New Milford Public Schools, BOE Meeting 2/17/2026

001Video is live. Oh, it's 6:30. That was a long 30 seconds waiting for that. Time to call the meeting to order. Would you please join me in a pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. >> To the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We'll start off the meeting with an invite for public comment if anyone is uh of the public would care to comment at this point. See no one wants to. So we'll move on to the student recognition. Uh we've got the uh Lichfield Hills Transition Center presentation, I assume. >> Yes. So, thank you very much. Uh, this evening, uh, we will hear from our Lichfield Hills Transition Center, um, and recognize students. Um, and

002so, they are going to start with a brief presentation for us. And you'll see the slides are behind me. Um, and so I know that Abby is going to come forward and she will speak uh to us about Lichfield Hills Transition Center. >> Where do I go? >> Uh, you can come right up here. Okay. >> And then we will recognize students. You can stand right there, Abby. >> Okay. Good evening. My name is Abby Muckerman. I am a student at Lichford Hills Transition Center and I'm here to give you a little spiel about the next track and what our program is about. Let's see. Sometimes it's Oh, I might move the slides for you. >> That's fine. >> Cuz it gives me trouble all the time, too. >> That is the truth. Sometimes it's

003a little crabby. >> What's going on me? I know. What's going on, Mr. Turner? I would say stand over here because the >> You don't have to sing or anything, Abby. To keep us entertained is >> Yes. >> Nope. Sit over there and press enter. It's in there. >> Can we start with the first slide at least, Mr. Turner? >> Yes. >> There we go. >> Thank you. LHTC is a program for young adults that just came out of high school to learn about post-secary skills, employment skills, and uh independent living skills. Um, every Monday and Thursday, uh, our students go to different job sites. For example, um, we would go to some students would go to Allboard Pizzeria, some students would go to New Milford Fitness and Aquatics Club. Um some students would even

004come here to the special education office. Um every Friday or not technically every Friday but like some Fridays uh our school would go to on career tours. For example, we would go to the Lesser Evil uh popcorn factory. Sometimes we would go to Cabela's. Um we've done Stop and Shop and we've also done uh New Milford Hospital. These pictures are some of the job tours that we have gone to >> every year. Uh and in May I think it is um some students would go to constructive career day. Um that is where we can seek slasharn about different uh jobs that they have to offer. For example, uh students can operate back hoses. um scissor lifts or a cement trunk uh truck, sorry. The students also learn about uh safety and what not to do

005and what to do with uh when you're wearing your construction helmet if you're at a construction site. Um every uh every month we have socials/ community activities. So, this upcoming social that we have or Friday activity that we have is we're going to Mohawk Mountain for snow tubing, which for example, that is actually my favorite one. It is so much fun. Um, we would also do bowling. Um, sometimes we would go hiking. Um, even this year, which is new for us, is we had a chef come in and helped us learn how to bake uh holiday cookies. And here are some examp uh pictures of the Friday activities or socials that we have done. Now we're going to get into the next tracks challenge that we have done. What is the challenge about? So, the

006challenge is basically about us collecting plastic like uh bubble wrap, Amazon packaging, newspaper sleeves, um other stuff to win a bench that they use the um uh recycled plastic or whatever to make a bench out of. But the goal is in order to get the bench is that you have to like get 1,000 pounds. I think it is Uh two years ago, we took on the challenge as I explained. Um we went around to different job sites that we worked at, schools, community stores, and businesses to bring and stuff that we brought in from home to get our bench. Each week, uh, the students at LHC help coordinate the pickup for the Newer Public Schools, the post office, Brookfield drying cleaners, and village dry cleaners as well. Oh, and then we weigh it and then

007we bring it to Stop and Shop. But I think we bring it to Big Y and we take pictures of it. Here are a few pictures of the students with their plastic with the plastic. So this is the amount of plastic that we have collected for all of our school. So at uh Northville we have collected 1,4.41 lb. At Saranoval we have collected 101.16 lb. At Hill Plane we have collected 1,11.26 pounds. And at the high school we have collected 919.28 lb. To date, LHC has collected over 5,000 pounds of plastic. In 2025, nearly 4,000 groups participated in the trucks program to collect over 2.1 million pounds of plastic, which was recycled by trucks. These efforts are now making a tremendous difference in diverting plastic waste for landfills around the country. >> That is my

008presentation. Thank you very much, Abby. As usual, it was nice and instructive for us. And so, at this time, we are going to honor the students from the LHTC um because they show the ideas that we live by, which are heart, focus, collaboration, and creativity. So, I'm going to have Dr. Kulk and she's going to come up here and help. and as well as the LHTC staff members. They're going to come up as well. And then students, I will call you one at a time and you'll come and get your certificate. So, we're going to start with Jack Allen. >> Congratulations. >> You're welcome. What does you want a picture of each person or you want to just do? >> Uh, we'll do one big one at the end. Next, we have Ben Demco. >>

009Hi, Durr. Luca Frizzio Garcia, >> Gina Gallagghan, >> Sam Garcia, >> thank you so much. >> Taylor Gulak, >> she's absent as well. >> Faith Isaac. Hope Isaac's >> got a little bit of a little bit of bug going around. >> Donnie Misella. >> Donnie. >> Come on, Donnie. >> Donnie, he's not going to >> get special delivery. >> Yeah, that's awesome. Abby Muckerman. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Gabe Paya, >> Devin Scalo, >> Zachary Terrello. As always, we are extraordinarily proud of our Lfield Hills Transition Center um and the hardworking staff and our wonderful students who contribute so much to our community. And so what we'll do is we'll take a picture. I think that Dr. Cley and I will come this way because you guys are in a good

010photographer sit up. >> Let me get in there. I'm short so I have >> Everybody scooch. Daddy, you get in there. >> Get in. There you go, Donnie. All right. >> All right. Ready? We're going to look at Mrs. Look at me and I'm going to say on cheese. Everyone's going to smile. Okay. Everybody looking at me? >> Let me make sure I can see everybody. All right. One, two, three. Cheese. Wait. One more cheese. And one more cheese. >> All right. Good job, Paul. >> Thank you so much. You can come >> so staff members, you know that the uh students and you can be excused. Of course, >> we're going to go get an ICE CREAM. >> YEAH. ALL RIGHT. >> YOU GOT A MOTION. A motion to adjourn. >> Motion to We're

011coming to Adios, amigos. >> Adios. >> Bye, everyone. >> Adios. It was so good to see you guys. >> Bring us back some ice cream. Okay. >> The PTO reports got to follow that up. >> I know, right? Oh, are they sure we have something here? >> Anyways, I think it's time for the PTO report. >> I'm not here today. >> Okay, >> student representatives. >> There you are. >> And Mark here >> to start off with Northville. This path this past month was filled with both celebration and meaningful academic work. Second grade enjoyed halfway to wine day. Kindergarten celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing up as 100 year olds. And first grade marked the 101st day as Dalmatians, bringing fun and school spirit to their learning. Students completed I Ready and Dable's

012assessments, providing valuable midyear data to guide instruction and inform families about student progress. Their bingo for books night was a wonderful success featuring staff callers, Nessie the cow, and a special visit from Mayor Pete. Additionally, staff engaged in mid-year reflection meetings to review their professional growth and goals. It's been a productive and joyful month for our school community. And at Hill and Plane, January and February have been filled with positive, engaging events at Hill and Plane. They welcomed 2026 with our staff's one word for the year display held display held a successful pajama day raising over $550 for Connecticut Children's Hospital and launched the golden tray reward to promote positive cafeteria behavior. Their PTO hosted a well attended movie and family paint night. Kind Works partnered with the second grade students on a kindness project

013to support the be kind mural that will be installed this spring. and Lichfield Hill. Lichfield Hills Transition Center organized the we love our military care packages for service members. At the start of February, staff created 100 reasons we love our school, proudly display it on our front bulletin board. Students also enjoyed an exciting visit from the Harlem Wizards, participated in Valentine's Day celebrations, and marked special milestones. Second grade celebrated their annual halfway Hawaiian day. The 100th day was celebrated schoolwide and kindergarten dressed up as one touch one dalmatian with teachers joining in as Kruella Deville. Additionally, the Lions Club will provide free vision screening and the local dentist will visit the second grade to promote del healthy dental habits. And then at Senobyl, their students worked hard and completed their eye ready diagnos diagnostics. This

014past week, their fifth graders enjoyed a visit from President Abraham Lincoln. This is an annual visit made possible by the generosity of the PTO allowing students to hear about his life and his time and give them an opportunity to ask questions as well. In PE, their students are engaged in the kids heart challenge and at recess students have enjoyed finally getting outside and playing in the in the snow. Scatakoke had no report and New Milford High School had no. >> Thank you guys. >> Thanks guys. We don't want to stay for the rest of the week. Ice cream get ice cream with that. Hurry up. >> All right, let's move on to approval of the minutes. Uh the uh are from the regular meeting minutes of December 16th, 2026. So I need a motion to

