001So, good evening. Today is Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and I am calling this meeting of the Lawrence School Committee to order. This meeting was properly posted under the requirements of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. This meeting is being held hybrid with in person um where we're in person um at the South Lawrence East at 165 Crawford Street, Lawrence, Mass 01841. This is also accessible via live stream on the Lawrence Public Schools YouTube channel. Um, as a vice chair, I am proceeding um presiding over this meeting. In the absence of the chair, I am going to have our recording secretary call the role. >> Mayor Brian Dea, Jessica Marie Ramirez, >> present. >> Jonathan Guzman, >> present. Gonell, Donna Bertoino, Jesus Oriel, >> present. >> Michael Armano, >> present. >> Completed. Present. >> Great. Thank you.
002So, we have a quorum. At this time, please rise if you're able to do so for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. We will now move um move to the approval of minutes of January 5th of 2026. Are there any corrections that anyone would like to make to those minutes? Okay. Hearing none. May I make a mo may I um have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Say I. >> Awesome. The the minutes are approved. So at this time, we will welcome public participation. Um speakers are asked to give their name and address for the
003record. We will it's a two-minut allowance time. We are asking these comments to be directed to the committee as a whole. Um while these while we will not engage in conversation or dialogue uh during public participation, these comments will be um taken into advisement. Um so for now we have Glenny Sanchez. Name and address for the record, please. Glenny Sanchez, 83 Farley Street. Um, good evening, uh, vice chair and members of the school committee. Um, I want to raise a concern about the disclosure of, um, student information as part of an agenda item that was discussed earlier this week at the city council budget and finance committee. My understanding is that the material share included names and addresses of students experiencing um, homelessness. If that is accurate, this is not just a general privacy issue.
004It directly implicates both FURPA and the Mckini Bento homeless assistant act. It is difficult to understand why identifiable student information was required at all when aggregated data will have been sufficient. What's most concerning is that this information may its way into a public setting without being flagged as an issue. That should give us pause beyond policy compliance. This raises broader concerns about system protocols oversight and accountability in how student information is managed. Given the sensitivity of this matter, I share with you the following questions. Were any parental consents obtained? What safeguards were in place to ensure compliance with Mckini Bento confidentiality requirements? Was there a formal data sharing and confidentiality agreement with the city council at the time of the disclosure? And lastly, why were less intrusive and nonidentifiable alternatives of data sharing not use?
005I urge us to reflect on how this happened and to ensure stronger safeguards to um that are in place to protect student information and trust. Thank you. Any other members of the public that wish to speak? Okay, seeing none, we will move um on to the top of the agenda. Uh so item 032026, school committee training and updates. Uh so can I get a motion uh for discussion? >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> I second. >> It's on a second, but thank you. Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. discussion. So colleagues um before us we do have um effective school boards on the line. I just want to talk about a little bit about what we did on March 20th and March 21st. The school committee convened
006in a two-day training with members of the Lawrence school department and the school committee as a whole. Um these uh this training was held and hosted by effective school boards where we discussed student health student outcomes will not change unless adult behaviors change. From this meeting we also had interviews individual interviews with effective school boards and from there we were proposed a ter um a work plan um to be discussed at a future meeting. I know that effective school boards is on the line. Is there anything that I missed or anything that you would like to elaborate on? >> Not not not from my end. >> Anyone from >> I just wanted to say hello. I had the opportunity to speak with some of you. I'm Rodney Jordan and I'll be working with Zinto and
007AJ as part of your coaching team. >> Great. Any other member from the school committee that wants to dis talk about discuss anything? >> Madame vice chair throughu. Thank you. Just I just wanted to also point out that part of this training was um community outreach. That's very important for the residents and the community to know that uh much of that discussion was getting feedback and getting the goals for student outcomes from the community. Thank you. Anyone else? Secretary, can we call the role for the me our member that just joined a little bit ago? >> Major Brian Deñena. Oh, I'm sorry. Jessica Marie Ramirez, >> present. So, we just have to call the one member that um just arrived. Quinn Quinn go now. Oh, I apologize. Mr. Le Quinn Gell >> present. >> You
