>> And so right now there are two that are planned >> two. >> Okay. And how long will it take? So if we were to approve this tonight then when will this one across the street be be Yeah. Approximately? >> I'm going to say I we can go back and look. I think it it's like a maybe a two week situation. You know, she prime she's already primed the one across the street. Startle in advance and then there'll be a background and then she'll you know, so she also is a working a working person. So, um but she's very enthusiastic >> and it's also and clement too. I mean, she has to make sure it's good enough for it to >> it's really hard to pin it down. But, you know, as I've worked, as I've been in contact with her, she's been pretty busy.
>> Any opposed? Okay, motion passes. Do we have anybody from the educational staff representatives? No. Student representatives. Okay, we'll move on to our presentations. All right. So, up first, I'd like to welcome Alexis Cucos, the executive director for DSABC. Come on up, Alexis. Thank you so much, Dr. Casemiro. Thank you all for having us here tonight. I also like to introduce our new board chair, Jessica Westerfield, uh, who is also the director of HR for Lesser Evil, and she's been in our role, this role for almost a year now. So tonight we're just going to provide a very brief overview of DSABC. I know many of you in this room are familiar with our nonprofit organization, but for a few that don't know much about us, we'll do a very quick overview. And then we also want to provide with you an update of what we've been up to this year and our audacious goals going forward.
When Kyle grows up, wants to become a chef and own his own restaurant. Congratulations, Kyle. See you again. So, congratulations to Quinton Holly. Come stand Quinton. All right, my friends. Let's see. So, Quinton is in Miss Perina and Mrs. Melo Circles class. Quinton's favorite school subject is playing with his friends in the dramatic play area. His favorite hobby is watching Godzilla, and when he grows up, he wants to be a truck driver. Congratulations, Quentin. Okay, at this time from our high school, we have Mr. Schmidt who is filling in for Mr. Smith. All right, on behalf of Principal Smith and Boundbrook High School, I'd like to honor Shanette Brown as our ninth grade student of the month. Shanette has four siblings, um, Aliyah, Lynette, Angel, and Michaela. Her favorite subject is math. Her favorite hobbies include reading, which I'm a huge fan of, exercising, singing, and when she grows up, she'd like to become an accountant.
Depending on the subject and proof of the pudding. Yes, absolutely. But but point is two of those meetings were held there. Yeah. Okay. And I think to to validate that on on a need basis. >> Yes, on an as needed basis. I that's something I that I guess they didn't uh put in that statement. We are more than happy to accommodate under extenuating circumstances, but as a permanent option as the op- the uh posting space permanently moving forward, the school cannot cannot undertake that. Even though part of that plan for a new Borough Hall consists of an auditorium. That consists that the run is about between two and three million dollars for the taxpayers. Yeah, it's a totally separate subject which you're right. It's a totally separate subject than what we're dealing with. I agree. Thank you for that. I dis- I disagree. I I That's I don't understand why something can't couldn't be worked out.
She was out in Amherst for a couple of weeks. Next thing I knew, she was in Hollist doing one. So, um, she takes it pretty seriously. >> And so, you know, how long? So, currently are those boxes are they spray painted or do they just rust and get ugly? Do do we know? So, >> there there is a coat on them. There's a coat of paint on there. >> Yeah, she does a primer. She does a makeup. I'm just >> even now what I'm thinking is >> how long will they last? >> Yeah. [laughter] >> I think she said about 10 years. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And my feeling is um, you know, if we don't decide to redo them once that occurs, you spray paint over paint over them. That's the joy of >> coating. >> Painting. >> Yeah. I'm sure she does some kind of protective coating.
Okay, it's a little tight here. So our mission is to build the character and confidence of students in Danbury to achieve personal and academic success and we do this through business and community partnership. So coming on the heels of the wonderful presentation from Danbury High School, uh the ending slide talked about the whole child and that's really what we're all part of that in addition to of course helping students in their academics, we really want to make sure that they're supported socially and emotionally. So, we've been doing this for now 36 years through our one-on-one school-based mentorship program that's still going strong to this day. Next slide. Thank you. And we'll talk about that in a moment. But we also wanted to make a note on our scholarship program. So, over the years, we've built up our scholarship fund and currently we have 16 students from the Danberry um schools who are um graduating and going to be receiving one of these scholarships.
