crisis and and it's one of the very reasons that that that I'm here um I was glad to see that we passed the ballot initiative last year uh in regards to the mental health issue uh because that's where these issues are going to be solved in the schools what is going to be done to remedy the ability of intervention and identifying kids who are now going to be flowing throughout the school and are going to have less time within the pods uh what is going to be done to remedy the intervention that is going to be needed to help those kids and get them the services they need in school MH so wholeheartedly agree about the importance of mental health right and we go back to the mission statement at the beginning of the presentation what we're trying to do with all these steps is to keep all the students in mind right so that's what led us to the 700,000 step for grade seven and 8 is because if it wasn't that where is that 700,000 coming from and and and what affects in terms of academic support mental health support would that have on other students right um so this you know again just just and and some of this would need to be talked out school by school because these are big changes right but our elementary schools their inrs so basically their their intervention and referral service teams meet without a team time you know they meet and IEP meetings take place also outside of uh Team time because there is no team time it could look like that in middle school there are existing examples of how to do that also if you don't if you don't mind I don't mean to interrupt could you just kind of detail what some of those examples look like in terms of how you know meeting face to face with with parents um and the stakeholders of of you know a child who who may have an IP or is you know being considered for one yeah yeah and I'm going to uh actually let um our director who supervises those inrs meetings to talk a little bit about that to give you the greatest detail possible thank you which one all right I'll do and then she'll do special ed um but if you're asking specifically at elementary school what he's referring to um the team meets a certain day there's Subs that are covering and then the team has different Representatives um on there who have meet with the teacher the teacher will come down talk about whatever the students needs are specifically uh the biggest difference obviously is at middle school they do it during team time um so that they can talk to all the members of the team in that regard so that would be that's the shift there that you wouldn't you need sub coverage basically um like we do at elementary and for IEP meetings I will pass it over similarly for uh for IEP meetings the we need a general education teacher and a special education teacher uh along with related service providers and once those meetings are scheduled we arrange substitute coverage at at the buildings to cover cover those meetings so all those meetings would still continue and they're legally required by code to have all those Representatives present and if the parent provides consent those those teachers or providers can be dismissed from from the meeting if if you don't mind um the it is my understanding that we currently have a shortage of substitutes across just about every District in the country in the most constructive way possible what is the plan for making sure that the face-to-face meetings occur between parents and teachers and that that time is ready and available outside if if we engage with this model outside of you know uh substitutes because I I you know I I don't know if I agree that that is going to always be a ready and available option to make sure that you know it meets with not only do you know teachers have schedules But but so do parents so uh you know what's what what's the plan to to to make sure that these meetings aren't going to not happen or they become a subsequent consequence of the fact that you know we don't have enough Subs to cover classrooms as is [Applause] so these inrs meetings and IP meetings happening in elementary are happening in our current substitute conditions right so they are happening in exactly this overarching sub shortage which I would say is you know we we pay a little bit more than some districts for substitutes and we started that during the pandemic because during the pandemic we we operated school for full days whereas other districts were operating for partial days and we had to pay more to get people to want to come in and we kept that going so we could look at that as a possibility and I also think I'd like to see what the schools again it's when when it comes to changes like this it feels I I I feel a bit presumptuous speaking for how something would happen in a building when there are experts in that building who could who haven't had a chance to talk about it yet that's fair it's just you know the the concern again relates to the fact that this is probably one of my biggest issues when it comes to education um is is those is those intervention services and and you know having a plan developed uh if if this does get passed having a plan developed to I mean because again you know you mentioned we have the overlapping substitute situation in elementary school but we're talking about adding a thousand kids uh you know to to to a model that would require IEP meetings uh outside of of of a team time um developing a plan to to make sure you know I'm well familiar at Cherokee right the substitute shorts got so bad they had to do a cafeteria right where you didn't receive any instruction at all you went to the the cafeteria and you sat in the cafeteria with with with a bunch of your other peers who's you know who who didn't have a teacher pres that that day um you know and I'd hate to see a model like that happen because teachers are required elsewhere you know to address these crucial issues and we and we would as well you know that's that's why we haven't we haven't done that here that that what you're talking about they are still do doing cafeteria classes because at least once a week my daughter sits in a cafeteria and doesn't learn anything yeah just just to to go even further with that their proposed budget for lenp regional is to eliminate all substitutes and everything will be Cafe class starting next year that's that was in their proposal today so if I can add one more comment to that before we get into other things I mean this is all coming from the state and as many emails as as I have seen and tried to answer please direct that same energy to the state government because they are the ones sending the cuts down this way and I think they should get some of the ey as well thanks Miss Fox any other questions or comments from the board seeing none we'll move on um this meeting will now be open to the public referencing agenda items only however if your questions or comments litigation student or Personnel items or negotiations we would ask that you see the superintendent after the meeting since we do not discuss these oh sorry mron uh yeah yeah all right go ahead good we good yeah yeah just make sure y um where are we good however if your questions or comments pertain to litigation student or Personnel items or negotiations we would ask that you see the superintendent after the meeting since we do not discuss these matters in public please limit your comments to 3 minutes per person please state your name and address at at the beginning and please one public comment per portion hello my name is Brian whtz vice president of ETA I've been an eighth grade teacher at DMS for 21 years and I'd like to speak to our association's concerns with some of the budget cuts proposed tonight first the tier three gifted and talented program over the last 10 plus years our district has made an invaluable investment in our tier three program which is underscore by best practices and a curriculum that stands as a beacon of Excellence a big part of what has made the tier 3 program successful in middle school is a dedicated period of week spent as a group these students get to collaborate with each other and discuss the curriculum we believe the restructuring will undermine the program the students will not be able to work together as easily we also believe that eliminating the tier three position in elementary school is against best practice and hinders the growth of our gifted and talented students in elementary by offering challenging and stimulating coursework pull out programs not only cater to the intellectual needs of gifted and talent Stu and talented students but also Foster a culture of Excellence that benefits the entire School Community maintaining a pullout program in elementary school aligns with the principles of equity and inclusivity just as we provide additional support for students who require remediation it is equally imperative to offer enrichment opportunities for those who demonstrate exceptional abilities by doing so we ensure that all students receive an education that is is commensurate with their individual aptitude and potential simply put there will be great activities such as Mo mock trials for instance that tier three students in elementary school will no longer be able to do additionally I'd like to address the increase in class sizes to grades four and five we have classrooms in some of our schools that are already bursting at the seams having that large of a class makes for Less individual attention to students are the numbers we saw an average or truly a cap classes will have too many guided reading word study and math Flex groups and the result will be less frequent small group instruction in addition students will receive less teacher feedback during Writers Workshop conferences these are formative grade levels for preparing our students for middle school and we believe the increase in class size will hinder their development and their education the larger class sizes are already a big struggle in our primary grades as well they're just too many needs and not enough hands to help out finally cutting two Middle School teaching assistant positions is is very detrimental to our students especially our struggling Learners as it stands now we don't even have that many Tas in Middle School our Tas are extremely helpful for our students providing extra guidance and individualized help this budget cut hurts some of our most vulnerable students and makes it harder for them to be successful I urge you to consider all this when discussing Dr Smith's budget cuts and restructuring proposals tonight thank you for your time my name is Tracy Brown I'm a teacher at Marlton middle and also the second vice president for ETA your proposal to restructure the middle schools to a junior high model is a horrible idea in fact have you noticed when you drive throughout New Jersey it's rare to find a junior high anymore they're dinosaurs of the past because about 50 years ago research found that adolescence are not just tall elementary students or many high schoolers they have unique academic emotional and social needs that are best met within the Middle School model dismantling our house and team system represents a huge step backwards for the students of etsd with cuts to state aid over the past seven years we are already doing more with less while students needs have continued to increase post pandemic with academic gaps social struggles and additional pressures in today's age of social media our current Middle School model allows for a team of teachers and staff to know the students more than just a number to develop relationships and Foster community of support here's a glimpse into a typical team 123 students 19 have IEPs 14 have 504s eight in tier three seven inrs and two home instruction so in in addition to the normal trials and tribulations of adolescence approximately 40% of our students have specialized programming or interventions in place team time is crucial for addressing these student needs making and revising plans discussion of Strat iies and meeting with counselors Vice principles and parents students would also lose independent study it's a time for all students to get extra help tier three meets special education students have time extra support extra time from their lead teachers students also organize binders Locker cleanouts this is just a very small glimpse when will all of these things occur if you dismantle our teams you know what it won't it can't the proposed schedule doesn't lie there won't be any common time to accomplish these things don't let him tell you otherwise the kids are going to lose out on so much Dr Smith you've repeatedly stated that ETA has offered no suggestions for saving the Middle School model we beg you to stop spreading fake news what has happened is this we asked to be included for months we were told to wait we offered a few ideas then sat across the room from you while you pointed a finger at us literally and said you've only offered two solutions despite this ETA still offered additional ideas and emailed the Board of Ed what we've experienced is everything but a collaborative effort you immediately shoot down any ideas that don't fit your agenda Board of Ed members dismantling our house and team model does not put children in their needs first and will destroy our middle schools forever that is what you're going to be remembered for we implore you to leave the current Middle School model intact hi uh Delina Jolene I'm the ETA uh treasur and at Marlton middle school but I'm actually reading this statement on behalf of Russ BS ETA president Russ wanted to be here this evening but he had to attend an njaa meeting regarding pension and benefits I'd first like to thank all the ETA members and parents who are here this evening to support our students and encourage the Board of Education to make informed decisions we've heard from Brian and Tracy about some of the devastating effects of program Cuts I want to take a moment to discuss a few more on The Chopping Block once again is family and consumer science in an era where life skills are often overshadowed by academic rigor family and consumer science plays a crucial role in preparing students for the realities of life this curriculum teaches fundamental skills such as cooking budgeting sewing and career planning which are essential for gaining independence moreover family and consumer science Fosters important values like responsibility resourcefulness and teamwork these are skills that students will carry with them long after they leave the classroom empowering them to lead fulfilling and productive lives we also oppose the loss of string lessons in grades seven and eight Dr Smith believes that students who are interested will receive private lessons this places a financial burden on District families and could deprive some of our students from pursuing music over the past few years our special education programs have been dismantled this continues to be evident by the decision to cut two of the four teaching assistants at the middle school level I really don't even know what to say here these two individuals teach six classes a day to approximately 150 to 200 of our neediest students the people in these positions are not even eligible for benefits how is this cost effective how is this what's best for students who is going to fill this role let's take a moment to discuss transparency I stand before you today to emphasize the crucial importance of transparency in our district transparency is something that our leader lacks transparency serves as a Cornerstone of accountability fostering trust integrity and Effectiveness within our schools and communities first and foremost transparency ensures that all stakeholders including students parents teachers and administrators have access to vital information regarding educational policies decisions and outcomes when information is readily available it enables informed decision-making and empowers individuals to actively engage in the educational process if we had transparency if we were included in the decision making process if Dr Smith valued our input you wouldn't have a room filled with concerned parents and employees and finally Dr Smith please stop saying that we offer no suggestions on how to save money we offer suggestions but you are quick to dismiss them you say they are a temporary solution well at least I think you're wrapping up I just want to let you know you're at 3 minutes I am wrapping up well at least our suggestions would buy another year to figure things out you say suggestions won't fix the problem because of the time frame well if you would have started working on them last year or the year before when we brought them to the table maybe they'd be ready to implement now Implement now nonetheless you have said over and over that the budget is your problem and no one else's if that's the case then the destruction of the school district rests solely upon your [Applause] shoulders hi my name is Vanda siski and I am an inclusion teacher at Marlton middle school so I just want to take a moment to speak actually in response to the conversation that was occurring about meetings IEPs inrs um specifically the comparison to how Elementary does it I'm going to start with inrs um remember that generally speaking right it's one teacher in an Elementary classroom possibly two if it's an inclusion classroom when we meet for and R Us during our team Mee team meetings we're talking about a minimum of four academic teachers to start if the student has a split language arts class we're up to five if they're in an inclusion setting six and whether or not they're in inclusion class having those inclusion teachers sitting on the meeting and other special education teachers to talk about the interventions what we could do if they were progressed to the classification process is valuable so it's many many more people and that's not to devalue anything that the elementary school teachers are doing because they work extremely hard and it's not fair that they have to have a sub in their room either so I just want to make sure that that's clear um I'm going to move on to IEP meetings I just finished my eth grade transition meetings um actually no I have one more that was rescheduled so far approximately for approximately 50% of my meetings a general education teacher who's required to be there by law has had to be pulled out and we've had to have parents come in and sign waivers on the spot before the meeting starts because we are ready don't have the sub coverage in our buildings so I just want to make sure that that's very very clear and let's talk about the time these students and parents deserve we've had meetings generally scheduled for an hour an hour and a half if necessary two hours the longest one that I know that occurred was recently three hours to make sure that the student was appropriately set up for their High School transition this is also the first time that eighth graders are brought into their meetings sitting in a room besides their special education teacher and their General Ed teacher they don't know most of the faces right so we are the people in the room besides their parents that they know and trust all important things when we're talking about transition but that's just eighth grade right we still have sixth and seventh graders and teams of teachers all sitting before you who are trying to do everything in their power to get those students set up for the best transition impossible as they move from grade to grade if we lose teams we lose all of this thank [Applause] you hi I'm Linda mman and I'm the reading specialist at Marlon Middle School and I do work with intervention so I would like to talk about that but before I do I wanted to address the um question you brought up about teams um and this modified team term that's come up tonight and um teams will happen in sixth grade but my understanding is after that the only part of the team that will exist for students is they will have the same guidance counselor and the same vice principal outside of that there will be no sense of Team those students will be placed with any teacher where the schedule fits it'll be made up of blue and yellow house students CU I'm at Marl to middle and there won't be a blue house class or Yellow House class they will be traveling all over the building there will be um travel time built into the schedule because students will be traveling throughout the entire building so I don't know where this term modified team is coming from sixth graders will have a team concept but then it'll be totally dismantled in seventh and eth grade so I hope that clarifies that a little bit CU I felt like that was very um unclear that's the way it was explained to the teachers so I think you know we need to explain it the same way to all of you um then I want to read what I had prepared to talk about in regards to intervention I have taught at Marlon Middle School since 1994 yes I'm that old and I've seen many changes over this time but no changes concern me as much as these most recent proposed ones my first concern is the loss of Team meetings and dependent study tea meanings are the time when teachers discuss students who are struggling academically socially and emotionally when teachers discuss students together they can see that there are patterns of behaviors and try to problem solve or the teachers can see that a student is prospering in one environment while floundering in another and work together to determine why team meetings are also the time where staff meet for intervention and referral services and plans are established to help students who are struggling these team meetings are invaluable in a time where students are having more academic and mental health issues than ever before independent study is a time for students to receive intervention in small groups and individually and to seek help when needed it is also a time for gifted and talented project based learning as well as a time to make a work from absences without missing more class instruction losing this time will also be a huge detriment to students I personally do an independent study group I actually meet with a small group every single independent study those students three minutes okay please um can I still speak or am I over okay um my next concern is the loss of the teaching assistant position in the middle school at present Marl to middle school I just meant like a final sentence well this is no you cannot do that I am sorry let me just say the final thing about the teaching assistant because um I'm sorry guys I have to everyone has the same opportunity to speak so I'll just say this last thing about a teaching assistant at present at Marlon Middle School we cannot meet the needs of the students we presently have an intervention I've actually had to tell parents we do not have services for them and you're cutting a teaching assistance which will cut our staffing by 30% we presently can't do it if you cut more staff I you know impossible thank you hi I'm Laura Davis I am a teacher here when I began teaching imoral to Middle School in 1999 close I was taken under the wing of my seven blue teammates I benefited greatly from such a close workking relationship with the same teachers that taught all of my same students I felt like I belonged even as I was settling into a new home and life outside of work but it wasn't long before I realized that even more importantly this team concept is essential for the success of our middle school students seventh grade is challenging if you've had a child go through these Middle School years you have to know that they aren't Elementary anymore but they aren't ready for high school yet they are friends with someone one day enemies the next their bodies are changing their workload and social relationships are changing but when they walk into Marlton Middle School they belong they have a core group of teachers that all work together to help them through these weird years they have an identity even when they may be questioning their own they have a place here even when it might feel like they don't know where that is outside of these walls the power that holds can be the anchor these kids need in a time in their life that is filled with changes and uncertainty at MMS they aren't just one of a thousand Mustangs they are seven blue they are eight yellow they don't get lost in the shuffle because their team of teachers know them and collectively work together to give each student what they need to mature and Thrive Middle School is a transition time an our Middle School setting with teams and cohesiveness and consistency Bridges the gap between Elementary and high school which is exactly where these kids are they are in the Gap people can fall through the cracks when they are in a sea of many our students don't hear at MMS because they are part of a smaller family too over the 25 years I have taught seventh grade here we've had students experience many life-changing situations and events we've had students struggle academically socially and personally my team uses our common meeting time to share our concerns meet with our counselor and vice principal and work together to help these students through these tough times we use our common independent study period to meet with those kids who need the extra time or instruction beyond the class period I know our students benefit from the team concept they have a core group of teachers as a United Force giving them the guidance and encouragement they need let me tell you how amazing it is to see a smile spread across the face of a student when they realize they are being cared for and cared about by their team of teachers it shows they know they feel here what they need children need support they need guidance they need to belong when we are loved we can thrive in a team concept this happens for many students our Middle School is their safe place please do not take this away from the hundreds of middle school students in Eve sham do not dismantle the team concept do not let the middle schoolers fall through the [Applause] cracks good evening Dr Smith and members of the board my name is Marne Benjamin and I am a vice president on the Marlton Elementary uh School PTA where my son is in fourth grade in Mrs scarpati's class I'm also vice president at Marlton Middle School where my son is in seventh grade and taught by some of the incredible teachers here tonight I am here to speak on behalf of our incredible Middle School um our incredible middle school and our tier three program um and getting and uh eliminating the tier three program is not in the best practice of the gifted and talented students of our school district I would like to begin by presenting some concerns regarding the cuts being made to ishim Township's tier three program what many people don't understand but parents and educator educators of gifted students know is that providing appropriate specialized instruction and curriculum enrichment opportunities and social and emotional support for gifted children is just as important as providing IEP services to children with special needs I can say this as the parent of both a child with an IEP and the parent of a child in the tier three program their needs are both equally critical to their growth and their development there are many reasons the proposed Cuts would be a major disservice to not just tier three students but all students in our district specifically it will reflect poorly on our District's reputation as a whole since the state of New Jersey is requiring more not less time to tier three programs I am hoping you'll strongly consider the following information when deciding if dismantling this program is in the best interests of our students the pullout sessions currently used for Elementry students are critical for gifted kids not only are these students working on projects the challenge them in a variety of ways they are working collaboratively with like-minded peers and guided by a specialized teacher specialized teacher not just any teacher who can support them in communicating with each other and with their social emotional development as I said earlier my gifted fourth grader needs pullout services in the same way as my seventh grader needed pullout services in sixth grade for language arts last last year to me there's no differentiation without the appropriate levels of Challenge and social emotional support that the district currently provides gifted children will be more likely to suffer from lack of motivation problems with engaging and focusing on schoolwork and mental health and behavioral problems waiting until middle school does not fall in line with the recommended practices which is why the law requires identification and services starting in kindergarten even though IAM Township doesn't actually do that until third grade in their position statements the National Association of gifted children states that differentiation is an approach that is necessary but not sufficient to comprehensive Service delivery for gifted Learners differentiation within classrooms should not replace more in ma'am you minutes services for gifted Learners thank you and I would just like to summarize by saying I also had some things to say about the teams program in the middle school and as was said previously the teams program is essential to the development of the students in middle school thank you so much hi my name is sheel pson and I'm a parent of a student who's in the tier 3 Program I'm bringing about some points for you to consider not cutting the the tier 3 Program in reality differentiation is not going to happen what exactly is the district's differentiation plan what will differentiate look like in the classroom who will be tracking progress ensuring Effectiveness in reporting to the state what specific training if any have classroom teachers had in gifted education considering that teachers will have more responsibilities than ever before how will they possibly be able to be handled this too and this won't affect just gifted children all of our kids will get less attention as increased demands are put on teachers specifically kids that have fallen behind when Co hid and need the additional support differentiation even if it if done effectively is not enough even if teachers receive the substantial training that would be necessary to enable them to level work for gifted students differentiation alone is not enough to sufficiently support gifted Learners according to the NJ strengthening gifted and talented Education Act which the state law passed in 2020 school districts need to among many other things consider the gifted programming standards position statements and white papers of the national Associated for gifted children in identifying and serving gifted and talented students differentiation with heterogenous classrooms should not replace more intensive services for gifted Learners gifted children have unique social and emotional needs and need to be with like-minded peers the NJ NC strongly recommends that curriculum geared to helping gifted children with social emotional and career development be part of gifted education programming both inside and outside the regular classroom the P sessions in elementary school are so important for gifted kids not only are they working on projects that challenge them all in variety of ways they are working collaboratively with like-minded peers and guided by a specialized teacher who can support them in communicating with each other in their social emotional development etsd is not keeping up with the state and federal trends and goals for gifted education if these cuts are made cutting gifted and talented Services is not the direction that the state of New Jersey and the county in general is headed New Jersey just passed the string gifted and talented education in 2020 it is a goal of the state to grow and enhance these programs and many districts are working on expanding them despite facing the same budget cuts that etsd is we are going to the opposite way for this proposal this population has so much potential in what they can achieve in our district gifted students are often overlooked because they can get by but they are also quite a sensitive group that can swing in the opposite direction of achievement if their needs are not met I completely understand that cuts need to be made but please consider not making those cuts to a program that serves this population which has such huge potential and so much to lose if neglected we need to think about the areas where the money is most impactful and our district tr3 program arguably the most impact ma'am you've reached three minutes so I'm wrapping of ensuring our students with exceptional abilities can reach the full potential thank you one second one second um to everyone who's speaking and especially to all those who don't get it in with the three minutes I say this every month please do email us what you're saying especially if it's already prepared um we would like the opport to to read them separately as well thank you hello my name is Jessica I'm also going to speak on the tier three program with the other ladies um my personal experience I'm going to share a little more anecdotal not a lot of research um but an experience in this District that I think is valuable for you to hear about my child's first grade year was remote due to obviously covid and not the board or anyone else um but just working first grade remotely we could see my husband and I at home home that my first grader was bored with the math that he was being presented with um his teacher didn't recognize that again at no fault of her own because she had a bunch of six-year-olds that she's just trying to Wrangle and stay their face on screen not even get to evaluate them for giftedness um so he missed out on that opportunity in first grade in second grade he took the sages which was probably his first experience with uh standardized testing and scored just shy of reaching the tier three criteria um so he was put on a like flagged list but he was not identified as tier three uh due to I think some budgeting reconfiguration after his second grade year he was rezoned to Mees from Rice um so brand new Educators a bunch of unfamiliar faces he was on a list but I think that his third grade teacher who was excellent had 27 students in her class which is more than the average or whatever was shared today um so she did not really seem to have the time to evaluate him for any propensity for math or science that I saw at home um again not at any faults of her own he went through third grade without being identified and finally this year in fourth grade I've pushed and his teacher has worked with me and we've finally after six months been able to identify him and he'll start tier three pull out soon um the reason I'm sharing that is because if you ECT differentiation in elementary school for tier three students there's not even enough time to identify them let alone educate them give them these challenges and then meet with parents I think four times a year or report to parents four times a year that's just not likely to happen and I feel like that's really a Miss for our tier three students like the other ladies have shared it's my son's legal right just like any child with an iep's legal right to have these services and I'd like to see them continue and elementary school thank you my name is Kimberly Henson and I have a student at beer good evening as you've been hearing we all have some serious concerns about the proposed budget of the many concerns one of the biggest is the Staffing cutet Middle School which will ultimately lead to the elimination of our team model approach the district that I taught at eliminated their team model approach several years ago since then the teachers there have not been able to provide the same level of instruction and care to their students their Team Planning time has been eliminated which is giving them fewer opportunities to work together and create individualized student- centered lessons based on their Collective experiences with those same students it has also created less time for social and emotional learning opportunities just because something can be done and has been done by others does not mean that it should I do understand that there is not enough money and that cuts have to happen however I also understand that in a time of such a budget crisis that our Administration has accepted salary increases and bonuses I also understand that opportunities to find the funds to cover at least some of the deficit even if just for this year to buy us time have not been explored we have been asked repeatedly by Dr Smith to trust him but that trust has been broken and it is your job to earn it back from us I cannot and will not support this budget until it has been proven that absolutely every other Avenue has been explored and I am imploring you as the board to do the same as our elected officials it is time that you act not in your own best interest not in what Dr Smith is telling you is best but in what is actually best for our students this plan is not a plan at all we keep hearing we don't know what it will look like yet we can't know what it will look like yet then you cannot accept this I am also officially requesting an additional collaborative meeting before April 25th to discuss this further I am not confident that if you accept this tonight that enough changes will happen before may we have been invited into the conversation too late and that is not our fault that is not our children 's fault do not accept this demand that Dr Smith go back to the drawing board demand that he include the teachers union parents and town representatives to go over every opportunity including Administration salary freezes and do not take away from our [Applause] children good evening my name is Colleen Ellis I have two sons in the district one is at um VanZant and the other is at Marlton Elementary um back in January I stood in front of this board after the switch was made from eam Child Care to just kids and my son lost his ability to attend the after Care Program because of his disabilities and I asked that you please consider in any future budget cuts the impact that it have on special education students and I can promise you that this proposed elimination of our team system in Middle School while affecting all students will disproportionately negatively impact those special education students you heard from several staff members that work with those kids and are standing here telling you that they do not have the time to meet the requirement of these students IEPs to have inrs meetings that are thorough and thoughtful and help kids that are on the cusp of being referred to the child study team and maybe don't have to if those interventions work and Mr pharo and Mr demarcy you asked thoughtful questions about what it's going to look like when that teams time is eliminated where is that going to come from and there's no answer because they don't have one one Dr Smith put that off to the experts that are standing here telling you they don't have an answer they were not included in the conversations that led to this plan and therefore they shouldn't be the ones that have to clean up this [Applause] mess I have two sons both have ADHD one is autistic and dyslexic and they are both thriving in their Elementary School environments because of the individualized attention that is given to them by their teachers by the child study team by their building administrators and part of the reason that my husband and I chose to move to this town was because we were assured by looking at the education system that that support was going to continue throughout their time in this District for it to be taken away now is devastating not only to my children but to many other children 25% I think you said of your budget of your student body is special education 25% of your students are going to be extremely hurt by this not only that but you're not going to be able to meet the needs of these students IEPs and then you're going to find yourself on the end of lawsuits that are going to be a lot more expensive than trying to to find the money to keep the house system intact ma'am you've reached three minutes if you could wrap it up you the board tonight have a small but distinct window of opportunity to do the right thing this plan is not even acceptable as a placeholder vote no thank [Music] you hello um just want to thank everyone in the board um even Dr Smith for continuing to give us your attention I know you're hearing a lot from a lot of different people both parents and staff alike I sent Dr Smith an email on March 7th I have yet to receive a reply but I do thank and appreciate the board members who took the time to acknowledge and thoughtfully respond to me Dr Smith's most recent email to parents and staff was sent on the 13th the day before the etsd parents United meeting in this email Dr Smith used the phrase the mission of a school district several times where does the Middle School fall in term in terms of our District's mission is the mission of a school district to neglect and push aside middle school children children with IEPs and 504s who will not be receiving the time accommodations and attention they are entitled to according to their individualized educational plan is the mission of a school district to neglect and push aside children who are at an extremely challenging time in their social and emotional development when you eliminate the middle school team model you eliminate the time children and teachers have together teachers join together to collaborate to discuss the needs of all the children we have the privilege and the joy to to work with when you eliminate our teams you also eliminate independent study this is an invaluable opportunity for children to meet with any or all of their academic teachers to get the support and time that they need to catch up to review skills and Concepts to make up assignments tests and quizzes and have their questions answered this time for children will no longer exist when teachers asked when in our day there would be time to give children what they need beyond their regular classroom period when teachers could discuss and collaborate about children Dr Smith suggested we meet before and after school and in the few minutes about eight minutes between dismissal and the end of our day teachers programs and time are being eliminated that have been there for children the focus now is on preschool and kindergarten both positive additions to our schools in the current plan as outlined in Dr Smith's March 13th email middle school children were lost we cannot push aside and minimize the needs of our middle school children thank you hi good evening my name is Jinger deetman 11 Lexington Circle I have a few topics I want to touch on as PTA president of deac Elementary and as a parent of a current fourth grader first I was relieved that the current fourth graders will be staying in their home schools for the 24 25 school year this was a good decision that will continue to give this particular group of students more consistency and stability in an environment familiar to them to be supported for learning and growing second while I understand that cuts must be made with the number as large as it is can we not also have conversations and brainstorming on fundraising and raising money as a community for our children putting aside our personal agendas and coming together as a collective group can there not also be conversations and meetings between the Board of Ed and the community before the next scheduled April meeting third being the PTA president I have the privilege of constantly being in our school at all all different times during the day and due to this I have gotten to know the teachers and the staff that I didn't know as well and have come to know the new teachers staff and principal and to be clear Dees started the school year with well over 10 related arts teachers this year plus eight new staff members and a new principal lots have changed we now have a staff since January for art music and PE all of which I've been able to get to know and form a relationship with in three short months Dees is always a school with the traveling related arts these teachers want to get to know our kids they want to be involved in events and activities our PE teacher reached out to me immediately after starting asking how can she get involved so that she can get to know our kids we have three 345 kids in our elementary we are not the smallest anymore I am asking you to consider Dees as The Homeschool for the related Arch that will be traveling next year lastly as a parent I am expressing my concern for the cutting and restructuring of the tier 3 Program being incorporated into the classroom how will this be executed differentiation is not enough excuse me our teachers are stretched thin already the kids of the gifted and talented program look forward to this pull out instruction where they have a voice that can be heard on topics and discussions that do not happen in the general classroom they participate and they work collaboratively with like-minded peers Guided by specialized teacher these children need pullout services and the same way that children with IEPs do my son has both an IEP as well as tier three ma'am you ma'am you reached three minutes I have okay I'm just wrapping up I can see the growth in the progress with the pullout instruction so I'm urging the Board of Ed to be sure that they are following the state law passed in 2020 regarding strengthening the gifted and talented Education Act as they make these decisions thank [Applause] you hello my name is Ain sapio I live at fairh Hill Court in Marlton I first want to thank the board for the hard work that you've been putting into this budget um it takes a lot of time and I appreciate the questions that you've been asking tonight we understand that the budget requires a focus on priorities for many of us the priority is to leave the Middle School teaching staff and structure alone we oppose cutting eight teachers from the Middle School we oppose dismantling the middle school hall and pods model which is also known as a teams approach which is evidence-based to be beneficial for cognitive and social emotional growth the budget presentation slide indicated that $700,000 would be saved by cutting these eight teachers so we're suggesting that to offset that projected savings we look at other options first you might use money saved from retiring teachers to fund teachers the number tonight was $80,000 as representing a teacher however retiring teachers are at the higher end of the scale and about $130,000 would be a more appropriate number for them so two retiring teachers could save three active teachers secondly uh we ask that you re-engage the Town Council about those selling those properties in Cambridge Park and country farms you mentioned this tonight which I appreciated and we know that the town offered to purchase those properties in 2021 I guess the price they offered wasn't acceptable so it went to the county just this past November 2023 and then it seems to have stalled so we're asking to really jump on that if there is an offer that could be money that could save our teachers third um please re-engage the Town Council in updating the agreement over their funding of the sro's and ask them to fully fund the SRO the presentation tonight said that they're funding half which is wonderful and that that agreement goes for another year but they are expecting a 2% tax levy from the local dispensaries so they will have more money that they could potentially fully fund those SRO next I think Mrs N asked um Mr Yates about the um capital reserve funds and I'm asking that you creatively look at the Surplus in that number it sounded like we were required to pull $1.8 million from that and we're earmarked 1.5 which leaves about $300,000 in Surplus which could be half of those eight teachers lastly take a look at any leftover money from the ECC and TBA funds there might be money there for the students who paid for this year and then those programs were ended so we're really asking you to take action to save the Middle School structure and make this the priority good evening my name is Terry buter moitz my address is 29 Buck Le Lane I have a sixth grader at Marlton middle school and a third grader at Marlton Elementary where I'm also the current PTA president I'm speaking tonight in firm opposition of the dismantling of the middle school house structure in a small way I feel somewhat responsible for the house system being the number one Target in the budget because the truth is about a year ago in a PTA president's meeting in the context of the full day kindergarten conversation Dr Smith asked us how we felt about the health system at the time my oldest child was approaching the end of her fifth grade year and starting to get nervous about what Hall she would be in in relation to her friends my response to Dr Smith at the time was that I was okay with the health system going away because I didn't think the stress of am I going to be separated from my friends was a healthy was healthy at an already stressful time of transition while I still don't love the social aspect of the kids being in the same Hall with the same kids for all of middle school I know I speak for so many parents new to middle school and Mr physic Caro that I just didn't know I didn't have any concept of the true value of the teaming model on every other aspect of her education no fifth grade parent does unless they're an educator thems or went to school in a similar system I certainly didn't know that removing the house system meant removing a ton of teachers and she is thriving in a system that makes her feel seen and supported in a way every middle schooler needs at arguably the most vulnerable time in their primary education I spoke to my now sixth grader in preparation for these comments and asked her how she would feel about having no more Halls no more independent study she looked at me panicked and said and I quote kids need that time there are so many more kids that need help than kids that don't when would we get that help if that period goes away we understand some cuts are inevitable and there are some tough decisions that need to be made and as a board I know you've been bombarded with story after story and a ton of research as to why the system is valuable and I also know you've been bombarded with a ton of suggestions of other things we can look to to avoid such a seismic loss to our unbelievably dedicated staff one key Point that's worth noting is that as of today per the public record four top of the skill teachers have submitted their intent to retire as of July 1st is the cost differential between a step one teach teacher and a top of the scale teacher being factored in as you're factoring as you're calculating headcount because that savings should go right back in to the teaching headcount so tonight my ask is simple as we talk about turning over stones and I know Dr Smith went through some of those stones tonight have you the board seen proof yourself or are you taking what you hear at face value if you cannot look in the mirror and not honestly say you have it is incumbent upon you to vote no to this preliminary budget because you know as well as I do the guest vote tonight even if you think it doesn't matter just because it's just a tentative plan it's due tomorrow is giving your blessing to this plan and you are complicit in the ultimate dismantling of the Middle School House system should that happen there's far too much at stake and if there's anything in this life that is worth all the due diligence it is the safety happiness and education of our children thank [Applause] you my name is Jacob pilman and I live at 33 snuffbox Lane good evening Dr Smith and members of the Board of Education you have heard from parents and teachers now I'd like you to hear from a kid I wanted to speak tonight because I'm a current sixth grader and I feel it is important you hear from the kids too the eam Township School District strives daily to prepare students academically for their future teachers create lesson plans and insire us and offer us help whenever we need it children are not just coming to school to learn they're coming to school with worries sadness stress fear attention struggles and ner Divergent challenges thankfully es etsd has known and understood for years that children are people and need to be fully supported developmentally which means addressing our social skills emotions and behaviors as well as our education for instance something that happened to me that was that I was struggling with my locker I had count I had tried countless times to open it even resorting to switching lockers eventually I talked to a trusted teacher and and they helped me during independent study after a 5 to 10 minute practice a teacher then told the six Green Team to cut me some slack if I'm a minute or too late Middle School structure is important it allows students to have personal relationships with their teachers while they're not there with where they are not just numbers independent study is so important too it allows students to do work and ask questions to teachers that they normally can't do at home whether it's not a quiet environment or they need teacher help this is one this is one week period is very helpful please keep our Middle School model we are not many high school students we are early teams with our own unique needs please keep the team time so we are seen by the same teachers who all get to know us as one Comm group this is a great district and when the administrators and District leaders continue to uphold the importance of social emotional learning it will grow it will continue to be a wonderful place to learn and grow thank [Applause] you good evening my name is Kevin want me I can bend I'm good either way good evening my name is Kevin pman I have two children in the district um I had a whole speech prepared largely about preserving the Middle School model and the lack of Engagement with teachers and parents to try to find solutions for the incredible incredibly challenging funding issues we Face instead I wanted to touch on a few things that were said tonight in regards to instrumental music lessons in middle school they do not receive more instruction than High School students kids who continue with music in high school have instrumental music classes concert band classes Orchestra classes jazz band classes a wide variety of options for them they meet four days a week at least as every parent with a child involved in the music program knows especially those on the board are in the administration this is blatant gaslighting telling half truths and withholding relevant information is just dishonest I and all of the parents and staff expect and demand better the comments about last year's presentation for kindergarten are another example of gaslighting we can all go back and look at the slides and watch the presentation and see how clearly the taxpayers were told if you don't vote for the kindergarten ballot measure these are the terrible things that will happen here we are the terrible things are happening in regards to whether or not the hall system is being eept again it's gaslighting tell us what is happening and be honest about it don't say it will be one or two classes then say well there's no way to know how much cross pollination will be between Halls the students aren't going to just move or walk they're taking classes in another Hall with students from the other Hall please stop pretending that this is anything other than a dismantling of the hall system we the stakeholders in this room are not stupid and the consistent gaslighting and lack of transparency has resulted in the loss of trust and faith in this Administration please we implore you do better hi I'm Oren cougar I live at Foxwood Lane I sure one moment please uh we need a motion from the board um in our bylaws if we have a meeting going past 11: we need board consent um I am looking for a motion for us to go past 11:00 for this board meeting noting that we'll take action past 11 motion by Mrs null seconded by Mr Demar see any questions or comments seeing n mr8 roll call please on going past uh Mr deari Mrs null yep on going past 11 Mr Bach yes Mr demarcy yes Miss Fox yes Mrs NL yes Miss Lee yes Mr Thompson yes Mr fiso yes Mr conon yes motion carries thank you Mr Yates all right I'm waren cougar I currently have a sixth grader here at morlon middle I'm not one that normally speaks in public so for me to be here in front of you tonight is huge so I'm just going to go read what I have my child and the others in the district need to matter and I hope you see that we're all here for them they need a voice too as they're the ones that are being directly impacted by the decisions you're making on their behalf I'm asking that you please leave the Middle School teaching staff and structure alone Middle School is appropriately named Middle School just for that reason they're not our youngest and they're not our oldest of kids it's a transition period to high school and should not be treated with the same teaching model as high school this age group isn't mentally or socially ready and needs the extra guidance and support that our current model provides independent study and team meetings that occur behind the scenes are not only needed but warranted for this age group the separation of Halls that offers a school within a school has so many benefits that it truly works for this population our kids need this middle level of teaching as they grow and develop into adolescen each section of schooling acts as a different level of development these levels are what start to create a strong foundation for these kids to stand on their own I'm sure you can all look back and remember where you were at their age so please take a moment and remember these years are really important thank [Applause] you hello I'm Jennifer pelman I live at 33 snuffbox Lan I am a mother of three and a licensed clinical social worker each day in the United States millions of adolescents go to school with mental health concerns that threaten their well-being and educational performance in 2022 New Jersey declared there was a youth Mental Health crisis in this State schools play a critical role in addressing the social emotional Wellness of children our middle school children deserve the best we can give them moving to a junior high model would be detrimental to the children and a huge step backwards for eam Township School District when many of us were in this when this room last people shared their concerns and changes for the structure of our district at that meeting at the end parents were reprimanded for not coming to the meeting prepared and in the same breath were told this is not your job well Dr Smith and the board I'm standing here today to tell you that the well-being of children is everyone's job and since the last meeting we've been busy a parent Facebook group has grown to over 800 members and people are asking fantastic questions and getting informed an informational Gathering was held to share ideas suggestions and for revenue and budget cuts parents have attended the town council meeting that have never gone before and numerous emails have been sent to the legislative Representatives so what are the next steps now we need to come together finally Dr Smith stakeholders have emailed you and asked for meetings since January and before and yet these meetings have not happened in the March PTA president's meeting you stated I knew this was all coming when I saw the budget projections in 2020 you stated the spring of 2024 will be a bad time I knew it and I knew a lot of people are going to be angry I ask you why did you wait so long to involve parents and have strategic meetings we all know and understand there are Tim taes for presenting budgets and that has nothing to do with the planning that takes place before the budget time lack of collaboration to this extent while stating in meetings that you saw it coming leaves people with the feeling at best that you like to work alone and at worst it calls into question issues of transparency and Trust so again I ask you to please remember the district's theme of cooperation and create a strategic planning committee neighboring districts had their Board of Education meetings much earlier in March far away from the 20th date which is tomorrow they posted the presentation online ahead of the meeting these are districts right next door to us not things that are not comparable to the Board of Education members many of you ran on platforms of transparency integrity and advocacy on this board are parents of current etsd students people committed to systemic legislative changes long-standing public servants as well as newer people of fresh ideas many are etsd graduates themselves who benefited from this Middle School model that is now threatened thank you to the board of ed members who tonight push for specific times that parent advocacy groups could be met with before the final vote I implore you to remember the platforms you ran on realize that you've been told parents are supportive of this structural change and clearly that is not the case realize that you've had three meetings you've reached three minutes okay I'm going to keep going CU you let other people keep going uh no I did not I let people wrap up so if you can just wrap up I'm going to wrap up them I'm asking the board to act tonight based on the pleas of the voters who elected you to the teachers we see you and we thank you and we're your allies to the parents we're in this together and I'm proud to stand with you to our children we are doing this for you and it's a responsibility of adults to turn over every stone until we can find a way to give you what you need to thrive and sore I'm hopeful we can find the 700,000 somewhere else Thomas Edison said it best there's a better way to there there's a there's a way to do it better find it hello my name is Chris Miller I live at uh Preamble drive here in Marlton um I did not prepare a speech I didn't even expect for myself to be here this evening but uh I I actually just got home I am an educator myself in a neighboring District I'm a music educator and I have children that are here in the school system we're fairly new to Marlton and I just wanted to speak on behalf of music education and the importance of music education for human beings uh whether they're in elementary school middle school or High School uh I just sincerely believe that music changes people's lives it affects everybody and when we start pulling these programs away from children I can just speak for myself that uh music education shaped me as a human being I became a a performer and a musician and I toured along the East Coast before I decided to become an educator and start teaching music for a career I've taught thousands and thousands of kids and I've seen it firsthand it affects their the way that their brains work for everything it affects math science writing reading everything all gets impacted from music and to to know that this is a potential thing that we want to remove from our kids experiences in school absolutely disheartens me as a human being and as an educator uh and as a father in so different ways for our children so I'm just uh really begging you to please reconsider affecting the music education of our our children that are here in the district thank you hi I'm Rosemary Bernardi ATT Health X Court East a former board member Ben uh this is probably my 2 first uh budget uh have had to sit through a budget presentation um so you know uh over the years we've had a lot of issues in uh Isam Township um a lot of challenging uh times um but I I'll Echo everything that the parents had said about the middle school program that is like the core of um the heart of our schools you know people move here because of the schools and it's the Envy the Middle School House concept is really an Envy for other districts around the around the uh State here so um it's unfortunate that we're at this point due to CS two funding um that's even being on the that this is even considered as a cut um the reason I'm here is really to talk about you know I'm glad to hear that you guys are open to uh to having a meeting i' want to do two themes one is transparency we uh I would ask that you actually go beyond the what you're required is actually to put the budget book online because I think it's very hard for us to solve a problem when we don't have all the details so if you could uh Avail that to us that would be great um the second thing is about collaboration I just want to say that you know um you know it's really so great to see the parents here and thank you board members putting together budget the administration doing all the hard work it really is a a hard process but if we can collaborate you know there's a lot of great ideas we know traditionally we're going to have new numbers we could have you know you're going to have the GIF adjustments you're going to have the health insurance you're going to have breakage from retirements uh the ECC you know how is that going to farare out at the end of the year you know really look at the fund balance accounts analyze those we have Surplus um I feel that there could be a whole uh collaborative committee to talk about Transportation transportation is what three4 four million are your budget I mean we really need to look at this a little bit differently so if we were to have a collaborative uh meeting that would be great Jen suggested the strategic planning session I think that's great um because honestly without a plan you know this is really we're going to be back here in a year talking about the same thing so I think that the board really needs to look at you know options for uh this year and how it's going to look you know next year and the year after so um the other thing that we're looking at too uh we uh as Jen mentioned parent United uh I have we're working on legislative initiatives we could get relief from uh stabilization Aid we can get relief from another bill that if they pass that we could go to 2.5% cap we can get um additional Aid uh Transportation they're looking at the school funding formula so there's a lot of things in the legislature that we could advocate for as a community it's unfortunate that we're here now we should have been do doing a lot of this work a while ago to start that work but we are going to do it so one of the things I want to just focus just to wrap up is really you know we and you have reached three minutes so yeah that's right I just want to wrap up that you know it's really great to see so many people here and really well we pitched in the kindergarten meaning strong schools strong community so I think I just want to close on that point because really you know we just have that strong schools strong community and here we are to support that thank [Applause] you uh just reiterating again thank you everyone for your comments um if your comments were typed please do email them to us so we could take aant to read them again um we will we'll now move on to the approval of the minutes we need a motion to approve items 6.1 through 6.3 do we have a motion motion by Miss Fox seconded by Mr Bach any questions or comments on the approval of the minutes seeing none Mr Yates roll call please on the approval minutes Mr Bach yes Mr Demari yes Miss Fox yes Mrs NL I have a question I'm sorry I will say yes to 6.1 board retreat but on 6.2 I was absent from the executive session can I just say abstain on that part only okay yes to the regular meeting on that 6.2 but not the executive session minutes yes to 6 point 6.1 in total and you're abstaining from the executive minutes on 6.2 correct yes got your exstension is noted Mr Thompson abstain from 61 yes that arrest your exension is noted yes to all abstaining 6.1 Mr fisar yes Mr conon yes the motion carries thank you we now need a motion for item 7.1 through 7.11 superintendent's report and an administrative item so we have a motion motion by Mr Thompson seconded by seconded by Miss Lee uh before we head into a roll call I'll hand the floor over to Dr Smith thank you Mr canthon just giving the time I'm going to shorten my comments and just say uh first thank you congratulations to all the staff that made our district Wellness night last week such a success it was a fantastic evening and saw a great turnout from our families also I'd like to plug our wonderful District Allin event it's all in disabilities awareness event tomorrow back here at MMS at 5:30 it's a fun familyfriendly event for everyone hope to see you there and then thank you to ETA for their collaboration on the three sidebars on the agenda the work to get a sidebar on an agenda can start months earlier it just worked out that it happened to be tonight but this is an important step in ensuring that our drivers are earning uh you know competitive wages that'll help us bring more routes back in District and that money that we Sav we can turn around and put right back into Staffing since at this point point the cuts we're making have pretty much exhausted non Staffing so thank you to ETA for that thank you Dr Smith any questions or comments from the board Mrs N I'm sure the board knows how I feel since we discussed it but um I can't accept this tentative budget as it is I feel as though I didn't was not able to analyze all of the information well that's not until item nine I I'm sorry I'm sorry I thought ignore me no problem Mr R I know we've been um working hard on these on these sidebar agreements and in particular I'm I'm really happy that we're on the verge of of passing these uh you're right there's that $4 million Transportation cost and that is a a horrible cost and the more that we a protect our drivers make their pay more competitive and also allow for other drivers to take a look at our our transportation and see that they can cross over with that same type of competitive pay uh will help us eliminate those Helman those Helman routes and every time we eliminate one of those private routes that brings more money back into the district so I am very happy that we're working on that I believe all of the sidebars are and the people involved um they they they are that very important I agree thank you Mr FIS any other questions or comments on superintendent items Mr Yates roll call please on administrative items Mr Bach yes Mr demarcy yes Miss Fox yes Mrs nll yes Miss Lee yes Mr Thompson yes Mr fisar yes Mr conon yes the motion carries thank you moving to item 8 curriculum and instruction we need a motion to approve items 8.1 through 8.5 do we have a motion motion by Mr fyso seconded by Mr Thompson any questions or comments as it pertains to curriculum and instruction I do no on tonight's agenda is 8.4 the eam Ed Foundation funding request we did speak about this in curriculum what was that last night and so I want to point out to the public how wonderful they are they're they are supporting the eyes on art show which is I don't know when it's starting but it's every year at the end of the year um and I want to thank if I have any eam Ed Foundation board members here I want to thank you and anybody out there they work very very hard to support put on events and support our district so I want to thank them for that that's it thank you Mrs null any other questions or comments from the board seeing none Mr Yates roll call please roll call on curriculum instruction Mr Bach yes Mr Mr demarcy yes Miss Fox yes Mrs null yes Miss Lee yes Mr Thompson yes Mr pisaro yes Mr con yes the motion carries thank you we now need a motion for items 9.1 through 9.20 under finance and operations do we have a motion motion by Mr Thompson seconded by Miss Lee any questions or comments for the board under finance and operations is this the part this is the part I know it is I'm only kidding I'm kidding anyway before I speak about the budget 9.19 I also want to give a shout out to our new uh the school bus advertisement uh finance committee I don't know when that's beginning is that next school year they're probably going to be uh put on the buses tomorrow morning oh tomorrow wonderful so I just wanted to ask the public support tailored Landscaping LLC any other businesses you want to get your name out there you can have your sign on our buses so I want to thank tailored landscape LLC and what else um I believe there there was nothing else besides the tentative budget I just wanted to say as I was saying before it's no secret we spoke about it in executive session at this time I cannot accept this tentative budget I have many many questions as obviously other board members do and I didn't have enough time to review all the back uh the workbooks and so on so um plus the fact that this will this will impact every child in Marlon because every student in Marlton goes through the middle school so you know moving forward I I hope that as a board we can work together and find savings elsewhere so it's unfortunate that the board is faced tonight with having to accept this budget it's unacceptable really the fact that this meeting was scheduled the night before the budget is due it puts us in a difficult position I saw online some districts met uh earlier in March I wish we could have done that so I asked for better planning in in the future thank you thanks Mrs null would any other board member like to comment Missy um first I would like to thank everyone who spoke um tonight for your feedback uh both here and uh via email it's very important for all of us on the board to hear from the people who are affected by these decisions and regarding the vote tonight from what I understand tonight's tenative budget whether it passes or fails is ultimately going to the county soon and the way I see it if this vote fails tonight um the meaningful changes and dialogue that the community is looking for and deserves is not going to be happening in an emergency meeting in the next 24 hours this is a longer process obviously and this is why we have a multi-step budget process so tonight I think we've all seen how the numbers are looking we've seen the presentation we're on an even playe field and this vote as I see it is not an end it's really a beginning of a dialogue and it's disappointing that it's taken this long for the dialogue to begin and that's something for the future but this is where we are right now and I hope to see um work with the parent groups that have formed and making substantive changes uh before the final vote in uh more than a month thank you thank you Miss Lee any other questions or comments from the board Miss Fox I would also like like to thank everyone for coming out for your emails um while it is true that the final budget will not be voted on yet I feel that there is just too much of a gray area and I'm not convinced that the collaboration between stakeholders and board and administration will happen if it does not go through and for myself there there was a lot I heard today that I am just not comfortable with saying yes at this time thank you Miss Fox any other questions or comments from the board seeing none Mr Yates roll call please on finance and operations Mr boach um I am going to say yes with the caveat of because if you know if we do vote it down today it would be we would have a lot more work as a board that would not involve the public I don't want to do that I want to give you know the public groups the most time um with this so I am I want to make sure um that that happens so that is my goal you know for this um and I'm going to make sure that the groups you know get representation with that and we get that pulled together a lot sooner than later so we have that time it's it's okay this is what I'm this is what I'm going to do so Mr demarcy no to 9.15 that's on everything else just to clarify Mr Demar you said yes to all no to 9:15 thank you your your vot is counted Miss Fox yes yes to all no to 9.15 thank you Mrs [Applause] N yes to all except a no for 9.15 Miss Lee yes Mr Thompson yes Mr fisicaro yes Mr conon yes the motion carries thank you Mr Yates moving on to Personnel we need a motion for items 10.1 through 10.10 do we have a motion motion by Mr Thompson seconded by Miss Fox any questions or comments as it pertains to Personnel seeing none roll call please Mr Personnel Mr boach yes Mr demarcy yes Miss Fox yes Mrs no yes to 10.1 through 10.6 no to 10.7 yes 10.8 10.9 and I'm sorry no to 10.9 and no to 10.7 yes to everything else if that makes it easier for you yep it does thank yes to all 10.7 10.9 you're no correct thank you no Miss Lee yes Mr Thompson yes Mr fisicaro yes Mr conon yes that motion carries thank you moving to policy of which we have no policies moving to committee reports are there any board members who would like to share a committee report seeing none we will move to Old business of which we have none we will move to new business there is none uh now we'll move into public comments on any open items uh this meeting will be open to the public referencing any items of Interest however if your questions or comments pertain to litigation student or Personnel items or negotiations we would ask that you see the superintendent after the meeting since we do not discuss these matters in public please limit your comments to three minutes per person and please state your name and address at the beginning hi Rosary Bernardi at 10 hell effect Court East um so I heard from Mr Bach that he's willing to have a meeting do I have commitment from is there a a commitment from the whole board I guess I'm a little confused the next step is just to be clear like with dates and you know next actions we're going to have like I'd like some clarity on that yeah I I'll I'm going to be reaching out to the groups that were here tonight so we can form a committee and discuss the budget where we're at and ideas that people might want to share and we can try to find a common ground to walk forward on so I I guess you know just from a facilitation perspective you know having everyone's schedules I think it might be be easier if we can just pick a date right now now we're all in the room here um Jen yes let's pick a date we all have our calendars here I think it would just be easier um and we could have a committee meeting to have I I feel it's going to get lost I just think that the Board needs to decide from their perspective and I don't know that they're prepared to do that here uh and I think the president needs to decide you know if this is going to be a full board meeting or if it's going to be a committee like an ad hoc committee so I think that's why we're saying that we need additional time so I mean I think that we can say we'll be in touch by the end of the week uh okay well moving on is public comment so all right I if you can discuss it during your board discussion to come up with uh how you're going to plan if you're going to do an ad hoc committee or honestly just have another Open Session um and I think it would be great if we can and in we you know we have people here today uh we do have Outreach but there might be other people who could have other ideas so I wouldn't want to limit that conversation thank [Applause] you Colleen Ellis 73 ulene I just want to say um Mr demarcy Miss Fox Miss null what you did tonight was not easy thank you [Applause] hi my name is Evans Scott 106 Williamsburg Court sorry I'm late uh I was listening to the meeting on the way from work I got off about uh 10 or so um I caught the last part of the public comment what I wanted to just talk about is the lack of transparency as it relates to the school funding formula because that really is the root of every single problem that we have and will have going forward until it's changed and I finally figured out one of the biggest factors so it's aggregate income it distorts the entire formula so they don't use median income and that's what matters so as long as we have that one single Factor we will be continuously affected so this process will go on and and on and on just like we talked before until it's addressed so we have to get everyone in the room the entire Community to literally raise their voices to Trenton to the Department of Education to the treasury Department to say hey we need to switch the factor from aggregate income to median incomes and then it will truly be representative of the community at large aggregate wealth is distorted by high income earners I've got tons of data here that I pulled from that I can share later on but that's where we need to take this [Applause] thanks we will now move to board member announcements are there any board members who would like to share an announcement Mr dearcy I assume this allows for a comment not necessarily announcement as well you can announce your comment okay announcing my comment um I wanted to speak uh in regards to to the vote we took um I did vote no and and and and I and I I want to tell the reason I ran for Bo I said this at the last meeting the reason I ran for the Board of Education was because of the harm that our community was experiencing based on the state aid formula that was crafted by people who don't understand Ean values uh having been elected having been here for two months I understand that you know the budget challenges that we face they are not easy solutions and even though the state has caused it you know our advocacy is one of the only steps we could take to to prevent further funding but the reality is this year we have $1.6 million that we have to find that being said one of the biggest factors that I have considered in this has been the Outreach has been the the the calls for suggestions that to me shows that that even shim you know teachers parents you know and and as we saw tonight students uh is a community who cares cares about the schools um and and and that to me spoke volumes which is why in that aspect of of team in that aspect of you know we're we're behind this we have to work on this together this is why the community meetings that we must have with the stakeholders are going to be crucially important in navigating these issues there needs to be not just parent groups there but also teacher groups as well um and realistically any other interested group because every resident in this town is affected by the state aid cuts and budget cuts in some way or another whether you are simply a taxpayer whether you are a student whether you are somebody who's looking to move to e sham Township there is that factor that has to be considered um I I I think that there also needs to be a recognition of the importance of logistics um in regards to handling uh not just mental health but also special education that those two things are are crucially important in today's generational education you know I I walk these very Halls not that long ago I see some of my former teachers in the crowd tonight um but the way I see it things are different than even from then for kids in the challenges that they face based on on the aftermath of not just the pandemic but but our changing world and and that could be very uncomforting for a lot of kids and a lot of families um and and I think it's important to say that you know we sympathize with that you know we're all understanding of that um and and and in future conversations we we're we're going to have to keep that as a factor in the decisions that we make um yeah you know something else uh was brought up about the local advocacy that has been done about this issue to not just our board but other elected officials and other governing bodies here in town that is crucially important I you know this is this is a chance for every governing body here in Eve sham Township to do something about the biggest issue that our community faces uh you know with regards to the SRO funding with regards to the properties that were mentioned um you know this is something that me personally think should be a big effort on behalf of the entire Eve sham Community as a United cause to address this issue State advocacy thank you to every single person who has written a letter to our state legislators um to you know ask them to say there are crucially flawed issues in our state aid formula um you know it's a very complicated matter you know that that that I would need two hours to go through but that would bring us to about almost 2 am so I don't think anybody wants that um but I but I went to Trenton on uh last Monday um and I and I testified at the assembly uh budget committee um two of the legislators who sit on that committee represent one of the towns in lrhsd right which is one of our partner districts every kid who goes through here ends up in that District which as we all know just lost $4.7 million um and and and you know I looked at them and I said how is this how how how are we how are you as elected officials going to permit this to happen to your home District this is not something that we could just sit idly by and say you know what that's the politics of it what is happening in Trenton what is happening with the stated formula is the politics of it that's where that's where we're going to address the long term of this issue because this will keep going on unless the people who don't understand the eve sham values that are making these decisions here from our community um you know just and i' I've gone way over my time limit but I mean you know I think at the end of the day when it comes to the to the budget you know my guiding philosophy and I mentioned this is that every stone needs to be overturned and and I appreciate the work that our Administration has done to you know the the the other things were listed in the budget and they said you know they they they went through those ideas and explained different you know challenges that came with those suggestions but we also need to have that community meeting and in that community meeting we need to go step by step with those suggestions and look at the financial figures of adding up to that uh it's it's about $640,000 we can and we will in those committees look at those suggestions and find a solution together thank you thanks Mr Marcy anyone else like to share an announcement Mr Brock um not so much an announcement but can we agree that we're going to do another board retreat to talk about um you know to really discuss the budget in depth as a board it's desperately needed I need a motion to approve a board retreat before the final budget vote in um yeah motion by Miss Fox seconded by Mr dearcy any questions or comments on that all right seeing n Mr Yates roll call please on a board retreat prior to our final budget approval on board retreat Mr boach yes Mr demarcy yes M fox yes Mrs NL yes Miss Lee yes Mr Thompson yes Mr visaro yes Mr con yes motion carries cool Saturday it will be on a Saturday it might not be this Saturday um Mr brck are you with your comments you have more um yeah that's basically it I wanted to just get the ball rolling on you know these meetings you got it so you know I know we'll be talking you know during the week to get that scheduled yep any other board members so I I had a feeling that my no vote would be a symbolic vote but I had to vote with how I felt um I do want to say I know Dr Smith has taken a lot of shots in the last few board meetings um seeing him behind the scenes He does care a lot and I know I know this but from my point of view um there's going to have to be cut somewhere and someone is not going to be happy with what it is but I do agree that I mean some some of your ideas that were sent to me are things that I I'd never thought of and that made a lot of sense and I would very much hope that we can coordinate the Outreach meetings to really see what else can be cut that does not affect the students and the teachers thank you Miss Fox would any other board member like to speak seeing none we'll move to a motion to adjourn motion by Miss Lee seconded by Mrs null all those in favor thank you meeting [Music] adour [Music] n [Applause] [Music] n [Music] hey hey he heyy hey hey heyyy [Music] heyyy [Music] n [Music] hey hey hey hey hey hey hey hey [Music] hey [Music] e [Music] oh [Music] yeah [Music] yeah [Music] n [Music] oh [Music] m [Music] a [Music] [Laughter] [Music]

