001after seven. Let's get the party started. >> Okay, it is um 7:01 on Thursday, February 26th. Let's call the Wilton Board of Education regular meeting to order. Has everyone had a chance to look at the agenda? Do we need to start? >> Oh, is it started? Sorry. Thank you. Are we good? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um we can just repeat. Um it is now um it's still announced 7:02 on Thursday, February 26th um 2026. We'll call the Wilton Board of Education regular meeting to order. Has everybody had a chance to look at the agenda? >> Yes. >> Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> You so move. >> Thank you, Pam. Mark second. All in favor? >> I. Motion carries unanimously. Um, comments from the public. The board has set aside time at
002the beginning and end of regular meetings for public comments for members of the public to share their views on matters involving the Wilton Public Schools and to help inform the board's decisions on such matters. Two minutes will be allotted to each speaker and a maximum of 15 minutes to any one subject. For the record, please also give your name and address. The board considers the views of citizens in its deliberations and welcomes and appreciates public comment. The board listens to public comment thoughtfully and with interest. The board, however, generally does not respond to public comment during board meetings by offering commentary or answering questions. The board also invites commentators and the public to contact the board of direct or the superintendent directly with any specific questions or comments. Are there any comments from the public?
003>> Seeing none, um we will move on to the consent agenda. The consent agenda has the uh fiscal year 2027 budget questions on the business operations uh meeting minutes from February 5th and the regular meeting minutes from February 5th. Has everybody had a chance to look at the consent agenda? Is there a motion to approve consent agenda? >> Thank you, Lori. Any questions, comments? >> Second. >> Thank you, Nicola. All in favor? >> I. Motion carries unanimously. Um, board chair's report. I just would like to take a minute to um express the board's gratitude and thanks to all of Wilton's staff and administrators and teachers and also just the Willing community at large. It's really amazing to see um what this community does um for each other um in times of sadness and times of
004tragedy and also in times of you know unexpected you know mother nature events and just the way that we treat each other, the way um we comfort each other, the way we take care of each other, the way we listen to each other and I'm just really um the grace and the dignity and just that we provide for each other has just been really um moving and profound. And so as a member of this community and and as board members all of this part of this community um I just want to say that we appreciate it and thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. I'm going to just add to that and Bob, I want to give you a minute just to um you know, share with the board, you know, what the the last
005couple of days have been like. Um there are moments in schools when leadership matters and um you know, coming coming on the heels of this tragedy tragedy. Bob's leadership has been exemplary. Um you know, he's supported by a tremendous cast. Um, but setting the tone, responding, crossing every tea, checking in with every staff member, reaching out to families, um, and doing it with calm and as you said, with with grace. Um, it's really been, um, a privilege to watch you work this week. And, you know, we've got kids here and staff here who are hurting. And, um, you know, as you know, in any large community, the the reactions range. And so trying to normalize school and welcome people back and you know create a space for people to grieve has been no small challenge
006and um again I just personally stand in awe of your work and you do it really really well. So do you want to just take a minute and um share with the board you know some of what's been going on? >> Well you know our hearts and thoughts go out to the Mer family. It's been very difficult. I you never want to lose a student. So, um, you know, most importantly at this time, we're trying to support the family, um, his older sister who was a little high school student and then a, you know, a very tight-knit group of students, primarily senior boys who are very close. Um, we were able to identify right away and just try to rally around them with all the resources that we have and the people. Um, we have
007a tremendous mental health team that met here actually this morning, just as Dr. Smith said to make sure that we're just trying to do everything we can possible for everybody involved, which is hard. Um, but these boys, we've really helped them a lot. We opened up the school last week for them to come in and, uh, most importantly be together. It's important at this time just to really listen a lot. You have to listen and read the room and determine what they need. Uh, they might need moments of silence. They might need interactions with a school psychologist or an associate principal. So, um I think the team has done a really good job taking care of them and that will continue. So, we set up um just resource centers where kids can go. Um we
008we anticipated this happened earlier in the week and of course we had a couple snow days. So, um you know that when the when the students returned, they had an opportunity to get together in our college and career center, which we kind of just turned into a support and and grief center, if you will. um very well staffed and um a lot of snacks for the kids to attract them and some comfort dogs which have been a tremendous hit. You know, the students gravitate towards the uh toward the comfort dogs and so um you know taking care of those students but also anybody who may previously have been impacted or affected by loss which is obviously many of us. So just to identify the students that you need to support and consider all the angles.
