>> Absolutely. Yeah, and that's why we're we're so grateful we had the opportunity that that you you approved for us to attend the conference because what we get in those few days is like it would take us months to get that information. So, um we're just really grateful. Thank you. >> Mercedes. >> Um thank you guys for the information. I think we all uh I can I think I can speak for for the committee that you guys sound very excited with the information with the learning you guys got on the conference. However, I would like to kind of see on writing what you guys are planning to implement from, you know, what you learn on this comm this conference and so we can see what you guys either going to change or going to implement so that we can somehow in near future kind of see you know what you guys implement and the benefits of these new um um strate uh strategies that you're going to start implementing so we can start going back again maybe a few months from now whenever you guys going to start it we can start seeing the benefits again um and then we can sit here and say oh my god that was great you know that we kind of look back cuz I think it's a lot said it's a lot of information for for us to maintain in our head um but I would love to see it on writing so that when we do see in the near future um and you guys already implementing so we can start seeing the benefit oh my god that was great you guys went and these are the b you know these are the results of these stuff cuz trust me I don't know about them, but I'm not going to remember all that.
Um, and they're hoping that the governor might put more money to that. And if that's the case, I know we at one time had visions of of participating in that program and money got cut. But if uh if the governor does more on the funding, we may be able to do something in residency.
Uh, good evening everyone. I am Gara, auditor for you tonight. And before I start with the result, I would like to thank Daniel and Latasha for all the hard work and support during the audit. We know the year ends in June 25 and we have to submit the audit in December. So the timeline is like really packed but thank you to your team who are always on the talk and uh I am very happy to present the audit report. We are pleased to present the results of this year audit. Uh the financial statement audit is unmodified. If you're uh if you have the printouts you can uh see page number 15. So the financial statement audit says it is unmodified which means a clean opinion. We received an unmodified clean opinion on the financial statement. This is the highest level of assurance an auditor can provide and confirm that the financial statement are presented fairly in all material respects.
So we really are going to be making as I said more opportunities for us to come together and and do things around our campus as a team. And then I also want to thank how many of you parents were able to make it to the boots and bows dance. I just want to say it was the biggest I've seen. Every year it gets bigger and bigger, but to see all of the and you can't even see it here. I tried to take it was a packed house and there were parents dancing everywhere with their children. It was amazing to walk in and see that. So, thank you for coming out and making these nights so special because these are memories that are going to last a lifetime. I think that might be Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyways, with that, it is cold time.
>> Okay. >> But that's a good question. Uh, so I know what you're saying. How much is in your bank right now for this? Yeah. Ready? Next slide. 2627 newly released uh entitlement for us is 1,113,93140. So uh we are working on letting the government know exactly how we're going to spend these dollars and assign these pounds to the food for next school year. Next. So, you're thinking to yourself, how does Gilbert Public Schools Nutrition Services calculate and decide where to assign these entitlement dollars to certain foods? We decided it'd be really fun to bring up our buyer so she can actually, in her own words, describe how she goes about doing that and you can get a peak behind the curtain and how we do this. >> Okay, Michelle, come on up. You can sit next to that. >> This is Michelle Shear. She has worked with uh Gilbert Public Schools nutrition services since 2003.
So on the week of March 16th we're our goal is to bring them into the district, get a chance to um spend some time with Mr. Campbell um spend some time in Berlin and spend some time meeting our families and teachers um the candidates and then I'm hopefully going to do the week of March 23rd. Um I'm going to welcome Dr. Brett Conway to join us as well too. Um I'll do this final round of interviews that week of March 23rd. to be able to um be able to appoint someone um as the new principal of Real Memorial. This is a key time trying to get this done in March um because as we're seeing on school spring the mountains, they're coming out right now. This is the time of year. Um so us being able to um be able to confirm that will be really exciting for us and be able to get someone to work with John as well too.
>> No, it is a lot. >> But if I have something on writing that I can look back and say, "Oh my god, I remember when they talked about this and this definitely, you know, they've been implementing these new strategies and it's great that um I can I remember when was said and what was said because I have it on writing. >> We'd be happy to. Yeah. Um and one thing to kind of put out there, um there's um I I think you get to these later, the um the request to post for positions. You'll see one very concrete thing tonight is um we got a grant through the um mass um DESIE um to do curriculum work in CTE areas um aligned to the new frameworks and um we're going to be putting that artificial intelligence training right into that. So when you see that posting later tonight, you'll know it's this is one of the things that kind of came out of how it's going to shape um our work.
