001You're alive. >> Thank you. Okay, we're going to go ahead and start the meeting. If we could all rise for the Please. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> I'm going to open it up to public comment. I don't think we have any. Okay. I don't see. Um, okay. I'm going to go with I need a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes May 19th, 2026. >> So move. >> Second. >> Eric, I think did it. Any discussion? >> I'm just I'm going to abstain because I wasn't here. >> Tammy's abstaining. All those in favor? That's everybody. Thank you. Besides Tammy, >> Superintendent, do you have a report today?
002I have a brief report. So, we had a wonderful graduation at New Milford High School uh this past Saturday. Uh we had lovely weather um some very uh inspiring speeches and so it was nice to see the culmination of student school careers um on a very nice Saturday. Uh this so tomorrow will be Scatterok's uh promotion ceremony which we are hoping to have outside for the first time in a very long time on campus at Scatakoke and so that'll also be a very nice event. Uh last day for students is this Friday. Uh and last day for um teachers is on Monday the 22nd. So that's uh we're making our we're making our way to the end of the school year. So thank you to everyone for uh all your work before this year and
003for the support of the board and of course our community as well. >> Thank you. Thank you. I really don't have um Oh, so board's chair I don't really have anything. I just want to thank everybody for the great year we had and have a nice summer. That's all I have to say. We're going to move on to subcommitteees policy. I'm the I chaired that for uh Tammy and I don't have a report. Committee on learning, we heard about 15 new courses that we were approing tonight and saw examples of the I Ready testing >> and facilities. So, we have two items on tonight's agenda under action items. Um, I'm happy to report that thanks to um the effort by Superintendent Coranado and Mr. Cunningham, um we have received a a grant from a new
004state program called the district repair and improvement project in the amount of $173,000 for facilities usage. And um I'll explain the um the plans for using that and I'll ask for a vote of approval during up and then during the information um I'll say a few things about the summer projects. >> Okay. >> And operations. >> Okay. So we had the monthly reports but as you you all know when we get into June they are really different because we're winding down the end of the fiscal year and and um there's a lot of work that goes into that. So, uh, when that discussion comes up tonight on the monthly reports and the end of the year fiscal wrapup, I'm sure, uh, Anthony will have a lot of input on that and we'll have some some
005questions. So, I I won't go into detail. We have a tutor rate, I believe, is on for this evening. Um, and in the motion, I'd like the motion to state the dollar amount. So, if you could just verify that the motion doesn't have it, I think that'd be clear, but whatever the board wants to do. Um and then we have a couple of um um RFPs on the enrollment study that we're looking at. >> Okay. Thank you. So for discussion, we're going to have the monthly reports. Budget position purchase resolution request for budget transfers. I need a motion to approve the budget position dated May 31st, 2026. Purchase resolution D-807 and request for budget transfers. >> So moved. >> May 31st. Second say I thought you said 21st but I'm looking down. >> I could
006have. >> So May 31st. >> Okay. So Wendy, any discussion? >> Can we because I I think you know just we this ties into a lot of what we're going to be doing uh financially for the end of the year. So perhaps if you don't mind, I don't mean to put you on the spot, but you know, you're the our fiscal leader if perhaps you like. So >> these reports capture all expenses through May 31st. Important to note here that when the board approved these three monthly reports, we're approving one item on the transfer. There's an item of information. It is linked to the purchase resolution that item on there is to CES that is half of the costly enrollment study. There is a memo on this later on, but I wanted to bring it
007up now. >> We're approving it. you're approve you would be if you're approving the three monthly reports you are approving the purchase order by CES for half of the enrollments note that that's very important to pull out because we'll discuss it later on but um kind of the part afterwards as far as the in-depth information there um the excess cost >> and next one >> will be has been received and is in process as we speak it's not this report because this report only captures what comes from May 31st. Um I'm open to any individual questions on line items or things on the purchase. >> Can I follow up on that? So if we if you we just received correct >> yes >> and we is it where we're supposed to be? Is it less?
008Is it more? How are we doing? And when we see that captured, if we don't have the July meeting, will that show up in the August operations report? Yes, it gets captured at the July meeting which captures everything through June 30th. If there is not a July subcomm um that'll be reported upon in August. The amount received for excess cost for you. Um it is in line with my last memo I believe in April of 2026. So there is a shortfall in the reimbursement amount. Um but the bottom line we are okay because we have less expenditures at a district placement >> and those two work together. >> We can't get dollars back reimbured on dollars you did not. >> I'll save mine for fiscal year. >> Anybody else? >> Okay. All those in favor?
009I made the motion. >> I made the motion. >> Did you have a question? >> I made the I made the motion before >> discussion. Dean >> Leslie >> Wendy and Dean >> is this just on this paperwork here and not specific items. Just a position because there's a topic I got to bring up. >> Parking space. >> We already getting to it. >> I mean you'll have an opportunity under your back. >> We've got your back. So, um, the motion's already been stated, but the the at the end of our during our budget cycles, we had an absolute discussion that there would be a conversation moving forward to that. We intend and it was my intent and the board chair's intent, the superintendent, and we spoke to Mr. Gvone of how we could capture
010that conversation in fiscal year wrap-up. So, you will have that opportunity. completely. >> We're we we're we're way ahead of you. >> Way ahead of you. >> Light years. >> Painfully way ahead of you. >> It was We got there. We're getting there. >> Okay. >> Can't wait. >> Okay. So, next up is going to be policy. >> Motion was voted on and it was adopted by everybody. >> Everybody. >> I just want to be clear. Thank you. >> Yes. Okay. Okay, for policies for first read, it's going to be 5142 administration of student medications in the school and 6156 policies regarding library collection development and maintenance, library displays and programs and library material review and reconsideration. And C is going to be policies for second read. Oh, did anybody have anything that they want
011to talk about on the first read? >> Is that the library thing? Yeah. >> Yeah. I had a quick question. >> Oh, so that is for first read on the library. Okay. >> Um on see where it is because I have it from the uh subcommittee. >> Do you have the number? It's here. If you do the number is it 6156. >> It's for the library. It is. Yes, it's 6156. Correct. >> Gotcha. >> I actually had a question on that too. It just has a a um it talks about if there are cases that are submitted by a student or whomever submits, you know, a complaint to be in question on what's being put in the library. There's a a committee that's put together and there's a a decision that's reached, but it never
012really specifically states how the decision is reached. Is it majority? Is a consensus? Can one person make it? >> Uh I do realize there there will be a board representative on that and that I guess is selected. I'm curious how that process is done and who selects that board member. Does the chair select that board member? So, if you can just kind of flesh that out a little bit or will it be flushed out at a later time? Just >> gonna take notes on that. >> Yes, I heard what you said that >> and and this is you can can you send an email to me on that? >> I actually it's funny because you know and he said I have a question. I said that's interesting. I had the same thing and I apologize
013because with all the everything going on for tonight, the preparation, I'll also follow up with an email. I actually think the policy is is pretty it's pretty good. Okay. I I could support it because there's board representation. After all, statutoily the board is responsible to some degree of some of this. So, there should be board representation. I would imagine, Dean, I can't say this, but a board representative would go back to our bylaws. how that person is selected either by volunteer or the board chair or however choosy we've never had an issue you know but I I understand um I just hope that a my question was was this policy taken um off of uh I would imagine other districts have a similar policy or in the project a process of doing this so this
014is a standard policy language meaning you know from shipment and goodwin kind of thing >> yes so this is the model policy based upon uh 25168 the public. >> Yes. >> And I guess the the other question is if it is appealed um the ultimate decision is the superintendent with the designate of the superintendent. That's how I read the policy. >> Correct. >> So you two will send an email to Tammy? >> I will. I mean lot to answer my question but but I'll follow up with it. I I think the policy is it's manageable. I do. >> Yeah. >> And I agree. I I I again I I just want a clarification just because you know ultimately there's a decision being made and I'm just curious how that decision is reached. >> You got