out of the consent agenda and we'll vote on them separately you have to vote you just have first and second oh that's right all in favor of that motion and second say I I okay okay we'll vote on items 2.1 through 2.6 of the 10 agenda I have a motion to accept that no motion second from Chuck all in favor say I I I thank you okay item 2.7 recommendation to approve out ofate travel request for Dr right or Kimberly you want to talk about that one or Dr Wright uh so 2.7 is um the annual trip that asbo puts on or the annual conference sorry that asbo puts on for for I hear feedback sorry um I'll do my best um for maintenance um and transportation and um the CFO and business managers I will be presenting um again at that um conference as as I did last year um and then uh of course it's specific to transportation and maintenance um and that's their annual conference it's about just making sure that we're compliant with those dep departments I would also add this is Laughlin Nevada which is not Fort Light area to go I personally would not go um but it's something we have to do for compliance and this is a fancy trip hotel rooms are probably 29 bucks and uh it's I could never be the mayor of Laughlin or an advocate for the city not a fun trip as far as I'm concerned any questions Jennifer Diana my biggest question is is there an opportunity for them to get the information from an online line Source local resource or state level um my response is no there's not one thing Kimberly's presenting secondly this is where asbo presents and if we're going to have our people participate in transportation facilities for compliance they have to attend so we're we're stuck with that location I would love for it to be in Flagstaff or anywhere else but that's kind of what we're stuck with the location schols in Arizona to get the information to remain compliant for this topic yes ma'am for this setting inside of this setting that's true and in each one of those areas Transportation maintenance and whatnot and congratulations for kimbery for being a presenter that's amazing yeah Kim you want to add to that I don't know what else I can provide as far as information no it this it's not it's a unique conference because it's their annual conference and it's not streamed unfortunately all right any any further questions comments okay if not then we'll ask for a motion to accept item 2.7 as presented we approve item 2.7 have a motion have second from Chuck all in favor in favor say I I I I thank you okay that passed unanimously okay item 2.8 any questions in regard to that we discussed that just a bit no questions no questions comments just comments that these need to be in a timely manner it doesn't seem to matter who it is this has happened lots of times with different staff I'm not sure why but you know y we we need a calendar not all right so if there's no further comment or questions we have a motion to accept accept item 2.8 I have a motion from Chuck a second I'll second that item all in faor favor for vote say I I I I I would I would like to vote nay nay all right so we have one nay and four eyes noted Jennifer's the name okay item 3.1 recommendation to approve principals teachers and counselors contracts as presented to us in our packets uh Dr W do you want or Kimberly either one of you want to address that or this just something we have to do yes it's an annual requirement in order to issue these they have to be approved by the board and so the the contracts that have been issued to our teachers counselors and principes have all gone out and are due for return by March 29th any questions or comments in regarding to that if not can we have a motion to accept item 2 point I mean 3.1 as presented I have a motion from Chuck oh a motion from Diana all a second from uh Chuck give be a second all in favor say I I I that would be unanimous thank you item 3.2 recommendation to approve the bluid Strategic plan Dr R I'm going to let you uh present that strategic plan we've all had a copy of that but is it going to be posted up I'll have the highlights of that a presentation but just some highlights to go over that beginning with the first slide that you have that there there there you go so this is the planning session if you go ahead and go to the next one Dave the planning session for our strategic plan and succession planning districtwide we invited stakeholders throughout the community uh we used every internal and external uh mode of notification that we did and out of that we formed a steering committee to make sure that we had representation from the various groups students parents community members teachers support staff and administration and we held uh a series of meetings to discuss the idea of a strategic plan what the objectives would be what we hope to accomplish and to gain Community feedback and then after all that we had a uh consultant that for I I think the majority of the fee or all the fee was paid for with a grant from uh Nick Clement and through a program with Northern Arizona University so it we we obtain these Services essentially free of charge and uh Dr Clement did a great job of bringing the people together discussing the project and what we are trying to accomplish as a group and by the way the steering committee comprised of about 20 people put in the better part of an entire day after having met earlier to discuss some of the concepts so we appreciate their effort and the final presentation was put together with four goals and I'll discuss those I'll present what those four goals was and each goal has four action steps Associated so if approved by the board the next step is to make sure that we have the who what and when with each of these actions and incorporate uh the strategy within our day to-day operation and have regular reviews so the next slide I guess I can go there goal one where's the go one okay this is an example our first goal the feedback that we had was to increase family and Community engagement in student extracurricular activities and volunteerism at all schools we want to Simply put get more people out to our our Fine Arts programs our athletic events and everyone agrees we need more volunteers so an action item in in order to achieve that action one for this specific goal one is to use District media resources to promote specific volunteer opportunities available and that the participation requirements are are made known and they're simple and so we want to simplify the process and we also want to make sure that these opportunities are known what some of the community members said is that they're afraid to volunteer sometimes because they don't want to be volunteering for something for instance math and the the subject matters over their head and we assur them that would not occur especially at the elementary level and that we have many roles that just require supervision or reading to kids or helping teachers uh produce product or making copies or whatever we have a lot of opportunities so that's action number one to review a couple the headings for the others that the two the three other remaining goals are these the second goal is to place the health safety and Welfare of our students and staff as our top priority and so we have we've done that and we've had four action items associated with that to give you a little bit of a flavor we want to make sure that we're providing appropriate learning environments that are clean well-appointed and the students have the tools and Technology they need to succeed that'd be an ex example of an action item the third goal is to improve student academic outcomes and College and Career Readiness so an example of how we use these goals this target was kept in mind when we had the consolidation of our programs we want to continue to improve our outcomes so we're going to retain the two we only have two uh curriculum coaches districtwide to support roughly 100 teachers we decided we're going to retain those positions to make sure the teachers have the support they need and therefore that provides our kids uh greater instruction and so we want to make sure that our decisions are consistent with our strategic goals that's done through monthly review and anytime we make an important decision to go back to these goals and make sure that the determinations are consistent with what our resources are number four the fourth goal is to provide clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders to ensure student staff support again that's on opportunities that are available we want to update our calendars and simplify our calendars we want to make sure folks know everything that's going on and they're able to participate in those things in which they're interested so in a nutshell that's that's how we achieved these goals and we are working hard to make sure that we make these a day-to-day thing it's not just a a very expensive long La drawn out process that results in a big old binder that sits on a shelf that no one looks at uh that that has been most of the strategic planning that I've been subjected to over the years that's what it's like this is very much a a workable plan it's simple it's straightforward and then we will Monitor and adjust this plan as it goes as it sets we're seeking board approval through 2024 through 2027 school year are there any questions from the board Mr President are there any questions Diana Jennifer any questions no I think it's a great plan I just wanted to get a little bit more information but I know you know as it's being implemented so I think it's a great idea a lot of the the new strategies um any other questions comments no I like the fact it's simple it's simple enough to follow we can make it happen yeah it's something that uh just can easily be follow simplified keep things simple and it's easier to accomplish instead of yes page and page and page of comment yeah it's equally informative for students as well as staff or parents or somebody walk in from the community and and be able to read through it and know what's going on yeah will we publish this yes sir we'll post it on our website as well and make it available to have a copy always are the district office and the front desk as well at each of our campuses any further questions or comments not can I have a motion to accept item 3.2 for the Strategic plan for bluid school district for 24 through 2027 so moved have a motion for Margaret second from chunk chuck all in favor say I I I I that looks to be unanimous thank [Music] you all right item 3.3 recommendation to approve the early graduation requests we I think everybody received a list of those students I have one question uh to Mr web are all of these students just graduating as of now or some of them just catching up and graduating so three of the students were um C they had caught up they were fifth year seniors and finally met the requirements for graduation so they had caught up the two two of them that are current Juniors they are at seing graduation okay kind of wondered about that any other questions about that now can we have a motion to accept early graduation for the list of students as provided I have a motion from Chuck second have a second from Margaret all in favor say I I I that looks to be unanimous also okay um um just a a comment one more comment check I just it just dawned on me if we're going back to a six period Day next year we probably won't have students graduating early they won't be able to earn enough credits to do that Mr that is correct um you may you there could be a possib ility with current Juniors and seniors or current Juniors but we would take a look at those students and Coach them and and make sure that they're making the decisions that's best for what their scenario would be but for next year's Juniors they would have to take a yearlong class so it would I I don't even anticipate that happening yeah Mr web when when they decide to do this do they have to bring a parent in with them and you all talk together that is correct all right item uh 3.3 oh that we just did item 3.3 item 3.4 um Dr Wright do you want to explain this or Kimberly you want to explain this I think this is just an housekeeping item yeah it's just a housekeeping item the Navajo County school um superintendent office um developed a Consortium to help schools in Apache and Navajo County um get services for physical therapists occupied therapists speech therapists um and psychologist and this is just the contract that that we have with them that says that we can use their services um if we need them they're just one resource that we use though to get those services but we do need to have this approved by you so that we can continue to use them next year and there are set fees for each yeah there's set fees for each service and that that check um are we using all of those services or just a couple or um from the Navajo Navajo County Consortium no um we're using some of them but not all of them we get um services from other vendors as well this is just one source any other questions or comments if not then we have a motion to accept item 3.4 regarding contract related services from Navajo Navajo County Consortium so moved motion from Chuck I have a second Margaret all in favor say I I I I have to ask a question on this really fast okay um it is a white Mountain Physical Therapy part of that organization CU if so I need to recuse myself from voting as an employee I'm not sure I'll just recuse myself yeah I think that would be safe for Jennifer I'm not sure I don't think so but if you do recuse yourself then then we'll know for sure that's probably the safe thing to do Jennifer so make make it be noted that Jennifer Brimhall recused recused herself from uh voting on this item okay next item 3.4 is the uh superintendent's General District update Dr Wright yes sir thank you so uh most importantly we have completed our consolidation and reduction in force effort and through that districtwide there are approximately 20 fewer positions now that doesn't mean 18 or 20 people were um non-renewed and lost job a vast majority of those folks retired and another group resigned and so we had either three or four people that were ultimately impacted without a job of the 20 or 22 that were identified so I just want to make that clear I think we see our friend from the newspaper here we didn't have there were not 20 people that were terminated we did have 10 or 11 people at least to my memory that are now doing a different position we consolidated positions so for instance M Mr archet who's over there is our beginning next year is going to be our vice principal and the athletic director we took those offices and we combined them and that's because of economy a scale we have to do that um there was an Associated assistant position position as a as a support position we could no longer afford that position was eliminated we eliminated three of uh three teaching positions we couldn't find jobs for frankly the program or their course was eliminated in about 12 other instances teachers moved and taught a different subject or moved to a different grade level or a different School we've had some cross polarization we've had people that went from one campus to the other and so a vast majority of the people were able to retain their employment and that was always our objective that doesn't mean that it's not important that we lost three or four roles cuz that that's always sad and it's never easy I think that a point that needs to be made though is classroom sizes will grow larger because we'll have fewer teachers and we've been saying that since uh I don't know last 12 months and we've been we told the community before the bond this last request to have some additional funding that this would happen so it did we're performing on what we said we do we'd have fewer people and fewer positions we can't have any fewer facilities people or maintenance people or bus drivers or food service or administrators and teachers was the only place we had left now the question would probably be are we going to suffer a similar uh adjustment next year the answer is no we're we're going to get to where we are we're adjusting and aligning our finances with our headcount and our average daily membership so I don't anticipate you want to explain why we had to cut back yeah we we've been operating on some funds that aren't going to be available now that's true uh we had for the past three and a half years we had over $5 million of federal funds that were provided and we knew those were going to expire this year and so in advance of that we asked for a bond and two years before that an override both of those elections failed and so this is the result of two failed elections and we have to bring our spending in alignment with our resources so those are the some of the painful decisions that we made but the good news is we're in a much better spot going into the upcoming school year and so does the board have any questions on the specifics or any anything I can answer with respect to the consolidation effort questions Jennifer Diana no not at this time okay thank you the the next is our state testing begins next uh this month on the 25th and 26th at the uh Elementary level and then the junior high is April 2nd through the 12th and then our high school will start a combination of March April late April so this this is when we're getting into the the part where the rubber meets the road all those folks Seated on your left and be very busy administering those tests and making sure that all the kids have been supported and those are really our our main updates are there any other questions that we the board might have that I could provide additional detail if not that concludes my report Mr President any question Jennifer Diana no not at this time all right so the next item on the agenda is our call to the public anybody that would like to address the board at this time we would ask you to come and um f out uh form giving your name and address to Mary Ford uh if there's nobody here we'll move to the next item on the agenda which is item number five which is just a notification of our next board meeting which will be on uh April 9th in this location at 5:00 p.m.

and the graduates we are honored to announce that Britney and I hope I say the name right Bernard doni uh graduated the class of 26 uh 2006 sorry Greg bowler class of 1976 Pat Branson class of 1966 Steve Hopkins class of 2001 Ken Larson class of 1952 and Amy Nelson Class of 1989 those are all the graduating graduates there's six that we honor um the employee Tor prior and the friend of bavia is the board's very own Kathy drummer so they will be honored um if you'd like further information you can go to bavia foundation.org tickets are $15 for adults $5 for children um we also did uh vote on or choose scholarship recipients but they will be voted on on Thursday so we can't really announce them yet so next month that's it Danielle um plaque will be meeting Thursday but Equity did have a meeting um this past month God we're in April right uh yeah we met um earlier in April um still doing uh the work to identify and reach out to our student voices um the team the committee came up with um some questions that they kind of want to um lead the kids through to hear their feedback on their experiences um in BPS so that is uh still underway um and I I think they put together a really good um group of questions that will kind of cover various um groups of kids um I really found interesting the article that was shared it has to do with um deficit ideology is that what it was right right okay yeah um where it's you know kind of talking about how instead of when we're trying to uplift the oppress sometimes we tend to use language that actually puts the responsibility onto that group um so for example one of our El teachers had kind of mentioned that you know we refer to our El students as El students instead of Mrs Macho's class or Mrs day's class you know she made a really good example we don't say Jen Ed this teacher right but so when we do that we're kind of putting the kids in a little box like they're only the E kids there's nothing else to to them besides that and it's just like a way of even when we're trying to help some of the kids or even we're talking about certain groups that maybe um are scoring lower when we just name that you know this this group of kids are not doing well in the CL we're kind of blaming those kids for you know it being the I guess the problem instead of saying our tests are not reaching all of our students the way that we want them to we're not having the outcome so the article really went into a lot but I thought it was really interesting and it's really cool to hear this committee kind of come together from their various backgrounds and um understand and have these really great conversations and carry into how they'll affect the students and what they want um to do as far as how do we use this to help the students out so it's been really great to sit in on the committee but I think that was mostly it from the meeting Tomas or anything else yeah yeah that's what I got thanks Daniel uh Insurance committee did meet on uh the 7th and um in our meeting we first discussed National Healthcare Trends and how inflation is affecting the industry and no surprise costs are really going up so that's a challenge and then we received an update on the progress of our new open enrollment system uh our very own Beth F fell is doing an excellent job with its implementation and we are on track for a soft launch with our new staff hired over the summer and then we at the end we discussed uh creating a benefits newsletter for staff something that might go up um you know once a quarter where we could periodically remind members of the benefits available to them so people could utilize them more effectively and just be aware of everything that's off coel no we didn't meet yet we meet Thursday meet Thursday for r y uh we did not have an official bck meeting on Saturday a week ago but we did that was um a part of the parent strategic planning group meeting kind of organized and in advertised of sorts by the bck members so um saw some good posts about that so uh we will be meeting on Bick in a couple of months Rob curriculum committee um you get the what is it the two for the price of one here because we've had two meetings since the last the last board meeting but um uh and actually the first one I did I didn't I wasn't able to attend but uh they did send me the notes and it looks like they worked on things such as revising their Charter um heard updates from the various salt teams um the last meeting which I did attend um the Science Leadership team came in and they gave an update to the group and you know there's there's issues that they discussed and um resources prioritization and uh I'm I admire that this group U when they come together they're really focused and engaged in trying to address these issues uh head on so um it's progressing good okay no others so uh we will be likely journeying to um close session based on a vote in a minute um so I just want to let everybody know after that we will be coming back for some action items in the remainder of the meeting but you can stay as you wish you'll come back in a bit so uh the time is 7:39 and I will entertain a motion to move to close session as allowed under the open meetings act for the purpose of exception 5 ilcs 120 2 c9s and exception 5 ilcs 122 C1 moved by second all right moved by Gonzalez Thomas second by kilberg all right um Cindy would you please lead us in a roll call vote Thomas yes AR yes Meadows yeser yes sorry yes kilber yes all right motion passes thank you we will be back at some point e driving all right the uh time is 8:43 we have returned to open session can you take the roll call present present here present present okay so um consent agenda according to our board policy we designator portion the agenda as a consent agenda for those items that usually do not require extensive discussion before board act these are generally routine and recurring can be grouped together for efficiency Steve would you like to share some information with us I would absolutely like to share some information I know you can't wait uh 6.1 is the approval of the February 20th uh 2024 meeting minutes 6.2 is is our monthly Personnel report 6.3 is the approval of the February 20 2024 uh close session meeting minutes 6.4 is the payroll and bills 6.5 is our donations we would like to thank the city of bavia beefy and the bavia uh boosters um for their considerable donations uh 6.6 is the authorization of our internet provider contracts 6.7 is our ahsa renewal for 2425 6.8 is our curriculum contracts and 6.9 is the appr approval of this consent agenda does the board have any questions or comments anyone yes I have a couple okay um for 6.6 the approval of Internet providers I'm just curious why do we have two internets that's a question what uh for the approval of the internet I'm just curious as so why we have the two internet and then one is for five years and one is for three years so it says it reads that the E rates are for 29,000 for three years so what yeah what will it be for the next two years after that I guess so first question was why we have two yeah just curious uh we have two for redundancy pathing going on the internet we're out two different pipes and then we also have two different options for bandwidth so it helps us stay up basically for all the kids when there's an outage somewhere I can fail it over it helps us stay up um for the terms um we did threee and 5 years separate because you technically don't want to have these terminate at the same time you got to stagger them due to funding and how that all shakes out um so the 29k is actually the annual cost after the re the funding happens from E rate that's our annual cost come down from the 48 and change that I had on there so that's would the e- rate discounting apply 29,200 per year per year correct annually yep okay any other questions um so on that one you're good yeah that one I'm good okay next uh for the 6.8 for the curriculum contct how long has the elementary schools been using SP is it Spire Spire so that came in last school year um and so last school year and this school year it's a reading only intervention for students it's a tier three used with only special education students um it focuses on different areas of reading um students take uh there's progress monitoring built within that so they take um progress monitoring quizzes and then based on their performance it can guide the teacher as to where to go next so for example we have six students at one of our elementary schools who are using this as an intervention um they've worked through three skills so far this year um in those three skills two of those skills they at 100% so they they move on one of those skills the students WR about 44% so it gives the teacher Direction on where what instruction to do next to then go back and beef up that 44% to make sure the students have those so that's the type of information and guidance that the intervention gives um the teacher and then do we have the data that it's working at the elementary schools we have some data it's by building right now so we're working with that vendor to put it all into One dashboard so we can look at that uh but we can look at it by building some staff who are doing this intervention are also kind of keeping their own data on the side so that makes it a little bit more difficult for us to look at all of that but we can see some buildings that are in our system and it seems to be students seem to be making progress through the different lessons which is the sign of success this is something that Middle School teachers heard about from our elementary colleagues and said hey we'd like to talk about that so we met with them showed them what this is they thought this would be a good um augment to their reading instruction at the middle school level so is this a is this still on its pilot program or phase or is it we like appr special education intervention okay that's it that's all your questions yeah okay good questions all right hearing no other questions I will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda ased so move so move by kilberg second second by Daniel sliger Cindy would you please lead us in a roll call Vote Yes yes yes Thomas yes Meadows yes CER yes right motion passes uh reports Tom is there anything to share this evening uh for your foil requests uh allthough I request the district receed and responded to our presented to all right and we have our Treasures reporton nothing out of the ordinary huh nothing out of the ordinary for nothing out of the ordinary okay anyone have any questions on any of the reports Noe okay all right we're moving on to action so the first item is item 8.1 action 202 431 9-1 action on student discipline are there any questions or comments from the board hearing none I will entertain a motion to expunge the suspension of student to expunge the to make sure I wrote it right expulsion of this so I will entertain a motion to to expunge a suspension of student 2024 D31 9- Z1 and hold the expulsion in abeyance for a period of two years so move second all right Cindy please lead us in a roll call vote hilber yesz Thomas yes yes sler yes meows yes yes motion passes on item 8.2 action 2024 0319 d02 action on student discipline are there any comments or questions from the board okay I will entertain a motion to hold in AB bance the expulsion of student 2024 31902 for the remainder of the 2023 2024 year and the entirety of the 2024 and 2025 school year pending the successful completion of the abeyance agreement by Gonzalez Thomas second by was this lock sendy will you please lead us in a roll call Vote Yes Thomas yes yes yes sler yes gilber yes all right motion passes item 8.3 approve purchase and installation of univent Mark is this you that's me okay so the purchase of uh the coils for the UN events um this is for the high school um this is a result of what happened the high school with the the cold day and having to um well there's quite a few un events that we had do fix and this is the remainder of them that still need to be repaired um on here is four of the um coils to new coils to be repaired with the labor and the other four are to have them in case we run into more problems um It's really because of the lead time to get the coils in and we're getting to that age too the coils are you know they're getting towards 30 years old at this point and I would much feel more comfortable to have them on the Shelf so they're ready to go instead of as we're doing right now waiting so the coils it's a purchase of actually eight coils um but we know we have four of them to repair any questions from any of the board members how long do the coils last well they have a life of 10 years but a lot of those coils in seawing are original so those are about 30 years old at this point do we have a warrant is there a warranty with those not yeah there's a year parts and labor on them but really the only time that they're going to fail is if they freeze and then they split um which has happened in the past we've been able to repair them unfortunately we were not able to repair all of them this past um heating instant and so this is for eight coils you said correct eight total Mark what's the shelf life on the coils that you're not using do you have to use them by a certain time or it's basically it's basically copper pipe yeah I'll just add my personal EXP I work in this industry and I can say these are not you can't go to the store and pull them off the shelf so I think this is smart if you know we kind of have what we're stuck with right now is old equipment so I think it's smart to get ahead of it a little bit and then not to exceed numers I know what the coils are going to cost it's it's really comes down to the labor piece that um not completely sure but the $80,000 number was is you know a comfortable number hopefully it's not 80 hopefully it's less but so let's say um so you purchase these eight and you're saying for the installation it'll be more so like let's say in 10 years we'll call try and be like hey we have one of your coils you need to come and install it so are we pay in The Upfront cost for the installation or will it be later on so the only installation cost we're going to pay for is is the four that we know have to be replaced okay the others we're just paying for the coil cost what they actually cost and then you know if we need to um you know yeah we call contractor out and they come install okay I will ask that we approved the board a few meetings ago a substantial money amount of money for capital projects this is outside of that round correct it is correct yeah any other questions okay I will um I will entertain a motion to approve the purchase and installation of the coils for the bavia high school from train us Inc for the amount not to exceed $80,000 so move so move by kilberg second by arandu cdy please read us in a roll call though yes yes yes Meadows yes sler yes gilber yes right motion passes High School appreciates it right it's why he's here the whole time back there this happens happens at one of those classrooms was here for the the wrestling team but he's also here to make sure we for it's time for SC time for Scott to go home it's the only time I've heard clap over coil's purchases but I'll take it first time so all right item 8.4 authorized parameters for natural gas contract who's going to clap for that yeah who's going to lead us in this route discussion I can do this one as well right thanks Mar um so we went to an agreement um we're in our second year of it um to purchase our natural gas at 27 cents a THM if you know anything about purchasing or anything about cost of thms um at the time we did this it was um we were let's just say that we were probably the last District or any to do this um considering the THM cost has come down a little bit um but it's right about 45 to 47 cents um but we are locked in at 27 cents right now so in January was very cold and people were paying well way above $2 a THM we were at 27 so that number does not change what this allows us to do is then to go out further unfortunately it won't be at 27 cents I can I don't like to guarantee anything but I pretty sure it won't be um but this will give us the opportunity to then extend what we already have through next year for the 27 cents um and at this point we're going to just you know it's kind of this waiting game to see what's going to happen to that market and where that price is going to go so it could be next next week it could be months down the road but it just gives us the ability to um work with our provider to be able to get the best information we have to be able to do that because unless any of you can tell me where the gas prices are going to be at this point um it's it's kind of this guessing game and waiting game but um this will give us the ability to then go out another year and then once we have that price locked then this will come back to the board for you to vote on it for the your cont contract all right anyone have any questions okay I will entertain a motion to authorize the administration to solicit competitive bids negotiate and finalize a new natural gas contract with a term extending no more than 12 months past the current agreement's expiration of June 30th 2025 and a cap of 50 cents per therm so moved by Gonzalez Thomas second by second second by kilberg Cindy please lead us in a roll paa boat yes yes meows yes sler yes AR yes Gonzalez Thomas yes motion passes you going to hang out for the special ed Transportation yeah I might as well just stay up all right no no applause for this natural guy say it's getting cold if we don't pass this stuff all right 8.5 award for bid of regular education Transportation so we have um two bids one went out for regular Ed transportation and the other which is the next agenda item went out for special ed um and this time around um the lowest U most responsive bidder was um Illinois Central um both for regular education and for special education as well um So currently we have two different providers one for regular Ed and one for special ed this next round starting next school year we will have um one provider which we had three years ago um we had um ELO Central for that as well and yes went through a scope review with elois Central um you know we had certain things in in the bids spec in the contract and um they're confident they can meet all of those as am I any questions for Mark Andor Tony just just curious as far as our current bus drivers with uh first student do they transition to this new company or how does that work so three years ago very similar question that I had as well because it went from Illinois Central to First Student um I it's not a guarantee that that will happen but um I've been doing transportation for a long long time now and a lot of the drivers want to drive for bavia not depending what company it is so I would say yes you're going to have some but I would say no not all of the drivers any questions okay I will entertain a motion to award the three-year regular education Transportation contract to North America Central School Bus AKA Illinois Central Inc with an estimated total contract cost of 6,499 155 mov so moov byis Thomas second by me second lock I think I heard all right Cindy please lead us in a roll call Vote Yes Meadows yes yes yes yes yes all right next item motion passes next item is Award of bid for special education transportation again I started talking a little bit about this but special ed will be the same provider it will be elois Centra who is currently with this so um you know hopefully it should be very seamless because it'll just be the next year all the drivers again some will leave but hopefully not many of them um so yeah this will just kind of continue on where we're at um with the special ed transportation and they will be housed at the same location so special ed and regular Ed drivers will be at the same location which is in bavia by the way okay are there any questions all right hearing none I will entertain a motion to award the three-year special education Transportation contract to North America Central School Bus AKA Central Illinois Central Inc with an estimated contract total of $ 6,485 some so mooved by sliger second second by kilberg Cindy please lead us in a roll call Vote Yes Gonzalez Thomas yes hilber yes yes Meadows yes sler yes all right that um concludes action item so next is discussion items uh so we have two items on um Tom if you'll kind of talk about 9.1 I'll talk about 9.2 sounds good uh 9.1 board we just want to get on your radar um dates for next year for board meetings so there's no action tonight as Craig mentioned but just a draft of dates that we looked at for next year the Administration has taken a look at these dates and reviewed them for our own purposes and timelines from Department to department so um totally up to you Bor it's you know take a moment is there any considerations you want to talk about together um if everything looks good we'll bring it back to the April regular board meeting for action and you don't have to make any decisions T no tonight there's no decisions just go back check your calendars take a look at the dates so if there are any questions or comments we can address them at the next one if there's none today no okay great uh 9.2 is a new section uh a new element we're adding under discussion items um that's kind of specifically something that Tom and I have talked about we're looking for a mechanism and a spot in the agenda to allow the board members to kind of have a dialogue about things that might not be specifically on the agenda that night or that come up as a part of an agenda so that we can kind of um continue dialogues and have a spot for us to do so in an open Forum these are not intended from a board matters perspective to be items that are an action items for that night um they are things that we feel that might be important to kind of discuss between ourselves um for future Direction They also one of the items that we've talked about with Tom and I is we all as a board as we're starting to kind of really gel and work together might want to be giving some direction to uh the administration and Tom on what to do and as we all know we have a very lean administrative staff and we need to be you you know we need to be kind of united in our direction to them so that the intent is to be able to kind of give us an opportunity to be able to talk those items out whether that's data collecting or some sort of initiative so that we can be mindful and respectful of the time and the goals and objectives that they have otherwise so one of the things I wanted to put for tonight is really for us to kind of talk about a if everybody feels that this is an appropriate thing for us to kind of include and then B if it's if there's some ground rules or policy quote unquote type items that we want to have it relates to how something is brought here so from my perspective obviously kind of brought it on so I kind of think that it's worth a discussion point to have um my couple of points as it relates to what we talk about we would like to be able to kind of be able to make sure everybody is informed and able to talk about whatever that topic is so I would like to kind of put on the table for discussion that whatever comes out of that today whatever comes out is intended to be talking about we give everybody the courtesy through me of kind of notifying this is a topic that may be discussed and to kind of come prepared talk to Tom talk to Tony or whatever we need to on that and then we'll discuss it at that meeting so that's one item is that some period of time beforehand we give everybody a heads up that we're going to talk about this um two is that this would need to be kind of a consensus of the board to discuss that item so that we can actually have a dialogue as opposed to one individual person just talking about one thing that isn't related to anything that everybody else on the board feels is worth a discussion Point um so that's the other point about notif find kind of an advance is to be able to I can then informally pull the board and make sure that there's enough support to have this discussion as opposed to someone saying I want to talk about you know cutting the grass three inches tall not four inches tall and then everybody else goes Noah I don't want to talk about that and then it dies um we wouldn't be holding any action on those discussions we wouldn't be taking action to have those discussions it would just be kind of a consensus does everybody feel like this is an important thing to discuss today so could you give like an example of like something we might discuss or time so there was an item that we talked about um at the last board meeting that was um regarding the hiring practices and when people leave and talking about being able to do an exit interview of them and so we know that um Steve kind of does an informal understanding of why people are leaving and and where they're going and what their situation is around that do we want to kind of effectively give him Direction Through the board and through Tom to do that as a more formalized process process and is that a consensus of the board as opposed to one or two people that talked about it so so I don't know if the general public knows but the limitations to the way the board is able to communicate but there's something called and Tom you could speak to this probably better than I could but there's something called the open meetings act where no more than two board members can really ever get together and talk about anything board related that's not a meeting open to the public that has to be posted and announced so people can attend so um this relation to the board board where it makes it hard as there are a lot of very complicated subjects that we discuss and often times this is the only time we're all together we talk talk about it and sometimes due to the way the agenda is created through no follow of anybody's fault there really isn't always a great opportunity to have a robust conversation so I think this is a great lever if there's something that board members are want to do a little deeper dive into would be a chance to formally put it on the agenda so we could give it the time it needs or the breath take a breath and talk about it so I think it's a good idea okay anybody else have any thoughts about whether this is a good idea or not and we should keep it we certainly don't have to have a discussion point at every meeting that is fine we could we could say we're going to have it on there it'll be on there at this point there are no new discussion items so what you're saying is let's say like I would have a topic I want to discuss I would bring it to your and Tom's attention and then you would go to each board member individually saying would you be interested in discussing you be interested and if we have a majority then it would get on the agenda it would be something we bring forward right and we can determine if a majority is just two people a majority is three people a majority is four people I just want to make sure that we have for my opinion kind of a robust enough conversation about it so it's a good idea I don't necessarily feel like it has to be a majority of the board this is a consensus kind of thing okay you know so what about like so that the the example you gave with Steve so that that kind of happened organically I'll say when he was talking about it it and I think thought talked into recel and and my my head about you know that exit interview but that occurred during the meeting yeah so I my opinion for discussion is if we feel that that's enough I think it would be enough for someone to go hey this occurred during the meeting I'd like to discuss that during the board matter section and then we could talk about it do that way yeah and and as long as I would go hey does everybody does is there enough people here that feel like that's worth it and if I get enough kind of yes as a can you know I feel that's important enough then we could kind of include that in it um but I would want to be respectful if someone says no I need time to understand this issue and I want to give Steve time on this particular issue be concern doing it they need to be prepared to be part of that discussion too po we're not doing any action items so I don't really feel that there's we're not asking you guys or keeping you you know you have to answer right now I think it's healthy to have a discussion and and say you know we'll give you some time to get back to us maybe next board meeting but if we're not doing any action items or anything like that you know we're not taking action I don't see where I'm not as worried about that part well they would know it was coming up too in the if we give the two or three day notice but if it was something that happened in the meeting I think we would need to respect the fact that there there may be some analysis on the administration and Tom's side of before an action or a initiative is undertaken I think that organic discussion would almost prompt hey you know under board matters do you guys think we should talk a little bit more about this you know continue a conversation versus give us Answers by the way I wouldn't be looking to for answers necessarily but let's have a little more discussion see if we need to put on the next agenda or whatever that came up organically yeah right I think it's a good idea yeah Tom any comments on your side or the administration site about this topic no I appreciate everyone's understanding of just so that there's Clarity you know I think it's Unique right like inside of our organization everyone typically normally has one supervisor but once you get to this point here at this table I have seven individual supervisors but you're supposed to speak as one voice right collectively right when there's Direction given so it's nice to to try and just hear the process of how you want to live for so no yeah and interested full disclosure one of this came out because I asked Tom consider something for the Strategic plan and he went that's probably a good idea but I've got a lot of work to do and everything else so I said okay this is and then we kind of continuu the discussion about this as to how to get to that point of being able to give you clear Direction because the other thing is if he's feel like he's getting pulled in two directions on a particular topic then this would be the point we come to it and talk about it because we don't need to make it a specific agenda item because while it is a part of board business we're not ratifying anything we're not changing anything we're just f furing a discussion because Aaron's right we can't have an open discussion about anything like this in public and I want to make sure we have a spot to do that so that in private you mean right in no I want to be able to have that in public but we can't do it because it would be perceived as us doing it in private and even if there's just two two of us chitchatting it will give an opportunity for other input as opposed to two people talking about an issue and then kind of and there's no problem with it as far as not having something specifically posted to the agenda I mean that this is allowed I ticket I mean I hope it's it's we he uh Tom looked into it with other boards and it's a we we have seen it on other board matters because primarily if it got to a point where we were going to take action then it would be moved up to an visual action item gotcha that's a great it is it's incredibly frustrating to not be able to hear we're supposed again like you said speak as one voice but yet we can't communicate so I think this is a really great way to kind of incorporate that and hear our perspectives and really hear everyone's point of view on everything and be a little bit more informed I feel confident about it just because I mean I've seen how we've all worked together and talked together and and on this it's a good board you know as long as we all kind of continue to treat each other with the respect and that we have been thus far I don't see any issues with this kind of getting out of sorts or out of control so all right so just for clarity then um on future agenda items do you want a permanently standing I just put it there just so that everybody feels feels comfortable that if there's something that happens during the meeting we can defer a particular topic of conversation but otherwise I would I would ask that just like we give the public kind of two days heads up of you know 48 hours we give ourselves 48 hours if there's some topic that needs to occur that way we can adequately prep ourselves and others so the protocol just find clear is if we have something we think might be of interest other board members that we'd like to have open discussion we would contact you and Tom you Tom and I right both of you and then we will um kind of query the rest of the board members find out if it isn't if if there isn't generalized support for that discussion with feedback and says at this point in time it doesn't appear to be one you know and then kind of see how it evolves perfect thank you this is a test case we'll see how it goes for a while so how how how do we decide how many people need to I guess agree or feel the same to bring it I mean my opinion is they need to have enough to have a conversation so three or so three Craigs yeah and I think you guys have so far I've been pretty open about what everybody's saying and talking about to each other so I will continue that so so if you like call let's say you call three people and two say yes one is like eh you'll call fourth person I I will probably still call everybody got it or send a you know individual text message or just to get a sense of how everybody's feeling about it because part of it may be someone might say hey this is a topic that will went a foul of a different subject matter let's table that for right now so I can go back and talk to whomever came up with that item so I want to give everybody an opportunity to provide input on that not just okay we're GNA hit we hit three let's talk about it so okay good good idea all right so that is board matters uh next is Administration comments Tom yeah so um crafting tonight's brief comments um just the mo the biggest highlight aside from all the celebrations we've had um the board I just like to make you aware you know we've kind of come to a place in our strategic plan process where the vision sessions have concluded um I will share with you that probably 98% of our feedback has been really positive about the year's process and how things have gone between the survey the vision sessions uh we just met this weekend on Saturday with our parents and and Bick as you had alluded to and that um yesterday we finished up with our student ambassadors so at this point moving forward just as a reminder we are going to synthesize all of this data um we have a steering committee meeting on Wednesday um and we have a couple more meeting check-ins before we get to the May board meeting where the board will be deliberating And discussing what that revised draft of our plan looks like for for to move forward um but so coming through the next several weeks uh we'll be putting together a draft this will be something that gets pushed out and at the April 26th Institute day in the afternoon all employees will have a chance to put their eyes on it for feedback we'll be offering that opportunity to other groups as well but through a different vehicle um so that we hopefully get all the necessary feedback to bring it back um so I'm sharing that update with all of you and I've been thinking a lot about this you know it's been the center theme for a lot of discussions a lot of discussions with Bea and Besa with the administration with the board and I something happened recently uh last week you know I last week my one of my uncles passed away within less than three days his wife my aunt passed away and so both had lived a great life 92 and 86 years old and my uncle um tough guy he was a prisoner of war during the Korean War um he was held in prisoner camps for 3 years during that time by Communist forces and then you know after the war ended he was released during their exchanges eventually immigrated to the United States started his own business and his wife uh my aunt worked side by side with him for decades um his son eventually my cousin took over the business and I'm thinking about just listening to the stories at the funeral and in remembering my own experiences with my uncle I was thinking about mindset a lot and those of you I apologize to my teammates I they hear me talk about mindset all the time but I make quotes all the time about mindset I was thinking about the Strategic plan because I love thinking about work and I was just thinking about you know I'm excited because there's been a lot of people with the mindset that this will really be a great kind of different start to you know how we move forward for the district things that are going really well and how we're going to uh keep that going keep that momentum going but also areas that we need to improve and look at and how do we grow in those areas I thought about our always learning always growing Mantra that we have in this District so I guess I I just want to conclude by saying that the Strategic plan is is I feel really coming together with the appropriate voices that we need in at the table and as we move forward though I also want to remind everybody in this organization our mindset and how we approach the work is what's just as critical um I we could come up with the greatest strategic plan on the planet but if our mindsets as an organization aren't ready to kind of execute and live by that and work together and collaborate and and do what's right for our students um you know we then you're going to be asking me Tom why isn't the Strategic plan working you know and so I'm I'm really hopeful though we have such a great Community you hear it you heard it this start of the meeting I am more than confident we have great people here that will be able to do this work so really excited um I agree with some of the sentiments and comments that were made spring break's probably coming right around at the right time right now and we want to see everyone get get a little recharged right all of our staff our leaders our students and I'm excited so I hope everybody has a wonderful spring break travel safely if people are leaving and going somewhere and to you as a board I appreciate you all um I've said this loud and clear to so many circles uh as a first your superintendent and a new superintendent I couldn't have asked for a better board and more supportive and I just appreciate the conversations I've had with all of you so thank you all right board comments Rob would you like to start I will start um first of all congratulations to miss Baron on her 2024 Isa fellows award um also uh it was great to see the wrestling team out here and those those Great accomplishments uh uh Sydney four-time state champion Lily also placing at the the state meet as well so congratulations to them and the program um I think um from what I understand it's it's it's come a long way so and I think Mr bear has a lot to do with that so thank you for your stewardship of the of the program um and then I'm going to come back to a comment from Todd talking about engaging with our schools that were the leaz on for so I'm I'm with AGS and uh developed I think a pretty good collaboration and relationship with principal Stevens over there and we've done a number of uh uh events or meetings um over the course of the school year so it's it's been a very rewarding experience for me um I try to engage what I call the three stakeholders so um the parents is one teacher staff is another and then the students are the third so try to you know get into events that uh uh focus in on those those areas so with that mind upcoming in preparation for April 19th Bingo night there is a AGS PTO Bingo night at Pal Joey's on April 4th so I'm going to practice and get ready for that so so I plan on going to that and then um another interesting um event is uh Kristen told me about uh they have a stem club for kindergarteners and first graders which I thought was pretty cool at starting at that that age level so uh I'm going to go and attend one of their meetings and talk to them about that and might even bring a couple of our women in stem club members from the high school um there as well so cool re so yeah I want to thank uh Kim Zuli and Cheryl Crow for inviting me to the Hoover Woods Battle of the books um it's pretty exciting the student Team all on the same page were winning and then the admin team teacher team though Eed it out in the last few rounds they did good so I appreciate them inviting me out to watch uh congratulations to the bavia girls wrestling team and congratulations to uh Jenny Baron for her winning her Fellowship award uh Ramadan Kareem to all those in the Muslim Community that are observing Ramadan we're a little late but Happy St Patrick's Day to everybody um also happy women's History Month hopefully BPS is sharing some wonderful stories about women and telling her story not his story um today is also National reading day to me so if it's kind of late but if anyone's still awake and their kids are still awake just make sure to read to their kids my kids are old I don't think they like it but make them tuck them in tuck them in um also uh I hope everyone's NCAA brackets don't go bust on the first day and then I hope everyone has a great spring break as long as you have Illinois going to the finals uh my turn I guess y so I I like to thank everybody who's in attendance this evening everybody in the community who emailed or reached out again I always like to thank everybody this process wouldn't work without your participation so thank you for that um again I want to congratulate uh Jenny Baron and the wrestling team I mean the celebrations are usually about the best part of these meetings to hear about the successes so congratulations to them uh thank you to our student ambassadors for their updates I was actually at the track meet and saw one of our ambassadors doing her thing so that was pretty fun to see um couple things I do want to bring up U Mark you did a great job with your presentation with the unit events and the heating issues we're having i' just like to remind people today is uh you had an opportunity to vote and elections matter and so um I just want to put that out there because what we're dealing with there is uh something we're going to be dealing with for a while I think about so uh just wanted to get that on the record and I do want to comment on something Tom broke brought up the vision session we had on Saturday at Rolo I attended as a parent uh I believe we had 81 parents or Guardians in attendance on a Saturday morning at 8:15 um that's pretty hard to get that many people to show up on a busy Saturday I have to say I have a senior so we've been involved with the district since that point pretty actively it might have been one of the best things I've ever attended uh we had a super engaged group there it was led by students um sometimes I think when you're in this seat you can kind of forget what we're about we're talking about budgets and therms and things that you know sometimes don't seem like they relate to kids and then you get a chance to see those kids leading a small group discussion with adults they're highly caffeinated uh not an easy thing to do and um just really impressive so the feedback I got from that because I did work the room a little bit afterwards is uh more more and more of that because people felt seen and heard and uh I think as we're doing this process Tom's done an excellent job of being seen uh and listening and so I would just um I guess make a plea that we learn whatever we have from this process and try to um utilize it as much as possible because the uh that really was outstanding so congratulations to you and Cindy was there and Holly was there so well done on that and then I will just say yeah enjoy a spring break be safe and then after that life is going to move pretty fast next thing you know we're going to be at NIU for commencement so uh there's a lot to take in here the last seven or eight weeks of the school year so um I'm looking forward to to what I have a senior um but yeah enjoy spring break and we'll see you when we get back yeah I'm done okay okay I don't have anything prepared I just want to add on to what you said I saw a lot of feedback so positive I mean people just really felt like you said seen and heard they really valued the opportunity to sit down and I think they really enjoyed the student part of it and just you know knowing that they're learning and hearing from them I just a whole another component so it's I do hope that we have more of that and as we do Implement things to follow up to see if things are working for people to give them that ability because I mean I just nonstop I just seen people's comments like on social media in various places and they were just like this was amazing I loved being able to be heard and it was so well organized so great job to all of you guys and the students um yeah other than that I have nothing happy break yeah soon I really have nothing other than I just want to thank Joanne Natalie Brad for your hard work and what you do and please thank your team it's appreciated so that's it I don't think I will add too much more other than I appreciate all the efforts and work that our um students teachers and staff and administration have done for the past year enjoy your spring break wherever your travels may or may not take you if that is just down stairs to your couch or to Colorado where I am going to see my two children who will are refusing to come back um and one sent me pictures from Copper Mountain so that was during spring break not during school when he was supposed to be in um so to everybody I wish you a safe travels um and recover and rest and um I I just congratulations again to those that um came today it was fantastic and I'm looking forward to many many more of those so enjoy everyone and with that I will entertain a motion to adjourn so move by recel second by second second by kilberg all right so moved um all in favor oppose RJ's not here to ruin it for everyone so it is now 9:29 and the meeting is adjourned thank you guys for

