Mac Whitwer with her third goal of the game. And I've been saying it all season long, nobody in Western Mass has an answer for Nope. >> for Mac Whitwer. They know it's coming. They know it's going to happen. And what do you do? Time out Minnechaug. Spartans up 6 to 4 with 4:12 to go in the second quarter. Defense! >> All right, and we're back after a quick timeout from the Minnechaug coach. Sure he's giving them a I don't know, triple team Mack when she gets the ball. I I I don't know. Big next 4 minutes and 12 seconds here. Like to see them go into halftime with a nice cushion so they can put some more goals on the board. Last time these two met they went into halftime 6-5 Minnechaug. Uh I think your dad pulled the light did Easthampton a favor by unplugging it.
uh they're in high demand because of the quality of of the uh skills and the knowledge kids leave that program with and their success once they leave is really impressive and it's due to the uh four great instructors they have in that program and and I did tell Dawn that we used to make those uh gear things in carpentry out of wood. The only problem is they wouldn't turn. But anyway, [laughter] congratulations. >> Thank you very much. One quick last thing. Uh we had decided that we were going to go into a sophomore class because we had some really strong sophomores. Uh the other thing was we were placed, which we're very proud of. We've placed 16 kids out on co-op in the last month and a half. So 16 kids out of our junior class. Uh it it and then you run into problems where kids can't work or or or kids can't work at the shop be here because they're out working on co-op.
Yeah be the most cost effective but if you have to go down the path of all that there's probably definitely some grants out there that can help us with it. Okay. So, we should be looking into that because if it is such a long-standing complaint, we don't want to we want to make sure that it's uh it's getting addressed. Um thank you. Any other comments, questions from members? No, just thank you to Mike for coming today. Anytime.
It was one grant that had been applied for in December 2023 for HVAC. Um the state of Connecticut has a construction grant program that includes security grants and HVAC grants. Um I see tons of schools getting roof replacements, doors, windows, um things that we are putting in our CIP that other schools, and these are not destitute schools. I'm talking Westport, Darien, Ridgefield. Um Simsbury got a roof. West Hartford got a roof. Um other schools are getting these through this state grant program. So before our taxpayers are being asked to spend more, I really hope we are thoroughly exploring all of the funding sources. I'm happy to share the results of the FOIA request with you. I I'm um >> [clears throat] >> I'm not that that was the only grant I received in response. I'd like to um touch on this is probably not the place, but we've had declining enrollment, but it so it does impact the budget.
This award recognizes their outstanding contribution and commitment to making the yearbook a reality. This year's yearbook recipient is Leah Par. [applause] On behalf of the career in technical education, I'd like to wish everyone here tonight congratulations with all the awards and scholarships. We look forward to what you all are going to do in the years ahead. Next, I'd like to introduce our math department leader, Mrs. Liz Garcia Davis. [applause] All right. It is my pleasure tonight to give the math department award to somebody who's truly excelled in mathematics in her time here at Cheshure High School. She exemplifies the standards of hard work, determination, and a passion for problem solving. Whether tackling complex concepts or helping others succeed, she has demonstrated both academic talent and ex outstanding character. Beyond earning outstanding grades, she consistently approached challenges with determination and a genuine passion for learning. Her ability to think critically, persevere through challenges, and consistently strive for excellence has made a lasting impression on both teachers and classmates.
Sometimes they are used to fill down time or as a reward when a worksheet or a project is finished. This constant access to the internet is eliminating time for imagination, social time, critical thinking, and self-regulation. These are the skills our children need to become successful adults. We have started a parent advocacy group called Distraction Free Batavia to promote the use of intentional technology in schools. We currently have a petition with over 500 signatures of parents that would like things to change. The district should set clear boundaries and policies for the use of tech. Otherwise, it's blocking real-life experiences when it's used as a crutch and to fill every free moment. Recently, the Evanston-Skokie School District blocked YouTube access on student devices. The filters we have in place do not block [clears throat] all inappropriate content, and YouTube is a huge distraction for students. This seems like a good first step to create a better learning environment.
Maybe perhaps there's going to to room there for where there's duplicate things being done and there's going to be room there to restructure the different the different roles and and perhaps that way we can have more efficient functioning. Um that way and and maybe save money too as well because I do think that I I want to know what I I know that admin has said that some of the job descriptions don't get updated until the it's empty. Um so that would be interesting to see it it just how I started looking at it was let's see what these roles are. Let's see where there's duplicate work. Let's see what they recommend um as far as I think they're calling it executive structuring or something. But that's kind of how I was looking at it. Although I understand where you're coming from certainly. A question the board has had uh at sometimes during the year that we've talked about is the the titles of the roles and is that appropriate to what the role is.
