Board of Education - Special Meeting - March 3, 2026

001Do you observe is it like veterans? >> We could do a program and get people in >> or we'd have to do a program to do it. >> All right. All right, welcome everyone to the Winchester Public Schools Board of Education special meeting budget workshop for March 3rd, 2026. Um, going to first stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay, roll call. Uh, Joseph Santoro, >> Chrissy Rylander, >> Frank Oliver, >> Shane Centrella, >> Kurt Warner, >> Julie Lubby, >> Nora Mccurski, Elanor Bishop, >> Jonathan Borhart, >> and we have Carol Kak on the phone. >> Yep. Okay, perfect. All right, I'd like to move

002on to item two, public comment. The Winchester Board of Education welcomes you to its business meeting. There are two opportunities set aside to hear comments from the public. We welcome and encourage public participation as a valued part of communicating input with the Winchester Board of Education. We appreciate your adherence to the following. Complete the requested information on the sign-in sheet if you wish to speak. State your name and address when called upon to speak. You will be notifi you will be allotted three minutes to share your comments. Uh we are going to keep it to the three minutes uh as strictly as we can and I will give the readers uh a one minute warning just to alert them. Please be advised that it's not the practice of the board of education to engage in

003dialogue regarding commentary. The superintendent of schools will be directed by the chairperson to prepare an appropriate response in a timely manner. We appreciate your time and thoughtful commentary. Is there anyone who wishes to speak? Come on up. Please sign in. Um, also hit the microphone so we can hear you or the TV community can hear you. I'm Olympia Thompson at 168 Spencer Hill Road. And I know that you spent an additional five hours last week trying to chop up this budget, but I don't want you to think that your time was wasted and that you didn't accomplish anything because you accomplished something very powerful and something that I'm sure others have tried and failed at, which is that you've gotten our attention. So, we're looking now. We're watching. We're listening to everything you have to

004say, and we're going to measure it against the commitment that you made to us when we elected you. Um, this is good for the town, I believe, this level of transparency. So, I'm excited to see what this board can move forward with. And before I take my seat, I'd love to call up Officer Mikio if you're interested in coming up with me. >> Officer Mikio is our safety and security officer at Hinsdale and she is the heartbeat of Hinsdale School. Anybody who is at the school knows Officer Miko knows that. And I just have to tell you there's no Hinsdale school without her. >> Um she's also a resident town. >> Yes. >> And you want to make >> I do I do have a state I do have a statement that I would like

005to read. So I will write down. >> You can sign it after. >> I can sign it after. >> Okay. Um good evening. Good evening, members of the Winchester Board of Education, administrators, educators, families, and members of our community. My name is Jessica Miko, and I serve as a school safety officer for Hinsdale School. I am here tonight because the position I hold and the work that supports the safety and the well-being of our students is currently in jeopardy due to the proposed budget reductions. I want to share that what truly means that what that truly means for our schools. School safety is often most visible during emergencies, but the truth is that most of our work happens quietly every single day before a crisis even occurs. Our role involves identifying concerns early, coordinating responses

006to student safety issues, supporting staff when dis difficult situations arise, and helping create systems that prevent small problems from becoming serious ones. We work with students who are struggling, students who feel unsafe, and students who sometimes don't know where else to turn. When the safety position is reduced or removed, the impact is not theoretical. It means fewer trained eyes and ears focused specifically on prevention. It means less coordination when safety concerns arise. It means educators who are already stretched taking on responsibilities that require specialized training and time they simply may not have. More importantly, it means students may lose a trusted adult whose role is to ensure they are safe, heard, and supported within the school environment. In today's world, school safety is not a luxury or an extra service. It is a core part

007of how schools function and how families trust that their children will be protected when they walk through the doors each morning. The role is not just about responding to emergencies. It is about building relationships, recognizing warning signs, supporting prevention efforts, and strengthening communication between students, staff, and the broader community. When we invest in safety infrastructure, we're investing in stability, trust, and preparedness. I understand that the board is facing difficult financial decisions, but I ask that you carefully consider what is lost when safety rules are reduced. Prevention is often invisible until the moment we realized we needed it. Our goal has always been simple to ensure that every student and staff member can learn and work in an environment that feels secure and supported. I respect respectfully ask that you consider preserving the roles that help

008protect that environment for everyone in our schools. Thank you for your time and your commitment to our students and our community. >> Thank you. >> Bring that list over there and just [clears throat] fill it up. >> Yeah. >> All right. I do have a question. if that's okay. Can I ask a question >> or no? Not yet. >> She can ask, but we don't necessarily respond here. >> Yes, sir. >> So, it it's it would be something that the superintendent could respond to in the future. >> Not tonight, per se. >> Okay. I just have I have another I have a another resident and a um and a business owner who also um made a written written statement who wasn't able to make it tonight. You can speak on different on >> Can I

009do that now since I'm already >> We can reset it and go for it. >> Okay. Thank you. Sorry. >> I'm speaking on behalf of Ramona Frost LMFT uh 294 Main Street. Good evening members of the Winchester Board of Education, administrators, educators, and community members. My name is Ramona Frost. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist, a local business owner, and a member of this community. I am here tonight because decisions being made in this budget will directly affect the children of our community, many of whom depend on school, not just for academics, but for stability, support, and opportunity. When we talk about reducing services due to budget deficiencies, it could sound like a like a numbers issue, but in reality, these decisions translate into real consequences in classrooms and in children's lives. Reduced services

010often mean fewer supports for students who are already struggling, students with learning differences, students managing anxiety or emotional challenges, and students who rely on individualized attention to succeed s to succeed. I'm sorry. I can mean it could mean larger class sizes, fewer intervention opportunities, l less access to counseling, and fewer programs that help children feel connected and capable in school. For some students, these services are the difference between falling behind and finding their footing. For others, they are the difference between feeling invisible and feeling supported. Our schools are one of the most important protective factors in a child's life. When services are reduced, the impact doesn't stop at the classroom door. It affects families who are already stretched thin, educators who are trying to meet increasingly complex needs, and a community that values strong, healthy

011schools. Budget challenges are real and I respect that the board is tasked with making difficult decisions, but I urge you to consider the long-term cost of reducing supports for children at critical developmental stages. When we remove early interventions and student supports, we often see greater academic struggles, behavioral challenges, and mental health concerns later on. Investing in children is not an optional expense. It is a foundational responsibility of a community that wants to thrive. Tonight, I ask that you carefully weigh the human impact behind the numbers. I ask that you prioritize the services that help our most vulnerable students stay engaged, supported, and able to succeed. The children in our schools are not line items in a budget. They are the future of this community. Thank you for your time and for the work you do

012on behalf of our students. Anyone wishing [cough] [snorts] so? >> My name is Jennifer Mitchell. I live at 95 Nolet Drive. Um, I'm a parent of three kids in this district. I'm also a business owner in this district. Um, three of my kids go to WPS schools, one of which is in Gilbert. Um, two are in Pearson. Uh, two of those children receive lots of help, lots of services. One has autism, one has ADHD and past trauma that he deals with regularly. When we talk about a zero increase budget, we need to be honest with what that means. And it means cuts. And it means that my kids will be direct directly impacted by those cuts. It's not an if or maybe. It it's true. They're barely able to give the services they can barely

013able to give the services we need in this district already. And what they've done with what little they have is amazing if you look at the numbers. And to me that says a lot. And by cutting the budget, you're basically telling them it's for nothing. That we don't see them. we don't see their hard work and that the students that they're serving and they get services are not important. That's how I see it. The role of the board of education is to advocate for what our schools and our students actually need to operate effectively. If we start cutting the budget before it even reaches the board of selectmen, we're shortch changing our own students before the conversation even begins. I apologize. I'm extremely nervous. I hate speaking in public. >> [laughter] >> I'm asking the

014board to support the superintendent's proposed budget so our schools can continue providing services opportunities and all of the other things that our children need in this district and that all of our children depend on. I to me it makes no sense to talk about cutting a budget when this is the board of education and when the person who knows what we need has already told you what we need. Your job as the board of education is to give that budget to the board of selectmen and if they want to cry about it, let them cry about it. But your job is to push it forward and to tell them that this is what we need. This is what our students need and this is what the Winchester students deserve. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause]

015>> I did not your name. >> Jennifer Mitchell. >> Thank you. [snorts] Hello. Uh Natalie Blasher, 44 Spencer Street. Um two of the district's many published goals for this year are improving school climate and improving talent management, which includes doing a better job retaining staff. The superintendent is attempting to meet these goals and others with a budget that is lean and focused. She aims to improve school climate, talent management, and student achievement in the most affordable way possible. The board of education has so far failed to meet its own first stated goal, which is to support the superintendent's plan for Winchester. Not only is the BOE failing to uphold a vision of excellence, this board is actively motioning against the district's ability to improve and reach its goals. Teachers and staff are drivers of school

016climate. They are watching these budget meetings and they are seeing what you're risking. The public are horrified by some of the suggestions you've made workshopping this budget. Eliminating the Pearson principal role, cutting an entire grade level classroom, replacing consistent paid staff with a hodgepodge of volunteers. By the way, we can hardly get people to sub, and that carries a stipend. [snorts] You're not helping the superintendent in the district reach their stated goals. Some of you are actively working against this. I'd like to remind you of some of the campaign messages you used to get on this board. Carol, I will bring common sense, compassion, and a collaborative spirit to every decision on the Winchester Board of Education. Frank, I am honored to call Highland Lake my home. I am running for the board of education

017because I believe in strong schools, transparent leadership, and decision-making that reflects the values of our community. Joseph, vote, Joseph, for leadership that listens. Your comments and actions on this budget do not align with your campaign promises. Your stakeholders are not limited to those who live around the perimeter of Highland Lake. In fact, that's an awfully small percentage of the whole. Young families who make up a large percentage of this community are demanding that the education of this town's children is your number one focus, not what you think you're doing for your own tax bill. At the last board meeting, board member Eleanor Bishop read a statement on my behalf and on behalf of two other families in town, one of whom is Kimberly Schult, who couldn't be here tonight. Since that message fell on largely

018deaf ears, I will remind you what it said. We are three households in Winstead. Between us, we have nine children with students at all of the town schools, Hinsdale, Pearson, and Gilbert. We unequivocally support the budget as initially proposed by Dr. Lubie. We do not endorse the BOE selecting any of the four categories of major cuts. We look to the BOE members to hold at the front of their decision-making minds the interests and well-being of the schools. We do not expect board members to have alternate primary prior priorities like zero increases and acrimony with our local high school. Yes, we understand this is a substantial increase to the budget. However, it is also a right sizing for our current and future economic social climate. Your stakeholders are looking to you to support this budget and