009Um it's been a tremendous team effort with our our school counselors, our social workers. Um Kim Zemo is as you know is just amazing in this area. Melissa Barrett um has done tremendous work on behalf of the school. um Nicole Keray, Brian who really supported this student and this family and uh Kathy Weiss and uh and Mike Dennaro. So, you know, really good team effort. And then beyond that, you know, we talk about taking care of the caregivers so you can take care of the of the students when they return. And so, um we really just wanted to, you know, prep the staff and get them ready and um give them time to um communicate with us. I think that the team laid out a pretty good plan to ensure that they had the information
010they need to hopefully be successful with the students and um you know there are eyes and ears on you know you know in front of the students all the time. So, um there's been good opportunities for a couple of um you know, faculty meetings to glean feedback from the staff that then inform the work that we did this morning again with the with the crisis team to make sure that we're we're malleable. You know, we're adjusting as we go. And um you know, so far um we've had some reports from the students that it's been very helpful to them, which is which is encouraging and I think that that keeps the team going. But I can't say enough about, you know, we just Ruth, to your point, I mean, the community, um, our students are
011just such quality kids. If you heard Grant Stein's, um, announcement to the to the whole community the other day for an 18-year-old kid, it was it was remarkable to, you know, foster the courage and and the sentiment that he had. And, uh, I think that was helpful and encouraging to hear that from from one of our leaders. So, um, Grant's amazing. um we have a plan in place for tomorrow and then we'll um we'll adjust accordingly and uh you know most importantly our hearts and prayers go out to this family. It's very difficult and um our kids are amazing and our staff are amazing and we will find a way to work through this and um you know just support this family and our staff and I think that's what we're doing. So um there's
012hope. There's hope. >> Thank you. Yeah, I think you know just to kind of wrap that up last night, we had a hourlong call with Dr. Andrew Gerber who is the president over at Silver Hill Hospital and he's been a tremendous friend and colleague for us for many years and has walked with us through you know similar tragedies of the past and um I I'm always comforted by his presence and you know he's able to step into a group with with parents and you know you don't know you know kind of who's in front of you and he just seems to be able to strike the right note all the time and so you know his message to the group last night and you know Melissa you were present so if I miss something please
013weigh in here but it was you know pay attention to your kids check in and don't be afraid to check in you know listen and you know find you know reason to be optimistic in this world and there are lots of reasons and share that with your children and I found that you know particularly um compelling in all that he offered last night and you know he like so many others um here locally and in the in the region um just continue to you know stand alongside and offer support. And so we're very blessed to to be where we are, you know, in these times because there are so many um really high quality experts who care and are willing to give their time and attention um to support us in in our hour of
014need. And so I was really grateful for that, too. >> And I think um for those who may need it or wanted, Dr. Garber's, you know, remarks will be available. Uh >> yeah. So they'll be they'll be on our website. Yeah. And so we'll um we once that's all um organized we'll share you know kind of where people can find it you know >> 45 minutes it's well worth the the well worth the watch and so you know we have I think 22 um participants and some you know again really thoughtful questions and so there was some really really good dialogue that I think you know most people would find you know worthwhile to watch. >> Um so thank you um and and to the entire staff thank you. Um on to some you know
015much more mundane matters. Um we have had a couple of snow days and you know we're out of practice. You know there was a time in life when four or five snow days was the norm and I don't know >> they were built into the calendar just >> right depends on you know your perspective but um it's it's been a while and so I've gotten a few questions you know what's going to happen are we going to you know start to take days off other people break and I had to go back and revisit some of our our ancient history from the last time we were in this situation. And so right now um if you know all you know proceeds according to you know our hopes um the last day of school for everybody
016except Miller Driscoll um will be June 19th. Uh we will plan to be in session that day and we'll have you know um you know appropriate recognitions for Junth and all of that. But we will we will be in school. Um if we have another closure um it would be my um desire to push into the early part of the following week before we start taking days off of um April break. And so you know I'm thinking you know we probably have one or two more days and then we have to seriously think about April break um and then from if we have to get into April break and no one needs to remember this because I'll write it all down. I just want to get through next Tuesday to see where we are weatherwise
017and we would work you know kind of back to front. Well, let's hope that um the snow melts and there isn't more coming. >> That's right. Yeah, that's right. I think just you the last piece, you know, these plans are obviously all preliminary, but um because of the um was it the water fountain pipe that burst that forced us to close Miller Driscoll a couple weeks ago. Um it would be my intention, you know, to come forward with a request to the board to wave that 100 first day for students. Um, and so then their last day would then correspond to the rest of the district and then the uh that day would be a work day for teachers and so that would be the same work day but the high school staff has. >>
018So I guess let's just push through to March and at our next meeting we can see where we're at. >> That's right. So that's just so you know people are aware of what my thinking is at this point. Um that's what it is. That's all I have for you. >> Okay. Uh financial report. Um so right now we're feeling pretty optimistic. Um we're keeping a close eye on expenditures. We've asked um all the departments to go through and review any open purchase orders that they have, close out anything from the first part of the year um so that we can keep good tabs on where we're at. Uh we did receive our first excess cost reimbursement um since I wrote this and uh it did come in a little bit higher than what I had
019it initially um put on our sheet. So we received 1.2 uh million uh which is the best that we've had in many years. Um, and then there will be a smaller amount that we will receive in the spring. Um, but again, that's always subject to whatever the state decides. Like they have a formula, but they don't always follow it. So, we know we have the 1.2 and we'll see what else we end up with. >> What had we um planned for? >> So, I was putting in conservatively at 1.1 on the financial report. Okay. Um so we will make an adjustment to that on the next um report. >> And if it stays in that kind of trajectory, do you have an idea of like what the percentage they're kind of reimbursing at right now?