015it. All right. We'll move on to revised policies for second read and approval. It's I'm just going to make the motion because I'm not >> I have a question on one of them, but I'll put the motion. >> Yep. I'll make the motion then we can dive in. I need a motion to approve the following policies. 3160 budget procedures and line item transfer. 5125 confidentiality and access to education records. 6147 parental access to instructional material. Can I get a motion? >> There's a four. >> There's four page. >> Oh, six. Sorry. 6142.1 curriculum exemptions. >> Can I get a motion? So moved. >> So Eric and Tom discussion >> question >> and go ahead >> and and and I had asked this at the last board meeting and so I went back and I double
016checked this and I I I'm sure it's on me. I'm missing it. So >> which one are we talking about? >> We're talking about 3160. So if you take the 3160, my question was and I looked at the policy minutes. Have we already is this account already in place? And I was told that it was. But when I pull the policy off the board website, the policy does not have this language. So therefore, the policy it's not in place. This is the policy off of our website. It's not It does not have this language on here, which I think maybe I misunderstood that what we're doing with this policy is clarifying the 2% non-limit. Correct? If we look at the top of the language. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Which is fine. I mean, I'm
017in favor of it and I'm going to support it. But but my question is we haven't really adopted that account yet because our current policy dated March 18th, 2025, which is on our website, does not have that on here. It does not have that language. So, we couldn't have adopted it yet. We're doing that tonight. >> So, >> you're saying this is new, not revised. >> No, no, it's you. You did everything right. In other words, it's gone through policy twice. This is the second. So, it's it's on here. But this policy with this language at the top in red is going to be added to the policy that was sent in the board packet. It now reads that paragraph. You take a look what was sent in the board packet. It has this language.
018And when you take a look at our existing policy on our website, it does not. Therefore, tonight when we adopt it and the minutes show in policy, we're basically adopting this policy and the use of this policy with the non-lapsing, but it's not we haven't adopted it yet. We're doing it now. So, I have to check to make sure. So I believe the March 18th, 2025 when it was first approved did have the unexpended funds provision in it which is at the bottom of the second page of the policy. >> Okay. >> My understanding of the revision of the policy is that the top of the final page is each fiscal year the board shall compile. That's the change because the legislation changed. >> I hear you. But when I pull the policy off the
019website, >> it doesn't have it >> unexpended funds part >> zero. And here's a copy. I printed it for the board. >> All right. So maybe >> so that's where my confusion was. If I go and I pull it off the website and it shows the nonchange policy, how can we have it already adopted? But I don't think it should hold up. The fact is it's gone through policy. the the policy is I I support this policy. I had a question on how the 30 days works, but I I couldn't understand >> the difference between the two. >> I couldn't understand if it was already in place and we're only defining, you know, the 2% and the language is already there. Why isn't the language there on the policy that's posted on the website? It
020doesn't match. So, that's all that I'm saying. And I'm not trying to be a nudge about it, but I I don't want to know what I'm voting on. >> So, um on this front. >> So, >> yeah, >> but because this was done in March, you'd have to go back to the March minutes and I mean, >> is it just not reflective on the on the policy? >> It may not just be updated on the policy. >> Updated. I think a lot of things need to be updated on the Are you looking for that, please? >> Yes, I am. >> So, in all fairness, Dr. Parlo, when I asked you that at the board meeting, it was because I couldn't find it and then I didn't have it. I was like, "Oh, we've already done
021this." You go, "Yeah, yeah, no, we've already done it." I'm like, really did I miss that? So, I don't care either way. I mean, I support it. I think it's fine. But I want to the one of the reasons us looking at the agenda order is because if indeed that policy didn't match and the procedure was not here, we couldn't vote on fiscal year year end after. Do you know what I mean? The order would have to be reversed. >> Oh, yes. >> Because our policy would not be compliant with with the fiscal year. Does that make sense to everybody? It does. >> Did you be honest with me? >> My question is did was the unexpended funds provision in the 2025 policy as adopted by the board in March of 2025. >> That was
022my question. And when I pulled it off the website, it was not. >> And does that say March 20? >> It does. >> It says March 18, 2025, page two of two. The board shall not expend more than the appropriation. That's where the paragraph ends. And when you take a look at the policy that was sent to the board under the board shall not expend. Now you come into unexpended funds. It has the subsequent uh provision in which is at the actual pop the the adoption. >> Were you in the minutes at all? Did you want to look at >> I I didn't get We've been We've been Yeah. >> You look through them, but maybe it was in the minutes and just didn't make it on the actual. >> So here's the two. It's
023not a big deal, but I just want you to see it. >> Oh, I believe. Yeah. No, I know you I mean here's the one off the website and here is the one presented to the board with the added see >> on the website it's not there but on this one it is >> the one that we got >> the one that we're voting on tonight has it do you see my confusion no >> this is this >> that's exactly it >> and this is this yeah >> that's all that's just my question so we're voted on actually if we've already voted on it before it's in place. >> So I guess and and then >> so even even notwithstanding that >> that's correct. >> We can you're still voting on it now. >> I
024we are voting on it because it'll reflect the full changes and I wanted the minutes to show in case in March of 2025 or whatever that tonight when we vote on this policy it's in its entirety and it'll be updated. >> Correct. >> That's all. Yes. >> And I just wanted to make sure it was there. But I did have a question on the 30-day. How does that work? Walk me through that time frame. In addition, within 30 days after adopting the board's budget, how does that work, Dr. Carlado? Each local board must notify. How does that fit into our process of this account? >> Well, we haven't done it yet. So, >> well, that's that's why I'm asking the question. And so for the board and for everyone here when you do something a
025new initiative which I actually am in favor of and I think it's great that we're exploring this to some degree because it's new we want to make sure that you know we know what we're doing and I don't mean that disrespectfully. I mean we want it we want to know what's required of us >> the impact >> and when I saw the 30 days after looking at this said okay well we've already adopted our budget >> right >> so how are we opening a non-lapsing account if we've already adopted our budget and does this language mean in addition within 30 days after adopting the board's budget does that mean the board adopting the budget the town adopting the budget the the actual town and taxpayer adopting the budget. >> Who's the people that's being differentiated
026between adopting the board, but I perceive that? >> I guess my question is the time frame I just noticed concerns me. How do we do it? >> So, you're referencing the 30 days after adopting the budget. Each local board of education must notify the exclusive bargaining representative for certified employees. You're >> talking about Yes. And and it also says the establishment of the account. Yep. >> The board's intended use of any funds. We don't have that attended use yet. We're opening a non-lapsing account. The funds aren't itemized. So, how could we get the intentional use? >> It's an or not and so it doesn't we don't have to do it. >> Yeah. We can say we're establishing account. Eventually, we may develop regulations. >> Excellent counselor. Great. But the 30 days is after our adopted
027budget. Have we missed that timeline? >> When was the the budget adopted? >> We don't know what but we don't know what adoption they're talking about. >> And even then, even if we don't use January, >> we can't we can't adop we can't go to last year's budget. >> I understand that. But we're our goal is to set up a non-lapsing account, right? And when we want to do that. So, the way I read this, it's got to be for this coming year, correct? Not this past fiscal year. >> I I I the way I interpret it is when our new budget goes into place, which would be July 1st. I don't know. That's the way I interpret it. >> That's me. I mean, I we're probably going to have nine different um >> but
028that's not what this says. We know our budget goes into into play July 1, >> right? We want to open a non-lapsing account as per the law provides us to do so and I think that we are exploring that. This language gives us that opportunity. I'm asking that because it specifies a 30-day timeline how >> I would executing the statute the law >> it's in the Well, the way yeah the way I would see that playing out is that we can 30 days after let's say board adopted right after adopting the board's budget 30 days after the board adopted we say we tell the exclusive bargaining representative the certified employees the CEA right that we are if we have the funds we are going to establish a non-lapsing account we don't know the amount yet
029because we don't know we would never know the amount >> we don't but if we have a motion perhaps looking at tonight for end of the year of contributing to a non-lapsing account. Can we do that based on this language? >> Yeah, because all you're telling them is that the account is being established. >> You're not telling them how you're using it, how much is in there. It's the establishment. >> You're not putting funds into it. You're just >> I understand that. But how does the 30 days How are you using the 30-day deadline? >> Not July 1 to August one. >> Well, if that's 30 I don't know. >> It says within 30 days of adopting your budget. It's part of the law. So, we've adopted our budget >> when >> that's the question.