019sell it appropriately to the board of selectmen. It is not the mandate of this education board to hinder sound investment in our schools, thereby making our town unappealing to both current and future residents. We implore you to pass the budget and support it moving forward through the entire referendum process. Thank you. [applause] >> Anyone else? [clears throat and snorts] My name is Tim Strahan, 258 Colbert Road, and I'm a father of a child entering kindergarten, a special needs child entering preK, as well as an uncle to a niece going into the fourth grade. I appreciate the work and transparency that has gone into this process. After reviewing the numbers carefully, I believe this increase is reasonable. In many ways, it is simply catching up. Since 2013, the school budget has increased roughly 20% while cumulative

020inflation has been approximately 38%. To merely match inflation, the budget would need to be closer to 27.5 million. And even this proposal comes in below that. When we examine the drivers of this increase, the majority is structural. Contractual wages and benefits, Gilbert tuition, out of district special education tuition and transportation. These are not expansions. They are fixed obligations. Non-contractual spending represents only about 36% of the total budget. That leaves very little discretionary space to cut without directly impacting staff and student services. With that in mind, I want to address the proposed reductions being discussed. Eliminating newly proposed paraprofessionals and the additional BCBA position would directly reduce the district's ability to support students with complex needs in district. These are precisely the roles that allow students to remain in the least restrictive environment and avoid far

021more expensive out of district placements. Removing these supports does not eliminate need. It increases long-term cost and legal exposure. Not replacing a retiring principal and assigning one administrator to cover two schools may appear efficient. It reduces leadership presence, oversight, and compliance capacity. Cutting field trip funding diminishes student opportunity. Reducing SSOs affects the foundation of school safety. When viewed collectively, these are not cosmetic trims. They are reductions in capacity. We are currently ranked as the fourth most fiscally distressed town in the state. That reality should not push us towards shrinking educational capacity. It should reinfor reinforce the importance of stabilizing it. Communities in distressed positions cannot afford to underinvest in the systems that help stabilize property values, attract families, and strengthen the long-term tax base. Education is infrastructure, not excess. If this increase is necessary to

022meet structural obligations, I urge the board to support it. And I urge the town manager and the board of selectmen to aggressively support additional state funding and relief so educational adequacy does not fall solely on local taxpayers. Now, on a personal note, my son has a significant neurological disability. Despite that, he's cognitively strong and socially engaged. to access school appropriately. He will likely require substantial supports, potentially including a one-on-one paraprofessional and coordinated services. Under federal and state law, children are entitled to be educated in the least restrictive environment alongside the peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Placement decisions must not be must be driven by student need, not by staffing shortages or budget compression. I strongly oppose unnecessary outofd district placement for my son. I believe he belongs in this community with appropriate supports in

023place and I will do everything within my rights as a parent to ensure his needs are met. Our son's lead physician has advised us that children with this level of disability. It is unfortunately common for families to receive appropriate services only after legal action. That is not the route I want. My preference is collaboration and good faith partnership, but reducing special education capacity narrows options and increases the likelihood of conflict rather than cooperation. I hope we move forward with a budget that reflects fiscal responsibility, legal compliance, and student safety, and most importantly, our children. Thank you for your time. Thank you. [applause] Sorry, I have to read because had an unfortunate incident where I tried to speak one time and I my soul like my body. Um, I just want to start by saying I'm

024grateful for the Oh, Tara Sunday 152 Spencer Hill Road off the roaring start. Um, I just want to start by saying grateful for uh for those of you who have done the homework, remain composed and level-headed and invested uh significant time and precious patience while setting aside differences of opinion. This is not an easy job. I recognize that um not everyone is going to leave the table getting what they think is their subjective sense of what is appropriate or fair. Um, and I hear people in the community making reference to back in the day. Um, well, back in the day, my brother used to ride the bus to tech with kids toing their 22 gauges for gun club. Schools are operating much differently now. We're in a new era. We need to address what we

025have in front of us and not allow nostalgia to hinder growth. Among the Winchester public schools shared values, our commitment to excellence and support for all learners with an operating principle to prioritize students first. Unfortunately, I'm hearing unrealistic scenarios and suggestions, and it seems as though a number of board members are coming to these very important meetings unprepared and frankly with incorrect information. I'm just so shocked to hear such things being suggested that WPs not replace a principal or comparing our district to those outside of our our DUI and then not understanding why there's a variance in test scores or suggesting that the board put forth a 0% increase. It leads me to wonder if there are some members that may not be talking to parents of students or even taking advantage of opportunities that

026have been provided to spend time in the schools and see some of the issues firsthand. They're being discussed and decided upon. This stuff is so important. Not just because I'm a parent, I'm a resident. I'm a taxpayer. Everyone else's students, our our kids are important to me as well, not just mine. Supporting this budget will help achieve the district goals that you all agreed upon. instituting cuts to this budget and expecting that we'll somehow see academic progress, increase student opportunities, or minimize behavioral incidents is just foolish. I'm not sure why we're at an impass. The schools are underresourced and underfunded. And truthfully, we're a town with unique needs. If the board of education feels this budget meets its obligation to provide for essential and non-negotiable expenses, then I implore you to support this budget and

027allow the board of selectmen, who is the town's fiscal authority, to take the next steps with it. Allow them to make the spending recommendations or suggestions, but please support this budget whole and allow the school district to achieve the highest student performance and success. >> Thank you. [applause] Anyone else wishing to speak? I'm actually going to stand up. Um, I'm William Hester Boy Street. I'm on the board of select men. I am the liaison for the board of education plus other boards here in town. First, I'd like to say shame on uh selecting Bishop for saying that the board of the board of selecting should be the bad guys here. We're not the bad guys. We're all on the same team. I've always supported this budget. The budgets through these years here. So, shame on

028you. The other thing is I just want to bring to light here that this is not a budget cut. Okay? The budget cannot be cut from last year. It has to be the exact same. This is an extra ask that the that the superintendent is is asking for the town. The other thing is I just want to bring to light here that last year the budget was 1 uh seven or eight million extra but most of that the board of education got now that only passed by eight votes. Eight votes. The board of selecting pushed it through the request. Eight votes. That's eight people sitting up here that could have voted the other way and passed that. Now, this town is on the cusp of something really great and good happening thanks to the town

029manager Paul Harrington. We've done a lot of work. Some of our investors are sitting right here in this room. They bought 508510 Main Street. There's going to be a beautiful building going up there. The first new building since the 70s on Main Street. We have the old Highland Acres that's being rebuilt for condos. The 8 acres up on Wallins Hill. That's all coming. So, things are coming. We're progressing. We're on the cusp of some really good stuff here in town. I agree. Let's not go backwards. But what can the town afford? We don't want people to not come to town because they can't afford the taxes. We don't want people that are are living paycheck to paycheck to not I've gone back and looked at what some of the uh the the zero budgets all

030those years and the mill rate stayed the same. How could the mill rate stay the same and and the budget never increased? That's some pretty fancy paperwork right there. Some some budgeting. So, I just want to just encourage everybody that we are on the cusp of some really good stuff here that's happening in town. And I think that's what we need to focus on, not just here and now, but what's coming ahead. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. [applause] >> Anyone else wishing to speak? >> Uh Brian Sundy, 152 Spencer Hill Road. I [snorts] uh uh I wanted to start by saying uh I do uh appreciate uh Select Master. I I know he does put in the work and he goes to all these meetings and uh uh he's right. I think uh

031he he has been supportive in his comments and and some of his actions uh on the school budget. Uh with that said, I didn't hear select ambitious comments about who's the bad guy if people are bad guys, but but I do agree with the sentiment that uh uh this board should just move the budget along to the board of selectmen. I think you're you're operating under this idea that uh I think maybe there should be a million dollar cut. Maybe I missed that. Some people have said there should be a million dollar cut. Um I was so frustrated watching that last meeting because uh I saw all of you go around in circles over and over talking about cuts that you know don't make sense. I mean there's no evidence that any of the things

032that uh the superintendent has described uh that would be affected make sense. They don't make sense. So uh from my point of view it's the board of selectmen who is telling you uh hey guys you've got to cut the budget. They're sort of forcing you to do things that you know don't make sense. uh send the budget to them. Let them do it. Let them make the cut. They should have some accountability. If they think that this is the right way to go, if they want the budget reduced, I get it. It's the proposal. It's not the budget. He's he's right on that for sure. But, uh put the accountability in their laps. Uh make them do it. Um you know, uh are we on the cusp? I don't know. I don't know that sending

033the message of of cutting the school budget or the proposed budget uh is going to uh push us to the next step uh beyond of being on the cusp. I just don't know that it helps. I don't know that it sends the right message. And you know, just as a side note, I could probably count on on two hands uh the people that I graduated high school from or with uh or within a year or two of that who uh decided to stay in this town uh raised their kids in this town. Um they all left. So many of them left uh because of the types of meetings we had last week and some of the rhetoric we've seen all along. They've gone to New Harford. They've gone to Canton. They've gone to all these

034other towns because of uh what we've seen transpire this budget cycle without question. They have left for the schools. I hear it over and over. And you know, that type of thing affects economic development. It has ripple effects all throughout town. Whether it's coaching on the athletic fields, we have no coaches in this town. We have become more and more over the years a transient town. I knew there used to be a time when I knew all the families and it's just not the case. The town is changing and it's because of that. These families that we need to come back and invest in our communities. Uh they're leaving. They went to other places. It is still happening. It's going to continue to happen. It has ripple effects on our volunteers, our boards. The people

035that would invest in this town and stay long term. They're not here anymore. We want them to stay and the schools are a huge part of that. So, um hopefully you've had some uh some back channel conversations over the weekend. Maybe you're coming in with a plan tonight and uh and and we'll have a more productive meeting. But based on what I saw last week, incredibly frustrating to talk about, hey, we've got to do something different. We've got to cut this. We got to we have to do something different, but no ideas. Talking around and start the thing that we're going to do different. Uh so please uh I if you don't have a plan, I would just uh save the rest of us the heartache. Move the budget along to the board of selectmen

036and let them make the decision. Thank you. ANYONE [applause] ELSE? >> I wasn't [clears throat] planning to speak, but since I uh seem to be the subject of some uh some comments here, um I just want to say I completely agree uh with with Mr. Hester, Selecman Hester, that we are on the cusp of something big. And I completely agree that our town manager Paul Harrington is really doing a fantastic job. I really respect what he's doing and we are really he he describes it as a rocket ship that's about to take off. So I don't think that each year is going to be as difficult as this year. We're not going to face these same increases next year in in insurance and such. We are already seeing some um increases to the grand list.

