What I've noticed, I own two businesses in town. And I've had to actually pull my kids out of the public school system because of stuff they were dealing with when it came to sexuality stuff and uh kind of I guess bullying you would call it. But really it's it's just things they wouldn't be subjected to in everyday life. And it doesn't seem like the kids are being conditioned to come into society and be able to handle have good like conflict resolution skills to handle everyday troubles. And um I would just like to some suggestions. Short on time, but um I'm not sure how much power you guys have been given back on being able to uh control your own curriculum, but if we could start, it seems like too simple of a solution, but just teaching the history of our nation in an accurate manner, it would um I understand people will throw up the separation of church and state.
So, I've been here s in since 2018, the end of 2018. I'm also the chair of the Ashlin Cultural Council. And as you've just heard, we've come a long way in understanding what matters most to you guys, to our residents. Right now, we're in the crucial phase of refining the strategies that will guide Ashlin's growth over over the next decade. This means taking all the feedback we've received from students to seniors, longtime residents to newcomers, and ensuring that the plan reflects a balance of priorities. So, sustainability, infrastructure, economic economic opportunity, housing, and preserving what makes Ashland unique, including our history and our culture. To do this, we have used JMG's consultant, Jen Goldston, and her team. Um, we've employed a subcommittee who's done the hard work of parsing through pages of strategies to make recommendations that made the process smoother. And we've really lent on each other of our 29 committee members who are entirely volunteer-based but quite experts in their fields including Roberto Schulman, um, Chuck Litz, um, Kyra Hume.
Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. All right. Right on. Um then uh shall we hear from Melissa? Hello. Hello everyone. Um starting off with athletics. I have a few students to recognize who got awards these past few weeks. Um, Jenna Mix and Caroline Walters received the CIC Unified Sports Exemplary Teammate Award at the Aqua Turf. Vanessa Greenstein and Michael Walters received the Southwest Conference Awards for Student Leadership. William Chen and Averato were also named the Brookfield Scholar Athletes and were also recognized at the Aquar. So, congratulations to all of them. Senior signing day for committing athletes uh was on April 23rd in the cafeteria. The school celebrated about 16th continuing their athletic careers in college. Um, student government is currently in the process of working through their new elections for students next year. Um, and the senior officers have been working extremely hard for our senior prom next Friday at the Waterview at 7, which I'm very excited for.
Jade is very friendly and funny. She makes all of us laugh and get along well with her peers. She has built a great friend group that enjoy playing together in the music center. Jade loves music. Jake has many admirable qualities but we think the most magical thing about her magical thing about her is how far she has come during her time in prek. We have noticed Jade really grow and mature in prek this year and feel that she has become a leader in the classroom. She's kind, dependable and smart. She has really made an impact in our classroom. Thank you to friends and family that have supported Jade in her prek journey. You are the sparkle in her life that have cultivated in her such special uniqueness. Jade, your individuality and kindness bring much joy to our classroom. So, keep spreading your magic wherever you go.
Yeah. Maybe there's some type of price that you can meet in the middle, but not with the amount of money that that program supports this issue to them. Several hundred,000. Yeah, that position doesn't budget. Well, it directly affect your food service, but not this M budget, but that food service fund. Yeah, it would directly affect that account. So you do have employees who pay out of that fund and so yeah that would be the conversation that we would have to approach with sharing some of that burden or changing that model Mr. President members of the board um I do want to keep in perspective like what Mr. more stated. Uh there are some neighboring districts in Puma County, one specifically that that is going through possibly a 5 to8 million deficit. So we are in real good shape. You know, a lot of other districts would really love to have our situation.
We understand that religion is a regulating factor for the base of morals and values for society. It would force the hand in bringing God back into conversation on um and it would kind of plant a seed in the kids' heads to give them an avenue in which they could they could navigate through life and be able to lean on that. And um there's so much to say and such in so little time, but um I see it pretty regularly at the smoothie shop in town. Kids seem to be more incompetent, depressed, and anxious than anything I could have ever have imagined to see in my life. And it's reaffirmed to me on almost a daily basis. There are excellent kids that I see that come in that are part of the public school system, but there's this large swath. I know it sounds crazy, but it it it set into me um it became really relevant when Trump was the assassination attempt.