030Is it is it is it when the board doesn't mean it's passed it down? >> That's the question. We adopted our budget January. >> That's irrelevant. I mean, >> and it's and it's voted on in >> That's the qu You hit the nail right on the head, Joe. >> Take 90. >> That's the law. The law days could be 120 days. >> Am I That's what the law says. >> We go to referendum. It could take long. So, >> so, so you tell >> So, so take the safe bet. >> Our budget goes into effect July one. >> Yes. >> August one. Is that are there 30 days in July? >> Yes. >> 30 or 30? >> 31 days in July. >> Okay. >> So, >> July 30th 30th, >> sir. And then you can't
031from the prior budget you're notifying the proper people that you may establish this >> and then >> I am in favor of this account. I'm just telling you when it says after adopted the board's budget in state statute what is the interpretation of that? That's all I'm asking. Even even if even if it was when we as a board >> when the town voted on it or when we start our next fiscal year go with the safest bet of July one. >> Well, that's not necessarily the safest bet though because you if it is when the when the board adopts it, then you're in breach because it's been 90 days. >> What was that? >> Well, I'm saying why don't we do the safest thing in >> I don't think that the 30 days when
032the 30 days is should hamper the passage or not of this. >> I agree. I just Yes. My point is I want to be able to do it and I want to make sure that this doesn't hold us up. That's the bottom line. How we do it, how you figure it out, as long as we're covered, as long as we're transparent about it, I could care less. >> We can easily we can easily find out what that 30 days is when starting >> because actually the end of the fiscal year, one of these is going to be set up aside into this. And the last thing I would like to see is when we are being challenged is the wrong word encouraged by the town in New Milford to think outside the box for other
033buckets of money to to make sure that we have more creative buckets of cash flow. This is by law allows us to do it and I'll be darned if I'm going to come back to a technical difficulty. I just want the board to do it and have it done properly. clean. >> That's it. >> I agree. >> So, I'll be supporting the policy, but let's just find out that basically, you know, let's make sure how we execute it. >> That's it. >> That arise. >> All right. Anybody else? >> Sorry, I policy was a little >> All those in fa What? Tell >> There's more. There's more. >> All those in favor? >> Wait a minute. Hold on. There's there's there was there was three policies that were like six something and >> uh there's
034confidential. >> That's all right. No, so we're sorry. >> Like 5125 was in that bunch as well. Correct. >> This is second read. >> Yes. >> All right. So it it I know I had a quick question on 5125 up to the top where it's in red. >> It's talking about you know >> whether or not the state records could be made available to kids 18 years old. So am I reading this properly that it says that it's permitted but it's not mandatory meaning that a child who who reaches the age of 18 parents can get the records the school records but it's not mandatory. So does that mean that the school can say no? >> Correct. >> And is it just academic records or is it their whole everything they have on a of
035a student? >> The record that's following them for their life. >> Yeah, that one. Right. the one we never ever hear about again with grades and everything else, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. Educational records are broadly defined. So, it's a student schedule, right? It's any reports about them, it's their grades, it's their transcript, it's the health records, it's Yes. >> Why wouldn't if if they if they are being claimed as a dependent by the parent, then why wouldn't they is is it is this a state statute? >> Well, I think the rub is the age of majority is 18, right? And so that provides a person with certain rates, but when you go to college, they're still a >> they're still a dependent. >> Yeah. >> Nothing. >> So it's it's 18 is that kind of
036>> when they're still in school, you're still they're divorced, you're still paying child support. So you know, uh so that to me is a I'm just curious, is that statutory or is that policy? >> Well, Furpa is a federal policy. So FURPA allows but doesn't require So that's the federal. >> So the school can say no. It leaves the door open for the school to say no. >> That's correct. >> And who makes that ultimate decision? >> The kid. >> The student may say my mother's not >> have a good relationship with your child when they want. >> You don't know if you're going to graduation or you're not going to graduation. Yeah, it's just I'm just amazed at how lax we are with the child's rights here and there, but then they're not accountable
037for anything with anything anyway. So, it's just I just I find the the hypocrisy to be comical and why. So, anyway, thank you for clarifying that. Um, and then there was one more I think >> on the curricular exemptions just and something I think that the chair had had mentioned once before. So, I'm hoping we're on the same page on this one, Leslie. But it seems to me that it's an opt it's an opt out policy on the curricular exemptions. Um, why aren't they opt in? >> Right. I am all for opting in instead of having people to opt out. And I'll just use the example of when my kids were here, there was a health teacher who was showing slaughterhouse videos. And I don't I I'm hoping it's still not being shown, but I
038had to find out through the grapevine and that I had to opt them out of it. And I think that you should have to opt into something like that. That's my own personal opinion. Well, I mean, and I know we're I'm going to hear that, well, there's a lot of parents that aren't involved in their kids' lives, and their kids would be missing out on everything, but again, that's not the school's uh in the school's purview to be raising these people's kids. That's just my >> But then you would to opt in, you would need every single piece of curriculum that you deliver. So, everybody's going to have to read every single piece of curriculum to make sure that every single book that's being read at the English has to be >> No, it's not
039every single book. It's speifically identified here these four there are five but we don't offer firearms which I think we should but there's four specific exception areas and I think they should be opt in for those specific things and they're really not that hard it's not these crazy it's dissection family life education HIV AIDS sexual abuse assault awareness and prevention programs >> yes >> you know there four courses >> uh yeah they're parts of classes yes >> parts of classes >> parts of one particular class or parts of Sometimes in health you sometimes biology you learn about sometimes in health. >> Exactly. So it's so it's more than just like sex education that's being taught in health in this grade and then it's being taught again and some people might be like no I don't
040really think it's appropriate at that age but at this age they can. I do believe that there needs to be a broader understanding among families that this is happening and if you if you be be be prepared. I mean I I do that home school is always yes okay you can do that >> the argument could be made on the other side I think it's what's happening is the school systems are overstepping their boundaries quite a bit more often than they used to into domains that they don't frankly belong and you're requiring students parents to pay more attention it should just be no the school shouldn't be in that domain and then I wouldn't have to worry about it so if you're going to venture into these domains I think it's only right to say
041you might want to opt your children we're offering these courses or we're offering these things if you want your child to participate in it. You don't make them take a language they don't want to take. >> I think the letter home at the beginning of the courses that contains this curriculum uh to the parents and then because if you're asking every parent to opt in >> it's not going to happen. >> See, it may not. But you know what? It's like an old BMG thing. They send you the CD and you keep getting it every month and the only way to stop it is you have to opt out. That's not legal anymore. you to opt in. And I'm thinking it's the same thing here. People aren't paying attention. They're taking advant I think it's