015approve the regular meeting minutes. The December 16th, 2026. >> 2025. >> Oh, excuse. Oh, it says 2020. You're right. 2025. >> The first two should be 2025. >> Moving into the future. Oh my goodness. >> That's okay. Time machine. >> Yes. All right. I'll tell you it again then. I need a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from December 16th, 2025. >> So move. >> Second. Dean. >> Second. All those in favor? >> Discussion. I think we're taking one. Yep. I'm sorry. You're right. >> Never mind. Oh, that's good. >> We need to vote on that motion. We do all this. We're doing it separate. >> Yeah, we're breaking them out. That was a decision. >> We may need a second. So, we have to pass that motion. >> We have to >> Okay,

016>> I think we passed. >> Yeah. >> Right. That's >> I didn't see it. >> I also need a pro a motion to approve the annual meeting notice minute from December 16th, 20. >> Yeah. Um, make that uh annual meeting notice minutes December 16th, 2025. Yep. >> Any motion, please? >> Brian, I'll second. >> Second. All those in favor? >> Discussion first. >> Okay. >> We have to make some We have to make changes. Um Tammy discussion, please. vote >> kindly pointed out to me if you look on page 12, starting on page 12, um she was not here yet for the votes. So, we need to change those totals. Um for a chairperson would be an 8 and 0 vote. Vice chair would be an 8 and 0. Um, secretary would be 71 and

017assistant secretary would be 800. Correct. >> Expand upon that because that's tied to statute for your vote that needs to be clarified and captured in the minutes. Each vote with the actual totals, please. >> Is that it? >> Yes. >> Okay, good. Thank you. >> So, okay. All those in favor >> and and I will abstain because I was not here. >> Although I agree with everything that happened. >> Mhm. >> Move that motion. Eric >> Brian and Tom and Tom. Thank you. >> Okay. Finally, I need a motion to approve the budget hearing minutes dated January 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st, 2026. So move >> second. >> Is there any discussion? None. Okay. All those in favor? Against? Unanimous. Okay, great. Very good. So, let's move on to the superintendent report. >> Thank you.

018Um, I'll just have speak briefly. U, so it's a time of the year where we start to drag a little bit, right? Because it's cold for a long time and and we get tired fast. Um, and so I'd like to acknowledge for the record um the hard work and efforts of every single one of the staff members that we have. Um, I'd also like to acknowledge that um we certainly do have momentum as a district um that we can see um empirically and anecdotally. Um additionally, uh it's important to know that institutional progress, progress of a school district takes time, right? And so we know that incremental progress is sustainable progress. when you make little steps at a time, that change lasts. And so I'm proud of the work that our staff is doing, that

019they're completing every day, um, in every single aspect of this district, of this organization. Um, and I just think that it's that time of year where we need to acknowledge that and remind ourselves of that. Um, because it's it gets wintry and then it's almost spring. Um, it's just important to remind ourselves of our efforts, um, and the progress that we are and will continue to make. Um, and I'm very happy to be part of that for sure. >> And you made it halfway through the year. So, >> all right. >> Yes, that's it. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Very nice words. >> Chairperson's report. I have nothing to report. Let's go to uh subcommittee reports policy. >> Yep, that's me. Um so we have uh five policies that are going to be come up for

020first read tonight. So the the committee um already saw them in the morning. We'll see them again, but it's we there can be discussion tonight um on those. We also have policies for second read which um will be approved tonight hopefully. Um those have been through policy twice. Um and then towards the end we we of course have the regulations which is just for information only but it's you know obviously out there for everyone to see. So we'll be taking care of those things later on in the meeting. >> Thank you. uh committee on learning. >> Uh we had an update on the new math pro program at Scatico, heard about how it's being implemented and and how the staff is being trained and um what we hope the results will be. We also had

021an update on curriculum development and alignment. So what is coming down the pike for review and for approval in the near future? >> Hey, thanks Sarah. >> Facilities. >> So the facilities uh meeting for this month was cancelled due to bad weather. So I personally have nothing to report. Um however uh later in the evening during the information portion, Mr. Cunningham will give us an update on um a variety of projects that uh are ongoing and um you can find those projects uh listed and explained on page of tonight's um agenda. >> And finally, operations. >> Same here. So, um all of our data is here before the board. The subcommittee was canceled, so it automatically comes to the board. So when we get to that portion, we'll let people questions and overview. >> All

022right. Now we move on to the uh agenda number 10 discussion and possible action monthly reports purchase uh month monthly reports which are include the budget position dated January 31st 2026 the purchase resolution B 803 and the request for budget transfers. So, >> can somebody just point out what page >> they're on? Anybody know? >> 51 295. >> 51. >> 50 is where it starts. >> Yeah, that's where it starts. >> For the chair, please. >> Please. Yeah. Um, uh, Anthony, could you give an overview of anything that you were going to overview in operations unless you weren't because I currently have to be honest with the board. Um, I have 17 lines that I'm not going to be labor the board with all the questions. I can certainly do it when we do an

023agenda overview, but some of it might be answered in that. >> Yeah, absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity. Um, this report represents everything encumbered or spent through January. Um, we're at 96.35% spent in Humber, which is within 1% of where we were in the same time period last year. On page four or four, um, where we see the revenue listed, there's been no money received for excess costs yet. We receive that in two payments. It's usually around the last week of February, first week of March, you receive that first two pay, first of two payments. And as soon as we receive that, I'll provide the memo at the next following board meeting, projecting out how much we expected to receive on that first payment and projecting out based on percentages and any caps what we

024expect what we expect to receive for the final payment. Uh while you're also on page 404 on the bottom left box with capital reserve um the audit report was completed and presented to the town. I will have a memo next month capturing the details of that satisfactory audit and the subsequent deposit into our capital reserve account that will be next month. That's my overview on the budget position. Before I get into purchase resolution and transfers, unless there are any specific line item questions, >> just a comment, >> Joe. Yeah. >> Um, superintendent, did you see the article in the paper today on excess cost, the issue with the state? >> We haven't seen an increase since 200 >> educational cost sharing, ECS. Yes. >> And, uh, they're hoping for some help. If not, some districts

025are already con could be in trouble. So hopefully we have that. >> Yes, indeed. Yes, Anthony could explain how we budget for that. And um >> is this about the ECS, the educational cost sharing or excess call access cost sharing? >> Did I have that right? >> No, >> those are two different things. So educational cost sharing is flatfunded, >> right? Cost sharing. That's what I want. That's one of the >> that's been flat funded in the governor's proposed budget and the discussion at the state level and am most all of the districts is if they're funding that at a flat amount while tuition and transportation costs for out of district placements for a lot of different things across our district are going up. How is that going to work? Um the educational cost sharing

026is not a revenue line item that is in our budget. It's on the town side. I think the amount is 11,400,000 roughly. Um there has been no other discussions at the state level that I've seen um that bring that up. Yeah, there's there's talk about pushing uh the governor to increase that because so many items that we have in our budget overall have been impacted by inflation of course and we're seeing educational cost sharing flatfunded >> but it's also important to note that that is revenue that goes to the town >> and so the amount if I could just correct it is 11,645,34 >> and that's a portion that goes to the town >> that all of that goes the town. That's the amount that's in this year's budget on the revenue side for the

027town. That's the amount that that continues to be flat funded that the town of New Milford would also receive for 2627. >> I have a question on that. How is that money dispersed once it hits the town side? >> Does it go directly back into the educational budget or how is that does it fall to the bottom line? Is it reflected in the audit in the overall revenue line? It is reflected in the audit and a separate line that the bottom line there was no direct tie of that $1 million. >> There's none of this tied to >> none of the ECS the educational cost sharing >> just so >> it's it's good to point that out. >> Yeah. I'd like also point out the statute says it has to be for educational purposes. So

028that's the, you know, >> so is there ever I mean this is for the town just because I like to know these things. So if I had $11 million, could I take that $11 million and line item out that shows not that I'm not I'm just saying where where they where they there would have to be some kind of line item expenditure that shows that they were allocated for educational purposes >> for the statute. That would be true. But I don't know if we have that information. >> I'm sure we don't have that information. in the town may >> I'm sure they have to. >> Okay, then >> I have a couple just quick I'm going to save my Anthony if you don't mind if the board's okay because we didn't have a chance to

029review this at operations. I have a lot of line item questions. Some of it is mainly timing so you know unless the board wants me to go through them I I I will. I'm happy to do that but we can pick that up at another time. Can >> I ask you one? >> Yeah. >> Did you have something on transportation? >> I do have transportation as a matter of fact. >> Yeah. Could you? So, one of them I'll just go through two of them because I have 17. I'm not going to bore everybody. So, on the transportation piece, um actually, can we start with um page 50 on the repairs and maintenance the 54301? We we don't have a maturity encumbered. So, we do I'm sure we have that balance earmarked. Do we have an

