>> All right, if I could have the Higley High All-State Band and choir students come up to the front, please. >> [applause] >> So, we're very proud of the five students who were selected to participate in the All-State band and one student who was selected in our All-State choir this year. Congratulations to these students. I know it's a hard thing to go through to showcase your talents and go through this audition process and then rise to the top and become All-State. We can't wait to see what you do next and we're very excited cuz, you know, we've got to hear perform and we know how awesome you guys are. So, it's really good recognition and what I'd love for you to do is introduce yourself, your year, and what instrument or if you sing. I'm Reagan. I'm a senior at Higley and I'm in choir and I sing soprano.
Students in grade second grade through sixth grade voted using electronic ballot. And the winner is drinking fountains with filters. We announced the winning proposal on our yearly variety show and the next day on the morning announcements. We could hear the students from every single classroom. It was a really loud. There was an earthquake practically. >> [applause] >> Wait, wait. I thought we're not We're not done. Okay, we're not done yet. I thought this was a great experience because we took students' ideas and we turned them into something new for the school. Thank you, school board members and district leaders for your time. >> [applause] >> All right, guys, go ahead. This way, this way. Okay, I'll go. Hello, my name is Michael Kilgore and I'm the student >> council vice president of the Centennial Cardinals. I am in fifth grade. Hi, my name is Reese McCare.
Central administration in the budget really focuses on about five areas. I believe it's a superintendent's office, finance and business, facilities and operation, um, HR, and IT. Our student support offices sit in a different different cost center in the budget, as well as our family center and curriculum and instruction. So, when you're talk So, when we're talking about how the budget looks versus how it operates, there's clear things. Um the central office model is interconnected is a small I would say interdependent system where um we operate across different models. Smaller districts like Pelham um usually I I will I've been trying to reach out to other districts that operate the way we are and have not regionalized. Um and may or then they operate within unions. Um we have not found we've been looking in terms of the documentation that outline how the proportions for the allocation or the allocations for the central office have been.
Uh all our staff have completed please complete the survey uh from your end too you know please uh because the deadline is April 10th so we have few more days it just I guess it takes five to 10 minutes just to very simple questions I know maybe for the board even it might be shorter it's just about uh you know resources and all that stuff right good stuff uh this is all done under the SAP HA2 2.0 0 SAP H 2.0 uh uh that's the uh standards that that they made it law uh last year you know uh same with the performance standard that Laura and myself are completing that's a bigger survey that we are doing it from the department level right we put already completed half of it and then uh we'll complete the rest also uh and that the deadline for that is the 30th uh for this month with our food establishment uh New York pizza is operational Now we we have granted them a permit.
We both as students are incredibly passionate about the art of argumentation and public speaking, and we are sure that if given the opportunity, we could help so many other students see the appeal in what debate entails. 20 students are currently enrolled in our Google Classroom, and once it's official, we can reach out to more and gain more members, so there's plenty of interest. And we also have an advisor lined up if we are approved to begin. We just like to end by saying thank you for your time, and we appreciate your consideration. Thank you. Uh is this a vote we're voting to approve this, or is this what Yeah, yes. All right. Uh can I have a motion, please, to approve the Tantasqua Speech and Debate Club? So moved. Jess? Second. Lisa, I heard first.
We right after we did the 900,000. Okay. So, I mean, you notice this now or is this just I coincidence? Yeah, I at the time didn't So, that's why when we looked at the minutes, I didn't realize we hadn't brought it back to the committee after that and uh negotiations until when we looked at the minutes recently. Okay, thank you. Mr. Jones being on the committee, you have anything to add to this? Thank you. Any further discussion? Call the vote, please. Mr. Mercedes, can you hear us? Addison Oscar Yes, yes. Okay, okay. No, no. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Tarbox Ms. Barris Yes. Ms. Dissler Yes. Mr. Jones Yes. Mr. Mejia Yes. And Mr. Haydam Yes. Thank you. Now we'll get to the reorganization part that we're here for. Um can I get a motion for the position of district recorder who right now is Cheryl Dennis?