042kind of like taking advantage to a degree of non-organized myself. I put myself in that category. It's non-organized. So, you know, I I just think it's an area where we should consider it's being an opt-in. That's all. >> I think also a point of consideration, of course, is that as a board of education, right, that's why, you know, it's a segue right into all the curriculum we're about to review, right? And so that's that's sort of the gatekeeping mechanism so to speak from a governance standpoint is that the board of education gets to take a look at the curriculum and decide hey what is this anyway right and so that's that's also the check and balance >> just from a governance standpoint. >> So so that's a good point and and let me let me
043ask you a question. So like you were saying the dissect well dissection let's leave that one alone it's biology right but um but in the family life and education I don't know where that's going to fall under what curriculum it's going to fall under and do we opt them out of just or does the board I should say have this the say to say you need to remove that portion from the curriculum I mean are we really being that you know um hyper vigilant over the curriculum do we have that authority I don't know if we even I mean you voting to adopt curriculum that's why it's >> overall or no overall >> certainly there's so you can certainly ask questions about a certain page of it or a certain unit of it. Yeah. And
044I mean that's why there's healthy debate in boards of education about like should this be included. So that's why if if we're calling it out here in specific fashion without saying what the overall course is without and we're specifically saying these curricular exemptions can be made obviously my kid's not going to not go to biology. He's just going to be or she's going to be exempt from dissection. So if we're able to do it to that degree, why can't we at least call out that degree of the curriculum to be possibly voted on or removed? So this the only things within the statute not that I you know fall back on the law but you have to right these are the items that are the areas of mandatory possibility of exemption other things are within
045the purview of local boards of education and local schools to decide what goes in the curriculum and that's why the easy solution in my opinion would be to op have an optin for those specific items that the that the courts or whomever has determined the car exempt is >> and and so and so I guess the question begins if if there are parents and and we're not talking about parents who are negligent. We're talking about parents that are very very busy and coming home all hours of the night and trying to fix and all the >> they miss this email or this letter. Then their child will spend that period in the library or some other location because they're not going to get the instruction. >> I'd have to say that your kid's going to
046come home and either complain about it or be thrilled to death that they're not in it. Right. >> So then the parent can also say, "Oh crap, I did I missed that. I'm gonna I'm gonna opt them into it." >> That's just the way I see it. I totally agree. I'm all for opting in. I don't think that >> Well, I got Yeah, the lesson's already over. Um Yeah. I don't >> They can let be notified ahead of time. Lessons coming up. Oh, by the way, I got ABC D. You guys aren't opted in. Let your parents know. If you want to partake in this, you got to let us know. >> That's a lot of work for the teachers. >> Oh, god forbid. Yeah, there's a lot of logistical concerns that I would raise
047about that for sure. Anybody else? Okay. All those in favor? >> We all do. Do you want to take >> Do did we want to pull anything out? Do what? What do we want to do? Do we just want to vote on all of them or do we want to pull >> just a final vote to pass? >> Final vote for the second read. Do you want to take them one at a time or do you want to take them all in one? >> Well, I made the motion for all four of them. >> The motion can be withdrawn and the second if you both feel strongly or individuals feel strongly that they don't want to support a policy. They don't have to. You don't have to. >> I mean, I'm I'm fine not voting
048for it at all. >> All four of them. So, I'm fine. >> I'm not voting for it. >> Do you want to take them one at a time so you don't have to vote again? >> Because I have a feeling that everybody else is going to vote for them. So, it doesn't matter. That's that's how I'm reading the room. >> I'd like to serve different >> when do we read the room? >> What >> when do we meet again >> for what? Here the board of >> ed organization. >> We meet in >> mid August my friend. >> There's a special meeting next week. >> Next week the 21st. >> Not really. >> August like 18th. >> Yes sir. >> I mean can we pull this one and put it back on then so that
049we have time? I a good idea. I haven't had a chance to really think it through perspective. >> Okay. Is your time issue sensitive issue? >> Not at all. >> Okay. So, can you pull the the M? Whoever made the main and the second, can we pull it? Can you reread the motion? >> The main >> Tom and I just read these and omit that and we will and the minutes will reflect. We'll take it up at the August meeting. Dr. Prolato. It's not a timesensitive issue. >> No, certainly we we'll have policy. No, we won't have policy. We'll be at the full board meeting in August. >> Okay. And then will that give everybody time to do because we've had a lot. I mean, you know, an 800g is a is a September September
050whenever we Okay, >> that's a great idea, Joe. >> Okay. I need a motion to approve the following policies. 3160 budget procedure and line item transfers. Did I read 3160? Okay. 5125. Which one are we pulling? I'm so sorry. Okay. 5125 confidentiality and access to education records. 6147 Parental Access to Instructional Material. We're going to go with the same with Eric and Tom. You going to second it again? Okay. All those in favor? All those against? Okay. Thank you. We will put 6142.1 back on to policy. Got that, Miss Ellard? >> Or as Dr. Pott said, it may just go to the full board unless you can have another policy meeting. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> But is there a policy meeting in August? I'm I can't make that >> uh because there was supposed to
051be. >> There is. >> And Okay. So, I may have to attend that one virtually. >> I can do that. >> Okay. I can substitute >> it later. Yeah. No, never mind. >> Working uh moving on to curriculum. I need a motion to approve the following curricula and it's I'm not going to list them all. It's number 8 1 through 15. >> So moved. Tammy >> second. >> Dean, anybody have anything they want to talk about? Great. All those in favor. That's everybody. >> That's the last. >> Okay. I need a motion to approve the district repair and improvement projects. >> So moved. >> Eric second, please. >> So moved or seconded? >> Me. Anybody want to discuss that? >> I'd like to say. >> Okay. Go ahead, Tom. >> Um, this is something new
052that came out of the state legislature. It's um without a whole lot of fanf um thanks to quick work on the part of the administration um New Milford was awarded just under $173,000 for building repairs and improvements. Um and if you want to go all the way down to 8 page 831 our giant um agenda package today uh you can see uh the plans that Mr. Cunningham has come up with to use them. I'll quickly say um a big chunk of that is going to go to the um Scanakoke gym including uh refinishing the gym floor along the lines of what we did at the high school. I have a picture of if anybody wants to see it. Um also the elevator door at Sarah. So they're getting a head start on the repairs at
053the elevator. Um continuing to replace flooring at Sarah that that you know are in bad shape. So maybe getting more done on that. And something that came up um kind of unexpectedly, a hot water heater at Hill and Plane that needs to be replaced. Um that's uh that's leaves about $40,000 left uh in the in the fund. So um hopefully you all will vote to approve that um because uh Mr. Cunningham has all of the contractors lined up ready to go and he can get all this work done over the summer. Thanks. >> Anybody else? All those in favor for the drip drip. >> Everybody, thank you. I need a motion to approve the RFP E-2526-005 enrollment study. >> Tom's going to make the Tom and Brian. Any discussion? Why >> you raised your hand?