030idea what that's for as we head into the last quarter of the fiscal year? >> $17949. >> I I don't know off the top of my head. I What might be helpful is that maybe if you want to submit that list to the superintendent line items and then we I'll be able to work >> and then every board member can get them. >> Oh, sure. >> To provide I'll provide answers through the superintendent that you can share with the board. Um but I don't have the uh exact specifics of what is not encumbered. I think the question is what is not encumbered? >> That's the question that would further drive down the one. >> That's that's 100% my question and it kind of goes to the same thing. I don't know if your question was

031the same on student transportation. >> Um I would imagine, correct me if I'm wrong, timing wise, we have an idea of what the contract is. So you obviously encumber as much of that as you can. You know we have a bill. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, you capture that out of the gate. Do we expect that they'll be um out of that those funds left over? The encumbered of 3957, does that carry us to the the formula of the contract until the end of the year? >> Yes, >> that's what I thought. Okay. Thank you. Was that your question? >> Does that include special runs for sports and things like that? Like is that >> does that No. >> So, that's not in that line. Okay. You know, I would I mean, Anthony can

032answer. I would imagine you take the contract, the four corners of the contract, you calculate the dollar amount, you encumber what the dollar amount is, and anything that comes in on a supplemental basis will be pulled out of that line item. Is that fair? >> That's correct. >> There you go. >> If you have additional line items, we'll start. >> I'll send them in. I'll I promise I'll send them in. I'm not going to bore everybody. But the revenue line, this one is for actually I'm curious on the parking fees. Yes. >> Um, >> what page you want? I'm so sorry. >> The last page, which is Yeah. the revenue. >> Are the majority of those collected by the springtime for parking? Because is it fair to say that most students I know that we

033in the past used to change the number if maybe you were parking for a half of the year or that kind of a thing. Um I'm just curious if we know that that revenue is a real reflection in revenue that we're going to lose or is it a timing issue that you know come April when students have an opportunity to you know have three months and they'll pay for the parking they'll do that. So it it's a timing issue. The these are so a few things they are prrated for when they sign up for a parking pass. But what you see here on the report reflected for the first time this year for athletic aid receipts and for parking permits is only the first quarter of the year. We collect those and they're remitted to

034the business office on a quarterly basis. So this is not everything we've received to date. This is for the first three months of the school year that reflected here. Oh, >> there's another quarter just to still >> Okay, there there's the number. >> There's a lag in the in the timing. >> Okay. All right. That's good to know. >> And that applies to the gate receipts as well for admissions. >> Lastly, just quickly, the audit. Are we close to the number that we were at the end of the year balance or do we know if we're off or? >> Yeah. Yep. There was a satisfactory audit. the dep I don't have the amount right off the top of my head but I will provide it to you in a formal memo tying together all the

035positive things that were mentioned in the audit along with the fiscal year and balance that will go to our capital reserve account >> and the audit's complete it's just waiting to be and there are no weaknesses of any sort >> that's correct there are none >> I want that on the record job thank you >> there are no other questions on the budget position I just want to briefly talk on the purchase resolution 803. There's an item here that has several that appeared several pieces and that is for the um phase one of the A&E work for the culinary. It's on the purchase resolution. There is a bid award later on this evening for it and there is also um a transfer proposed for part of it. Sorry for all of the $13,350. So it

036appears on the purchase resolution there is a bid um recommendation for bid award later and on the transfer report this is being funded from you remember there was money budgeted for the CNA which is certified nursing assistant and emergency medical tech program at the high school which is not currently running and is not expected to run for the remainder of this year. Um, we've tapped into some of that money previously in the year with the transfer and this is utilizing another $13,500 of that original $60,000 in order to fund this RFP for architectural engineering for culinary program. >> So, it's all coming from 53200. >> Yes, that's correct. And it's on here forformational purposes on the transfer document. The board does not need to As per policy of the board, it's not a dollar amount

037threshold. It's where it's coming from and going to. So, the money for the CNA and EMT was in professional services originally budgeted and this A&E also falls within professional services. >> Can I ask a question? on the same page. Why I mean why wasn't the fall PSATS for 10th 11th grades budgeted into the regular budget? It is not something we do every year. >> Um that that is that is budgeted in the regular budget >> coming out. >> Okay. So >> it's just a purchase >> resolution purchase resolution. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, the the only one that's being funded on the purchase resolution via transfer is the A and E for the colony. Okay. >> The other two are normal are coming from our operational budget. >> Okay. >> Everybody there paying the check. >>

038We're just writing the check. >> Okay. >> Chair. >> Yes, please. >> Question. Anthony, you mentioned um you said you call it professional services, but then earlier we were talking about some money going to the bottom line that could be used for educational purposes. of his town monument, but it's got to be used for educational purposes. Are they the same in this case? >> Is your question educational purposes and professional services? >> We're calling it professional services, but it's really for educational purposes and you know, culinary um description of it's for the children. >> So those professional services are for an educational purpose. So then therefore that any of that money that dropped to the bottom we're talking before that I just meant a million I think it was 11 to the bottom line any

039of those monies that can't be earmarked for professional services because it is for educational purposes >> that 11 million we don't see >> town >> it goes directly to the town >> we don't see it >> how about from and if it's a capital reserve not that but you have other monies to the capital reserve can that be allocated to professional services >> professional services related to capital >> projects. >> Is that uh everything then? >> So, um I need a motion to approve the budget position dated January 31st, 2026. Uh purchase resolution D803 and request for budget transfers. >> So move second. be Lindy and uh Brian any more discussion >> through the chair if I may say one thing quickly. >> So this um this work for the potential culinary classroom is just

040going to give us a sense of what's possible. So we know we may learn hey this is going to be way too expensive and and we can't do it now but this is just more information for us to make a better decision. Can I can I also expand upon that just so that that cost for the preliminary if we it is not additional to our budget. It's within a line item of our budget. Not to be confused. I just want that out there. >> Sure. Yes. >> When you explore new options, one may think it's an additional cost. It's not. We're taking something in a line item that we cannot use because the option is not there and we're filling that with that dollar amount for this exploration phase. >> That's correct. So it doesn't

041it's no more to the taxpayer. >> Nope. >> You're just shifting money. >> That's it. >> Very nice. All right. So um all those in favor opposed abstains. That's unanimous. Okay. Next uh on the agenda is revised policies for first read. >> So these are policies that uh went to policy subcommittee for the first time and then they're going to go back to policy subcommittee again um based upon any conversation that we have here. Um and so these in letter B will come back to the board another time uh in March. >> Very good. And I and a lot of these changes are statutoily mandated which you know is they have to come before us but they're they're statutory so it's not like we're making huge changes. A lot of is language you know so

042so that's what we kind of see here and have to dig through. >> Yeah. So yeah we're at the point in our policy project >> where now we have revised just about everything. Now, we're catching up with whatever uh legislation has passed as of July 1st, 2025 and then requires some policy changes. That's where we are. But the big bulk of the policy revisions that were started before I came um are done now. We're just catching up legislation. >> Not much fanfare with that finishing up, but that's that's >> No, we could have made could have had a little party there, but >> but it's but it's great that we're not we're not behind, you I mean, we were very much behind in our policies. We've cleaned them all up and now we're going along

043in the current year that the changes are being made to rectify those changes, which is what we should be doing. So, >> right. And I mean, you know, quite honestly, it's the non-glamorous yet crucial work of the board of education to make sure that that this is all right. >> Um, this is the the real detailed work, but it's >> absolutely important. I really appreciate the way we're highlighting what's changed and everything now too and the little it's helpful >> preface is very helpful. >> Yes. >> Right. So there's uh nothing to say beyond that. Uh second now policies for second uh read and uh approval. >> So again these have um already come before the board once and so you can see I don't have to summarize for you. The paragraph at the top

044tells you what the changes are. I'm just highlighting uh for the 4118.113 and 4218113 um having to do with uh the title 9 regulations have reverted back to the 2020 rags from the 2024 regs. That was um a federal district court in Kentucky made that decision. So that's why that policy has to change. And you can see that we have um for personnel and for students related to the sex discrimination and then non-discrimination policy has to be put in place for community personnel and students. >> Nice. Okay. I need a motion to approve the following policies. uh 1105 non-discrimination uh friend and community 411.1 non-discrimination personnel 4,211.1 >> also non-discrimination personnel >> non-discrimination 4,18.113 prohibition of sex discrimination and sexual harassment personnel that's also 4,218.113 uh also 5,000 non-discrimination students and 5,145.75 prohibition of sex

045discrimination and sexual harassment. >> Made a motion. >> So moved. >> Brian. Second. >> All right. >> I have to um make a motion. I would like to >> Well, we have to vote. We have to vote on the motion >> or discuss. Right. Discussion. >> Okay. So, we vote discussion now. >> Yep. >> Discussion on this. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. >> Now, I'd like to make a motion. >> We got to vote on that one, right? >> Yeah. The motion's still open. So, if it's discussion, we just close discussion. Um, if I want to divide two of these policies and vote on them separately, is now the time. >> Which ones? The ones that we just did? >> 5,000 and 5,145.7. So that's >> so I move to divide the questions.