There are a lot of people who are very devoted to this town. So, it's empowering to see that. So over the next few weeks, we'll continue narrowing down the short list that is based on the input of residents, town departments, and technical experts. Our goal is to make this plan not only visionary, but actionable, something that leads to real improvements in the lives of our residents. We welcome everyone to stay engaged as we finalize the strategies and begin moving into implementation planning later this year. After the strategies are finalized, we'll begin to draft the actual plan. This will be done based on your inputs and the expertise of the committee members and the consultant. This the goal is to have this plan finished by this fall and bring it all back to you at town meeting this November. We know that at times this process has felt tedious, filling out long surveys, attending workshops, letting us into your houses, um reviewing material.
Uh, some personal and club things. National Honors Society has hosted a spring workshop. Um, this was their first annual one that we've done on April 23rd. and all the proceeds. We raised about $800 um will be going to Miss Mueller for her fight against cancer. Commitment day was on May 1st, last Thursday for all seniors. Um so we got to wear our shirts, represent and take some pictures which was really fun. National Art Honor Society had a advanced art show at the town hall these past two weeks. Um and we had ceremony last week. This week and next week are AP exams. So very stressed out with them, but everything's going great so far. Um, the Brookfield Band and Chorus spring concert is on May 20th, and I heard that they have really good selection of songs, so I'm very excited to hearing all the senior duets and solos and everything.
People need the originality you bring to the world. Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a big round of applause to JK. [Music] [Applause] She [Music] has one, two, three. [Applause] Good evening everyone. Leadership is not about age. It is about influence, integrity, and example. And demonstrates all three every single day. It is with great pride and admiration that we recognize Liliana as our superintendent student of the month. A shining example of excellence, Liliana is a kindergarten student who who consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. From the very first day of school, she has demonstrated a level of maturity well beyond her years. Her ability to remain focused, responsible, and composed in a busy classroom setting speaks volumes about her character and upbringing. Lilana is not only an exceptional student academically, she also embodies the qualities of a true leader. Whether she's helping a classmate, participating in a group activity, or offering respect and enthusiasm, her natural leadership skills are evident in the way her peers look up to her and follow her example.
Um so this is a real positive real. Okay. Anybody else have any question? No. Thank you very much. I will make motion to second. All those in favor say I. I motion carries 4 to zero at 6:16.
I know that I don't mean to bring politics into it, but I was at JC. There was four high school students working behind the counter and in older John and I heard the news, told them, "Hey guys, Trump just got shot." And without hesitation, all five of them laughed at the same time. And I mean it's it it shocked me because I come from a day and age where that's not the way that we would think. And um a suggestion just with a little time left is that if we could start depicting the way they can control the way our youth thinks about our society is how we teach them about our history. And if we can get that back under lock and stop with the divisions and understand how God was the regulating force for this free trade, open speech, you know, free speech right to bear arms society that Christianity is the basis of that and it's the most important thing and that's just a suggestion.
But every bit of input has helped shape a future that truly reflects who we are and what we value as a town. The vision we're finalizing now is one rooted in equity, opportunity, and belonging. A road map for an Ashlin where residents of all ages and backgrounds can thrive through every stage of life. As we near the finish line, we're deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed, especially our volunteer committee members. And we warmly welcome all residents to join us at our meetings which as Reesri mentioned happen on the third Thursdays each month. Your voice continues to matter. Thank you so much for your time. [Applause] Next up is the school committee and uh Superintendent Adams will be giving remarks for the school committee. Thank you, Mr. Moderator. Is this okay if I sit back? Can everyone hear me this way? So it's not perfect.
Um, and then lastly, this Sunday is the NHS Mother's Day 5K, which is going to be sponsored by Sweet Scoops this year. Um, and the race officially starts at 9:00 am, but registration and warmup starts around 8. And you can still sign up online if you're interested or even at the event. Um, there'll be refreshments, raffles, um, and awards handed out. And all the proceeds that we make will be going to Yale New Haven Transplate Center for patient care fund. So really good cost. Thank you. Thanks a lot, Melissa. So, that concludes the student um the directly studentf facing uh portion of the meeting. If you guys want to hang out for the rest of it, you're welcome to. But if if you were going to duck out, now's probably the best time. Thanks so much for coming. Congratulations. Bye, Melissa. Good luck on your APs.