020>> Uh they're reimbursing I believe at 67%. >> Okay. Um, we met with our insurance broker um, a couple weeks ago, last week, and um, again, they were very optimistic because most districts are looking at double-digit increases, but they are anticipating that we will fall within where we were um, anticipating. So, we budgeted for 6% and we feel like right now that that's a a good increase. um if anything changes then we will definitely let you know but right now our claims are trending close to the projections so they were feeling um optimistic about that. Um and then I do have an update on the insurance claim for the frozen pipe damage. The total damages were estimating at um a little over 38,000. So we will have to pay the $10,000 deductible. Um, but that
021should be what we have to pay and then, um, Kerma, I believe, will pick up the rest of it. They're reviewing it right now. So, um, that's a lot less than some of the other water damage that we've had. So, we were very thankful that they were able to catch it quickly, um, and and minimize the amount of damage. >> So, that was pretty much it. What a great combination of an early catch coupled with, you know, new building with new materials and no carpet and tile and all those other types of uh, >> you know, applications that >> help mitigate some of the worst. >> Are there other water fountains that are attached to exterior walls that don't help? Um Jose was on that investigation. He's away this week, but he he >> discovered
022there was, I think, no insulation in the wall and so went and insulated and then sent um his guys around to go investigate. >> So I'll be happy to, you know, carry that question to him and he can come the next one, you know, tell us all what the real story is. >> It was a weird spot. Mhm. >> was an odd spot. >> And it's always in like, you know, the building. I mean, I'm glad that it was caught early and had all the the modern accessories and the right accessories to make it, you know, to mitigate the damage, but, you know, it's always in the building that it was just done. >> Any um other questions for Laya? Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Um committee reports um policy just met earlier
023this evening and we went through um the policy audit that was done this summer. Um we made a plan to um look at um and manage our um policies moving forward to look at mandated policies and then best practice policies and um see where we are and work backwards um in terms of oldest um to newest. Um and so later on in the coming months there'll be a few board meetings that I'll just be um to coin more policy pollutes and we'll just um go go through it and um get everything um done. Um, in addition, there was um the Wilton Capital Planning Committee um met. Um, if you go to their website, they had a um report that will be presented to the board of selectmen uh I believe at their March 2nd um
024March March 2nd meeting. >> Um it goes through um what the proposed projects for bonding were at um before the committee. There was 14 that that were ranked and prioritized. The top I believe um five and then number seven were all were the BOE um projects that were um put forward and that's the recommendation um that the report carries to the um board of selectmen who then are the ones that bring um bonding to the town annual town meeting. And um I think that was um I know Laura you sit on the bonding committee correct? >> Yes. So uh the bonding committee met last night before I can't remember. And we've uh put together a formula. So the goal is to present this formula to um the board of selectmen where you can plug in
025whatever when they decide how much you're going to move forward with bonding. You can plug it in and it'll show you the debt service over a 5y year, 10 year, 20 year. It's actually very very good. We have some very smart people in our committee and in our town who uh put that together. So, um I think it's a useful tool. It's very transparent and they intend to use it forward, but we're still finalizing some of the numbers as to what is going to be put in there. >> Yeah. Is that model around is that on line some place where >> uh I think they're making some tweaks to it from um our meeting recent meeting, but yes, it'll be up. >> Okay. Yeah. And there also um Don Sable CFO will be Laya if
026you want to see it as well. There's going to be um a white paper that explains how to use it. It's >> terrific. >> Yeah. So you see >> I mean that and with the mill rate model makes you know >> forecasting pretty powerful. >> That's for committees. U moving on to um review and discuss um Genesis relocation. >> Great. So you want to >> help me with this one? Melissa showed up earlier this year and after, you know, a very successful relocation to Community Steps. Um, wanted to know, you know, we had an appetite to think about relocating Genesis and, um, you know, just, you know, it's kind of at the outset here, um, Genesis has, you know, been located at Trackside since the inception of the program and that's been a wonderful >>
027musical chairs. It was kind of nice to see that. >> All right, we can we can switch. >> Mix it up a little bit humor there. >> Tonight I'll be playing the role of >> Right. There you go. um a box >> that trackside's been you know just a wonderful and um really you know from the day one really supportive of the program and you know in more recent years with with John and Fields as the executive director um they've really gone above and beyond to try to make our kids and our staff feel at home and you know fundamentally um the challenge is sharing a space and so it doesn't matter who the program participants are um and so you know there's still an element our staff for years have had to, you know,