046>> That's the motion that we just did. >> We just did that. So if he So So what I my recommendation would be to withdraw the main motion, withdraw the second and bifurcate it. So your motion would be I need a motion to approve with all the policies except the two that you want. You'll have a main you'll have a second. We'll vote on those. Then we'll come back and you make a motion either for 5,000 separately or 5,000 together with 5145.7. >> Okay. Then we'll do that then. What are the two you want to remove? >> So, well, I want Let's do this. We'll do a motion. >> We have to have the person withdraw their main and their second off the motion that's on the floor. >> Withdraw my motion. >> Okay. And

047who's the second? >> Second. >> Right. Now, the floor is completely clean. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. >> So, now what we do, right, is we're going to re recall that motion, but only state the ones that we're going to Okay. So, I need a motion to approve the following policies. Uh 11,00 uh 1,15 4,11.1 4,211.1 4,118.113 4218.113 >> motion >> Wendy second >> Brian. Thank you. >> Discussion. All those in favor? Unanimous. Okay, I need a motion to approve the following policies. 5,000 non-discrimination for students and 5,145.7 prohibition of sex discrimination and sexual harassment students. >> So moved and Tom >> I think that was Brian. >> You can have a Tom if you want. who bought you for >> wrestling >> and now we can go into discussion. >> Did you want to

048say something about it? >> Yeah, I separated those. I and I realize it is state law. Uh but 5,5,145.7 will allow boys to compete in women's sports in in those policies. Allows that and and also allows them into the locker rooms. Um I don't I'm not okay with that. So, no disrespect to all the hard work that you've done, but I wanted to separate those out so that I can go on the record. I'm not going to vote for those. >> Can you show us where that's in the policy? Does anybody have that page where that >> um my notes haven't updated so I I had the pages marked. It's >> okay now. >> Yeah. >> I wanted to see the 2313. Thank you. >> Where the policy thing where it's it's basically, you know,

049you can choose your sport. You can't be discriminated against based upon your gender identity. Eric, >> yes, >> I'll speak on this also. Um, it's a difficult situation for us as a board of ed in the state of Connecticut. Um, I'm 100% against boys playing in women's sports uh be and and being able to access uh women's facilities. Um, I think it degrades um young women um it it lessens where we have progressed for women in this society. Uh and it's absolutely tragic. That said, the Senate, it's state law and if we don't approve this, we're going to find ourselves with our lawyers here. Um, and and it I mean it is there's no easy answer to this. It is such a massive problem across the country and there is a tremendous amount of litigation

050right now as we know federal courts and I promise you that has already gone up all that to the uh circuit courts and from there it will go to Supreme Court. The um I just think we're I understand everybody's philosophy because I I just I'm 100% in agreement with you on this. I just the way we treat women in this state because of these roles is is tragic. Having a daughter myself who competed in sports um but if we don't approve them and I don't know how this is going to go. I don't know what the ramifications are going to be but I suspect our attorneys are going to be here and the state's going to be honest. So with that in mind, uh it hurts to to approve these, but I think from a

051legal perspective and my personal perspective from from legal, um we're going to have to >> Eric, >> got a lot of hands up there. >> Please, Sarah, >> before we vote, can we consult with Attorney? >> We've done this before. It was last year and this one came back up again because we were we were adding uh discrimination against people who have been trafficked >> is ironic and other things but that so that's why this is even up here again. >> Well protecting classes >> added to the council's opinion I wasn't here last year. >> Yeah last year we we I had the same objection. We had legal counsel come in and uh and then we proceeded we passed it but uh this year it came up again. Um so it's I have still the

052same issue with it. >> Yeah, it's going to come up again next year. >> Federal litigation uh and and for next few years what the council say >> small language change. >> Um it's the law. Just pretty much what you said. We saved us a lot of money. >> Yeah. >> Pretty much exactly what you said, Joe. I think you put it very well >> actually through it's actually state law state law so clear um eventually it's going to come down to like you were saying it's going to go through the Supreme Court and supremacy clause is probably going to win but um we spoke to our attorney about that and and the fact of the matter is litigation can go either way it can happen from both sides. So if we allow uh boys

053born into a female locker room, we can be sued. We can have litigation on our hands that way and they'll say, you know, go against what the law says, right? So we we find ourselves in a real precarious situation regardless. So I think at at one point you have to look at, you know, where we live and what our constituents say. I I think we have to take that into consideration. Um there's no easy answer but um we have a dual role both to the town and to the school and in that role where we are looking out for the safety and well and well-being of our of the students um we are wearing a town hat there as well. Okay. Um and so that you know other districts have found themselves specifically Greenwich at

054the losing end of a litigation a battle that that went to court because they did and the town ended up getting sued. The board got sued. They were forgiven because in their fiduciary responsibility to the town they did not protect the students well-being. And so the town ended up bearing that burden. Um, I'm just saying for the record that whatever we do, if you're worried about litigation, you have to worry about it either way. So, we can find ourselves sued either way. And I think you really have to vote on what we believe our town has put us here to do. >> It does seem as though the state's a little more active with their litigation than the feds. Yeah. >> Yeah. And and with regards to withholding funds and all that, you know, we

055heard what name was it in Maine or last Marcowski that's they're still being funded. Don't you know I mean it's something to be concerned with, but ultimately this is going to find its way through the legal system. Excuse me. And we're going to have an outcome one way or another. >> Thank you. T >> Yeah. And I and I will just say I I like understand both both sides of this argument and it's really really difficult. Um, and I do understand both sides of it, but I do believe that you have even though you may want to vote one way because you know you're kind of stuck. I think it's very important that you do what you all just did and on the record state that you don't agree with it. If you if you

056don't agree with it and that you are passing it because it's state law, but you're doing it, you know, you it goes against what you believe. I think you have a right to do that and so I applaud you for speaking up about it. If it's something that you're not that you don't believe it, let it go on the record that you voting on it because you basically have to >> or don't vote for it at all. >> Or don't vote for it all. >> Okay, that being said, uh, >> all those in favor, against. So, what do we have? >> 43. >> The motion passes. >> 53. >> Am I miss all in favor? >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> I was looking right at you. >> 53. >> All right, Paul. >> Thank you.

057Okay. So, uh let's move on to item 10D as in delta bid award RFP E2526-00002 NMHs culinary A&E. Um I need a motion to approve the bid award for this RFP-25262 NMH culinary A&E. So moved. >> Oh, and >> I just have a question on the dollar amount. >> Yes, >> the 135 I mean the the actual bid is 69 the approximate 69,000. So that's just the the carve out of that amount. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. I just >> 276. >> Okay. I mean, that's demonstrating the incremental approach that we're taking to this project, >> right? Right. >> Everyone knows that's on page 276 because I know I always have trouble finding that, too. >> I'm so trying. >> Joe, you have something. >> I don't want a lot of detail on,

058but why such swing in the in the bid numbers? >> Uh, sometimes that's how they come in. I think, you know, Mr. Cunningham might comment on it, but that's how the bids go. >> Yeah. As far as overall benefits, >> there's no rhyme or reason to why one company might be exponentially larger than the others. I think the two lowest were within a couple thousand dollars. And what we did is carve this out into a page one of 13,500. That's for field verification of what's existing there. That provides us with programming, meaning what we'd be looking to do in that space, schematic design, and then cost estimates. And then from there, then we kind of know what the number would be if we elect to encumber under the actual construction of that. Yeah. or where

059I'm going to put this. >> Uh we're examining several spaces in the high school. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> We haven't landed the plane on that yet, but there's a few of them. And there's a bunch of criteria that we're using like access to electricity, outside entrance to utilities. >> Yeah, that's it. Utilities. Yeah. >> Is there an external door maybe someday for our beastro? >> Well, that's part of the charge of the consultants is to Indeed. Yes. the program what we're looking to do in that space ultimately and then they will evaluate the space and say what's going to be most advantageous then create so we have an idea of looking equipment wise and layout wise the instructional space involved there and then there's the actual cooking space and then what would the estimates