this is what was posted on our website so this is the entire district and you'll see it's broken down into elementary schools you will also see the various schools that are on here the area of concern is this area right here okay so that's the area of concern so one of the things I started doing is I started doing some research and the first thing I went through was Will County Will County Board of Education and pulled our district map and here it is okay again I want you to concentrate on this area you see the way that looks let's go back you see the way this looks completely different okay so this is the official map so what you'll see here is an overlay of both Maps and what you'll see and it's it's a little bit hard but I'm going to try and point this out the red line is the one that appeared on our website the blue is actually the actual boundary so there is an area in here that is not our school district it's C but it's not our school district it's Creek Township right it's a creep mailing address and I I don't know if it's Township but is it is it Nelson think it's Township it is Bill okay so it's Creek Township all right with a creep mailing address so I needed to be sure of this so what I did and you're going to see this in my presentation these are a bunch of tax maps and so from kind of that area I bear with me on this these are all the various and each one of these is a lot that has a tax bill the only way to see what district they're in is where do they pay property taxes and so what Brian and Jason and I did was we literally put a map together from all of these and I'll get to it in a second here so again this is the area that we want to concern with you can see how this is figured here we then put this together we took all those tax apps and put them together and then we literally went lot by lot and checked tax bills we we literally and I'm going to say this we literally went into every single lot and checked the tax bill to see where they're paying taxes and this area here that you'll see in Orange everything in Orange is not our district everything in yellow is our district now again you'll see the design of this yellow let me go back you'll see the design of this they match but again we made sure by going into each slot so by doing that here's the conclusion that we found since August 2010 the attendance owned boundaries of the creep moneyy school district have been posted incorrectly on our website we've identified 24 students in that area as residing out of District they're paying taxes to other school districts and currently attend school in creep Mooney School District so there's five at the high school five at the middle school one at Magnet School at uh CSK seven at Creek four at Early Learning and two are outplaced two are special ed students that have been outplaced and that so that's the result and all of those students live in this area here all this in Orange here can you go back to that the 24 people okay you do have high school okay yep okay in doing your research when did they update the Will County Board of Education map or has that been consistent throughout well if you look on on this let me go back to this because it says 202 there's a dat dat of January 2nd 2024 on it I mean I I think it's been consistent all along and Bill I don't know if you know but I I I think it's been consistent I I don't know that I'm just wondering if it was if we were consistent with it like up till 2020 and then they changed or something well I can tell you this this isn't new this this has been brought to the attention of the district years ago before I was on the board and something was supposed to have been done about it and I think at the time they had a lot fewer kids who were here at the school and um or they agreed to let some of the kids stay until they graduated the high school kid students but this is this isn't new and I'm not saying that they were here um because I don't think they were I just don't remember the time frame but I do remember talking about this and that this should have been taken care of I don't know if it got when when it the ball got dropped again but they C it um because it was like this they caught it and then the ball got dropped again and I do recall the only issue that I knew of on this topic is back in 2013 a person that ran for a seat a board seat in that area I think that's why that his kid his kid was in one of the primary grades and it was told at that time that his k kids was in the primary but the high school was out of his area and as a result technically he could not run run for the school position School Board position and as he got kicked off y well that was the only thing I knew at that time I thought that was it I think we start right up in that that rings the bell that was in 2013 that was it I thought hey now you know that you're you can't run in Schoolboard District I thought that was it now sounds like it was supposed to fix it but I don't know what actually so one of the things in determining this is is we did a couple things um I did verify all of the tax bills of all of these students where they're living and they are paying taxes out of District they're paying to stagger and Bloom Township they are not paying Creed taxes so how do we fix this well with with the minimum impact on the parents Well here here's your board policy first off it's under residence and students this is 7 colon 60 only students that are residents of the district May attend a district school except as provided by below or in state law and they talk about some instances where like homeless students can be provided um and there's a couple other cases by court order is another way so there's a couple subcategories there a student's residence is the same as a person who living custody of the student second one though is challenging a student's resident status if the superintendent or designity determines that a nonresident student is attending a district school he or she on behalf of the board shall notify the person who enrolled the student of the tuition amount that is due and immediately begin proceedings to ban the student from future attendance the notice shall be shall detail the specific reasons why the board believes that the student is a non-resident of the district and shall be given by certified mail return receipt requested the person who enrolled the student May challenge this determination request a hearing is provided by the school code and it gives a statute there are specific procedures that a uh app parent Guardian may go through to um to uh what do I want to say um go against the ruling that they're that they are a resident um or they can petition petition to stay in I would think but I I don't know I think that's against Bill I'm going to have to defer to you on that there's there's a procedural mechanism under the code for them to get a hearing and put up a hearing officer of the board and the board makes a decision on residency If the parents dissatisfied with it statutorily they have a right to appeal it to the regional superintendent schools and if they're unhappy with the outcome of that then they can file something they call thear the Circuit Court and challenge it there but that's basically okay well I I see I understand our policy this is me talking here understand our policy and I don't think the parents of the students is here had any intent to circumvent our policy or try to get into our school district knowing that they belong to another District it sounds like this has just been this whole Saga has been going up under the radar for so long and now we found it and I I don't have any reason to believe that what we found was in was correct you know it was correct it was it was incorrect now we you know we found it and how do we correct it this situation to again take some ownership on our part too right we allow we allow for whatever reason for whatever reason so you know I I just don't know how to solve this we can easily say hey you know what this is black and white here this is what it says you're not in the district get out of here and we can probably go back and say technically we can go back and say your kids's been in the district for two years or whatever and you owe less money for educating your kids without being compensated VI taxes I guess we can do that legally right Bill technically yeah and I don't think we kind of solve it tonight you know I would look for a recommendation or do you have a recommendation for the board at this point well here so I I've put this together so I I can share with the board what we've done and what my thoughts are okay first is to replace the incorrect attendance maps on our website with corrected attendance zone maps I've done that as of February 27th I pulled that down I put up actually the Will County map so that is now up there as our attendance Z identify students that are residing out of district and attending schools with the creep school districts we have done that we've identified 24 students and Mr Brown I will agree with you I in no way shape or form am I blaming parents for this no and parents again have ownership too if you said it's D black and white on their tax bill what school district they pay and they have an ownership to there right but I'm not blaming them for that I you know School administrators now now here's the part where I haven't these two have not been put into play yet but what I'm thinking is that school administrators will need to be notified of students residing out of district and attending the schools you know I I planned on getting some direction hopefully get some direction from the board now because um students will will need to be notified uh and parents will need to be notified if we so go that way that they are not going to be able to enroll for next school year and need to begin transfering their student they can finish up the school year according to school code here uh but then again they would have to transfer out I would assume too that these are going to have to be not only be a certified mail but may need to be some phone calls also that we're going to have to make uh to let them know that too so uh I you know I just think we need some direction from the board on how we should go with this uh because if I wait till April I think that's kind of late you know to be letting parents know and we'll already start the registration process for returning students well I I think again just me speaking here I think I like that recommendation I just let the kids finish out the school year I wouldn't go back after them for funds right let them know as soon as possible what happened this is what it is we can't go back in the past and solve the problem this is what we identify we're got to move forward with the corrected problem in place I know it's it's tough on the parents but again at the end of the day they know now as we just found out a little while ago about this so that that would be something I would I will buy in too and if I can add one step that we do need to add on here is we need to have a conversation with 194 and 206 yes because um we get some money back from them because once we found this era we actually tried to tell a registrant that no you don't that lives in that area in question that you're technically not our student student and they went to go to 194 and 206 and they kicked them back our way so oh really yes because again the maps are wrong they're going off of their their Maps which went off of our Maps so we do need to have conversations with those two districts as well we don't want these families out there in limbo no at the end of this year no I think I think Dr R makes a great point you know we've looked at their maps and their maps are wrong also oh they are and and so we need to we need to rectify that and have conversations with them on that too so so yeah so if that's if that's a direction of the board we'll begin that process well I just heard from me guys what's your pleasure here and what makes sensee let them finish there's no sense of going after anybody for anything just let them finish and then let them know what's going on and and they'll have to re-register yeah in the district they pay taxes or they can appeal and go through process that's available to them they can yes and again I think you're reasonable you do a reasonable effort to collaborate set that's what I'm saying so you reasonable that process that to dis is for this year correct we told them get out now they get the process R flag and don't let them next year there's no there's no appeal process okay okay so so so right now on the other stagger School District yes they're basically saying hey our Maps is not showing what your maps are showing now well yeah I mean there as Dr Emma said you know they're saying that in that area you know belongs to creep and and we're saying no they don't and we pull the tax bills and so yeah and what is they saying about all the money they collected well we we haven't had those future we haven't had that conversation so so is 206 Bloom high school yes and then 19er that's stagger Elementary yeah okay so bill would you would you draft a letter a template for for us please so we can utilize that then we can we can move forward with that we'll start contacting those districts right there two districts yep we'll start doing that process do we contact do we cont contact their Council to have discussion with our Council on that well I think we can start with with the administrator Administration the superintendent having look at the maps and contacting and look at that process okay cont cook count she doesn't have any of the background data on why the lines are drawn the way that they are I think we we need to do all we could within reasons yeah to have these kids attend some legal form of Education methods well we could within reasons okay I don't want to pass the bucket say it's not my job and again this came to our attention during a residency check yes it came through through a residency check where Eric I don't know if you want to explain what went on a a family of that has four students in that area two of them were withdrawn to go to 194 one went to 194 one went to 206 and the two remained here and then when our res Registration Department did some digging into the tax bill that's when we discovered that address had a tax bill that was paying taxes to 194 and 206 okay that was what drove all of this yes ah right so again when we meet with the other districts I mean with Stager and Bloom you know this is what we show them you know that this is what we've come up with you know and that and I know that doesn't match the Stager map because we've looked at that so so we'll have those discussions with their Administration okay okay appreciate it thanks board appreciate it thank you thank you all right okay doc back to you on six Bravo Two all right as you aware as you were aware um we conducted our three hearings um with the intention of uh closing uh MEC as a uh attendance area so right now we want to come back to the board um and uh ask your direction on you know if you want to pursue closing the school um as an attendance Zone because we'll need to pass a resolution for that wasn't that what we were doing this yes I I think what we're just having a last discussion so confused I think that's why we did this correct it is on so it's on the agenda so there's is there anything more to discuss I think everyone's still in that agreement to move forward with the resolution okay no U we had very little discussion I think we have one input from the public last week that was it out of three yeah hearings very little discussion from the public so have we made any efforts to get an appraisal on the property the uh appraisal um we had it done probably a year and a half ago two years and and the board's decision at the time was not to get a Refresh on that because it costs additional money okay so I think uh we were going to stand on that appraisal okay I share that okay that'd be great okay all right that's all I've got with that no further any any further discussion on the closing everybody's good with that no issues okay all righty all right I would like a motion to approve the consent agenda so moved second moved by Nel move by Nelson second by Alex and Dr Hall which one want to take credit for Dr Hall he motion for Dr H Dr Hall Dr motion you moved it you moved it one second I I wrote it down I got it don't you worry all righty good job somebody going get credit all right is there anyone would like to pull anything out for a separate discussion on the consent agenda if not do we have any further discussion on the consent agenda so it's just the um the minutes correct when you say just the minutes yeah yeah it's 1 two 3 4 it's no it's all it's all the way down it's all the way to Delta everything under seven everything rece everything under seven yes 7D mhm one and two and I think we typically have you Dr koganes read out everything would you choose to do that Alex or did you have any further discussions on this anything that kind of have you want want to pull out no it's fine okay all right under superintendent report uh item one approve regular meeting minutes um of February 20 2024 item two approve regular meeting close session minutes of February 20 2024 item three approved Committee of the whole meeting minutes of February 13 2024 item four approv committee the whole meeting close session minutes of February 13 2024 for under business item one approved Board of Education financial report item two approve the payment of $233,600 4 re-employment of first second and third year probationary teachers item three approv 2324 Reemployment of fourth year probationary teachers and item four approve a resolution authorizing a non-renewal of non-final year probationary teachers item D would be under teaching and learning that's to approve the 2425 school calendar and item two approve the Creon middle school overnight field trip and that concludes the report okay any further questions comments um for our business staff just you know I look every every month at the financial report to see where we are so we're projecting a surplus of 2.4 million for the year so we're eight months into the year anything you see derailing that or turn Bri 300 I I don't think so okay I don't see anything you know it's largely expenses are pretty spoton it's really being generated by additional Revenue okay okay I'm always conservative Nelson you sandbagged the budget didn't you huh you sandbagged the budget didn't you yeah um I I'm always conservative so you know it may go down down a little bit M you know and that but I I think we we'll be in really good shape okay good with that being said a next question I guess is cash on hand we still look to have by the end of this fiscal school year 180 days cash on hand I believe so yes okay oh I was looking at it I think we're going to be 25 million ahead of 50% oh that's so yeah we're we're on Pace for that for sure yeah that's good good so so I think it's fair to say that we will have another recognition yeah should or we should yeah my last one so so you got to go out with a bank huh yeah uh all right great excellent if there's no further questions on the consent agenda Madame secretary protim roll call please are we all to vote okay so approve sure okay I was just wanted to make eye contact cuz Alex was scrolling through so okay uh Mr alre I Mr Brown I Mr gyos I Dr Hall I Mr swales hi and I'm an i or Z Somers is and I motion carry that's taken us to action report number eight number a alpha number one under business i' like a motion to to approve a resolution declaring the intent of the board to issue an agre get uh principal amount not to exceed $35 million or alternate revenue bonds to improve the sites of and altered repair and equip school buildings and Facilities including renovations to the cre Moni High School Athletic Facility fa in cre mon Middle School additional classrooms have a motion to do such as I just read so moved second move by Alex second by Dr Hall have any questions yeah so what was the what was the uh outcome of the um of the consultant Middle School for the middle school yeah I think he was going to bring us so we're going to bring her back in May she was out of town so I couldn't bring her here in April so what we're going to do uh we are meeting with the administration uh we're going to be meeting with the uh Middle School faculty prior to that that presentation um and then we'll be presenting that Hall to you at the committee of the whole in May so you can see the whole entire plan before we move any further okay okay in this 35 million though have we guaranteed that whatever the Middle School need like um the Middle School need for for me is priority before the not saying in which order we get them I'm just saying I want to guarantee that CU somebody said that we're only putting $4 million aside if I remember properly let's say it cost eight am I are we guaranteed to get that if it comes out I hope it doesn't cost eight but I I understand what you're saying the 8 million to me if we have to knock something off the athletic field choice and I know we're not this is not what we're at but this is my question are we guaranteed to have the money for whatever we need for that sixth grade um the middle school so one of the things we're doing in conjunction with the consultant is looking and the administration is looking at a plan of how many classrooms they're going to need we think I'll be honest with you and and I don't want to share too much because we haven't finalized this but we think we're in a good place with that and we'll have the money for that the reason the $35 million is in there it doesn't mean the district will be borrowing all of that money but we just want to set a limit there you know with rates down and all that stuff that we can get some more money but what we're going to be doing in May when we come back to you is packaging all of that together um you know and we'll have a solution for the middle school and what that cost is to make sure it's in there now there is already we're a step ahead because there it is there is already $4 million in the U the capital plan that I've shared with you and we think it's going to cost a little bit more and we'll have enough to do that yes and that okay and that's why we want to package this because we want to make sure that we have everything covered you know so that like before I may have said well we're going to borrow 26 million but we may need 28 million correct and that so we'll have that capability by this intent we have that capability that yes okay than so that's why we're just kind of packaging things we want to get all of our cost together our hard cost together and make sure we're good on this perfect did you have anything you wanted to add bill because you laughed a little no no you're good okay and I can say Jamie I agree I agree did you I I'm just curious did you have anything nope okay well I could say Jamie when this issue first came up when we did the middle school edition and the administrators came back to us the board prior to the building addition being built back in 20 15 we broke ground and a recommendation came from the administrators to install or add four more rooms for a very reasonable price I think it was like $200 to $300,000 and as time went on it was brought to the board that the Middle School needed about 10 rooms that time and that cost was well over I don't know5 six million dollar at that time six s million yeah I about about eight or n you talking about the last time yeah I think I think the first time it came out with that number of 200 300,000 for four rooms four classrooms came up to about three or four million for four yes that's what happened okay so and then we went back and say what number of classroom exactly do the Middle School need okay so that is still kind of what you guys are going through and how from what I understand I wasn't involved with I think Dr Hall it and board member Bill did a some more looking into this with you bus if you remember it was over a year ago yeah so we asked principal cros and uh Miss Chester to come in and advocate for their programs ELC and middle school right so and and she had no idea what she needed right so that's why we gave to our superintendent find out exactly that's what we gave it to her and it's still it's still in the making exactly but I I did not want and don't take this the wrong way board members I did not want the sports complex proposed Sports Complex to be our topic when it comes to spending big funds additional and leaving the Middle School in the back on the backside here so I wanted them to come up and have both of these projects just for that fact so in that meeting we were with Jason Ken Dr Hall Dr Cara and myself and if you ask any one of them what did I say in that meeting we did an awful job with the Middle School from the school board to the architect to the construction company to everybody running in an Administration was horrible experience well again so I said what I wanted to do is that when we talked about it that when this goes through that we do our due diligence and do a good job because the last time it wasn't a good job at all w so and and I think that's why when we asked Miss Kos to come here in Miss chesta to advocate for the school she had no idea what she needed so that's why the study's being done because remember we were sitting here we were all confused on what was going to be added 12 classrooms six classrooms four eight so that's why the study is being done right now so we know and again what in that meaning what did I say we want to make sure that from the beginning to the end we now have the team of Keith and we'll have Jason Who's involved because Ken won't be here of running the project the way it should be run so that they get the attention they need well let me just say this that uh I disagree with with and you and I have have not been toe-to-toe with you on this board since you've been on this board and I chose not to go toe to- toe but I would love to have a sit down with you and the board so we can get the true fact find is the lessons learned all projects all projects should have a level of detail where everything is planned out the different phases and all that so we expect that okay so yeah let's talk about what happened fact find is let's have a meeting let's have a discussion robust discussion on that because again I disagree with some things you just said but again I'm not going to be argumentive and go down that road but yeah let's get all the Lessons Learned I agreed some things went South on that project and you know I I'll say no more on that but let's talk I I want to say um this everybody knows that I have fought for and I and we're not even saying that it won't happen everybody knows that I fought for the um Athletic Complex not just the football because everybody says football we can't even run a track meet for our kids at this High School the uh complex the middle school has been redone the middle school is new these kids bust their butts every day and we and I I have nothing against teachers but we do so we it's always the teachers need this the teachers need that nobody says what the students need and I I guarantee you if we have if we can't fo uh have a football team I I guarant we'll lose a bunch of students and those very teachers who get that Middle School are going to lose jobs right because it's part of it's a whole encompassing and part of the plan before that was part of it and we put it on hold to take care of five Renovations yeah yes and in an addition yes right and again I don't disagree and I'm not downplaying the sport has their I'm I'm only I'm not saying you are again nobody's saying you are I think what happens is everybody has what they what they want to focus on but I think I kind of get this um or or dishe Harden it or hurt or sad for our students because we do so much for it's about and I'm not saying don't do for teachers but we do a lot for teachers and we don't do for students they they barely can get uniforms they barely can they play we have one of the top football programs in the and technically we shouldn't even have football games at that Stadium because we don't have a place for shelter there's no play if there's lightning or TH or anything they don't have a place to go they can't Che they can't go under the bleachers so I'm not I I I I agree that something has to be done with the middle school but I don't agree that we have to prioritize it and yes she s got up there and said we need four five six 16 that that's what she said she didn't have know what she and I'm say they lost what was it you know better than me was it four to six class rooms and we lose numbers we're we're lowering numbers but now we need more classrooms and that's and again that's why we gave the task of the direct of this board to our superintendent and you know the board stay on the balcony let the superintendent drive it she's going to bring us that U information that data okay and Jamie said you know that's why I said I don't know we can't say 12 or whatever is what our super no I'm just saying I'm just saying we don't know we don't know exactly at this point that's all somebody who wasn't here for any of those previous discussions I can't I can't say what you all had discussed as previous board members or behind closed doors or what poor decisions were made before that what I can do right now is ask if we're going to have facilities for our middle school students right and that's all I was doing and and we I understand that we do this is more than this is more than your comment yeah I get it but but the laugh and it it doesn't help right I was trying to be talking to him I know it's more than it's more than your comment it's not your comment it's it's a encompassing thing of of what's been talked about before it's not just I promise at least I can't speak for him but I believe it's more than just your comment it's about the uh the last meeting we talked about we want to make sure they're simultaneous we want to make sure like the the thing is we want to make sure that whatever we're spending our money in is right and the right thing to do was to make sure like you know what made me sad is that in 2022 when we approved the money in 2022 we had an ER conditioning to buildings and sprinkler systems that's ridiculous to talk about that when we did it but this board made that decision and invested that money to make it better because not disagree at the time the teachers were were concerned about hey man we're coming in August and we're coming out in June and and it's really warm we understand that but we had to get our finances in order and we did and it it just that we are it's it's not about com just putting something on one thing it is about handling it at the time and as the six buildings we did he's right man I the facilities in this District are struggling and I was on Ken for Mr surma for a long time what about the LED lighting in the the the lighting was horrible in the Fieldhouse and the gym the floor was terrible and it's not that he didn't care it's just that we didn't you know everything had to be go hey we're doing this for doing that so it's just about us being passionate about specific parts of this and it is giving back to the staff but to the students too I mean they do need it for sure all of our students and again I bring it up all the time our girls softball we have softball teams they don't even have a facility on the campus they play across they play and and it is a risk every day that they play that they have to drive somewhere that they travel now my my thing is some people make think all you care about is that that's not all I care about but I have to I said I have to focus on it because if it's not focused what's not monitored or focused on it won't happen it won't because it hasn't happened it could have happened so when I when I focus on do do I have a plan to focus on something else after it it yes but I don't want to say it now because I have to keep my focus on that and I believe that yes I do believe that the staff at the middle school deserves what they that they deserve the classrooms and and the upgrades I would Dr H can we say this yes sir we gave our superintendent the directive to come out to bring to the board a rationale an analysis and it's coming we gave that to her so so Jamie your answer is yes no but it's not about I'm trying to tell you it's not about and we all and we understand we bringing it and we understand again because I was not a Believer I'll tell you I'll be honest I I wasn't being combative with the notion of we need a sports complex but I let the process go I heard you guys speak and I'm all in agreement with that I'm all in agreement and the next component of this whole thing that we're talking about tonight the missing part at this point is the full evaluation analysis and what's required of how many classrooms we know it's some and how many and the question came up do we have the money to do it so let's wait let's wait and see what our superintendent bring to the table next but just to be clear I mean I in an Ideal World we'd already have that report before we voted on this item correct I think but we need to vote on this item tonight because we're going to vote on number two and number three to keep everything moving's that's that's good but it's good it's a good discussion but again Bill even on a personal level if you and I want to talk and please share with me things you cuz it's coming from the horse's mouth it's not about it's not about anything specific it's just that as a collaboration as a whole things were dropped and missed and and it's because we didn't have certain things in place and that's what it is and today we have people in place that can run that project where before and when we did the middle school we did a disservice to the middle school cuz those people were not in place to do that well again I think it you and me I guess that you and I have a robust conversation and I'll share with you everything you know I was I was here I was here I wasn't on the outside I understand but if I understand right we we have an agreement or not an agreement but we have a thing where if that company decided to do any construction here I don't know that we would hire them in my we didn't we already they was the LW bid on a couple jobs we said the that's kind of what I'm getting at nonresponsible B that's what I'm getting at is that company is part of that reason of how that all went about and that's all that's that's it that's you got to give a person the contractor the laws at that time they were the lawest responsible bidder but now we've learn we've learned from that and that's how we attack every project right and that's what we leave it to our professionals is sitting three the hard way I call them I think it's yeah three the hard way it may be two to hard way in at the end of June right okay so but good conversation and we could go on for this for the rest of the night okay so Madam Pro hey how do you like being Madam protim Secretary tonight it's working out great thanks for asking all right okay roll call please on item number 8 Alpha One Mr alre hi uh Mr Brown hi Mr gagos hi Dr Hall hi Miss R is not here Mr swales hi Z stumber say an i motion carry I would like a motion to approve number eight under Action Report Alpha number two to approve a letter of intent to award the project of the Creon High School renovation to believe as burn and Jones Construction to include a new multiports stadium new baseball and softball fields a practice field renovate tennis courts create pickle ball courts and new asphalt to all existing asphalt have a motion to do such as I just read some moved move by Mr Gay board member gyos second go ahead second by board member Nelson any questions or comments on this and just to be clear new asphalt to all existing asphalt that's around the high school facility yes around the high school facility also at the um the parking lot on sagamon MH uh where the old school and Dome used to be and also the parking lot in the front area there too okay so all of that property all that yes and it's all going to be new asphalt it's not like patching it's all going to be ground up and new asphalt the you were talking about the uh where this old school used to be the uh Sixth Grade Center used to be or yeah there's some asphalt out in front there yeah uh oh um not into the grass no no no no not into the grass they may put some new stuff there because of the building that's going to be put up there may have to be some you know like an asphalt walkway or something that have to do that but they're not adding any new asphalt out there okay right now all right so is that the high school ripping the parking lots up when the high school okay could you do me a favor could you prioritize each we're looking to do do all but could you prioritize just say the high school is more important I know we're looking to do all just as a placeholder I'm confused Mr if you prioritize you're saying all of these are pretty much High urgency right Goa okay but can you prior still this is more High urgent to that just the parking lots in your opinion okay all right okay sure yep thank you yep okay we got a motion and was move we had a little discussion any further discussion if not man of secretary prot roll call please Mr alre I Mr Brown I Mr gagos I Mr Hall I oh doctor I'm sorry um Mr swales I and zeit suus is also an i did you I did get called yeah like you were the second you were the second sh in alphabetical order so used to I don't want if anybody was worried about how that was going alab okay I wasn't going to challenge you on that okay motion carried all right next up is number eight Action Report under a a alpha business number three like a motion to approve a letter of intent to award the project of the Creon High School concession stand building to Bear construction so moved second move by Nelson second by Alex questions comments hearing none roll call please Madam Secretary Pro Mr alre I Mr Brown I Mr gagos I Dr Hall I Mr swales I zit stur is also an i motion Carri last item for approval on tonight's meeting is number eight Action Report Alpha business number four i' like a motion to adopt and approve a resolution finding that Mo education center has become unnecessary unsuitable or inconvenient for the use of the district and the Board of Education and is no longer a student a Attendance Center so moved move by Alex I'll second it move by Jamie any any questions or comments please hearing n man of secretary protim roll call please Mr Al I Mr Brown I Mr gagos I Dr Hall I Mr swales I zit suus is also an i motion Carri it leads us to number nine old business I have one go ahead no Miss Perkins when will you be coming to the board with the academic report for the spring uh we plan April okay and remember if you could do kind of a cohort that would look at students that have been in the district like 21 22 22 23 and then this year so kind of going that'd be great okay that's all I have okay thank you for the question any further old business uh do we have the um summer school schedule um set up already or not yet um we poed for the summer school positions we are in the process of recruiting students after we do the interviews for our summer school staff okay but those positions were posted prior to the last Bo okay thank you Mr guy goes for the question any further old business hearing none number 10 new business hearing none as well number 11 there's no need for closed session just would like to confirm that with our superintendent no need for close session and it brings us to adjournment number 12 man of secretary have a roll call or a mo a motion that was a test for you okay okay oh okay I'm like I can't do that yet okay who who moved I moved Alex Alex second I mean who's who second oh Dr Hall Dr Hall okay roll call please oh I can can I get one consensus Mr okay oh do you want to do a consensus do a can I do that it's okay right voice a voice okay all in favor say I I any n i happy thank you public for joining us this evening I hope all of you have a blessed day and safe day and please join us at our next board meeting thank you

members of the board and attendance president sorry president vice president Andres kto clerk Andrea Flor Shelton member Linda Chavez she uh let me know she's going to be late but she will be here member m fam present members of Administration assistant superintendent C Chang thank you uh now I will go on to the land acknowledgement uh Board of Trustees of the alen rock Union Elementary School District does hereby acknowledge that the district schools and Facilities sit on the traditional lands of the moek Malone people and the Board of Trustees further acknowledges with respect and reverence of the MMA alone people tribe of the San Francisco Bay area for their stewardship of the lands now please join me for the pledge of allegiance of Al okay thank you um we're GNA move into item 2011 approv School sponsored field trip list uh C I don't know if you have a update or anything um I know uh or Barb any specific other than approving field trips for our children we we just request that you approve these two outof County field trips so the students can have those experiences thank you thank you move to approve by vice president GTO second by trusty Flores Shelton all right um I'm gonna go ahead and open it up for comments from the public any members of the public wishing to address the board on these items please join us at the podium okay seeing none I'm gonna go ahead and uh you can't hear me oh no okay good question um so yeah any as I mentioned any members of the P public wishing to address the board on this item please join us at the podium okay seeing none we'll go ahead and move on uh go ahead and uh if any members of the public wishing to address the board on the school sponsored field trip list please join us at the podium sorry it's okay I'm I'm glad you all are here so right now we're on item 2011 approval of school sponsored field trip list seeing none I'll go ahead and bring it back to the board any questions or comments from the board just say good have a fun and happy and safe trip thank you thank you all right enjoy wait wait wait have a fun happy and safe you have to say bonage bage all right if if we approve so we're going to go ahead and bring it to the vote um all those in favor of approving this item please uh do so by raising your hand all right four uh four and uh Linda is absent so at this point it passes enjoy your trip uh now we're going to go ahead and move on to close session uh and I don't know C you're ready to make a a report out on the items or we can just read down the list trusty F if I may advise since I I I do see uh Mr Ro Helio Ruiz uh might I advise that uh Mr Ruiz report out sure uh Mr re would you like to join us on the podium and just uh report out I can hand you a copy of our agenda all right so um I don't know if everybody's gotten a chance to read the agenda so I want to honor you know and I will read down the the list um so we're going to be closing uh we're going to be going into close session and we will be um discussing items on the agenda um and I will read them just in case somebody didn't uh see those items or know of those items so uh 301 announcement and prople comments regarding items to be discussed in close session which is what I'm doing now item 302 recess to close session the board will recess to close session at approximately 7:05 uh Open Session will resume at conclusion of close session item 303 public EMP employee appointment title acting interim superintendent item 304 public employment title acting super uh interim superintendent item 305 Public Employee dis displine dismiss or release item 306 conference with labor negotiators agency designated Representatives C toico assistant superintendent of Human Resources uh Andor cbera Chang assistant superintendent business Andor Jess Cerna lead negotiator employee organization elmrock Educators Association so we will be closing um heading out to close session soon but before we do that now I'm going to open it up and invite all those who uh would like to make a public com on this item to line up here on the wall um join me on the p on the podium whoever's ready to speak um please join us and if we could do so quietly so we can give people the opportunity to speak I appreciate it thank you so much uh welcome and you could state your name please and uh hello board members uh my name is Martin Brooks I'm a 28-year veteran teacher from aptitude uh last Thursday over a hundred students boycotted school they decided this after meeting with the superintendent a couple days prior these students have been making the annual Caesar chz March their whole lives they know what they're doing the cost to our school and Ada money one day was staggering many of our most experienced teachers along with a large group of these families will ready to leave the district but on behalf of our community I would like to thank you the school board for your Swift and decisive action we are so pleased that the board is looking into systemic and strategic solutions to improve our schools and attract students dealing with the legal ethical and financial issues of providing a fair severance package to our ter terminated superintendent will be challenging you have your our sympathy and undeserved and uh unreserved respect and support thank you thank you good evening members of the board my name is Dela Gonzalez I am part of imp andus maker but I'm also parent of two students here at down R School District I am here to ask the board when making decisions that affect the ation of our children such as bringing a new interim or doing anything that will affect keep parents and students and atlet involved we have fought for 10 years to get resources to have a voice in commun in decisions around our kids for you guys to not let us have that voice this time I am here to urge this um board as you make your next decisions in involve the parents involve our children involve your students and protect the educational progress that we have done for the last 10 years such as EIC studies social emotional strategies reservatory Justice and parent engagement thank you have a really good night hi good evening my name is Maria Martinez I am a teacher here at Alam Rock and um I want to thank the for um making the difficult decision that had to be made uh we appreciate your service to the district and we know a decision has been made and we need to work together and look forward to a brighter future ahead here in Alam Rock um I look forward to um working as a teacher um alongside the community members um to make sure we are getting a superintendent who is going to exemplify the qualities we need to move our district forward so thank you very much hello uh my name is Danielle D Ambrosio and I've been a teacher at Lindale for 23 years so of course I know the board you guys have a huge decision about what what our needs are as far as an interim superintendent so my request would be that it's someone who knows how classrooms function in 2024 and also someone who could finish out this year in a strong and positive and organized way and also board members moving forward Ju Just remember that you all you're the superintendent boss so you you know you you hold a lot a lot of power as well and moving forward I'm also on the bargaining team and we are currently bargaining the next three-year contract and the day after the superintendent was let go uh sadly we had to cancel bargaining that day that would have been bargaining session number four but um moving forward I would like us to all be transparent and get it done quickly and efficiently and there's no reason this bargaining needs to drag out 20 sessions so we just canceled number four and we can definitely get this done you know in a quick and honest and transparent Manner and I look forward to that moving forward so thank you good afternoon my name is Claudia quo I'm an impu leader as well as a mother of the student in the alrock school district I am here to remind the board members that anytime you make a decision that will affect our children students and parents have the right to be involved as well as given transparency throughout the process especially when it comes to selecting a new superintendent for our district you have all the tools to support uh with clear and timely manner communication such as the aison barents Square apps emails texts and phone calls to Aid in all this I urge you all to be transparent with any new contracts given to a new superintendent and also ask you all be mindful of selecting an inm superintendent that will will be a neutral party to manage our district while the permanent position is filled thank you thank you thank the members of the board I'll be interpreting simultaneously for the parents okay so we have four minutes thank you for the aot of timeand hello my name is Maricella Hernandez I I'm a part I'm a member of UK and parent of to children who are in the AL School District I'm here to request the the trustees that when you take when you make decisions that affect the education of our children such as a new superintendent and a permanent superintendent think about think about the engagement of the parents the children students that it be a transparent process that's focused on parents students and to make a decision especially focused on a new superintendent that's all thank you good afternoon my name is Veronica and I am anduh leader and a mother of two alen Rock students as well I am here asking the board when making decisions that affect the education of our children such as bringing in the new interim and a permanent superintendent that you think about the involvement of students parent and allies that this new uh interim superintendent does not run for a permanent position because they cannot be engaging into long-term decisions also a transparent process where it allows parents and students to be involved and any other Ally that has made uh a push forward any of our recommendations as parents that we have worked with the previous superintendent also somebody that aligns with the values that we had set here in Allen Rock School District such as restore Justice uh such as parent engagement um as well as support systems for students with special needs um as well as um not being able to uh being able to provide extra resources on mental health and wellness support um again we ask for a transparent process and a process that centers parents and students in the decision making especially in hiring the new uh and permanent superintendent thank you hello my name is Rafael I am PL from aptitude I'm also representing several other PL from aptitude first off I would like to thank the board for listening to our concerns last Thursday as a school and Community we feel as aptitude has always been neglected in many ways thank you for giving us the opportunity to bring in more kids and make our school stronger now that we have the opportunity to make change in the district we need a leader that possesses several important qualities first we need a leader that not only listens but is responsive to our concerns we have been lacking a leader that with that quality for a very long time we need a leader who is proactive in keeping students in the district and keeping our schools open part of that is to make sure all of our schools receive Equitable funding we need a non-biased leader who looks at our schools equally and does the best for our students and Community we need a leader who invests money properly into our schools for example some of our schools need proper fencing signage new painting for the buildings and for the grass to be cut at aptitude our sign is broken and Faded Believe It or Not these kind of Aesthetics turn parents off from sending their kids to our school we need a leader who protects our children from various forms of abuse and does not ignore the issue we need a leader who is willing to work with parents to come up with pollutions and problem solving not someone who dictates and demands without considering what is best for our community finally we need a leader who is compassionate and truly cares for our kids and our community our children are the future they need to be treated as such thank you for listening to our concerns hopefully we can work together to build Alan back up again and make it stronger than ever good evening my name is Allison singani I'm a parent of two former alamro students uh from Russo mckinty and Renaissance Academy um who are now thriving at Independence um I came tonight to express some disappointment with the decisions around leadership change that were made without full transparency and without parent and Community involvement uh this district has a long history of parent and community organizing many of you have also been involved in the parent and Community organizing these parents in this community deserve to be involved in decisions about leadership uh my hope for the future uh is that the temporary uh superintendent the interim superintendent who's appointed tonight is a a custodian of that position a placeholder and that there is Broad Community engagement and Broad parent involvement in selecting a permanent uh superintendent to fill that role uh we have spent too much time too much energy as a community uh moving this forward and fighting for the positive change that our children need to to risk sliding backwards now so I I ask you to please consider that carefully and ensure that the community and parents are deeply involved uh and their children's needs are considered and selecting the next superintendent hello my name is esperans alejandres I am part of Po activos in somos um I'm here to ask the board when making decisions that affect the education of our children such as bringing in a new interm and then a permanent superintendent think about the development of student students also a transparent process that censers parents and students in decision making especially in the hiring of a new superintendent but also a neutral party that manages the Center District until a square is occupied thank you and have a good night good evening Bo um just hearing all the parents teachers and community members uh it's it's on it's on point that we uh listen to them and I'm here to support what the community is saying and to be honest with you all like the communication about the news um could could be better improved as well I would say that with all due respect you know I saw parents finding out through Facebook that there was a meeting today I saw parents asking if they got the information I know that yall doing your best during these uh times um but at the same time I think we need a um institutional approach to it on how we're going to ensure that this process and any big decision like this all parents and and relevant staff and Anders should be communicated um in a in a institutional manner so there's a system of communication that all parents should get they shouldn't find out through Facebook or through someone out there and I think that's just what will make Alam Rock better as well but to hear what people are saying in terms of a public process that is um something that we known this board to have done in the past we appla that process because a lot of districts might not follow that um for other positions for this one is critical and legal to have a public process and to go into deep Community engagement so that we find the right candidate that um we all wish to see and Lead um echoing what people talked about the Innovation that this school district has also done how do you continue that and also your Partnerships and someone that could bring resources back to this board it pains me to be at a county or city meeting and they don't mention Adam rock as a critical player someone that should be at a decision making table I hear about Franken McKinley and great for them I want the same thing for this board for this community um the last two things I will mention with my limited time is that this type of decision creates fear with staff how do you reassure them moving forward and I hope that you all can lead with a common vision and show us how to get out of this bad situation um in a collaborative thank you my name is Olivia Ortiz yeah I have been a parent in this District yes for 10 years very disappointed today about the decisions that the board took until now I hope we don't go back to years in the past where the community was not heard where this Bo thought that they had the power to do whatever they wanted to do today please I'm requesting when you make a decision any type of decision please involve the parents involve the students and the in the community in general especially in order to select this interim superintendent listen to the community here to make sure that you listen to the community in the past we've made you heard we in the past we made you listen to the community and we have to do it we'll have to do it again okay okay I want to thank Dr Bower publicly for all the work that she did here apologize I want to apologize for the way this process was done conducted for all the services that she has provided in the district at the end of the day I want to remind you we the parents the students we are part of this district and the district has made progress because of the parents and the students we hope the the process of all being the students the community teachers organ involving organ involving Community organizations um allies I hope that doesn't change H that you make decisions that that represent the families of alam have a good evening good evening board of directors my name is caman swona and I'm an arusd parent and a community resident but I'm also the vice president of sa philanthropy Silicon Valley program I'm here this evening to share our commitment to a newly refined economic Mobility strategy that requires an ecosystem approach in key priority communities including East and Downtown San Jose which includes the Allen Rock School District this ecosystem approach is to advance a strategy that is centered on children and families and their access to holistic educational and economic m Mobility opportunities and we understand that this requires public private Partnerships between private philanthropy and government entities as well as a robust nonprofit infrastructure we are proud to support several arusd Partners as our grantees which include the Valley Health foundation kadango and the c p Collective and many more who assist your students and families in having access to wellness centers Early Learning programs and critical Services Direct Services and other programs these were all an initiatives that were built over the last 10 years as you design and Implement your process for naming your interim and longer term leader I hope you reflect on the leadership that is critical to fostering these types of Partnerships values and attributes like stability Vision leadership transparency a spirit of collaboration and an ability to bring multiple stakeholders along while always centering equity and the children and families of this district and I will also say as a parent I think you have a very unique opportunity in this transition to once and for all bring many different types of parents together so that we're all working for one Alam Rock rather than pitting our needs against each other thank you thank good evening members of the board my name is Michael Elliott I'm the president and executive director of Valley Health Foundation just yesterday my organization with our partners at the county of Santa Clara announced that 33 schools in this County will receive funding to establish or enhance a month of the health Wellness Center on their school campus nine schools in this District were awarded those grants with over $3 million in funding we are exceptionally proud and privileged for the opportunity to serve your students these are largely federal dollars that come with lots of restrictions and deadlines so the stability of the district is very important to us so with that in mind I urge you to engage in a deliberate and inclusive process as you select your next leader engaging with your parent community and your teachers and everyone that's part of the Allen Rock Community and to do everything you can to support the staff that will be working very hard to move programs like these forward thank you very much good evening board members my name is Zia Rodriguez Diaz and I'm a teacher at adante academy as the board moves forward in selecting a permanent superintendent please consider electing a leader who truly understands the alrock community the needs of our students and someone who will help regain the respect and dignity we teachers deserve thank you good evening board my name is Danielle Letz and I'm a teacher at hubard media arts academy and I want to say I appreciate the difficult decision you had to make just this past week and I know there's been a lot of uncertainty about what this means moving forward um we need to take this opportunity as a step to move forward in the right direction and we're looking at an optimal optimal timing of where we can find somebody to be ready for this next school year as a new superintendent when we're looking for an interim superintendent we definitely need somebody who can communicate with staff Community families and who can establish that trust because there is definitely uncertainty right now and as we move forward just keep those lines of communication open um we don't want those to break down thank you good evening my name is Veronica Talton I'm a performing arts teacher at Joseph George middle school and also at Lindell Elementary School I'm a member of the Santa Clara Alliance Santa Clara County Alliance of black Educators and also the African-American community service agency and I rise tonight and speak in honor of Stefon Clark I stand full uh fully committed to africanamerican the African-American community and I want to remind the board once again as I do regularly to support African-American students Educators and community members I have experienced harm as as have some of my students in this District but I want to say flat-footed black lives matter and in this District in 2020 a black lives matter in school resolution ution was passed and I will remind the board that we matter in this this community as well I'm one of only two that I can see in this community right now but when I uh when my students enter my classroom they see a sign that says you are seen you are heard you are valued you are cared for you are creative and you are a community and regardless of what we look like on the outside we are familiar we are family and I want to share from this book called change sings and the final moments that I have by Amanda Gorman and this book says I'm a chant that rises and Rings this is Hope where my change sinks I also walk our differences to show we are the same I'm a movement that Roars and springs there's a way where my change sings change sings where there inside me because I'm the change I want to see we are the waves starting to spring for we are the change we sing these are the words of Amanda Gorman California poet Laur and Bor thank you for the hard decisions that you've had to make thank you hello board my name is um dilia I am a parent here at alamro school district and um the thing I want to mention as other parents I mentioned before is that the interim superintendent should not be the Perman um the last time we had an interim superintendent who was Steven fist in 2012 he then became the permanent superintendent and um and then when he retired Dr Bower came in so we need to make sure that we have a voice in this because when we had an election when anest quit and we had an election here uh not even election we had a an appointment a a thing for uh for our new um board member one of the things that was taken off was um bylaw 9223 and this that one specifically irked me and it mind knew we were still on Zoom because it said the one that that took away was was a special meeting one week before appointment and this was taken out and this was never considered and the one thing it says the community will provide an opportunity to provide public comment to express what applicant characteristics will be important to them in the selection process that was completely taken out we had no voice as as the public to say anything about how we're going to elect the next board member the next it was because we need to do it quickly we need to do it quickly and the thing is it was on March 29th you could have done it in a week because it would have been March 3rd and the next board meeting was not until March 9th which means you had that week you just chose not to do it so if you're honest about this I don't want to see 9223 being used we want transparency this is what transparency it looks like do not use any of these bylaws any of the legal tactics to not have our voice in this new position thank you good evening trusties my name is Delinda mendosa I am a teacher at adalante and I'm here tonight um for you um asking um that when you consider the new interim superintendent that you look at someone who understand the various departments in the district also this new interim superintendent should understand how the classrooms in the schools function in 2024 um we need a interim superintendent who understands and is knowledgeable on alumrock schools and needs to um listen to students families and Community as you hire the new superintendent please consider um a person who um has the understanding of how classrooms and schools function and 2024 they should be upto-date in current practices and pedagogy cell needs cultur culturally responsive teaching and learning promote anti-bias training for diffic for faculty and staff and Trauma informed teaching and know how to support students um currently sitting in our classrooms some of the qualities that we would like to see in the new superintendent include trusting their employees to do the job they were hired to do be transparent use understanding um of implications of decisions know the inner workings of school district be student centered understands Partnerships with labor groups communicates with staff and Community is a problem solver who seeks Solutions sees people for who they are is a leader and not a manager and someone who is trustworthy thank you thank you to the board thank you to my members that showed up I see a lot of area people I have someone members in the hall as well I'm Alan Dory I'm a business agent I represent the Keers bargaining unit here I've been here for about 17 years I was really happy to see this board come in I'm not happy right now what you guys did last week was shameful there was no transparency and whether it was legal or not you had an obligation to the bargaining units to the children in this District to the students to the parents to the teachers to everyone in this community and you guys did not do what you should do so if it wasn't illegal it was still shameful and you should be embarrassed for those of you that voted to eliminate the superintendent it was done without any notice whatsoever right now the state budget is about 80 million dollars in debt and and right now billion rather excuse me they're looking at a a budget cola this year for less than 1% the next couple years will be two or 3% to Hope okay how do you get through those times right now School service is talking about how to have furlows how to have layoffs and all these different things how how do you cut en close schools so we had a steady leader Dr Barra went out there to the Latino community and there was a time that she was actually getting people back in at a time when most of districts around here were suffering for declining enrollment and we're back to declining enrollment now because people that work in Sant say they don't live here anymore they can't afford it Dr Dr Bower she was able to bring funds to this District by doing it she's been a steady capable leader that's what we needed and by the way there was transparency when you hired her the community knew what you were doing and if you pick an intern tonight the community don't know what you're doing you guys did something underhanded and sneaky I i' apologize except it's not warranted it's not warranted Teamsters are here tonight we're we're asking for you to help protect labor peace because that's what she brought us we want you to resend your vote if you're going to vote her out again then do it in public do it properly do it in a way that is not underhanded thank you very much good evening my name is yaroas and I'm a product of Alan Brock Unified School District I grew up in East San Jose and today I am here to speak on behalf of kadango kadango has been a strong partner of Alan for two decades offering proven prek and child care services that prepare Alan Brock Unified School District children for success in school while allowing their parents to work to work and afford to stay in the area we hope the school board will consider an open process that includes Community input in its election of a new president and of a new superintendent we also want to offer our gratitude to Dr Bower for her steadfast leader ship that strengthened and stabilized Alan Rock for a decade we look forward for our continued partnership with the district as we ensure every Alan Brock child has access to Quality preschool and Child Care thank you thank you um good evening uh uh trustees uh my name is Victoria partia I am a parent at Adelante too and I ask you I ask that you are involving the par the parents in the next phase of the our district tonight tonight's meeting is an example of what you should not be doing going forward I was notified through this meeting um just that somebody mentioned through Facebook um no no message on parents Square no email no nothing I would expect more Outreach and engagement to parents and students for decisions that will impact our children's education thank you good evening board member board president I made it um I um am sympathetic to the tough decisions that you have to make and I know that um it's challenging I've been um Affiliated in part of alrock since the 80s when my kids went here and alrock has gone through turbulent times before but it's very resilient comes out on the other side doing very well we have an excellent staff teacher staff community so what we would ask is um when you do go out for your superintendent search that you do include everybody which would be the union members the community the parents staff everybody in the select one and I don't envy your challenges that you face thank you good evening community and Schoolboard members I'm here to emphasize the critical need for selecting a permanent superintendent who embodies qualities of culturally responsiveness or cultural responsiveness effective communication with the community and proactiveness especially with a recognition of multilingualism as a valuable asset the decision-making process regarding this has exact exacerbated instability within our schools adding unnecessary strain to an already challenging environment as a relatively new teacher in my third year of service I have encountered firsthand the repercussions of this instability and it is a burden that no educator no parent or student should bear I implore the board to prioritize the selection of a superintendent with a proven track record in fostering a positive School culture thank you for your attention to this pressing matter good evening my name is Joselyn Ms as most of you know I recently retired after 35 years in alumrock this is my first time back in this room so like little stressful um the last 13 years I was our area president um I am here tonight because I deeply care about the future of this district and this community I mean I walk in here and I mean these people are like family that are part of the community um during my time in alumrock I have seen more than 10 superintendent come and go through this District uh some of them more than once um sometimes they left by choice and sometimes it was a decision made by the elected Board of Trustees what I have learned is that things may not always be as they appear to the general public especially when the change comes as a surprise such as was the case this last week I trust that the board majority who made this decision based their actions on what they believe to be in the best interest of the education of the students in Alam Rock I also have confidence that their decision was not made lightly nor was it based on any personal benefits or political preferences tonight the same board has the job of turning this recent difficult decision into an opportunity to select an interim superintendant in doing so please take into consideration some of the following qualities that we would like to see someone who understands respects and supports the needs of our students staff and Community someone who has experienced and works well with labor unions both in spirit and action someone who is honest and has integrity and someone who listens with an open mind thank you thank you nor hello my name is Norma P I'm a parent of a student at aptitude we're here to thank the the the board for the support given to the community especially for the support given to the leaders at aptitude we want to let you know that we are ready for the change the only thing that we are asking for have a superintendent willing to work as a team with the community we certainly know that in all schools there is adversity but when there is a solid team with the same purpose everything can be overcome and for some reason it doesn't become overcome at least you'll have the satisfaction that we tried we tried everything possible and impossible we want somebody to celebrate our achievements and our failures and I say goodbye thanking you extremely what you what you uh put in what you plant is what you sew which is always good evening uh my name is Elo Rodriguez and you well know me from now you know because I been come and talking to you most of the time uh I want to be direct about what I have to say I don't want to elaborate so many stuff or anything I just want to say to you that whatever is Hur in our community that is important let's work to take care of them to watch after them do whatever you need to do change of of our superintendent or whatever need to do have to be somebody who is well equipped to take care of the community as well as take care of you guys because I know you guys doing a great job and you're done doing the best for our community and I appreciate the things that you are doing we are I'm looking forward and I'm well prepared to make these changes with a new superintendent that is going to be taken over in any way I'm not here you know to attack anybody or anything like that but I just want the best for our community and for all of us thank you so much thank you good evening um members of the board my name is Tom Fu on behalf of Teamster I wanted to um say um that you know Teamster's been working with the district for so many years and for for myself as a member um union representative I've been here you know past on my 24th year here working as an employee and 12 years as a uh representative but uh this evening I want to address the board that you know the decision that you made last week uh really affected us as a bargaining unit and um it was caught by surprise and that you know nobody expected um what I have here in my hand is a petition signed by our members uh not all the members uh got the notice um you know uh because of the late notice that was given about this board meeting um I have here a quarter of the members that signed a petition to have Dr B put back in her position and that uh you know we need we need a leadership that's stable to to bring us through this tough time I know the uh you know the state is having a difficult budget issue that you know at this time uh moving on with a interim or new superintendent it's it's going to be a difficult decision for you to make but what I want to do is give you this petition for record so that you know on behalf of Teamster we we support the superintendent and uh at the same time we'll be working with uh the board to you know move forward in this process and uh I thank you on the bottom of my heart that uh Teamster here to stay and support Youk you thank you uh thank you ladies and gentlemen my name is Danny Garza I'm president of the Plata Royal neighborhood association just outside of your District but my Knack my neighborhood act uh my my neighborhood advisory committee has your children in it that's why I'm here I also represent Mayfair Arbuckle Cassel and Capitol Park over 68,000 kids people here in Alam Rock okay now I urge you not to be full fooled by by the teamsters and they 20 people 40 people I don't know you know like I said I'm a retired iron worker 30 years but the decision was made there was a vote and now we move on and just to be clear I may be one of the last to speak but the other people you heard today said the same thing thank you good evening members of the board my name is Sandra AA the area president and it's clear tonight to see that bargaining units in this District are treated differently because area is in full support of the decision that the board made and we're looking forward to the process for moving forward the decision that was made has been made and now we need to work together looking forward for a brighter future ahead this is the optimal timing to select a new student super intendent to be placed by the beginning of the school year and we need to begin this process ASAP there have been signs that the district needed a fresh new start and area believes that the board took the appropriate actions to help Alam Rock move forward and to help the students teachers families and Community into our next stage of this journey we would like to ask that during this time that we be transparent we need an interim superintendent who understands the various departments who is knowledgeable with the alumrock schools the needs of the students families and community and also one that is willing to work and do the job that they are asked to do we're not looking for a stepping stone we want an interim as an interim and a superintendent that's going to come as a superintendent we need a superintendent who has an understanding of our classroom school function in the 20 2024 they should be up to dat with the current practices pedagogy seal needs cultural responsive teaching and learning promoting anti-bias training for faculty and staff trauma informed teaching and know how to support students who are currently sitting in our classrooms area is behind you thank you we look forward to moving forward together and we support thank you okay seeing no other public comments um any questions or comments from the board I would ask if uh you wouldn't um be able to ask General uh our Council to explain why it is that we have to uh go to recess into close session because a lot of questions have been raised and I think it would be beneficial for the public to know the legal requir go ahead and ask him directly is that what's that so I I can repeat it would you like me to ask him Council would you be able to explain why it is that we have to uh recess into close session in order to uh talk about these Personnel matters thank you roio yes Personnel matters are confidential matters and they have to be discussed in Clos session to maintain their confidentiality so if there are any actions an inclose session they'll be reported out at the end the law requires that correct that's correct thank you for explaining that thank you for clarifying that uh any other clarifications comments from the board uh Linda I just want to thank everybody the teachers area the unions all for coming out and thank you we are listening to your voices and we appreciate you being here thank you okay any other questions or comments just as the board president is been one of the toughest 4 days as as board trustee um and I want to assure you again you know I've been able to speak to the media I've been able to talk to some of you I was able to send them you know letter as soon as I could that I you know our our our board maintains steady and we will legally do what we need to do stepping forward with the decision that's been made with a majority of the of the of the board um you know we get to move forward and I look forward to continuing to see the parents the community our stakeholders involved um and all coming together with a common Vision uh on behalf of our children our families and our staff so I look forward to seeing you again and contining to see packed uh rooms like this in our future board meetings thank you e at [Music] 930 8 my glasses I think I need glasses now uh PM um at this point said um Rio if you can please uh report the actions taken in close session close session item 3.03 Public Employee appointment uh interim superintendent uh the board took an action to I board took an action unanimously to appoint Dr ime almazan as interim superintendent of the district effective March 26 24 also close session item 3.06 the board unanimously took an action to appoint the assistant superintendent of Human Resources uh as the senior lead negotiator in area negotiations there are no further actions to report thank you at this time I Jour the meeting at 9:39 p.m.