Congratulations. Tyler Baldwin took his experience that began as an Eagle Scout who crossed on his own to complete the process of building chess and checkerboard picnic tables. He created three beautiful tables that are now placed in Bsentennial Garden, Hills Pond, and the Senior Center open to community members to sit, chat, and play. >> Okay, switching roles here. I'd like to continue uh honor our students tonight by mentioning some of our students involved in the arts. The Connecticut Association of Schools annually honors two outstanding seniors from each member school who excel in instrumental performing or visual arts. To be selected, these students must also possess qualities of scholarship and leadership. and Kent High School winners this year are Lillian Simon for performing arts and Elijah Hubbert Persie for visual arts. Each was honored at a banquet on April second at the aquat I like to call them both and say a few extra words about them.
It says uh the Isusa Unified School District certificate rec uh certificate certificate of recognition is proudly presented to Isabella Chavez for leading the pledge of allegiance at the ISUsa Unified School District board meeting on April 7th, 2026, signed by our superintendent and our board president. And so we want to present this to you and would also love it if you would come join us up front so we can give it to you and take a photo. One, two, and three. Three. One, two, and three. Thank you for that. That was beautiful. Moving on to item 2.1, approval of agenda. Can I have a motion to approve the agenda? >> Motion to approve. >> Second.
No. Okay, my bad. Uh then it's just uh unamended. Questions or concerns? I don't know if I'm messing up the vote sheet. It's okay. If not, Vice Chair. HB 1752 HD1 SD1, recommendation to pass as is. Any no votes or reservations?
So when you are doing your event it is just it's like in a big room. There's multiple different tables of judges for each event, but you're just presenting to your judges. There's no audience to watch or anything. Like ever? No. Um, so you said you went to Nationals what was Nationals like? So I've been to Nationals two years. I went to Seattle and then I went last year to Orlando, Florida. It is super fun. It's a lot of it what I thought was going to be is oh we're going to be sitting in these meetings workshops all day. No, it was so much fun. We got to explore all different stuff like last year in Orlando we went to Disney World, Sea World, and Universal. Um, also water park, but the actual conference it's every state is there. There are tons of people. We do pin trading so each state has their own little pin that goes on their lanyard and you just trade pins and it's a fun way to interact with everybody.
Uh I'm Mason. I play trombone and I'm a junior at Higley. My name's Kyler Spruell. I'm a junior at Higley and I play French horn. My name's Jeremy. I'm a junior and I also play French horn. Mr. >> [applause] >> Mr. Sharp and Mr. De Cost, any words that you'd like to say about these students? We're just so proud. They're They're really good. Congratulations to And we we just got to have a a superintendent cabinet visit to Higley High where we got to hear performances from the different groups. And I tell you what, if you haven't had a chance to see the fine arts and see them perform, it's fantastic and I know there's a lot of events coming up here at the end of the year. So, I encourage you all to attend and see these students perform. They're great. So, again, let's give it up for our All-State.
I am the student council treasurer and I'm also in fifth grade. Hi, my name is Remy Payne and I am your student council office manager at Centennial Elementary and I am your office manager. Hi, we're the um, hi, we're the Centennial Cardinals. Um, uh, how we processed our ideas were we wanted everyone to um, uh, our budget to be reflect everyone every student's ideas. So, we put idea um, suggestion boxes, posters, um, all throughout the school so that every grade could, um, participate in our voting. Once we decided that we were going to spend our money, we took time and met with our principal, Ms. Day, and we, um, all, um, shared our ideas and brainstormed about every idea we had. Our first option was 3D printer noise canceling headphones. The 3D printer could help people be creative and have a lot of fun. The noise canceling headphones were so that some kids could if it was too loud in their class, they could have some quiet time.
Um so, we will be later on recommending that the committees kind of document that. But our central office is cost shared. Um some positions are funded solely by Pelham or solely by Amherst or solely by region. Um some positions are shared between two districts in the central office where they might just be Amherst and region. Um and some positions are shared across all three districts. For example, my position um finance um the IT director our CN some of our um curriculum and instruction individuals HR things like that. Those positions that are shared across all three districts are allocated 54% region 42% Amherst 4% Pelham. But this is an FTE in terms of funding only. This is not in how work is allocated. And so, you actually if we were to equate the 4% contribution to work um Pelham does not only receive 4% of services.
