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I am retired. For those who don't know, [snorts] I'm a retired police officer. >> [laughter] >> So, if you would want to come up here, if you would please. >> Thank you. I'm not going to cry. But I am going to say you some sentiments that Mr. Adams mentioned a few moments ago. Whereas Laurie Tosti began serving on the school committee 15 years ago and has served as chair since 2013. And whereas during Laurie's tenure, the Ashland School Committee has transformed learning experience in the Ashland public schools. And whereas the initiatives included building the new Mindy School, navigating the pandemic, the introduction of tuition-free full-day kindergarten, and increasing diversity in the district. And whereas Laurie was instrumental in aligning the school schedule to better address the mental health and well-being of all students. As studies have shown, shifting late start times have helped teenagers lower the level of anxiety and depression.
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Um, but there's a there's a give and take, too. I think maybe at times we had overdone it for some small things and kept students out for too long of times. So, we have to weigh all those laws that we have from the Department of Ed right now, Ian, that get passed through the legislature. So, I think our teachers are working hard to keep phones off and away and out of the classrooms because there's no doubt they're distraction. We're not denying none of us are naive enough to think that a student may not get a pass to the bathroom and stop by their locker for a second if it's not in the yonder pouch quickly look or something like that. But the key what you're really looking for and I think one of you mentioned the honor system is in the classrooms. We want them off and away and in out.
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So, I think our teachers are working hard to keep phones off and away and out of the classrooms because there's no doubt they're distraction. We're not denying, right? None of us are naive enough to think that a student may not get a pass to the bathroom and stop by their locker for a second. If it's not in the yonder pouch, quickly look or something like that. But the key, what you're really looking for, and I think you mentioned the honor system, is in the classrooms. We want them off in, you know, so there's many ways to do it, right? >> Right. I remember I'm really thankful that we're even having the conversation about making adjustments because when when the honor pouch came about, it was basically like this is just what we're doing. The superintendent signed the contract without even bringing it forward to the school committee.
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How is that in alignment, you know, with our state assessments and the kind of feedback that the teachers can get from, you know, the student work and and their progress and and all of the different resource supports that are built into the program. Every publisher has a different model. And so we want to make sure they're teacher friendly, you know, and that's where the teacher expertise in reviewing those materials is so important, you know, um how does it assist in their lesson planning? um what is that time frame that's allowed for teachers to teach have students practice retach if necessary before they move on to the next skill. So there's quite a bit that is under consideration as they're piloting these materials and seeing the impact that it has on, you know, the student learning and and reaching those outcomes that then they take to um discussion and ultimately a vote on what is their recommendation based on that experience.
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Megan Bury Vinicius Thank you [cheering] to Courtney Bushnell and Susan Nolan for helping me through my high school years. You will forever be women I admire and look up to as I continue to grow. To my family and friends, I couldn't have done this without you. Rowan Bedatou I will be attending Purdue University School of Engineering as a member of their Naval Reserve Officer Training Program, majoring in nuclear engineering with a minor in Naval Science. I plan to commission as a submarine warfare officer after college. Thank you to my parents, coach, and best friends for their support. Sophia Grace Bolby >> [cheering] >> Big thanks to my family, teachers, and friends who put up with my shenanigans. Y'all are the real ones. Shout out to JC from Tube for being real. Catch you on the flip side. >> [applause] >> Grace Bates I would like to thank my family, friends, teachers, and staff at Village, especially my mentors Martha and Logan, and a big thank you to those who made me smile.
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Since then, students have shown great enthusiasm and dedication. Today I am proud to recognize Drexton Claire and Emma Brighton for their exceptional achievements in prestigious mathematics competitions conducted by the center for education in mathematics and computing at the University of Waterlue Canada. Brexton earned a medal in the Ka mathematics contest in 2026 and previously received a medal and certificate of distinction in the Pascal mathematics contest in 2025. Emma earned a medal in the ferment mathematics contest in 2026 and also received a medal and certificate of distinction in the kle competition in 2025. In addition, students from the Max Challenge Club earned multiple medals in the competitions conducted by Central Arizona College and the Scottsdale Community College. These accomplishment reflect their hard work, presence and the true passion for learning. As a teacher and the club sponsor, it has been very rewarding to watch student grows grow in confidence and challenge themselves academically.