to work in the farms and then I was on my way way to school after I got back to work and did my homework at night the worst part is that according to Junior doscas docomo 524,000 students are Farm Workers and the majority of them are immigrant students at the age of 12 and for that reason they lose education in the school hello my name is Anthony Silva and today I'll be talking about immigrant students and families agriculture is one of thousands of jobs that immigrants have to work in just to afford to live in a poor quality home during what's called The American Dream our community needs to help immigrant students this is important to me because I want Multicultural students to have a better life this can improve our community such Multicultural students can feel comfortable and safe we currently depend on counselors and social workers we can help immigrant students to break the cycle of having to work for countless hours Under the Sun so instead they can go to college University have a career and so that their future kids can have better opportunities to continue according to immigrants rising.org we can help immigrant students by planning Multicultural events so that they can feel welcom in the community and we can do that by expanding the bilingual immersion program to other schools our community and as well as other communities our community is currently growing with the Dual language imersion program so that students can liberate and feel proud of their cultures to finish off if we work together we can help immigrant students to have a better future we need to raise awareness and see the and see the point of view of immigrant students and families I ask you to support programs or organizations that help immigrant students and families by contacting a local representative donate donating resources or raising awareness just like I am thank you for listening to my presentation thank you Anthony I'll give our judges a moment to make their notes next up from ball jior high jasine [Applause] Gerard hello my name is jasine Gerard and I love sharks there are so many fun facts about sharks like how short F makeo sharks can swim up to 45 miles per hour during short swimming burst or how you're more likely to die taking a selfie than to be killed by a shark would you like to know another fun fact over onethird of shark species are at risk of Extinction due to the global demand for shark meat and Fs which is why I'm here to talk to you about the cruel practice of shark Finning and why it should be outlawed worldwide I believe this because it pushes sharks to extension messes up the balance of coral reefs and damages Oceanic ecosystems shark Finning is when sharks are fished out of the ocean stripped of their fins and then thrown back into the ocean leaving them to bleed out or drown this occurs because because humans want to sell their fins to be used in Chinese medicine or shark fin souit unfortunately this occurs so much that populations of sharks has decreased by over 71% in the past 50 years according to the nonprofit Animal Welfare 73 million sharks a year are killed for their fins alone the reason why this is such a big issue is because sharks are needed to maintain the balance of the coral reefs without sharks there will be too many predatory fish eating the algae eating fish resulting in coral reefs swamped with algae some may say more regulated fishing habits are better for the sharks that outright Banning shark fishing may cause economic trouble in places that rely on the fishing industry such as Indonesia Spain and Mexico a strict B may lead to people doing illegal things to catch fish however according to World Wildlife Fund oceans even light levels of fishing readily depletes populations of sharks the sharks are in an urgent situation which requires urgent action luckily I'm not the only one aware of this recently President Joe Biden signed into law the shark fin sales elimination act making it illegal to buy sell transport or possess shark fins or any product containing shark fin the new law effectively ends the United States participation in the global shark fin trade while this is very good it won't solve the problem according to David schiffman a research associate at Arizona State University the us only accounts for about 1% of the global shark fin trade fear not there are many things we could do about this you could boycott restaurants that serve shark fin you could share posts on social media that highlight the cruel nature of shark pinning or maybe even start a flash mob baby shark anyone the sharks are in danger and it doesn't cost much to help so please save the sharks we can all thank jasine for getting that song stuck in our head tonight now each one of our participants will receive a a small trophy with a microphone on it and then third second first we'll receive a somewhat larger trophy and now from Brookhurst Junior High prna [Applause] dearia you know when someone says I would rather die than speak in public well in 2023 public speaking wasn't number one on Chapman University's list of America's top fears but it did beat out the fear of a devastating earthquake and yes dying too so in other words when someone uses the phrase I would rather die than speak in public they might actually mean it hi I'm prna diaria and today I want to talk to you about glossophobia or the of public speaking public speaking can help you a lot in your life and yes you hear that from every teacher but it is so true it helps when you're in college when you get a job or even when you have to speak at important family occasions failure to conquer the sphere of public speaking may have a negative impact on a person's academic and professional success did you know that four out of five people are scared to speak in public that's 80% of the world according to a recent prey survey 70% of Americans are scar agreed that presentation skills are a critical element in their success at work the website Total Care therapy says that about 15% of students are turn down courses which expect them to have presentation skills that could be the people in this room without opportunities like tonight's soapbox speach showcase imagine a world where people did not have the fear of public speaking wouldn't that be great I think one mistake we make while speaking in front of public is that we think the only thing that matters in a speech are the words coming out of our mouths but that's not true at all according to forbes.com posture is one of the main parts of public speaking researched by Amy Curry a Harvard student has shown that people who use good posture feel more powerful and confident in a public setting and they also perform better in interviews the fear of public speaking is a type of anxiety so consider things that help soothe your body many people use physical exercises some people like to count random things while other use mindfulness or deep breathing exercises the most relaxed presenters are people who speak in public more often consider opportunities to practice your public speaking skills with friends drama classes Capstone projects or clubs like speech and debate give students opportunities to practice these skills in a more supportive environment if you have a fear of forgetting what you plan to say the final thing you must do is practice practice practice you can even practice recovering from a brain freeze which causes you to forget your lines in the end if you find yourself flooded with fear remember that most people say that improving public speaking skills actually boost their self-confidence and I mean I don't have to explain that to all the many great presenters we will be hearing tonight thank [Applause] you I think I gave that first speech on every first day of school in my drama class it's awesome for is that please welcome from Dale Junior High Melody [Applause] Garcia as a child I remember grow with sorry as a child I remember being tossed in the air by my father with my arms out wide thinking I could fly my father has always been my hero but what happens when you need to be protected from your hero who then will save you my name is Melody Garcia and I stand before you today with the heavy topic that deserves our attention and action as Tara love wisely said we need to fight for our relationships but if fighting means ripping yourself to shreds and piggybacking on all his demons you need to leave this resonates with me deeply because my mom siblings and I have endured abuse at the hands of our superhero our father isn't father supposed to nurture you and protect you well when he fails to do so who will growing up in an environment where the one we call our superhero became the source of our nightmare was a harsh reality behind closed doors the unpredictable nature of our daily lives made it difficult to know if the next day would be different or a haunting reputation of the last as children we are shielded from the ugly truths but the impact was inevitable growing up studies show that children exposed to disrespectful and abusive household old are at high tend risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety the scar is inflicted on young minds by what they witness and hear can linger shaping their future in profound ways shockingly statistics show that 35% of women and nearly 28% of men in the US report experiencing physical violence or rape by an intimate partner I vividly remember waking up one night to witnessing my father hurting my mother his screams Pier the air commanding me to go back to sleep oblivious to the fact it was his actions preventing any rest a roller coaster of emotions persisted moments of apparent love Abberly Shattered by The Return of the darkness as Steve Mar Bully's words resonate make sure you're not saying it's complicated when it's actually toxic the more words it takes you to explain your relationship the less healthy it is now we find ourselves at Crossroads where we can make a difference we can help those TR and toxic Cycles by providing awareness and resources it's crucial to seek out local organizations that provide guidance and support equally important to our friends and family that we stand with them I share this not seeking sympathy but aiming to spark change many individuals silently battle abusive relationships and our voice can be cataly for transformation leaving is not easy fear often paralyzes victims let us be a change not just for this cause but for other that demand an attention in conclusion I implore each of you to be vigilant recognize the signs and lend a helping hand to those in need our generation has the power to break the chains of silence and create a safer world for all let my story be a call to action a reminder that change begins with us be the change be the support and let us build a future free from the shadows of abuse thank you thank you so much Melody for sharing your story and now from Walker Junior High vivana D [Applause] Roes if there's one message that comes forth that it be that human rights are women's rights and women's rights are human rights writes once and for all 29 years ago this quote was reintroduced to the World by Hillary Clinton making it an international battlecry for women across the world yet it seems that people today have forgotten about this good evening my name is vivana dooses and I as a female will be talking to you about the decline of worth for women with Society blindly retracing its steps back to patriarchy the decline of gender equality doesn't surprise me but you may ask now that we have more women serving in Congress than ever before doesn't that mean a women have come a long way in positions of power the truth is only 29% of American women serve in Congress and it took us until 2020 to even elect a female vice president the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women estimate that will take another 286 years to close these Global Gender gaps women in 197 3 won the right to abortion he lost it 50 years later though the right to abortion may be a controversial topic because of it ethics it's still the right that women lost it seems as we're putting one step forward towards equality and then two steps back towards patriarchy this battle for equality is international it's been almost three years since the Taliban took over Afghanistan silencing the voices of women not allowing girls of sixth grade to go to school not allowing women to participate in sports have jobs or even have the privilege of feeling safe when they go outside I don't want to wait another 286 years after my death for this world to see me as an equal I want women and girls of future generations to see these standers as normal we shouldn't have to make a laws exclusively for women because other laws aren't seen the same for males and females are we not to democracy the Constitution says we the people of the United States not we the males of the United stes are we the females it say we are the people including everybody as a person and we may not be politicians but we still are people and change in the future can still be made by being open about how men and women are perceived differently in society and voting when bills and rights that will help women are offered thanks to Sous Susan banthony women have the right to vote so let's take advantage of that let's not only achieve women's rights and embrace gender equality but it strive to make gender Equity being both R to men and women a standard in our society women's rights are human rights let this call of power be remembered once again thank [Applause] you we move now to Oxford Jor high with salvi akula being a student at Oxford Academy and having been born into a family in which both my parents have master's degrees it's no secret that I'm immeasurably fortunate however not everyone is nearly as fortunate as I am let me introduce you to a young black male by the name of Calvin Tyler two years after Calvin first enrolled at Morgan State College he had to drop out out and take up a job as a UPS driver because he couldn't support himself financially paying for college rent and food just couldn't go together for the young black male unfortunately this happens to be the reality for 33% of black males and 26% of black females even President Obama once said that it's simply unacceptable that in the wealthiest nation in in on Earth that a college education remains Out Of Reach for for so many Americans especially those of African-American descent and those of color we must do better because the fight against wealth inequality is not just the moral imperative it's an investment in a brighter and more Equitable future the reason why wealth in equality is such a pressing problem is because it often poses the barrier to seeking higher education and because of this black borrowers aren't able to seek the education that they deserve these statistics can be disheartening but it's a stories like Calvin Tyler's that remind us of the that the impeccable human nature and the capacity for change against all us the fight against wealth inequality isn't just a moral imperative it's an investment in a brighter and more Equitable future for all Calvin across the promised land that we know as [Applause] America for and now from Orange view Nathan [Applause] Ibara in the glow of a Christmas morning the most cherished memories of love and togetherness but for 5-year-old Nathan isai iara in Tijuana Mexico that day shattered his innocence it wasn't the lack of president that scarred him but the violence he faced from a family member that memory is edged in his mind it makes us think that you know that it's just it's hard to live with someone that's going to abuse you for most of your life and sometimes I would think that was my fault that I provoked it and that I was a bad one my name is Nathan Isaiah Bara and I want to end domestic violence according to the National Children's Alliance 600,000 children were it was an estimated 600,000 children were abused that had been abused and it and were suffering from neglect in 2021 that same year 1,00 1,820 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States and 77% of those children were victimized by a parent and according to the na to American Society for positive care of children 30% of those survivors will go on to continue the horrible cycle of abuse towards their children one day and 80% of them will meet at least criteria for one psychological disorder like me cuz I suffer from depression and anxiety cuz I know what it is I want everyone here to know that this symbol means something and that it just doesn't mean that we're talking about how others are hitting each other that I want everyone to know that that in on this planet it's not just about this it's also about other things in life as well I'm not saying that this topic is one of the worst the worst things that's happening in our in our lives but I want everyone to know that it's it is one of the worst I invite you to take a stand with me I invite you to take a stand with me against domestic violence join the fight of millions to to bring this dark topic to a light um my name is Nathan Isaiah bar and I'm a Survivor and I I want everyone to know that it's okay to look for help and that everything's going to be [Applause] okay and now from Lexington jior High Shan [Applause] WN hi my name is Shan wean and today I'm talking about the problems of child abuse and how we can fix it author Dave Pelzer once said childhood should be carefree playing in the Sun not living in the nightmare in the darkness of the Soul this matters because according to child.go there were 3.6 million reported cases of child abuse 2,000 of these children died out of all of these cases 66.2 of them were under 3 years old how would you feel if you were one of these children adults who are abused as a child experienced PTSD reliving unwanted moments and even dreaming about it imagine a world where child abuse and neglect didn't exist it would be Euphoria thousands of children would happily live with loved ones we wouldn't have to mourn that for the kids that are starved hit or suffer every day from parents and Guardians child protective services and Foster homes would even exist five kids die every day from abuse and neglect that means every month we would have 140 kids still here there are many foundations that support the stop of child abuse future without violence is a nonprofit Foundation that supports traumatized children and adults if you have any suspicion you should inform law enforcement and let them determine the next step for example noticing that a child is getting booes or even that a child is getting skinnier is a great reason when we become parents ourselves we should teach our children and talk to them letting them speak their mind instead of hitting them and hoping they just don't do it again hearing them out is always going to help you see and understand why your child did what they did I want you all to see and realize how wrong this problem is and how to help prevent it to see that thousands of children die every year from abuse and neglect to realize that a child has to spend their day worrying about what they're going to eat where they're going to live or even where to sleep sleep child abuse and neglect is a real problem that is massively understated even if they recover the pain and suffering will always follow them we can help children who suffer whether it's on the streets or in their homes the kids deserve a better life than that thank [Applause] you from Sycamore Junior High itel Lopez you either had to sit here at probably in elementary and listen to adults ramble about bullying or you have to sit there probably in elementary listening to teachers ramble about bullying and knowing how it feels I have been bullied for many things in my life throughout my life I've been bullied for how I dress how I talk how I look what I do and the the one who that has impacted me the most my sexuality as a queer female it has stuck the words have stuck with me the most throughout my life during the pandemic years I have figured out who I was and I have decided that I should be proud of it instead of feeling supported I felt disappointed the ones that I thought would support me ended up being the ones that would hate me I'm now stuck as a 14-year-old girl in Middle School remembering the words and seeing the people every day I wanted to speak awareness about bowling because I know there's other people out there who are hiding the fact they they have sometimes the same experience as me in my research I have found out that ages 11 through 18 have been bullied that is Elementary to high school in my research I have found out that 73 to 76% have felt like they were being bullied that is a high amount and no one wants to speak about it what angers me is what is this topic feels boring and not very interesting that angers me because nobody understands how it feels like wanting to harm yourself wanting to kill yourself and being stuck in such a low Place feeling like no one is there to help you I want you guys to realize that you guys can actually help people you don't even probably don't even realize it my friends are talking to me and they don't even realize that they're saving me um bullying has stuck with me forever I hope people know that your words and you probably heard this from teachers a bunch of times that your words can't stick to people that is true my the words of the people who have said such horrible things to me still stuck with me today I want you guys to imagine a world without bullying you can post whatever you want to without somebody commenting bad about it you can dress however you want to but without somebody commenting on it you can walk freely without in the back of your head thinking this person is definitely judging me right now you guys can help there's now phone numberers we can call when we feel down we now have friends you might hear this but there's teachers to help too um I have teachers in my school that I feel like I can talk to teachers or adults I feel like you should have you should build that bond with your kids because if you don't they're going to feel like they're stuck and they're going to ball up their feelings like I did and it's all going to break out I wanted to take this event to speak out about my feelings and speak about um others who probably have the same or different experience as I do thank you for [Applause] listening our final Junior High speaker is from Cambridge Virtual Academy Navy [Applause] Nash hi my name is Navy Nash I'm in seventh grade and I attend Cambridge Virtual Academy for my speech today I will be talking about marine pollution did you know that 14 million pieces of plastic end up in the ocean every year that's a lot of trash for just 365 days 36,000 plastic bottles is only one ton only one and there's 14 million of those that means that there is more than 5 trillion 40 billion pieces of plastic that ends up in the ocean every year many people think that the ocean is a beautiful place and a good majority of it is but some parts of the ocean can be the complete opposite because of marine pollution many of you might be thinking what do you mean the ocean is beautiful everywhere well the point I'm trying to get at is that the ocean is filled with toxic and unhealthy trash and pollutants and because of those pollutants the animals in the ocean are getting sick and even starting to die I think many of us know the cause of this humans all of us so to prevent all this trash from going into the ocean we can recycle and reuse not to mention that you may have never heard of microplastics and nanoplastics these microscopic pieces of plastic can have a negative effect on the ocean and the animals in it for instance these Plastics can absorb even more pollutants that could be even more toxic than the Plastics themselves I know many of you love sea animals raise your hand if you love sea animals I know I do my favorite sea animal is a narwhal so if you want to keep these sea animals that you love so much just pick up some trash thank you for your time and attention have a great rest of your [Applause] day well as one of our speakers said earlier the number one fear that most people have is the fear of public speaking and yet these amazing students came up and shared some beautiful personal stories may I remind you that you've been listening to seventh and eighth graders for the last 40 minutes or so let's give them one last round of applause we will take a 10-minute intermission and return with our high school speakers thank you two and then perect e e by the way for e well I think we've given our high school speakers enough time to do their stretching and tongue twisters to warm up so let's continue with the second half of our program we start off from Oxford High School vidy Patel are you toxic well you live in a third world country so of course you are due to the luxuries you have I mean we're predisposed at thinking that many discriminatory people think that oh well the third world countries are just naturally dirtier and so they contribute more to climate change but this isn't the case at all in fact as long along with not having the luxuries that we have third world countries also don't emit half or even a fourth of what carbon emissions we emit as First World countries but it's okay because we can still make it right let's understand the problem so we burn fossil fuels and this emits CO2 into the atmosphere this traps heat and eventually causes our planet to warm this causes destruction to our ecosystems and according to earth.org this also results this will result an irreversible damage to our planet as soon as 2027 my mom personally has suffered from this financially as during these times of the California drought and where there was food shortages we had to Shell out more money for our food and Necessities which caused issues in our family stress and it was not a good time overall but we don't think about the path what is sustainability and how do we get there what does the road look like well carbon taxing is a price placed on carbon emissions it's an economic economic incentive for businesses and people to reduce their carbon Footprints overall and it would be mandated by the IRS where you would pay it like your federal tax but you know how you're like where are my taxes going my roads look at the roads like my taxes are gone these taxes would actually be used for sustainability projects and be put back into your economy and you would be able to see the efforts of your hard work and you may think well this hasn't happened before how can I believe you well actually you'd be wrong because the Canadian government sustainability page according to them they stated that they implemented carbon taxes in 2008 and they saw a 2.8% reduction in their carbon emissions since 2007 may not seem big but it's a very big deal and their economy still grew and their population still grew just fine this is the political side of things but what about the personal side of things whether you're high or low income you should do your best with your living situation and what I would say is try to eat foods that are lower on the food chain they emit less carbon and they're healthier for you overall see the New York Times said that plant-based diets are actually 75% more carbon they do 75% less climate change harm than um diets that feature Meats like beef and pork so a world without climate change would look like a world where we don't have droughts where we don't have hunger and we don't have World starvation a world where our grand reef is no longer white and it's full of color again so please even though car even though carbon taxing is not a silver bullet to solve climate change it's a very useful tool so please help me advocate for its implementation into our government thank [Applause] you on to Kennedy High School and Sophia [Applause] fun when you hear that someone is a democrat or a republican you probably form an automatic opinion about them either you'll get along or you won't and you're not alone in this when it comes to politic ICS many of us are adopting this black and white view political polarization is the increasing Divergence of political attitudes away from the center and towards ideological extremes it's reflected in the increasing inability of conservatives and liberals to compromise the increasing unwillingness to negotiate and respect each other this affects not only our politics but our communities and individual relationships as well political polarization has been on the rise for decades political violence is at a 25-year High the more time goes on the more divided we get and with elections coming up it's a bigger concern than ever a recent National survey found that 25% of Americans say that they may need to resort to political violence in the upcoming election in order to save the country and that the Democracy of our country is at risk this may be true but it isn't because of any one particular party it's the increasing extremism of both sides that's truly threatening our democracy the issue is that we each think the other side is so fundamentally different from ourselves when that's really not true when asked about core values including fairness compassion and responsibility nine and 10 Democrats and Republicans agreed they were extremely important and yet only about onethird of either group said they believed the same would be true of the opposing party not only are we disagreeing we're seeing each other as cruel ignorant lacking in the fundamental values that in fact most of us share it's not that we don't have our differences but we need to be able to overcome them so we can work on addressing the issues that affect all of us Healthcare the environment the economy I mean these things don't affect just Democrats or just just Republicans they affect everybody we need to be able to work together to fight these problems rather than just fighting each other this may seem like an insurmountable problem but the solution is actually quite simple and it starts with you next time you talk to someone you disagree with don't dismiss them listen to them see them for what they are not a democrat or a republican but your neighbor or your sibling or your male man who you may have more in common with than you think if everybody in the world could do that our communities would become much less divided and we'd be able to work together towards living up to the high ideals that our nation was founded on thank [Applause] you and now from Magnolia High School Mimi Al [Applause] kalash picture an oldfashioned scale with plates on either side on one side place things that drain your cup on the other things that refill it throughout your day try and keep that scale level that is balance hello everyone my name is Mimi Al KES and I will be talking about why balance is key what indicates a life out of balance the Cleveland's Health Clinic mentions sleep problems depersonalization suffering relationships and declining mental health in 2021 long working hours caused heart disease in stroke which killed 745,000 people according to the World Health Organization a high schooler gets an average of three and a half hours of homework per day according to US Health news the American Psychological Association warns that imbalance leads to emotional exhaustion and burnout it's time we start prioritizing finding an equilibrium between work and life here are three key Concepts to help you unlock the door to balance one The goldilock Zone not too hot not too cold just right a life of all work and no play or all Play and No Work is unfulfilling like Goldilocks you need to find what's just right for example study for an hour less to remember more or put an hour extra into exercise two organize your thoughts to organize your time imagine this you have a f fin doing a week we need to maintain grades for a scholarship and go to your part-time job organize your thoughts maybe use a to-do list now organize your time perhaps a planner and third grounding prayer meditation nature whatever works for you find something that grounds you and practice it every day this will help you reconnect with the present and stay mindful so what does the goldilock Zone organizing your thoughts in time and grounding have to do with finding balance they make you prioritize yourself my mother always used to say in you are the the center of your Universe thank [Applause] you we now move on to Gilbert High School and welcoming Elana [Applause] Mendes hello everyone I am Eliana Mendes and I will be talking talking about human trafficking there is a crime that thrives in the shadows of our communities and prays on the most vulnerable among us we can be the voice for those who are silenced and work towards eradicating this modernday slavery human trafficking is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide services lots of people from all age groups genders and ethnicities are being taken from their homes their families and are being sold to provide labor and sexual activities around the world two articles United Nations office of drugs and crime and National human trafficking hotlines state that almost 800,000 men women and children are trafficked across International borders like Asia Colombia Cuba Mexico Nicaragua and Middle Eastern countries children are most commonly the victims Asia having the highest number of trafficking victims 18% is forced labor but the most common form of human trafficking is sexual exploitation at 79% a few months ago while I was watching the news the news reporter caught my attention she spoke about a 7-year-old girl found at the US Mexico border with 76 different traces of DNA found inside her when I heard this I was in shock and I was appalled on how so many people can hurt someone so vulnerable I mean this is a child a little girl think of this as your own child a family member a cousin a niece a friend I fear for our communities and our families that something like this could impact your life my life our communities human trafficking is a crime that undermines economic and National Security undermines the rule of law and harms the mentality and emotional health of individuals everywhere according to operation Underground Railroad they fight on the front lines every day to help and fight to get Justice for those who are being trafficked across every part of the world every country let us join corporations and organizations like operation Underground Railroad who tirelessly fight on the front lines who advocate for those who are silenced and bring traffickers to Justice imagine a world where every heartbeat resonates with freedom where no soul is Shackled by the chains of exploitation let us let our feet carry us to corporations and organizations let us build a future where every heartbeat pulses with dignity and not despair stand with me against this heinous crime for in our Collective heartbeat lies the power to break the chains and set Humanity [Music] [Applause] free and now from Anaheim ilc Matthew [Applause] Franco good good evening everybody my name is Matthew Franco and I'm from I'm from Anaheim High School Independent Learning Center this topic has had my interest for a while but once I get to thinking I have all these emotions running through my body that I do not like but I can't stay silent and I won't stay quiet today I stand before you bringing the bringing the attention of the epidemic National crisis of the effects of fenel I'm the middle child of six already getting in trouble with the law at the age of 12 at 4 years old I was left alone with my grand mother and my siblings after my parents separation and my dad's absence due to custody battles this chaos in my life led me down a similar path to my father's and at 14 years old I was already entangled with the law and a gang for the next 3 years to come on July 29th 2023 just days after I was released from juvenile hall I was home having a wonderful time with my father and my siblings while my little brother was knocking on the restroom door there was no answer unknowingly my father was in there unresponsive due to a fental overdose my father passed away July 29th 2023 from a fenol overdose fentol is a synthetic opioid typically used to treat patients with chronic severe pain or severe pain following surgery it is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine just 2 milligrams equal to 10 to 15 grains of table salt is considered a lethal dose according to the CDC between the years 2016 to 2021 fenal deaths increased by 2 179% according to the CDC as well between the years 2019 to 2021 fenal deaths increased with 182% between the between the ages 10 to 19 years old the youth need access and Early Education on how to deal with the fenal overdose for their own safety and others so they can save a life some of our national policies have made the Southwest border the worst it's ever been allowing drug trafficking organizations to distribute fenol by kilograms just one kilogram has enough power to kill 500,000 people according to the DEA I would also recommend a moratorium against painkillers that consist of opioids because that contributes to a future drug addiction which is exactly what happened to my father my name is Matthew Franco and I won't stay quiet thank [Applause] you we go now to catella high school with Joel Mata when I was in 10th Grade I finally began accepting who I was I was tired of the constant remarks based on my sexuality so I spoke against it slurs being thrown at me no adult support and constant inappropriate touching made me realize I shouldn't be waiting for Help by finally speaking out against the homophobic attributes people had I was able to show other s they could do the same before I go on what is homophobia homophobia is the Prejudice of queer people and is often derived from the environment you surround yourself with some people may think they haven't been homophobic but subtle jokes or stereotyping the queer Community is also a way of demonstrating these biases to add on to that having friends or family doesn't excuse you from being homophobic another issue is touching others some think it's okay to touch queer people because they assume we like it for one we never ask to be touched and for another touching people or doing things without consent is never okay it's difficult to get help from adults with situations like this because we don't know if they'll agree with us some adults have a perception that students should dress modestly or avoid unwanted attention however as someone who's followed the dress code by covering my body why was I so touched not only does it make us uncomfortable to have to talk about what happened but we don't know if anything will ever be done about it others suffer the same problems I have a survey conducted by Harvard th Chan School of Public Health showcased that more than 50% of individuals within the lgbtq plus Community go through sexual harassment throughout their lives furthermore homosexuality is not always accepted throughout the world we can see different laws against the lgbtq plus community community laws such as the don't say gay Bill laws preventing same-sex marriage death sentences and so much more are preventing us all from being equal to one another so how can we resolve this issues that occur in and out of class are detrimental to each and every individual student as it changes who we are in different ways to help you must first be educated on the principles of homophobia I understand we can't just force people to automatically change their ideological perspectives but live your life more open-mindedly this includes adult awareness when reaching out to students students respecting others regardless of who they are and supporting those around you who may not even get help at home by showcasing your abilities to communicate and [Applause] coexist from Cypress High School School alot [Applause] hus never again right we never want to repeat the wrong parts of our history you would think now today in a society seeing our history we would notice such disgusting and evil acts but we're not we're just doing our daily things acting like nothing happened and some of us just aren't educated enough or some of us just don't care because it doesn't affect us personally hello my name is Al and I'm a proud palestini Palestinian talking to y'all today now many people say that what Hamas did the allegations with no evidence everyone just jumped to conclusions and assumed what everything that on the Fox News said was right but not there was no evidence to what the M said yes they made mistakes but nothing solves a problem of 30,000 civilians dying 30,000 innocent people 30,000 men 30,000 women 30,000 children I myself have had 50 over 50 people die just these past five months since October 7th and and even in the past before that I've had over 50 people with my blood died and these people range from just kids to 17 years olds even younger even in junior high even adults people my dad's age and we're like we're still doing our daily things I feel many of us aren't talking about what's happening in Palestine we're still going to Starbucks supporting places that support Israel just do your part please I'm asking you as someone that has been personally affected by this this isn't a political thing this is literally black and white this is a IDE with photographical evidence ask Congress for seize fired I I don't want any more people dying with my blood a dad shouldn't be looking for kids under the rubble with his bare hands with his four kids and his wife dead a mother shouldn't be asking for Allah God just one more time with her son cuz right now she's saying goodbye to him through a dead body a seven-year-old dead body I have six siblings I have a young younger brother I can't I can't fathom thinking Yousef my little brother can be dead all the news reporters you see from festine Palestine they're all wearing gear heavy heavy gear because they know they're going to get shot one of the people one of the reporters had to move from Palestine because all his family got shot cuz he was standing with Palestine I know what I'm doing standing here I know what I'm saying as a PR Palestinian many people think it's weird many people may not agree with what I'm saying but I I'm am standing proud because this affects my family this affects people in Palestine and we've seen us as a society grow and how we stood up with black lives matter now I want us to stand up with Palestines and we have been doing that and I appreciate it but we need to start taking a step further because look at us we're under this ceiling we have we have comfortable beds to sleep on we're able to go to a hospital not far away if anything happens Palestinians they don't they don't have that it's almost all hospitals in Palestine are bombed and many people it it's I know they've seen this on Instagram or on Tik Tok or on social media in general all the stuff that's been happening with Palestinians this isn't something you just swipe away from this is something there's no moving on from this do your part ask Congress for Seas fire and Palestinians just want to live in peace they want to stop trying to survive they just they just want to be here and be happy we're not monsters we're people to live and make a future thank [Applause] you please welcome from laera Jenny [Applause] vu from personal experience I am able to confidently say that my phone usage has affected my life in many different ways As I Grew Older and became more aware of the accumulation of bad habits in my life I've noticed that spending the majority of my time behind my phone screen is a habit that is common for people at my age range I started to think of how easily I was influenced by content I was consuming on my phone mainly on social media websites a habit isn't action that is constantly repeated with no conscious effort or awareness the reinforcement of those habits occurs when a positive feeling is associated with that certain Behavior what is more instantly satisfying than a heightened phone usage while smartphones provide a variety of benefits the risk factors of handing an irresponsible adolescent a smartphone are real the developing Mind of a child is very influenceable almost like a sponge soaking up water social media is mainly run by influencers who possess a platform to post anything to their liking they have the capability to endorse social norms and values by implementing behaviors the nonprofit research organization Common Sense Media reported that seven that screen usage amongst tween increased by 177% from 2019 and 2021 it is no surprise that social media is more common for the younger Generations a socially unaware child faces the risk of being exposed to content promoting behaviors that can affect them that can affect them negatively or positively sorry a socially unaware child faces the risk of be of being exposed to content promoting negative behaviors that can affect the trajectory of their lifestyle a study suggests that checking social media constantly as a habit as a young teen is associated with changes in the brain over a 2 to three years span while genetic predisposition can affect how a child thinks I believe that what a child is mainly exposed to can nurture them to think differently either negatively or positively due to the fact that the developing mind is very influenceable and impressionable to environmental influences unrestricted use of a phone can have an adverse impact on a teen's Health mentally and physically about 23% of teens are reported to use their phones before they go to bed this can affect someone's Cadian Rhythm which is the physical mental and behavioral change in organism experiences over a 24-hour cycle the bright screens provided by our phones stimulates the area of our brain that keeps us alert and awake causing a restless night which results in chronic sleep deprivation and a good sleeping schedule is crucial for the mental well-being of a developing teen due to the fact due to to decrease the risk of an impaired cognitive function it is common to replace physical activity with excessive phone usage minimal physical activity can lead to potentially harming the development of motor skills due to the fact due to the lack of due to the lack of of sorry of impr of decreasing endurance and muscle strength if you ever find yourself in the entanglement of endorsing a negative phone habits it is okay to seek help from others it is okay to seek help from others to who will provide encouragement to be more lenient towards healthier habits thank [Applause] you and now from Anaheim High School Jose cisos [Applause] bazan imagine a Tranquility of a quiet morning you're eating breakfast with your loved ones then to your surprise there's a hard knock on your door your father gets up to see who it is to your surprise it's a nice agent he's forcibly taken to who knows where and you think to yourself but why but why is he being taken away and you think to yourself he hasn't killed CA harmed done drugs or raped or terrorist the only thing that you could think of is he has worked and worked day and night to support him and his family hello my name is Jose SOS and I come from a family of illegal immigrants there are over 2 million illegal immigrants here in California that number is significant and they have contributed over 11.6 billion million dollars annually according to the it and nc.gov and they having gotten the treatment that they should deserve and like I mentioned I come from a family of illegal immigrants they crossed the border like many others and they say share the same story as others they came here for a better future for themselves and for their family they don't want here to cause trouble they want a better future for themselves and for their family each day and the word illegal I have never enjoyed hearing it it seems extremely racist not right for these hardworking people and illegal for me is someone who has raped killed or a terrorist or something atrocious to the world and as communities we could come and Unite with one another another and be against anti-racial immigration laws as we can see Texas has implemented these laws and this shouldn't be in our country or state present or future and everyone could do this let's use our most powerful to today social media we must leverage our voice amplify our voices for a better future and tomorrow for generations to come we must bring awareness to this we must must get the attention of Congress the government decision makers we must make change and one more thing separation of families shouldn't be a thing this border is illegal thank [Applause] you for from Savannah high school please welcome Ellie City [Applause] Muhammad My my mother was supposed to name me maram maram Sid Muhammad today I stand before you as Al Al CID Muhammad I owe my namesake to a wonderful girl my mother happened to be friend when she was pregnant with me OT was a Storyteller my mom never forgot the story of eda's birthday where instead of putting out her candles she was putting out the fire in her neighborhood after an Israeli air strike ot's heart was kind so kind that when she was younger she helped her neighbor collect the remains of his daughter in the rubble of what used to be their home El was from Gaza Gaza an occupied Palestine Gaza Human Rights Watch describes it as an open air prison Gaza the UN calls it a graveyard for the Youth Gaza where innocent men women and children are taken from this world as Martyrs or forced to live under a sky that Reigns death death that we pay for according to the US state department the United States annually provides Israel with with $3.3 billion in military aid if you do the math the average US taxpayer pays $25 in weapons to Israel every year allowing them to terrorize Palestinians for decades now 76 years to be exact but who's counting a century from today if things keep going the way they are Israel will have colonized the Gaza Strip along with all that was Palestine they will wash away most of Palestinian history write their own textbook chapter CHS of how Israel really came to be and the only land they will be willing to give back to the Palestinians will be lousy reservations to keep them out of the way and the cherry on top once a year Israeli families will Feast on a day dedicated to celebrating the arrival of the settlers as the native Palestinians mourn the Decades of genocide that followed sound familiar we are witnessing modern-day colonization and whilst the government of the United States is enabling it the people of the United States can stop it you can educate yourself don't let anybody tell you it's too complicated you can amplify Palestinian voices the oppression the cruelty it's practiced on their bodies you can call on your Congress members your senators and your president to stop enabling these atrocities with US taxpayer money when the communities they represent are in dire need of those resources in the words of Nelson Mand It seems impossible until it is done you can make a change and you should not just because the oppressor needs you to be quiet not just because the oppressed need you to be loud but because you need to remember who you are in Gaza we are watching the most documented genocide in history accessible through your screens it's easy to feel helpless but instead of wallowing in pity instead of only pointing at your leaders and saying this is who who you really are point that finger at yourself you the citizen you the nation of immigrants you the activist you the American the one who holds the most power in this democracy in this moment in history who are you thank [Applause] you our final speaker tonight is from Western High School Alisa Ahmad what exactly is the true purpose of life to live a Content life filled with joy and peace or having to bear bear the burden of mental illness upon your shoulders and experiencing the endless feeling of slowly sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss at some point in their lives an estimated 49 plus% of teenagers experienced a mental health condition reads a website on adolescent mental health this demonstrates how little emphasis our society has on supporting mental health issues since it affects both mental and emotional well-being such as your s esteem your perspective of the world and your ability to deal with life's challenges supporting mental health should be a social priority in the USA we need to prevent this major issue from occurring because if this issue is not resolved this can lead to a poor perspective of Life severe disabilities homelessness drug and alcohol abuse and can even lead to enormous suicide ideations an article stated that during 47,000 plus of people in the United States died by Suicide up from 45 plus per in 2020 just visualize numerous adults teens and even young children desolate and isolated who end up making life-threatening decisions before reaching out to their parents therapists and counselors about what they're going through since they assume the people just don't understand and their pain in order to lessen this problem and ensure the safety of our society we should all do our part to increase Mental Health Resources and raise awareness in our community we can do this by creating a safe space for people acknowledging the connection between mental and physical health which is often overlooked in favor of physical health and supporting it through exercise meditation and a healthy diet the Affordable Care Act mandates that all plans made available through the ACA exchanges including those for individuals and small employers must cover a range of mental health care services in order to Aid and make our world a better place we need to take initiative by taking these approaches by creating a safe space for individuals considering mental and physical health and through exercise meditation and a healthy diet to counter this current is isue thank [Applause] you okay everyone can let their breath out now what what an incredible evening I think it was Socrates and Aristotle who used to complain about the youths and how the Next Generation doesn't know what's happening and we can't count on them and I I have a feeling that after tonight you will all all agree that we can count on our youth please let's give them a big round of applause while the final scores are being calculated I'd like to turn it over to our judges for just a few moments and have them share some of their thoughts of what they saw this evening so thank you um I think the best [Music] schools take the curriculum and they put uh the issues of the world and society and the problems of the world and Society into their curriculum they make them the curriculum teachers don't avoid it administrators don't avoid it but they put it at the heart and center and so teachers I want to commend you students administrators I want to commend you uh for allowing our students to really explore issues that they're passionate about thank you um as an English teacher for many years I lived in the world of rhetoric and argumentation you know often we hear arguments that are centered by fear and hate and divisiveness and they lead to winners and losers tonight our students presented arguments that were really grounded in compassion and love and empathy and logic and those are the types of arguments that lead to Winners everybody's a winner there's not winners and losers but everybody's a winner so thank you students our adults have a lot to learn from you thank you your pres your presentations tonight were remarkable [Applause] congratulations I just want to say how impressed I am um with the personal touches that each of you presented with and the passion that you brought um to your speech um I don't know if I would have done quite as good of a job in my junior high or High School career getting up there and being so brave so um I commend all of you um and like Mike said I think we all have something that we could learn from this evening um and uh I just I just really applaud each and every one of you so thank you I don't know what else is left to say after that that was very difficult to follow both of you um but first just I can't even begin to imagine what it is to be in your shoes this evening I am a graduate of this district and I absolutely know I could not do what you all did tonight um I am blown away and it reminds me daily the work that we do and why this is so important I am astonished and I know that you all are leaders already and I hope you remain leaders for the rest of your lives thank you for being here for Having the courage thank you also yes to our teachers our administrators our counselors our support staff and everyone who supports you in your journey your families your communities I am so proud of each and every one of you congratulations the speakers that you heard tonight were site winners at their own schools but there are dozens and dozens of other students who also participated in this program and shared their voices with their communities I encourage you to discuss with your speaker and with each other which speeches resonated with you tonight and what will be your soapbox issue what's important to you and what can you share with the world I'd like to invite our board members and executive committee to come up to the stage for the presentation of the awards and while they're coming up to the stage I'd like to thank again our teachers our students our student ambassadors for being with us as I call the names of the top people my God please come up and receive your trophy and stay up here and once all the trophies have been distributed please everyone come up for a photograph for our Jun for our Junior High winners there is a tie for third place from South Anthony [Applause] Silva also in third place from Ball Junior High jasine Gerard wow you better be crying out there too because this is exciting in second place for Junior High from Lexington sha WN and in first place for Junior High from Walker vivana D [Applause] Roes and now let's move to the high school level in third place from Kennedy Sophia [Applause] fun in second place from Magnolia Mimi Al kalash and the first place for this year's so soapbox speech competition is from Savannah Ellie City [Applause] Muhammad please applaud our winners an amazing evening but remember it could be you spreading a message together we can change the world one story at a time thank you so much for being here tonight we will close with some remarks from our superintendent Mr matuda and when he is done please everyone come up for a photograph thank you first let's give it up for Autumn Brown amazing thank you and secondly to the teachers Pro for providing a safe and affirming environment for our kids voices you know uh We've we heard from so many young leaders across the district we're so proud of you for having the courage to speak your minds and um it's really not just for the parents but for all all the adults as Mr Switzer said early we have a lot to learn from you and we hear you we hear your voices and again a shout out to our teachers and our principls for creating affirming environment safe environments civil environments for us to learn and grow together as we Face these incredible challenges ahead for your children thank you so much to the judges and to congratul ation to all the winners thank you very much thank you so much for being here tonight go out and tell your story good night

any conflicts with that all right sounds good hey next thing we need is a motion to adjourn moved I have a motion from Chuck second from Margaret all in favor of adjournment say I I I I that looked to be unanimous also thank you very much folks

thank you welcome Dr am next time