060be to their belief that if we elected so nice and >> this is and this is only for the design work this is only for the schematics that were that that >> schematics cost estimates correct But >> that entails a lot for them to go in and look at our drawings, look at our mechanicals and say is this realistic they could do this? Do you have enough electricity? The fire protection should it's very uh involved space when you create a home space. So >> quick question. You said look at our drawings. So are we providing drawings or are they providing drawings? >> Oh no. Well, we provide drawings that we have the existing building just to help facilitate it. They still do site visits and cross reference things to see what's in place, but it

061gives them a jumping off point to they there and know what we have from there. So >> that's not a bad number. >> It's really not when I haven't done this kind of work before and it's still the safest month before you just sit there and say I'm committing all in to work. I'm not going to speculate expensive project in the long run. Thank you. >> All right. Well, that's it for the discussion. I I think that uh we are ready to vote. All those in favor against unanimous. Thank you. passes. Next, uh 10E, uh food services. I need a motion to approve to approve the proposed food services meal prices for all meals beginning May 1st, 2026. >> Brian second. >> Thank you, sir. >> Discussion. So um please um so the memo >>

062can I make clarification please the meal prices should be as of March 1st >> right >> that should be the >> March 1st. Okay >> right um May 1st is when the >> implementation >> yeah continuation of the community eligibility provision would take place. >> Thank you. >> And we have Mrs. Solomon here who can answer our questions and explain anything that we need. >> So the proposed is 50 cents and we haven't raised them in 14 years. >> Correct. Uh we are still one of the lowest in the states. >> Correct. Um and um should should this all go forward uh and I and I know this was mentioned before, we need to get the message out there to families that aren't expecting this. Um they need to be put on notice that this

063is happening. I'd be curious actually um Anthony, this kind of question is for you. It's a little strange. um for the month of May, a May one implementation for a two-month carry, what would be the cost to the board to supplement that meal program. And you don't have to give me that tonight. If we did not increase prices of >> exactly >> if we did um >> for us to absorb that price increase >> for breakfast >> across the board any increase to the to the families of the community 50 cents until the end of the school year from May one implementation. I'd just be curious on the number. >> Of course you wouldn't. >> I think there I think the motion is worded in such a way Mr. can expound upon this that um

064there are implementation dates that we have to submit to the state ahead of that May 1st. >> Correct. >> That's correct. But um but I think the point you're making is that yes, we're going to go through with families are going to pay the older price, but the board what would it cost for them to absorb that 50 cent increase? Is that correct? >> Right. this it starts this the transition happens on May 1st >> May 1st >> March so they're not paying March April May so families will start collecting applications get the message out and we are giving the families 38 days to um you know get applications in and be able to apply >> to be clear families are paying now correct >> pardon me >> families are paying now >> families are

065not right >> we're still in the >> but there's no cost at all to families. >> There's no cost. >> So that that that so beginning May 1st >> is is when we would raise the prices or when would families start paying? >> Families would actually there would be a cost to the families as of May 1st. >> May 1st. >> Okay. So my question really is beginning May 1st, what would the cost be for the families that are not pay, you know, for all the families that aren't paying when they have to start paying even with the 50% increase >> until the end of the fiscal year because I think what I heard you said is that you have to let this you have to let the state know what we're doing. Correct. Or

066the individuals know what we're doing. >> Yes. >> But you don't have to let them know how we fund it. >> That's correct. Those are two different things. You just have to let them know what our plan is. Correct. >> Correct. Correct. >> Okay. >> It would be good to know that amount. I'm glad you asked that question because we're talking about a month and a half, right? >> We're talking about a month and a half. Um >> that we might be able to >> I'm not saying I'm not I'm just I'd like to know numbers before we get into the end of the year and you're faced with one night having to decipher. So that's why I'm asking what your paper requirement is. And I believe that your filing requirement is very different than

067the funding requirement because the board, if the board so choose, and I'm not putting this in it. I'm just put it out there. If the board chose to absorb that cost if the money were in their end of the year balance, they could do that. Could they not, Anthony? >> Uh, yes, that's potential. >> That's what I but we still need to pass the increases for the following year. Exactly. So starting in the fall that will be the pay but but the board if they so choose will pick up the month and a half difference. >> I just would be very helpful if >> she's talking about the difference. I think she's talking about the entire >> the entire amount and the difference >> not the difference and and quite frankly I think that as

068we all come into believe it or not we're already start we've got to get through budget but as you get into you know May and June and you you have those opportunities possibly to have a discussion because we know we'll be somewhat favorable. We never know which, you know, what surprises are coming in, what funding, what reimbursements, zero. Not putting it out there. I think the sooner we have that information so you're not coming into June having those discussions with numbers that people don't have isn't fair. >> Just just to be clear one more time, the motion is to increase the prices as of March 1st, right? >> And they will continue free, right? We're increasing the meal prices that contributes to our reimbursement on the state. families um would not begin paying at those

069new rates until May 1st. >> The increases before the families actually >> but the board could choose to pay full price of what this is going to cost with the increase >> starting >> for the rest of the school year and then roll it out to families and giving them a lot and we could give them that notice now. You know what I mean? >> I'm not trying to complicate it. I'm just >> but I but it's a good point. It's a we're >> just pointing out the opportunity. >> I'm just putting out the opportunity. It would be nice to know the the money. It wouldn't be nice to know the money piece, >> but to Anony's point, because we we got into funding and prices increase and all that. So, >> families will begin

070paying on >> May 1st. May 1st. >> May 1st. They begin paying. That's how I understand it. But, not the second. If they need a second, yeah, don't >> I understand that, right? And thank you for that because that has been a discussion. That's a great point. But the motion is to increase the prices effective March 1st. Okay. And that has >> bigger ramifications. >> Exactly. So is is everybody clear on that? So got it >> through the chair if I may, >> please. >> So just so we're all clear, >> right? >> I didn't communicate with families yet until we had this discussion with the board. However, tomorrow I will send out the first communication to families that says that free breakfast and free lunch ends on April 30th. That's fair to prepare people.

071>> Absolutely. >> Whatever happens after that is a different conversation. >> 100%. >> Yeah. I I also don't want it to get lost that you know we've had two and a half years almost with free and free lunch for all students. >> It's so true. It >> which is amazing. incredible, >> unbelievable. Um, >> and kept our prices, you know, you know, >> the same since 2011. >> I understand. >> Yeah. No, I'm not contradicting you. I just want to make sure that we're clear that >> um while typically in urban districts there's free breakfast and lunch for all all the time. Um, in a in a historically suburban district, it doesn't happen like that. And it has everything to do with the management of that program. So, >> and and Oh, and you've done

072a phenomenal job. Quite frankly, you have done a phenomenal job with this program. And I, you know, I take this opportunity to remind the board and the town because you were on the board at the time, Joe, that this this this uh food service program really could have had a very bad uh outturn during COVID and we were very smart about that and um the fact that even though your budget is separate from the boards, you manage it and we are extremely proud of the way you do it. It's it's exceptional along with the awards that you've gotten from the state. So, uh, you know, we're we're we're really proud of that's an excellent point. I'm not put I think that you should let parents know expect April 30th. I just wanted the discussion out

073there because, you know, this is another cost to families. It's uh a month and a half uh that that I just think that going into budget, I think all board members should have all the same data to make their decisions. That's all that I'm saying. Oh, follow along what you were saying. I just want to say it's also very impressive that you were able to keep this free lunch program >> because we've been talking about this >> all year long on a monthto-month basis that this is going to run out. So last year actually >> I hear what Miss Fenback is saying u something for consideration. I think timingwise catching the last two months of the year, it's kind of probably going to surprise a lot of people, but the program has been run extremely

074well. Uh, and when we put it all back in and people go back to paying for lunch, which may maybe if we're fortunate would be in September. If not, then we're April the end of April, is not to forget and allow those people who fall between the free and reduced and pay that we have students that miss out on lunch some days and that we have some kind of flexibility. And um I tell everybody this story because it goes back a very long time because fortunately she's older uh when my daughter was a freshman in the school. She walked up to the casher with her tray of food and the casher said, "I have to take that away from you. You have no money in your account." Now that was on me because I didn't

075refill it. I got lost in my work. So, uh, I called the then superintendent. I did skip over all the administration. Um, and and we resolved that issue and I got guaranteed that never happened. That's a rare circumstance that probably cool that could be. >> Um, I'm trying to think how old my daughter is. >> Oh my god. >> Um, >> she panicking and live. She survived it. Um the um I it's those handful of people in between that we always have to see that we have something. >> I don't think we mistakes happen not on Nick Children's parts part. >> Um Mrs. Sullivan um is anyone turned away because they don't have funds in their account. >> No, there are um um many regulations in place. Um so that does not no student is