Um, phenomenal student. She is going to be great with the staff and with the students. She is very well talented and skilled in math. And then I think she's also going to have a very strong ability of being able to meet all of our math students wherever they are and then take them where they need to go. So very happy to have her coming home to us. And then we have a CTE teacher position. And as far as what the pathway is, this would be to replace Steve Bullock who traditionally did construction. And so for our kids who have started the construction pathway, we are going to be continuing to be able to support them so they can complete the concentrator, but we're also looking at maybe shifting this a little bit to manufacturing as well while still being able to tie in the wood shop piece and stuff.
And that took place back in December of 2015. Uh this action provided the district with the opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate our current model for special education service delivery and consider alternative approaches that may better meet the needs of our students. During the April 2026 work session, the board received a detailed presentation focused on the programmatic um aspects of the evaluation. That work, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Angel Balsley, examined our current services, student needs, staffing structure, and the district's capacity to operate an independent special education program. So, I thought that work session was extremely beneficial. We were able to get a lot of information on the program side of things, both what the district had collected, but also working in conjunction with um our higher consultant who has helped a lot of districts across the country uh kind of stand on their own two feet when it comes to special education services.
And uh Easthampton redid that and they ended up winning it. Spartans last couple games have all been nail nail biters. The other day West Springfield and Mack Whitmer had an overtime goal and the other goal against West Springfield she scored in the last second behind the back. >> yes. I was watching I was watching that one on El Cat. I It's a great night there. Yeah, that's a crazy crazy goal by Mack. She does some unbelievable things. Fun to watch. I don't care what team you're rooting for, she she's fun to watch. >> Yep. Ball goes up. Mack knocks the ball loose. Koser tries to get it and Mack Whitmer comes up with it. Minnechaug steps up and Spartans will restart their offense. Such tenacity by Whitmer even with the draw stick, which I know that's not easy with the draw stick getting those getting forward like that.
So it's always a double dead short. It's so good uh working with NASA, but we lose the kids because this is this is real life. They're going out to work and they're getting highpaying jobs. Highpaying jobs. >> This is Ferris. >> Yeah. I just want to say that I mean this is the second or third time that advanced manufacturing has come before us with great news. I mean re really flourishing. I mean and honestly like the almost the gem of the school and I'd like to see more of that. So, I mean, he can't be the only um >> shining star here, and I'm I'm going to use this fidget and keep my mouth closed for the rest of the meeting, but I really do think that I would like to see more of this, Mr. Superintendent. >> We can present uh well, we only have one more meeting, but this kind of caliber going on the rest of the >> There's a lot of good things going on, a lot of shops.
If you have any questions after this, I can always be available. It's not a problem. Really appreciate that. Thank you so much. And where where are you leaving your cell phone number, Mike? That's a better question. >> [laughter] >> The superintendent will have it for sure, so they can always reach out to me. I'm already putting together a a plan if they need me to come in and do some training and whatnot with the new individual. Um I'm more than willing to come in and help, so um they can definitely get a hold of me. And if And And if you're nice to me, I'll share it with you, McKenzie. I I appreciate that. I mean, I I really appreciated some of your knowledge um at the budget finance and warrant meeting, you know, about the bidding process. That was also super helpful. So, you do have a great brain of knowledge for Greenfield Public Schools.
Um the numbers often are talked about in terms of the enrollment at the kindergarten level. I think the budget reports on how many of our students are leaving to go to the vocational agricultural schools cuz it needs to because we provide um transportation for them, but I'm hearing shocking numbers of children are leaving between eighth grade and high school, and I think I would like to understand why. Um strong schools are not just about what we're spending, but about what families are choosing to stay here. Finally, I'd like to address something that occurred last night. Um a member of this board made a statement during public comment at the Board of Finance meeting that I found disrespectful to our community. Unfortunately, the recording hasn't been posted, so I don't want to misquote anything, but referring to our flag as an inanimate object in that context and as a member of the board speaking at a meeting, I understand you have a First Amendment right, but um I found that to be in poor taste, particularly on the eve of Memorial Day and as we approach our country's 250th anniversary.