good afternoon Welcome to our first agenda which is the joint committees on education and transportation and culture and the Arts to hear House Bill 1837 HD1 relating to school safety and this bill requires the Department of Education to Grant Public Access to emergency action plans that do not pose a security risk to student staff or guests of school campuses requires each department school to have a comprehensive School evacuation communication plan for use during emergencies requires the doe to collaborate with do to assess all Department school campuses to determine if there are sufficient emergency evacuation routes for each camp and report to the legislature also appropriat funds first to testify superintendent Hayashi please oh my superintendent we morph assistant please identify yourself cheer K cheeran committee members Audrey Dono interm assistant super intendent from oo I'm testifying on behalf of this bill and we stand on our written testimony providing comments and if you have any questions I brought the expert uh with me so he can answer the questions um I think that you should give us some uh information and provide some testimony as this is an important issue okay you're off the hot seat next hi sen long time no see man aren't you lucky sorry too much coffee right good afternoon chair uh and everyone my name is Max meno I'm the director of Safety and Security emergency preparedness Branch uh for the due um my understanding uh if if I'm correct is just a summary of what our testimony is okay basically uh we're providing comments and many of the things that are already in the bill uh already exist um as you can see here we're requesting that uh um public access to the plans uh may not be you know we would recommend uh against that but department is already on its way in developing emergency action plans in fact we're about 70 70% done uh We've we've uh crafted uh emergency action plans for all of the neighbor Island schools and our intent is to do it for all uh 258 of our schools to ensure that they're standardized and they meet uh Federal Emergency Management agency uh requirements so we're on our way uh in doing that nevertheless each of our school is required to have an EAP in accordance with OSHA regulations so they already have one it's just a matter of ensuring it's standardized and it meets FEMA requirements and um it also indicates here that we are responsive to cultural awareness however the translation uh needs may be a little uh may be a little uh challenging to meet at this time be especially during uh high-intensity incidents such as active shooter where we're going to have to the expectation is to uh meet the 15 languages and all that that may be a bit difficult to do and we're asking for uh money as well um but that's basically it pending any questions thank you thank you we're going to take all the testimony on this measure before we ask questions thank you next to testify an huchi Deputy attorney general good afternoon here kidani Lee Vice chair Kim and members and herui Department of the Attorney General um as we set forth in our testimony um we are suggesting that in order to clar verify that there will not be a new cause of action against the doe or the state um as a result of what's in the the this bill we've suggested an amendment to the bill um we're also suggesting language that would have parents and Guardians provide updated contact information to the schools I'll be available for questions thank you thank you an next to testify AF bam ran did I good afternoon shair white shair and member of committee uh a executive director for the office top language access so we stand on a written testimony commenting on this measure but in some we just want to make sure that when we talk about language access it's not free a lot of time when people uh didn't take the budget into consideration at the plan and translation uh like I say at in my testimony it could be costly and you're going to do for the 15 languages it should take into consideration and it's also we offer comment regarding another means of communication it should be uh could be in the form of uh what you call video video clip or PSA that could be considered as well and I'm available of any question the committee we have thank you share thank you next to testify dentry b b good afternoon chair my name is Elizabeth Pearson I'm an intern with the state Council on developmental disabilities and the council stands on their written testimony um any questions I can forward to my boss testimony and support yes and support thank you next to testify James lab good afternoon chair Vice chair committee members James ly um I would like to start on my testimony but one bu point that I would like to highlight is being that I'm a disabled person in the actual case of an emergency I would suggest that we need to if it's not on the third if I'm not on the first floor for instance how would we be able to get down in an actual emergency so I would please ask that you guys take that into consideration that's all thank you thank you James also on Zoom we have Osa Tui not present on Zoom chair she's present oh hi also everybody's [Laughter] getting more speaking on behalf of osatou president of the Hawaii state Teachers Association the Hawaii state teachers Association supports House Bill 1837 and we want to highlight the part where we strongly believe law enforcement Personnel should be aware of and consulted on school emergency plans when we do our drills on off-campus evacuation they are there to supervise us and they're the ones who know the community so they should be part of this plan thank you very much for the opportunity to testify thank you Le is there anyone else here wishing to testify on this matter okay members any questions from our testifiers have a question Richard thank you Mr mandosa good afternoon sir thank you um you said that you're working on the plans but you don't support it being public why in Safety and Security sir uh there's two things that are very important to us operation security and information security and the reason why plans are are treated that way they should be treated confidential um it's basically a game book and we don't want to reveal that to to the entire public because it could get into the wrong hands where it could be used against us uh during an active threat um emergency action plans are confidential and should be accessible to only those who have a need to know uh law enforcement fire emergency First Responders and those sort of fe uh folks that have a stake in the Safety and Security of our schools okay I thought you might say that um and I I don't necessarily disagree with you um but I think um we're talking about kids and we're talking about parents that are concerned about their kids so there should be some way to communicate even if you had a small group parent Teachers Association Something That We're privy to it so they could assure the the population but I I appreciate your answer on that yes sir and if I could uh in emergency action plans there are pii personally identifiable information in those plans uh phone numbers addresses names and those sort of things where people are very sensitive in fact and and to answer your question about um access to parents we can easily If the parents would like information we can easily make a general guidance uh portfolio that could be accessible just to give General guidance as to how we do evacuations lockdown drills uh and those sort of things shelter in place and I think that needs to be part of the communication so thank you thank you chair thank you thank you members for the question senator okay I'll sit here this time yeah to me anyway just just going forward um I can't understand not giving names and all that already the community already knows where the evacuation area is and any kind of time of thre but what I recommend on going forward now that we continue ask and hopefully we can fund law enforcement I know before prior to when I brought this up before oh we don't want nobody with un gun we don't want them treating our kids like prisoners but in this and age look what's happening now so I believe that each school and I still believe this with your emergency preparation plan should include a law enforcement officer on campus Because HPD does help our we seat officers does help in our community but what if there is no hbd because they have to go to an emergency situation that's why having one law enforcement officer on each on property of the doe would be very crucial to what you guys are talking now second going forward with this uh evacuation and area to have um area where they can Evacuate the doe standards for evacuation back in front of the school um is usually um the standard but the school in K don't have a b School they only have front it didn't even meet the minimum qualification for those emergency evacuations and the reason why I bring this up because in my district schools is ready to be built elementary schools high schools in the next few thing that was one of the preparations that the developers had to bring in to make sure that I'm back and front emergency exit so I'm just saying the neighbor Islands got caught shot that they wanted one school but not not not one easy place for have them evacuate on a time of safety unless you're going to have a helicopter those are the things that I think you guys should take in consideration and more priation maybe the one in Maui because they don't have a back entrance as what I heard front and back evacuation access as they don't they don't even have a Crossing that is safe appreciate it chair thank you thank you members further questions not next door they're grabbing it right okay um yeah I think we have to close this agenda before get the next so I'm going to recess for now thank you reconvening The Joint Committee on education and committee on Transportation culture and arts dealing with House Bill 1837 relating to school safety thank you um for the testimony and the recommendation of the education chair is to pass this um do we have amendments on this to pass with amendments okay so we are the amendments is to adopt the testimony of the Department of Attorney General as well as Department of Education and also we have some technical and non-substantive amendments sounds good sounds good okay for the vote chair votes I education committee House Bill 1837 house draft one pass with amendments the chair votes I Vice chair votes I Senator Hashimoto hi Senator Richards hi Senator FLL five members voting affirmative recommendations adopt thank you thank you TCA committee same recommendation okay chair's recommendation to pass hb1 1837 house draft one with amendments okay CH Lee hi if ice chair goes I Senator elanti is excused Senator kuha Senator a is excused meas adopted Mr chair thank you meeting's adjourned thank you welcome to the committee on education we are we have several agendas this afternoon and the first one is uh measures that were deferred um I'm sorry this is for House Bill 1651 HD2 relating to the safety of educational workers um before I take the vote on this agenda I'd like to ask um both the attorney general and superintendent to come forward I understand that both of you have met and want to give us an update so please please update the committee I'll start um thank you chair I'm Ann Lopez I'm the Attorney General um thank you for listening to us today without having put in formal testimony um we uh met yesterday to talk about some of the issues that um educational workers are facing and um while there's a a bread of issues um one of the um I guess burgeoning problems is um actually uh helping teachers and other educational workers um deal not just with students who are disrespect and abusive but with parents and um try to find a way to uh amend the bill to deal with that seemed really um like a step too far at this point we talked about the fact that right now the doe doesn't have an umbrella code of conduct for parents um that lays out how do you behave when you're in a meeting if you use abusive language or you're swearing you need to you you can be told to stop um and what that process is like and so what we talked about was uh getting together with my deputies and doe and coming up with um a solid code of conduct that um every parent can be aware of so that the the school whether it's in PTA meetings or IEP meetings um has a way to try and get parents to act respons respons thank you superintendent chair thank you um Kashi superintendent um we did have a meeting with um attorney general Lopez and uh the department is looking very much forward to establishing this code of conduct for for all of our parents um as we continue to um look for ways to continue to work together in the best interest of our students and we believe that uh this code of conduct will help set expectations for everyone common expectations for everyone across our school community so we look forward to working with the Office of the Attorney General thank you and this is uh students parents as well as Guardians parents and Guardians yes sure well and we would say the family members of the student so if it's a grandparent but not a guardian or an auntie who the child lives with or something like that so it would be the the family member who is responsible for the child so do you have a timeline for um something that you're going to work on well we'll be getting together right away yeah and we thought there's two steps there we can do uh originally well the admin rules will take a little bit longer um but I think Ken we were talking about being able to do an actual just code of conduct that uh could be completed sooner and start being circulated as those rules are developed and implemented and given public testim so necessarily need a bill we're going to have a code of conduct yes and you have my commitment uh and my deputy's commitment to work on this collaboratively and get it done now the um members questions yeah I I got a question so you guys already have the chapter 19 um for students yeah so there's not any way I mean instead of going making uh I guess Reinventing the will um underlying or working with the chapter 19 in adding the conduct for mother father sisters brothers and his uncles whatever um onto that um chapter 19 because it does talk about meetings with students and parents and whatnot because and especially with the special education when they have the IEP meetings and they have their teacher there and whatnot there there should be a protection and that's the reason why I really um I really like this bill because I know what they go through I seen it as a custodian as a security and a parent what the difficulties of what the principal's got to go through when a parent comes with a stick running through the campus to beat up their child it's it's hard it's hard I mean for what they have to go through so whatever amendments and whatever the chair decides to do I'll support it but instead of waiting for try to do a new code or adding codes you guys should just beef up the chapter 19 that every kid can um get and every kid that send home to the parent would have thank you Senator um chap chapter 19 Senator thank you um deals specifically um solely with student misconduct right so yeah um that that under that chapter we would be limited to um student behavior and student misconduct thank you sure Senor Rich yeah thank you um I like the idea about a code of conduct but that's for more or less decorum and managing people what about an outright threat made to a student or to a teacher how does thee handle that and what are the the laws that govern that um thank you Senator uh if a threat is made to a um a teacher on campus it's a threat uh we do do notify the police and the employee is given the option to um follow a police report and then law enforcement would then um follow up accordingly in that situation but what do doe where where does doe fit into this because as an employer when I've had problems with the public yes it's an employee but also we as a company also help getting through this thing because they wouldn't be put in a bad position if they weren't working so we have a teacher put in a bad position or a student put in bad position and they wouldn't be there if it wasn't at school so how does doe address this it's not just called the police what's the followup it each um each situation sen is is very unique in its in its own uh own right and so um uh working with the school principal would then um address each individual system each individual incident um in in its own Merit in in terms of what needs to be addressed um so School principal would definitely work together with the teacher to um deem whatever appropriate next steps are needed it it's it's difficult to speak generally because each each situation is is unique in nature yeah and I I got that part but you know I'm listening to what Senator FLL is talking about um and being very point OED as a doe cuz they are there because they're there for doe so is this we call the police and decide or do you call the parent in do you set up a meeting how do you handle that your followup not just phone call in in in situations that person I've been involved in as a principal um there are situations where um uh a parent or Guardian became unruly in the school uh to a teacher and made threats would definitely um involved law enforcement but as a school um I would set up a meeting with the with the particular parent uh to address whatever issue that needs to be addressed in moving forward and make very clear that um what the expectations are for that parent and is that Doe policy um I'm not sure if it's if it's policy I believe it's standard practice though that a principles would um it's common practice that principles would address uh what whatever issues that come up with parents or Guardians um in different situations I may I add to that um it's this is a really hard situation because when we talk about a threat uh from a criminal and legal perspective the threat has to be an immediate threat that one reasonably believes they're in danger so what we need to do and I think particularly with the parental code is because we need for everything that falls short of that um and I hate to say that there are people who know exactly where that line is so that everything that falls short of that if it's the conduct of the parent or guardian or whomever um we need to have a policy that is districtwide that is standardized that says when misconduct happens if it's if they're on campus we already have a process to issue a trespass letter saying they cannot come back uh on campus until we've worked out what the conduct would be but also we need to be able to say uh we need to be able to structure when they can contact the school and when the school will deal with them and under what circumstances um so with the parents I think we have a lot we have work to do on that and I I think it should be Statewide I think Senator keani reminded us that we're the only state with a Statewide Department of Education and not districts so as a result I think we really need to work as a state to figure out where those boundaries are if it's a threat and they call the police then the police absolutely need to respond and take those uh situations seriously I agree but so doe also must need to respond and take that seriously and be part of the solution Senator if I may um also we do have a uh systemwide trespass letter as as um attorney general um Lopez has shared that um um is available to schools that we would notify parents um if uh these kinds of those kinds of behaviors continue um parent wouldn't would not be allowed on the school campus and uh there have been situations where uh that trespass letter has been used and parent is not allowed to parent or Guardian is not allowed to back onto the campus I believe it's for one calendar year some of the testimony on this bill has bothered me and I think we need to um whatever we need to do is I see a bullying going on I see a threatening going on and I take great offense to all that so Char I don't want to belabor the point but I want to talk story on this so appreciate it chair thank you just a reminder that this bill only deals with the procedures for handling harassment of educational workers and yeah I do thank you thank you so the recommendation of the chair will be to defer House Bill 1651 HD2 moving on to our next agenda uh House Bill 500 HD1 relating to education appropriates funds to doe to promote surfing as an inter clastic okay thank you so appropriates funds to Dy to Pro promote surfing as an intercol lastic sport effective sorry members we're requesting to amend this bill to provide funds for various Workforce Readiness programs and opportunities for Student Success to include include practical real life implementation for student learning okay to testify superintendent Hayashi please thank you questions members yes does the do we have capacity to carry out what this bill is um putting in can can you guys carry out what if we pass this bill on when it comes into to certain Sports can can you guys handle that regarding the surfing yeah um right now Maui is the only Island offering surfing um in their in in their in their league right now the um other leagues and and principls were not offering it so there's no capacity for um well it's not one of the sports that they've elected to um add to their repertoire of sports that they offer um for their students so it's a capacity issue um it's also they have to determine where and when those PR practice sessions would be um there's a ratio of um athletes to coaches due to the nature of the sport and So currently it's not on the docket um for many of our high schools okay thank you thank you thank you chair call recess reconvening our committee on education House Bill HD1 to testify also is Beth matsuda hi welcome um surfing is growing Mai is the only Island right now that has it but we have 13 schools right now and we have two more schools coming on so we have eight oia schools they are involved five ilh schools we follow the curriculum that Jim how developed and was approved already by the AG's office um so all our kids have to go through Junior guard training all the coaches have to go through a certification course we also need to write out risk assessment for the beach that their kids practice on we've had strong Community Support um my school alone we have over 20 extra surf boards but it is now there are 35 colleges that offer surfing scholarships so surfing is it's a approved sport in the east coast and the West Coast in Australia it's a high school sport now it's the 35 colleges that approved it as a college sport and they're offering scholarships so this is a way for our kids also to get to College it also feeds them into the lifeguards programs um we've had I don't know we've just had a lot of strong Community Support we have schools waiting to come in but I just haven't been able to fit in their training yet um but I really really wish hope that you will approve this and fund us thank you the mous questions thank you thank you next to testify is Kylie sat on Zoom hi my name is Kylie Sato I'm the captain of lahu high school surf team while surfing is a sanctioned sport there are no committed resources surfing aligns with the Doe's visions and values and is connected to our history culture AA and career opportunities here in havai by passing hb500 HD1 it is a step forward in making high school surfing a recognized Sport and for investing in our students and giving them an opportunity to connect the passion to their school and create ocean stage now and for a lifetime thank you thank you is there anyone else here wishing to testify in this measure okay if not we say question go ahead so we're ask you're asking for $800 the bill asking for $800,000 what would this money be used for what would the 800,000 be used for for surfing the bill is asking for right so if you get the $100,000 what would the money be used for so I can speak ask 800,000 per surfing yeah so there's a number of different um activities we have uh I'm just going to pull that out real quick but it's for um equipment as well as I apologize I don't have it so it's for event equipment uh which is got um school uniforms coaches and um so event equipment includes when you have these tournaments you'll need popup tents uh tables chairs generators um as well as iPads for judging and sound system as well okay so this is going to be for each school or how how is the money being so um at the way we we uh we priced it out was to have I'm sorry I'm I'm just looking at the number um it's not going to be for each School it'll be for as tournaments are put up but judges head judges as well are need to be paid for each of the the the tournaments that are put up as well okay so this doesn't go to a school it only goes to a tournament uh no it goes to towards supporting surfing across across the board for the department so for any school that would want to to include surfing as part of their um as a sport for their school would be able to help support that if they wanted to build a team for example like the Lea so if 10 schools want to do this that money is going to go through what so it'll um we are not sure exactly how many schools are wanting to do but it would go towards helping them set up their their sport we might not spend all of that $100,000 um upfront but that would be something to as more interest um uh comes for that for surfing then we'll be able to provide the equipment and okay first of all let me do this I I surfed when I was really young and I support surfing and I think it's sad that Hawaii should be the surfing capital in the world saying that though I don't know that you folks have really thought this out $800,000 what is that going to pay for you're telling me tournaments judges but if it wants to school so I have six schools in my district if they all want to put surfing then how are we going to support them because $800,000 is not going to pay for all the instructors and and the uniforms and equipment and to set them up for the less to have a tournament and have judges and have scoreboards or whatever you going to have correct you're right it's it's not going to be enough for all it's this is going to be a start to sort of get it kicked off as far as and and that's someone yeah but how Klick off what one school six schools and you're going to get you know I'm saying it doesn't sound like a plan that's been thought through and I can't just see putting money in without you having a good plan as to we're going to start with three schools and these three the first three schools that come in these are what we're going to be able to give them because if a school embarks on it and then they end up what they they cannot only have two kids in the program because they don't have money then what correct it's not thought through well and and so sen I apologize I guess one step back I would like to say is that um we are not um we that is why we had comments we weren't coming out here with full support of the bill we do have comments because surfing is something that although it is it is as a surfer myself I I think it's great I think we should have surf teams at every school but it is something that it's it's a sport that not all schools want to engage in it's very dangerous you can't control the environment you don't know what um not everyone has the ability to swim in a way that would be safe and so throwing money at um at this is not necessarily going to build up surfing as a sport especially if there's no buying from hhsaa or other schools that want to do it so that is our reservation but if you wanted an amount that is the amount we are putting forward to try and boost surfing and and make that a sport yeah but I don't see how it boost surfing because it really doesn't speak to a thought out program that makes it feasible for a school to really partake in it and then it's like we're going to do one school only I I'm just I think it's half not even half bit less than half bit and who's who in do are you folks promoting this at all pushing for this doe no we offered it wasn't our we didn't introduce the bill the department didn't introduce the bill so we offered our comments on it okay so so there not somebody that's bird dogging this other than Cur some more okay thank you yeah Senator F you you not you but you can stay so like um do do any of the schools have uh paddling paddling paddling yes I'm yes there is paddling how did paddling start off I do not know that was probably okay so the reason why I seeing this and you guys didn't do or had enough thought because you guys just was going to put in comments um there's a process for everything did you guys ask the schools how they're already right surviving and going through it cuz I understand there is paddling competition that they have to do the same thing what you just said but for some of the stuff that you're adding each school that's going to be in the tournament or will be in the tournament they can provide their own equipment so if the schools or the doe Buys in on this then it's like uniforms right the the the atic director has to come up with uniforms so uniforms should not be with the 800,000 because uniforms is going to come through the ad through the program of sports so going forward with sports I mean I know surfing surfboards come but they got to buy their own paddles right same thing right with swimming as Polo the risk of somebody cramping and drowning right falling off the canoe drowning so they have all of these these risk involved but we are the surfing state of the world and we back door this for long time and I know it's not your fault I'm just speaking but anyway where can we work with you guys and the ones that have sucess successful programs already and come up with a consensus on a real number that we can work with because by telling us you need generators tent like that I can go in my yard and grab a generator for Campbell High School they don't need pay for home they need tower lights I get them for them for free they don't need pay for that too that's how we got our home games but you guys generalizing things because you wasn't prepared to support it in a sense of comment so you guys don't have an actual number so what I asking to the chair I'm asking if you guys can please really look into this talk to the talk to sorry I don't know I don't remember your name you know back there but talk to these guys who already is kind of doing them and and just staying the float to get one consensus of what we can do to really um the word that Senator Kim said to um promote the sport because this by you telling us these numbers is not promoting the sport it's saying oh it's going to be unburden we need generators we need tents we need this we need that negative that's what you get sponsors that's what you get Community Partners for how you think they do the surfing me no don't come out of people's pocket sponsors private partners going forward this all if you can just do that Senate um chair thank you senat um yeah chair can I talk to the lady in the back ask you one question sorry Jo Jola sorry sorry come please I spent $6,000 of my own money five schools in this year to what school is this I'm from W andai so what school is W High School yes but I brought in five other schools this year and I spent $6,000 of my own money bringing them in setting them up with all their classes the coach's classes the junior lifeguard and all so the schools provided we provide our own rash cards our own boards our own pop-up tents so basically what we're looking for is just money to pay for the judges and the jet skis and our competition fees thank you thank you chair so thank you very much sorry do you have an estimate of what that cost is going to be um I talked to Luther Beck he has a estimate come come please come forward thank you chair everybody chair chair senors so my name is Luther Beck I'm with the hhsaa so um my job is the fundraising aspect of it the community aspect so we do come from uh different backgrounds um but I think the funding for it the 800,000 that the doe and we are also asking for it would really go a long way but we will partner with the community to get money funded in because like you said it it can't just be for generators because I think all of us have generators could ask the community but it's really for the judges and to get a professional level event you know I think it could be at a local gym or it could be at we're not going to go to pipeline or anything like that but I think just going to an area where we can present a professional type of um atmosphere for the student athletes as well as getting people like spectrum and definitely getting on the TVs as well as shirts and vendors you know within the community really getting those people involved would really help us financially but we need the backing of of you guys and and the community to just get us going because we want to make this a state run sport it doesn't make any sense that Hawaii does can't declare a state champion I think Carissa Moore would have been an easy Contender for state champion but there's a lot of other great athletes that paddle and that do surfing that do other water sports that want to call themselves state champions and I think this is one of the ways that we can do it thank you um we have four schools that are going to Nationals so we do have the qu the talent but you must have some idea of say what those what the cost for those schools will be and I guess that's my dilemma is that we don't know what you're expecting what the costs are going to be and um we're pulling numbers out of our hat um yeah and it can't be just for first schools it can't has equal opportunity for all schools right so we can't be just funding for there's 96 schools within the hhsa so we would like to offer it to everybody 100,000 is not going to cut it I understand Senator yeah so what I'm asking is that so the 800,000 as I I'm reading it is for the promotion and support of Surfing doesn't talk about equipment or anything so you actually going to hold surf meets do you expect the CH the the students to have their own surfboards yes okay and so some of our kids are shaping boards now okay so if it's not for surf boards it's for what it would be for beaches are free the water is free so the judges get $800,000 J well obviously they wouldn't receive all of it but you know the judges we need to pay for Life cards and for ocean safety as well as other Personnel that we have at every how much need a break per event do you need for a surf meat how many surf meats you need before you can have a champion um we don't get charged per event Haw e Surfing Association runs our meets right now and so at the end we get a bill and Bill comes out for all the school all the 15 schools right now comes out to about 42,000 okay so what are you going to do with the other 58,000 hopefully bring in more schools hopefully so I have schools that want to join but they're the cost is holding them back because they can't afford to pay the competition fees okay we pay $3,300 right now per School per school for competion fees but does the schools have the coaches and and the people there that they to pay we have one faculty coach I'm not asking about you I'm asking about across the board schools not just a competition fee but whether or not the each school has the um is that foundation and the Personnel to run a a sport another sport added to their repertoire sports but you folks need to come in with a detailed breakdown on how this money is going to be utilized how it's going to be applied across the board you know what is it going to go for because we can't just dish out $800,000 with well maybe it's going to go for this maybe it's going to go for right a text so so for the plans that you have to date for plan surf meets or whatever you're saying how much how much of that cost per meat do you need for judges and and anything else we just we don't get charged for meat we get charged for the season okay so how much for the season about 42,000 for the season for all 15 schools okay so why are we asking for an $100,000 appropriation schools so the the idea is to get more schools and to get it sanctioned by the doe and and funded from from the taxpayers to get it across the board for an option for all schools right now Maui is the only one I understand our accounting isn't up to par and I apologize for that but we will work work on that because it's definitely something that I think the community could definitely use um I think declaring a state champion would be a great um honor for anybody okay so this money is only to pay for Meats I'm still not getting the total cost so if they double if they double them in schools 16 another 16 it only comes out to 84,000 yeah so that's what she trying to ask cuz she trying to work the numbers and we got to know the numbers so you're only paying for Meats is that what what we're hearing that's all you need for but you need it for surfing coaches what's the cost of the surfing coach and do they only coach one school um right now the coaches are all volunteers okay right now so we're not getting paid at all um can I ask do a question yes so doe uh as far as other sports like paddling um what kind of funding do you get extra funding or does it come out of each school or how do how does that work okay um thank you uh Madam chair and vice chair and committee my name is Bryce KES I'm the oia executive director so to answer the question about how funding comes um to pay for coach's salaries uh the state gives the schools a lump sum for coaches pay and depending on what we declare as Sports so paddling coaches are paid through that when we declare what sports are given and it's basically prated among whatever schools have and have not okay so for All Sports you get a lumpsum each School gets a lumpsum and they decide on what what sports that they're going to be it's actually fun it's actually the other way around where we declare the sports and then that determines how much we get okay so you deter you each school will will determine which sports they're going to cover they go to doe and then doe gives them from your lump suum that you get from us on on how you going to support that and what about for tournaments and stuff like that for meets how do you guys for that for all these like paddling and other for um the paddling I mean that just comes from um our regular oia stuff it doesn't really come from any doe budget that's the oia recognizing the the um event itself okay so we are deviating by singling out a sport with with monies then no other sport is doing that and so can we expect that other sports are going to come in and want us to to support them in additionally than what the doe is giving so the the difference is they're running it as a club event right now which is why it's uh a little different and that's why the the ask is different so it's the the schools that are participating are in a club level okay so it's not a doe it's not a doe sanctions it's not a um it's it's not a Le it's not a league sanctioned event is there a leag oia is the league for the for the um Public Schools is there an oia surfing leag no there is not the oia does not offer surfing as a sport right now only only Maui does so we would have to get the oia oia to do it to have so yeah to for us to determine whether it's a sport we would have to determine the um interest in it and we would have to have at least half the leagues um be interested in saying that they want to start a team um I heard that it was eight of our OA schools which is not it's about 1/3 of our league um so it wouldn't be considered a sport a league recognized sport okay thank you I'm still confused recess [Music] reconvening Committee in education I think I need to go out and surf right now I can catch a wave I feel like I am on a wave sorry okay where are we we are talking about amendments to this measure uh this is the house still 500 mhm okay recommendation of the chair is to pass with amendments um we are appropriating inserting a blank appropriation amount for the following programs noting specific costs for each program in the committee report yeah so for the promotion and support of Surfing as an intercol lastic sport um link them out no um for the promotion and support of Surfing as an intercol lastic sport because they're already uh providing it as a sport we are going to appropriate the $442,000 and ask that we get more information on the cost per meat and how much schools are now participating and how many Meats expect because I don't think we have enough information on that also 150,000 for Statewide appr participation at student Le conferences for middle and high schools $5 million for Middle School athletic programs 2.5 million for Workforce Readiness initiative $1,652 40 for students to apply skills and knowledge in a workplace context partnering with local employers and Regional econom EIC development priorities $ 56,3 for math camps $45,000 for Interstate travel funds for neighbor Island student participation in annual Junior Ry programs competitions $275,000 for foreign language programs in preparation of high demand occupations in hospitality and tourism and cyber security 579,000 $450 for middle school education $646,000 for professional learning in classrooms to support activities such as Applied Mathematics financial literacy education and instructional resources $110,100 and $500,000 for teaching and learning in secondary mathematics we're also making Technical and non-substantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency yeah can I ask a question for doe sure so doe did you is this funds that has been requested for or where did the how how did we arrive at these numbers um thank you for the question Senator I believe um those were uh requests that we were submitted in they are in our board approved budget they are there are line items in our board approved budget correct so they're in the board approved budget it wasn't approved by the governor some of them are um some of them are not but they were all um they were all put forward to to the legislature as as um as nine item requests that reason why we're only getting it now I'm not sure when did the board approve it in October when did the governor approve it he did that would have come down I think in January or his can you get a list of which ones the governor approved he didn't yes okay the other question I have is that by inserting money in here for the surfing and if it's to doe and it's not a Doe Run program how is that problematic gra because if this is a club sport yes sir how do we how do we appropriate money to doe to give to a club sport it in in my opinion uh it would be different from what you're doing with all the other um Sports uh if surfing does become a sport um the main funding we would need it would be for um coach's salaries uh and then that would have to expand from what we have right now um so this item should have gone through Gia requests and not necessarily into the doe budget yeah because it's more of a grant it could have gone for G through GIS it's a grant it's not to the doe because a doe you'd have to expend your money for a doe program so the only school that's doe is in in Maui right that would be able to get the funds through through milil through yeah through the milil yeah the public schools that are surfing that are doing surfing right now yes if it was appropriate for surfing it would go so because any club any club paddling any club volleyball any club wouldn't be able to get us to put funds into do so you can give them the it would be considered a club Center yeah yes and um I believe the number that was um shared um I believe 90 somewhat um schools uh would is inclusive of private schools that was shared earlier in testimony oh CU it includes private schools as well I believe so that is that is the total number of schools in the hhsaa which includes all Islands public and private okay okay yeah I guess I'm uncomfortable with us um inserting monies for non dooe um Sports at this point because yeah I don't know how you would expend that funds right okay thank you thank you so could we insert that concerns into the Comm you yes did I read you did but for the for the um uh promotion and support of Surfing as an intercol sport inter Scholastic sport uh I am recommending the $42,000 since that's all that is but I think what would happen is because it's not went into Scholastic sport I don't know that they could actually give the money to the to the clubs for the needs right I don't think so because it specifically says yeah okay only the schools right is right it's for the promotion and support of Surfing istic support yeah but I don't want them to think that they they might get the funding because I don't think under this situation they get it okay so but I guess just as an added note I know that you said this is basically just for uh coaches salary they would need funds for coaches salaries if we wanted to do a sportastic sport at a school you would need M for coaches out yeah and I I think I would like I guess more insur Assurance because of the um the sport itself and the hazards of the sport as to Insurance you know when they're going to go out or surf meets um besides the judges what kind of safety net do they have for the students out there do they have professional Surfers out there to help students who may be hurt or you know what I'm saying is that it's not like we can run and help them up yeah but I think Maui has because always been doing it so they probably have some yeah I think those are the things that we have to look at further okay okay take the vote Yes so any further questions for the vote please so the recommendation is hb500 HD1 to pass with amendments as read by the chair now chair votes I Vice chair V side uh Senator ashimoto Senator Richards is excused Senator flla all Four Eyes one one excuse recommendations adopted thank you have one more to nope that's it that's it weour thank you

I sound like I sound like you my plant from Simington is still going strong yeah okay I'm gonna call the meeting to order at 5:00 pm and uh president Steven Ray will not be here today so I will be running the meeting his absence M Tucker and Miss Tucker won't be here either okay so it'll be us the three of us so we do have a quarum um we're going to go into an informational session regarding demographic and enrollment analysis do we need a a motion for that no because it's just a it's just a review so I'll just introduce uh Rick Brammer from applied economics if you remember back in December the board approved uh going into contract with applied economics um to go ahead and and do this analysis they have done the analysis ongoing in this District I I think for close to a decade um and so it's a it's an extension of of information they've shared previous years I think it's about every two years that the district has gone out it might be three um and so I'll just turn it over to Rick and I already blanked on your name so I apologize but Rick can introduce his partner and then we'll go ahead look at about 30 minutes presentation and then any questions thank you so much members of the board Dr Wyman distinguished guests it's our pleasure to be here uh this afternoon to share the results of the demographic update it is about every three years that we that we look through these numbers you know and it's just um helpful to try to understand what's going on out there because there's such a disconnect you know between what you see in terms of construction in rooftops and what we see in enrollment and we're going to try to lay out all the reasons why there's that difference and try to predict what might happen in the future so the scope of work that we've done for the district has pretty much been the same we do the same scope General scope of work for every District the interesting part of it is that it's the same variables all the time but different ones matter more and less in different districts you know and there's no two districts that are exactly alike but nonetheless we're using enrollment data all we can find um total and and grade level characteristics did geographic distribution we look at the actual home location of of all the students and then of course now we're into business of tracking enrollment at alternative providers and now the last two years uh with the empowerment um scholarship accounts esas U the demographic characteristics of the district you're not small anymore there's about 50,000 people who now live in the coms District so you know the characteristics of the population that's already here really matters especially when it doesn't turn over very fast and people age in place and that's happening more and more for a bunch of reasons partially because we're living longer and we're healthier but at the very moment anybody who has a you know a mortgage rate at less than 4% which turns out to be 70% of us we're not interested in moving even if we needed to unless we absolutely had to so it's really slowed down the turnover rate at the same time and of course I don't have to tell you what prices and interest great have done to the you know to the to the market in general which is really why Don Graves is here he is our residential development expert he's the one that talks to the planners and the developers and the builders and tries to get a handle on what they're doing and uh he does a really great job in that um and then we do two different models we do a district level kind of top down how does the district fit into the Southeast Valley SL Northern panal County you know from a top down perspective your market share things like that um but then almost more importantly is that we look at things from the bottom up so the subdistrict level so we actually have a an enrollment forecasting model that works on these red boxes that you see in front of you so generally we're dividing where there's development we divide the square miles into about four pieces it's not always exactly straight lines because we like to follow roadways and canals and things like that but the thing is is we set up this um system of grids that doesn't change over time and so as Dr Wyman said we've got 10 years worth of data now we know exactly how many students you've served from each one of these boxes by grade for the last 10 years running or more actually I think but at least 10 years worth well anyway we'll start back at the top with um these are 40th Day uh headcount enrollment numbers in blue those are from you basically the state's October enrollment reports plus of course data directly from you so it's apples and apples who's enrolled K12 40th Day and then the red squiggly line is the year-over-year percent change and so you know obviously you can see that you know during the original boom from 2000 to uh 2010 enrollment growth pretty much kept pace with housing growth um and there was you know a growth of around 4,000 students um from 11 12 forward um B basically enrollment really hadn't changed much at all until the last two years I mean if you squint you get the you get the CO year in there but you bounced back nice from that but the fact of the matter is that you know during this time enrollment because of the drops of the last two years is now down by 550 students compared to 20112 and in that same period of time there's been about 7,700 housing units added um in the district we look at the distribution of enrollment by grade level and when you have a housing boom oftentimes most often it's led by young families in the lower grades so you see the average enrollment in that K2 group The Blue Line shot right up to the top of the of the size categories you know right off the bat um and then of course didn't have a high school originally but when we see that come online still that population group was much smaller because people mov been with young families and over time they age and so you know it's not uncommon to see that 912 group cross over the other grades in terms of being you know the largest that's happening right now but what's happening is that the smaller grades are now really coming to the high school level so all across the valley and even across the state I've seeing High School particularly people who are high school districts who've been kind of insulated from the whole clining enrollment thing and now all of a sudden you know the effect of forget about choice we're going to talk about it but forget about that I'm talking about how many kids are out there because of birth rates and it's just flowing through and it's really going to hit the high school level now so we can see um you know the big drop in 2020 21 especially in the lower grades due to covid but as I already said a real nice bounceback uh the year after that and then you know enrollment declines across all great cohorts um kind of you know to a scale in a short period of time that we really hadn't seen before um and well you know we'll get to looking at alternative providers and talking about you know why we think that is but that is what's that is what's happening so this is the actual number of students that you all serve from each one of the grids or did as of the 40th Day of of 23 24 um it's so red you know we see red shading it's more and less and so forth and we use that a lot especially if we're doing attendance area work or school planning work it's good to know where the kids are of course but what I'm more interested in is where how's it changing and so if we just look at the last five years um there's only one of the grids that had any kind of an increase in enrollment at all there was nine student increase um basically in the grid that houses helmes Middle School um the Simington Harington Harmon sorry uh areas had large losses those are also high concentrations of population so you got to think about you know it's red means there's a lot of kids there so it just dark blue means they lost but you know the proportion of it I could do another map that was by percentage but you know it's not as concentrated there as it looks it's just that the kids are also concentrated there but um large large de declines and I guess one of the things that hits me is usually when I see those kind of declines it's along the border of a district not in the middle of it you know where you're most most apt to get competition I talked about demographics and it's pretty uh it's kind of an amazing Place really because in in the year 2000 there was only 2700 people living in the entire district and the people that were there were uh older for the most part large group of householders over the age of 65 um and the school age population you know that actually the population I guess I'm using is the under 13 which is preschool and Elementary populations uh was only 23% of the total and then during that original boom we saw those lines all go straight up remember that well it jumped up to be 31% just those two groups were almost a third of the total population and then what's happened since then is that's really stopped um so that you know it's becoming a smaller and smaller share of total population now you're still should have gotten enrollment increases because of the sheer number of housing units that have been added but the fact of the matter is the fundamental compens composition you know of the population and of householders is Shifting and it's aging back almost exactly you know to what it was 30 years ago um and as I said wrote to about 50,000 people um but when you see negatives in those annual change categories that means there was between those periods there was actually a net loss even with the construction there was a net loss in the in the population under five in both periods so why is that well it's mostly because of this um and this is an awfully complicated chart and I'm just going to talk about the red line which is the state of Arizona um and so what happened during the the Great Recession is it in a period of about uh six years or so 2006 to 2011 I guess that would be five years uh the number of births in the in the state of Arizona tumbled uh the rate went down by 19% number of births almost 177% and so what happened in that short period is the number of births Statewide fell from 102,7 to 85,000 and then it kind of stabilized for three years and and a lot of people were expecting it to go up because normally after a recession and a reaction like this by the population of pulling back on births then there was an adjustment on the other side it was like a baby boom almost the exact opposite happened people were so shocked by what happened in the recession they were so shocked by what they saw happen to their parents and they had so much student debt that they basically decided to put off having kids or and when the the longer you put off having kids the fewer kids you will have life gets in the way and so what's happened you know you know since then is that we're now down another Well 20% in the rate but because we've had overall population increase the number of births is down by another 10% so we're now down last year 2023 to 77,500 births Statewide compared to 102,000 clear back in 2006 so there are just plain less kids in the system you know to get and it's interesting because I have some doctor friends who are talking about oh that's why they closed all the maternity Wars and I didn't realize there had been such a downsizing and a lot of maternity facilities but it's it's really the same phenomenon so I lagged that five years you said kindergarten down there and so I know that through you know 28 29 or so I'm not looking for any big increases you know in the in the pot if you will how many kids there are out there to be educated Rick can you look there is the the purple line that's penel County it seems out you just explain that to them so they understand what that is my thunder Dr Wy except in panal County yes and it's because and it's it's I mean it's somewhat you guys but it's really Maricopa um and to where their young families have been able to find houses they can afford to buy and there still the number of births is is you know 10% of the Maricopa County number so it's not going to you know drown us but the birth rate in panal county has trended upwards since 2019 like last year there was 5500 live births in panal County give you an idea but yes it's one of the places that's affordable enough for people to still be to still be coming to so Dr Wyman it's an important Point um we you know we do track the enrollment schools not only the ones that are in your District but the ones that are located you know nearby or the ones we know that are you know capturing students uh from the district and we you know the interesting thing about it of course is now it's kind of maxed out you look I mean in 1920 there was 6,200 kids in those charter schools and last year there was about 6,100 kids in those charter schools so they did have a gain this year uh because of a new facility or two um but generally they haven't really been gaining enrollment so when we think about those last couple years and the enrollment we're losing it's you know it's not necessarily charter schools and I think we don't have all the data we'd like to have yet but I believe that's where esas come in and and I've seen it hit in big ways in two types of areas um very affluent areas where people were already almost affording private school before and now they can um and then areas where there's a lot of homeschooling because you know those benefits can be used uh to pay for homeschooling expenses as well and so you know we're really still waiting to get good numbers and see how big that impact's going to be but we'd kind of seen not just in your District but in a lot of districts Charters almost you know saturate if they built another one they were just going to be stealing students from each other you know so uh it's changed Don's going to talk to us now about housing if we see on the chart you know there's been about 7,000 units in added in the last 10 years uh about 500 were build to rent units uh sometimes called a horizontal Apartment project and there's been about 500 of those in the last couple of years that's the orangee part of the bar it's on there uh next year there's going to be about another 166 of those units while they finish building two of those projects that are still under construction uh the blue bars are the single family and that's gone down the last couple of years basically because you've got projects building out while other projects are starting up but they haven't really kicked in full gear and the projects that have built out is Magnolia and Archer Meadows that's Meritage and DR Horton those are both high volume Builders so when they stop building you know those numbers come down pretty fast and that's what's going on with you know with that where the permits are uh comes road is turning into a pretty active Corridor if you look out out to the east you got comes Ranch that's Taylor morison they're going pretty good on the phase one next to it is Wales Ranch uh on the east side is where lenar is building and they've been very active in that project and uh Ashton wood and starlight is on the west side of that project so there's three builders in that one development so that's picking up a lot of speed uh up in the north you have North Creek it's Woodside Homes they're building that's a little bit more moderate but they're they're going the projects I mentioned that we building out or complete the Archer Meadows off the east and then Magnolia is the one that's on Meridian there by the railroad tracks so there's no more activity there but they there have been so other than up in the north and at Ovation which is age restricted most of your activity is along com Road excuse me I I have a question what's happening with wear Farms because it looks like it started and then it stopped and and now it looks like there's some activity but not a lot no they're Mass grading phase one which is uh just under 800 Lots uh TriPoint they're working on infrastructure by now I think so they'll be starting you know houses here in another year but uh Tri point is uh they took down the first 800 and some lots for the phase one they've sold some of those to David Weekley so they're going to have two builders in there to start and weekly tends to build they're capable of building at a pretty fast fast rate try point is they're the ones doing that Waterston project over in Chandler so you know that's a it's a nice Builder to have so so here at the in the near future you're going to have one two three four five builders on comes Road in three different projects and so so they're moving forward uh the first phase is going to be all of that on the west side and they're going to be starting down on the south on the hasn H knife road is where they're starting they'll be there and then working their way up working their way North and you will note that that subdivision down there by the railroad tracks um the issue we have there is it's across railroad tracks it's not easy access and across the street from that subdivision is uh Queen Creek's I don't know if it's nine or snap Elementary so I've I've been down Gary several times and the kids just walk right across the street so we have not really gathered many kids out of that neighborhood just because of where where Queen Creek's school is it's uh it's a short walk parents can walk their kid across the street and as opposed to getting on a bus and and driving around to either CTA or or uh um or Ellsworth so just Notting that that that alignment that little triangle has not been beneficial to us just because of the location of the railroad tracks and and just the way the road system works yeah it is tricky to get to that one oh the the potential you have you've got about another 11,000 units that are that are possible here in the next 10 years and another another 11,000 are still longer term there's also a lot of state land with a massive potential that may never get built uh so I guess the long and the short of it is there's plenty of potential here in the district realizing it is going to depend on several things you know both water and State landscap sales uh but there's plenty of potential you might notice that the again the orange part of the bars is mulai family and up until two years ago there had been no mulai family in this district and we're expecting to see more coming in the future and more diversity in the housing even the single family is going to be more diverse than what it has been so this the market is opening up pretty well which is something that you like to see this is a the timing map is colorcoded where red is subdivisions or projects that are already active and the dark orange is to be active in the next year or two a lighter orang in the next three to five year period and the yellow is a little farther further along you'll see uh like the wear Farms that you were asking about it's cleared out at the southern corner is where we're at least we're expecting them to start on the first phase and then work their way North and then eventually move off to the east comes Ranch is uh Taylor Morrison they started in the west and they're moving their way East whales Ranch is going so that's all pretty dark so you know the dark oranges you're going to have a lot of a lot of activity there in the next few years and then you've got some smaller projects that are starting uh Madam mam is working on a project called the quarters just north of the shopping center there at Combs and uh and Ironwood they'll be building there in about a year so what you're going to see is a lot of activity in the next five years you've got a lot of different projects that are all going to be active in the next five years then in about five years you're going to start seeing some of these large projects building out so at that point your housing construction your housing production is going to drop and'll still be you know fairly sizable clear through the projection period but it will be a lot less in the second half of the projection period than it is in the first half thank you so now we're going to try to figure out what that might mean in terms of um well two things really the the projections that we do of housing units and population um are very scientific and have proven to be very accurate and then from that we will see that you we project school age population so how many persons aged five to 17 are going to live in the district the part that where you know we where we struggle is how many of them are going to choose to come to us and that's where the variability in the projections come in but from everything Don's looking at with a number of Builders involved it really magnifies things if you got only one Builder he's only going to build so fast because he only wants to build so many units but you get five or six of them involved and it's going to shoot up so there's the housing boom he's talking about the next five years but over the next 10 years probably about 8,700 additional housing units um and then we turn that into households what's occupied and so that's a household about 80 300 households and then I stratifi the households I don't show you all the detail here by those age groups that I showed in that other table because that tells me what my school age population might be and this is all just looking at history here so if we just look at history from 2010 forward you can see the number of households in the district what the school age population was persons aged five to 17 whether they go to your school or any school they just plain live in the district and you have a high rate you know it's still at over s uh persons per per housing unit and it's been declining and it's still well above you know certainly the Maricopa County average and the panell county average now that I think about it so it's still kind of a family place you know what I mean there's still quite a few younger people here on a per unit basis um the difficulty comes in when you compare that to the enrollment numbers and you see the growth in you know the difference between the school age population and what enrollment has been and then I just do a ratio between those two um to try to get a handle on you know how fast or slow that change is occurring because that's the only indication that I can use to really do the projections because it's so much related to Choice an individual decision that it's not you know it's very difficult to model so it's difficult enough to model that we we do at least two scenarios so we can kind of Define a range that we might be working in and so I do a trend scenario with the with the uh enrollment to population ratio that line I was just showing you so you know that last column there so it's gone from 56 down to 31 um at that rate of of of decline um which is about two and a half% per year basically it would be near zero um by uh 20 33 34 and I don't believe that's going to happen there's got to be a there's going to be a bottom out there somewhere so as a worst case in this scenario I reduced it at half of the rate and took us all the way down to 20% but because there's going to be so many housing units built that would still only result in about a 300 student loss in enrollment even if that's the way it goes what I like to think about is at least you know holding your own at some point even if it's 30% or 50% whatever it is you know the first step is to try to get it to not go down and so if it doesn't go down that's all we're saying in that stable scenario in which case you would gain 1,600 students over the next 10 years based on the number of housing units and the population that will inhabit them and so I understand that's a pretty wide range for you know for a projection but you know the scientific stuff we do very well you know housing units population that part it's this whole Choice part that really is you know beyond my slide rule so we do the projections two ways based on that environment and a lot of actual data up here and I just want to point out there's two tables in the report look look the same I want you to understand how they're different so this is the past and the projected enrollment by attendance area so this is strictly based on where students would live and you can see from 10 2010 to 2018 we had a net gain of about 400 students however um even during that period of time enrollment in the elementary that level had fallen by you know 272 so it had started you know the charters had had started making major inroads into that group um this last fiveyear period heavily weighted into the elementaries in terms of the loss I could go back to the Charter chart if I wanted to but they attract a lot more k6 students than they do 78 or 912 so you tend to see smaller losses in the upper levels I did warn you that we've got coming because of the shape of the enrollment curves what I think is going to be in your area in a lot of areas a dip in high school enrollment for a few years because we have that shock of the those smaller classes coming forward so we we do these projections this is like I said the trend scenario where we would lose about 400 more students over the next five years and then actually gain um in the second five years but we have to do it by school also so we look at the relationship between where kids live and where they go to school and so if you read this across you find out that at Ellsworth Elementary they have 355 students that live in their own attendance area plus 13 from Harmon plus 13 from Ranch plus um 70 from simonon plus 64 from outside of the district gives them total attendance students in seats 515 if if you read that First Column down you find out that there's only 423 students coming who live in that area and so in this case the school gains a net 92 between how many can live there and how many go to school there and so when We're translating these enrollment numbers into like Staffing and things we have to account for this movement too that kids don't go where they're designated to go now 78.5% of the kids do go to their designated school that's the green on the diagonal um that's actually a fairly High rate I mean I've at one District it's 65% so um it's it's a pretty tight correlation but nonetheless when we're doing our projections by school we have to account for this and we have to account for it not only the in in intradistrict movement but also inter District movement uh with the you know the um out of District number and so finally using that relationship we can translate the projections of uh enrollment by attendance area into what we think the schools will actually do so that so I wanted to warn you because this table looks like the other one but this is by school rather than by attendance areas and so the numbers you know show all of the same you know same totals and things um with Ellsworth and Harmon having the you know the biggest the biggest losses basically over the the next five years um basically due to what Don was showing you too where where the development is going to be occurring and um you know the there's been substantial increases in this in the school age population um since 2010 but uh it's been completely offset and until the last two years You' been kind of flat it really hadn't Fallen it had bounced around and being impacted by covid but it really hadn't Fallen until the last two years but we know it should have gotten up it should have gotten up that lot so um as Don's talking about with all the excitement you're G to have a housing boom you know whether it's th or 1,200 or 1400 units a year um it's going to happen everything's in place there's really little can stop it might slow it down a little bit but it's there's nothing that can stop it um the magnitude of the impact on your enrollment is going to be very very very much impacted by choice you know we know there's going to be new school age persons in those units so the question is where do they you know where where do they go to school um and we know that if we could hold that you know that um enrollment to population ratio at its current level you know we could actually add 1,600 students but you know the actual upside potential you know he's talking 8,000 housing units by the actual upside potential probably about 5,500 new school age persons come to the district so what's your share you know what can you capture and I it's not you're doing I tell everybody this it's really not what you're doing wrong because it's all about external factors and programs and actions that have been put into motion that have encouraged you know both you know in open enrollment charter schools and now esas so you know you're just you're not working on a you're not working on a Level Playing Field so I wish I had you know better things to say um and you know it's not like you know it's the end of the world there's there's definitely potential here for a big upside and I think a lot of us I I believe and I won't put words in his mouth but we've been kind of expecting you know to see it cap anyway because land's gotten so expensive that the idea buying land to open a new charter school you know has gotten you know pretty unpalatable and so we we saw that it's leveled off but now all of a sudden we've got this new thing esas so I'll take questions as well Don of course Jason Shelly any questions I don't okay can um can I just summarize and see I want I was making some notes as you were going through the upside is that there's potential for growth in the housing market which is what you've discussed and that there are younger families that can afford to buy the houses so as they come in the birth rate could possibly increase that's a upside potential in in your one little locality in our loc right yes correct okay now downside is that the current birth rate is falling downside is there's competition with Charter Schools and other types of schools and another downside is esas yeah so we're caught between the upside and the downside so our opportunity as it looks like is to get get more of the kids in our neighborhoods to go to our neighborhood school and not to make decisions to go elsewhere that looks like that's our biggest opportunity that is the name of the game for everybody I mean every every District I work for that is now the name of the game um what other districts have you done these type of studies for in both panal and Maricopa and are they similar to what you found for Combs or do they differ in certain ways they differ in some we we worked for Queen Creek Gilbert Chandler C Grand Maricopa um so we've we've seen quite a bit um the this part of the southeast I'll call you Southeast Valley I'm going to put you into Maricopa County for just a second but um I think the presence of the American Leadership Academy and the ability that they had to go from building Boutique schools to 1500 student custom built with tracks and things like that change the game and I haven't seen that everywhere so that you've been you I don't want to call anybody out but that's been an extra burden I think that you've had and they're just getting ready to open a their first school in Peoria so um we're going to be helping try to sort that out too because you know they should be building another school right now and they can't get money because their enrollment is not going up that's a catch 22 really I do have another I have a question um the multifamily homes or the apartments or whatever um do you do you see those more of like transient type like they come and go quickly well that's the history of of rental units I mean you're typical we really can't count on those right well the thing is is that they don't age either so we don't know who's going to move in that same product that Don's talking about like those horizontal ones it's been interesting because you could build the exact same product in Chandler and Poria and Buckeye and get a whole different profile of who lives in them right and so it depends on the locality as to who lives there but the thing is is that they don't age and so if it's always appealing to younger families then it's always going to have younger families whereas your house you move in and you stay for 15 years and you didn't have any more kids necessarily during that period of time so in some ways rental housing helps stabilize the population the other key that we have to look at right now that the district uses a formula uh for the initial uh calculation for elementaries of a.3 so the total number of houses by .3 for uh middle school and high school we use .2 and 0.19 uh and talking with some of the developers um with some of those homes that you're talking about um they would suggest that the numberers significantly lower than that although they may stay depending on what happens if you have uh individuals moving in that haven't started families and stuff their are calculations if we take Elementary it's somewhere in the neighborhood of 0.15 to 0.2 so even as you calculate this you're going to have to look at those as we figure that out um I don't know what's accurate but as I've talked to two or three developers that have come through and talked to us about those lands they're saying what they project out based on the individuals that live in there and who's living in there um your calculation is a little bit different and so the the second step is you got to remember is after you do that first math step then you have to go ahead by your cap what I'm calling capture rate that was one of the columns the e- p ratio so we're at 31% so whatever that number is whether it's 30% of the total number of housing units total number of people coming in you then have to turn around and do that by another number which is your capture rate so that that stabilization of the capture rate is absolutely critical for US versus Trend data um uh that will that'll make all the difference in the next decade other questions comments I'm good good J I think we're good yeah all right thank you very much we really appreciate you coming and sharing your your findings with us thank you thank you very much for the opportunity we appreciate serving you guys you're welcome and then we would take probably about a 20-minute break and we'll start up at 6:00 okay okay so we're on break until e okay I'm going to call the meeting to order at 6 p.m.

please stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with me iedge of Al to the of the United States of americe thank you very much I'll ask for public comments are there any public comments Dr all right thank you Mr Torio good evening everyone that is here in the community room in our audience and for those that are watching us online good evening thank you for joining us for our regular scheduled school board meeting at this time we will begin the business of the school board by bringing up our first item for consideration and that is the consent agenda and under the consent agenda we have approval of minutes Financial fiscal extracurricular resignations extracurricular hirings and donations at this time we have two donations under the consent agenda one comes from the world's fastest Triathlon they are donating $200 to the athletic department for the use of our inflatable Eagle that they use for their event so we appreciate Their donation of $200 to our athletic fund for that the second donation on the consent agenda comes from the NorthShore Health Centers where they are donating $11,000 to our football program here at Edison and at this time I want to publicly thank both Northshore and the world's fastest Triathlon program for their generous donation to our school district and this time I make a recommendation to the board that they approve the consent agenda as presented to them this evening you heard the superintendent's recommendation so move second motion a second is there any discussion any items hearing none Mr Bigs Miss Curtis hi Mr music hi Mr Wright I and I vote I moving on to items under personnel I would recommend to the board that they accept the resignations from the following teachers and staff Lauren miles first grade teacher at Bailey effective at the end of the school year Anna zapa enl par professional here at Edison effective March 22nd 2024 and John good pasture bus driver affected February 22nd 20 24 there have a motion so move second motion a second any discussion take the vote Mr Bigs i m Curtis hi Mr music I Mr Wright I and I vote I item number two under Personnel I would recommend to the board this evening that they approve to hire the following maintenance and custodial staff Richard Pennington and as maintenance grounds keeper here at Edison Junior Senior High School David Ard as an evening custodian here at Edison jior senior high school and Sandra Ard evening custodian at Hamilton Elementary School motion accept Mr BS make a motion to accept do we have a second second motion a second there any discussion hearing them we'll take it a vote Mr Mr Bigs hi M Curtis hi Mr music hi Mr Wright hi and I vote I item number three I recommend to the board this evening that they accept and distribute the early literacy Grant provided by the Department of Education to eligible kindergarten through third grade teachers and staff for the grant guidelines the grant amount that was received from the Department of Education was $1,919 44 for pleasure so move second motion second any discussion n Mr Bigs hi M Curtis hi Mr music hi Mr Wright hi and I vot I item number four I recommend to the board this evening that they accept the recommendation to hire Rebecca Henderson as fifth grade teacher at Bailey Elementary School we move motion by Mr Bigs we have a second second second any discussion Mr Bigs hi M Curtis hi Mr music hi Mr Wright hi and I vote I Mr President that concludes the business that I have to bring to the board this evening uh except to remind everyone that are next regularly scheduled school board meeting will be held Wednesday April 17th and that meeting will be held at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School thank you do thank you Dr TR I think we might have broke a new record today that was a short it's a quick one yes uh Mr BS have any party comments before we leave yeah I want to thank the ones that did come and the audience out there in TV Land that's it thank you m Curtis I think I'll pass we have a lot of people right here that like to come in and um so I I do want to just take a minute I'm gonna you know try not to steal too much from David here and let him say some things but I do want to say uh thank you for hosting us tonight um uh thank you to our kindergarten through third grade teachers um you know that uh that Grant is welld deserved with all the hard work they put in to you know teach those kids how to read and get them on on track uh it's very very important part of your Learning Journey is just getting those initial steps in reading and being comfortable with it so really means a lot to us um I want to thank everyone uh I know my wife was you know running around like a crazy person recently um getting uh petitions for the referendum to be placed back on the ballot so that we could potentially do that should we choose um so I want to thank everyone that was signing for us and showing the support for our school system uh once again means a lot to me so thank you all for doing that and I'll I'll let David say some things I won't steal everything from this time so you did good you did good I'm gonna move my desk on that side next week or next month um ah thank you for everybody here person um and on um social media and whatnot have a um an employee from the library that came in unfortunately I apologize this was a very short meeting so I really get to see much but thanks for coming out it's nice to see new faces Mr joner thanks for hosting us um special thanks to our donators that's awesome we appreciate it so much uh you guys don't realize how much you're you're helping our our students and our student um athletes when when donations are like that Welcome to our new employees um to the ones leaving for whatever purposes and joy good luck and uh best of luck to you enjoy your spring break stay safe hopefully mother nature makes up her mind and we can actually get some spring break weather uh not all of us are able to take off the warm weather uh and enjoy your Easter um that's all I got that's it that's it I don't have much just make Mr Stone Host this say can I put you on the spot and and talk about your I read test scores and how much they improved just so the people at home know how much how much hard work you guys are put into this I don't know if they'll be able to hear you so you might want to have talk very loud yes yes it's my favorite part all right do I have to turn that way or can I this way okay um so our I am so proud of our students and our teachers and our staff um last year our third grade students we had 39% passing rate um I read for I read oh sorry okay my bad um this year um we were sitting at 65% pass rate with our third grade which is huge it's a big it's not where I want to be but it's we're moving in the right direction um I you know and I my teachers are amazing my staff is amazing they they've really worked hard with the students so I'm pleased to see where we're going and I I'm anxious to see where we're going to be next year um so I'm really looking forward to finishing out this year and getting into next spring already far way far away but we'll get there um did very well you know their numbers off the top of your head I think she had I'm not gonna even quote it but I think she was like 82% yeah that well above the state average yes I just want to let they get the people at home know that good things are happening here at Lake Station they really are um and I'm excited we gave the test this year to our second graders for the first time um so I know and actually I think in both buildings I don't know the percentage but we had about 15 or 16 second graders that passed the test so they won't have to take it next year which is amazing one check off the back so we're excited I think we're moving in the right direction thank you yeah great job thanks for putting me on the spot yeah thanks for responding so well I'd also like to thank Mr music and his wife Katie for all those signatures that's amazing a lot of hard work and uh I did a couple but nothing near what what you guys did you has uh truly amazing thank your wife for us would you please that for all our hard work Mr President Miss Hayes is inspired me I'd like to make a comment okay thank you very much for your time um I want to thank all of the people that worked together for uh the Honor Society induction last night I am so proud of those new inductees it was just a wonderful opportunity and thank you for uh representing the school board in your comments um great just great if you ever get a chance just congratulate thank you thank you Mr President yes ma'am and uh I think that's pretty much everything I want to say also um we'll give a quick shout out to my favorite teacher who passed away over the weekend Mr Ronald Hughes from forest he taught there for 35 years he's the one that kind of got me into politics first one to register me to vote and uh he passed away and his stre was yes I just want a shout out to Mr use thank you for everything you did for me um with that I am finished Miss be I'd like to wish everyone a relaxing and safe spring break and I'd like to say congratulations to the Honor Society students that's always uh a highlight of the year to be able to watch them be inducted so congratulations to them and congratulations to our third and second graders with their I scores that's just amazing congratulations to you and the staff for all that to to get that to happen that's all I have all right thank you Miss pipa uh I too want to congratulate our third graders and second graders for their hard work in passing the IR test and express my appreciation to the teachers and staff that worked with those students uh as well as the students hard work to get those uh test scores up to where they were we're very very proud of them uh one of the things that really benefit bened our students were the reading coaches that we were able to have a full-time Reading Coach at Hamilton and full-time Reading Coach over at Bailey which helped provide significant gains for our students and we were able to provide that because we were able to win the referendum in 2017 as we know that we have lost that referendum in last year's election so we are trying to live within our means as we are responsible and expected to do and we are looking at what we can do to keep our reading coaches U but with the unsuccessful referendum last November it's making it more difficult but we will do the best that we can do with that but thank you to the reading coaches and our teachers and staff for their hard work as well as our parents helping those second graders and third graders to learn to read and establish that good strong foundation in Reading uh the Honor Society program was held last evening with the inductions as Mrs Curtis pointed out it was a very fine program worked very very well and I too want to congratulate our Honor Society inductees for a job well done working very hard uh to become eligible to be in National Honor Society and we are very proud of each and every one of them for their hard work work as Miss Peep has pointed out in case everyone may have forgotten we are on spring break next week and school will resume on Tuesday April the 2nd so we look forward to a restful and exciting spring break but we're also looking forward to school resuming on April 2nd the last announcement that I have comes from our city of Lake Station they would like to inform our community that they are going to be doing an Easter egg hunt up at Riverview Park this coming Saturday starting at noon so they are extending the invitation to all of our families and children here in Lake Station come to Riverview Park this coming Saturday at noon and participate in the Easter egg hunt so I'm hoping that that's something that you can fit into your family schedule and be a part of that annual event at Riverview Park and with that that concludes oh excuse me I have one more one more uh I want to take this opportunity to kind of brag on one of our teachers uh Liz oprisco is one of our Title One facility people working over at Hamilton Elementary School and Miss oprisco had the opportunity to apply to be a presenter at a National Conference that will be held this coming June in Denver Colorado after submitting her proposal as to what she would like to present at that National Conference she received notice this week that her presentation has been accepted and approved and she will be going to Denver she will be presenting uh a workshop titled maximizing student growth leveraging Ina test data for tier three reading success so we are very pleased and very proud of M prisco for taking the initiative to apply to be a presenter at this National Conference and receiving that honor of being accepted to attend so we're very proud of her and I just just wanted to make that known to our board members as well as to our audience this evening and with that I have no further announcements anybody else have any comments before we adjourn the meeting meeting adjourn

e um good evening everyone and welcome to the ashelin select board meeting for March 20th 2024 this meeting is being live streamed on waca TV and is also on the uh Zoom platform form and as chair reserved the right to uh stop any um participants who are in my in my uh opinion disrupting the meeting after uh one warning okay so we will um control of both zoom and in-person participants all right well thank you all so the the first item on our agenda is as usual citizens participation and if people so I see see see Mark do you want to do okay and anyone online there interested in citizens participation I see Joel's raising his thumb all right in his hand okay so um why don't we we yeah I'm not seeing anyone else U so therefore I will start with Joel uh on on the on the zoom so you can unmute Joel and um and also just a reminder that we we're using B basically three minutes per person so go ahead Joel are you able to hear me yes thank you uh yesterday at 11:06 PM right here in Ashland spring began and I want to highlight that while it means many different things to many different people for me it means that there will be far more bike riders out on the roads in Ashland and elsewhere and last April a new law went into effect that I want to ensure that we bring to every all the drivers's attention and I hope the select board and the town manager will help advertise this frequently the new law says that drivers must provide at least four feet of space when they are passing a bike rider if there's not enough room it means they just have to wait it's not optimal but that's the law the only option they have they don't want to wait is to cross the center line which is now legal even if it's a double yellow Center Line as long as it's safe to do so last January 7th I sent an email to the select board and the town manager highlighting some of the many very good things that were done to improve bicycle safety as part of the downtown Redevelopment project I was very appreciative to see those Chang but I also highlighted that several of the changes that were made I in my view uh have created an increased danger to bike riders and I'm asking the board again to follow up with me and others to uh whether they agree with my ideas or not but to at least hear me out on the subject and uh take a careful look at what enhancements could be made uh that's about it I you know I I many of the town that make big bicycle safety enhancements on their Road the busiest day for them of any other time of year is the day after an accident happens that's when they jump on board and really take uh Swift action I hope we don't let that be the motivating force here in Ashland thank you all right thanks Joel okay I'm looking CCE do you want to come up to the podium and thank you CC do at director of Massachusetts for safe technology and I appreciate that we've been having the conversation on technology safety here in Ashlin um at the last meeting uh Mr chair you indicated that you would like to have the radio frequency meter to measure your home and that you had been on vacation and I know I still have it officer manani I know you had also been on vacation and indicated that you wanted to research the wireless radiation issue so I'd like to ask if you've taken that time and what it is that you're finding I have to confess that I have not yet done it C so I'm sorry but I'm this week okay I'll do this week I'm going th the way through the report that uh you provided on your uh excellent on your link and uh but it's slow because I have had ey surgery and I really can't see too well since that time so everything's a blur so um well please note that in my follow-up email I also sent you a 20 minute video from Dr Kent Chamberlain who's the now chair emeritus of the University of New Hampshire computer and electrical engineering department he served on that commission is appointed by governor sonunu and he developed medical devices for much of his career that was what his expertise was in using radio frequency and he thought it was going to be a slam dunk that of course Wireless must be fine once he was appointed to the commission and began to investigate the peer-reviewed studies now industry will tell you that oh they're cherry-picked they went and did their due diligence they partnered with the University of New Hampshire library system and they vetted the science and in that New Hampshire commission report you will find that this is peer-reviewed published highly credible science telling us that our children are in Jeopardy in Ashland Public Schools and one of the items I sent to you in my followup was a 20-minute video of Dr Chamberlain walking you through the New Hampshire commission report and their findings so Joe if your eyes aren't great just stop and listen and thank you yeah Dr Chamberlain slides are provided as well he would gladly join me here to speak with you via Zoom I offered that to Paul Kendall who is heading up the building committee for the Mendes where they put wireless access points on the ceiling of every single classroom and the measurements I took there are extremely high High those children are in Jeopardy as are our faculty and staff I went to the board to the meeting last night for the building committee and I gave a three-minute presentation and I asked to be put on the agenda for their next meeting and Paul Kendall replied today that no he will not put me on the agenda so we can't keep passing the buck this is cumulative harm to our child every toxin is more toxic with dose and every day we leave these kids exposed and sit here and scratch our heads as to why we are having anxiety depression suicidal ideation ADD ADHD Alzheimer's this is all documented in the scientific literature so Rob I appreciate that by next week you will have used the radio frequency meter um you know I taught your daughter in CCD we are stewards of this Earth and we need our public servants to step up and start this stewardship here I've been talking to you guys about this for almost 10 years now in which time we've only Overexposed our children even more so it's time so if you guys don't step up my next step is to go directly to the parents and this is really bad Optics on you guys because I've gotten feedback from people who watched the last meeting when you said you guys didn't go measure you didn't read the New Hampshire commission report except for Yolanda so the Optics are not looking good let's let see what we can do let's partner together I am a world expert on this topic now so use what I have to offer and let's educate the citizens and give them a choice in how to access technology safely we don't want to take anybody's technology but we should not leave our children marinating in electrolution inside of our schools so all right thank you thank you CC back all right thank you right Mark um I see we just have Joel is can we put the Macky can we do a reset so that we don't just have Joel showing but we have everyone oh my bad thank you go ahead am iead yes you're all set Mark you're all set okay Mark 49 hoton Road Mass good spring evening um I'm going to follow up a little bit but I'm asking a different way for technology the um comprehensive plan how can anybody answer because I sent out a um email question M about what technology could be landed on it if at all being talked about and I sent out to um our economic director Beth if some areas can have a hope of being in this town and um she said yeah there's always hope so I'm understand for organizational leadership biot Tech all the Sciences medical medical backgrounds and everything instead this just having this town look at it from a what this town is now why can't the town be a future Endowment for people coming through and the elders to be living through a town that has a medical superiority others why can't comprehensive plan have a technology thought that's my question I'll take it I think Mark as we're doing the comprehensive plan we're certainly looking at everything and I think my if I'm understanding your comment correctly is how how can we incorporate the discussion of technology in the comprehensive plan as we're looking at the different areas and I would think that as we do it we will look if there is anything technologically related that we need to bring in um if I'm like a said if I'm understanding it correctly from a business perspective certainly if we want more medical here in town we need to um work at having space for medical and I know Beth is always looking to bring new businesses into town and um for that be that was an aim at that but the answer I'm looking for is instead of words can't there be some sort of a direction to put forth to have this town become 2025 viable more than what it is now I think that's part of of the plan right what what do people want to see and where um it's going to be part of the plan but as I as I said I think technology will be included in what do people want to see in their downtown do they you know I think it'll be part of the plan okay and last last thing for the town manager is that's my basic thinking that you you I've been known to say to you about the businesses what is what my aim has been for what a couple years now yeah so and with with uh with Beth about businesses having them come in and having shown what this what the town can be and how to be planned for and for this area state colleges with their graduates they they take up a lot of that those those plans in the courses and they have inter ship hopefully in this town they can take them in to go forward with that's it all right thanks Mar all right anyone else for Citizens participation before we go into our agenda items I don't see any hands raised okay um all right so our first presentation is uh on the water sewer Capital needs and potential discussion vote on various Enterprise funds to with the um uh uh uh water sewer and uh uh trash fees um and bag fees which are okay so I will and I think we talked about uh Dan and Becca doing their presentation first on the um because we I I like to think it might be a little quicker than the following discussion on all the rates but uh uh hope so come on up and thank you for doing this and I understand while you guys are setting up that it was a tour of the water treatment plan that Dan LED and I think you two were there and I'm not sure Claudia Brandy I missed it but uh be good to hear about what you saw there it was very educational and I think the first time I had been in the plant was probably a year or two after it was opened when I was a school Committee Member so to see the status of our facility in that short of time time it's understandable why we are having this discussion about some of these Capital needs go ahead Dan whenever you're ready all right good evening everybody thank you for having us um just going to run through hopefully a quick slideshow here for you just for people watching Dan Mah is the water superintendent correct that's your title did I get it right very general Foreman superintendent and you're joined here by Becca Becca Navaro and she's a town engineer she's our water and sewer engineer oh she's not going to be the town engineer okay keep her for water sewer okay sorry to interrupt go ahead we took me a long time to get her so don't take her away just yet so nope let's see there we go space bar space bar gotcha so basically this is just a quick slide giving you a quick overview uh of all the different projects that we have and I kind of go into a little bit more detail on all these you know throughout the slideshow um but this just gives you an idea of of uh what we're looking at uh as we move forward so we'll start out with uh the ozone replacement is uh one of the big items that we're we're facing right now uh you can see some of the photographs here of the ozone this is in the Water Treatment Plant uh the ozone system you can see some of the pictures show that it's starting to deteriorate there's some uh on the left lower corner is a repair clamp that had to be put on the stainless steel pipe uh because it was actually leaking there's a few repair clamps that are throughout the system um there is some active leaking on it uh during the tour you can see they could see where the the staining on these tanks from where it had been the water had been leeching out of the vessels so these are the contact vessels that so the ozone systems like the the teeth you know that's the the first part of the the water treatment plant this is what knocks out all the pathogens all the iron and maganese um and gets the process going uh so with this that's where a bigger part of our our water quality comes from um some of the effects of it is the stainless steel the the just the natural the way ozone works it's attacking the the stainless steel and it burns the carbon out of it which is causing the little pinhole leaks um then just the the the treatment plant was built in back in 2000 so life expectancy of the plant and some of these items within the plant is about 20 years so we're about 22 23 years out of it at this point so uh another part of it here is uh the top left is our ska system that's a a supervisory control and data acquisition system this is what actually controls the plant and all of our stations this talks directly to our computers this will give us call outs uh during the night time when things aren't staffed so if we have an issue with this with the treatment plant or any of the stations throughout the town um this lets us know what's going on with everything uh with the you know 14 different stations that we have in town um it also is continuously monitoring when the treatment plan is running it's uh continuously monitoring all the water quality different monitors throughout this throughout the treatment plant uh you also gives us remote access 24/7 so we can dial in on our phones or computers and see what's going on uh this also is part of the you know cyber security now that's being mandated through the DP so to we have to make sure that we keep these systems upgraded uh to to stay within compliance so this is getting into our water main Replacements um um 60 to 70% of our our distribution system is a transite or asbest cement pipe uh was came out in the uh 1940 to 1970s is when it was installed typically uh with a 50-year life expand uh life expectancy uh with the service Taps there's a saddle that goes on then you do the service tab typically we either have a failure at the Joint where the picture shows you where the joint failed or we have a failure at the service tab where that saddle pops off um so over the years in the treatment plant we have four high lift pumps to fill up the tanks within our system and because the system's so fragile now we have to run one pump at a lower rate and fill the tanks very slowly uh otherwise we'll cause water breaks throughout the town so with that comes added cost because we have to run the treatment plant long ER so you have longer run times longer uh energy use and everything else right now we we run the plant typically about 3 days filling the tanks and then we have a 24 to 48 hour period that where it shuts down and we use the water out of our storage tanks and we're typically we're seeing about two to three uh failures a month right now average throughout the year usually the summer it's like a Friday at 2:30 but um this is our short list where we kind of compiled we have we had a Master Study done with uh engineering firm Haley Ward that help us put together a 20-year plan for all the different Replacements that we should do throughout town this is kind of our short list of what we're looking at in the near future um so these are kind of our top projects um so the engineering is complete for all these so these are basically once you decide whether you're not want to fund the projects these are ready to hit the street and and get construction going this is our water meter replacement program um so throughout town obviously all our services we have about 7,000 Services throughout Town people have anything from regular demestic meter to irrigation meter um we found we have some unregistered meters uh that were coming across when we're doing uh surveys or or replacing meters we deal with the the leaks which then re reach into a baits where we try to help the residents if they had a problem with a toilet running or something like that or you can see where the spet on the side of the house exploded in the cold and causes a big Iceberg on the side of the house uh obviously meteor meteor accuracy wow sorry I couldn't tell what that picture was until you said it was so that was a spet on the side of the house that it burst and it just the water from spraying it just froze and just created a nice quite a nice ice sculpture yeah but uh meter accuracy is really important I mean that this is our revenue for for our Enterprise fund so it's important to keep these meters replaced and and keep the uh billing accurate and uh move away from try and get away from some of the estimated Billings and uh the last picture shows unfortunately a part where we have some theft where somebody had actually put a bypass around the meter um and then they had valves where they could throttle it so they would only get charged so much the rest of it would bypass around the meter so these are the things that we're dealing with yeah wow yeah and the the I have to say the meter replacement process is not difficult so I think ours was done I don't know like two or three years ago so it's typically it's not sometimes it's challenging depending on where they put the meter sometimes we come across where it's hard piped which means they didn't use the proper fittings so then they have to have a plumber come back or it's behind a wall in a finished basement yeah or yeah a water heater or something like that got in the way stair under stairs we'll keep moving on uh our tank program uh this is a picture of uh this Cedar Street tank so the Cedar Street tank was uh built in 1968 has 2.6 million gallons capacity we inspect it and clean it 3 to 5 years and you can see from the pictures here on the outside obviously the Coatings are starting to fail but also on the inside there's a ceramic coating and that's starting to fail as well so instead of going the 5 years we're going the three years we're going to have it inspected just to see how far we can continue to push this out but as you can tell from the pictures it's starting to be in pretty rough shape and we we need to address it what was the life expectancy you're saying it was built in 1968 1968 so as long as they're maintained prop ly they'll last a long long time when they have the inspection done they do they have a a way to measure the thickness of the gauge of the metal to make sure that the Metal's not deteriorating to cause fatigue where it could have a failure so okay our other tank is the uh the Woodridge tank that was built in 1989 that's a concrete tank so it's a little bit different it's a 4.3 million gallons um this is this tank we have actually valve that we can control through our ska system uh to be able to fill the Cedar Street tank um with both Tanks online we can't facilitate one and the other so we're able to control that um again this is on the 3 to 5 year where we're cleaning them but you can see the spalling and checking on the the concrete on the outside uh and again this will be inspected again this year to see where we're at with this but it has some graffiti on it post 911 uh when we do our sanitary survey every three years they recommended that we put a fence up around this so um I didn't want to push to have it painted until we get a fence around it so that we don't paint it and get graffiti back on it again before uh we have a chance to to secure it so is that on the cap is that on the capital list put fencing around it or it is okay for when what year um we actually we had some funding to do it uh this this past year so okay we're we're working on that this is our new uh Independence Lane Pump Station uh just to show you what what they look like when they're nice and brand new this was put online in the uh summer 2022 uh this has the you know vfd drives with all the ska controls the vfd drive is basically a drive that can be controlled similar like uh your your uh dimmer switch for your light you can start it slowly and you can Crank It Up make it go faster um so that it's a variable rate um so that gives you an idea of what the station looks like when they're new and then the next slide shows our ledgemere station um which is one of our older stations off of Bay Colony Road uh it was scheduled to be decommissioned years ago uh when we did the bracket Road and the bramingham um connection when they redid it so part of the MW agreement we in order to increase our capacity we have to do more work in framing him so that's a whole different uh animal so whether or not we're going to do a treatment facility in town look for look for alternative methods to deal with uh getting rid of our Wastewater but uh you can see the station's just it's deteriorating needs it needs help and that one's on the capital plan to be replaced to be replaced so one point you going to decommission it but it's going to be replaced as part of the m a agreement they they'd like us to to get rid of it but this station takes the flow from the Pawn Street side of town and skips it over to Chestnut Street yeah if we get rid of that station all that flow goes through Bracket Road and we don't have the capacity and framing up to do that right now so this is waste water not this is waste water correct we don't have the capacity to go through framing him through the bracket Road station right now in order to increase that we'd have to do I I don't know what the exact number is but it's millions of dollars worth infrastructure work and framing him to be able to increase that capacity and get rid of that station so I don't see the station going away anytime soon and there's work being done there now right passed it on the way here Bay Colony yes so as part of the uh 501 Pawn Street project uh that was faford property faford back in the day was supposed to connect that to uh the main line so we can go to Bracket Road it was never finished so it's part of the agreement for that 501 Pond Street they finishing that connection now oh they are so which will be good because that gives us a fail safe on that if that station never fails um we're not going to have an SSO it'll go gravity right to to Bracket Road to save us from having Wastewater discharge all over the place yeah this just gives you an idea of the this is basically mimic the water side of the capital overview it's the sewer side of it um so we' obviously split it the costs that are are uh both shared with water and sewer so the skate upgrades because that's a it's a shared system uh the inii program so the inii program is the next piece coming up um that we're working on right now that's for uh basically storm water removal out of the sewer system because we we're paying for storm water to go through the sewer uh so we're trying to obviously remove that uh that that is funded through 75% through the MW 25% we end up paying for so we're in pretty good shape with that uh and we're working on that right now um but again that's just to make sure we're not paying to have storm water treated as sewer this is just a quick comparison um that MD does they put out a rate comparison throughout the towns so you can see with the water piece of it we're we're very low we're on the very low side unfortunately on the sewer side we're we're one of the higher ones that's due to the Framingham charge um you know we kind of refer to it as the Framingham hostage feed but that we use it is the our sewer has to transport through framing 's pipes so they charge us unfortunately just about as much as the MW does to treat our sewer so if there's a way that we could mitigate that it would certainly be a huge savings so a treatment facility plant would work I'm sorry a sewer treatment facility plant would work certainly would because the money we pay Framingham is the money we could possibly put into the payments of the building absolutely you you'd pay for it real quick I think I said that about 10 years ago I think I think that's a whole other discussion the waste wastewater treatment and how we're going to handle it questions yeah thank are you at the end of your presentation D okay some questions thank you I did see um well I guess as I think you're just saying we saw that large item of $10 million in capital for water is that a sewage treatment plant so I guess at some point we're not dealing with that tonight are the rates cor with that okay that's more for the alternative what we have to figure out a way to to we're either going to have to spend money in Framingham to increase our capacity we're going to have to do our own treatment plant or do our own connection to MW to try and mitigate those those sewer costs and I would think a $10 is a $10 million is more more of a direct mwa connection right because a wastewater treatment plant 10 years ago we were hearing 20 30 million so D's kind of a placeholder more more so probably realistically is going to be the framing Hy doing the work in Framingham to upgrade that um but then we pay through directly to frame we're we're then paying Framingham to be able to use their service can still right we' have well that would be able to increase our capacity so then we wouldn't have to worry about doing a sewer more atorium to you know stop building and stuff like that I guess the question I would have and and certainly not something in the near term but at some point can we look at I know we've talked about potential connecting directly with the MW for our um for our sewer so through potentially Southborough what would that cost look like what would increasing our capacity through Framingham and continue to pay through Framingham look like and then what would it be to do our own wastewater treatment plant and again it's I know it's one of those things that obviously a wastewater treatment plant would probably be more expensive shortterm but long term would it be beneficial so I think it would be good to I'm not sure that s BR option to connect for MW they are for water but I don't believe they are for sewer oh they are they are sewer they don't have sewer yeah they don't have sewer they don't have sewer no so our only option is framing him is only framing him yeah unfortunately okay I think Doug has already done some preliminary work looking at at the direct connection and um Doug admirably I think tried to get the MW to see if they would pay for it um and uh not surprisingly they declined imagine that so um I was gonna say is why is why is Doug here is he does he have a speech prepared as well Doug always has a speech prepared just in case Doug is had a presentation at 8:50 oh okay want to get it straight oh thanks so he wears many hats here okay well and he overse I would think there isn't water is under our public works department so correct sure um while we were on that I I did notice and I could talk about it when um when Britney gets her presentation but she did have kind of a placeholder for the Framingham cost and a question about what it was going to be and I guess last year it was 800,000 and this year's she's budgeting the usual amount but I was going to ask can we find out or do we can we get projections like why is it kind of an unknown number it's usually done in re essentially is that accurate usually they send us an estimated what what they project our our sewer capacities to be so they give us an idea how much it's going to be and then what the actuals are they'll discount that if we overpaid so our final payment they'll discount the final payment that's for the sewage we're sending through right correct okay the problem is is like when we have the the water storms we have the big I ey spikes oh right that's that kicks up our gallonage really high so it it gives us them a false number that they kind of calculate their their numbers off of given how much rain we have if we have a lot of rain it enters the Wastewater system all of a sudden Bracket Road and Chestnut Street are Surge and they they're just pumping a huge amount of volume in one day all the extra water um and they look at those little spikes and they kind of average that out and that that kind of hurts us with our estimated Valu so this might not be a question for you but maybe for Doug do we have a long-term plan in regards to replacing all of our pipes that are being impacted by inii we're doing an aggressive inii program right now right but so but do we have a like do we know what we've done do we know what's next and do we have a plan to so that we we could put out to the public okay this is our plan to get everything updated in the next 3 years 5 years seven I mean how long is it going to take us so right now we we did a a a pilot program where we put sensors in the in the manholes and it reads how much water is going through there during certain times of the day uh then Haley Ward analyzed that we came back and a couple years ago did smoke testing and that shows where you have connections or or places where the water could penetrate into the system and then this year we're working on doing the repairs facilitating all those repairs and that's where the MD pays 75% of that and we're on the hook for 25% of that so that's uh going out to bid well no I I I know that we've been doing the work I guess my question is you know do we know what needs to be repaired how much needs to be repaired yes and do we have a plan to get it done and is it going to be one year two year or five years to complete all the work four years yeah go ahead so um the stuff that Dan just talked about that was kind of like the preliminary Identify some of the repairs that to be so this year we're going to put out to bid phase one of um and if phase one goes smoothly we might be able to kind of merge some of the other phases together because phase one was our largest kind of area with identified issues um but part of phase one is also doing some more inspection to identify further issues that may be there okay so this is kind of going to be our pilot year of really going through to fix the issues um and depending on how that goes it's going to kind of set us up for the next three or four years so but but so there is a potential plan in place and it's looking at 3 to four years yes perfect and is this under the storm water part of things or is this what this is through sewer okay and and in the inii program as much as we have a dedicated four-year plan it's an ongoing thing because infrastructure fails all the time right so it's it's an ongoing program that we just have something you didn't identify breaks then you're going to go fix that first obviously because we don't want to leak or it goes anything from manhole covers in the street that are cracked or broken or not sealed properly and you get a puddle around it and you know that that's the source of ini I as well all right well well thank you Dan there's no other I don't know if uh brandy or Claudia have any questions Brandy did go ahead if you want to is she unmuted yep now we can go ahead okay um so first of all thank you Dan um you know I was part of the the walkth through of the water treatment plant with with with Dan and Jeff um last week and and it was my first time through and I think you know as a resident you just automatically assume that the water that comes out of your TAP is is is clean and and um in good shape but you don't really think about sort of the process behind it um and so for me it was it it was very clear just how sort of scientific and how how much we rely on technology and all these components to be able to ensure that our residents have have clean drinking water and so um so first of all I just wanted to to say thank you for for all the work that you guys do to to ensure that because it's it's it's probably without doubt one of the most important things that that we can provide for residents without without even um people really kind of realizing it so um that's the first thing so you know I was looking through some of the backup um that we got in our packets for for the meeting and I just had a question about the Cedar Street tank and what what year you think that it's going to be um needing to be you know um painted and and and serviced I know you said that they're looking to do an inspection but I think I I had a question about like what year it was supposed to hit on on our like um I think we had like a three or four year plan and I wasn't sure if it was because it's I think the estimate was like 1.7 million I believe and wasn't sure if that was going going to be planned for FY 26 or FY 27 or if it's still like to be to be determined we were still kind of to be determined depending on how that inspection report comes out uh in all honesty we were hoping to be able to kick it out you know four to five years with everything that we have going on I mean we're we weren't expecting that the water treatment plant to need this this amount of work to be done to it and you know we we do need to get going on at least least start the process of replacing some of the water mains and getting some of this infrastructure up the date so um if we can push it off you know we'll push it off but only if it makes sense and only if the report says that you know it's safe to do so and I know at our last meeting we talked a little bit about the ozone replacement and just so how how crucial that component is to to having um clean drinking water and so um I know that that that is sort of like your first priority to to get that um that replaced and and kind of up to Snuff and um and then obviously the sort of like the longer term plan with with the water mains and um some of the other upgrades that that need to happen um so you know I know I've been on the board five years and we really haven't done any as far as I know like major infrastructure um investments into our water sewer um and it sounds like you know this is sort of the time that we we really need to to make sure that we we invest in the system um so from from your perspective you know this this is sort of a I know we were kind of talking about the the sewer um you know the question down the road of how we are going to handle that but um from an infrastructure standpoint you know this is I think it's important to kind of have a have a you know to to um to Yolanda's point to make sure that we um communic unicate out sort of the long-term um plan for for all the infrastructure investment because it is it is it's just it's it's such an important component of of of what needs to happen and I think people don't think about that nearly enough and I know I haven't up until up until this year so um you know the more information we have the better great so so the one thing I can add to that uh for you Brandy is that the the ozone system is our like I said it's it's the teeth of the plan uh that that is a our first hardcore source of of removal all these contaminants every year there's more contaminants coming up right now the big scare is the posos um we're fortunate we have very little we have trace of it in our raw water we have zero of it coming out of our finished water in our plant so um and then that's the ozone and the and the GAC filters working together to do that if the ozone fails and we have to go to plan B you know the plan B is going to put a lot more wear and tear on the filters a lot more wear and tear on the of the plant and you're not going to get the quality of the water that you're you're receiving now um so just uh add to that and and as far as the Wastewater alternative I just think it's important to keep that up front and just keep discussing it me you know obviously it's a big number and you try and figure it out but as long as you you stay aware of it and not kind of tuck it in the back room and say well we can't do anything with that just you know see if there is something we can do all right thanks Dan um just one last thing as Joe said I remember when I was probably my first first year on the board maybe yeah first year we started having a discussion about Wastewater and what we were going to do we had a really good presentation and did other things have you know sort of bubbled up as to what were priorities so I think we're at the point where we need to start see speaking seriously about what we're going to do now we talked about using the uh the Gil scull Camp as a leeching b the leaching field you know so I mean that's how far the the discussions had gone to why bought it right that's one of the reasons why we bought it you know and where we have you know water lines right right right on all the street I mean that water could be put right into that system type of deal you know so to speak to your point too is we have the aggregate property coming up soon too correct that correct was a joint process The Joint process and there are other towns that could possibly utilize that plant as well to help pay for that down the road one thing we got yeah one of the things we got to remember first of all is we need to get D approval approval no I me I mean all that's number one so number two the other thing we have to think about is it's not just the treatment facility itself you got to get the sewage there right so course you know you got to look at replacing piping um adding piping to get it there yeah adding piping uh pump stations you know all just just a question Dan you mentioned aggregate sorry to interrupt but uh yeah and I remember there's a rest did you say it's coming it's going to be in our hands soon or how is that 2027 or 28 yeah the timing is pretty good sounds so thanks Dan and thanks for that presentation um I think we're all understanding the need for good infrastructure when it comes to water and and Sewer for that matter and storm drains uh so I'm I'm presuming and from looking at the capital plan that it's Incorporated in the material that Britney's bringing to us tonight so um that's and that's we'll be discussing that so thank you Dan and thank you Becca for that um so I guess are we ready for Britney in the presentation I think it'll take about five minutes right is that what you were thinking 15 20 minutes all right let's just so just um just a process question um how do people want to so she's got three major areas to talk about right so we're talking we're going to start with the trash and uh the trash fees and that'll revisit that discussion and then I believe we're going to do sewer and then water um so I think I'm going to suggest as Britney goes through the presentation if people have clarifying or quick questions it's probably good to ask ask questions along the way yeah and then we'll wait for discussion I guess the question I would ask do we want to take each of these in turn as she goes or wait for the end and then talk about all three at once what what are we thinking here would be and and and Brandy speak up and if if Claudia is you know in terms of I think we'll have some detailed questions for each one so I don't know I'm just throwing out the idea do we want to deal with the rate issue all together at the end or just talk about each one as she finishes each each major area I think it would make sense to speak about each one as we go through it and then then at the end we can try to at the end see what we got y so go ahead Britney so you're going to do uh trash just in the the same order you sent it to us trash and then water and first water and sewer all the visuals are in your mind right now yeah okay very good we just start with water and sewer okay go ahead this is a very quick presentation for water and soore most of the data is in the memos um updated data from um when they were previously done and also just that we all know um Claudia won't be asking questions because she's not in a private area where she can do that so she's listening but she can't actively thank you for that and I do want to say this is a very thorough and detailed presentation with a lot of information so thank you Brittney for that it's a lot to go through I think you know you tried to cover all the bases with a lot of information so certainly appreciate that yeah the memos are very detailed the the slides are it would be a lot if I put the memo in in a slide format but okay can just one last thing can we make sure that all this information gets put you know after our meeting today even though it might be draft gets posted up so that people who are listening and watching can find this detail it's up it's up right is it all up there already okay perfect and we've been doing that right we've been posting the backup which I think is excellent so great thank you sewer okay so we can start on sewer how do I go back I don't know how to back all right we'll start with sore so fy2 revenues were projected to be obviously a little bit less than um expenses so the deficit for FY 25 for sore is approximately 418,000 so as you can see below that these are the projected deficits for sewer in subsequent years for 5year forecast get this and this is a current rates this is at current rates yes so this was just a a quick analysis on the next 5 years incorporating in all of the capital needs for sewer with exception of an alternative plan for Wastewater um so all the capital needs and the developments that are proposed in the memo um current other Revenue usage so this is what I would propose for rate increases over the next 5 years um to meet our expenditures so fy2 I'm recommending a 3% increase um that would generate about 175,000 in revenue and then also using retained earnings of 245 so the dollar impact to a rate pay would be approximately $27 and then going forward you can see the impact um on future years as to what it would be so 27 and 28 we would this would be annual okay thank y why would you not recommend a smaller increase 27 and 28 so we don't have to do as large of an increase in 29 well 29 is only a 1% increase so I didn't really think that was but drastic that being said I think I think we have to maybe relook at that Britney just because I don't think we want to get in a situation where we're currently in where we haven't done rate increases and we have a big one due yeah I mean we can certainly do 2% increases every year whether we need it that year or not just so there there's not a 4% increase in one year because the sore Bic everyone knows has a greater impact on the on the build and water does so for this Enterprise fund that's why I was recommending the hybrid approach for using retained earnings and a rating increase um to get to where we need to be okay Britney just um what what's the retained you had is it 2 million or 4 million to retained revenue for in sewer yeah let me double check one it is about 2 million okay all right um Britney um quick question for you I was just looking through through the memo um and the the 2024 um Framingham assessment ended up being lower than we expected or or however you know so when we when we build out for 2024 did that take that into account or did extra go into retained earnings or how did that work so extra would have gone into retained earnings but if we had any Revenue shortfalls that year we would have absorbed those Savings in FY 24 um also in previous years I was able to get a preliminary estimate from framing cam usually in January or February um they've had some turnover there and I'm not able to really get the information I used to be able to obtain in Prior years um and then also looking just at the trend there really there is no Trend it's it's all it's up it's down and I thought for forecasting sake just being level would be better for rate setting purposes instead of one year to 800,000 and then oh great FY 26 we need to budget for 1.5 million you know what do you what do you do you'll use half our retained earnings and a massive rate increase so I think using just a flat um a flat number would be I think that makes sense advantageous yeah abely we should hopefully we get clarification on that sorry Brandy go ahead okay no I just wanted to kind of just talk a little bit about because I don't I don't know if we've maybe we have so if I if we have I apologize but I think it's it's it's worth just kind of mentioning um sort of I I Know Dan had kind of raised it too but like we the the whole IDE the whole um Financial arrangement with Framingham for for sewer um you know and we we pay quite a bit to them which is why sewer is so much higher than than water um you know I don't know Britney or Michael if you guys want to just give a just a a 30 second background as to why why that rate is so high and why we why we pay that much to Framingham just for background for folks just very briefly um at one point the town was paying Framingham $5,000 um for that charge uh Framingham in the early 2000s wanted to raise that to 50,000 uh the town of ashin didn't think that was fair and denied paying that and so it ended up being litigated and going through an administrative hearing through the Department of Public Utilities um and unfortunately we lost that and now we have to pay like a percentage of the of the flow fees as well as a percentage of like capital projects as well so that's why it's so high and that is not a little close to a million it's a little over a million um and then you because you got to factor in because of the Herbert Street um that's part of the IMA or it's not named after me folks um just want to make that clear um that's part of it as well so I think in total it's probably like 1.2.1 that's what yeah at the highest it's been 1.4 but you're saying it goes up and down it goes up and down right every year it seems and it's based upon their in areas they look at prior year so if we had a new development coming on this year it's not going to get captured until a year or two later um so I would anticipate that 24 I would anticipate 25 going up we just don't have the the assessment yet okay any more questions on sewer or do you want to stay on SE well it's go go back yeah I don't know how to go back oh boy um I did Britney you did um so this does include uh some use of some retained Revenue right what it was the number something we have 45 of rain okay so we have of course a lot more than that but I know you're recommending we don't use it um I guess I want to push it that a little bit because what is it you're concerned about keeping such a large balance when we I'm mainly concerned about any future capital projects and with the Wastewater alternative not being known will want all the rechain earnings we can have for the future so that that's a major unknown doing this type of forecast but we're also cap we're budgeting our capital projects so how much retained well we do have Debt Service too for capital projects it's not just pay as you go it's we have Debt Service as well right so that's part of the budget I guess what I'm saying retained earnings are you know they're they're basically we don't have a current use for them if we're not budgeting them we we're keeping them against a rainy day I guess it's and I guess the the question is for us as elected officials what do we want to do charge people and through their rates or spend this really what is revenue Surplus from La past years and my you know that's the way I been kind of looking at it so I know you I know it's good to be conservative and keep those cushions but we're also like how much do we want to ask people to pay versus if we already have the funds how much of that we want to use and I think it is good that you put some of it in here and and used it I guess the question is how much and you know yeah so there is on page eight there the capital projects are on page eight what was it page eight so for sewer page seven and yeah page eight yeah yeah I mean I can I can just add a little bit I think there's two well three actually knowns that could you know catch up with us pretty quickly um and you know one is the the framy ham and the MW assessments right I mean those could be who knows with a really rainy you know year that we just had if if that's going to be extremely high and we're going to see a spike more towards like the you're going to call a mayor and fix it if that we'll fix we'll fix that the other thing is I mean we do have some very very old um infrastructure in certain places and you know you look at the ledge Mir and although we've got some planned upgrades you saw just from the pictures just the kind of condition it's in you know what if something happens um to that that's a little bit more catastrophic is probably a strong word but I'll use that term catastrophic in nature and we need to do something quickly you know retained earnings would give us a little bit more of a cushion to do that that stuff but I totally understand what you're what you're saying I don't know where that sweet spot is well I guess you know I think about our other Financial policies right we say we want to have an x amount in our rainy day fund is there a policy or maybe not that we have but is there a good basis to say okay you want to have X amount in your retained earnings based on the size of your sewer and water departments or your town or I mean is there something out there that gives us a guideline as to what should what we should be holding in our retained earnings based on what our community does for water and sewer yeah it's it's not clear guidance and then they always have this caveat it's Town Bytown basis right depending upon your Capital plan so again the the alternative to the Wastewater um you know that that's a huge project and just looking at the retained earnings I mean we only had 400,000 484 th000 just a few years ago right so we've been able to build it up right um through obviously rate increases and we've had Savings in certain certain areas but it must have been through savings cuz we haven't done a large amount of rate we had some we've had vacancies in certain areas so that we had turn Backs from salaries lines or um maybe some projects weren't able to be done um due to just resources Resource Staffing okay um so we've had turn backs due to that so I wouldn't anticipate there being any turn backs if these projects are really be able can get underway we wouldn't be adding to retained earnings right and one thing just to so you're recommending option four a 3% increase for this year which is Y which should be an average impact of about $27 a year is that correct an increase okay so I'm looking I'm periodically trying to look at Brandy to see if she wants to say something so um well further discussion or question appreciate that sure no I think for me that answers my sewer questions so yeah I guess I guess my only question is like I I um because looking through the retained earnings I I you know I I I feel like I if if if we can safely utilize a little bit more the retained earnings and take that dollar increase down a little bit I I just I would I would feel better if we could minimize the impact to to Residents because you know we're talking about like the so you know my my my stance is the the water the water stuff we need because we need we need the infrastructure investment now um the sewers the sewer stuff is a little less um like I I I get that that we have a shortfall that we have to meet but it's it's it's um it just if it it seems like the if we could utilize a little bit more retained earnings and decrease the impact to to Residents a little bit more I would feel I would feel like that was a a a you know a better a better decision for for us if we can do that because it is going to be a major water investment that we're going to have to do this year so something like option three Brandy which brings the average increase down below $20 is that is that kind of what you're thinking with a little more yeah yeah sorry I'm trying to I'm like working on like one screen trying to look between the back yeah yeah and and to the point we're looking at three different funds here tonight so all with different requests so um especially if you're have two years where you're not increasing it you know to do a planket right across the board so that way the years that you're expecting to be higher if you're to lower it at least you you can smooth bring smooth it out and yeah like you were saying about a plateau going directly right across at least you have an idea what your what your fist costs are going to be without any anticipated you know catastrophes that come down the road which is why we have the retained earing set aside for that I think if it's more consistent it's better more consistent absolutely and it plan and it's easier to plan uh for individual homeowners to realize what their what their bill is going to be or have an estimated uh bill with respect to that instead of you know up and down type of deal and that would be and I would be all for something like that okay are we ready to move on to the water presentation so just so just to clarify so we're looking at and I don't have the scenario three in front of me it's right here so okay so 2% 2% about s $18 average but what does that do then for our out outlying like so are we looking 2% this year but increase retained energy I understand that it would be 2% and then retained earnings this year of 300 but if we're looking to even it out could we then say Okay instead of the 3% and the 4% increase next year do we do another 2% increase next year and do and even that out over the next few years you could do yeah two two two two right you could do that so you know and then you know and then as as we you know obviously we still have the retained earnings if we then if we need to use retained earnings we can but we're doing we know that it's going to be a 2% increase every year for the next four years and then in year in 29 we can do a 1% increase and at that point I would think we Haven it figured out what we're going to do with our waste water right in five years from now we we might not be doing anything but I would think that in five years we should be able to put a plan in place you'll have a bit of hold on it right the only thing I would and I won't be I won't be here with you folks next year when you but you can be on the other side yeah right I'll be complaining um but I would you know you may want to think about setting it for this year and then using that additional data to think about what to do next year I'm just sometimes it's good to look at both right so go with the go with the scenario three the 2% and the 300 from retained earnings with the possible thought of okay and not next year at this time when we're looking at the budget but maybe in the fall we have a more detailed discussion about what we need to be doing with some of these budgets and not during budget season when all of a sudden it's well we have to make a decision to make our budget for 25 just something to think about and you see the use too and again right well so I I usually do it I mean I would like to do these presentations sooner more in February or or late January because I do look at the usage from the previous calendar year so I use I utilize the most recent usage that I can I could start looking at on a fiscal year basis so there's a little bit more time to compile data um but end of January will be my and of course that changes with the respect to growth it changes with well it with growth but it's all it would all be factored into the analysis that's done in the memo prepared for you okay so we we'll look at the two% and the 300 in retained earnings look at that okay ready for water are you ready for water good question I am okay there so quick question for you guys um I know Claudia is not in a position to take a vote so but we would have to take a vote on on these these rates are we looking to vote at our next meeting I think so I think at this point it would make sense to wait and vote at our first meeting in April at least that way Britney can you know we can give her an idea of what we're looking at and then if that works for you I mean I I know you'd love one today so you can finalize these things but I think hopefully we'll give you some guidance I think yeah yeah yeah I I think I think you can come and lay a clear picture for us without necessarily having to to okay so moving on to water again we're expecting a deficit of about 476 for fy2 the subsequent years have been projected out based on assumptions and so forth um so these deficits obviously a little bit larger than sewer so like the sewer Enterprise fund this was just a quick analysis as to what a rate increase would look like um over the next five years to cover the capital projects and operating budget um going forward but not all the capital right not the big ones nope this would include the the big does this include the ozone it is because we would borrow for the ozone so the 21% would cover the principal and interest payments for the borrowing for the borrowing not a separate bar okay right right so it would be included principal and interest payments would be included in the budget now for the next 20 years okay um whatever capital is in that year okay um the Memo's been updated just to reflect if we're able to kick out that water tank another year depends on the inspection um and then this the increase was projected at 25 and it went down a little bit to 21% with um hopton's $1 million coming in um so this would be about a $50 impact a year for water at the 21% Michael am I wrong this is just hopkington going to get out but they guaranteed us that 1 million for this year what happens after this year that year is over with are we we have to find another way per amount dollar amount you know cover that million dollars that we were getting from hington because that would be an budget correct well that so I believe that million dollars is part of their town meeting yeah I believe that they're going to town meeting for a request for the million dollars already that's for hington I'm talking about like once that year is over with then we have that what I needed thank you if hington decides to tie in with the MW and not use our water are you talking we're we're shy of a million dollars because we were looking forward to getting anticipating that million well the the million is is a little bit separate than the operational cost but Joe you bring up a good point because if the town of hopkington no longer needs to use our wells cuz right now currently they pay 20 25% of the operating cost based on how much they draw you know if that goes away you know presumably you're not drawing as much water so you're not you you know putting as much wear and tear on the plant and everything but that's in theory I think in practicality and reality we would have to make up that revenue or a portion of that Revenue somehow okay we would lose about $240 to $250,000 a year okay so that's something we would have to make up some shape of form either through rate increase or our own water usage and it goes that way but if we have another rainy season like we had last year you know it's it's a catch 22 because we're not using the water but we're not generating Revenue as a result of it right we need the perfect season is what we need they just continue that cost and so our our cost for to run the plant would go down okay wouldn't actually be we would be losing that 250 but we wouldn't beend because we're not creating yeah so for those it would be on a one toone basis I think oh gotta I think so just just for the audience at home the super the water superintendent danmar is just pointing out that the operating cost should we stop servicing hopin operating cost will decrease a bit but not as much as our additional cost but it will be offset a bit okay thank you sorry you can come on up Doug if you like it's real quick okay but Joe just use the word guaranteed about the million dollars just so it's clear it's it's their portion of the project it's approximately million it could be 900 1.1 whatever 20 25% of what whatever what that money but that money would be guaranteed as a result of the and what's the retain Revenue in the water fund right now uh is it 2 million as well it's around million you put it in here I'm just not seeing it um sorry yeah it's about 2 million 2 million so we have another it's on page fair amount of retained Revenue available in this one as well okay Y and Britney just reminder Britney's original request and presentation was um I think a 25% increase um which I think was a $60 increase if I remember correctly um sorry I'm still looking this uh Brandy did you have anything you want to say or questions I'm just trying to go through all the all the back up in the notes um right there's a lot and I while you're while you're thinking it just you know just to note that Britney did put a pretty detailed um all the developments coming online and their various contribu ution to the revenue which is very helpful so thank you go ahead Brandy yeah I'm just trying to find where in the packet it is I'm sorry everything is kind of um because I did have some questions about um the sorry like no we're all the same we're all good trying to get through sorry I'm still waiting through sewer you know a lot of information yeah so I know that there was something in here about the like the billing tier I believe um and if I remember correctly like we had talked about usage had had gone down with water is that correct the average usage yes yes has gone down okay so um do we think that that's do we think that that's like a trend that's going to continue or do we think that that's pretty much leveled off at this point like from do we think that the the the revenue um shortfall that we're looking at is that that you know we're going to we that basically that we will actually um meet those numbers if that makes sense I'm sorry I'm trying to like dig here I'm hoping they meet the numbers for fy2 24 it'll it'll kind of come down to the summertime again and whether or not we're in a drought or it's a rainy season I tried using an average of of the user um usage over I look at a calend year basis so I look at calendar year 20 what we in what year is it 23 did I look at yeah January to December of 23 in order to put this together then I also compare it to Prior years just to see where we're at it's it's a little tough to to see where the usage is coming from it could be developments I know we've had developments come online um there also factors with the weather that play into it as well I'm hoping that we'll see a little bit more in Revenue it won't be that much more um but it it all comes down to the summertime yeah yeah well and and also you know just in general like um we were kind of talking about this the other day um when we were talking to Dan at the the water treatment plant and you know I I always hear from people who have like families that have higher usage um and complain about like the higher rates that that you know if you use more water you you pay you pay a higher rate for some of that water um so you know I always I always think like you know you know we need to put out some educa I I always like want to try to get people to use less water right um which probably doesn't help from a budgeting standpoint but from it makes me feel like we're getting more information out there but um but I do feel like you know if if we can help educate people about how to lower their water bills um we might actually you know maybe maybe people can um you know help themselves a little bit more too even though that the you know even if we need to increase the the rate of the water so I just wanted to put that out there because I think I think it's an important component to to um to water usage as well so yeah um thanks thanks for pointing that out I'd kind of for I'd forgotten about that so um Britany so you know you have your scenarios here but the rate increased 5% through 21% in the average bill how does how did you how did you work the tiers into that that data so the the tiers are included into a a large workbook that I have um I don't think I have so if so if we're saying you know you raise it 21% in the average average bill is going to be $353 right how does that you average the tiers somehow to come up with that yeah so attachment C on the memo it breaks down you input all the usage per tier and it breaks down what the average person would use so all right so this is some sort of average tier use yeah this is an average bill an average so it takes what the average person would would utilize great okay thank you and that's yeah I think that's the best you know for an imperfect world I mean that's I mean we're not going to be able to say to every single person this is what your bill is going to be no it's uh sorry and and as we all know that households are changing on a regular basis one one year you have four people in your house and the next year you have two and sometimes