076ever denied a meal. >> Um so there 10 years ago >> if If if the student does not have funds in their account, they are entitled to get their first meal for free. Okay. I mean, they will. >> That's and that's I want to that catch all people between. >> So, yeah, the state and um uh USDA have regulations for that to happen. However, um students even though the student doesn't have money in their account now their will go into the negative, >> right? >> And so it will but there's no embarrassment. Um and the child child is given the food >> and it's not a cheese sandwich. It's the regular meal. >> It's whatever um whether you are paid, free or reduced um whatever your status is, everyone is treated the same. Um it's

077totally anonymous. Every student um is put in puts a PIN number in and acts just like the next student. Um so no one no one knows um what status you are. If you don't have funds in your account, you're allowed to still go through and have your meal. And then we notify the parents. >> And then we notify. Yeah. >> All right. Because it was cheese sandwich at the time. Thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's that that has has not happened for very very long. >> Hopefully. So >> your daughter was the last one. >> So students students can choose the meal like any any other student if they have funds or not. >> And and and at the end of the day though, while they do try to get the funds back, I

078do remember at one point we've had to eat that negative balance. I mean, if if we don't get that money by the end of the year, >> that's accurate. The board does have to pay those unpaid uh meals fees. Those cannot be um absorbed by the food service account. >> Right. >> Well, that uh the balance we I think we can move on to discussion. Uh all those in favor against motion passes. And now on to item number 10. Uh 2526 an acronym CEN Wi-Fi grant update rounds number one and two. I need a motion to approve the 2526 CEN WiFi grant update rounds number one and two. >> Second. Dean and Brian. >> Oh, excuse me. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> What type of grant is this? This is a matching grant or what?

079What is this? >> Oh, somebody better I know what it's for. >> Is it a matching grant? >> I don't Yeah, >> it is a um CE had a $10 million grant we put in for two rounds. It is not matching. Um we put in for the grant for the first round. It was 145 uh,000 for us. The town I believe was in the 100,000 range. We will front the money. The town worked with us and they are doing that for us and then we will be reimbursed the total amount. So there's no cost to us in the end. >> Great. >> Awesome. >> And it allows us to have um connectivity outside. >> Great. >> Thank you for allowing that question. The second round will be the other three schools which will start sometime

080in the spring. We're about 80% 85% done waiting for the snow removal, the outside solar panels >> in one at the middle school, one at the high school and then we should be done. >> Okay, that's all the discussion. All those in favor against abstain. It's unanimous. >> Okay. Um, excuse me. >> This is interesting. Item 11. I think we've already done all that. >> This is just the regulations. These are Excuse me. Yeah, these are just >> regulations. There it is. Okay. items of information. Uh not going to read them all. >> We don't vote on these. This is just >> but people can, you know, talk about them and discuss them in >> facilities items, which is probably good because we didn't have a facilities meeting. >> So Mr. Cunningham will there's a

081memo, but he'll summarize some of that. >> One of the first things we've done here recently is we set up a team here consisting athletic director, myself, and from high school. We met with the three local biders. During these discussions, we came across several inconsistencies with the bids as well as discrepancies uh were identified. As a result, we're recommending that we cancel the solicitation. Uh probably the best course of action at this time. uh recommending proceeding in the near future with engagement of a landscape architect that that will develop the district own project specifications. So we could also be in alignment with the USA and in hopes of going and obtaining a grant from them and then the solicitation would be reissued here for a construction only bid as opposed to a design bid. Last

082I heard about this that there was some USA concern about those courts being used for pickle ball and the the grand how that iron out shake out. >> Well, yeah. Well, that was one of the reasons that we're not looking to go with these companies in particular. None of anything with USDA. So if we would be able to sort of help shepherd us through that and had guidance to offer on that and being in alignment with the expectations as far as the pickleball court lines go. Yeah, that's a hard no with them that if you're looking to put pickle ball court lines on your tennis court, it's going to be absolutely no a non-starter for them right off the bat. You know, I do know that the town is putting pitball courts at least looking

083to do it down at petty bone >> and uh you know, we could still look to try to put them in some other course somewhere if we wanted to, but certainly if we're looking to get grant money via the USA, that would not be something we'd be allowed to do. >> And then there's other criteria too. They look at the venue itself. If you see anyone, they look at your ability as a community to pay. there's things they do to prorate or what the amount is they would >> release. >> So, how much how does this uh delay the project? >> We were already looking that we're going to have to do some kind of black federal bandaid work on it this spring. So, we'd probably look to get someone on board here this summer

084so we'd be in alignment and can go through whatever procedural things we need to with USDA and hopefully be able to kick this off then next summer. So the band-aid work can be done in house though. Is that right? >> No, we typically send source that out. >> All right. >> Was there I could be wrong. Did we not or did we tie this in or earmark some of this in the capital? >> Yes, we have $1.1 million covered in capital to take this as we spoke that fell underneath that. >> Okay. So that number will be will that number change in our reports, Anthony, if we're pushing it off because it's been captured in page four of our reports. >> Um >> we just don't act on it. >> It is not captured on

085page four um on the budget position listing. It will not be captured there until we actually embark upon the project and cut a PO. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. >> So it's on the five-year capital. >> That's where it is. the five-year capital plan >> and we do we did re withdraw an amount from the capital reserve for that project in the amount of 1.1 million. If there is less than that, it'll be returned to our capital reserve. >> Got it. So that'll go back in the capital reserve. >> Yeah, I I may be unpopular saying this, but I think that these courts are used by the entire community, and I hope that we can pick up discussions with the town on how we might uh be able to get this rolling. It's been a long

086time coming and I uh they're not only used by our students, they're used by the town of New Milford. So, >> and we have we have mentioned that discussions with the mayor about >> Okay. Be happy to meet again and discuss it again. >> Yeah. >> Hopefully. I don't think we'll have them there. >> Any other questions? >> Is that it? Matt, >> is it any other uh questions about regarding the tennis courts? >> Oh, yeah. No. So we also have an RFP for central offices that was award that was awarded is over Petraelian Associates January meeting. Uh I did have a launch meeting yesterday actually with Petraelli just to start the process for developing specifications and drawings and we look to get some permits and construction beginning on that this summer. That's what phase

087one consisting of two offices we're looking to go. We all know the big driver there is for privacy and sound. >> Petraelli also was on the RFP for the culinary. Correct. >> Yes. But he was lowest. >> Yeah. There's no way to Does it make sense to combine any of these things to kind of, you know, >> you can't do that. Yeah. >> You can't do that. Huh? >> That's a shame. >> That's not the way we put the bid out. You have to follow the process. >> Yeah. >> So, that's good news though that um very likely that you'll have two legal offices done this summer. >> Oh, indeed. >> Yeah. No, we're fairly confident that we get this start the next year that those offices will be >> This is a long time

088in the making. Look, I'm I'm glad we're finally getting this done. We've been talking about this I feel like forever, >> right? And that's just the first phase. Hopefully, taking a tour with Scan anymore. >> Yes, they would also work on developing and overall conceptual drawing for the central office in of itself. I know that's gone through many iterations over the years. >> Um, but this is for construction drawing so we can get permits and we can do physical work in two spaces and then they will also develop an overall game plan for works on on the conceptual drawing for what we may look to do in the future. >> That's great. So, in addition, uh we posted the bid for the uh North Bell Hydrants Engineering. There were no the last solicitation. So, we've

089put that back out there and I believe those bids open up here in May. That is there's no money currently in trying to get some idea of what the cost will be associated with that potentially. We did speak here about the new high school conference. Any questions about that particular? I know we just approved that bid. So, >> can I ask and I'm sorry if this was discussed. Where exactly is the footprint for the culinary school? >> We're still looking uh Mr. Fail asked that question. We're looking at a couple places >> in the high school. Correct. So, so it's a physical spot in the high school, but Okay. Okay. So, you just haven't nailed down exactly where. >> So, that's why they'll help us with that with the A&E because they'll look at some

090places that are best suited for what we're looking for. >> Okay. >> Yep. uh the Northville rule for the superintendent myself applied for the DAS grant through the core CT system. That's the port hole that the state uses uh for when you're going and and soliciting for bid for uh grants. So, um the office of grants administration the next step in the grant process, we wait to hear back from them and see where they'd like to go. On the town side, they have worked on developing an RFP for the roof. I expect that's going to go out this week. And Mr. Cunningham, thank you for all the work you put into on the RFP to help them move that along. Appreciate that. >> And some good news. We are recipients of a security grant that

091Mr. will talk about that next up here soon. Uh was a 2023 that we applied for this. It was awarded by Services Public Protection. It's a matching grant up to $250,000. So we would be rewarded awarded excuse me $122,000 of that money. Uh really at this stage we feel comfortable that we've done we can sit there and verify $250,000 work we've done in the past several years that fits within that time frame. And so really it's a matter of providing then the paperwork necessary then to validate that. >> This is work that's already been done. This is for work that's already been done, not for work. >> Yeah, it could be for either, but we feel comfortable that we can go back and I think this goes back to 203, >> right? >> Oh, yeah.