037So we definitely are on the cusp of of something and that is why I don't think this is the time to to flash our schools. I mean we don't want to crash that rocket ship before it takes off. Uh so as what as far as what I said last week um I see the board of selectment as a we so when I said make us the bad guys the person who is going to be the most seen as the bad guy on the board of selectment if we have to make a giant cut to education that's me because I ran uh with the primary goal of supporting education so when I say the bad guy I am going to be the one who's the bad guy if I have to raise my hand and vote

038for cuts and if that's what we have to do in the end we have to do it I understand we can't face a 15% tax increase you know that's just impossible So, who's going to be the bad guy? Like, I'm the bad guy on the board of selectmen. And um what I was saying is also buy us some more time. There are things in the works that are happening at the higher level. Um the Calvary could be coming. Like, why cut it now? That was my point. Why cut it now? So, I agree very much. We're on the cusp of great things. Um and I ask you to just send it to us. Let us look at it. I mean, we will do what we have to do. Uh Mr. Harrington will make the correct

039recommendations as needed. Thank you for your time. [applause] >> Anyone else? >> Hi, I'll sign in at the end. Um, I'm Maryanne Marino. I spoke last week, 631 Vera Road. Um, I hope the temperature comes down in the room a little bit here. Um, so the discussion can be thoughtful. I just want to share my own personal experience. Um, myself and my brother were raised by a single mom and we were very fortunate to live in a town that had excellent public schools. Our father was very unreliable. That destabilized our lives. What stabilized our lives in addition to our extended family were the school teachers and administrators who saw us and took care of us every day of our lives and my talents and also my deficiencies were recognized. Right? So, a mirror got held

040up every time a talent was recognized and a helping hand was extended every time a deficiency was recognized. And I'm going to tell you, I was going over it in my head today and I thought, "Wow, you know, it's true. Mrs. Polly really called out the fact that I was good with language and I could really express myself with language. It was called out that I was good with math. It was called out that I was creative. And the fact is that all of those things were foundationally supported in such a way that I continued through high school, through my undergraduate school college, through graduate school. All of those things fed into an incredibly successful career. That couldn't have happened without the support that I got in the public school system. And you know what

041I did, guys? I didn't grow up in this town. I spent my summers here. I came back. I moved here. I'm now volunteering. I'm on two boards. I'm on the Wetlands High Lakes Watershed Associated. I'm doing a lot. And I wouldn't be able to do any of those things without that foundational support. And what the two selectmen said is true. I'm so psyched the developers are here. If we're going to have new development, new housing, new businesses that are coming in, which Paul Harrington and the board of selectmen have been working very hard to attract. Why would people move here if our school system substandard? Why why would that growth continue? You guys all know this that the character of a town is defined largely by its school system. So I agree. Like you know

042what? Thanks Frank. Thank you Nora. Thank you Chrissy for trying last week. You guys, you tried. You made motions. You made amendments. You all discussed it. Didn't work out. I think it's right. Keep the budget the way that it is. Send it to the selectment. That is their job. budgetary oversight. Let them figure it out. There are things happening at the state level. You know that, Kurt. There may be things happening at the federal level that can help as well. This budget doesn't have to pass until May. Send the budget through. Don't preemptively cut it. Don't let yourselves get twisted into pretzels because I don't know who is pressuring you. Don't listen to these families, right? Their children's story could be my story. And those children be coming here right in 20 years and doing

043what I'm doing. It is an investment. That's all. [applause] >> Anyone else? >> I have a statement >> to read from. Um, so I have a statement from Seth Roy. He is at 288 Touring Fort Street. Um, my wife works for the school system as a PAR educator. I can say unequivocally, it would appear that some members of this board have no clue about what these teachers and staff deal with on a day-to-day basis. I thank all the board members who have taken the time to see for themselves the tough task that our educational staff is handling is is handing to them on a daily basis. However, suggestions by certain members of the board have been made that shed light on the lack of knowledge the members have as to what struggles these people have

044with students. In addition, the lack of consideration for inflation and cost of goods increasing also dictates to me that there is a decent likelihood that some members have never made a budget before either and therefore wouldn't know what a good budget look like when given to them. For newer members of the board, I would look to the leadership of Kurt Warner and Norah Marski and follow their veteran experience with the town and the board. Thank you. [applause] Anyone else? Okay. Going once, going twice. Sold. [snorts] All right. Um, on to item three, information items, discussion. Uh, the format's going to be a little bit different this time, so it's not as confusing and complicated as the last time. Uh, we're going to open it up to discussion first before we, uh, make a motion to

045vote on this budget. Um, so I'm going to first hand it off to Julie as she has some items that she would like to discuss. >> Thank you. I'm going to be very brief. I this is more so um just announcements if you will. First um I want to just take it off of the administrators to let you know several of our administrators live like an hour away and I asked them to watch from home. So please don't read into their not being in the room. They are watching but um it didn't seem like a night for an hour drive. So that's on me. Um, I also was asked to remind the board and actually anyone else that we have our drone competition on Saturday the 14th. We are eagerly accepting volunteers. If you can't

046commit to I think I sent you the full schedule. If you're able to just even come by and see, we would really welcome that. It stands to be an amazing event and we're thrilled to have it back in town. Um, quickly I wanted to share um, I'm not sure a couple of speakers I think have alluded to the idea that maybe the cavalry is coming. Um, we are working really hard in advocacy at the state level um, and also at the federal level. Um, looking for support to come into the town to um, provide financial assistance that would help with the budget increase both on the town side and the school side and make it more affordable to the taxpayers. Um, obviously that's not something we get to know today, but we are actively I

047met today with the governor's chief of staff and the commissioner of education. Um, and someone from Senator Larson's office. We are actively Kurt and Jay Case went and met with someone from the governor's office and the commissioner. So, we do have the ear of people who have the power and the ability to help us. Um, so we're putting forth an amendment to make um a change to the ECS formula. Um, without totally geeking out, I've learned way more than the average bear ever wanted to know about the ECS formula. But it turns out that we are um in a funny position with it because we have a relatively high um per capita grand list. The ECS formula is based on wealth factors, not poverty factors. And we are considered reasonably wealthy because of our grand

048list of um homes and their values. And we are also the fourth most distressed community in the state. And that was a really interesting dichotomy and it caught the attention of the governor's office as well as the senator's office. And I think we have a compelling argument to be made. So we're working hard at that. Um, and the last thing I wanted to share, um, I've been asked a couple times at recent meetings sort of what my vision is. And you know, I tried to convey through the budget presentation, um, particularly by sharing the children that the vision is about kids. But I wanted to just speak a little bit more about how the pieces sort of hang together for that. What we are trying to do with this budget, um, board of ed members

049will know, I'm not sure [clears throat] if the community is is aware, we are trying to expand our preschool through um, 100% statef funded construction that would allow us to get to kids sooner. We are developing programs that will allow us to keep kids [clears throat] in district and perhaps bring kids who are already in out placements back. Our vision is that if we can get to kids early and provide the appropriate supports and um create that environment that helps them be school ready by kindergarten that we're already ahead of the game and that if we can have the proper supports in place like the BCBA, the special ed teacher and special programs when needed, safety officers to make connections, principles to uh work with families that if we can wrap ourselves around the children

050of Winchester, we can provide an amazing education, keep our kids here, and have them go out into the world ready to contribute to their community. Um, I'll go back to sort of the initial slogan, the schools we need for the town we want. We are trying to put bubble wrap around the children, not in the way of like not letting them fall down and get dirty, but we are trying to create that environment that will meet their needs from the earliest of days throughout their time with us. And if I've not been able to convey that through this, I apologize, but that is what's underneath behind and the foundation of [clears throat] the budget. And hopefully that's helpful to have in your thoughts as to deliberate. So I can put back to you. >> Okay.

051So we are open to discussion part in for the purpose of the fiscal year 2027 budget. Um does anyone have uh questions other questions for Julie or would we like to open it up to discussion particularly about the budget and where we move forward with this? I would like to echo one of the things that persons had said tonight and I think it's very important to [snorts] us as a board to understand and make sure we keep ourselves on the target of our own board goals of which is to deliver an education system that is completely an investment in our system in our community that brings in investors into our towns. Um, I'm reminded of a colleague who often says that education is an individual right, but it's also a community responsibility. And I think

052that's the cornerstone of what we need to be thinking about here. Um, when we go to looking at the the the targeted issues and so forth. Um, and I'm encouraged to see the community out and out early. Um, I think their voice is important and that's part of our goal was to get community input. um as as hard as it's to hear sometimes, I think it's also necessary that we hear uh from our community members. And so I'm encouraged to see that. I see the same energy that was there last year. I call it the miracle of eight, passing the budget with eight people uh having said yes more than no. Um and I'm I'm definitely encouraged to see the energy going forward. And uh as as a person that's been through the receiverhip and

053the the the work that had been done for the last so many years um going forward is critical and uh I echo the same thing the board of selectmen have been saying. Moving on and continuing this movement forward has been critical. PreK through six has been very successful. Our scores show it. Our kids are happy. uh they want to be in the school systems and we've had you know an interim superintendent say the same thing and I think security and safety is very important in our district and uh we responded to those concerns in the past with last fall. So I think that needs to continue to go forward and I think that as we deliberate we keep that in mind. I do just have one comment. Um, kind of feeds off of Nora. While

054it's really wonderful and energizing to see so many parents here, um, to me, I also think it's a little sad that they feel like they have to come and defend the school budget to their own board of ed. So, I'm hoping we can renew some of their faith in [snorts] us through this process so they don't feel like they they have to come and speak out um for us to support the students and staff of schools. Also, I wanted to remind everybody um when we had a retreat um we were talking about CAB the Connecticut area connect Connecticut association of boards of education uh we were given a list of their code of ethics. Um the very first one is I will be a staunch advocate of highquality free public education for all Connecticut children.