054>> Go ahead. >> Why are we doing an enrollment study? So, the one that we have presently was completed in 2021. Um, so those sometimes get old uh and stale in their accuracy. Um, at the same time, we're going to do facilities utilization. Uh, especially given some of the building projects that have been approved over the past, let's say, four or five years. Uh it's important to to us to take a look at enrollment and also how much space we have in each school. >> Get those numbers every single uh meeting and and have they changed significantly since the >> I don't know but we have a huge housing complex that's going to go up on district pretty soon of over 100 units. We've got the >> 2021 >> two. We've got three. We've got
055one, two, three, four on 202 that I know just in my short drive. Gro Street is putting up two units I think over on Mabella. Correct me if I'm wrong, Wendy. There's a complex going up there of of units. So, >> some of those were not considered in the 2021 study. >> Probably none of them. >> Just asked. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, the numbers Yeah. So the numbers you see each month on the on the um district enrollment report come from the 2021 study. So this will make sure that our numbers are nice and fresh given building projects throughout the town. >> How long will it take? >> They will begin some of the leg work in uh July and then on October 1st as you know the official enrollment uh is taken uh
056for the school district. That's the snapshot that is always used on October 1st. Uh so that then allows them to do the the demographic pieces and all the extrapolations. >> So it's not going to change significantly between now when most of those buildings won't be done. >> No. >> So we're looking out in the future. >> I don't know if they're looking into the plans to see >> they do do that. They probably pull plans from town hall and say, you know, you've got all these units going up. I mean it'll be >> they pull birth rate, they pull home sales, they pull building, they pull average age. So they look if you have an aging population. Yeah. >> I mean 10 years down the road, Joe, it will probably it would be really out
057of date and at least we'll only be five years. You know, >> I will not be here. >> Oh, you know, >> on this board at least. >> God, Joe, don't dig that hole in quick, my friend. >> I'm done. I'm done. I'm out. You said that five years ago. >> That's bad. >> All Anybody else? All those in favor? That's everybody. Thank you. Um the tutor rate of pay. I need a motion to approve the tutor rate of pay. >> $20, I think. Is it 20? >> I just need a motion. Who's going to move? >> Oh, you don't need it. >> Eric. >> Second. >> Ryan. Okay. Go ahead. What was that, Wendy? $20. Are we at $20 now? >> Yes. Recommendation. >> You see a memo in that in a on page
058834. They're making the same amount of the people at Big Y >> project >> in some cases are certified teaching. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Thank you. >> I need a motion to approve the 2526 fiscal end of the year balance to be distributed as such. Do you want to read the motion or do you want us to do an overview first because some of the motions might be >> change bifurcated you're going to read it in one motion and I >> let's open >> maybe have us do it you know just >> it's it's rather than put the mo it's just it's it's your pleasure madam chair it's whatever the board wants but if you read off motions that have four line items members don't know what they are >> then we're
059only going to have to pull them back out so I I I think if we just open up the fiscal year end >> up for the fiscal year 25 26 >> obviously perhaps Mr. J but I have a couple questions. I mean I'd like to be very um transparent with the board that there's been a lot of work on behalf of the administration and fiscal and everyone getting here. This is just the motion of what we're going to be doing wrapping up our end of the year. It certainly doesn't end up, you know, all the reconciliations over the summer getting ready for audit, all of that spin out. So, and there's a lot of work that goes there. >> Take it away. >> All right. Well, my question is this. Okay. So, I'm going to
060just jump in before we do the individual motions and I'm going to just rip the band-aid off with the topic that you raised because we were in preparation of that. My when we talked about the budget, Mr. Oo, we had a entire public conversation at this board about parking when we adopted our budget. It was also discussed here, you know, that the board would may want to revisit that and get rid of those parking fees, but we we felt that the budget was everybody had to live with it and we did the best we could. My question was, was there a way with our end of the year balance to just wipe out parking? There really isn't. Is that correct? That's correct. >> All right. So, we strike that one out. However, however, parking is
061roughly $20,000 in a revenue line to get rid of it. Okay. We kind of put our heads together and thought on this is we are not revisiting the budget because our budget was adopted. There's no amendment. We are in the luxury of not having to do line item nor should we. So the thought was how do we get rid of or have that conversation of eliminating parking fees where the board has an opportunity to give their opinion and how we can do it. Um this is what we came up with this and I would leave it to Dr. PLA and Anthony and the board chair how we move forward with this but the thought would be is that you know those funds are collect the board would have to understand that we are basically knocking
062$20,000 out of our revenue line. So my question would be knowing that we're going to end our year with an end of the year balance on the positive and when you take a look at the 10-year averages that have been sent to the board of educations over our our surpluses over the year, it would be fair to say that coming into this fiscal year, we would still have a an opportunity to do to cover $20,000 out of another line item in revenue. Is that fair to say? >> Fair to say. Okay. So, how do we do it? We don't collect those until August. And I I think Dr. Pearlato, I could be wrong that the board could have a discussion in August and and go on record now that our intent is to get rid
063of parking, but the board should weigh in on that, you know, and understand completely. >> I will support it. That's just me. We're not taking a vote. But there has to be a mechanism for us to have a public conversation on that. And I >> I think it's fair to say though that we would not be voting on it because we would not be voting on it. We just wouldn't collect these funds. >> We're not collecting. >> No, there would be no vote. There's nothing out there. We just wouldn't collect We would have to make the commitment at this point of the conversation that if we're not collecting those funds, we are going to pick up that revenue line item somewhere else. >> What's our total budget? >> I knew you I I knew you
064>> $77 million. >> If we can't figure out $20,000 of tax 77 million. >> Why do you think we're having this conversation? That's >> how I'm going to vote tonight. >> You're voting for not. Well, I I'm going to talking about everything for the rest of the night, >> right? >> I mean, I somebody's going to make a statement about taxing students. >> So, so, so we're not we're not there's the conversation is really we are not amending our budget. Our budget's done and over with. There's no opportunity. You >> understand that? >> So, now coming into this year, how do we address the fact that the board, the majority of this board really felt they wanted to eliminate that? And then let's just use the example that was given to me. Yearbooks. We charge
065for yearbooks. That's revenue. This board doesn't chime in on how much how much um the kids pay. We also charge for students and or parents, not students anymore, to go to our games. We don't chime in on that. That's also revenue. Parking is also revenue. So, we don't have to vote for it. We just will decide as a board consensus. they'll we'll pass it along that we're not going to collect from any student. Is that correct? >> I think I think that the board should not collect if that's the thought this evening parking fees in August because that's when the applications go in >> and uh and and have the and have the record state that that we're not collecting parking fees. >> I mean, we change things change all the time in the school
066systems where money comes in, money comes out and we have to adjust. So, if we don't collect, we just don't collect. Why does anything have to be amended? This happens all the time. >> We're not amending anything. >> Putting it out there for conversation. >> We're not amending the budget >> budget because we'd be in this discussion. Otherwise, I would have voted against our budget. >> We are in this discussion and we're in this discussion in the positive to the fact get rid of parking fees. >> Long story short, we can't change the budget. So, we're just not going to charge for it right now. >> Thank you. >> Okay, that's the end of the discussion. I'm not sure what we're talking about. >> We're getting there. So, >> what is the current fee? because
067we've reduced it >> 75 >> $75 >> that's the start of the year appropriated >> in all fairness >> used to be 225 >> we made a commitment to have this discussion and we found a way to do it so I hope that the board is I I don't want to use the word appreciative but when we get to the end of the year we've got to make sure we do things right and so we're just not going to collect it >> does anybody is anybody not think that we should do that >> that's on the that's on the >> speak up now Tom public that's going to be in our minutes. >> It's in our minutes and it's videotaped and if there's some procedural error some way, I don't know how it could be