028kind of pack up and unpack every single day and then, you know, things happen on the weekend and things get moved or lost. And so, um, while they've always taken it in stride, um, the opportunity to have, um, you know, their own dedicated space where they can, you know, live and not have to worry about sharing is really appealing, especially, you know, if we can find a space that, um, is attractive and, you know, meets our financial parameters. You know, we're not looking to, um, really budget on this one. And so kind of with that in mind, you know, Melissa has been working with a real estate agent in town and looked at a number of spaces and we think we've um found a space um here in town and so we're um working through
029some details of a draft lease which as soon as those are um finalized I'll bring it forward to the board. But it's a you know an exciting opportunity u for the staff. We really haven't spent much time talking to them about it. There's still some design work and things we want to do. But um in terms of the opportunity and really giving um these folks um their own dedicated space, you know, it's it's going to be a win-win, I think. And what else would you share? >> No, I think um you know, to reiterate what you said, Trackside's been amazing partners for us to work with and it's just really a shared space comes with complications and, you know, they have things going on that interrupt our teaching and learning. You know, they're bound to
030our schedule if they want to get in early and set up for things. So, they feel those growing pains just as much as we do. Um, I also think, you know, Genesis has grown over the years, which was always our projection. Um, and not to say we've outgrown the space, but we're getting there. Um, and there's also, you know, sensitive confidential situations that happen that just if you've been in that space can be hard to mitigate um, for students, too. So, just thinking about kind of their dignity and privacy when we look at spaces when some of those more um, intense and acute situations happen. Something that we were really thinking about. Um, so again, we haven't spent a lot of time speaking about it with the staff, but we have, you know, ideas programmatically
031what would be meaningful for them to have just like in any of our spaces. Um, so that's really where we are and wanting it to be cost neutral. So just kind of doing our due diligence there and finding a space that could give us all that while, you know, staying in the budget that we have. So I think we're pretty close. >> Yeah. So next steps, um, so we've got a, you know, a draft. So we're working through those details now. um we have to engage in on the permitting front and you know I'm not anticipating any issues there because the zoning shouldn't be a problem but we want to just make sure we take all those steps um and assuming all that comes forward and everybody's on board then we would you know kind
032of go forward formalize the agreement and then um you know outfit the space and the summer um how was all the building renovation going on was there no opportunity to just create a space with in one of the buildings or attached to one of the buildings or on our campus more broadly. >> That's not something we pursued at all. >> Yeah. And there's a lot of reasons for that. I think um you know a lot of the students that attend Genesis are students you know really struggling with some pretty high levels of anxiety that come around just even sometimes the physicality of being in a large school building. So them having a separate therapeutic space is really important to the the model and the service that we're providing. So there's probably a deliberate effort to
033not have it attached to a school. >> Yeah, we did like there was a time when we were first hunting romantic um you know somebody had proposed looking at this um the Marvel Tavern over here >> and so you know kind of on its face it had it was kind of an interesting provocative idea but you know for those reasons you know we immediately set it aside. >> Is it because I know that the Genesis they approximate to town and spend time in town. Is that still going to be the >> That's definitely was part of our goal. We also have a lot of hybrid students. So, you know, um over 70% of our high school students are shared taking high school classes and also Genesis, which I think is a really unique and wonderful
034model because they get to live in both worlds. Um so, we also have a really proximity between the new space and the high school for that transportation time. So, a lot of work went into try to finding this space and like Kevin said, I think we're pretty close. But, we did think about those things because community involvement, connection to the high school, connection to Middlebrook for some of those shared students is really important. >> And other staff at Genesis on board, they >> I think they have loved their relationship with Trackside. They've really built a strong connection to the programs and the staff there, especially with Lori and John. Um, and you know, packing up your trunk every day and bringing things along, you know, there's a fatigue to that. So, I think they're encouraged