055In fulfilling my responsibilities, I will think of children first. >> So with all that said, it's a difficult process. [laughter] >> It really is. It's a difficult process. It is a definite difficult process, >> as the audience knows. I I I'll I'll speak to the fact that um and I appreciate Seth for thinking that I'm a veteran on this. This is only my second budget. I'm still new to this process. Um last year was very eye opening as far as what the process was and how it went. Um and um yeah, we were very not sure that we expected to get the vote to to get the budget through the first round. So, we were very pleasantly surprised. Um I've grown up in this town. Our town is known for its politics and that's not

056a good thing. Um, our town tends to have a um, we want better. We don't want we don't want to go through the means to get there. Um, attitude at times. Um, and we're a town that doesn't have a vision and a lot of times. I think that's changing. Um, I believe our board has to have a bigger vision moving forward. Um, so this is not a complicated process year in and year out. Um, by holding Dr. Lubie uh to a standard, by holding our board to a standard, by creating programs that will sustain, that will ease the burden uh moving forward is important. Um, and that's a vision that, you know, as we move forward could help us two to three decades down the road. Um the reality is nothing that helped us down

057the road is going to help us tonight in making the decision. We're in the place we are. Um we have to make our decision based on that. Um it's not an easy decision. This is actually probably the hardest decision we'll have to make hopefully moving forward. I feel like everything that was working against us or could work against us is working against us this year to come up with a fiscally responsible budget um where it benefits everyone. Um that being said, I probably have more skin in the game than any of you up here. Um being that I have two kids in the school system and a wife that works in the school system. So I do not take this lightly. Um, in fact, I have not slept since Thursday, which is not a great

058thing for me or my family. Um, and I'm I'm going to assume some of you have done the same uh throughout. It's it's very stressful and and uh you know, it's it's I don't envy envy any of us, but we have to come to a decision. Um, we have to get this budget to Mr. Harrington. Um, so, uh, I hope we can come to calm heads. I I hope we can be rational tonight and, uh, we can come to a decision that benefits everyone. That being said, does anyone else have anything to say before we move on to the next item? Anyone okay to speak? >> I would like to make a [snorts] motion. >> Okay. So, we want to move on. >> Action item not item four. >> Is it Is it Were we

059talking about item four? Because we can't add motions [clears throat] to the agenda. [snorts] >> I'd still like to add a couple things before we get into action items >> for discussion. >> Sure. Yeah. I mean, because discussion is discussion and >> we don't have to be bound to a a motion and pegged to it. Um I think that we had talked about last time um the new positions if you will and one of my positions my part was that um you know if we look at those as financial ways to try to uh reduce this budget if you will meeting the needs of the taxpayer which is very important. I would have to say that the SSO should not uh yeah should not be touched. Um, I'm an advocate of that and I want

060to express that to you all tonight because of where we were and the climate which is our goal has it has a tremendous effect there. Um, and I'm loathed to um look at that BCBA in terms of the cutting board because I think that has its investments in terms of keeping kids inhouse. We heard from a parent today they'd rather educate their kid their child here in the buildings here where we all like local schools and so forth. the other relationships that you could develop. Um, so you know, I'm not sure exactly where people and persons feel about that. Um, but I think if we could look at other things that don't affect the instructional core, I think that would be to our advantage and we could preserve our goals as best as possible. >>

061So all I'll say to that is our job is not to determine how the cuts or anything are made. Our job is to come up with a number and it's the superintendent's job to then figure it out from there. Like our job like I there are certain things that are I don't want out of this budget, but that's not my determination. >> Well, we certainly signal to Julie what our values are. Absolutely. Right. And and we are her boss. >> Absolutely. >> So we could say, Julie, hold this or cut that, you know, so she's got to do what we say. So, we can't just leave her with a blank slate. You know what I'm saying? >> Absolutely. And and I think we we have voiced it. >> I I don't I don't think necessarily

062it's she knows what our wants are. >> Well, let's dig in because we've had like three rounds of motions last time and we left without anything. So, let's dig in >> if you all ready. >> Non-negotiable for me is a second PCB. It's It's a non-negotiable >> as in got to have it. >> Non-negotiable. Yes. >> Okay. >> As in have to have it. I I just think when we have someone who has the case load that he has um and could benefit us in keeping kids in district with the programs he creates um in pairing him with somebody else that could help along the way. I think that's important. I think that would prepare or go towards the vision we have moving forward >> um in building out a program. >> So for me

063that's that's a non-negotiable. >> I agree with Kurt. I feel like that's also a non-negotiable just the vision moving forward. Um, and then also to the um the SSOS, I think I said last week too, they were something the parents asked us for um because of a tumultuous climate. So, I think it's important that that we do all we can to also keep the SSOs. much of the additional pieces are additional pieces that were proposed new new positions for students uh special ed pared behavior tack behavioral issues. I I would like to keep the gifted program. Um we had a parent that was speaking here last time. It it's a small $6,000 piece. Um it is new in our budget, but I think that we need to make sure we meet the needs of everyone,

064all students, all abilities. And I think that's a that's an easy keep. Um >> I think that's the one that I think this board could >> could say nine to zero yes for. >> Y >> um and that that was that took some creativity and that's what we're talking about. We got to be creative within the budget that we present because >> that was a if that was a full-time position, we'd be looking at 70 grand, >> right? So, we need more of those creative ideas. >> As I sit here and listen to everyone, um I think one of the big things to remember, we keep mentioning children. If our children were sitting here watching, um the way that we speak to each other, I've learned a lot since being on the board. This is

065my third budget. Um, and one thing I've learned is how to sit, how to listen, also to be careful with your words. Um, because again, we're setting an example. So, in some cases, we can make inflammatory remarks to one another. I have done so in the past. Uh, that's not productive. I think we can share and I love absolutely love and I I will reiterate this again and again. I love the fact of differing opinions of not only opinions but ideas. This should be a place of ideas and they shouldn't be shot down just because we don't agree with them or it doesn't ali uh align with our ideologies. Um I think it's a really good place to be understanding this is where we can and I love to see so many come out and

066speak because that's what a town should be about. we should be able to do it respectfully and I think in for the most part uh most people have done that and it's a beautiful thing. Um but again just with the [snorts] forethought and the you know without reprimanding one another um just always thinking about the fact that you know what if our children were watching? What if the children were sitting here as we're having these discussions? Um while it is in their best interest you know and we always want to serve in that way we also want to set an example for them. So, that's one thing that I think about and uh maybe when I first joined this board wasn't necessarily on the forefront of my mind how um I spoke or what what

067I shared. Um with that being said, I think there's a lot of good ideas and one of the things that I just wanted to kind of almost parrot is I think the vision is key. Um we did talk about that in our retreat. Um while it is important to have the vision forward, we also I don't think those things are being fiscally responsible and also looking at our children's best interests. Those things can align. Good ideas can come forth that will build programs that possibly could be revenue producing programs. That's what I'm interested in. That's what I want to see. Not because it's about dollars and cents, but that is a reality of life, right? people have to meet their needs and their bills. Um, and I think that's been discussed and that can be

068done while also keeping uh children in the forefront of our mind. Um, and what's in their best interest and it can actually serve them in their future being like, "Wow, our town was able to create programs when they didn't have the most means as a collective community. they were able to build programs with thoughtfulness in mind um to be able to facilitate the best programs possible. So that's really um at the core of uh what I would love to see us do as a collaboration. And I understand right now that's not our main goal. Our main goal is to pass a budget. That's why we're here. So not to get lost, but I just that's that should be our main focus is today's budget. I agree. but with a vision forward to how we can

069create programs that soften the blow to the taxpayer. So it can be I think those two things can be mutually beneficial. Okay. I would like to say something um in reference to the position you'd like to add to the current budget which is last year's budget for $24 million. rather than putting a price on it right now, put a dollar amount on it, $1, add it to the budget, and then h when your hiring process starts, let's say next April, they hire it for July 1st next year, not hired this year, but we carry it through, put it on the budget as a line item as you have it, put a dollar amount that carries it through as a new a new item for the budget for the 27 budget, but you use we put

070it but you you hire it for the 28 budget. Hire those positions for the 28 budget. I think you have everybody's head spinning. >> Basically, you're saying defer the new positions for a year, right? Is that >> Yes. Now, that takes a chunk for the new increase out of the budget right now for us and for the people here. We get both what we want. We get the positions and we That doesn't cost us anything. >> Can we Can we Thank you. Um >> Holy Flow. >> Can we um do we have anything up that can show the the three drivers of this budget. So, our budget, Gilbert's budget, and then out of district. >> Um, >> do we have anything? So, I want everyone to see the number of what how the proposed budget

071is now, what that increase is for our portion. And if we don't if we don't have it to show >> are you thinking of this page that sort of shows 13 or you talking >> I want I want the real number because what we're looking to cut would be our portion >> or what what is discussed if we're if we're >> okay >> is is our portion. So I just need to I I think everyone needs to see the numbers in front of them to understand um you know >> yes >> what because it it doesn't impact out of district whatever we choose tonight for a number has no bearing on the out of district costs because that is >> yeah something along those lines. Yes. Matthew, in my document, budget deliberations, if you could

072go to the tab called AA by portion, please, and then just hone in on that top left corner there that shows, you know, all the extraneous numbers are just me doing math. So our portion of the increase would be the 9006 656. >> Correct. >> Okay. Gilbert's portion of the increase would be 856300. >> It's actually down to below that the 846700US >> rightus 96 9600. >> Okay. >> 85600 >> and then the out district is 793741. So those the the second and third column we can't control tonight. Right. >> Right. But I'm only talking about those positions. >> No no I'm not referring to that. No no >> I'm sorry. Okay. >> So what I'm saying is that's based on the 2.5 proposed increase that we're looking at right now. >> So whatever number

073we land on comes off that first column. >> Correct. >> Right. >> It does not impact the second or third column. >> Correct. Okay. So, I just wanted everyone to look at that. And Carol, I apologize. Are you still there? >> Is she on mute? >> I believe so. >> I'm still here. >> All right. Good. I apologize. It's You can't see it, but um so our portion of the current budget as proposed is $96,656. Gilbert's portion is $856,300US9600 >> which is 846700 >> which is846700 and the out of district cost is $793,741. That gets us to the total increase of 2,556,697 as proposed. Okay, you got those numbers. Actually, it gets us to two actually it gets us to the 2.5 2547097. Correct. >> Um, >> right. It gets us to 2547. Do we

074disclose it? >> No. >> And then we have some modest reductions just for things that have happened since we did the budget. So the increase currently is 2515617. Gota. >> Okay. So I just wanted everyone to see that. Um just as a reference to whatever we do tonight impacts only the first column. Okay. >> So, if you go to page 20. >> Yep. >> Page 20 shows all the new proposed positions. Correct. >> Correct. >> Yep. >> Now, Nora, you said last week as we should invest in the future, >> right? >> Yep. So, which of those positions you wanted kept in? >> Well, after having conversations and listening to the community, I would say the gifted stays, the BCBA should be staying. Um, I think the other pieces of it are um awful to