Her commitment to learning, coupled with her strong moral compass, makes her a role model in the classroom. Liliana's work is always completed with care and attention to detail, and she takes pride in doing her best at all times. She asks thoughtful questions, stays curious, and shows genuine excitement about exploring new topics. Her love for learning is contagious and brings joy to those around her. I am incredibly proud of her achievements and the person she is becoming. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader at any age. We know that this is only the beginning for her, and we can't wait to see all that she will accomplish in the years to come. To honor Liliana's extraordinary character, I created a special acronym using her name. Each letter of Liliana reflects a part of who she is. L leader at heart. I inspires others.
Thank you. It looks like the next line just says anonymous citizen there. Do you mind giving your name? Yeah. I just want to stay anonymous. Okay. I want to take the first two minutes and just take a moment of silence for all the the child that got taken advantage of and u the bullying the children get bullied. I'm going to take two minutes in the last minute. I'll I'll give my opinion. Okay, we're down to last minute. Reason why I let you do that is because that's what it feels like for these uh people that these children that get bullied and the little child that got taken advantage of. They had no voice. That's why I wanted to be a voice. Take a moment of silence for them. We are adults. We can do better. You guys know your leadership. Not saying you guys don't do your job, but we can do better.
The PowerPoint. Is that Michael? Thank you. Thank you. We can skip right to the third slide. I'll make this quick uh as I recognize 20 warrant articles is a lot to get through in an evening, but I think it's I apologize for the way this is looking here. So, but that's fine. Uh I I think it's important with the opportunity just to talk a little bit about the Ash public schools and where we are uh and what we've been doing in the past uh year and a half. Uh, I think it's time we finally feel like we're out of the COVID era, if you will, uh, and moving forward with with our strategic objectives, uh, where we're focused, uh, each and every day on doing what is best for all kids within our district. And as you can see up there, and I will not read them to you, but we are focused on four major areas as we continue to move our district forward academically.
Well, I mean it depends. No, it depends on what you take. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I think so. Are you guys ready? All right. Um, then let's resume. Um, so we have public comment. Uh, Mr. Korea, you are here to speak about the executive session um item on the agenda. Yes. Also, the the item after the executive session on your ethics violation um alleged and um your time starts now. Okay. So, I'd advise the board to not go in executive session and have have the legal advice in public. You can uh take the legal advice in public. You have the option uh to have an executive session. Likely the advice is going to be board members don't have to testify. The board potentially doesn't have to, you know, accept recommendations from, you know, the board of ethics or the board of selectmen. That is something that, you know, the public should be able to view.
Lifelong learner, I integrity driven. A always kind noteworthy in every way. and a ambitious and driven. Congratulations on this well-deserved recogition as our superintendent student of the month. [Applause] She's like my little teacher in the class. Thank you.
Learn from our mistakes. We all make mistakes. We're human beings. But I'm just speaking for the children. That's for all of us because we all got children. We want the best for them and we want safe communities. So, what protocols going forward are we going to take safety protocols so that the children won't be bullied for the the uh incident that happened? Not going into detail. I'm not putting nobody down or creating discrimination against one person or treating somebody different, but that's that's that's the whole point. We can do better. That's the whole reason for the silence to be a voice for the ones that ain't here and that's the children. Thank you. The last um individual that signed up to speak is Sarah Thomas. Sarah Thomas 76. I'm really here today as a former student of James County and a parent who has children in the schools.
Uh as we continue to look forward for opportunities for equity, of of opportunity for all of our students in the district, uh and being very thoughtful and cognizant of the resources that we have uh and the resources that we need as we continue to grow as a community. Next slide, Michael, please. So, I want to just highlight a few things and and again, I'm I'm not going to read them all to you, and it's hard to see. I can certainly tell as you can see, uh people call this the new high school still. Uh it's 20 years old. Uh for those who who are new to the community, and uh we are certainly having issues with some of our technology and uh I apologize for that. But this being said, uh we are a district now of about 2900 students, preK through 12. Uh we have numerous special education in-house programs we've created.