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>> It's part of our core. >> Perfect. and all families get it. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um I'm so excited about that. [laughter] Um and then the tier three behavior curriculum and parent training. What does that involve? >> All right. It involves uh we have access to a streaming platform that provides our teachers with a comprehensive lesson plan manuals also different um activities that are that will be utilized in our tier three program. So it's really all of those essential curriculum needs that our um tier three program teachers will need to be able to utilize with our students. It's not student materials, it's more that teacher materials. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. And then the parenting training. >> Yes, we we were also subscribed for that parenting to provide parents that parenting workshop opportunity so that we can provide training for our parents also. >> And is that looking more to be um I guess what I'm getting at is the consistency if you're doing one thing at home and something else at school and something else maybe at church that we can get some of these things to be the same school and home.
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>> I could do it again. Wait to the next page. >> Yeah, we we got Yeah. Um, can I get a motion? >> Make a motion we approve 26-116. >> Can I get a second? >> I'll second.
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And leads to improved academic performance and overall health. And whereas Laurie understood the needs of the district and the community and the challenges that go with it. Laurie has worked hard to meet the needs of the students while understanding the budget constraints and family sacrifices. Whereas Laurie understands the importance of advocating for funding and impacts to the that occur when funding does not meet the needs. But has worked hard to balance and face what challenges are ahead and will continue to be Ashland's biggest challenge. Now therefore, we the select board of the town of Ashland, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 as Lori Tosti Day. >> [applause] >> Thank you. >> And it's signed by myself, Joe Magnani as the chair of the >> treasure it always. And you treasure your >> [applause] >> as a as a wonderful new member. Thank you. I know.
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So there's many ways to do it. Right. >> Right. I remember Den. >> I'm really thankful that we're even having the conversation about making adjustments because when when the honor pouch came about, it was basically like this is just what we're doing. The superintendent signed the contract without even bringing it forward to the school committee. It just happened. Um, and I am one of those people who do not believe that a ban is a plan. And so I'm always pushing for uh digital citizenship courses. Um, but historically here in the committee when this came about, we had or attempted to have a robust discussion about why can't we just put it in a bin or why can't people just drop their phones and shoe holders or whatever. Everybody had all these great ideas that other districts were using. >> Um, but that was a non-starter with our superintendent at the time.
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It just happened. Um, and I am one of those people who do not believe that a ban is a plan. And so I'm always pushing for uh digital citizenship courses. Um, but Historically here in the committee when this came about we had or attempted to have a robust discussion about why can't we just put it in a bin or why can't people just drop their phones and shoeholders or whatever. Everybody had all these great ideas that other districts were using. Um but that was a non-starter with our superintendent at the time. She did not want to have that conversation. Um, so confiscation, any kind of act of the district holding on to a student's phone was just never going to happen. And so here I'm seeing that like we can confiscate them, which is making me think that is the conversation really open? Like are there other things we can do besides the honor pouch that maybe will be cheaper, uh, faster, more effective?
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So just for a quick synopsis of what's entailed in that timeline that they shared with all of you. Thank you. Thank you for the overview and thank you for the presentation as well. I am a fan of the algebra 1 sequencing controversial opinion. Um I was there when the shift happened from integrated to algebra 1. So this is what I personally learn and know. But I'm also curious though with the decision. um what was on the decision rubric? I'm just curious like what metrics did you use to come to this decision for this curriculum out of curiosity? >> Sure. Yeah. So, it's a 10point rubric. >> I'm going to pass. >> Oh, thank you. Wow. Okay. There you go. >> Yeah. So, like most adoptions, there's a rubric that the state puts out um asking every district to um utilize it for their decision-making process.
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Keegan Michael Walker I want to thank my family, friends, and teachers for their love, encouragement, and guidance throughout my high school years. I wouldn't be standing here today without each and every one of you. Lindsay Ann Warner. >> [screaming] >> Thank you Thank you to the teachers who told me I am the best. Thank you to the teachers who have put that to the test. Thank you to Sherry for being my life vest. Many friends made and lessons learned, for that I am so blessed. Matthew James Warner. >> [cheering] >> If you want to make the world a better place, take your a look at yourself in the mirror and make a change. Wyatt White. >> [cheering] >> Thank you to my family for supporting me always, and thank you to Nathan for founding this wonderful school, and for the teachers who carry the Village mission forward.