Congratulations, Shanette. >> All right. Our 10th grade student of the month is Elijah Bearfield. Elijah has a sister Amani, a brother Taishaan. His favorite subject is biology. He enjoys painting and games. And when he grows up, he'd like to become a pro track and field athlete. Congratulations. What event? There it is. There we go. Our 11th grade student of the month is Julian Rodriguez. Julian has siblings CJ and Gabe. His favorite subject in school, English. Great subject. Favorite hobbies include photography, basketball, baseball, and hanging out with friends. Uh when he grows up he wants to be uh make a lot of money with a degree in business. Congratulations. All right, and to round out the honors, our 12th grade student of the month is Manuel Vasquez. This must be Sophia. Uh has a sister Sophia. Uh favorite subjects anatomy. Uh he enjoys playing baseball and playing with his dog.
At least on a uh on a Well, couldn't be worked out for those four meetings a month. I I think that's That's not the the intent of of what this building is expanding. Yes, it's being used for communities uh other, but I mean, come on. Four times a month. I mean, that's I I uh I hear you, and I'm I'm sorry that it doesn't make sense to you, but as a board, that's our position. And uh again, please restate why. Safety? >> I think it We have We I There's been an issue uh or there's been I think several statements issued. I can I can send it to you personally. Yes. >> Okay, that's fine. I I appreciate it. >> Yes, I'll follow up and send you I'll I'll get your I'll get I'll get your email. I don't know if you want all of you to get together.
>> She does. She's she yeah she um she has the the full information and idea on it. So, yeah, >> I know that during some during several of the uh roadway traffic study committee meetings, um the folks that are there, uh Chief Chief Roby, uh Doug Small, uh Dan Mara, uh and uh Mike Mike Duga, who actually is, uh he maintains the uh the traffic boxes because of all the uh panels of stuff that are inside. that's his that's his domain and uh they fall under the uh fire department's purview. So Chief Roby had no problem where they thought everybody thought it was a great idea committee as well. >> Great. >> They have they have that they have our blessing on that as well. >> I did notify the DPW and the uh the safety >> Yeah. >> building. So >> yeah, this is this is awesome.
Uh and this is a great way to of course invest in their future and we'll continue to invest in them even after they graduate and they can use a scholarship from anything from tuition, vocational training or for tools and supplies if they decide to go right into the field. Additionally, we have been um poised as a great partner for the Danbury public schools, especially in the academy model, and we've been making great connections with our local businesses with the academy directors that we heard from before in helping find people for career talks, um helping set up field trips. Um most recently we brought a great group of students from the sim academy the science innovation and medicine academy to bearinger Engleheim and that's now going on third year in this coming fall. Um and with that we've also been able to secure more mentors from bearing Engleheim.
Career plans for the future include to complete and get a degree a degree in athletic training and physical therapy. Congratulations, Manuel. Congratulations. >> Okay, at this time I would like to call our district employee of the month to come forward. Mr. Schmidt, would you please make the announcement? All right, when Principal Smith asked me to be here tonight, uh I couldn't say no uh cuz tonight we're honoring a really special member of Boundbrook High School, Ms. Maureen Ryan. So, uh Mr. Smith, Principal Smith had prepared a statement for me to read, but I'd also like to share that when I first got here, uh Ms. Ryan was like one of the most important people I had to get to know. She was involved in almost every aspect of the school uh and creates these incredible opportunities for students uh that really makes history come alive and really connects them with history and the community.
So, yes, I will I will send you the statement, for sure. You're welcome. >> for sure, we appreciate your time. >> Yes, thank you. Yeah. Thanks so much. All right. Um that would bring us to the payment of the bills. Uh Mr. Waltman, would you pay the bills? Sure, I'd like to motion that the board authorizes the payments of the following March 26th bills, and the secretary is authorized to draw warrant to the treasurer in the total amount of 1,606,978 and dollars and 93 cents. Second. Mrs. Altina? Yes. Mr. Baker? Yes. Dr. D'Ambrosia? Yes. Mrs. Todd? Yes. Mrs. McDevitt? Yes. Mrs. Sweet? Yes. Mrs. Holt? Yes. Mr. Waltman? Yes. All right, we have our board secretary certification. We will not be having an executive session tonight, so that moves us toward adjournment. So, can I make a motion to adjourn? Second. Second. I. I. I.