068because all we're doing is having a public discussion that we're not collecting a revenue and that we have more than enough in our budget that we can compensate through whatever I could pick a line item in two seconds that I'm not worried about. So, we're not going to do it. It's done. >> So, there's no more parking. But we made that commitment and we're doing it. >> It's that simple. >> Oh, good. >> So, I wanted to bring that up. >> I would oppose that, but I'm only one person, so it's it's okay. >> I get it. >> Um, I completely agreed with dropping it from 300, 200. I think we went down to maybe 150 or something. 75. I think that's fine. >> I don't understand. I mean, to me, I I don't understand
069that hardly anybody needs to drive to school. That's not true. >> That's not true. >> Very few. >> I I actually was. >> And if if if you have a car and you're driving it to school and you have a job, then you're working to pay for your car. So I I just obviously you kind of know that I'm not a big fan of cars, >> but for other Tom, the road is here today. So >> $75 is reasonable. That would just be my feeling. I think we've done good to lower it down to that point. I'd be curious what the surrounding districts do if anybody's free. I doubt if they are. >> What do the teachers pay? What do the teachers pay to park here? >> Teachers don't pay to park here, right? >>
070I'm just being clear. I'm just >> There's a difference between employees and students. >> I want to be very >> I have to go to school complain about it. I'm just going to say I'm on the other side of this one. I'm I lose plenty of arguments all the time. I'm >> live with this one, right? Can you live with this? You can live with this one. >> I can live with it. >> Conversation. I'm used to every argument at home >> tied into why we didn't make a motion for fiscal endyear balance. I want to be that very clear on that for the purpose of deviating from the agenda that we're talking about our end of the year balance and where those monies can be dispersed and the very first question I came to
071Anthony was how do we get rid of parking with end of the year money and your answer was we can't. >> That's correct. >> So I want to be very clear on that. So now we found another way to do it. So, we're going to have another conversation on next year's budget that you got me here for one more year and then we're going to discuss it again then and we'll take it. >> If I could quickly, I think it's what the board's consensus what we're talking about this evening is not making motions on the 2627 budget. >> Correct. >> The intention to not distribute um permission slips and collect in August for this year revenue budget which a $77 million budget can absorb. >> That's it. When we begin to build the budget for
072the following year 2728 based on the consensus here that will be established with a z amount for the budget to the superintendent's discretion and then the board can vote at that point in time if they want to >> or more formally put it back when >> and that's that's how we decided to do it. But >> I appreciate that Anthony that explanation. I we can >> that's clean. >> I need more sugar now. Okay. So, >> no, I I do honestly I disagree with it. And I'll tell you why. >> Uh your books. >> No, no, no. >> I'm not in court right now. No, I I I don't I don't have my thinking happen. >> Wait, wait. Let's just >> right now >> if if we provide you with a product or a service
073>> I can see charging fees earbooks I that's first thing >> just my example of revenue coming in I wasn't >> they're under your budget let's be careful >> so get your sugar down yeah let me go get my sugar we can move on >> okay we're going to move on >> okay so I >> All right here's where we're going. Okay. So, obviously, uh, Dr. Parlado and Anthony will they will um run through this, but we know and this was discussed at operations. It's been discussed at the board throughout the year, but everyone has seen the memo in operations and the full memo to the board that at our at this end when we reach our end of the year, we have to designate where those funds will go. Okay, the board does that
074in an action. We now have several buckets in which we can do that. We know that we need to make a motion and some may not for principal, but we know that we need to make a motion to pay back the ESG payment to the town of New Milford in the amount of $52 964.43. Is that fair? >> Yes. >> Okay. So one motion part of that motion will be that and we have to pay that back as part of our agreement through the ESG. >> That's correct. >> Okay. The next is going to be now we made a commitment to the town to repay the 2% set aside the grant to the town in New Milford in the amount of $232,000 9006. The board had agreed to do that. Okay. >> Well, we agreed
075to do that, but we never but it it can change from year to year whether or not we want to continue to do that. >> Absolutely. >> Next year it probably will change >> and for me I mean we can we can anybody can chime in on that line item but you know next year maybe it will change >> but we already voted on that too. already voted on it. And for me personally, I think it would be disingenuous to short change the town of New Milford when we've already made the commitment and it's just but I do think part of these motions we have been pressed by the town of New Milford to think outside the box and find other ways to be creative that offset our operational budget or how we use them
076and we're doing that. >> So I have no problem with that. Um, Turfield. Okay. Turfield replacement. In the past, we've done 100,000 per year. Um, the Turfield has Mr. Jon, can you confirm what's in that account right now? >> 1 million 22,800. So we've done right by this and and per we're at a point where we need to go back eventually and revisit you know how much but we are ahead of the game and and so I think >> we have the money to put in a new turf is what you're saying >> we need talk about fields but I mean but basically instead of 100,000 the recommendation would be 50,000 okay into turf because we're still contributing and then we just set up a non-lapsing account that allows us to to contribute to it
077and start with the the smaller amount of 50,000. >> Well, wouldn't we just keep the the the bucket we already have open, the account we already have open? That's >> that's it. >> Okay. So, we're just going to continue. >> The motion would be 50,000 to the turf and 50,000 to non-lapsing, >> which is different than capital. Excuse me. Sorry. >> Very different. anything left above. In other words, we have all these bills we have to pay. Okay? And at the end of the day, once we pay them, whatever is left over after roll out and audit would then go into >> capital. The remaining balance subject to audit go into the capital. >> That note? No. >> On that note, um just on final statement, so I understand it. Do we have an estimate
078where we're going to be our future in the capital reserve? >> What's 2% of our budget? >> 1.5 million >> and yet we're only going to put in 50,000 on our non-lapsing and yet put more back into the capital reserve. >> Actually, there's not there's not a lot left to go. Perhaps you can drink. So, our end of the year balance projected that dollar amount does not take out what we're drawing down. Correct, Anthony? >> That's correct. And again, I just have to emphasize that that still is a projection. >> Oh, it's a projection. Understood. >> So, in other words, if you take a million dollars and you peel back 502,000 we have to pay for ESJ, 232,000 to the town of New Milford for the the set aside in which we promised, 50,000 for
079turf, 50,000 to the non-lapsing. It leaves a couple hundred thousand to go into the capital. >> I I got a good night's sleep last night, so I'm on on a roll here. Um ESG, why would we contribute to the town when they take all our money in tax benefits from that account >> contract for 25 years? >> It's a lease payment. >> The lease payment. We have to pay it back. Perhaps >> 67% of the lease is >> and in the town that's 100% money. >> You're not looking for an argument from me on that. >> We're not getting an argument here. >> Okay. >> You need to take that to a different board. >> So, so um yes. So G payment is, you know, it's half a million dollars. >> So when when you
080when you see that you have all a million dollars left over at the end of the year, First of all, no board of education should be in the hole at the end of the year. Let's take a look at some of the other districts around the state of Connecticut. Sure. Okay. So, we're not. So, that's how we had parcled out. And before throwing the motion out there, I'm ready to throw it. >> I thought it was appropriate just to kind of go where we're at. >> You do what you want to do. Throw the whole motion out if >> I can do the whole motion. I don't think I hear anybody >> wanting to break anything out. Am I correct? >> Let's do it. >> Go for it. >> Okay. I need a motion to
081approve the 2526 fiscal year end balance to be distributed as such. ESG payment to the town of New Milford $52,9643. Repayment of the 2% set aside the grant to the town of New Milford in the amount of $2329. Oh, I'm sorry. 232,9,696. Okay, you're good. >> Um, contribution to the turf field replacement 50,000 contribution towards a new non-lapsing account for the board of education pursuant to BOE policy 3160 and Connecticut general statute 10-248 a 50,000 and the remaining balance to be deposited into the capital reserve account pending final audit. >> So moved. >> Second. Wendy Dean. All those in favor? >> Only because I don't want to violate the contract. Otherwise, I'd vote no or this whole thing. >> So, what are you doing? >> I'll vote yes. >> Oh, that's ESG. >> I know.