092Right. >> So, we feel good that we can substantiate that we've done $250,000 worth of security rated work. You know, we uh not to get too granular with it, we take a very holistic approach with security. So, we talk about things like cameras, radios, card access, hardening of doorways, blinds that we put in areas. So, collectively, we're spent $250,000 on that because when we went for this grant last time and we're recipients of I think it was 21, we still uncovered that money and said we still know these projects are worthwhile and want to pursue them and we did and so we have the receipts. >> So you so you basic so when we when it says here that we have to match that amount >> we've already done >> you're going to bring the

093receipts from >> Yeah, we spent $250,000 of that with our percentage rates around 48%. So, it's roughly $50,000. We should get back about $122,000. >> And how does that work cash flow wise? I didn't mean to interrupt, but let's assume that we do get it back. We expect in this fiscal year, >> right? That'll go back into the capital account that we already have established on the board side for security improvement. A few years ago, we needed to put up money for our match for the state. We did not get awarded the matching piece for that. That was in 2021. But the board still went ahead and authorized the improvement for the money that we allocated from our >> goes into the capital account. >> Yes. From the five. >> I just want to be

094clear. >> So the dollar amounts there. As Mr. Cunningham has said, we are ongoing security work that we done with district >> and we able to retroactively apply those payments and get reimbured. >> Makes sense. >> Great. Great. >> Great. >> Let's move on to the uh employment report. >> Thank you. Thank you. Um there isn't much to see here. There's only one resignations are low. That's a good sign. Right. Right. >> So that's uh and you can see some internal transfers, but there's that's not notable. It's it's notable that you don't see a bleed of people leaving. So I'm very very happy about that and it shows a little bit of stability in the system. >> Great. >> Can I ask about the career coordinator? Is that a position that's going to be posted?

095>> It'll be posted um after we see how we fare in the next several weeks budget wise. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> That's a that's a loss. That's a >> Oh, yeah. For sure. >> Yeah. But um obviously being picked up by something currently because the pathways are still being managed. >> We have some person left. Yep. And then we have some teachers who picked it up as a sixth class. Um the contract allows. >> Yeah. >> So they're um there's of course still working on pathways. >> Very good. >> The enrollment report, please, Dr. Paul. >> Uh yes. So the box at the bottom tells the story and you could see notably there um Sarah Noble in the green. uh they're 25 over the projection and the projection's about five or six years old

096now, but that's it's still pretty fresh, but it shows that Saranobble has a bump there. Um and including if you compare one year to the next, they're 20 students over from where they were from one year to the next. So, uh the rest of them aren't really surprising. the minus 42 for prek to 2 has everything to do with the kindergarten legislation >> and um Scatakoke is only eight off of the projection and the high school's 30 off of the projection. So overall we're 10 over what the projection stated. Um but that's very very close. That shows that the numbers are pretty tight. Item F, the ESG NV5 year one energy performance results. >> I think we got one ahead of that. >> Oh, excuse me. 2023 supplemental school security competitive grant program round number

09761. >> So I could touch on this briefly. Uh Mr. Cunningham captured most of this in his facility items report. Again, this is just a grant opportunity that has several rounds. It's been around since 2013. We've already spent money towards this in order to get reimbursed. Um the full amount which would be $122,471 and 19 cents. That money will flow back into our um security project that came from our 5-year capital plan. We could then use that security lines. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Now ESG I got so excited when I saw that ESG MV5 year one energy performance results. >> So there is a four-page report here. There's a very um bland memo cover page attached here um just to solicit questions from board members um after you've had a chance to review

098this report. Um, at a high level, it's shown that ESG has met their performance uh standards and exceeded them by roughly $16,000. Um, that's total amongst town and board of ed. Um, there are dollar amounts in here as far as incentives that were received as part of the project and there are metrics as far as what was verified by category. This was this ESG report was provided uh Mr. Cunningham, myself and Mr. Jackson Lee uh from DPW as a way to communicate to our respective boards the um summary of the project. There is a a larger report that they generated between ESG and NV5. This is the summary report. They're obligated to do this every year to do the measurement verification. This is the first I'm sorry, every two years. >> I think this is

099the first two years. >> I'm sorry, the first year, I believe, >> of the project. >> And this was expected to be done last year. There was delay in the project start. This is the first measurement and verification report that anybody has received out of this project. >> So last year doesn't count towards that two-year. That's correct. This is the first of two. Thank you. >> Um, did they give us a projected savings? >> Did they give us anything like what we should anticipate? >> No. No. >> So, there's like no benchmark. I mean, obviously a savings. I'm just curious if we were planning >> the projected from the original is the amount at which we would be able to pay the bond back and no more >> cost at a break even point and

100the first year of the measure me measurement verification is uh displaying that they've exceeded that by $16,000 the performance versus what they they perform level $16,000 higher than the guarantee. So that's what that 15,000 reflects. >> Yes. >> Question. >> Oh, Wendy. >> Um, I'll submit perhaps some more because there's a lot here, but I just have some basic questions. First of all, it's a great thing that we were able to, you know, see that the guaranteed savings act here. Okay, I know this has been a long time coming. So, kudos to everyone on that. Um, just help me follow the money for a moment. If you get down to the page, the bottom of the first page, 4.16 million of rebates, grants, and incentives. Uh, a million40 ITC direct pay grant. What does that

101mean, direct pay grant? >> That's money that was, I believe, provided to the town via tax incentives. um all these listed um I've asked representatives from ESG and NV5 to tease out how much was in the original cash flow project and how many might be above and beyond the cash flow. >> That's exactly where I'm going. And and so these are captured through the overall program as savings, but we don't know how they're teased out, where they're paid, and how they work. >> That's correct. and how they're benchmarked against the original proposal which or I should say some of the conversations that we are looking at. >> That's correct. >> Okay. So, I don't know if you'll be able to get that answer because there's a lot here. It's a $4 million breakdown I'm asking

102for. Uh and I know that that's difficult, but I'd be curious on that. Um page two. Um, when we look at the major improvements, um, I know, and I could be wrong, and maybe I'm jumping to page three and solar and all of that, what expenditures have been sent or have been unexpected passed either to the town or the board outside of the scope of the original conversations, meaning of maintenance, contracts. Uh, I know we had what, 9,000 put in our budget. So the the first piece is a solar preventative maintenance in the amount of $9,000. >> Okay. >> Per year. That's starting in 2627. >> Correct. But that's in our fiscal that we put it in our budget. >> That's in our facilities operating budget that the board adopted last month. In addition to

103that, there is an amount for the preventative maintenance for the co-gen plant at the high school. >> That is roughly $26,000 a year. It ramps up to I believe $34,000 a year in the last um year, the 89th year. So, so because you know on at the beginning I know some of us are on some of these calls and it got a little confusing. I guess my question is what have been some of the supplemental costs? You just named two of them because as we look at our budgets increasing both town and board this not us versus them or vice versa you know and I know you can only probably answer for the board side. Um what you know the 9,000 came as a surprise to me. I'll be honest with you. Same with the

10426,000. So, I'm trying to get a number of what costs are being put onto the board because you're you're here for the board and and I know perhaps the town is probably facing some expenditures. I I could be wrong that would be there three pieces actually. There is the solar PM which we know from 2627 is going to be nine grand, right? We don't know what the escalator that's going to be in future years. The second piece which I mentioned was >> PM for the cogen >> that goes from $26,000 all the way up to $39,000 per year. And there's a third piece. There's a building ECM for building controls range from $5,000 in year one all the way up to $7,000 in the final year. So those are the three pieces, right? That is

105now part of the board of education operating budget that was not anticipated >> $50,000 >> approximately every year across those three that was not anticipated at the onset of this project. >> Were there any budgeting for it >> in order to satisfy it? And I think it's a good conversation on whether or not the board of ed should continue funding that out out of its operating budget or not. Well, we're always looking at ways because this is a town and board project. This is a type of conversation that's town and board conversation when you're hit with some of these unexpected expenses. I think it's fair. Uh both for the town and the board. Um have we had the solar? Where are we on the solar and savings and all of that kind of thing? Um,

106the solar is the let's see >> because I know that that was a conversation. The solar savings is part of the $16,000 over the guarantee. >> Okay. Are there any other benefits that we're seeing that have come in savings wise? Is that all captured in the 4.16 million? It's all captured there on page uh on the first page of the ESG report, page 205 them up. >> May I um offer a clarification? >> So I I want to make sure that the record is clear that that the board of education has not received $4.16 million of rebates. >> That that that's >> part of our revenue. Are you going there? >> Yeah, that's exactly where I'm going. >> Okay, I'll let you keep going down the road. >> Right. No, no, keep going. I mean,