075let go, but I think that it's it um we'd have to visit that fiscally and I think that um those would have to be hard hits. Um, at first I was also thinking taking field experiences and field transportation out, but I think that's also critical. And it's also uh $22,000. I have a question about page 41. I'm sorry to bounce a little bit there, Frank, though. Um, >> and we can get back to that so everyone can kind of give their opinion on of what they >> feel or their need. Yeah. So, we'll >> we'll get there. um the professional learning for the staff the 5000 Julie this is title one grant right this but you said it's in flux >> so title two is the grant that provides um >> funding for professional learning

076there is grave concern that it will not exist in the format that we're used to it um so part of this was covering ourselves so that at least we had a small budget for professional learning >> never had it >> we've had zero And part of it is simply signaling that we value professional learning. >> Okay. >> I mean, we can obviously take it out or we could reduce it, but it was more it was a little bit symbolic. >> And hedging. [clears throat] >> I'm also mindful that the work that everybody has done to push the state to help us out and the sausage the sausage is still being made. Um, and we have a long way to go. Um but uh I also know that we we have to make some tough calls

077here and um >> this this is a tough one. >> Mhm. >> Just because of where we started in this >> budget. I I just ju like I said, I see the impact every day. Um with someone who is in that school every day. Um and it's for everyone that works in that school, it's mentally and physically draining. Um, and to not have full support is tough. I'd love to give them everything they need now. I'd love to. I don't think this community could take a $2.5 million. I, like I said, I have the most skin in the game up here. I don't think the community can take it. 2.5 >> Julie, if we cut some of these new positions, um, these new asks, if you will, and then the state comes in with with

078money, would we be able to go back to say let's reinstate this? We know once the board of ed and I will say just because last night, last time was five hours and we left undone. It is statutoily required that this board approve some budget any budget. Um otherwise you're >> so if we do it the way I want to do it put a dollar amount $1 we're talking about is $1 just to show $1 on the line. So if the state does come back with money in let's say in three months the line is there >> it's in the budget. >> Right. So the answer, the short answer to your question is once this board approves a budget and we hand it off to the board of selectmen, it's out of our hands. We

079can't increase our ask. >> If the board of selectmen is still in the process and we haven't gone to the May town meeting yet and the board of selectmen learned that we were getting a $2 million um >> infusion, >> earmark, is that the word? >> Earmark, which we are actively pursuing. Um, so if we were to as a town come into some money, >> the board of selectmen could increase the board of edine in their budget. Whether or not they would or not, I can't speak to, but we could not revisit it. We don't get that opportunity. >> Gotcha. >> The only way we revisit is if it gets further cuts and we meet to deliberate how we're managing those. Keep rolling. >> The dollar item. >> Should we move to item four? Any

080more discussion? Okay. Move on to item four. Action item. adoption of fiscal year 27 board of education budget. Would anyone like to make a motion? >> What was the number that I proposed last week? I can't remember that. believe it's 1.9. >> Joseph, give me one second. Frank amended. Second, Joseph. Um, no. Joseph, >> as she was looking, I just want to um make a point that when someone is speaking, there are no side conversations. There's no talking across the table. Person who is speaking is the person who has the floor. Uh, Joseph, let me just make 100% sure. You were the one yes vote. So, I'm thinking this was your motion. Hold on. >> There was two. >> Um, yes. >> Vote on the motion. Joseph, motion to amend Frank to second. The number

081that you put forward was 25,990,482. >> Write that down. Just so >> if you give me one second I will um tell you how much that is less than the proposal so that people can see that both direct >> that's inclusive keeping the BCBA correct >> um I don't know that >> BCBA is 121 >> it's the first time I needed those um >> so equals [clears throat] the minus Joseph's number of 2590 um G3 in oh it's the whole budget sorry hang uh so Joseph what you proposed that is that we reduce the proposed budget by 560,000 $80. >> Is that something different? >> This is the bottom plus plus the BCBA. That's where I came. I think that was close to what we were. Go ahead. >> Joseph's motion, I think the one

082you're referring to was to reduce the proposed budget by $560,80 for a total budget of 25,990. >> 25 >> 990 482. >> So I'll [snorts] make a motion just so we can start the conversation. Okay. And I'm not going to do it from the top. I'm going to just do it from uh I don't know what the total number would be. Maybe you'd have to help me. >> Okay. Um, but I will make a motion to cut the proposed budget by 328,000 $299. Just needs a second. >> I'll second. So that gets us a budget of 26,222,263. So that 328 number sounds specific. >> It is specific. Do >> you mind? >> We can go into discussion if we're ready for discussion. >> We can go into discussion. I'm sure >> um because we have

083to give them a budget. We're running out of time. Uh this $328,000 proposed cut, I'll itemize it for y'all. It would be to eliminate the $2,500 for the travel reimbursement on page 68. It would be eliminating the $5,000 for the PD for the staff on page 41. It would be eliminating new positions inclusive of one special ed teacher on page 20, one parah on page 20, one behavior tech on page 20, the lunch monitors on page 20, the part-time custodian on page 20, keeping the BCBA, keeping the the gifted program. It also includes an additional cut of a regular ed teacher to the equivalent of 70,788 for a total of 328,299. My thought behind that is that it keeps the vision moving which is the BCBA servicing all of our kids on all ends of

084the the needs and the spectrum of the needs. Um and I know we had talked about perhaps looking at what's happening with some movement in our program and in regular um classroom teachers. >> So can you bring up uh page seven. I I think we're dangerous in when we're talking about positions at this point just because there's people watching. Um but as we project for class sizes throughout um and the community has to understand that contractually um we have a max cap size depending on the grade. Um, but there is some flexibility as you look in some of the grades to where we could potentially eliminate a classroom teacher. Um, and it won't impact the kids as drastically. Um, if you're looking at some of the grades, >> it doesn't exceed the threshold for contract

085>> exceed in in one. It actually doesn't come close to exceeding. >> So, it's there, the potential is there. Um, but it also means that it has to be added back the next year when hopefully we have more flexibility. Um, but I just I want us to be cognizant like I know we have our wants and asks. Um, but we also do it's for Julie and Nancy to figure it out once they have a number. Um, it's not our job to say what what it is or who it's going to be. Our job is just to present a number and then they get to be creative. [cough and clears throat] >> As long as you task us with something realistic. >> Sure. You can't tell me cut a million but don't lose any people. >>

086Right. Right. So, um I want to be careful with that. >> If if you could be creative about keeping everyone there that is currently there, I'm all for it. Um and I'm obviously hopeful that the state can help us out here, but I also know that we have to move this to the board of selectmen. >> Do you want to repeat your motion? >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Listen up everyone. >> Okay. I don't have the total number, but >> you do. >> Okay. I make a motion to reduce Dr. Luby's proposed budget by $328, $299 to 26,222,263. Okay. >> Doesn't touch SSOs. For the sake of no confusion, I'm going to put this motion. Do we have a second? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm going to put this motion to a vote. No. Um,

087so we have to do a voice vote since Carol is on. So say your name and then um how you vote, yay or nay. Um, going to start with Jonathan. >> Jonathan Moore. No. >> Um, Elanor Bishop, yes. >> Nora McCarthy, yes. Shane Sella, no. >> Frank Oliver, no. >> Chrissy Rylander, yes. >> Joseph Santoro, no. >> Carolak, no. >> Okay. Kurt Warner, no. [snorts] >> Okay. So, this proposed motion has failed. So, [sighs] would everyone like to make a second motion? >> Yeah, I'd like to make a motion to I don't know what the reduction is, but a proposed operating budget of 25,990,482. My rationale for that is we keep our contractual obligations and it also leaves some room for other things so we're not completely decimating what we already have. >> Can you

088repeat that number? 25,990,482 >> which is what I believe >> is what I believe of 560,80 [snorts] right >> okay so we have a motion on the table to reduce are we sure about that number >> okay reduce the budget by 560,000 to a total of 25,990,482. >> Is that seconded? >> Do we have a second? I'll second it. Okay, we'll bring this motion to a vote. >> Jonathan, voice vote, please. John Bor, no. >> Ellie Bishop, no. Nora McCarthy, no. >> Shane Centrella, no. >> Frank Ali, no. >> Chrissy Rylander, no. >> Joseph Santoro, yes. >> Carol Warner, yes. >> No. >> Oh, Carol, sorry. >> About me, right? >> Uh, so that motion fails. >> Okay. For two. question. >> Yes. >> The insurance. >> Yes. >> Is there a way to prepay?

089When is it due? First of all, when is the payment for the insurance increase >> continually throughout the year? >> Is there any way >> so the when does the policy period end? >> What? >> Or begin? >> Well, we have four months left in the current budget. >> July one. >> All right. So we have four months basically left in the in the current budget year, right? Is there any way in any way form to start paying that off now with the current budget money's in the current budget if we don't do things that needed that normally get done and use that money for not paying prepaying the insurance before July 1st? I can't answer for the prepaid, but I can The other half of what you're saying is if we did a freeze

090somehow and freed up some money, we could always move it to the um non-lapsing to have it on hand. >> I don't know if prepay is a thing. It I'm sure they would take our money. You know, I'm not sure what we would not do in order to free up the funds, but >> no, it's on. >> Theoretically, we could do that >> because that would be a big that would be another big big, right? I mean, >> you know, in our current budget, as I recall at the whatever month, I guess at the February board of ed meeting, I don't recall seeing that we were anticipating having surplus in the appropriate. I know. I remember. But I'm just saying is there are things we instead of paying like we would normally do, postpone it

091without, in other words, if we're ordering something in supplies, we postpone it for three months and use that money to sort of put it towards the insurance to lower that number. >> So, I'm not sure to what magnitude you're thinking, but you know, by this point in the year, most of the supplies are ordered because it's like workbooks for the kids. We, you know, July one, we do a lot of our ordering for the year. >> Um, Could we free up 10 $20,000? Absolutely. I'm sure there is something that we could not do that's intended. But do I think we could put a big dent in 500,000 increase? No. But we could definitely put a little dent. >> Um, have you explored like self-insured options or state funding? >> We did. Um, [clears throat] so

092that's a great question. When we first sat with the brokers, um, Nancy picked me up off the floor when they said, "You're looking anywhere from a 30 to 45% increase in your rates. >> We tried a lot of things. We um reached out to another broker entirely. Um Mike Susi from Gilbert had a relationship with a broker he had used at a previous when he was in the previous school. So we asked that broker to bid things out for us that was unsuccessful. We asked our brokers to bid us out. were with Anthem, so bid us out with Connecticut, um, Etna, whoever else is out there. Of all the companies he put us out to, which I think is at least three or four, all but one declined to bid on us. Our experience rate,