Any questions about pract? >> Sure. Has there been any discussion about the timing of enrollment for program choice besides us? I I have not heard heard any but I'd be glad to bring that up. Yeah, that's a great question and having seen what the trend line is for us, I'll definitely bring that up. >> Okay. Uh Jordan Insurance. >> Yep. So, we met on February 5th. Um, and we have a full RFP still out which is due back to us um, Friday the 13th. So, we will be meeting once we have all of our RFPs back. It was confirmed by our broker that they advise we stay self-insured. That was a question that the comm uh, committee had brought up. Um, but it was advised that we stay self-insured and that it that is best for us financially. Um and then we also had let union reps know on both the board of ed as well as the town side that we are going to RFP proactively and they were appreciative of that.
Then we have internal control over financial reporting. No material weakness were identified. No significant deficiencies were reported. uh this also demonstrate that internal process are oper operating effectively and the financial reporting controls are well designed and consistently followed. We ne do not provide an opinion on internal control but we do evaluate the effectiveness and efficiencies for the major federal award program compliance. We received another unmodified opinion. There were no compliance finding reported which confirms that the federal funds are being managed and expended in accordance with the applicable regulations. Then the final item was state program compliance. For state programs, we received a clean opinion with no compliance finding. So the district is consistent with the address to state requirements and yes the results were all all positive.
>> So, we are going to call you up. Please bring your certificates. We're going to line you up. preschool all the way through middle school. So if you're getting if you're close to the month, bring your certificate up and then so don't be shy to come up now. We're going to line you up. Parents and family, thank you for being here for this special occasion. Take the pictures, all the pictures that you want. to move around to take them and then you can join your child at the back to pick out graders. Okay, middle schoolers are going to be on the other side. Do I have any kindergarters? >> Fourth. Okay. And this is also being live streamed. So if you have any family members that weren't able to make it, you can go back and watch. All right. So we're going to have you come up here.
>> 2004. Uh she started out working as a substitute in the kitchens and then part-time full-time kitchen manager uh helped with different things in our office and now was our buyer for the last I want to say 5 years. It happened in 2020. >> 2020. So starting in co and the best part is when I was training her how to be the buyer I would say this never happens. Like every scenario we would get I'd be like but this never happens because it was so crazy that year. She finally said she finally was like really really I said well it's a special time but >> we're ready for anything that >> we're always ready. >> So what's interesting is I've I've Michelle has shared with me that she actually makes a recommendation to Natalie and then they duke it out to determine how they're going to allocate out the entitlement.
Um do some transition workers right now as well. So, I'll keep you updated on that, but tomorrow we'll be able to narrow that group down to hopefully a group that we'll then bring in for um for the next round is use. The next thing on the agenda is the strategic plan update. Um just want you to know our next meeting is March 3rd. I know that Christine mentioned as well too. It's really coming together really nicely. Now, um the the next part will be the seriously narrowing that down the work that we've done. Um we did a a survey that I have those um that available for school members if you'd like to see that um where we got a lot of feedback from families. A lot of positive feedback came with that as well too. I'd like to share um our next goal will be once we have that strategic plan as a committee um in a SWAT.
So, but yes, we'll do a list for you. >> Uh, one thing I just want to add to Miss Distla's question. Um we in working with our um our consultant um we work together over the summer to do guidelines uh for both educators and students around AI so that when we transition into the year and our students and teachers are working in that environment. We have some guidelines that he works on state boards and things like that that we're able to collaborate on so that there is a target there. they're aware. We we're teaching them kind of where this technology is going because the kids are usually ahead of us. Um they're on their phones. They're they're they're on that the AI mode. I learn a lot from my kids um as much as I learn from the job as well. So, um you know, we have to do our best to stay ahead of them, too.