Uh that's this the p old pizza go 67. Uh that's the old Murphy's is still under renovations. Uh 135 discount store. Uh the gentleman the owner was in the department last week. They do have the water issue again. You know that last year we dealt with it. Right. Tom was out uh for a for an inspection uh I guess uh at the weekend kind of confirmed that and I guess our plumbing inspector Mr. Charles, right? He's working with them to resolve the issue again, you know. So, uh I'll keep the board posted on that. Uh Sunnyside Cafe on the 20th of March, we did had a reinspection there that they have failed. So, Tom have issued them a $240 fine based on the violations that was not corrected. And the last item is uh the Pawn Street Plaza. There are four establishments. Uh um this is again a continuing thing.
All right, anyone have any questions? Great job, ladies. Good speaking. You have a nice presentation with the slides and everything. So, great job. Public speaking is so important, right? Uh even more so now, you know, everything with technology in terms of being able to have face-to-face conversations and interviews now, it is extremely important. So, we're we're glad you're doing that, and even being able to debate and debate in a in a respectful manner and have difference of agreements, uh but still do it respectfully, learning to do that is an incredible thing. So, thank you. Thank you. All right, anybody else? All right, wait wait second, Olivia. Just stay right there till they vote. >> [laughter] >> All right, all in favor? I. Anyone against? All right, my favor is all, the motion passes. THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> UH UP NEXT, WE HAVE ONE MORE CLUB FOR A Tantasqua Food Pantry.
Can I get a motion for that? Can we get a second, please? Second from Mr. Tarbox. Any discussion? Call the vote, please. Mr. Mejia Yes. Mr. Mercedes Yes. Mr. Tarbox Yes. Ms. Barris Yes. Ms. Dissler Yes. Mr. Jones Yes. And Mr. Haydam. Yes. Vote carries. Vote carries. Thank you. Uh position of assistant clerk, who is now Susan Lally. Can I get a motion for that? Make a motion for a nomination. Second.
First speak about Lillian. Um, according to Miss Antinucci, Lillian is a remarkable leader in performing arts here at the high school and she has participated in choir and drama for four years and also um is a leader for our technical theater. Lena has moved uh through CHS uh in the arts and uh she's increased her awareness in the arts um both writing and producing prisms and also we'll do it solo next week at Disney. Um, so congratulations, Lillian. And I just want to mention a few other words about Eli. Um, Miss Cyper wrote something very touching. She writes, "Um, from the moment I met Eli as a freshman, his enthusiasm for art has been undeniable. I still remember his response to the beginning of the year survey. When asked if he liked art, he wrote, "No, I don't like art. I love art. Art is my life." And he really uh he has truly lived up to those words ever since.
>> Any discussion? Seeing none, colleagues, please place your vote. And the motion passes. Four to four to one. >> One absent. Okay. The following are guidelines for public comment item 3.1 on the agenda. If you wish to participate in public comment, please make a note of the following. The board of education encourages public input. Board members are not permitted to respond to public comments. A member of the staff will contact you if information is needed. Individuals participating in public comment must adhere to the following guidelines. Speaker cards must be turned in to the board secretary or hands raised on Zoom by 5:40 p.m. 10 minutes after the meeting begins or prior to the start of the public comment, whichever comes first. No speaker may yield their time to another individual speaker. Speakers must be present when their name is called in order to be heard.
Hearing none, the measure's adopted. Thank you. Next up is HB 1768. This prohibits any law enforcement agency or law enforcement officer from Yeah. 1753. Oh. Oh, okay, I see what happened. Yeah, I'm sorry. 1753 is next. Requires certain social media platforms to provide an accessible mechanism for users to delete their accounts on the platform and permanently erase all from personal information and sensitive personal information associated with deleted accounts. Uh this is the one with text. Questions or concerns? If not, HB 1753 HD2 SD1, recommendation to pass with amendments. Any no votes or reservations?
And of course there's always a fashion show for the people presenting a fashion construction. Um, and then yeah there's some workshops you can attend and then the actual opening ceremonies and all those meetings are super fun. Like everybody's hyped up. It's just a fun experience. So is it more just a more for the fun experience and not for oh I need to like lock in and do good so I can earn like a trophy. This is just It's medals. But no yeah it's very nerve-wracking, but as soon like you're like very nerve nervous leading up to when you present and then you usually present within the first couple of days and it's a week long. So after you present those couple days you're golden and you're not really scared anymore and and then until the day where we find out our results then you're kind of like okay what is what's going to happen?