107that's exactly it. It's not that the, you know, my question on the four and a half million. First of all, it's great when a town and a board can get money back. That that is how it's supposed to be. >> Sure. >> I would just like to understand how, when, and what was the calculating factor. >> Yes. So, I would like to Mr. Jimnoni to provide one clarification. So, how much money have we received as a board of education related to this project that we board of education have received? >> Zero dollar. That's my question right there. Okay. So, if we receive zero, how much has the town received? >> Um, I'm not sure exactly. At least $4.16 million. And I think the question ultimately is how much of that is baked into the cash

108flow of the bond that gets satisfied at every December. >> Exactly. Exactly. I mean, so there are some pieces here because first of all, um I'm just trying to understand because I could be wrong, but the the the our buildings are almost 70% of the of the of the formula. >> Yeah, it was agreed that it would be 66 and 23 23 1/3 >> of the project. >> Through discussions with superintendent, myself, and Mr. Cunningham. Um, we've teased out one of the questions that we have is for ESG and NV5 to detail and tell us which of these incentives or rebates are part of the cash flow and which are not. >> That's exactly my question. >> We wanted to bring forward this report and the memo because we know the board has been waiting

109for it amount of time and to gather other questions that we should be asking um asking them at the same time beyond the incentives and rebates and other issues. to be fair just on on my involvement for two years and the bazillion calls it can be very confusing. It's hard to follow um but but with all due respect I mean we you know $4.5 million is a lot of money and I think we should kind of know where how you know how it works because we also want to communicate to the town and our taxpayers you know the success or some of the details on this. Um, and without this sounding disparaging, because I'm certainly grateful for an opportunity to put, you know, capital into buildings without having to, you know, outlay those funds, you

110know, immediately, but we also have a 20-year contract and and um we're seeing expenditures come to our side, $50,000 in our bill, our budget. So to be fair, I want to ask what the um what the um the offset is and how that's dispersed. >> Does that make sense what I'm asking? >> That makes a lot of sense in this. >> Is there a dollar to a future? I think >> shouldn't those at least go to at the bare minimum the operational increases for those three preventative maintenance contracts that the board has had to absorb? Well, and and to that fact, they've been and I I got to be careful how I say this because I don't want to, you know, be a Debbie Downer here. Some of them were a bit of a surprise.

111Now, you know, I I that was I I didn't know. Not that I would know every detail of this contract and every nuance, but you know, 50,000 there, 50,000 there, they all add up. And at the end of the year when when we're looking at budgets and people are asking why is it growing, why is it, this is one component. So, I think it's fair to ask about the credits. >> That's what I'm asking. >> So, I hate to keep going on, but that $4 million jumped out at me as a big surprise. Um, were we aware of all of these um grants and >> not not specifically discussions going on? >> Not specifically in terms of dollars and cents. No. Okay. >> So, these came through through the report. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yes.

112And so these are these are grants, incentives. These are monies that the the town and I don't mean the town us, but I mean the town of New Milford has experienced to the positive. That's fair to say. That's what this report says. >> This is separate from the savings absolutely credited >> for >> or no, it's no, not really. >> So some it's a mix. unclear at this point what has been baked into the original cash flow for the $15 million bond that funded this whole piece. What is already been baked into that cash flow and what are extra credits that were received by the town? I don't have an answer to that specifically right now. >> That and that's my question. The extra credits, how much when were they dispersed? Have they been dispersed?

113And the manner of the dispersement, you know, is it is it a check? Is it a delay? You know, how does that work? That's that's my question. Is that you know where I'm going? >> We got it. >> We have verified savings of $639,000 is what they're saying, but I don't see any any way that that 4.1 million fits with that. I mean, somehow it's got to be prrated or something if if that is part of the savings. So, I mean, I've been on the board for four years. I found this this um >> this whatever you call it this energy savings program the most complicated thing I've I've I've ever seen and very confusing and it's I was hoping it would be less confusing once we got the report but I'm as confused as

114ever. So >> I would say that I've sat through many of the meetings the beginning of this >> and as of you Wendy and I I don't know how to say this, but without I mean it it it's like a shell game. You're wondering when which we're going to pick the shell up. Where's the savings? You know, I every time it it's just confusing and I don't know. >> It's hard to follow the money. Yeah. >> You know, and I know you're the best person at this table to follow the money and And you've got just as >> this makes it a little bit more confusing for me and I know the >> I don't know. >> Would the board like to hear from um ESG or NV5? Would that be a presentation that might

115be helpful for the board? You don't have to answer it now. >> I think it would be >> I I think if if we did that, we'd want to put down an agenda so they didn't spend 40 minutes wasting our time. >> Oh, sure. >> Kind of sour on them, too. But yeah, I'd like to know what the ROI is. How many years did before it had actually paid for itself? Things like that. >> I was here when this first came up. >> Yes. It's >> And I was very hesitant about this because of the shell game. Just speak to a solar salesman. >> Find out how it goes. Um >> yeah, I was very hesitant. My my my only thing and without because there's no casting of dispersions, I think that the board is

116asking for some clarity to understand it's a large dollar amount. It's a 20-year commitment. >> We we better know what we're what we're doing. Um but also, you know, again, some of the dispersements and how they're going, um I think would be helpful for me. Um because I it's great if our our community receives the you know incentives and grants and things like that, but um how are we how would it how does that affect us really? How does that break down? >> I I would just be happy with like a bolted list that shows this is how you've benefited. These are things we didn't expect like like and and so it doesn't have to be like an hour and a half meeting them. >> No. Yeah. No, no, no, no. Yeah. >> Yeah. I

117think it's important to note, you know, we're if we're on the hook for twothirds of the bill. >> That's my point, >> right? Which is true. >> Know what the bill is. >> We also need to know if there's a coupon attached to the bill that you know, I'm sorry. You know, that be able to peel back the bill a little bit. >> Correct. >> I'm a big fan of the coupon, especially over here. So, I'm sorry. >> Yeah, you're saying the same thing, I think. Yeah. >> How about the least? I mean, we have six itemized grants here. If we could just request where where those checks went. Now we've got direct pay grant and all of those. You know, where did that money go? I mean, that that shouldn't be that difficult to

118request, is it? >> It's not it's not >> with them. It might be bring the report to the board as soon as we got it and solicit additional questions and see if the >> want these parties to come out and actually do a presentation or not. We might want to start tracking too because we have enough information now to do an estimate of how many years before this pays for itself and then year to year we ought to start tracking that too to make sure it doesn't get away from us because we have surprise costs coming in and things like that. >> That's right up your alley. >> Yeah, because right now it looks like it will but uh >> we have a cold year this year so weather does play a part in energy

119consumption. So >> curious to see what next year it's going to come in at. So, I guess we beat that dead horse. >> February fundraising. >> Uh, we're at rate. So, we're on uh G >> funding for a 2627 school year. >> Yes. So, there's a memo to that end. Uh, I think Mr. Turner will step out and give you one sentence about it. >> You got one sentence, Jeff. Use it wisely. >> Uh, uh, we are in the process. We've had three bids for the memo. We looked at 25 access points in five schools. We're going by tickets where we might have had teachers complaining about X, Y, or Z. So, we're going to use that information to adapt to assist the teachers. Uh I believe we had 11 backup devices and all of

120this will be a 60% discount from the state using so. So things that say we paid 750 for an access point, we'll pay 40% of that. So, it'll be a much cheaper access. So, that's where we're at. Uh, next month, I'll have accepted the bid and have another memo to you expecting two companies as of now breaking up the bid into two pieces. One being the access points and wiring. The other being um data wiring and the backup devices, which was a second bid. >> Thank you, Brian. >> Thanks. fundraising report. >> Lots of fundraising. >> Yes. So, you can see the list of fundraising at the high schools. >> Broad variety of >> Yeah. >> that time of year. >> What was it? The >> How could you have the Pi Day carnival >>

121after Pi Day? >> 3:14. >> That's Pi Day. >> Yeah. Oh, okay. That's good. That's a plan. Oh, for sure. Yeah. >> 3.14 >> 3.1 >> pi day. >> Come on. March. >> Also, when MIT offers go up >> really >> what uh so >> that's that. >> Finally, the field trip report. >> Uh yeah, you could see the list of the um high school field trips. Some of them are planned for a little bit later in the spring, but u these are have been approved. All right, with that >> motion to adjurnn. Second motion second. Tom and Brian. All those in favor? >> I think got it. >> Thank you, Eric. >> Joe got it. Okay. >> Second. Any motion to adjurnn any day? >> I'd like to be the first one to get

122it out. >> So, who was it? >> Yeah. Joe Watts's name on that one. like mess. >> Okay. >> It seems like like it's always this. We spend this much here, we much here, we It's amazing.