it's consistent or not consistent so Britney just I apologize if you went through this but she laid out these options so there's one through five and the options are 5% through 21% and their basic is the basic variable how much retained earnings is being utilized right so that's right it starts we could go as low as 5% and use 485,000 of retained earnings in in the 21% is at zero use of retained earnings in line with Britney's feeling that we shouldn't be using retained earnings so well so this 21% would only cover fix will get 25 or yeah I think yeah and then 26 we be looking at another 16% increase so if you want to talk about smoothing out the rate increase over the next five years as well I don't the averages of these increases but so there's there's 2 million I think at one point you said there's 2 million retained ear you talking about 997 yeah so if you use say 500,000 a year it lasts for four years we'll wipe ourselves out okay all right other other things about the water fund what are thoughts thinking about how to approach this I I think the 20 I think you know the 21% is certainly better than the 25% um I I I agree with for this one not using the retained earnings I mean unless we used a little bit like I'm looking at scenario 4 if we did a 20% increase I was trying to be mindful with the sewer knowing that that that has a larger impact on the taxpayer so I was I was more mindful on on the sewer using more retained earnings um water has a less of an impact yeah but still an impact Joe or brandy well BR you I mean Britney thank you um you just almost answered my question because you said if you don't use the retained earnings it's you know it's a plus but you know I I feel like we're taxing the people to keep you know uh a savings account uh for the future and that's not what the Enterprise fund is actually based for I mean it's for emergencies things that come up and and they keep you know the the balance of a of a water bill to be you know palatable to people um and again 21% in one year is that's it's I mean I like the idea when we talked about the sewer rates to keep it flat I mean this is now now we're doing Peaks and valleys again and and and it goes against what you were talking about with the sewers so if there's if there's a way we could keep that that Plateau right across the board I mean I would be in favor of that and I don't know what that figure would be within the 5 years that you have here between the 5% and the 21% but I mean I I I would feel more comfortable going something in between and using some of those retained earnings St I've set that sure that that deficit if anyone has their phone on them and wants to average it out yeah let's let's Brandy anything else on the water before we tackle the trash fees and yeah the the only thing I the only thing I have a question on is so you know the retained earnings for for water we have a lot of capital that we need to like an infrastructure issues that we could potentially um that that's gonna that I think I think that's going to be sort of like the big the big thing for water like we have all these all these capital projects on the on the horizon that we need to to do um the idea of you know I mean I don't want to I hate raising water rates on anyone at all but um I feel like if we don't if if we don't kind of have a mind to to use those retained earnings for you know unplanned water main breaks or um you know if we do have to to do the the Cedar Street um water tower you know there's going to be a lot that's that's potentially um interesting I don't I I I feel like I I feel like the the um the use for those retained earnings is much closer on the water side than it is on the sewer side if that makes sense so you know I I worry about you know spending down the retained earnings too much so you asked if someone had a calculator Claudia is watching and listening if we did 11% M um to even it out over the five years I um I don't think we'd have enough retained yeah I think we would because if we're using if you're looking at this chart with 10% we would be using 375 11% it you know probably a little bit higher or I mean a little bit less 10% but Claudia had the similar question that I did is like how do you determine what you want in your retained earnings right like I said for our rainy day fund for the state for the town we our goal was I think 10% of our budget we want in a rainy day fund should something happen and maybe that's something we need to look at okay looking at what our potential Capital costs are what should our retained earnings be in these Enterprise funds as well in regards to what we want to use I mean to to everyone's point right our our rate payers are paying in based on their usage but obviously our costs are not as much as what they're using otherwise we wouldn't have retained earnings so how can we find a balance there to have retained earnings to do some of these bigger projects but also not make as large a hit on an annual basis with our rate increases so in terms of are you are you guys suggesting that this is something we should take on as part of this process or think about for the future or I I I mean you set the base now I think we you know we look at it for this cycle but again like I just said a little while ago don't wait until January or February to have this discussion right look at at our Capital stuff and what our needs are and try to and I don't know if we'd be able to meet like a fall time frame because that's your end of year for you um Mid July to probably the end of September yeah I'm not saying exactly the fall I'm just saying that I feel like we're we're sitting here and it's one of those things right it's not until you sit through this a couple times you go oh yeah it really you know and when we're not having to raise rates right it's like okay this is our r okay it's all okay let's just keep moving forward but when you start having to raise rates certainly these amounts you start going oh wait a minute is this really how we should be looking at it that's all right so I just want to point out though for sore and water though there's so many assumptions built in if you do a fiveyear like a 2% right that's assuming that the developments are going to come online of course and so forth and and the inflation is not going to go out of control again so there's are there are a lot of assumptions built into it right I think there's inherently a lot of variables here' done a great job of trying to incorporate but they are variables and that's where I go back to you know looking at this every year and seeing where we're at and and adjustments but anyway okay yeah because I mean that's a good point I mean we're in this situation with the trash fund so we expected certain amount of Revenue coming in right and we didn't get it even with the increase in bag bag fees we didn't see we didn't see the revenue we expected we may see it not yet not yet we still have some time uh anything else Brandy before we push on to everybody's favorite subject P thr what direction do we want to give Britney well do we want to do that now or wait till one thing I'm thinking we have three different things and maybe we should look at them Al together in terms of impact and what we want to well I don't know that Britney's going to be able to give us the full impact right like right now no I mean us like if I'm if we say are we going to raise all these or are we going to maybe say I mean I'm I'm going to make a push not a push but I'm going to suggest that we look at these all three together and their impact people so right now right we said okay instead of the 3% for sewer we're going to do 2% okay that's an average of $176 68 for water and I don't know if you did this one as well and I'm not finding it right right now you're saying 21% M and that's about $50.2 per person okay well what if we go to 20% we we understand what we'd use for retained earnings but what would that be right per per did you I would you know I would push for a lower something break you the 15% like what would the per so the average bill you mean yeah average I could calculate it I didn't calculate that one I only calculated the uh 20 21% so 21 So 20% it would go up $49 excuse me 48 um and then on if 15% it would go up 30 okay so 35 excuse me 35 35 if we did 15% okay okay but that if you do 15% you're using 250 right 250 in retained earnings which to me is like I don't I would even go lower than that but um that's where I want to look at all three together and what we're you know what we're putting you know moving to do and but that now for water so we have no we 50 $502 for 21% about $41 for 20% and $35 for 15% okay yeah okay okay and then now we can go to trash trash okay go ahead and whoever is waiting we apologize this conversation is obviously taking longer than we expected but it's an important one happen there we go is um yeah everyone who who is supposed to be here at 8 and 8:20 are here so oh yes we here we here for 850 so was trash first yes in the packet yes it was so if well these guys are getting ready so um I'm just looking at her you know just a little we did increase uh the flat fee and the bag fee last last year by 50% and 40% we had a lot of discussion about that um and now I think just a let me know when you're ready Brit okay I'm ready okay go ahead all right so yes last year we increased the the flat fee by 50% and the bag fee by 40% um this was enough Revenue just to cover the FY 24 deficit so we we knew that we were going to have to relook at this um this year so the FY 25 revenues and expenses we're looking got a deficit of approximately 100,000 for FY 25 mhm wow it's going to be a fun commute home um is something going on wind wow very wind yeah so the next five year of deficits are you can see on the uh slide um so the forecast assumptions we're looking at a 3% cost of living wages 4% increase in the trash removal cost each year so that 4% um is factored in throughout the uh remainder of the 5 years but the contract ends in FY 27 so the 4% is a placeholder for 28 and 29 yep I can't see move this there we go so for fy2 the proposal would be to increase the flat fee by 15% and the senior rate by 10% the increase for the regular rate payers would correlate to a $31 increase in the flat fee annually annually okay and for senors that would correlate to an $11 increase so combined this would generate about 158,000 for the town and that's the flat fee and that's the flat fee okay so this was requested at the prior meeting was reviewing the tonnage I think maybe by Brandy or are you Yanda um so in reviewing this year's Revenue FY 24 the first 6 months it looks like we're on track to collect about $100,000 less than what we budgeted and and looking at the tonnage tonnage did go down the first 4 months and it appeared that recycling did go up not percentage per percentage but then the tonnage goes up drastically November December January February just very recent data yes this is very this data is very is this year fresh and it Compares it Compares it data yeah it Compares it till last year so I don't know how how many bags people bought last year to get them through this year but I would anticipate they're being they're going to run out soon yes a a correlation in the increase in the bag sales I just don't know when that's going to hit all right it could be um the next 6 months of this fiscal year 24 it could be next year I don't know but it it seems as though we might be six months to a year behind every single year with the B just a that's just observation of people's behavior is very hard to right analyze um anything there so with that said I am I am optimistic that the bag fee will go up it's just a matter of when um so I would re bag Revenue I was going to say optimistic that the Fiel go up I don't know that we want to be optimistic about that the bag cost I'm hoping that sales will go up a little bit um so I would recommend increasing it by 15% um for FY 25 now I just want to say if if at the end of FY 24 it really does come in a lot lower than what we anticipated or budgeted I would probably come back before you to increase the flat fee um to cover that for next year for for next year I would probably visit you sometime in September or October so we would adjust it through in the middle of the year the flat fee so and we're going to stay with the two Billings um I'm not sure yeah we just have to coordinate with our treasure collector on because I saw your data on that and the back that we're only at I think you said 85% for the first Bill yes and that went out yeah I I think there's a little bit of lag time when people pay which is which is typical yeah but I think that now that there's two installments people might take their time a little bit and paying the second Bill and that can go into the next fiscal year which will throw off all kinds of things kind of it up you know it's it's it's a timing thing more than anything yeah all right Randy um thoughts on this and yeah and trash or um yeah no I I appreciated the the data on the the tonnage because I think that really is um important information and um because I was wondering whether or not people were just throwing out less trash or if people were doing the uh hoarding bag thing and I I think we have our answer to that um so when I was looking at the different scenarios and the different percentages and things like that I was trying to kind of come up with something that was and I ran out of time be honest I was trying to do this today um you know I know you're proposing a 15% increase in the flat fee um for households and then 10% for seniors um and you know I know that um you know we do try to to keep keep the feed is lower for seniors um I know I mentioned it would be great to be able to do something that's more based on income versus versus age I know that's probably a nightmare to to um to manage and and administer but um you know at some point it would be good to kind of know if that is even a possibility at some point I know it's not for this fiscal year so I I totally get that um I would I was trying to figure out if we decreased the from 15% to something like 12% and did the same for seniors so instead of 15 and 10 we did something like 12 and 12 if we would um make up the the um if we would be able to to um to come up with a revenue for the deficit and I don't I didn't get to the point where I could make that totally work but that's kind of what I was thinking was something a little bit l less than 15% for um for everyone basically because I I think I I know there's not enough senior households to make up for the um there's a lot less of them than than the regular households but I do think I I would I would want to do something that's that's that has parity across the board for everybody um but that's just my my perspective you know I I'll I'll throw something out here as we're um get it okay no no one got it um Doug thought it was funny at least I you have to ask people if they got your joke Rob I know it's bad um so uh the one thing I I I do want to I want to introduce this idea that um you know we looked at these last year and looking at these three major funds my my suggestion is because we're looking at a couple things tonnages going up um which to me indicates one there's a revenue Source from the bags but also that people maybe should be thinking about recycling a little more and we should be thinking about how to encourage them to do that also we looked at this last year and did a fairly Hefty increase and I think your deficit that you're projecting was what about over a 100 thou just a bit over 100,000 for FY 25 so this increase would cover the next three years yeah so um so the other thing I'm proposing is we think about one year and review cuz we just did this one and that we just why don't we just raise the bag fees by your 15% which gets us what 880,000 or 100,000 I'm not opposed to the back fees so that the the flat fees would generate enough Revenue to cover the FY 25 deficit and if the bag Revenue came in or didn't come in it wouldn't impact your job is to be conservative make sure we have the money I'm looking at a little differently cuz I'm looking at the public undergoing a lot of inflation stress and I'm trying to figure out how we can minimize our impact on that so I I certainly appreciate your position but one I I think one of the things we're looking at across the board increases here one of the things we should think about rubbish just increase the bag fee give people the incentive to not throw things out to recycle more and see how that works next year we'll probably I think your projections alone from bag fees will cover the projected deficit right next year I think that will collect the bag fees that I budgeted for this year into next year yeah but we won't collect enough bag fees for what we budget or increase the bag fees for 25 I don't think that will yeah I think if if we increase the bag fees by what she's recommending don't increase the flat fee I don't think we're going to generate enough income to cover our costs based on what Britney told us theoretically if people are buying the bags right if they buying the bags they're buying the bags but based upon based upon the data but I thought your projection for the bag fee increase was around 80 to 100,000 880,000 to 100,000 is that yes that's that's assuming that people buy the Bago starting July 1st yeah which yeah right so it's it's a bit of a there's nothing certain about it but I'm not sure it has to be certain because we have retained Revenue so let's if and worst comes to worst we spend some of that I'm just looking at the big picture here and you know price yeah you do have some retained Revenue in in trash right the other thing you got to think about also is if you increase the back piece um 15% that's what BR is Project 15% but that's what she's requesting if you if you want to look at increasing it more let's just say at some point yeah so one of the things you've got to be concerned about is illegal dumping right and that's why I'm not I'm saying that and I'm maybe it shouldn't be 50 maybe it should be 10% but I think Britney's deciding that 15% is a kind of and I tend to agree is an increase but it's not going to it's not going to throw people off that much um we're likely to they're likely to continue to buy so the additional the additional cost Brandy I mean Britney I'm sorry that you uh provided us that's a 15% increase uh for the large and small Flex bags and that generates a total of 11 16,21 and that'll take care of the deficit just for this particular year if we collect all of if we collect collect it if understand and I get that um but that doesn't leave anything for the following year no no so recommend this recommendation covers the next three years um so 15% each year prior I mean each year after no there's a hold on let me go to last SL it would cover the deficits through FY 27 okay and then the next increase wouldn't be until FY 28 and 29 so this 15% will take care of right up until right and the and the bag increase will take us through the end of FY 27 and you've also got and we we're looking at a year or two I guess Gap in terms of developments and their housing developments which is what you did but after two or three years we're starting to see Revenue coming in for most of these developments right so we got a bit of a gap to cover so that that's what I was going to ask Michael uh like one 101 Main Street I mean uh chestn Street they don't do their own uh trash collections it'll be town collected no they would do their own okay so we we're not generating any interest I mean any any money from them not for trash but we also aren't generating any expense right there's no or anything like that right okay all right that's one thing and um you know so we support the condo communities with trash service but they're starting to opt out I think um interesting yeah was at a joint Association condo community's meeting last night and one of the things that they said is that they had just a couple of the you know that's like four different associations I think two of them voted to you know do their own trash service just because it's more convenient for them um so if Doug that's probably new information to you because I just found that out last night yeah well they voted for it so so that will affect our revenues but again it would also then impact loing the Tipping fees right we would gain the Tipping fees because we're not generating a tonage correct okay any any well so in terms of this so we're we're running a bit late uh how much more discussion or things do we want to talk about for these three things in terms of next next meeting I think we have information but I'd like to take a little more time and go through some more of this sure on my own yeah okay um you know it's interesting Brandy you said 12% and 12% and that was in Britney's documents as well oh it was yeah there was something about a 12% increase in your doc in the documents CU I'm like oh that's interesting that she said 12% um oh that was for FY 28 oh okay oh yeah never mind I thought it was all 5% SC right do you want to give us a dollar amount like for a total increase for all those well we're talking about trying to add all these right like how much do we want to add to people's you know do we think they can afford $100 do we additional do we you know where are we at you mean for all three together for all three together that's interesting right well that's what we were talking about right yeah so I don't know I I still think for the trash we should just increase the bag fees by 15% and leave it alone and then the others the um if I'm remembering um uh the water was that was that that was the one with the big increase but it's correct not a I would you know I think we should look at least for the next year use of these retained revenues to offset a chunk of that I think we talked about going down to what um and then claudus are you in touch with Claudia yeah she and I have been yeah does she want to unmute and say something no she can't she and she's now gone she had to jump off so so one thing question do we have retained earnings at all on trash yes so we have less than 300,000 in trash so over the last three or four years we've used about 800,000 of our trash retained earnings to balance the budget yes and that and that's the B that's to take care of the deficits over the year over the last three years remember the projected deficit next year is only what 105,000 or whatever 118 so we got 300 in retained Revenue so I guess what I'm saying if if you said to us hey you know we want to keep the total increase for these three um Enterprise funds less than $75 or $75 or less we would have to use retained earnings but we could come up with a plan that would help you I think that's I I mean because I think that's where where you were going right you're like let's let's look at all of these and I think that's I okay yeah Brandy what is what number sounds feels good I I think you know oh never I I I don't have I it's difficult for me to kind of like run numbers right now but I think if um if we can if 75 is doable I know we were kind of going back and forth on on on water quite a bit so but I if we can figure out a like sort of a a um um a number I think 75 sounds sounds right to me but again I don't I'm kind of I don't have my notebook I'm kind of um it's a working so number I think SE so if we could look at add all these together we don't increase more than 75 annually and I would say that's with the flat fee because the bags we don't know right we well I would I would push back on that because we want to like the the trash is different from a lot of these because we're trying to encourage certain behavior and my position is to put it on put it on the bag feet because we want we want people to decrease uh what they're throwing away to increase um Recycling and we've got a a solid waste problem that's not this is why we're having this problem every year so we got to look at how to decrease and so we should give people the right incentive uh I think instead of increasing everyone's fees so there's no incentive or everybody pays why don't we try why don't we try to keep the 75 with the back feet obviously we can figure out the average what an average household would utilize why don't we why don't we try that okay don't have I don't have a problem I think that's a fair inequitable yeah cuz cuz it it hits everybody it doesn't eliminate certain groups or whatever just right across the board and that's fair all right Brandy you ready to move on I'm ready to move on thank you righty so thank you all where are we in the agenda I think we have the longsuffering Helen we still have we still have uh three things that we supposed to get to before our 850 so I I think I think um the cemetery discussion can be relatively brief because because Helen and Joan um have left no no and the historical commission had presented a lot of information and what the board had wanted was them to come like work with DOs like do and I to come up with the plan um plan and costs right a big thank you guys for coming in and bearing with us yeah and they um so they provided a lot of that information previously as part of your yep um part of your packet and then Doug and I have worked with them and have got a workable plan that we think can help so okay so do we want to I think this is a great project do we need to talk to folks about it need update US based on what we asked them Helen go ahead hi um yeah um I think that the uh packet pretty much I think explained to all of the costs that we can anticipate at this point um and you know how how we're planning to the there there's a pretty good explanation of how we're planning to run that you had ask for sort of a mockup of the uh cleanup training weekend so we've kind of included all of that and some of the information from TNT to give you an idea you know of who they are and uh why we like them and um there's a bit of a I think an Excel sheet here with pretty much like you can just sort of look at that quickly and kind of get an idea of what all the costs are and I I I was thinking maybe you'd have questions more I wasn't really planning on doing as much of a presentation tonight as I was planning on answering questions about the information we sent so okay thank you questions thoughts uh about it I know I I have to confess I spent a lot of time on the on the Enterprise fund review and uh didn't get spend a lot of time on looking at their plan but well from the from what I have seen and and read and discussed with you folks at the last time you were here um you guys are very thorough um I just I just get concerned about the fact we're going to do all this work and I'm hoping uh are you going to do a presentation FR a CPC to get funding for that as well we do plan to go to the CPC um probably next year yeah okay for or for next year okay all right because I mean I know at that's a historical piece of property and we have an historical bucket I don't see why this whole project can't be funded out of that particular barl yeah I think this year Michael had said that there was a lot going on this year with CPC so we sort of kind of put that off because we didn't really have all of the uh cost expenditures yet which really once we go through this cleanup training weekend and we get a better idea of how much work has to be done professionally as opposed to what the volunteers can do we'll have a better idea of what the the total cost will be so that we can not only approach um CPC but we can see what we're getting in uh donations uh through our fundraising there's a cost associated with the weekend right the spring 24 volunteer weekend $2 to $3,000 assessment right yes and we have that cover so we have that covered we have the the uh survey covered okay um I think we have everything we needed for this this year was was covered and we are also anticipating once we get approval from you uh that there may be some additional money coming and we can't guarantee that but we we would be hoping there would be some additional money coming in through uh some donations that uh our fundraiser will be doing okay so we already have those costs cover so Helen the extra time will give you folks more time to prepare our actual costs and and the work that's going to be done by volunteers and see what's Works needed after after that work is completed is that right yes exactly okay so so Michael you're saying that the funds that are here we're looking to cover with the Guston money because it was put into to okay yeah and and donations if we need to but I think all of it can be covered under the Guston okay okay okay I think I'm good to make a decision y okay Randy anything no the information in the packet was really thorough and I think it kind of filled in a lot of the blanks that that um and and questions that I had from from when you were um here last presenting it so thank you thank you guys for for taking this initiative on and wanting to do a lot of this abolutely um work yourself so um we appreciate that very much we probably need to take a motion to okay I move that we approve the moving forward of the volunteer program presented by the historical commission for the cemetery project second motion's been made and seconded um all those in favor say I raise hands uh we need to do a roll call vote because BR she's out Point yeah she's out so go ahead um Brandy uh kinman I manani I Greaves ey share I so that's 4 z y with one member absent right okay thank you does that cover it Michael yes perfect thank you guys very thank you for doing all very much for your patience thank you can I one one quick comment yeah sure um first I just want to say that we appreciate your your um support but we also appreciate um the Board of Health and the um conservation um he and in the DPW the DPW is very receptive and as short-handed as they are they're willing to to do a lot with as long as we're um considerate of their time and we certainly will be so great thank you and I'd like to also add to that so we're very excited uh for the community uh as well because this is a very you know solid Community project um and we are utilizing a lot of volunteers so I would love to invite everyone on the select board and anyone who's listening uh we'll be putting out the information if you would like to come and join us we would love to have you when when will you be doing the the work what's the weekend so we don't have the date because we were waiting for the approval so we will be coming up with that very shortly and I let everyone know perfect cool thank you thank you thank you you all right so very nice um so the next item is uh uh Beth Reynolds with an update plan on the former police department building that's great knock it down let's wait and see what she says go ahead Beth what did she say okay we might Maybe make that happen for each um so thanks for having me here tonight we've been doing a little bit of work um planning for the police station uh the downtown police station 137 Main Street um and I'm here to just sort of give you an update of sort of what overall just a very general um overview of sort of where we're at with that at this point so as you know there has been a great need in the I would say the last year especially for additional parking spaces in downtown uh we have a lot of new business owners uh lots of successful businesses in downtown that just are creating a little bit more of a need for parking um so we have looked at this space um and what you have in your packets is um just a very rough handdrawn sketch that i' done um just kind of measuring the space and looking to see what we can put in there for parking spaces so it still a work in progress obviously um but we also um in in doing in looking at all of this we did look at the surveys that we got when we did the fire station when we put the RFI out and then oh yeah consequently the RFP in between those two um things we actually did survey the community and we asked what would you like to do with the fire station what would you like to do with the police station so um you know the the results that we have that we've that came in for that um basically were leaning towards um people really wanting to preserve the fire station not necessarily the police station um so I mean I can certainly share those with you if you're interested in that um but a you know a lot of them 209 out of 388 surveyed said yes to uh wanting additional parking so just wanted to note that we did have some feedback from the um community so what you have in front of you is some additional Park paring um but we would also put in a popup park right in front to sort of just to keep with the Aesthetics of downtown um and to really kind of you know screen off that that asphalt um basically just to make it nice and green in the front um and to soften that parking lot and that those needed spaces um so there would be that nice small park there in the front that there's a beautiful tree that would remain I was going to say is that the green area where the sign is basically build it right around that tree and then um it would it would just lend itself to you know a place for people to stop and sit have a cup of coffee we could have events there it would be a nice addition to the Holiday Stroll and the tree lighting um so there's a lot of opportunity there as well as adding in some um additional marking making it nice and safe we are adding a uh fence to the rear of the building along the train tracks um that land was just surveyed um so we will be adding that shortly just for safety purposes um we don't want anybody going well there's no fence there now no no there never hasn't been for years and that's that's interesting yeah well that's it but it is isn't it usually the the te's responsibility to have a good fence I mean that's my understanding so I don't know there's not even a chain link fence not on that side side there is on the other side well that's interesting okay sorry to interrupt but you know one of the thing to think about I mean should we be you know talking to the te to like put in a fence I don't know are they missing a fence that whole stretch I don't think that all all of the train track has fence right but think about the farmers's market yeah no but well that's another issue but okay I I don't want to interrupt what you're saying but it's a surprising to me in the downtown area there's no fence that's a little unusual that on that section okay go ahead Beth I'm sorry to no so that is um so we're looking at adding in well I believe there's about 18 spots there now um to 20 um we are looking to be able to increase that from to about 30 to 35 spots double double Lots yep they would be angled parking very much like what's out in the uh Town Hall Parking Lot yeah yep it would look pretty and just looking at this sketch so the in and out would be where it is now that wouldn't get changed correct so the parking that's along the fire depart the the firehouse would that stay yes so that's part of the Clover roads plan is to create a uh seasonal outdoor patio there um I thought that was in front no that's a well so that's that will still be there as well so they are building out a knee wall there and then about along the side so what they found was when they spent a little time at the fire station there's no sun that hits that front patio um that they're going to build it it will never be in the sun um it is in the morning it's lovely sun in the morning you're not sit at a at a brewery in the morning not during beer drinking time so they really were looking at that side so they're in front of the planning board now to add a seasonal uh patio right on the side there where those spots are and then they'll be removed um in the winter months for parking closer to the building okay um so that will be still an in and out at that location um and then the parking lot would actually be a oneway so you would actually go one way into the parking lot and then out okay uh do we have a cost estimate no no okay just really trying to get an idea of how you feel about just I mean what I would say is in one of Michael's surveys or in one of your surveys put this out to the public saying you know this is what we're we're planning what do you think would would you also entertain um putting solar solar panels up like like the ones that we have at the high school sure you know that parking lot so they generate additional it's an inter downtown yeah you're going to knock the building down and you're going to have open you'll have open space people have people have asked about EV Chargers as well um and so we could do a couple EV charger stations there's programs now through the state for new EV Chargers to get grants and stuff absolutely yep y good that's good point yeah um Beth just in terms of the parking on the railroad trucks are you thinking of any plantings back there to kind of screen the tracks or to make that's where the fence will be yeah so the fence will go right up all the space is used up there's no space for right margin okay there's parking there for lunkers too for their employees and stuff so four spots for lunkers that directly in the back area in agreement okay yeah in agreement with the town all right well you know I know you got a lot of things jugl it might be interesting to try to screen the the tracks with some kind of plantings if it'll fit but so the only problem is rub is that when the so the parking lot will go right up to the prop it goes right up to the property line you need so it would be on the it would be on the state property if we wanted to screen it okay yeah so you don't think you can set back at all I me I guess not unless we want to put the fence on State Property no I meant if you move the parking spaces back you you might parking we lose parking you would lose the okay Randy had a question oh I'm sorry go ahead Brandy thanks um I was just thinking like timeline wise what is um what are your thoughts as far as I mean obviously we' need to put something out to bid and and things like that is that are we looking at this year for for this project or is that you know what what's your what's your thoughts on that Michael you want to answer that one um first step is get money right so that was going to be and actually that's one of the things that we we talk about later under TM reports is actually the our legislative budget requests for this year because that might be some we might ask for money that might be something that we could ask for money for that's an interesting thing um and if that's the case then we wouldn't you know get that until August or September and when the economic development money that we had um I've got to figure out a whole plan for that um I was just going to say the same thing we got some money specifically for Rail and around the rail and remember it's all allocated and then oh it is all allocated already so I've got to take it from somewhere else which I can do I can do and um you know I did had sent an email just saying that we had some complications arise out of that just in terms of what the definition of obligated means we're still working through that so okay um a quick question with respect to the 119 Main Street would you fence that area as well or put some sort of uh barrier so that the uh the folks that are residing they don't have to look at the parking lot where now they just look at a building now that's going to be removed and that's right oh the um the Ashlin house yeah there is a fence in between the property they have a fence and they have green um screen they've got really huge arbiv property y their fence is on their property is on their property okay all right yep exactly yeah okay all right I'm good anything else so do you need anything else from us for this just like it sounds like a good idea and Joe said a sledgehammer a sledge I'm ready so want to help with the demo J you want ack you want me to for you that's a fun so we've got to do kind of you know best got a sketch and it's a really good sketch very good my father would be very I know that the engineers can work from that but I think it's a good sketch so and Evan has you know done some preliminary looking at this so we'll have him he was on so that was good he's still here we'll have that's great yeah Evan's been a great help um he's yeah formalize it a little bit more exactly with that right and yoland said something about a survey or trying to get the design out just maybe you could you know we could we could throw something together in the newsletter and just say this is you know this is the plan I think we got to put this sketch in the well we we'll have a better one you just got to sign it at the bottom Historical Society yeah I'm touched I'm touched I am the daughter of I am the daughter of a civil engineer Joe so I did learn a few things all right all right thank you all right thank you all right so moving on now the presentation for the roadway Traffic Safety Committee update and we got back on and Joe's moving out into the audience to make his presentation so thank you and this was you know our ongoing effort to U have committees you know come see us for an update and maybe spend a little more time with them than during board report so I would love to thank you Joe thank you thanks Rob uh thanks the select board for inviting us this evening um as you know we're part of the Ashland Traffic Safety uh study committee and I'd like to introduce uh the members some of them are not were not able to be here this evening for other commitments one person just appeared is he on your committee uh Evan Evan's there oh yeah Kevin Lang Lang me y Evan yeah yep we all the th those two are very vital to this to this committee as well so but I'll get to it uh Lieutenant uh Rich Briggs from the Ashland Police Department Michael Dua a retired fire department uh worker uh he works with our traffic Lighting Group uh Mike is the expert when it comes to all this with with respect to downtown lighting and and and any traffic lights through throughout the town so uh and hopefully he's training someone else just in case um I would hope so okay I would hope so um it's just like the old you know Water and Sewer Department you know there was one gentleman that knew everything M walkup and it was all in his mind and when he passed that went with them yeah that's not a good thing no it's not a good absolutely not right so um Donna Walsh who was a bus coordinator for the town uh school school district Kevin langmeier uh douy small Evan White Al um alvarro Espinosa uh assistant Town planner Pete matek uh Town planner uh Chief Roby uh Chief Rosy and myself quite a so we have we have a very good core of individuals uh and their expertise when it comes to uh traffic and studies uh f f none uh Ed bman used to be on the committee um he uh but when he took over uh the job in Orland he he had to he had to give it up the position so um unfortunately I took over by default as Che because nobody else wanted it h so what did they deal with me uh the purpose uh of the committee has many facets um we investigate and develop uh safety concerns throughout the town and uh as it pertains to traffic concerns pedestrian safety and roadway uh development and issues reported by the citizens um a focal point of all citizens concerns is the regarding uh of safety issues in their neighborhoods and uh in other areas of town as well uh from roadway repairs to speeding issues and other safety related matters that come to our attention via emails or letters themselves or we even have uh residents that come to our meetings and sit and talk with us uh we allow anybody to come it's an open meeting uh it's it's uh on uh we have an agenda and everything is uh for public hearing um they can easily come and sit and talk with us all and um discuss their issues and a lot of the concerns uh are looked at and uh we try to act on as much I'm going to ask you um is the camera not on on that computer that we're not seeing Joe at the podium uhoh did I touch something probably no it just says Podium that's okay they know what I look like well you're you're speak sh it it's on wacka when Joe's speaking we can see I'm on wacka oh that's interesting and on and on okay that's fine and un Zoom as long as he can be seen in the two places that's the important thing thank those people sorry sorry to inter Jo no you're not interrupting at all um okay we tried to resolve these uh any any types of concerns or questions or uh incidences that people have uh and they come to us and we talk about them uh again one of the biggest concerns is speeding throughout throughout the town and uh sidewalks to be very honest we've been talking about that for a number of years um and Kevin Lang has been uh very very responsive been very helpful when it comes to uh anybody that has an issue when it comes to speeding in the in in their areas or in their neighborhoods and we do a study it's a it's usually it takes four weeks to do a complete traffic study um with the little boxes that calculate uh the things that this this uh equipment can do today is incredible it provides the dates and times of the most uh prominent uh traffic uh concerns uh the number of vehicles that come through um U and uh the average speed and it breaks the average speed down in increments of uh 10 15 miles an hour so we can break that down right from 10 m hour 15 mil an hour and so we get we get a pretty good average as to what goes on and in most cases a lot of people say oh the cars are flying they're doing 50 m an hour and they're actually doing 35 which is actually the speed limit so you know so it and most folks when they get those reports we provide them a copy of the uh the report themselves so that way they may not believe what we have to tell them but we give them an copy of the report so they can see it you know firsthand and if they don't believe it then what we'll do when we have time because there are other studies that we have to do in different other parts of towns once all those are completed again it usually takes four weeks it's a couple of months and we explain that to the folks and then we go back and we do another assessment of that same area and basically when you get the two assessments they're almost the same so the people have a better understanding there is a big push and I know Doug will attest as with Kevin that um a lot of folks are looking for Speed bumps in their roads and you know this will slow down traffic but it also creates additional issues and one of the issues is a liability issue and a lot of towns are aware of that because if you put speed bumps on a roadway and they're there and there's an accident and as a result of the speed bumps causing that accident the town is liable so and we so we're concerned over that so we make sure that you know and we've sat down and we and we've talked with Lisa me over this as well so we have you know we have a a concern that whatever we do we want to make sure we do it so it doesn't put the town in Jeopardy you in the long run now there there's permanent speed bumps there are speed bumps that you can put down you know seasonal speed bumps types of deals um you can have the ones that are nice and smooth they they rise up and down so they're not a great impact but if you're going a high rate of speed and you get one of those you can go Airborne no matter how you know smooth it is or whatever so we have to be very careful uh we don't want to put anybody in arms way as a result of some of the things that we see are people think are u a solution to a particular problem so it comes down to a lot of things and it comes down to Manpower basically people want more radar in their neighborhoods they want to see more police officers presence well you know that's great you know our Police Department is is down Manpower right now and uh you know they can't be at the same place at the same time you know daily there's other locations in town that where their needs are uh are required so um I Know Chief rosi has done and as has uh Deputy uh Chief vula uh had their have their men and women go out and do you know different Radars at different times a day throughout throughout the town and so uh we're dealing with an right now which is current um You probably saw the sign on Water Street not a throughway because there are people that are using that as a cut through because they don't want to go all the way down to Pleasant uh Pleasant and Maine and use the lights so the folks that are traveling East on Pleasant Street heading towards Maine they're the ones that are making that turn and coming down through Water Street and and it uh you know it's very narrow it's and it's it's kind of you know wide turn and you now you have delivery trucks and you have vehicles that are going probably a little faster than than the 20 M hour that uh is is required to go through that area so there have been some concerns and one gentleman uh is very uh vocal about it and um you know we we we're trying to repase them but you know it's it's a public way you can't stop people going through a public way you can put signs up to how slow people down or whatever but it's a public way so we have these we have the you know the legal M matters that we have to be concerned about too when we do things so if we put put a sign up we come to you folks to to get the okay we just did one on Acton Road not too long ago uh it was a stop sign at uh Pine Hill in Acton uh we got we got the they okay to do that and that's resolved a lot of a lot of speeding coming down Pine Hill in that area so I'm not Pine Hill I mean Hill so that works very well so we're we're we're trying to meet all the me uh all the needs and the concerns of the residents but again it comes to Manpower and and basically and so with the committee is trying to do the best they can and U yeah you know crosswalks and sidewalks we have a new side uh new crosswalk that's being uh built thank you through the state on codal road I'm sure if you passed by you've seen that already uh that's not a solar piled one unfortunately so we'll be taking that over and I know Evan is waiting for the okay for that uh from the board so uh at some point you know maybe at our next meeting we can take a vote to pass that so we can get that sure okay done um we have a new crosswalk uh up off of uh uh Edgewood Road on 135 and you saw the the caution signs that you know making people aware of it uh that's part of this process that we're putting in uh the crosswalks I mean sidewalks along 135 hopefully starting late spring late May um so so on that matter so where we so there's already a sidewalk on West the westbound side just past uh the gas station right correct but that doesn't go all the way I understand that so where are we adding sidewalks to get to the I'll let Doug explain that to uh the new sidewalk is going to be eastbound pretty much from uh the state park road all the way down uh to just across from Indian Spring Road and they'll be another crosswalk there as well okay good and why why did we put the crosswalk if we're going to extend the sidewalk down to Indian Spring and we're going to put a crosswalk there why did we put a crosswalk up by the other Road where there are no sidewalks because that's where the there will be a sidewalk as part of that we just did that right now because we have a lot of students that want to get to the other side to walk on the sidewalk that's currently there and that's so they're walking on the so now they're going to use that side that crosswalk to get to the sidewalk to the so they'll be walking in front of the Valentine property on no sidewalk to get to the sidewalk correct yeah and unfortunately that's that's the safest route right now that we've looked at it's it's not the best route but it's this it's it's what we can work with and and if we feel comfortable it's safe enough okay so but that's believe me we've had we've had many discussions over that and we finally made that uh recommendation so um these studies like we said um when we do the traffic studies take three to four weeks and um we get a more accurate uh resolution and conclusion to what people are looking for so I got I have two two other questions so in regards to where next sidewalks are going I know it's something that's dou Doug has been working on is the traffic study committee working on that as well to determine based on requests and needs where the next sidewalks are going in town well that's that's something that we'll sitting down with Michael to go over we know the biggest one right now was Route 135 because of the because of the students that are walking through the mes school I mean the middle school and also the state park because now we're having people Park along 135 we see people parking at the middle school to walk up to the state park over the summer because the right because the parking is because the parking is full and we don't want you know Mr Hicks and his family to have to go through what they went through haven't determined so have we determined that we're we're we're just going to do sidewalks right we're not going to make that multimodal I think that's what we end it up correct we just said we're going to just do sidewalks as of right now dog is shaking we were not able to okay okay the engineer that looked at it said that it was it was just the utility polls of the issue okay and then my other question this goes back to what Joel arbitman brought up um and I thought we were getting these the 4 foot signs about bike riders we're seeing them on I'm seeing them in all other towns and I think I saw one on civille but that's a state road have we put these on our own roads on entrance into our towns Kevin Kevin my understanding is we were getting them or we were waiting for them at some point Kevin you can y I received those prior to the winter uh we didn't get them on schedule so those are for the springtime uh we have 16 of those signs and we have't kned out to go around perfect good thanks for but I'm have retainer but that's a spring project after Marathon okay perfect um before we get to Joe is there any anything else you want to say or anyone else on the committee wants to say anything to us about there know Evan if you anything you like to to add to to what we've talked about uh no I just the um there's a there's a contact from the state that's just asking us to uh uh accept the the ownership and maintenance of the uh crosswalk signals on uh quarterville going forward um so if we could get that on the next meeting that would be helpful and and that's just the one as youve as you're on Caville just before you take the right on to right right by Johnson right right okay and you and that's so that because there's a sidewalk on one side and then there's a sidewalk on the other side and this crosswalk is now going to get you from one side to the other safely and use and be able to use the sidewalks that are there that are currently there without any addition sidewalk great no it's good so thanks Evan and I don't know if we can vote on that tonight but we because it's not on our agenda to do it so I think we we'll just need to add it to our next any other uh other disc Brandy did you have questions or thoughts yeah so first of all thank you Joe that was a that that was a good um a good presentation and summary of what you guys have been up to um quick question I know that we've talked before about um putting in a cross crossing signal at uh Fountain and 135 and I that's that's on your radar as well correct yes it is yeah y a pedestrian Crossing signal is that yeah okay yeah because because now the way that because there's no real um medians in in the road kids high school students are literally running across 135 so um so I was curious what like from a timing sale Point what that might look like you know I wish I wish Mike duok was here because Mike was involved in that aspect of it and unfortunately he's not here this evening but um do do we own those now that crosswalk at 135 in Fountain those are ours now that's all our they know they were temporary at some point and then we asked to keep them permanent with the public safety building okay and I and I know that um Michael was talking to pair when we were doing the public safety building and they had come up with some some some work some prelim minary design work for that for that intersection um but that I don't know where that's going to go right now yeah do you want yeah hi um yes so that intersection itself the first thing we're doing is we're actually going to do a temporary patch to get through the marathon the next step is we have to replace the water main right there so that's hopefully going to be part of this Capital request um for this summer okay and then next year hopefully we're going to be able to break ground and uh reconstruct that entire intersection and put in some cross crosswalks so we're you looking at at least a year at least a year maybe two years depending on get all the funding and all that yep great great thank you thanks um so I hope that answers your question Brandy yes it does and then as far as like budget goes I mean I know sidewalks are you know a a big a big Capital uh lineup item for us and and things like that but some of these smaller smaller projects do we have um do we have funding set aside for things like you know stop signs and and this this was my this was my last item on my did you read over my notes uh probably did you always do um the the last thing I just wanted to talk about was was the funding of some of these projects that we have available uh that we're trying to do and I know Kevin um is very much involved in in purchasing and and procuring of some of this material um you know like street signs uh solar uh powered crosswalk signs uh post I mean they're expensive and and Kevin if you can give us a brief uh summary of how much it would cost just to put like like the solar power crosswalks that we have right downtown how much it would initially cost the town if it would if we need to put additional ones throughout the town good U so a request to have an RFB put in with just the initial signs the solo signs themselves at the crosswalk with an additional advanced warning ranges anywhere from $7,000 to $8,000 for a complete system that's just purchasing it that's not installed and time and power right well if they're solar powered then they you know they're they're pretty well you know self maintained that way right they're not not hwi so is this kind of something we appropriate every year as it would be nice it would be nice I know that street signs are expensive and you know Kevin it it not only does you know it costs to get the signs and the post but like he just said he just mentioned you know manpower to dig and and get everything done and it takes time away from the the regular duties that that are involved with the DPW so this additional work that they have to do as well because they have nothing better to do I would consider it's part of their their duties right it's not it's not as consistent as other things that they do but putting these things it's part of their and changing and changing some of the sign locations after we after we do a determination that maybe you know the sign needs to be moved so it's it's right it can gets it can get a little bit uh sure go ahead so sorry Joe so your landed um just so you know so Kevin's position right now his title is stormwater Tech trffic control it's a fairly new position that he's been in for the last two years it's a new thing for the town of ashon it was much much needed oh yeah Kevin's doing a terrific job and all this stuff but um as far as funding for a lot of these things so right now we have the 150,000 uh I think it's arpa funds that we've been using on top of that we use complete streets money um but as far as a regular operating budget there's some money in there but it's it's not not so you know and I wasn't saying that but no I was just asking yeah so actually and that goes to my next question so six years ago we did the whole complete streets project we had funding through the state through I think mapc we we had a whole list of projects yes we've done some of them certainly Elliott and that in that whole area is it time to revisit that Andor is the road Safety Committee looking at that list of projects that were identified all those years ago and then adding stuff to it and then potentially applying for more grants for complete streets if there's still money time to look at it but it's it's almost like we already have a you know we're looking at Cedar Street sidewalks next I mean we we kind of have a we have a direction we're heading in um but yeah and it is time and so year one which which we just finished which took about four years because it's part of the downtown project is done that's done now we're looking at uh put putting in an application for year two okay for the complete streets funding okay okay so but I think we we also need we do need to start being more realistic about what we can take on and what we can do no I I agree right so I mean that's that's the conversation we always have right so we have we have these projects that are winding down but we don't want to overload ourselves so much it's it's a balancing act because we have to figure out we need we want to we don't stop the the complete streets projects that we're working on but we need to figure out what we can do with Manpower and things like that but I guess my question is is the review of it and the potential for Grants and things like that is that something the road Safety Committee is doing or do we want to bring another group back you know I'd be willing to sit back on that and review it again um you know and bring other people if if you give us that charge I don't see why we wouldn't be able to do that okay but I think you know to to to your point I think it's you know we should think about the process and if we want a wider body or W A Wider group to have input and and and you guys brought up two very important things sidewalks and complete streets and I'm I guess I'm kind of wondering the overlap with the comprehensive plan process because these are both things I I see as kind of long-term projects that Transportation review of the comprehensive plan oh yeah so you know so and to you guys so what's your role interfacing with the comprehensive plan and part of you the comprehensive plan is maybe a year two years away with getting we're we're in our information gathering phase okay so it may even be longer that you guys should definitely be part of that next year we're presenting the comprehensive plan so I guess from the comprehensive plan perspective we need to look at sitting with with someone from your group well Ed no Ed burman's on our yeah but Ed's not part of our group anymore oh right he isn't part of our group but I mean he could also tell you what he's done what we've done but he doesn't know what the fut bring you guys in or we can do that's fine we be more than happy to sit down in regards to the transportation perspective of it I mean we' be more than happy to do it but the funding is the big issue you know again people are looking for this but that's where going for state grants and complete stream like we were able to do we we got I think the first round we got $425,000 that helped us do Fruit Street Elliot Street and and the um speed zones around the school the speed zones around the schools and the a the ADA Compliant ramps and all that stuff so right so here's my question I guess to Brandy and you about the comprehensive plan process so people presumably are identifying oh I think sidewalk should go here I think this needs certain things and some of it interfaces with what these folks are doing so how does that kind of how do we kind of integrate as we identify these things right and as we're getting ready to write write the comprehensive plan and say okay this is what's been identified at we will go to them or ask them to come or as we're having the discussion on transportation and infrastructure we would certainly include their committee yeah that that we be more than happy to do what needs to get done cuz again the basic line is the bottom line is we're all doing this for the safety community of the town and for the residents to to enjoy the you know being able to walk Here There and Everywhere and have our students safe safe walk to school to and from so you know uh any other we eligible for all these grants yeah I was going to ask Joe if he had any questions but he's up there no I my question is we could we could use the extra fun I did have well two things I want I I do want to encourage you guys to look at the speed bumps very closely and the liability and the WEA I know there There's issues with the weather and stuff but you know I've seen them in other towns very effective on certain back roads and you know we do have an Enforcement issue the other and you know with police time and things like that uh the other thing I want to kind of put in in your head is you know the um the traffic camera for speeding tickets or other enforcement and we don't I know Massachusetts right now doesn't allow it i' I've had a discussion with representative Lewis and there seems to be a lot of push back but I've seen it work very effectively in placees it worked on me I was a victim of I paid New York City of like $200 from my kids speeding down I'm sure they were very thankful yeah but I mean it it is it's an easy process you get a $50 ticket in the mail they have a picture of you speeding somewhere they say some technician certified that you were speeding if you just pay the fee you'll be done I you know to me it's like what a great idea one of the concerns about that is the privacy of the individuals that are driving and how it can be abused well and profiling I mean there's a whole bunch of things that can come out of this I'm sure there's is we've had this discussion used not only in other states but in other countries with no privacy issues with no concerns I mean like don't forget which state we live in yeah I know okay I saw a picture of my I got a good picture of my daughter's boyfriend speeding in my car so I was on to him so how long was his boyfriend it's actually about $200 worth yeah $200 thank you guys for thank you and thank you all for your we appreciate it thank you for thank you for coming and giving us the update thank you for the work that you're doing thank you guys thanks for showing guys yes thanks for being here did you have another comment Evan your hand is raised or anyone else there yeah I just uh it was in response to um you talking about the grants um actually do have a couple of Grants applications out right now um one's for ADA compliance on the uh West Union sidewalk um and the other one is uh shared streets and spaces um we're waiting to hear back on both of those for for that same project um we're also going to be looking at U putting in a complete streets application like Doug said for Cedar Street sidewalks as well wonderful great is that the whole lake of Cedar Street or uh what how did you are you focused in a certain area or because I've got a number of people asking me about Cedar Street all the time I would I would prefer just to do from East Union Street to Captain Em Right now the first Captain em and and then there are I think there are too many land issues further up the street as you get towards Elliot Street and so East Union near the high school down Cedar Street captain makes sense you got kids walking to school right so great right and eventually it might link with the trail so yeah that's all it's all good well thank you guys great thank you thank you for that update appreciate it all right have the different thank you so the next is an old new business process and timeline for guess what it's time to do the Town Council evaluation yeah and so thanks Doug thanks everybody um so yes just um the Town Council evaluation is a little bit um simpler as you know compared to the town managers evaluation and so what I would propose is that on April 5th so we'll distribute the um the evaluation forms um and then u i prop our next meeting right is that right no it's a it's the Friday after your next meeting okay um so have those evaluation forms due to me by April 5th the week of April 8th I'll spend that week compiling all the individual evaluations and then April 17th um which is a Wednesday Rob as as the chair you and I would sit down to with Town Council and go over the evaluation and then at your next um meeting in May or excuse me your next meeting um which is the is is April 17th so yes it would be the next meeting in May um look at um you know if you so choose to do a reappointment okay okay and that would be the the Wednesday before the election correct correct okay okay right so because we have because of when may fall when may starts town meeting is week May 1st I believe oh town meeting is May 1st yeah so we might have to do it we might have to do no because then we have a meeting on May 15th and then the election is May 21st exactly that's my last meeting I believe right okay so we could do that so does that work for everybody yeah that works so we we vote to appoint or not appoint pres uh on the 15th but the the week before uh well you have the April 17th is okay I just got to kind of review my schedule but that sounds like it'll work yeah okay and if not we have a little bit of a buffer built in there between and the reappointment vote would be you know if you so choose and um sitting down with uh Lisa to go over her firm's evaluation so if that doesn't work Rob we can yeah does that involve contractual review at all or like I'm trying to we never actually no it's um it's under the charter so it's a year-long appointment right um so right but we don't look at the terms of the contract or the price or anything like that as part of this process correct we just look at the term and if we're going to renew it correct so I do have one question that's I'll piggyback that um and Yolanda had just told me um your evaluation form we're still using the old form correct right oh yeah we can talk about that now feel I guess Yolanda said that the form was sent out to everybody I did not get that that's no I'm not sure it's sent out yet so CLA is not here but Claud and I reviewed it uh she did I think a great job in almost like automating but it's the same form but you guys will get it and now forgetting the schedule but you'll get it there's going to be a Google form sheet that everybody kind of shares but you'll get your section you fill it out um do the comments just like before it will then automatically it will then calculate the average instead of me having to do it it'll also collect all the comments in a in a form kind of like yep in a and then I'll use that oh and then I guess the thing to talk about before you complete it or at some point in the process you sit out we all sit out with Michael individually presumably I think with the form already filled out yes yes and then once that's then finalized it'll all be summarized through this sheet that Claudia is putting together but there's no change to the current form my I have two questions SL concerns so yeah um with the current form right and how we've done it before is I would fill it out and I would give it to Michael and Michael would be the only one who would see my comments and my scores is that hold on let me finish so that would be the and then he and I would talk about it yeah and sometimes I would change things sometimes I wouldn't change based on our conversation and then I would give it to the chair okay so are you saying now that the minute I fill it out Auto that automatically gets not necessar no well because I don't think that's a good idea so that's too bad that Claud is not here to discuss it I think she could do it so that it would stay until you finalized it because the other comment that I have is my individual each of our individual ones do not get made into public record right the only thing that get made into public record is the compiled one that the chair does and as the chair you get to read through them and say okay I'm GNA use this comment I'm not going to use that comment and I would hope that that is that you don't that we don't just say okay all the comments are there now and that's what's well that was going to be my question that's why I wanted to talk about it today and Brandy speak up so yes it's now possible to just include all the comments and so I guess we need to have a discussion if we don't want to do that then I guess I need to know that so couldn't you limit the um the viewer to myself and and the chair you know you for what all the comments or you know the the evaluations as they get um yeah I I I think so again I'd have to go back to my tech expert Claudia because to yanda's point which is a it's an excellent point when you sit down we individually sit down with Michael you may want to change it and you may want to change it so you don't want to hit the finalize cuz once you hit the finalize you're done right so you're going to give Michael a copy of of your recommendations or your evaluation that's not finalized so that way you can make these changes and I don't know if that's allowed I think you should be able to do that just from a technological and legal perspective because I don't I don't know if Google will will let you do that because I don't know well you would you would you have a draft filled out and um whether you probably save it or download it and you print it out but but each of ours needs to be saved separately correct to go to Michael so can't sub it what's that subm it I was gonna say like a Google form you know you basically you fill it out and you hit submit right I think because of the changes that Claudia made when you hit submit it now goes into the compiled one I think or it could I mean but you could probably also hold off and there must be a way of doing that so to you I Yolanda I think you had a suggestion here which is um I think you could fill it out and print out a version that you have and then we could talk about it and then if you had any changes you could make the changes and then hit submit I would think so right but I okay I I just think that to you know typically to save paper I send it to you electronically we look at it when we sit and talk about it so I don't know I I guess these are questions we have to ask I mean we have some time to do but I just wanted to make sure that the same my L I'll talk to Claudia after this and we'll you know we'll make it so but the one main thing I did want to just make sure you guys don't want to see all the comments in one document you want to go with me synthesiz that's the way it's been yes no I understand I just think that I think it's important that you look through the com that the chair whoever it is looks through the comments and determines you know cuz if there's five comments that are identic all five of them don't need to be there you can synthesize that and say okay based you know something all right that's my board's in agreement with but yeah yeah Randy anything else to add or not no I I think I I agree I think that the summary should be you know basically a a one to two page word doc not a Google form you know output so um okay so I wouldn't want to see everybody else's comments I think my goal is the one that needs needs to see them then and it needs to be all right thanks so I'll follow up with Claudia and we'll work it out okay uh and we finished the Town Council evaluation okay a vote to accept and sign gift of land zero Fountain Street rear is authorized in November 29th 2023 special town meeting I did too you know so this is the Bell property so you did have um you did something but yeah not this you did have the town meeting um you did do something and I can't remember exactly what it is but this is the next step so we're we're we're at the stage where you actually vote to accept a gift of land we' got do everybody sign that and everybody signs that I hereby move that the select board accept a gift of land therein known as number zero Fountain Street rear Ashlin Mass including 10,890 square feet more or less and shown on assessor map 010 lot 0045 as authorized pursuant to article four of the nove November 29th 2023 town meeting and further to authorize the chair Robert K share to execute and enter enter into any and all documents necessary to effectuate the acquisition of said property is there a second to that motion I'll second motions made and seconded roll call vote we'll start with Brandy Kinsman I manani I gavves ey Sher I okay and so we'll sign that and pass it around I yeah I've got the official version Oh which one do you want me to sign a different one yeah okay you just practiced on yeah I I got it I got my first name right okay all right so while we're signing this around the next thing is the dis or just a reminder or discussion of the uh the marathon breakfast on April 13th 2024 9 to 11 the tjs for our Runners yep and that's always a very nice time it's always fun yep very good we need to authorize any funds for that or are we good um I think we'd let Susan you when she gets back she can help calculate that a little bit better and then and then we would come back to the board Brandy okay that's good uh reminder select board Grant cycle is open submissions due by March 31st nomination papers are still available I think the deadline's what April 2nd to get them in um free covid tests are still available at Town Hall yard waste collection begins Monday April 21st April 1st April 1st 2024 continues to Monday June 3rd no yard waste collection April 15th which is Patriots Day are May 27th which must be Memorial Day right yes um we did the marathon breakfast the only um so I guess that's it for old new business volunteer breakfast March 23rd at 9:00 a.m.