So more to come. We um still are projecting 20% as of right now. I once the RFPs come through I think that may change a little bit but as of right now we're still at the 20%. >> What's the time period on your RFPs? >> So they're all due back the 13th. Um and then this Yeah, this Friday. This Friday. >> Yes, this Friday. And then based off of what we see, uh, Elizabeth is gonna put together probably a special meeting for our committee. Uh, we'll review the RFPs. USI will probably be there. Um, but we're hoping to have a decision by the end of March. Okay. So that implementation can go smoothly. So >> if there is a change. >> Great. >> Questions for the insurance committee? I mean, that's a that's a big number. Any thoughts?
if you have any questions or maybe if I was like very quick to present because the results are really really all unmodified no finding. So yes, please let me know if you have any questions. Looks like we have no questions. Thank you so much. And I think Mr. Jamal, were they the ones that provided these? >> They did provide you the candies. >> Thank you for the treats, the candies. We appreciate it. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Valentine's Day. >> Thank you. >> All righty. >> Thank you.
You'll say your name. All right. So, Carlos's teacher writes, "Carlos is quiet and attentive in class. He's always happy to complete his assignments. He shows responsibility by turning in his homework. He is never tardy and stays on task. He keeps himself and his peers safe by following all of the safety rules. Carlos is very nice to his friends. He is also kind to me by listening when I am teaching. Carlos loves coming to school and I love being his teacher. Congratulations Carlos from Mrs. Gracia. Casey's teacher writes, "Casey is cult of the month for January. He came into the new year with curiosity and excitement. He is not only kind and caring, he loves his little sister. When working on projects, he is always thinking of his little sister and what she might like. He is helpful in the classroom. He is in charge of his learning and takes pride in his accomplishments.
So Michelle, before you begin though, you should turn on your microphone. >> I've never done that before. >> Okay. All right, Miss Murray, Dr. McCord, and board members. Okay, I'm going to go over the product evaluation and taste testing. We have two ways that we do our >> Sorry, can you speak into your mic just a little more because I think it's kind of >> closer. Okay. We have two ways that we do our taste testings and our product evaluations. We have our supervisors, a rotation of nutrition service managers on a weekly basis and we meet for products that we will try in our district office. Some of you have been to our taste testings. So all right and then uh these taste testing m meetings are scheduled on Thursday mornings from August to the first week of December. From these meetings, we determine which products to sample with our students during their lunch times.
We'll then stop presenting that to the towns um as well too. We I've already talked to Kristen in April to come to um some meetings there and be able to give them a a look at what that strategic plan looks like. Then we'll come in front of school committee um and have give you the opportunity to see that final look at that and to be able to vote on that. My plan is in June of this of this year to be able to hear and um print a final strategic plan um that this way that will drive this district both instructionally as well as financially for the next five years. Um, and that will truly be a gift that we'll be able to give um the new superintendent um being able to lead that direction for our district. So, that is the point on that.
So, thank you. Can >> I add one thing, >> please? >> So, this ties into uh Mr. Mercedes question about like wanting to see this sort of how it rolls out. What do you actually do to implement it? Um, one of the things I would say is that we, you know, at the conference, you go to so many sessions, you learn a lot. Um, there were a couple of sessions that I went into and I said, "We're already doing this or I think our team could come in and teach this session." So, we've talked about this and honestly um the project that you're working on with that CTE curriculum and AI um we've talked about presenting that either at the connecting for success conference with MAVA or actually presenting a session at the national conference. Um so that truly could be a you know a wonderful demonstration of that and I say it with all sincerity like the work that they're doing already as a team they would absolutely be able to present a really really high quality um session at the national level.
Okay, hearing none, then the final updates from Alli on the PTO's. >> I will start with Cherry Brook. Um, they had pancake breakfast on the 7th. It was a big success. Some of the teachers came to read to the students and there were 150 Valentine's cards that children made that will be sent to Plain and Cherry Brook Health residents. Uh the PTO will be co-hosting a cozy story time and craft with the Canton Public Library uh this coming Tuesday on the day off at 2:30. Um they're asking people to sign up online because there is limited space. Uh Sherry Brook and CIS PTO's are going to award pack on March 6th and if you buy your tickets by the 20th of this month, you will be entered into a raffle to win a spot in a high five tunnel. Sounds like a good time. Um on the CIS, as Lucas had mentioned, they had their paint night.