Like I think that this project is great >> about it. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I said to I'm going to put a balloon on there. She said, "No, you're not." [laughter] >> Yeah, you're right. That's a bad idea. >> But so, thank you for working on this. Do you have do you have um was she able to get like a group of students [clears throat] that's going to be helping? >> You know, surprisingly, and and I was a high school teacher for 25 years. Um I personally would have expected to see a ton of enthusiasm. Yeah. >> And it's been a slob to be honest with you. Talked about it and I suggested to her you know, we put it in the the manager newsletter and we looked for residents as well. And also, some of these towns are using like I thought, oh, I don't have that information, but I know we can get it.
So it's been really that wraparound support from students seeing what their future could look like but then also having that one-on-one connection while they're still in school that will set them up for success afterwards. So, of course, our program runs strong because of our amazing community members that take a little bit of time out of their day, out of their week to be there for our students. So, currently we have over 20 partners. Um, and to be a partner with DSABC doesn't mean you have to fund anything. It means that you just encourage your volunteers to be a part of our program and to volunteer with us. I know some of you on this board are actually, some are active mentors, so I thank you. Um almost 60% of our mentors do come from our business partners and we've have quite a few new ones this year including AB Electronics which is right next door.
Uh and she's just part of the fabric of the district. So, uh I'm honored to read this message that Principal Smith had prepared. So, it is my pleasure to recognize Maureen Ryan as our staff member of the month for her outstanding dedication to students, staff, and the Boundbrook school community. As assistant robotics advisor, she has been an invaluable support to the program by taking on numerous responsibilities, assisting students, attending meetings, helping secure sponsorships, and contributing to new initiatives such as promoting bicycle safety within the community. Beyond robotics, she is deeply committed to creating meaningful experiences for students through her work work with the Rho Kappa Honor Society. Most recently organizing the History Happened Here Tour, which brought local history to life through visits to significant Somerset County landmarks. Maureen has consistently uh supported school events by volunteering for activities such as drama club, ticket sales, and always finding ways to help students beyond the classroom.
>> Well, it's one of those things, too. Once one is done, I think, you know, it might inspire others, right? >> Right. >> Yeah. We can have that. We're going to have decorated storm drains. We're gonna >> I've also >> Oh, you need to >> I'm sorry. >> That's okay. [laughter] >> I spoke to Larry D. Young. Here I am. Larry D. Young this summer and you know, he's sort of our town artist. um and he he's very excited about it and felt that there were a number of people in town who would be interested in doing this as well. So, but if we open it up to everybody, we open it up to everybody, you know, whether they're >> in school or but we do have a student. She got a student and >> and that is almost finished that particular drawing. So, and we will go through it in advance.
Um Collins Hannifan um CT State the Danbury campus county bank um we're always looking for more business partners. So I always um ask um everyone I present to if there's anyone else that you're affiliated with that really um has connections in the community that are looking to give back and be a part of something impactful you know please you know reach out to us. we'd love to work with them and meet with them. And here's just a snapshot, just a few quick um stats on where we're at. Um to date this year, we've held 26 business community presentations or tabled at events um including many businesses um in Danbury in the greater Danbury area. Um we also of course um try our best to find other community groups to be affiliated with and work with that you know social groups from the Lions the Rotary just to share of course about our program but also we're there to share about what the great work is happening in the district.
In addition, her care for colleagues is evident through her involvement in organizing baby showers and other staff celebrations. Maureen's reliability, initiative, and genuine kindness make her a tremendous asset to Bound Brook High School and truly deserving of this recognition. It is for these reasons and many others that Miss Miss Maureen Ryan is being selected as BBHS Staff Member of the Month. Congratulations, Maureen. Another round of applause for Miss Ryan. And one more round of applause for all of our students of the month. And last but not least, students of the month don't become student of the month without their parents. Let's have a round of applause for all of our parents. Okay, at this time I would like to call up all students of the month and their families to take a group picture on the front of the stage. >> Gas station sushi is the best.
>> Great. I think this is great. Does the Michael Katherine is there any concerns from the town side that they should be aware of? >> Um I I think Eversource is is is okay with things according to >> I'm going be honest with you >> from what I was told has no responsibility to those >> Yeah. This is situation >> from what we were told and that from good sources. So I mean you know >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, do we need a >> boxes are underground any >> the vault? Sorry. Yeah. >> Do we need a motion to >> Yeah, I will entertain a motion at this point. >> All right. Let's see here. go back to the >> Well, I will make a motion to allow the Ashlin Cultural Council to um oversee >> oversee >> the painting of some traffic boxes under the title traffic box project in the community.