093which um, means for every dollar the insurance company um, for every dollar we pay the insurance company, our rate right now says they're paying out $150 on our claims. So, we're a little bit undesirable. So only one company was willing to bid and it was far more than we're set up for. We explored self-funded because our experience rate is so far so poor. Self-funding actually has the potential to cost us more out of the gate and is very risky. um you have to take um stop-loss insurance so that if something catastrophic happens, it limits your but we didn't find that to be a cost savings and it's a very high-risisk move for a little place. When you're in a larger place, that's an easier move. We also explored going to the state plan. Um we

094priced that up. The town, us and Gilbert are sort of all in the same pool and we're all facing the same thing. our results were to go to the state plan could save us $75,000 on its face. Our broker counseledled us that the coverage is so much better with the state plan that if we hop, we're likely to have people who aren't currently taking benefits hop on >> and if we stay where we are with the rates going so much higher, we're actually more likely to have people hop off. >> So, not that I don't want our people to be insured, but our exposure is probably better to stay where we are. was the conclusion. Um, not the answer I was looking for. I wanted the silver bullet. And we are still working with Brown

095and Brown to um, as they're figuring out which groups, town, US, and all the 17 towns we were a part of a group with, once they figure out who's going to the state plan and who's staying with Anthem, they're still trying to renegotiate that. So to the point earlier of like if money gets found um you know if at any point in this process we get the call from the broker that great news I can shave a point off your plan or two points off your plan then we immediately have that reduction we can take um but that isn't we call them almost every day and say do you have it yet do you have it yet and as of today we don't have any and we don't have a clear sign from them that

096it's coming there said they're hopeful they might be able to shave a point or two, but nothing they're willing to commit to. >> Thank you. >> If I might add also Nancy Nancy, >> turn on the mic there >> because the costs we incur need to be matched to our funding in the current year, >> right? the auditors would take [clears throat] a prepaid sort of thing and put it right back in. So, it would not do us any good. >> It was a good thought. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, looking at the last votes, um Joe's [snorts] proposal went down seven to two to seven. I'll say it that way. Y >> um my proposal went down 36. >> Yep. >> It's closer. So, are we talking about a a cut that's not

097as egregious? >> What's the flavor of the board? Because if that's the case, then I'll offer a new motion. >> Okay. >> Um I'll make a new motion to Here we go. And I'm just going to give you this number. Is that okay? Yeah. >> All right. to cut the uh to cut Julie Luby's proposed the superintendent's proposed budget by 257,000 257,511. So motioning to approve um a budget at 26,29351. >> I will second that. All right, we have a motion and a second on the table. >> Jonathan Mohart, no. >> Ellie Bishop, yes. >> Nora McCarthy, yes. >> Abstain. Shane Central, abstain. >> Frank Oliveri, no. >> Chrissy Rylander, yes. Joseph Santo, no. >> Carol, no. >> Kurt Warner, no. So, it's a five nos, one, three yeses, and one abstension. Feel like that

098one. >> Is that closer? >> No. >> Cuz your first was >> six 36 was bigger cut. Yep. >> Right. >> This is a less. >> So we want to get in between the first two. >> You could try that. >> I'm all ears. >> So far you have motion to cut 260, 330, and 560 loosely. Just rounding. So I I will make a motion >> to reduce the budget by 515617 for a total budget of 25 million 993,865. That's a total increase of $2 million. So it's 515 and 6 >> 515 617 less than 2 million. >> No. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. We're looking at the front column. Okay. Sorry about that. >> Jonathan Morart. No. >> Um Ellie Bishop. No. Um, I was hoping we'd have discussion, but I will vote

099no. >> Shane Cello, abstain. >> Frank Oliveri, no. >> Chrissy Rylander, no. >> Joseph Santoro, no. >> Carol, no. >> Carol Warner, yes. Okay, motion fails. Just let me go check on that one. Is it 171? >> Yes. >> Robert's point of order. Did you have a second on that motion? >> That would be a good point. No, we didn't. So, that motion doesn't even go. >> What do [snorts] I do with that minutes? It just didn't happen. >> No, it didn't happen. [laughter] >> Oops. Thank you for noticing. >> Well, I'm not going to put it out there again because I know where it's [laughter] going. >> I'd like to make a motion to pass the full amount of $2,515,617. That's the full ask minus some adjustments. >> Are you I'm sorry. Say it

100again and I'll capture what you're saying. 2 million 515617 >> the increase. Okay. So, you're looking to you're making a motion to approve the budget at 26509482 which is the proposed budget less the known adjustments. >> Yes. >> Of the 41. Sorry, I've got many a number floating around on this. >> Yes. >> Do we have a second? >> I'll second. Um, I think we discussed enough of this the other night. So, I don't [clears throat] know if we need discussion, but I will open it up to discussion. >> That's the total. >> We we had that's the original budget >> less than 41,000 adjustments. >> Yep. >> So, it's the full superintendent proposed budget, >> correct? any discussion. >> I think it's been made clear that this is what the schools need. It's as

101simple as that. Um I think it's also in our best interest to give ourselves time, see if anything comes down the pike from the state because there is there are people who are actively working. Um I don't think we should cut ourselves off. There's the board of selectmen can certainly re-evaluate our budget if none of that comes. Us approving this isn't putting it out to referendum. Us approving this is putting it to the board of select and then they decide what goes to referendum. Um I think we should give ourselves the benefit of If this doesn't pass, then I'm thoroughly confused. Um, persons that are offering the nos in the previous motions, um, you'd have to kind of give me a sense of direction. >> I think we're f we're >> going further away from

102this, but u if there's no other discussion, we can bring it to the vote. Okay. >> uh, Joseph, no. >> Chrissy Chrissy Rylander, yes. >> Frank Oliver, no. >> Shane Stain, [snorts] >> Nora. >> Uh, Nora McCarthy, no. >> Ellie Bishop, yes. >> Jonathan Mort, no. Carol >> Carol no. >> So we have six nos, >> two yeses and one abstension. >> Okay. Motion fails. So we're trying to get a middle ground here when we we're getting further away. Well, >> could I make a motion? >> Please do. >> I'd like to read a motion. >> Nope. We can't add a This is just on the budget. >> Okay. Then I am going to make a motion that we end this meeting and we meet again Thursday night here at 6:30 to >> I don't

103think we're there yet. >> And I would like to add to the agenda my motion. >> I'd like to read that. >> Okay. So, you will state your motion again. My motion is to end this meeting tonight. We have um schedule another U budget meeting on let's see what's today is >> Tuesday. So Thursday evening here at 6:30 and at that time I would like to add to the agenda for that meeting a motion that I have here written that I like to my motion added to the agenda so I can read it in front of the board and whoever is in the room here with us. Before we were to vote on such a matter, uh maybe amend the motion because there still are two other line items. It would be to table any

104motion in the action items and then move on to public comment, you mean? And then we adjourn. >> So in other words, I think that's out of order. >> Oh, okay. >> You can amend the motion. >> Yeah, it's >> I think you're motioning to close discussion on the topic. Is that what you're saying? >> Okay. Close discussion. Okay. >> Motion to end discussion and reconvene. >> End discussion and go to public comment. >> Do we have a second >> for discussion? I'll second. >> Okay. >> I don't know. This takes two/3 I believe because you're ending of an action item. >> Action item. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> So, we can discuss this or we can I'm going to I'm going to move it to a vote. >> Voting on ending the meeting. >>

105Yes. >> Ending discussion. Ending this action item. >> Okay. Can we have discussion first on that? On >> on Frank's motion. Um our job here is to be prepared today and to get this done. And um please understand that this activity does have that ripple effect to the culture and the climate of our community. And um I can appreciate you wanted to have more time, but I think that's what we said the last meeting and we need to make some tough decisions today. We've had >> plenty of time, >> right? >> The motion. >> No, we we have a motion. We have a second. We're discussing. >> I feel we've had plenty of time to to come up with an informed vote decision tonight. Um, just because we are voting on a motion or voting

106on a budget tonight or whenever we do, it then requires Dr. Lubie and Nancy to prepare the motion to get it to the town manager by Friday. That is not an easy thing to do. So the longer we delay this, the harder it is for them to get it prepared to get it to the town manager who wants it in his hands as soon as possible. That being said, since we have a second, we will bring it to and it does require a twothirds vote for this. Um, I will call a vote. >> Jonathan Moore. No. >> Ellie Bishop, no. >> Nora McCarthy, no. >> Shane Senella, no. >> Frank Oliver, yes. >> Chrissy Rylander, no. >> Joseph Santoro, no. >> Carol. >> Is she on? >> You there? >> Yep, she's there. >> Carol.

107Carol. >> Yeah, I said no. I said no. >> Yeah, we didn't have you on speaker. Sorry. >> Okay. >> Uh Kurt Warner or no. >> So that motion fails 8 to one. >> I'd like to make a motion >> to adopt a budget of $26 million. And that's the >> million. >> That's the highest I'll go. 10,000 over around there my original that I've had. >> Okay. So >> 26 million flat would be a reduction of 550,562. So >> Yep. Do we have a second? Do we have a second? Seeing none, >> it does. >> There is no motion. >> Thank Thank you. All right, folks. We got to get somewhere here and we got to get closer as it as opposed to further. We're trying here. All right. So, let's see. So, we're

108in the range. We're talking about those of you that have said no. I'm I'm hearing Joe, you were a no. And you're offering a motion. Um, Jonathan, I haven't heard a motion. Kurt, I've heard a motion. Shane, I haven't heard a motion. I've heard yeses. Anybody else want to offer anything? Are we talking about cutting a million? >> Carol hasn't >> close to half is my uh is my top. >> Sorry. >> 26 is my top or my uh >> your highest. >> My highest. my highest and least. Well, less of course, but my highest. >> So, there's a stake in the ground. Joseph's no more than 26 million. >> Okay. >> Could you, Julie, just for the sake of edification, can you walk us through what a 550 [snorts] cut would be would mean

109to >> I can do that. It's pretty close to that. Okay. Um, Matthew, would you kindly go to the half million the 500,000k one tab? Yeah. And show the top half of the page. So, in preparation for tonight, this is 500,000. Um, and again, this is illustrative. [clears throat] So, but this is this is illustrative. So to get to this actually adds up to 511,000. It includes the 41,000 efficiencies that we've identified. It includes everything that's new in the budget. And again, we can figure out how to save like the gifted and talented stipens if that's like the one thing that everybody on the board cares about. But for a clean discussion, that's everything new, the efficiencies, one classroom teacher, and field trips. Um, if you tell me field trips is a hard line for