082Well, we would all love to not pay back. Okay. So, that was everybody. Thank you. Items of information. Okay. Administrative regulations regarding confidentiality and access to education records. Does anybody have any more questions on this? >> Nope. >> It's just a regulation. McCarthy observation annual report. >> Uh the observatory is a gem of this town, right? And so >> we should go to it. >> Two important pieces there very quickly. They had their 25th anniversary this year which is a lovely ceremony. >> Thank you for bringing cake. >> Yep. That was on behalf of the board for sure. And uh secondly, they added a second dome which has a whole remote access piece and is great for education. So we are thrilled to have them on the campus high school. And we um as you
083know the board contributes uh $5,000 a year to uh in the budget for upkeep and help for them and we're happy to do that. We're here. Yes, we are. New Milford legal engagement letter. >> Uh yeah, there's a memo about that. >> Let me look. >> Oh jeez. What are you doing? >> It's no longer I ask him on the >> seriously. I don't want to work for the wrong. >> All right. So, do you want to Leslie say a few words about this? >> I don't. You can. >> Oh, you know you stole that 805? >> Yeah. >> She's ready for bed. >> That's my This uh is a letter regarding our engagement with Pullman page 839. uh importantly is uh the rates are going up rate increase. >> Yeah, I see that. >>
084So that is that there hasn't been a rate increase in quite some time. >> I understand from talking to attorney Sherman and uh you can see that uh the senior partners are $85 per hour. Our rate will be 315. Uh and that is in part because we've had them for so long. So that's a little bit of a loyalty discount, so to speak. And uh the rest of it has >> What were we paying? We were paying what? >> Uh 3 >> I want to say 321, but I I don't No, no, no. >> 375. >> Wait, we're going to we're going to 315. I think before it was like 295. Don't hold me. >> Yeah, it's not a big jump per hour. It's like $35, I believe. >> Yeah. Please note that uh you
085can see the senior partner rate of 805 and in other firms it's just much more expensive. In my experience, the rest of the letter uh explains billing, retainer, insurance coverage, use of technology, compliance. You can you can see the topics there. >> Sure. >> Oh, go ahead. >> On the I would really love to get Joe's input on this actually. The indemnificate No, really on theification portion of it, it's not a boilerplate one. it kind of but it's kind of saying they're indemnified you know from from and against any and all claims by third parties arising directly or indirectly in connection with the representation including the acts of acts of commission or omission they have owe insurance so I mean it so why why would they be exempt >> I didn't read the picture clause
086the that's >> 846 is what the page number is >> 846 46 >> like unless it's a negligence. I'm like okay well mistakes omissions >> that any yeah anything you indeidentifying someone another company it it will always include omissions. Um, yes, they have their own insurance, but we're for the work they do for us and s should somebody salute the school district because of the work they did, we agree to indemnify them. That's standard. I I it hurts indemnification clauses. >> There's a difference between negligence, but then they made a mistake and so because you can say, "Oh, I made a mistake." And then they're like, "Oh, you were negligent." And the the mistake is okay. And it's that blurred line between >> permission is that they didn't do something they were supposed to. >>
087Correct. Correct. And that was just a mistake. >> Permissions. >> Correct. Yep. >> So that's no different than being negligent doing. Well, you know, doing something neg negligently would include something like failing to do something that would be to our benefit. >> Yeah. So I say so it almost seems like it contradicts itself because they're talking about the O and ENO rather up on top and then down below it says um it I don't know where it says it but it does say right there that the client shall not be responsible for indemnifying or holding indemnified person harmless for any liability arising due to indemnified person's negligence. So on one hand if it's an omission and you're saying it's negligence they're saying okay omissions are are we're indemnified from and then the next paragraph >>
088that's why we don't like lawyers. No offense. >> So, so you don't understand it. Um, >> but it's it's a standard indemnification. >> I I I I've seen I've seen a million, you know, indemnifications that hold harmless clauses. But in this case, when you're my legal representative and if you do something that literally because your judgment or or lack thereof or omission can cause the the school district >> your judgment is not negligence. >> A lawyer's judgment is is a >> omission to a client. like the omission of something. >> Okay, >> you missed it. But anyway, >> I don't want to beat it to death, but the bottom line is it's a >> I have an issue with that. >> We're moving in. We're not voting on it. So, it's it's not a vote.
089It's just item of information. >> So, we're treated extremely fair as far as an hourly rate. >> Oh, yeah. I'll try. >> So, we're moving on to the CEN community Wi-Fi grant for New Milford Public Schools. >> Oh, yeah. There's a memo on that and um there's also, I think, some pictures. So we have outside Wi-Fi now high school and Sarah um which is great for community events, sporting events that people can log into the Wi-Fi and uh that was all given through a grant so that makes it even better. >> Here comes our next topic propane gas credits which I you know I mean we're going to be partner partnering with the town or something similar. We're not I just want to make sure we're not signing and going into any contract with this.