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I would also like to thank our administration, colleagues, parents and students for supporting the Max Challenge Club and encouraging opportunities that help student grow beyond the classroom. Braxton and Emma, congratulation on your outstanding accomplishments. We are very proud of you and look forward to your future success. Thank you.
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Um, and teaching parents how to utilize those things that the teachers are utilizing and the things that work, >> right? >> Absolutely. All researchbased, okay, >> opportunities. And again, that's that synergy that we're really looking for. We It takes a village, as they say, and it takes our schools working with our parents so that we're all seeing that same thing. >> Thank you, Dr. Absolutely. >> Any other questions? If there's no questions, motion to approve. Lisa, I have a motion and a second. >> Shante Rosschild, >> I. >> Ben Owens, >> hi. >> Lisa Garcia, >> I. >> Carolyn Lopez, >> I >> Patty Catra, >> I. >> All right. Discussion and possible approval of the fisc year 2026 budget revision. Mr. Harmon. >> Thank you, President Contra, members of the board, and Dr. Lopeman. So, we had our public hearing at the beginning of the meeting.
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>> Any discussion? We'll vote. Signify by saying I. I. Any oppose? >> Uh 26-116 pass. 26-117 approval of revised 2026 2027 school calendar. Dr. Brown. >> Yeah. I recommend the board revise the 2627 approved school calendar by adding the three approved IDOE release dates for teacher professional development. The dates are August 5th, 2026, September 18, 2026, and February 5th, 2027. The first student day will be Thursday, August 6, 2026. So, asking for approval of that revision. >> Can I get a motion? >> I'll make a motion to approve 2617. >> Can I get a second? I'll second.
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I don't know how I'm going to follow Lori Tosti Day. I just like to turn this down a little bit. Oh, thank you. Very short. Um hi, Mom. Hi, lovey. >> Well, every day's Lori Tosti Day over here cuz she's been helping me out a lot with my new baby. Um I wanted to just say a couple words to you from me and Chrissy and Jake and Joey. I'll be brief cuz we celebrated as a family the other day and we will later. But we just want to tell you how proud we are of you. You're such a wonderful, wonderful role model for us. Your work ethic and still being a a very present mom in all of our memories, being there for everything. We just we appreciate you more than you know and your hard work. [snorts] Being an educator myself, seeing what you've done for the town of Ashland is absolutely amazing, truly.
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She did not want to have that conversation. Um, so confiscation, any kind of act of the district holding on to a student's phone was just never going to happen. And so here I'm seeing that like we can confiscate them, which is making me think that is the conversation really open? like are there other things we can do besides the honor pouch that maybe would be cheaper uh faster more effective? That's just >> my thought process because we couldn't even have this conversation before. >> And then of course I'm always going to continue to push for that digital citizenship teaching because they may know how to navigate social media, but they don't necessarily know how to use their phone as a tool. And so like for my teen girl scout troop, those kids learn to buy like train tickets on the phone to like figure out reservations, like read the maps, like figure out how all these things work.
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That's just my thought process because we couldn't even have this conversation before. >> And then of course I'm always going to continue to push for that digital citizenship teaching because they may know how to navigate social media, but they don't necessarily know how to use their phone as a tool. And so like for my teen girl scout troop, those kids learn to buy like train tickets on the phone to like figure out reservations, like read the maps, like figure out how all these things work. And that's something that you'd be surprised that they don't know. They just don't know that because they're used to just using it as like a fun chat tool or, you know, just surfing the net. So I sound old saying surfing the net, but truly like there's this whole you can run a business on your phone. like I don't want them to not be able to do those things because that's what they're going to have to do.
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You can see here there's 10. I believe there's one on the back. There's a 10th. It's not copied on here, but there are I believe the 10th one is cost if memory serves, but you can see here um for example, standards alignment, what is that criteria? And then we get to rank it as a team one through four. So you can see there are 10 or actually you see nine there are 10. >> Yeah I think the master copy has its cost which we're glad that's the 10th metric. >> Thank you. I think everyone is also reading it over but were there other questions from the board? Yeah, >> I was just curious as far as um the the committee uh or the adoption committee goes. Are there other I know there there were some some parents that were concerned about the change from integrated math to algebra one.
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