110you because honestly it's a I'm not happy about that either and then I would need to find another 40,000 to get to Joseph's 550 number. >> Well, we're talking about elimination of the BCBA. We're talking about eliminating the classroom teacher that I had mentioned. We're talking about everything that's [cough and clears throat] new like you had mentioned. Yep. Field plus field trips. Okay. I'm not going to say that I like this number, but I will observe that you're all Well, I don't know you're all, but you're getting close to each other. Um, they say the spirit of compromise means no one leaves happy. Um, I think it's safe to say no one is going to leave happy tonight. So also understanding you know that increase is the current increase at the full amount is 906

111656 that's our portion >> you're covering more than half >> so 500,000 would put our portion down to that portion includes insurance increases wages increases so that's what what I want you to understand what that those numbers signifies and how it impacts us directly. >> Field transportation 6,000 there, Julie. >> Yep. >> [clears throat] [snorts] >> I mean the the one say thing I say about field trips and I and I understand um this community more than any it'd be hard but field trip experience doesn't mean they have to go away it just means that the parents would have to pay a portion which for this community is hard but it's [clears throat] it doesn't mean they What? >> Well, except that if people can't pay bills, so >> it definitely makes it a much

112harder decision to do a trip. >> Just would we be able to like fund fund raise anything like >> is that the PTA PTO PG? Uh they do >> they just gave us $6,000 this year to supplement the price of field trips if that's what you're referring to. So that even with our 22,000 in the budget, you know, every time you leave the building, Nancy, um the trip is going to cost2 $3,000 in admissions and then the bus is going to be what do we pay? $500 a run. So figure it's the better. I think when we wanted to go to Gilbert's just for the Christmas show was like seven or $800 and that was literally across the street. Um, so it's just that taking a trip is ridiculously expensive and we make judicious choices,

113but we try and do at least one good trip at each grade level. But if eight grade levels do a trip that costs $4,000, we're using up our budget plus the PTO money. >> And that's that's also a call to arms that our PTO is minimalistic as we speak. So, the parents in the room here, parents at home, >> help the [snorts] pie. >> Let's let's get involved with the PTO, let's do our part um that way and maybe let's find some revenue or funds that way as well. So, that's a call to arms for that as well. >> Julie, can you back out the field trips because that's like you can you take this here and take out the 16,000 like in other words, don't cut it. Don't cut this. Yeah. And then the

114BCBA. What would that look like? >> So then we're at a reduction of three. What does that say? 67. >> Right. >> Okay. >> More like towards where I was at. Okay. Put the BCBA back in if you wouldn't mind. Let's take the Oh, what was the other one? Field trips. I can don't cut the field trips. Oh, the 6,000 for the gifts and talented. Take out the 6,000. So, we're going to not cut it. In other words, in my conversation with myself here with us as a board, where we at now? 483 379 off of the appropriated budget. 483. >> So, we're closing in on almost two hours. >> Um, plenty of time, >> right? Start at 6:30. Um, I feel like I know where one, two, three people stand as far as a

115number. four, including myself, because I know I've stated it numerous times. But I feel like we have some like indecision as to what that number is for you. I've I've stated it. I feel like others have stated it, but in order for us to come to a decision or move forward because this is kind of it's going to get silly at a point and this is making us all look foolish. So I think right if you guys have a stated I've stated my place I think others have stated their place where where it's at presented motions. Um we need to move forward. So >> I don't want to I don't want to >> look at P positions. I just want a number. Julie's job to worry about the number once the numbers. She can get

116creative. So, what's a number that we can come to a compromise on? I'm not looking for a unanimous. We got a lot of personalities in this room. I don't expect that. I'm looking for a number that we can present to Mr. Harrington by Friday. >> I make a motion to propose 26 million flat. I >> think I did that. Oh no. Oh yeah. >> Yeah. Right. >> So that's a reduction in 560,562 if I'm correct. >> 550,000 562 >> 550 550 550. >> Yep. >> 550,562. That is the motion on the table. >> Do we have a second? >> I will second that. We got to give it a chance here. >> All right. >> And that opens up for discussion. >> We can. >> All right. >> I mean, >> oh, I mean I

117put my stake in the ground. I [clears throat] >> Where's everybody else? Really? Seriously, we got to come up with number. My stake in the ground last meeting was I won't go below status quo and that's going to mean that's going to remain my >> st. That's fair. That's fair. That's fair. >> So we got one two status quo. We got 26 million. >> Frank, I don't know. Jonathan, >> what's your what's your lowest? Reason like reasonably just [snorts] so we can move this forward because if it gets pushed back, it gets pushed back. But we just I we can't [clears throat] be here all night like we were last night. >> Well, >> are we going to discuss it or we just going to vote it? Like I don't feel like anyone has discussion

118like we don't have to figure out everyone's number, but we have a vote on the table. We have a second. So, I'd say we just vote on it. >> Okay. >> Um and go from there. Jonathan. >> Jonathan Mohart. No. >> Alanor Bishop. No. Nor McCarthy. No. [snorts] >> Shane Cella. Frank Oliveri, no. >> Chrissy Rylander, no. >> Joseph Santoro, yes. >> Carolak, no. >> Kurt Warner, yes. >> Okay. Fail 72. >> Does anybody else want to offer a motion? Go ahead, Frank. My motion. >> Yep. on the budget. >> This is a budget item. This is about everything they asked for and talked about today. >> All the different programs they talked about. >> Frank, you are not presenting that motion. >> Okay, that's what I'm asking. Thank you. >> You can present a

119number for us to vote on, >> but that's not happen. >> Okay. All right. Carol or Shane, >> you've made your position clear. >> Input >> multiple times. >> I said there was a presentation that was made when we first started this budget process, right? Was there not a four position? >> Four scenarios. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Four positions. Um, not that that particular scenario was the choice, but that an outside the box thinking towards a plan. And I've yet to hear anything that really solidifies. It's just talk. It's just conjecture. It's not anything solid. So, that's where my no vote comes from. It's not not moving it forward. It's that I've heard status quo many times. Um, so just >> does anyone want to make a motion with a number attached to it?

120>> Okay, guys. I'm going to make another motion. We're closer. All right. For some of you, because we [clears throat] do need to bring forward a budget and um in terms of bigger thinking that's not for tonight, um what you see there is projected and that is I make a motion to cut the budget at 483, 379. Joe, that's less than how much off of you? >> Uh >> 550 56. >> That's Yeah, right. >> So it's about 73,000. >> I'll get you what you're trying to >> Sure. Sure. We keep those field trips. We keep that gift and talented. We do not keep BCBA that gets cut. >> I can deal with that. So, a budget of 26 million [clears throat] 183. Pretty close to what you said. Basically saves one teaching position. >>

121Okay. So, we have a motion >> on the table to reduce the budget by $483,379. for a total budget of 26 million67,83. Do I have a second? I will second that. >> Thank you, Kurt. >> Jonathan Mohart, no. >> Eleanor Bishop, no. >> Nor McCarthy, yes. >> Shane Sella, no. Frank, no. >> Chrissy Rylander, no. >> Joseph Santoro, yes. >> Carol, no. >> Kurt Warner, yes. Closer. >> I really don't see where we're at, guys. I I don't >> Yeah, I'm not Joe. >> You and I are closer here, right? >> I mean, at this at this point, you just got to >> pick a number and then they'll tear it apart. I mean, >> but these are children's educations. It's not pick a number. It's not pull a number out of a hat. It's

122children's lives. >> It's not pick a number. We We don't do that. >> I'm balancing fiscal responsibility and keeping services, you know, keeping our contractual agreements and also, you know, not trying to, you know, decimate our school system. We're at we're at an impass. We can't afford it. And I feel like this is a >> fair job to worry about what can be afforded. We've made that clear that our job as a board of education is to advocate for children. >> And as I said last week, you can't take care of your children without taking care of your parents. >> This is not helping us any bit. >> Well, and just the also too just in that 550,000 that you proposed like that's more than the insurance increases. So that's not taking care of our

123contractual obligations. A cut that size that's putting us below the contractual obligations. Staying within our contractual obligations and reducing it would be the 377509 >> and then we're still paying all of the contractual obligations. So anything below that is actually going into the contractual obligations. That number I mean, you guys got my number. That's where I'm at, unfortunately. >> So, there's multiple steps beyond tonight by persons that take our budget and do whatever they do. Okay. We have a legal obligation to pass a budget into the hands of the board of selectmen. At some point, persons are going to have to start saying yes. Persons that are saying no, what's your offer here? What do Where are you, >> Jonathan? I have not got one yes out of you. >> You have not? And I

124have a question. Uh Julie, by any chance, do you have some of those old options on the chart uh from a few nights ago? Can we look over some of those old options that were rejected? Revisit them? Well, you've got on the board a half million, which is and then a million is below that. Matthew, if I could ask you to just scroll. That's what a million looks like. Um, the big difference that you'll see between this and the first round is that Kurt asked me to fine-tune it such that it looked closer to what would actually happen. you know, when you start to get to a number near [clears throat] 750 to a million there really isn't an answer. Um, thus the sort of outlandish suggestions of like stop doing specials because there just

125isn't a way to get to that number reasonably, the half million dollar number that you were looking at at the top of the page, I don't like it, but I know how to get there. [clears throat] You give me a million, I don't know how to get there. Um there I wish I could offer you the silver bullet. I know that people are looking for a big number. We have shaved and shaved and shaved out of the budget. We can't get rid of library aids because we don't have library aids. We can't get rid of magnet school transportation because we don't have that. Like we just don't have anything that we're not required to do. Um, so the other paper that we did before, there's nothing different there. I mean, it's >> in different buckets

126and adds up differently, but it's all the same pieces. All of it is human beings, you know, the amount of the budget that isn't human beings is negligible. >> No, I know, but that's But sorry. >> Okay. >> So, just to speak it out loud. [clears throat] So, not to revisit old because I'm not trying to bring it back to this, but there was four options presented. So, whether they were viable or not, I had stated at that time that that was the only number and it was not a pulling away. It was a creation, right? It would be a creation of something that would offset funds even if it is not this fiscal year. And that's my right. We are voting on a budget now, but we're not talking about what's going to come

127down the line next year. And we do this time and time again. So that's where I'm really stuck. That's why we I will continue to say no. It's not to take away funds from our children. It's not too. It's because we come back to the same thing and we get pitted against each other and it's this and it's that and we do not have a viable solution for the future to reduce some of these costs and look inward. When you are a at you could say at risk district we have to think of ways to create things. It's like a household. We can think of single mothers. I know many families that don't do what other families do because they don't have the means to do so. So they say, "Okay, we have to get

128more creative." When we are in a financial position to do so, we can start to put out more funds. We can start to have more of these things. We have to build a program that brings in funds or at least shows us the future plan to do so. I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, but that's why I'm voting now. And there is not a number that's been presented or a plan that's been presented that feels like it brings us forward to just push forward the status quo. We've done that time and time again. I'm 40 years old this year. I've been in this town since I was a little kid. I went through the public schools. I know how it goes. I am not trying to be one of the old kagons that

129says, "Let's not push this forward because I would like to see some active change." Um, and and I understand that in some people's mind, spending more money is an effect towards an active change. to me from a business mindset and a thinking mindset we have to think about how to reduce costs from [clears throat] a bring in how can we facilitate ourselves how can we do stuff in another way I know that does not solve today's budget but it does save or hedge our future it's all I'm saying and I have yet to see that plan um and that's what concerns me I've heard plans from other schools other districts that have that and that's what concerns me that's why I keep voting no it's not because I don't it's not because there's a number.