090Correct, Anthony? >> That's correct. We're piggybacking on the town's contract already existing with uh trans tax advisors. Um we notified the board of this that operation subcommittee. We discussed this with attorney Sheron as far as our ability to piggyback on the town's existing contract. Um if we were unable to, we probably would not meet the deadlines associated with this submission. Um I've been working with um the rep from Trans Tax Advisors to start getting all of our documentation in order to us of this opportunity. So there are three distinct time periods and I should have an update um by the end of this week about potential amounts that we will receive back. >> Okay. because I know Wendy's probably gonna have some questions, but we can we can just say one month we don't want
091to do this anymore. Is that how this works or I'm not sure how this works? >> No, I mean we just collect uh ongoing bills that we pay to Norbert Mitchell which we also um the town goes out to bid for propane each year. um any amount that uh pertains to BOE bus propane um I've spoken with the mayor and I have been writing from him that any amount that pertains to board of ed bus propane any credit in that amount would come to the board of ed the trans tax advisor does collect a fee right so there'll be a gross amount and then a net amount the fee that trans tax advisors uh collects for IRS pass will carry over to us and I believe it is 25%. >> So, so wait, so is
092there any cash going to flow through the town that needs to come that would have to come back to us? >> Yes, >> I hate the idea then. >> Hate the idea. >> We have in writing though that anything >> Can I just jump in? Sorry. No, no, you're you're right. So, this is this came up in operations. Um I had similar concerns um when this came up. We we we all would like reimbursement and and funds back when we can save money. Who wouldn't? However, there needs to be a clear path as to how that works and um and so I did have concerns on that Leslie. So my questions to Anthony and Dr. Pado at operations and also I believed I followed up with this is um this is really from are we
093going to capture 2016 Anthony? You think we're going to be able to do that? All right. So for 2016 all the way up until present, we might be able to be reimbursed for our propane. >> Yes. >> However, that money what they take the receipts, they get their fee >> and that money is sent to the town >> and the town then where does that let's say the board gets $100,000. How is that money how does it make it into our operational budget? >> Yes. So, um, I have assurances from Mayor Bass that the money will come through us and the agreement is that myself and the town finance director have to work together with the auditors in order to properly let that money flow to the board of education. I don't know at this
094time whether there'll be an offset to that's my questionational budget how it would come in as a revenue what um what um accounting mechanic will be approved by the auditors to recognize those funds because those are revenues against expenses that we added prior year >> that's my point so when you mentioned the auditors that was exactly because you and I have had this discussion before on some other things these are prior year so the auditor would have to sign off with yourself and the uh the town fiscal director how that fund is captured, >> right? Not if it's going to come to the board event because we already have that assurance. It's how it's going to come. >> That's it. >> So So that's number one. Um you know, I I I think I think
095um as I said before, I think whenever you have an opportunity to get funds back to the taxpayer, at the end of the day, it's the taxpayer. Um we have to we have to go for it. But I want it to be clear because there's been some murkiness on some initiatives and and we don't want to do to have a good intention gone bad. Um and so we have it in writing that the board will see their share of it. Um you know uh and this this is yearly or does it end with 2026? So what's the intent on that? >> I don't know of future opportunities. Got it. this opportunity was presented. The town already engaged with the contractor in June of last year to start this work. Um, we were just brought into
096the fold >> May 27th this year. >> Not just a few weeks ago. Yeah. >> Yes. >> So, we really I mean it's not up for vote. We were advised it's but but I think the record shows here that we want to make sure we know >> I mean ins and outs. I just think that after what happened with the million dollars that uh I believe Anthony caught for the ESG and the town told us we're not getting any of it even though we pay 60 67% into the ESG and actually 500,000 and they didn't give us a penny of it. So I just think it that I don't know who's going after the money. If the town comes back and says, "Oh, sorry we spent it. Sorry, it's going to um ISF. Oh, sorry,
097it's going somewhere else. How do we recoup that money? >> My only advice is um I'd rather have a seat at the table than not and fight for money that we might be able to get. And I think that if we have it in writing, that the town is going to work with us on it. Um I I understand your concern. That's one of the reasons why the entire conversation on, you know, the 2% and all these other areas are are so so important. >> This this is monies that we're not getting back. We're not getting anything on this. This is a new revenue revenue. So to to like to your point to not take advantage of something like this and to monitor it obviously. Um I I it's a different situation than ESG. >>
098I think ESG is more of a lease. This is not like that. So um I I feel more comfortable with knowing that the revenues are going to come to us um as opposed to how how it unfolded. >> And I but I will go on record to your point Leslie. It's not only about the money mechanism. We this town has had successful audit reports year after year after year and the auditors are a crucial piece of this that we want to make sure we do what they ask us to do. >> Yeah. I wouldn't process the transaction without their approval. >> That I'd like that on the record. >> I'm going to move on then because we've got a lot to do and we still have an executive session to hit. >> Two executive sessions.
099>> Um, propane facility summer projects. Tom, you're going to have to wrap it up >> super quick. I I spoke to I had a long I had a long conversation with Mr. Cunningham today. I can tell you he is as desperate for this school year to end as the teachers and the students are. Um, so I I think it's a week from Tuesday that the big projects will be able to start when people are out of the building. Uh, the major projects that will be done over the summer are the sidewalks at um the high school and at Northville. Um, the storage tank at um at Scatteroke will be replaced and the central office, phase one of the central office will be done. So central office will be >> perfect. We're excited about all of
100them. Thank you. >> Employment report. >> You can see that we've done some hiring for coming to 27 already, which is why it's good when a budget passes in May. And uh you could see one staff retirement uh Dr. Fizovich after 27 years and we thank her for her service to the district. >> Okay. Thank you. Can we do the um enrollment report? >> Uh yes. So you can see that it's uh fairly stable if you look at uh variance from the projection. So it's only nine students off overall um from what we have actually versus what was projected in 2020. So it shows that it's still a pretty good number there. Okay. Thank you. Um the field trip report >> uh fundraising yes is uh has taken place. There's some that you'll see at
101the high school >> and uh then you'll see that the Paris trip is on there for next year. >> Uhhuh. >> Do they need Yeah. Do they need uh somebody to go with them? >> Well, we can find out for sure. >> Pay we >> and then uh six flex. >> Perfect. >> We're gonna >> All right. So, now >> discussion of possible action. Honestly, I think next time if we get like something like this that we should do this um executive session first >> first. I apologize for making you hang out here. >> I think that um invite you back to it's very instructive for for somebody to learn about how the board >> Oh, I was going to say what a meeting, what a doo sir to come on down the floor. >>
102Welcome aboard. I hereby move that the board enter into executive session for the purpose to interview a candidate for the hill and plane assistant principal position. I invite into executive session Dr. Janet Parlott, superintendent of New Milford Public School and the candidate coming. >> I'm going to go first and then I'll have her come in eventually. Maybe not. >> Thank you, Wendy. Second. >> Second, Tom. All those in favor and we're going in. employment and salaries of non-bargaining unit employees. I further move that the board invite superintendent of schools Dr. Janet Parlott and the director of fiscal services Anthony G. Navoni. >> Close enough. >> You never say Gio Gioon. Gioani Gioon Gioani Gioon Gioon Americans I tell you >> just do it like just sing a song. >> Okay. Who Who's going to who's
103going to Eric moves it? I'll second it. All those in favor you it is >> I am taking a stand. Let's Let's breeze through this quick. We'll see each other in August, right? >> Yeah. >> Oh, I packed up my thought. I was ready. >> Let me just confirm that that motion. >> And then after the >> What time is it? You know, >> 8:12. Great time with the >> I need a motion for the approval of items as per discussed in executive session regarding non-bargaining unit employees. >> So move second. >> Wendy Ryan all those in favor. >> Everybody. >> I need a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8 >> 12. Who's who made it? >> Tom and Brian. >> All those in favor? Thank you everybody. Thank you. That was a lot
104of good work. >> Thank you. Appreciate you.