035to have their own space. I think more importantly, that's a really tight-knit community in terms of students and staff. So, I think the thought we haven't shared anything with students, maybe they're listening, but um, is really about how to design their own space and kind of having voice behind that. You know, the charter is a huge part of our program there and how you create your physical space and carry yourself in the space is, you know, where it all starts. Um, so I think there's, you know, a lot of momentum that could be built with it. >> I look forward to hearing, you know, where it is. >> Yeah. >> Stay tuned. You know, >> come to our next meeting. >> Yeah, that's how I'll give you find out. Um no I think it's an
036exciting opportunity I think because um the program came first and I think there's a strong connection between the success of that program and the physical you know psychological environment in which it operates in and you know we have like proof of concept that the program itself works and now to be able to put it into like a space that'll help push you know it up to the next level I think is something that's really exciting especially when it comes um cost neutral. >> Mhm. >> Cool. Yeah. So, we look forward to hearing, you know, next next steps when they when they happen. Any other um questions for Kevin or Melissa? >> Okay. Fiscal year 2027, superintendent proposed budget. This comes with our priorities number 10, 11, 12, and 14. Um I'll say I've said it
037once, I'll say it twice. I think passing a budget and delivering on a budget is really one of the most important things that you know school boards do. Um budgets set the the mission and the goals and the priorities of a of a of a district and monetary expression of um what we um you know hope to and um do achieve. So um we have spent quite a bit of time with um this budget and I just want to take a moment to say um you know learning a new tool is you know comes with growing pains but the way this budget and this book has been prepared this year is just been I think transformative to um our ability to um deliberate and to um communicate with each other and um discuss um what's
038in and what's out. So, I and I know that, you know, we've been talking about landscape and portrait and all these things and it'll only get better as as time goes on. So, I do want to just, you know, thank everyone because doing something new the first time is always the hardest um and heaviest lift. Um so, it is um our intention to um vote tonight on the budget. So, I do want to um go around the table, take an opportunity if anybody has any um just so for the folks at home, the question document um hasn't um changed. There's been nothing in it since the last board of finance meeting has been um but it is um up to date and does um reflect both board of finance and um board of education questions.
039And um we've had lots of discussion and deliberation and I want to um take the time to open it up to um other board members for either questions or points to discuss or um I guess to echo you. This was great clearer much more understandable well presented. It was this was a wonderful way to go through the budget and I like the process that we went through this year. you know, talking to the staff, talking to the, you know, listening to the administrators about, you know, their priorities, what they wanted from, you know, how they were designing their next year and how they were thinking about helping their staff be better and have more tools. I just think it was it's this this process has been very, I think, good and thoughtful. Yeah. I want
040to just thank everyone who's involved. Thank you, Kevin, for your responsible stewardship. >> Um, and thank you to all of the principles. >> Yes, >> this can't be the most fun part of your year, but it's essential. And >> sure, it is >> grateful. Look how happy they are. >> Um, this budget meets our obligations and goals. Um, and but it's it's free from any wishlist items. It um sustains our core services and maintains our class sizes. Um costs have risen and our needs have risen and the budget reflects that. Um we're keeping our promises to our town to deliver on a quality education while being fiscally responsible. Um I noticed today did you there was a news item from Travel and Leisure magazine listing the >> I missed that one. 10 I don't know
041the top 10 top top towns in Connecticut and um Wilton was in there listed in no particular order but Wilton was on there. Um so the school budget is a community budget and strong schools help kids families and property values. And one quote from that magazine said um talking of Wilton it's been one of the hottest markets I've seen in recent years. So, you know, I don't think people are coming for the beaches or the night life. >> So, thank you. Thank you for keeping our town what we all expect it to be. >> I'm going to We don't even have mirrors that >> One day. We'll get there. any other um thoughts or comments? I mean, I know like budgets always uh you know a complicated matter especially um there are there are bits
042and pieces that you know we grapple with more than others and that you know we think twice on and I think that um you know we all maybe would individually approach things differently. I think um that we look at the overall trajectory and the that that the and the place that the budget puts us. I mean I am just um you take kind of like the 10,000 foot look down on what you know this this um this process has done for our kids and this town over the last you know years that I've been sitting here. I just am grateful that we have um the professionals that we do that um guide us guide us along the way. >> I know um we have Pat on Zoom just in case people um didn't know. I