well good afternoon everyone that's loud just to make sure everybody oh welcome welcome to Tahanto it's been a very busy day for the Berlin Boon School District we're excited to have everyone share their learning and the Showcase student showcase at um kto and the celebration of learning at the elementary schools so I hopefully it's been a wonderful day for everyone who's been able to join us my name is Lisa squa I am the principal here at Tahanto and we have Renee Alandra who is the assistant principal who really is focusing on the middle school and U we have Greg picarello who is the middle school guidance counselor um we will be introducing the sixth grade um Team the core teacher team to you but we just like to extend a warm welcome it's an exciting time uh most of um most of the time there are some a little bit of nerves as your students transition from elementary school to middle school that is a big transition but we're here to hopefully ease those worries a little you know the questions we're not going to to answer all your questions today we want to give you some guidance around what your student schedule is going to look like next year as well as to provide you some understanding of who to reach out to and just to provide you some familiarity with who you might be able to reach out to for questions uh in you know throughout as you know as we transition um students from fifth grade to sixth grade there and we have we um Mr Cameron is the assistant principal who focuses in the high school but we really all you know touch bases with all of the students so we all are familiar with the you know grade six through 12 so what we're here what we're all about is making sure that we set your students up for a really strong Middle School School experience um preparing your child for today and the future so making sure that whether their social skills whether their academic skills we're really providing the support for all of those skills to have a well-rounded experience we want to support your child's Independence encourage them to take risks and most importantly to self- Advocate as we grow our students we want to make sure that they able to reach out to teachers and to people in the building who when they feel they need help and that is an incredibly important skill for our students so we we really want to encourage those independ you know independent skills we want to be supportive but not enabling so we want to support our students but we want we don't want to necessarily enable behaviors that are not independent that are not self- advocacy so we are really looking to who do we want our students to be as they move through middle school and on into High School preparing them giving them those skills and remember to help your child balance their interests with their academic and extracurricular schedule it's important that they feel academically challenged and exposed to all different types of academic experiences also it's very important that they are familiar with and are exposed to a variety of extracurricular activities in Middle School they'll have activities that are available to them they're also as they see as they're part of this 6 through 12 Middle High School they'll see older students involved in many more activities hopefully growing their interests in those areas so the sixth grade team did you want to introduce Miss Leandra did you w to introduce absolutely so we have some members of our sixth grade team um here with us today and we have some others in the pictures here um but we have uh Mrs Cox here down front she teaches math you have some fans back there we have Miss galoa here who teaches science and Mrs Perry is here who teaches social studies Mr starak is not here with us but he does teach Ela and also on our slide there we do have uh Miss Banis who this year is in charge of the special education for sixth grade and um they're GNA speak a little bit about some of um the transition pieces for our um Rising sixth graders right you fifth graders were rising up to sixth grade and this will be kind of the first opportunity to hear from them and then we will do a moveup day where our students will have the opportunity to come into tono and we've changed the date so many times June June thir so in a couple of months we'll have that nice opportunity um for them to come and and have lunch with us and also be able to be in all the classrooms for sixth grade have a little tour of the school and then there's another opportunity as as well that we'll talk about um with the student council in the summertime but we do have some teachers here that would like to share a little information to start with who would like the M she likes she may dance I may I may not yet perfect perfect so I'm going to talk to you about the transition Mrs squa mentioned it it it is the thing we focus on at the very beginning it is probably one of the most important parts of the year um and I assure you that that is our Focus From the get-go starting right now um it's a big transition it's an academic transition and it's a social transition and we recognize that both pieces are important to the kids and to the uh to their families as well but the first few weeks um are really devoted to coming in getting comfortable building relationships with the all the adults in the building um building new relationships with kids because we've got two schools coming together as well as kids from even outside of our our system and we've learned very quickly when we started um Middle School will hear that really one of the most important things for them is that they feel very comfortable in the building for example can they open their locker you know we um I think we started off in the early years doing some games with them and stuff but really they just wanted to open their locker and so you know we've learned over the years that those are the things that are important to them as well as getting into the routine but still feeling comfortable so learning to navigate the building um we spend a lot of time walking them to classes we spend time out at the lockers we go down to the lunchroom with them um so there's that and then we get into academics excuse me we get into the academics um with them fairly quickly um but we take it slow so we want to make sure that they're comfortable um we practice different routines we want them to go home starting on that first day and say I had a great day and so that's been our Focus that last note there friend groups will change um that is something I've heard a lot about today I don't know if you've heard that I've encountered a lot of families who said you know since they've been here you know they started with this many many friends and now this has changed and and sometimes they're hanging around with kids that they weren't um best friends with before they've met people from different schools and it changes and it can be hard but I think by the end of the year they find their spot and that's important for everybody they need to feel like they belong to their Community uh we tried to build community among all the kids um you know Berlin and Boon we try to um not focus on the fact that you're from Berlin and you're from Boyston but you are part of now the Tahanto sixth grade Community progress not Perfection so they usually don't give me one I got to figure this out we're looking for students to gain the skills necessary to be successful and that's going to take some time um they're going to come into school and they're going to see grades for possibly the first time um on their report card and they're not all going to be a students right off the bat or all the time or it may start out that they are things are going really well and then things get harder and there's going to be some bumps in the road um sometimes kids stumble on their way but I believe that every kid will get there all right it's just going to take some time and they're stronger when they can figure these things out on their own because then it becomes a tool in their own toolbox so yes we are supportive as was mentioned but um also with a little bit of risk taking in some of the things that they're going to have to do um to be successful we have you know a different workload there's time management they're going to have to i' I've heard this year that some kids tell me well I have no time for homework I have to do my chores and I have this practice and then I eat dinner and I have to play fortnite and then I have to and not understanding that you're going to have to make time for those things there will be homework you will have to be doing some things at home and that you going to carve a a place for that um to be successful but it doesn't always have to look like everyone else's you know some people go home and they sit down at 3:00 at the table and they sit there and they do their homework until it's done and other people have other things they have to do and homework looks a little different some them do all of their homework you know they they do it early so because they know they're going to be busy right so they have to figure these things out and that it takes time you know that takes time um and middle school is a time for growth all we're asking is that they're better next week than they were this week that's really all we're looking for academically um they and they funny enough they're going to come and they're going to ask us for homework before we actually give any that happens every year they're like so when are we getting homework so um I think they're ready for it right it just might you know you know present a challenge that they have to figure out but they'll get there I don't know anything about in terms of Independence we're looking for kids to grow the skills they need to self- Advocate um so students will be more self ient they're responsible for their own academic success um you're going to hear a lot about their power school account they have their own power school account you have a power school account um as well and we ask them to go into their account to check their assignments to see what's missing um to see you know where they need to finish things up do they need to talk to someone and building those skills to do that not every student who walks the door is going to be ready to do that but what we're looking to do is build those skills over time if you some of you have you know this is not for Frodo but if you know if this is new for you if you want to practice having your student what um order meals when you go out in the summertime or purchase the tickets if you go someplace um just so they get that practice going up to an adult and and asking you know for something because that's going to need to happen when they're here um they may be absent and need to come in and ask for work that theyve missed those kinds of things sometimes those conversations are hard for them so any opportunity to practice that will um will help that self advoc advocacy and they need that self motivation that idea that they're going to have to take the initiative to get some things started um and if they do that they're going to end up in a place where they can be successful and if they try to avoid those situations and kind of put things off then it's only going to be harder and again it's one of those things that they're going to have to practice build those muscles and it will come but it usually takes some time and some adjustments um and then we have you know we have some some growth that has to happen between students and building Community sometimes students are not as aware about how their words and actions affect other people you know but they were laughing but that doesn't mean that they thought it was funny it just meant that they might have been uncomfortable so we have a lot of those kinds of things we have to work through right because kids want to be funny they want to present those things and that's you know the friend groups all have to work out so I think there's a lot of growth that's going to happen and sometimes it's a little bit scary but in the end we support them to that um I think right now as we look at the kids we're sharing today they are all in a really great place they were proud to come in and show their parents the things that they had been doing they found their friend groups um they've shared a lot of the things that they have been working on and doing and how they were proud about them and some of their self-reflections so they've really gotten to that place but it's been a process so we can't wait to start another year in the fall we'll have some visits with orientation and um new schedules to learn and so I think that that's probably the next thing right hi everybody uh I'm Greg picella i'm the middle school counselor here at Tanto um I just was hoping to take a couple minutes and talk about counseling because uh counseling has changed a lot over the years and the way we talk about mental health has changed a lot over the years so um just wanted to go over some of the things that the way it might look for your student when they're here at Tanto so uh my own quick journey through um personal counseling I don't know about you guys and your experience when you guys went through school but my first experience with a school counselor when I was in high school and I went to my counselor and to tell them how many colleges I was planning on applying to I don't know does anybody want to guess how many colleges I was planning on applying to no almost one I was going to apply to one college and looking back I would have applied to at least two but at the time my my counselor was the football coach and I don't know that it was I was really high on his list of priorities and then I senior remember something along those like yeah you go get him you know something along those lines um and that was it for me so when I ended up going um back to school to be a counselor I didn't have that personal EXP experience of having someone um a counselor that I leaned on and I looked to and um when I was going to school for counseling uh the thing we talked a lot about was results-based counseling which to me was very much an emotional uh Deli counter if you could imagine a deli counter and you pick a number and some kid comes up and says you know crippling anxiety and I'm like have you tried journaling and then I send them on their way and they go back to class so uh and I don't think that necessarily works s because I don't think people really want to talk if they don't feel comfortable and being invited into a counselor's office and being expected to share something that's really personal to you is a tough thing for us to ask so our our goal here is building uh relationships and our goal is to build a relationship with students so that they do want to talk they have a safe place to do so because I think there's a lot of value in feeling heard and feeling seen and you know ideally uh can be a it's a parent it's there for them but I'm a parent myself and I know that means that I'm I'm cringy to my kids and whatever I say is wrong even if it matches up what other people say whatever I say is wrong so sometimes it's nice to have that other adult that students can bounce things off or talk to that's not someone at home and it feels different it's sort of this non-judgmental space they don't feel like they owe us anything um and we've we've built a lot of great relationships with kids and worked on supporting them um I don't I know about you guys I didn't have that counselor but I had Mrs cook Mrs cook was my middle school art teacher and I'd walk into class and she'd say how you doing and I typically didn't have to say anything to you I to her I had a hard time in school she'd gave me a hug and she'd sent me on my way now we don't hug kids but um there's a way to make people feel supported and feel seen and I think that helps them do their job and right now your students their job is to be the best student they can be and maybe that's an you know grade wise they're going to get an A+ and maybe they're going to get a c and that's the best they've got but we want them to feel like they have they're invested in school and they've got people here that believe in them I know these teachers do a great job of of connecting with our students and helping with this transition but as counselors we really want to make sure that that we can be there as well and provide that space for for your students and for you guys as well because you might see something at home and say I'm not really sure what this is about but you know my child feels off today reach out to us and we can talk about it and try to support you guys as well so um just wanted to give you a quick introduction to our counseling staff uh again I'm Greg MC Grill I'm the middle school counselor this is my 10th year at Tonto uh we have Katie Schmidt is our high school counselor 9 through1 and she's also part-time School adjustment counselor Eileen Rodman is our department head she's the high school counselor in grades 11 through 12 we also have Cara Ford who's our school adjustment counselor and Dr Kim trainer who's our school psychologist so there's a lot of people up here um for your student students to build connections with and if it's not me it might be one of them and that's great we just want someone to be there so when they need something to have someone they can talk to so uh if you have any questions at all about counseling if you're worried about your student and uh the transition if they're if they're feeling anxious about anything we're going to be visiting the elementary schools to talk to students answer questions try to build some more comfort as far as um what it's like to transition to Hanto but if you as parents also have questions and you want to talk just please shoot me an email and let me know and I I'll help in any way that I can all right so that's counseling um now we're going to get into schedule while we're here so um grade six we a bunch of things are going to be put in the schedule for your students already anyways they're going to have their four core classes put in they're also going to have a rotational schedule for electives every student gets uh a semester every other day of Music reading computer science discoveries and PE sixth grade is the only grade in Middle School where students won't have PE every other day for the whole year it's just in sixth grade they have it for half a year and then it'll be uh in their schedule every other day moving forward they also uh every day are going to have Quest block and we get into Quest Block it's a required class for every student um it's a transitional course it's meant to meet your students where they're at so there might be a big project coming up in Miss Barry's social studies class certain students might go to miss Barry's class they need the extra support or maybe they struggle in math and they're going to Mrs Cox's room to get ready for a test so it's a really flexible period where they get to work with their core teachers and get that next tier of support to help them through um just the day-to-day grind of middle school and also they break out into call like micro electives we'll spend a couple weeks working on I know amazing structures is one of the things to talk about man-made structures and we we have all these little things to keep it fresh but it's a great uh part of the transitional piece of sixth grade they have this period built in to fill in the planks for your students so it's a really great opportunity for those kiddos uh there's also an elective uh period where they get to make a choice of what they want uh the choices being Art band jazz band chorus Lego robotics and intro to Spanish so um you can see in the scheduling letter which is available and is going to be posted online as well all of those things are listed there as well on our program of studies where you can see detailed descriptions of what these classes are uh we're GNA have students uh pick two main choices and two backups can I come back to you is that okay I'll definitely answer some questions after but I'll come back to you so hang on to that um special education services uh our special ed Department hand hand schedules all of our students to make sure they get the services that they need so um our academic support class in sixth Rel uh sixth grade and Beyond and through Middle School takes place during elective blocks so they won't be missing a core class for a special ed Service um intensive language arts same idea takes place during elective so if your student is on an i AP and they do have something like academic support or intensive language arts it would be in place of electives so that's something we want to talk about uh what electives they would want to keep just in case um our special leg coordinator Tasha she's going to be the point of contact she's also not going to be here with us long term so we're going to be transitioning to uh a a new person for that um for that role so I would say she's the person to reach out to now and then she can connect with whoever that the next person is going to be all right so before you enter requests for your students uh you want to look over the request uh choices they're on that sheet that's available we also have it digitally and that uh program of studies is on our website and the link is here and we'll be posting this presentation so you can go there and give you detailed descriptions on all those classes you're going to need internet access of course you're going to need that program studies and the student login so you're going to go to bbrsd.org um and you're going to go to tanto is our page still showing up of like work in progress so it is I think that's important because all of the the school's website the full bbsc it'll immediately show up you know in progress or under construction give it a minute it will that message will pop out and then you can go to either tono or you know whatever school you're interested in looking but it's there yeah so for these purposes you're you're going to go to are um you can go to toono you're going to click on power school login under four students and you're going to put in the username and password all your students are going to have their grad year which is 2031 I believe the future um 2031 their first initial of the first name and their last name um and then everyone's password is going to be reset to Stags one two3 it'll then prompt you to create a new password which you guys can do just going to make sure it's at least eight characters um and for parents you will have your own login to power school and in our um schedule letter there's information on there for how you guys can sign in as well so this is what it's going to look like when you go in there on the left side you'll see it says class registration just want to make sure the name at the top is correct so you're not signing up for somebody else that hasn't happened to us but just in case we're want to make sure um so you're going to see required courses at the top here like I said a majority of those classes are going to be already picked for you um and then it's going to get into sort of the elective choices a red uh pencil uh with an exclamation point means you still have something to do before you're done and then a green check mark means you're all set and then at the end you want to just make sure you scroll all the way down to the bottom to um hit submit um so you're going to pick two main choices and two backups we do our best to get students into their main choices but it's not a guarantee so when they're signing up for something as a backup you want to make sure it's something they actually might want to take um because they might be placed in that class um please don't repeat if you really want art please don't put art for Maino and backup because it just creates a false number of how many spots we need and it messes with our numbers so please don't repeat any classes in there that's really important uh you want to make sure you're clicking through and see if there's extra electives in a middle school there's typically not enough electives to have another um page but just in case it's there and then you want to make sure you hit submit you can go back and edit your choices as many times as you want until the deadline of April 5th when we turn off that that option so if you if you change your mind feel free to go back in and do the process again and change it so you're going to log in through our homepage you're going to use the appropriate username and password which is again on this presentation you want to put in the requests and then you want to submit it by April 5th which is I think two Fridays from now yeah two Friday couple Fridays from now um okay and then we the way it works is if you went home today and scheduled uh that doesn't mean you have a better chance of getting it for than someone who does it on April 4th it's all it goes all the requests go into the computer and we hit a big button I think it's literally like a big button push yeah it's cool um and we hit a big button it's huge we slap yeah it's very cool it's very nice for us it's fun it's like the Easy Button yes so we uh we hit the button and based on student requests and based on numbers it places all the students so like for most sixth grade students art is one of their choices we have art that meets every other day 24 slots a piece so that's 48 spots for typically 80 or 90 students who requesting it so not every student is going to get into those main choices uh but we do our best to try to make it positive for our students um Middle School typically happens later than high school we get our high school schedule all set since we are six through 12 then Middle School comes sometimes our scheduling you you not even until summertime we get we get those things out but you will get a schedule you'll get it through Power School any questions about scheduling anything I guess in general I'm a good middleman you just email me my emails there my emails on the website um if I don't know the answer I will help you find the person that does have an answer and do my best to support you through that sure absolutely so uh Health office information so attendance parents must call their children in sick to the school sick line this is important so we want to make sure that everybody who's absent um is appropriately absent and you know um people haven't gotten lost along the way so it is important to make sure that you call your child in sick apps I think this is probably the biggest um thing for as students get older things we keep track of absences we keep track of test scores there's a lot more to keep track of absences um are only excused using a written parent excusal there are three parent excusals per semester for illness only or from a doctor the state right now is very concerned about chronic absentismo to the state so there is an understanding that parents have three parental excusals available but absences um are something that we make sure we keep track of because the state is keeping track of that very closely um you know with us and so if there's a concern about many absences um someone will reach out to you and we'll want to discuss that and understand what's happening and how we can support our families and getting their students to school consistently sixth grade um orientations so sixth grade orientation this time um is very exciting so this is a very quick overview because we know as it's getting closer to the end of the school year people become anxious and we do have things for you to do we need that scheduling so we can move forward but when it gets really close to the beginning of school we have some exciting opportunities and one of those is sixth grade orientation this will happen in August and that is the announ we will announce this and we haven't determined yet exactly when that will take um place but it will be hosted by student council students um the middle and high school student council otherwise known as stuco and they do a wonderful job welcoming students energizing students for the upcoming school year um it this is an optional activity it is not required but really helps students feel welcomed and as you've heard I think we you've heard this in multiple uh from multiple people we really want to we're focusing on building Community we're focusing on building relationships that's incredibly important because children learn best when they feel connected and that's really what we want and we want to start off the year right with that so parents must pick up and drop off for that experience and we will ask when that comes out we'll have we'll send out an invitation and that invitation we will ask for um a response for that RSVP um we will um will allow students to be assigned and practiced using lockers depending on um desie guidelines so that is because that so that is probably a Remnant from covid because we weren't allowed to use lockers at that time but um so during this orientation they are G to be able to open their lockers this isn't the only time they'll be able to open their lockers there is going to be other opportunities during the first several weeks of school to practice opening it's a big deal lockers are like they they it's a funny lockers are you know what I mean you remember your lockers and they decorate the lockers and they open the lockers it's very so there's a lot of stuff to do with the lockers but it could also be stressful because if you're trying to get into your locker you can't get into your locker that's a big deal so we understand that we completely get that so there are opportunities we also will review the schedule with the students their schedule so they'll get a copy of their schedules and they'll be able to get tours at the building with the students um we ask they um have an opportunity to ask upper class people and um their um and other Middle School from the student council um they'll be able to ask them questions because there's no better source of information than students themselves they love to hear from students because what we say and we you know but what do we know right really honestly but the kids if it's if a high school student says that it must be true so that really is important and it also is an incredibly important opportunity to make connections so that as a community even though our middle and high school um is separated there's a middle school wing and a high school Wing they see that you're you will see each other and it's really great when the middle school students can you know go about and like oh yeah like oh yeah I you know they were my they were the um you know the leader during orientation there's a sense of familiarity that's really important and again part of that sense of community they'll be able to meet their teachers um and other school personnel and there will be an opportunity the student council is very good at um providing like Icebreaker games and playing games and build like making sure that students are familiar with the peers that they're going to be um you know working with over the you know next how many ever years but they um seven years I'm hoping and um it's it's a um a wonderful opportunity for them to start building their community so in closing um Mrs Le would you like to do the sure so we have um some representatives from some of our parent groups here today and so you can get an opportunity if you have specific questions um our PTO there we have some Representatives actually out at the student store um so if you wanted to check out the student store and ask any kind of um questions around that organizational group you can we also have um some representatives from our c pack our special um education parent advisory group this is parents right down here okay so if you have any specific questions about special ed or how that group gets together um it's a we also I put out a flyer in chsm as well with a QR code it's um it's great to just kind of keep in the loop about you know parents rights and and um those pieces for special education um our Tahanto athletic booster club they provided all those beautiful Balloons By the way after their meat raffle yeah so we have a really Active Sports Group um and a booster club as many of you know um so they we we had some posters out earlier in the day I'm not sure if they still are but um we they're definitely on our website you can connect up with them they also hold monthly meetings um as the as the two other groups do as well and we do have some representatives from the Clinton Savings Bank so I don't know how many of you um your students um already have some of those Saving Pass book accounts with your students they'll still have that opportunity here at the Middle High School to be be able to um you know make deposits or you know um you know hopefully not gather too much cash but you know they'll be able they'll be able to uh to do some banking still here which is great and if they don't have an account yet I'm sure there's some information out here for you it is also part of when they get older into the high school part of the uh financial literacy standard so we we are really you know very fortunate to have um have that you know I don't know if we say Alliance but you know that that working partnership with the um Clinton savings f so they're also out in the lobby for you as well um some of you that may have come in a little later or um did notice them on the table we do have these scheduling letters so I know there's a lot of information that we went over tonight especially if your first time parent and you don't have older students here as far as getting that scheduling piece done within the next week so feel free to come see me after for a letter we'll also uh make sure that we update a couple of those funny typos I was wondering about that desie right I thought it was something you know oh that's interesting there's a regulation about lockers but that makes sense it was a CO thing right so we'll update a couple pieces on this presentation um it has been streamed so those that weren't able to make it if you have you know friends and neighbors this presentation you know I'll put up on our you know our Facebook um and if you're not if you're if you are on social media and you haven't liked our Facebook or Instagram that is a great way also to stay informed about some activities we'll also make sure both principles um send this information home as well so if you lose this paper in your car throw it away with the dkin donuts cup be assured that another another piece will be coming home um probably electronically via email through the principles at the elementary school and I think if there's no other you know formal questions we can kind of have everyone um this is a new sweatshirt oh came oh I oh that's nice that is fancy so yeah there so check out the store there's a lot of really fun things um I was very excited this is my first year here at Tanto I live in West Boon so I love the community and um I was just really excited to get gear like I was like I want some you know some sweatshirts and and mugs and all kinds of stuff so um you know it's a great way that we support the parent teacher organization that money comes really right back to the school any profits that it makes so it really is is a great way for us to um to be supportive of the community are there any any specific questions that you think that are worth worthy of the whole group we can take some of those and then individual questions we'll hang around for a little while after yes the El for the electives we do the rotational electives music those are here the art the band jazz those are F they're every other day any other General questions yes that's a great question they're usually link they just have to do a link in our school they do family link so typically you don't have to sign up for a new one you just need to add the student to your parent yeah and that's that's up yep that should be on here as well because that is I um the missa the guidance secretary she made a special note to me today to make sure um that I reminded everyone if you have an older student um but it won't link now you know right the year has to roll over so then only should general question um what is an absence I'm sorry is this like let's say there are three absences for year this is one day one week uh one day one one one day after is considered so they have three parent excusal that doesn't mean that if your child is is very ill we want to make sure that they're healthy and that they're well cared for and that's you know it's it's that balance of making sure that families are accountable for making sure their students are coming to school but also making sure that everyone stays healthy and doesn't you know so it's that balance so although I really hate to say excuse versus unexcused but the way everything's written there's three excus parental excusals but if you have a doctor's note say your child you know is getting their tonsils out and the doctor will write a note and those absences will be excused for that yeah I I think nowadays you know as a parent you sometimes keep your child com for a cold or fever and might not go to the doctors because we know how difficult sometimes that is just getting there right or the doctor doesn't want to see you right away right so that's where those parent medical excusal can kind of help you out without the doctor's note the doctor's note can be an addition to especially for you know a longer longer absence that has to do with the medical P just quickly Chad so wealth can we use SDM system to update you know or you know whatever the changes can be that's a great question so we are going to be doing something like that because we need to track that dismissal piece currently this year we do not but that is going to be something we're going to be adding in especially for bus um changes you know dismissal changes it is definitely there's a lot more um like we talked a lot about the student accountability there's a lot more ownership on the students obviously in middle school but it is still you know we want to still be watchful and careful and safe about your students after that disussed Bell Rings um so we will be putting in something in place so that we we have that notification yeah is everybody familiar with the website is everybody familiar with the website I think yeah go ahead you need to go on I closed all my tabs I was a little nervous actually so it's not it's not showing in under construction so then you would go to and our school there's information there for students High School Middle School information let's see where that so Middle School information there scheduling information program of studies the the program will link the current program of studies that was just was just approved by the school l yeah this the so we're still trying to coordinate information so there's information on a variety of areas here and then there is also a tab here for power school login and you want to follow the information your first year student you want to follow that information in this document that you just receiv Athletics the athletic um Middle School athletics the athletic website so we see that there are um a variety of Middle School athletics there's the athletic handbook and then our page and this is everything you do with Athletics is linked onto this page we can have an athletic director M who you could reach out to for questions but the website's very very helpful we will um we will provide information you know in a like via email via our um via our email via email gole Google Classroom um not well not Google Classroom like a Gmail account will send out information um School messenger so we try to put out as much information as possible the website is a really great place to start yes student council August like welcoming evening it is during the day and it's it usually in the in the morning yep it's usually in the morning and it's usually around the week before school usually that's that's historically when it's been it's been around the week before school or that Monday Tuesday before so it it's close up we found a lot of kids that the worries they have are things like the locker and getting lost in the building and I think the building looks big from the outside but like five of their seven classes are in one hallway it's four rooms right next to each other so we find a lot of kids just do well having that day to get settled decorate their locker know their combo and just alleviate some of that stress and anxiety on the first day so I think it helps a lot of yes what are the school hours um the school hours so they'll arrive on the bus and probably around 7:15 class starts 7:35 and the Bell Rings SE um to release the students from school at 2:14 and they'll you know if they take the bus or a parent pick up any other questions we'll we'll be around you know we'll I think probably the best way just safy and exit we'll head out to the hallway that way if you have any questions um we'll be out there and the student store is out there as well and if you if you haven't been to council before there's also the um cafeteria of the gym right on the first floor and we'll also have some of our parent Representatives um as well and I'll have additional letters if you need those thank you all thank you thank you thank you thank you for coming

uh this is the regular scheduled meeting um can I have a motion to adopt the agenda please I motion to adopt the agenda second I'll second okay all in favor say I I I opposed okay it passes three to nothing okay could all stand for the pledge I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for it stands na God indivisible withy and justice for all okay let's see we need to look at the uh regular board meeting for February 14th and have that approved so someone would make a motion is it the recommended actions that yes so I recomend I recommend I recommend that the governing board approve the meeting agenda as presented no not the agenda the minutes under 61 it's number 61 I got it recommend that the governing board approve the February 14th yes 2014 regular meeting minutes as presented second I'll second okay in favor I I I opposed passes three nothing item 6.2 approval of the uh minutes from the first executive session uh prior to the February 14th meeting we need a motion to approve I'll make a motion to approve um the governing Bo the minutes for the first executive session on February 14 2024 as presented Second Jason seconds okay all in favor say I I I opposed passes three to nothing and then 6.3 approval of the second executive session that occurred after the meeting of February the 14th I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from the second ex executive session on February 14th 2024 is presented I'll second second thank you all in favor I I opposed okay it passes three to nothing okay uh we're down to item number seven superintendent report in celebrations thank you number of things happening even though we're coming off two week spring break there's still a lot of of uh things that have happened right before the break and uh uh during the break uh big celebration at ranch ranch was named one of thir 37 a plus schools uh of excellence in the district so it is is from the Arizona Education Foundation it's very uh lengthy uh process a lot of hard work was done uh in that uh putting that uh application together then they come out with a visit uh some of our other schools will be looking forward to moving forward uh to do that in the future um we also uh Hosea Graham was named coach of the year not only for the East Sky Region but also the Arizona Republic all Arizona coach of the year uh for the job he did with the basketball team this year so we're pleased to see him get that recognition along with Logan tuckfield who received uh from all Arizona uh from the Republic the all Arizona team honorable mention um so that was uh another good thing for the basketball team uh modern we went to the modern learning conference right before spring break and we did receive uh recognition there Kelly Bond was the finalist as is an instructional co uh coach of the year at that uh uh event and then we were recognized uh with the Infinity Ward which uh recognizes dedication to Foster modern learning environment that actively involves all Educators in the ongoing development of innovative teaching uh methods um and that uh uh that that network has about approximately 100 110 uh school districts across the country in it so it's a prestigious award uh so especially within that area recognize and thank the CIA Department under Dr fountain's leadership and the and the coaches uh that in many cases is the work that we've done with uh with our our professional development was a way to recognize that high school has had a lot of success the dance and coral uh groups uh won a variety of different activities in the last little bit the host of students uh earned third place uh and going to the state level and they are in third place in the regional competition for mental health promotion campaign uh boys basketball went to first round of playoffs uh five from the wrestling team made it to the state tournament the esport team finished second uh one of our seniors Alex aario uh signed to play with AO a university next year over in Surprise um so that was exciting uh congratulations to Harmon student Solomon rashed he finished third in the panal County Spelling be uh Jess Ferman math teacher about the High School uh received the 2023 2024 recipient of the copper Apple award for teaching in secondary mathematics that's the highest award most prestigious award that is given to uh secondary math teachers uh she received that right before um The Break um we also had some state qualifiers for FFA uh the HR department did a very successful first annual Wellness event uh 25 vendors participated we had uh a variety of different uh uh Wellness activities that took place uh on February 28th uh we will build off of that um in this report you'll also see uh the media coverage that we've received quite a bit over the over the month um the um CTA Mrs schner is working with Peterson Orthodontics to host a free community event April 5th with the goal of uniting the community I believe it's a late afternoon early evening event uh there'll be more information coming out uh uh from that samon had a plan our love our school day with Central Christian Church coming up Armon is working with uh the Boy Scouts uh troop uh 357 pack 735 to work on cleaning up uh and beautifying the campus the middle school had U uh five students qualify for the annual uh Civics B um and two students finished in the top five uh flag football team uh finished the season in top 10 made the playoffs um Ellsworth is uh getting ready toh take the stage uh with the third grade students uh pres in a presentation on the day uh the canyon the Crayons Quit excuse me a very hungry Cal pill for the first graders our robotics team is uh competed in a competition first Arizona Valley Regional end in the tournament 19th Place out of 42 teams again I think it shows as much as anything just the depth of things that are available in our district uh com Center for sucess Success had three more students that finished their cour work and and will end up graduating early they'll go through the uh through the uh ceremony in May but that brings up the number of graduates to to 31 uh students there and they also had their PE peer leadership class raise mental health awareness by giving presentations to the other students so a lot of positive things happening in the district uh as we move forward into the spring very good thank you okay uh next we're going to have school and staff recognition we'll have Miss shofner come up first and do CTA and then we'll do the recog nition it is good evening members of the board Dr Wyman amazing colleagues my staff all this amazing Community we are excited at CTA to show you oh I like it um a quick little video just to highlight some things um and we'll talk a little bit about after that [Music] um one of the reasons that we used that video as a highlight was we really wanted to show what are some of the things that we do at CTA to kind of bring the community together and build that culture um and really highlight time with our families um putting together events uh really working yes we are very proud of our a from the Department of Education and one of the things that really I feel like brings that opportunity is to partner with our fellow elementary schools our Middle School CCS the high school to to really bring that choice you know we had a great presentation before to really talk about what that looks like and having that choice at CTA brings an opportunity for our parents to really decide do we want to stay within that district and have that opportunity as well as what are some Innovative things that we can do so one of the things we did get to go to Pennsylvania and it was super fun so I brought two of my teachers to come and talk a little bit about how CTA is taking that Innovation and trying to really push the needle on letting go of direct instruction um and really trying to set up those classrooms for um a modern learning environment so I'm going to have Mrs Rosen bomb and Mrs laass come up and they're going to just share with you a little bit about what they've done in their classroom um and kind of where they see going forward so a little this thing going on um so I'm just going to talk about um how learning is in my classroom so first we do a lot of reviewing with our class vision and class code that helps with a lot of the students um ensuring that they have that culture and that buy in and that ownership in their classroom they're really good about understanding the rules with our code and they're really good about hey you're not following that code right now you need to make sure you're doing that so that's really important at a second grade level that they're really understanding that and they're able to do that at such a young age is know the right from the wrong and being able to enforce that within themselves so that's really cool I like that um when we start a new standard we unpack the standard so I'll write it on chart paper since we're second grade we're still young and so I write the standard and we go through and the kids tell me what is the verb what is the action what is the noun what is it that we're looking for in our standard then they go through and they tell me their success criteria I help them guide through with guiding questions because some of them are a little bit more difficult but they tell me what does the standard mean what does a three look like how do I know I'm proficient what does a two look like what do I know that I need to work on for developing and what is a one something like I'm emerging and I have a lot of things I need to work on so and they let and it lets them know and there's a visual on the wall so that way they know they can work from here and move up in order to understand their standard we also have pre-tests on with our standards so when they do start their learning plans they know where they are starting and it lets them know where they can work towards we talk a lot about growth mindset and you may not be at a three right now because you're learning it but that's okay it's we're not there yet we talk a lot about that and that's really important at a young age that they do understand that they do have a lot of growth and they're not going to get it the first time and that failure is okay because it's a chance for them to keep learning and learning and learning and get better it's all about that growth with them and also um one thing that I do want to work on is the advanced learning plans because they are second grade knowing that difference of a one a two and a three so they're working really hard on doing that and we're practicing and we actually started working on an advanced learning PL this is going to be something new so I think they're going to really enjoy liking the difference in um doing okay I'm going to start here but I'm going to work towards this or maybe I'm going to start here and I'm going to work towards this one so that way they know where they're moving forward to on their um standards we also um do a lot of daily five which is a lot of their choice time and so when we're doing that um I like to um incorporate or I want to incorporate more station rotation with it and I know that's a big part of the U modern learning is understanding you know I have more choice and we want to I want to expand it to a longer period instead of just this time that we have so that way I'm more consistent in getting with all of my students and not just okay these are the ones that struggle a little bit so I want to work with them but I want to make sure that I am um doing a lot of enrichment with my higher students so everybody's getting a full impact and growing as much as they can and also lastly I do um we do the data folders which is very common um with our modern learning and we look at them about weekly for a second grader and so in them they look through what is our road maps for the quarters they have a road map of visual and they track their progress so at this standard I'm here at the beginning with my pre-test but now at the end with my post test this is where I am so they can see this is where I started but this is where I went so that was um that's really good um we also um track our quarterly phonograms because we do phonograms on our campus and it's kind of very similar to foundations and we track those quarterly so the students can see at the beginning of the year this is where I am but then quarter one this is how much I've grown and then Quarter Two quarter three and then at the end of the year so our goal is to get higher in their um bar graphs and so it's really important to let them have a visual so they can see that as well um and we have also writing samples in our um data folders and so that's really important for them to see at the beginning of the year I only wrote two sentences middle of the year I was able to write five sentences and now I can write seven or eight sentences and try to make a full paragraph and so that's a lot of fun for them to see and to show their parents at conferences the progression in their writing as well and that'll definitely help them in third grade when they have to take their tests and things like that um one thing I do want to add to my data folders for sure next year is because we have the new math program try to incorporate more of the data tracking for the math and so that's something new that we're going to work on and try to inate for next [Applause] year hello my name is winter Fred um Laos I teach fifth grade this is my first year ever teaching fifth grade I actually did the math I thought I'd only been teaching for 12 years but turns out it's been 20 not sure how that happened this is the first year I've ever taught fifth grade I've always been a first and a second it's hard um I came from a District that we did incorporate a lot of the modern um learning into the classroom so it was a pretty easy thing for me to do um the first thing I did was just have lots of different places to sit lots of different elevations I took the legs off of the tables the desks and I called them creating crafting tables and then students can sit on the floor and they can work on them um I also have some tall tables uh we bought some bar St ones and they're very nice I have one student who's very tall he's taller than me um I really like to use the curriculum but I like to use it kind of maybe in an un unexpected way I get away from that direct instruction I give the kids the lessons I asked them to explore the lesson and then I come back and I I asked them about that a lot of that's just me acting like I don't know what the book is when I actually really do and I just try to get them to teach me what they just figured out um in this fourth quarter I'm experimenting with the idea with their new math program that maybe we could have a component where kids could go further and kids could hang back if they needed to and so right now I'm currently working in three topics but kids that are going faster can go faster and kids that are going slower can sit in that topic and really get Mastery and they know that 80% is Mastery on topic test 70% is passing and they're very very U mindful of that and they're very clear you need to um give me back that quiz I need to practice a little bit more and I feel like that's that's half the battle thank you so we are going to make you sit for just a minute and hear us um you know I came at CTA I'd been teaching for years um and I had been an administrator and I came into this ship and I watched people running the ship very well um they were guiding the ship they were problem solving in the ship they were plugging holes in the ship um taking turns steering the ship um they might have been on Tik Tok I'm not sure I don't know um but they really were taking CTA and and owning it and taking responsibility for what was happening on the campus so these two have been amazing on the campus so I appreciate them coming today and um you can stay or you can up to you um so we also have to give out uh some blue apples and um I think about my time at CTA and what it's been like um it was it was a challenge when I got there our philosophies had to align our perspectives had to align our behaviors had to get used to each other um our communication had to change so um tonight we have a photo um Mr Adrien Nava could not join us this evening um he is our lead he's our lead on the campus for the facilities and he's been there for several years um when I say that Adrien takes over that campus and he runs things for kids he doesn't just do the custodial work he comes up with ideas for kids puts games together at lunch gives out tickets at lunch for kids so that they can earn fun prizes um he tries to do a lot of uplifting with the kids um he participates with them at lunch she gets involved in activities that they're doing he will he jumps between us and CCS so he oversees both of those campuses so he is just all over the place he's pretty shy um very shy um but he has been an intrical piece at our campus so Adrien was um who we honored tonight as for um one of our blue apples so congratulations Adrien uh your families aren't here for no reason uh you can come on up shayin shayin has been at CTA for 11 years this your 11th year yeah it's your 11th year if you didn't know uh one of my hardest nuts to crack we've had pretty honest conversations about where our hearts are in education and we talk a lot about where are we really right where where are we as Educators really and and are we in the right place we want to be and shayen was always somebody who made me think differently she would always ask questions that I may not have been prepared to answer she has a wealth of knowledge about CTA and I didn't forget you guys are here she knows CTA inside and out she's been through several administrators um she's involved in student council she's been on our campus leadership team she is one of the biggest Partners in her team and they partner well together and watching our relationship personally and professionally grow these last three years um I knew the moment that I hit that spot I knew the moment that she and I were kind of in that connection because change isn't easy and you have a new leader who wants to do things differently um wants to get you off the ship you don't need to lead the ship right um she will help anybody on the campus she will volunteer to help kids out she sees the best in kids I mean you heard her she knows those kids inside and out she's a huge partner for me to call on she was excited in Pennsylvania she's excited to see CTA move forward because we talk about that Traditional Academy and where's it going right how do we offer you parents um opportunities your neighbors your friends that are looking for new kinds of Camp things on the campus um so shayin is one of the bright stars on the campus to really just help make the campus function every day she'll jump in and do Flag Ceremony we do our flag ceremony together every day um they put on events for the kids the stuco runs all kinds of stuff for them to do spirit days things like that so for that I want to highlight shayin and give you that blue [Applause] [Music] [Applause] apples ask she might be a little blunt he's amazing thank you appreciate it we're almost there don't worry kids it's your turn next miss laass your parents didn't show up for no reason either yeah you got to get up uh she's no lie this is her first year doing fifth grade Winnie showed up to our campus two years ago I'll never forget my interview with Winnie yeah your kids and husband are here over here come on let's get more embarrassed you thought they showed up to hear the budget and all that other stuff yeah that's exactly why they're here do that stuff all the time they do um Winnie was raw she was bold and blunt with her words she was here's who I am here's what I can bring to the table at your campus here's the history I have here's the experience I have I hope you want to ride this ride with me and I was like okay I will so um Winnie definitely she dives into Data in ways that I can't even understand numbers she wants her kids to Excel and be independent and that's a struggle for our kids just so you know it's a struggle even in fifth grade for them to go I have to do what do that by myself I just come to you when I'm ready yeah any questions no not yet she's Innovative in the classroom she thinks of ways to go outside that box of what we live in as teachers she works well with our other team members and she told me you're one I'm not going to say anything then you're two came around she said okay I'm going speak now I'mma say things um I know that when I turn around these two have my back she's she's there to make sure that her kids are successful she has a way of doing her craft and it may not agree with everybody but I know her best intentions are always to do what's right for kids and when she makes a mistake she owns that and when I ask her to step out come face to face with a parent for me a few times she knows what that challenge is like for her and she does it she's like I'm uncomfortable but I'm going to try doing something different and I'm going to see how it goes so I appreciate that she's always thinking how can I do something different and grow even after how many years something um so I appreciate everything she does on our campus she's she's taken fifth grade by a storm and is knocking it out of the park so I appreciate everything you have done only had two today so thank you for your time um CTA has a Chipotle night tonight so if you are hungry after the board meeting 4 to 8:00 at Chipotle right here you can go April 5th 5 to 7:30 CTA is um co-sponsoring or hosting with uh Dr Peterson to have a community event for Santan not a j Colmes just isolated it's a community event for Santan Valley he wants to bring the community together and allow them to uh meet each other see who's in the neighborhood what organizations do you have that we can see activities for parents and kids food trucks free did I say it was free free parking will be your only thing our campus cross the street wherever you can get to so thank you very much I appreciate it we also want to take a moment this time also to recognize some other staff members and so during spring break from March 3rd through 9th was school social worker week and the theme was Pearls of Wisdom so I'm going to call some people up um if Mr Beach is going to give the the certificates to them and then I I'll say a couple things about them if we could go ahead and have uh Janelle uh steenbergen come in up from the high school okay Loren schindeldecker from the Middle School Aaron Gomez there Tanya [Applause] Thompson and Haley [Applause] settle Colmes is very lucky uh if you're not aware uh all of our schools have both counselors and social workers uh coming out of um covid and some of the things that uh many students were going through uh social workers have been dispensable working with our kids helping our kids uh move through issues uh as they have made the transition out of Co and in back into the schools um there's a lot more going on in the world today than uh probably in some of our uh some of us as when we went to school and to have social workers there to help families to have social workers there to help kids to have social workers there to help the school adjust uh and make uh uh make a difference in their lives is what these people do every single day and we thank them for what they do for our kids because they make a positive difference in their lives um and it's skilled uh that these kids will be able to use uh the rest of their life uh to make sure it's positive so thank you so very much for everything you [Applause] do okay uh next is volunteer recognition yes we'd like to have Miss Jennifer Francisco come up Jennifer is a devel Vel mment director of the Matthews Crossing Food Bank she's dedicated to ensuring all families in the Colmes school district have a warm meal at the end of the day every week Ma Matthew's Crossing feeds over a 100 families across the district by providing weekend food packages snacks for classrooms and emergency food pantries through her continuous communication and support of our needs Jennifer has proven to be an essential part of our Colmes Community she's passionate about her job tenacious and filled with compassion for those in need it is our privilege to thank and recognize Jennifer Francisco with blue Apple volunteer of the month to Matthews Crossing Food [Applause] Bank okay next we have student of the month Dr dupes thank you Mr President members of the board colleagues in leadership family family members and students as I say every time I'm up here this is the best part of my day and I appreciate the opportunity could I have Alina August henan come up from com Center for Success there we go all right August has a commitment to persistence achievement and responsibility August has demonstrated a a dedication to finishing her classes asking for help when needed and a focus on early graduation she goes above and beyond helping others around campus congratulations August on a job well done could I have Dominic Sanchez come up from Colmes High School could I have Steven rigs Hollowell come up from hes Middle [Applause] School could I have Nicholas Dominguez from com's Traditional [Applause] Academy CTA chose Nicholas Dominguez for the student of the month because he is a great example of what responsibility in the classroom looks like Nicholas is always all about making sure his work is done first and is willing to put in extra work needed to get things done or to get himself caught up or to be able to participate in discussions he is almost always doing what is asked of him the first time we are very proud of his extra effort and I'd like to congratulate you young man and also compliment you on your glasses because I also have green in my glasses congratulations good job let give him a [Applause] round did I have Shay Richardson come up from [Applause] Ellsworth sheay has become a student who has truly invested in the responsibility of her learning she has made great strides in how she spends her time in class and always ensures that she does the best work she is learning that the responsibility of the rise code is much more than just the little things it includes sheay is learning how to be responsible for her own understanding of lessons and how to ask for help when it's needed very proud of her and how far she has come this year and we know she will do great things in the world ahead congratulations Shay could I have Emma Gara come up from [Applause] Harmon Emma shows the character trait of respon responsibility because she consistently completes assignments on time participates in class activities and seeks help when needed Emma also maintains a clean workspace and follows schoolwide rules and guidelines Emma's behavior in and out of the classroom demonstrates her commitment to learning respect for her classmates and understanding the accountability of her actions Emma is a great leader for her peers to follow overall Emma is responsible in all forms of society and greatly deserves this award congratulations [Applause] Emma could I have Elliot tuggy come up from Ranch Elementary you ready all right another great pair of glasses this is the night for glasses go ahead and turn around and look at everybody good job this is Elliot Elliot you were not nominated by uh Miss Kupa Mrs Kupa said the following I think of Elliot a lot I appreciate how he's always ready and prepared he listens to his teachers and takes care of his materials he is not only responsible but considerate of others he's quick to help and to make sure others know what they're doing and what needs to be done he is able to correct himself when he makes a mistake and is quick to apologize and is very honest I truly admire how responsible Elliott is congratulations Elliot and finally could I have Violet Jones Come From [Applause] Simington this is your moment Viet okay this is from Mr Slater the second grade teacher at Simington I'm very proud to nominate Violet Jones as Simington Elementary student of the month for March our school's core value of responsibility is consistently displayed through Violet's work ethic and compassion Violet not only only completes her work at the very best of her ability but she also uses the time to help fellow students complete theirs as well her strong character is evidenced by her Relentless positive attitud ude and belief that she can solve any problem no matter the difficulty lastly Violet was selected by her classmates to the student council to serve the students of her own school by volunteering her time to plan events and create projects to increase morale and excitement for learning viet's humble leadership by example and responsible decision making makes her a very deserving recipient of this Ward congratulations Violet that concludes our students of the month we'll now take a little bit of a break for pictures and then we'll continue with the rest of the board meeting thank you e con do something put your heart I do I'm sure they I do I'm sure they all right I think it's time for for us to reconvene so thank you all for uh for here um next is um governing board to Shelly or Jason anything to report nope not at this time I don't no no okay thank you uh do we have any public comments no we don't have no public comments okay so next on the agenda is item seven I'm sorry uh 9.1 item nine n action item is the approval of the consent agenda do does anyone have any questions on any of the items on the consent agenda I don't because I have I have two actually uh the first one would be item 9.10 and uh this item shows the building renewal Grant and it shows two different po numbers but the exact same dollar amount and I'm wondering is it one grand or two and is it just okay do two different sites that makes sense but there's one total dollar amount per site okay that's what I wasn't sure it is it's Roofing uh issues at two of our sites though that the sfob will be taking care of okay I just found it interesting that it was the same dollar amount but now I understand thank you and the other one would be um 9913 overnight and out of state travel and just to get the record straight I'd like that first travel Document going to Tucson to reflect that the ratio should be one to eight and not two to eight because there's two chaperon and 16 students so it' be a 1 to eight ratio and those are the two things I had about the about the uh consent agenda anything else and I'll take a motion to approve the consent agenda I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented second second Jason thank you all in favor I I opposed passes three to nothing down to item 10.1 cons discussion and consideration to approve the estimate of excess capacity for open enrollment acceptance for the 2425 school year this was discussed at the last meeting this is required by state law um based on what we talked about last meeting I would recommend uh uh approval um as presented and more than willing to take any questions questions no I don't have any questions no okay a motion to approve I motion to approve the estimate of excess capacity of open enroll acceptance for the 2425 school year as presented I'll second okay thank you all in favor say I I I oppos okay it passes three to nothing item 10.2 discussion and consideration of approval of community use of District facilities fee schedules for 2025 again discussed last month a couple minor things I will tell you uh this is a District uh uh facility fee schedule recommended there are changes the changes were uh determined by an analysis of other districts uh primarily the analysis was AJ Queen Creek Florence and ourselves um and so I shared something with you this morning and so I know there's may be a question or two but absent those questions um recommend approval uh either as presented or with the modifications that might be discussed okay so in terms of modifications yes I I had a I I looked it over and I think the last time that we raised any fees was has been not yeah five years so I'm thinking at this point that we probably need to look into raising some of our fees if if it's just to uh to match other District um or if we're higher than some districts leave it I don't know what are your guys' feelings on on that it I it doesn't hurt I mean I guess they're going to pay more but that does help us with uh the use of our facilities and right I mean I think that I mean our costs have gone up obviously uh just the economy in general I guess it's I don't think it's going to be a lot compared comparatively like for each person to rent however I think that by the end of the year we probably will receive a significant amount of funds maybe I don't know that's just my feeling and we can we can get you what those what those numbers will be based on what you guys say I mean it'll be an estimate based on what was done in in the P you know what was done in the past years um for clarifications because we're requesting a number of raises you're you're talking about raising some of the ones that were even below our neighbors and getting up to at least at the same level of our neighbors okay so if we approve now there's nothing that says we can't come back and make adjustments to it at another date the issue is uh we will go ahead and have um we already have people um that rent our our facility especially the CPAC um a year out uh and so once we commit to them with a contract that says this is the facility um so I recommend that we just do it once a year otherwise there's disparity in terms of who gets approval to what um but again this would be in line with our neighbor um and uh would be anything that's marked in yellow would be a represent an increase um uh for that and and make adjustments uh uh to bring sou uh I think there's about 10 others that would go up slightly um uh to to line with QC um and so I I have those uh down and so the motion would be approve the uh increases with the modifications that uh Mrs harus uh recommended and in that case we don't have to bring it back again we'll just move forward with those changes starting I mean it'll go out to people starting tomorrow for next year so if somebody's rent at our facility and in April or May of this year they're not going to pay the increase it'll be July first forward does that sound okay with you to uh yeah that's make that motion that way okay so shelle wanted you make that motion so I'll make a motion to approve the community use of the district facility fees schedules for the 2425 with the modifications discussed with uh is that okay second okay all in favor I I opposed passes three nothing item 10.3 discussion and consideration of approval of changes to policy recommendations from asba policy advisory 763 to 786 and this is the second reading right so this is again uh this is for approval it was presented last month these are just changes uh through Arizona school boards really some cleanup language uh related to changes in in statute or just the way they uh take a look at uh the policies and so I would recommend approval as presented any questions no I went through them and they look to be just you know cleaning up language and stuff like that questions no no no questions then I'll take a motion motion to approve the recommended change of the district policies as presented in asba policy advisor 3 763-786-3591 and benefit rates for the 2425 school year our current provider cyos Health Arizona recently held a board meeting and approved a 7% increase for all medical health care plans for the 2425 school year as we are within the first two years of our association we received the chyos board designated increase with the district absorbing the full increase for employee only coverage the projected budget impact will be $135,300 for the upcoming school year the plan changes first one would be that the IRS has required the high deductible Health Plan deductible to be increased from 1500 to 1600 for individuals and 3,200 for families the out-of-pocket deductible would increase 3200 to 6,400 that's the IRS requirement those employees who have elected the dental plan will see a slight increase the Delta Dental plan it will be a 3% increase TDA Dental will be a 4% increase with the Delta Dental rate increase posterior composits and third cleanings for qualified medical conditions will now be included with that there will be no changes to our vision uh plans so those will continue as they are our basic life and accid Dental death and dismemberment benefits will be administered by chyos in lie of American Fidelity starting next year our current plan provides for full-time employees to receive one and a half times their salary up to $50,000 in coverage with administrators receiving $150,000 CA coverage with the move to chyos the plan provides for all full-time employees to receive a full benefit of $50,000 and administrators of $200,000 approximately 110 employees will receive increased benefits with 300 maintaining their current levels while saving the district $ 23,5 18192 the 29 employees who have elected prepaid legal coverage you get a discount of $50 a month um the health savings account employer funded m will increase $3 um with this new adjustment um from $43 to $46 we will continue with utilizing American Fidelity for all of our other ancillary Insurance options at no rate changes whatsoever looking to the future we anticipate another increase of 7% to the medical premiums in the 2526 school year starting in the 2627 Year we will begin to receive a rate that is based on our adjust Ed own average loss over the threeyear look back period the benefits comparison has been attached to the agenda item for you to review and I just do you have any questions questions was this was this um increase was that like was that told to us UPF front that it would happen every year we knew that there would be a board adjusted rate every single year and we knew that we would get the flat adjusted rate for that I happen to know another District that is with this firm and theirs was 8% because it was based on their individual look back period because they've been there so we knew whatever the rate increase would be would be whatever the board had deemed for that year for their entire platform so yes we did know we know that that's the we'll also receive that next year and then we'll be based off of what our historical averages are but we would anticipate increased rates as a general rule Ru in the future uh it just may with our our uh employee base which tends to be younger and not as many situations it might only be a two or three or 4% instead of a 7% but we would still anticipate a rate increase just just because what's happening within the industry other questions I have a question on the prepaid legal how many employees take advantage of that thought she said 29 there's two different plans and a total of 29 employees participate okay and have they ever had the opportunity to collect as a result of any claims not not that I'm aware of but we can look into that for you no I'm just just curious if you knew that that's not a big deal yeah okay anything else how how is this um if we were to stay what I'm just wondering if it was we were to say where we were last time before with the other company that we were with before um um would we still see the 7% raise we would have seen a dramatically higher rate okay all right okay yeah right yeah other questions all right then I'll take a motion please I'll motion to approve the employee insurance and Benefit Plan rates for 20242 as presented I'll second yeah all in favor I opposed it passes three to nothing I know I know all right item 11.1 discussion and information of student achievement the March report Dr Fountain you resemble him yep all right good evening members of the board Dr Wyman Miss wner and our esteamed colleagues we have a few updates for you this month from curriculum instruction um starting with some uh student data from Miss hyim uh we're going to share with you a deep dive that we've taken into some of our usage data we're looking very carefully at our programming to ensure that it's both meeting our students needs academically as well as we're getting the appropriate usage um to be good stewards of those funds so she's going to share with you some of that usage uh miss deab or Miss Scott will have some information to share with you uh about some instructional rounds we've done uh with some guests from the high school to share with you some really great work they've been doing uh and then Mr shum is going to share with you about the mock interview process so those are our updates for tonight I'll turn it over first to miss hyam all right thank you um members of the board Dr wein our community here I'm excited to share with you some of our supplemental programs this evening make sure my clickers go in here so we're going to talk about three programs we utilize in the district tonight um two are math related and one is um Ela related the first one here is DreamBox this is a new program that we adopted this school year um it aligns directly to our new math adoption as well which um is in vision and currently right now our students um in our third through eth grade are primarily the ones who use this program we have um piloted it piloted it a little bit with a few students um that are younger than that so right now about 70% of our students are logging in at least weekly to the platform and completing at least um two lessons each week um and our staff we had over um 30 staff members logging in in the last month as well into that platform to see how our students are performing when we look at the data um there are um some definite uptrends so that first graph there is going to show you um in all usage all of our students are growing that are using the program so average usage for all levels is about half a grade level so that 0 five indicates half a grade level um we're currently you know 3/4 of the way through the year so um any usage is getting us that growth students that are utilizing the program for Five Lessons a week or more um are have seen so far a 1.4 um grade level increase so they've already made over a Year's growth in this three qus of a year that we have completed um if they're utilizing anywhere in between that 2 to five range they're kind of right on par with where we are in the school year at 7 um and then if they're utilizing it less um than two lessons per week or completing less than two lessons a week we are seeing that they are growing but um obviously at a slower rate so our highest grades that are growing right now um first grade where we're kind of piloting it with a few kiddos and third grade which is really nice to see in third grade they've already made that 0.