We are proud to honor Tylie Wallace with the mathematics [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Uh, and I am proud to introduce Miss Julie Barker for science. [applause] Good evening everyone. and I'm so glad to be able to join you here tonight to celebrate the wonderful achievements of this great class of 2026. Um, tonight we have three awards from the science department. The first is the Fred Willitz Award. The Fred Willlets Award is presented in memory of a beloved high school science teacher and this award honors students in their first years of chemistry who has shown the qualities that Fred prize so highly. excellence in the study of chemistry, broad intellectual curiosity, and a promise of future growth. This year's recipient's chemistry teacher shared, "This student is an exceptional critical thinker who consistently approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity. Rather than relying on a single problem-solving method, he eagerly explores different paths and ask thoughtful questions that extend far beyond the curriculum.
I would also like the board to take another look at the learning apps being used. Some of them are video game-like in the way they use dopamine hits, earning badges, and incentives to keep kids on the screen. Research has shown engagement is not the same thing as learning. This type of app can make it difficult for students to switch to less stimulating activities that require deep focus, patience, and endurance. Things like reading a book, writing a paper, or learning a new math concept. Our learning apps should be backed by independent research showing they actually improve learning. Data provided by these companies sometimes is not accurate. There's plenty of research showing how much better retention and comprehension are when reading text on paper, along with how beneficial writing things by hand are for memory and how much more enjoyable reading a printed text is as opposed to reading from a screen.
So is an assistant superintendent here the same as an assistant superintendent somewhere else or is it really a director or is it Those are the types of thing that this helps sort out. They do comparisons of like the equity of that job description in our district compared to that same job description in multiple other districts. So even those types of thing for structural change are also included as part of the review. Ms. Allen Do you have some Yeah, I was just going to say it and and also maybe publicizing this will and the community can can read and see where we fit in with neighboring communities. Um and if we're severely lacking in paying salaries, maybe it is an eye-opener if we need more money, if more taxes are going to be requested because, hey look, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, whatever, are are paying so much more.
So kind of diversifying the pathway a little bit. for that one. And then so then this would be Timothy Hedrickk who we are recommending for this position. He has a lot of experience in industry. He's worked at Toyota and various places. And then the big piece that he brings to the table is 12 and a half years experience teaching at Vinsen's University and also leading a department there. A lot of curriculum development, program development. He's very wellversed in the workbased learning um experience piece for our students. So excited to have him come along with us to be able to build out that pathway. So those are the two recommendations and again you have in your board packet their levels that we have met with the union on to agree with their placement >> questions regarding Jennifer or Tim those positions. >> I think two great additions.
Since that time, big piece that we were missing, the district have received and reviewed a comprehensive financial analysis conducted by Dr. Nathan Williamson. Uh that name sounds familiar. He also worked with us in our title grants. He works closely with with Laura and Karen and others in the district. This work um complements the programmatic review and provides a more complete understanding of the financial implications associated with both remaining in the cooperative and transitioning to an independent model. Uh Dr. Williamson uh was going to be here tonight, but unfortunately had a an emergency medical emergency within the family. He was not able to leave the Chicago area. So, we did the next best thing. He has recorded his presentation. We're going to play that for you. And although he's not going to be here live or be joining us live, there was some challenges with that because we changed the location of our meeting as well.
So >> No. Not at all. Mack Whitmer with the ball gets the ball off to McKechnie. McKechnie with the ball as Whitmer switches sticks. Pellegrino with the ball. Mary DeVoy coming. Yeah, that's that's a good little good little play if almost you wish the girls would give a little more notice knowing that she's coming in. >> Yep. Mary DeVoy the UMass Boston commit should be playing there next next spring. Normally head Spartans rely a lot on her on defense at times they can rely on her to be an offensive weapon. Kylie Marino turns around, throws the ball in the Wow! Wow! Nice little pass by Marino to find Illingsworth. Illingsworth behind fires one right behind the goalie for her second goal of the game. And like I said before, first game of the season, that's what uh that's what Illingsworth did in that game. And she's doing it again here.
So make sure that we uh can uh maybe each month each meeting present some uh different shot. >> Yes, I think that that would be nice because I know these meetings don't go very long. So we need to >> one of the things we also have too is we are in manufacturing in the United States. Uh manufacturing has taken such a hit uh over the years. Uh as you all know manufacturing shop was gone. They took it away. It was Deval Patrick that put it back in place with millions of dollars for greater Lawrence to restore their program. Manufacturing is We have We have four current students that are working for PNG Gillette, a [snorts] multi-billion dollar corporation that has never hired co-op students. Two of my graduating seniors are leaving next week. PNG has offered them 3175 an hour to stay and a full internship which will pay their college and um my two juniors or our two juniors just started at PNG.