043didn't mean to call him out, but I just wanted um everybody to know that um we're a full board here um tonight. And um is there any um does anybody have any you know other questions or comments that they want to make on um the budget or the process or um before you know we look for I'm we um ask for a motion >> thank you >> oh no I guess maybe I will say one thing which is I I really do appreciate the process and the the engagement in the process um you know I'll be really like I I agree with the vast majority of the budget and there's a few things that you know I would do differently to be honest and we've talked about them and I feel like you've engaged well
044and sort of um answer the questions at least explain where you're coming from and and again I think it's one of those things where you know at the end of the day we have to make a sense you know broadly and I want to give away my vote >> but that's exact but that's exactly right I think there are always we always >> like a reasonable compromise if that makes sense >> um So, is there a motion to adopt the um um Wilton Public School Superintendent proposed budget as um run and presented on um January 8th? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Nicholas. Is there a second? >> Thank you, Pam. All in favor? >> I motion carries um unanimously. So, I just um >> Thank you. And just um so just in general how
045we move forward, we now have a board of education budget. This is no longer the superintendent's proposed budget. This is our budget. Um >> thank you. >> Um here it's my um I just I would like to take a minute to thank Kevin and the administrators and staff and a special thank you to CFO Laya and Maryanne in the business office and Lucille. Um, as I mentioned earlier, this is our first uh budget delivered with uh the clear glove platform and new systems take time and patience and extra work and the budget book is clear, transparent and digestible and will also improve with time. Um, and it really promotes meaningful understanding and discussion. So, um, thank you. I know we've been talking about budget books and how they're presented for many years now and this
046is, you know, very much appreciated. Um, I'd also like to thank um my fellow board members for their hard work and dedication. I think um the budget is transparent and every dollar is accounted for. It was also carefully considered. We have asked serious uh serious and challenging questions. We have reflected on enrollment trends and programmatic needs. Um and it the budget reflects Kevin's proposal and now unanimous board support for the district's goals and priorities. It provides for performance and opportunity at the highest levels. With this budget, we maintain current class sizes, recognize our commitments to teachers and staff, and support the district's continuous improvement initiatives that promote the delivery of a rigorous and challenging educational experience for all our students. I'll just say that, you know, Wilton values its commitment to education and it's right
047and appropriate that that commitment also extends to physical and technological learning environments and needs. While our operating budget fulfills the board's commitment as tenants, we cannot bond and we cannot carry multiple multi-million dollar multi-year expenditures. We look forward to working with the board of finance and the board of selectmen as bonding priorities are set and funds are secured for muchneeded school infrastructure projects and improvements. Um, this budget with thoughtful cost avoidance strategies, strategic resource management, and position shifts also demonstrates our this board's and the district's commitment to responsible stewardship of tax dollars. I'd like to thank the previous and current board of finance leadership and members for their collaboration and partnership, especially with the guidance setting process. U, we look forward to presenting our budget to the board of finance at their public hearing scheduled
048for March March 18th. Now um at 7 p.m. in the Middlebrook auditorium um we hope that to see our education stakeholders in the audience and we thank all Waltonians for their continued participation and support in the budget process. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. >> One other action item is new policy uh 5118.2 educational opportunities for military children. It reflects our goal number five, 6, and 14. This is a second read at the table. Are there any um questions or comments on the policy? Is there a motion to adopt um new education policy um educational opportunities for military children 5118.2? >> Thank you, Lori. Is there a second? >> Second. Thank you, Pam. All in favor? I. Motion carries unanimously. Um comments from the public. Um seeing none, I will call everybody's attention just to
049future business and information items. Um the um enrollment report for January 2026 was um available. Um we will have a regular meeting which will also be an AI workshop on March 5th. Um the board of public uh the board of finance public hearing on our budget will be Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. And then we'll have our regular meeting the following night on um Thursday, March 19th. And then again a regular meeting on um Thursday, April 9th. The board of finance will be doing their budget deliberations April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd as necessary. Um, usually it's within the first night or two that um their vote takes place. Um, thank you. Meeting adjourned at 7:41. She stop.