130So again, that can be but that's that's where I'm at. So I don't mean to be stuck in the mud on that, but I'm not here to create the budget. I'm just here to vote on it. And again, there's not a viable option that I think actually moves us forward because we just keep kicking the ball down the road and we have to pay the bills. So it's like there has to be a viable solution as a business owner. That's what you have to do, right? Um you have to do those things. you have to make necessary pivots to do so. And I just I don't see an option that's provided us that solution. >> And I I'll say the only position in this budget or the only ass in this budget that could provide

131or go towards that budget, the BCBA, which is for me the non-negotiable. I would I would support that >> to build a program to create >> you have to speak up so everybody can hear >> right >> that whole pile is around >> I I understand the the BCBA though to reduce his workload I know we need more special education I know that I know the impact it has on the overall school climate I know that um but We have a BCBA currently that has 30 kid case load and I don't think that's going to go down. Um, so getting another one to help them out I think is important. I don't want to talk about positions. I don't want to like what we can cut and what we should keep. I don't want to

132keep talking about that because there's teachers in this district that are watching this. >> So, Kurt, you and I, you you are you um you looked at 515. I looked at 483. Okay. Um my 48 I know you don't want to look at positions. Mine was a little bit more robust. That's all I'll say. Um so, um I'm going to make a motion so we can move this. And I would implore my colleagues to let's move this forward. The sausage has to be into several different hands before. So, who knows? You might find that we're going to have to make further cuts. Uh we might find that the state steps in. So we got to move this, right? It's 8:30. So I'm going to make a motion to cut the budget by $500,000. That's halfway

133between Kurt and I is I think math and I were like, you know, >> um I think that Joe that gets closer to what you're looking at. I think my colleagues to my right and my left are going to have to make some decisions here. I'm sorry. It's just uh it's not the whole boat the and we understand that. I understand Shane's need to look towards goals and long-term planning. Um tonight, however, as you recognize, it's not now, it's after now. And um there's a lot of steps yet ahead of us, so let's go. That's my motion. >> I hear you, Nora. But again, just coming from this particular spot, we do this every year. You've been on this board for 11 years. How how many times have we done this? I've bet on it

134for three. >> It's not to be adversarial. It's just to say like >> we've never built a program that that facilitated back or I so this is what I had heard tonight. Correct me if I'm wrong, please, because you were here for it. Just eight years ago, we built we were in the talks before CO to build a special ed program. Was that true? Was that untrue? uh >> in the Bank of America building was there >> that didn't work out because the town >> didn't >> and the monies to refurbish that building to be up to speed was not costly. >> Okay. But there was discussion on building a type of >> there was there was but listen I have a a motion right >> so I don't want to derail this it's 8:30

135at night I'm what was my >> 500,000 I'm looking budget and approve a budget of 26 thou 26 million50,562 >> Carol did you hear that? >> Yes I did. All right. So the total the motion would be to reduce the budget by 500,000 to 26 million50,562. Do we have a second? >> I'll second it. >> We have a second. All right. Um we go. >> Let's call a vote. Jonathan >> more. No. >> Um Elanor Bishop, yes. >> Nora McCarthy, yes. >> Shane Centrella, abstain. >> Frank Oliver, no. >> Chrissy Rylander, no. >> Joseph Santoro, yes. >> Carolak, no. and Kurt Warner. Yes. >> Nope. >> So, we had four, four, and one. >> Four, four, and one. Carol, Carol, can you speak to what your thoughts are? >> Excuse me. >> Do you do

136you want to speak to what your thoughts are about the budget or you >> I just I just have a lot of like I think I No, because I I have a lot of comments and questions that I feel have never been answered and when I ask a question or put forth something, I get shot down. Um, I don't get a a a valid explanation. Um, I'll just give you an example like on the insurance. I still feel that it's not our job to figure that out. And um so I read numbers today with my office and we pay $9,000 a person for insurance and we pay $27,000 a person for insurance. Again, these are things that I think need to be explored. You're taking money away from the kids, which I I don't agree

137with, but I feel like all the other options on these contractual services um have to be explored. And I just feel it was a peel and play from the last superintendent and there was no reductions made and there was no negotiations with other outside vendors to bring down these costs. The cost of transportation for special ed is ridiculous. Um I mean it's three times what we paid just to bust the rest of the kids. >> Carol, hold on. >> You asked my opinion. >> No, no, no. I just want I want clarification on something you said first and you can continue. >> Okay. your your business self-insures, correct? >> Up to a certain point. >> Yeah. Okay. That's I just wanted clarification. So, you can keep going. >> Yeah. >> Sorry. >> Yeah. And and

138I just feel like there's I I just feel like there's so many things in this budget. I I I think I've memorized it by now that it's up to negotiation and that's not our job to do. It's up to the superintendent to do that or whoever does it. Um, and I feel like the kids are being penalized because of all these ridiculous costs that we're paying. And I just feel like that that was never addressed. I mean, we got taught about how the school runs and who does what and blah blah blah. But like, we've only literally talked about the budget, the numbers for two weeks. And I just feel like I can't like if my boss gave me a job and said, "Here's your budget." that you work within your budget and and you

139get it the job done. I mean, that's just my feeling. So, I think and I I understand all this. I I'm a very intelligent woman. I understand all of the stuff. I just feel like I there's just so much stuff that can be reduced here that doesn't affect the kids. And that's why I feel like somebody's got to go back to the drawing board and figure this out. I mean, we can't keep on doing this. You It's like the the definition of insanity. you just keep on doing the same same thing over and over again and getting expecting a different result. We got to look outside the box and and figure this out. And I again I don't want to penalize the kids. I think that the gift and talent is the most important out

140of all of this because like everybody else has special needs and special ed get all the attention and get all the extra stuff. and these kids that are just doing what they're supposed to be doing and are actually intelligent, smart kids and not saying the other kids don't deserve that help, but they they get left in in the dust. They don't get anything. And I think it's like it's kind of backwards and that's my opinion and I just don't I just feel like there's things in this budget that can be cut >> and not touching the kids. That's my thoughts. >> Thank you. So, one one thing I I would say to that is whatever number we vote on tonight, it's Julie's and NY's job to figure out the numbers on how to get there,

141which would minimally affect the kids. So, this talk of contracts and and all that, they're going to have to work on that. So, and and they have um but they can still go back to the table on that. >> But tonight is giving them a framework to work within. That's what we're here for. We're giving them a framework to work within it. >> But thank you for your >> Sorry. Sorry. Um, I make a motion for a 10-minute recess. >> I second. All in favor? >> I Carol >> I >> Okay, that is a unanimous one. What do you know? >> Uh, microphone's off, please. >> Did it get second? Joe, you're trying. There's so many variables behind this And they're going to tell us number building. Pardon [sighs] me. microphones. >> Make a motion

142to return from recess at 8:55 p.m. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> All right. Another unanimous. All right. We're on a roll. >> Carol back. >> Carol, you there? >> Nope. >> [snorts] >> What the heck? >> Okay, hold on. Pause. >> I got a text from Carol. What did she say? >> She call somebody else. You can record this. She's left the meeting. >> Okay. >> You got a magic phone over there? >> Who knows? >> So, she's not there. >> She's not there. >> Okay. So, um we'll just record for the minutes that Carol's left meeting at 8:56. >> I She's back. >> Oh, I tried. >> Okay. All right. Um, I make a motion to cut the proposed budget by $500,000. making the proposed budget. >> What's the mass? Uh

14326 million >> 26 million50,00 >> 50,000 >> 562 >> Okay. >> We have a motion on the table to reduce the budget by 500,000 for a total amount of 26 million 50,562. Do we have a second? >> Oh, second. >> Okay, we have a second. All right. Um, >> Joseph Santoro, yes. >> Chrissy Rylander, yes. >> Frank Oliver, no. >> Shane Cella, abstain. >> Norah McCarthy, yes. >> Ellie Bishop, yes. >> Mort, no. >> Warner, yes. Uh, and with Carol not here at the moment, um, we have a five for yes, two for no, and one abstain. So, motion passes. >> We have a budget. >> Okay. On to uh item five. Public comment. The Winchester Board of Educations welcomes you to his business meeting. This is a second opportunity set aside to hear comments

144from the public. We welcome and encourage public participation as a valued part of communicating input with the Winchester Board of Education. We appreciate your your adherence to following. Complete the requested information on the sign-in sheet. If you wish to speak, state your name and address when called upon to speak. You will be allowed three minutes to share your comments. Please be advised that it's not the practice of the board of education to engage in dialogue regarding commentary. The superintendent of schools will be directed by the chairperson to prepare an appropriate response in a timely manner. We appreciate your time and thoughtful commentary. Does anyone wish to speak? Does anyone wish to speak? If you want to turn your microphone on. >> Uh there you go. Thank you. Tim Straan, 258 Colberg Road. Just want to

145go up and say thank you again everyone and glad you all finally came to a decision and came to it. I would like to say though I'm disappointed in Frank and Jonathan. You both directly asked what your numbers were and failed to give us a number. You guys, I'm highly disappointed in the two of you. Even Joe, even though you want to cut more than I'd like, you at least gave a stance. These two need to make decisions. make decisions or leave the board. That's all. Have a good night. >> Good night. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Does anyone else wish to speak? Seeing none, we'll move on. Uh item six. Anyone like to make a motion to adjurnn? >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? Have a good night

146everyone. >> Thank you everyone. >> I would like I would like to have discussion.