008have to turn on your mic. >> President. Thank you. >> Great. So, if no further discussion on item 03 2022, we will um I will entertain a motion to table. I >> motion to table. >> Is there a second? Second that motion. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Awesome. At this time I would like to move um on to the next agenda a agenda item 04206 capacity building plan that will be presented to us by receiver Woo. Sorry. languages. That's why I was getting them ready to pass to everybody in both English and Spanish. Sorry, may have messed that up. Sorry. >> Um, okay. Good evening everyone. Can you hear me? Okay. Sorry. I I think we are good. >> You're good. Okay, great. Um, so I'm pleased to be with
009you tonight to walk through plans for the school committee's development and capacity building and the commissioner and my expectations for you as a board. Um, I'm pleased that we've reviewed this document that we're handing out and I believe um, screen sharing for the public with the mayor, vice chair Ramirez, and the superintendent and we're now bringing it to you um, for your attention and to answer any questions that you might have. I know this is just the start of the conversation and you're obviously just getting this document tonight. Um, so what I would like to do tonight is to walk through the document and then give you an opportunity outside of this meeting to review the material in detail. I'll take your initial questions and feedback tonight and then we'll spend some time at a
010future meeting refining and making adjustments as needed. So what you see in front of you is that this plan is about setting up the new governance structure for long-term success. The city charter change created a brand new model for this committee and this plan reflects the investment being made in getting it right. Lauren students deserve both excellent district leadership and strong informed school committee. This plan is about building toward that dual strength. So what you see in front of you first on that first page here is and we'll start at the beginning of the document is that the department of elementary and secondary education's district standards set a clear bar. Effective school committees focus on improvement, establish a culture of collaboration and fulfill legal and fiduciary responsibilities. The standards and indicators are outlined right there
011in front of you. And it's part of the department's responsibility that we evaluate and review the school committee's capacity against these standards and indicators. There are three areas that deserve particular attention as you grow into this work. The first is using disagregated student data to drive decisions, closing achievement and opportunity gaps for students of color, English learners, and students with disabilities, and developing positive trustbased relationships with the superintendent, municipal officials, and the community. So Lawrence operates under a unique context of which we all are aware under state receiverhip where the receiver or myself holds the authority of the school committee under state law. This shape how this shapes how the committee operates right now. This phase plan is designed to build your capacity so that over time the committee can take on greater responsibility including
012budget deliberations, student superintendent evaluation and policy development. Think of the current phase as building a runway for full governance and authority. You'll notice at the outset there are no dates currently listed in this plan. This plan and process will be driven by you as a committee to move through the phases as a group and the commissioner and I will approve each phase as you move through it. The first set of expected actions involves taking proactive steps to develop stronger relationships with each other, the superintendent, the receiver, and elected officials. This process involves developing norms, scheduling meetings with the superintendent and elected officials, and learning more about the district and its functioning. The second expected action step is working with a coach with effective school boards here with us today to establish routines and effective management.
013You've already begun this work as vice chair Ramirez discussed with effective school boards but role clarity here will be very important. Finally, to implement this training, we have a three-phase structure. FA phase one is building the foundation. As the vice chair spoke about, you all attended two full days of training covering teamwork, parliamentary procedure, open meeting law, policy basics, and community collaboration. And you'll continue to do this work and we'll discuss in future meetings how you'll move through the established goals that you'll define together. All of the members will complete MASC's the association of school committees charting the course orientation and you'll engage in topic specific training in school finance superintendent evaluation and special education and English learners laws and regulations and we'll engage together in three receiver-led school committee meetings which will also satisfy
014the quarterly reporting requirement under Massachusetts general law chapter 69 section 1K and again you'll continue to work with effective school boards s as your external coach to build norms, relationships, and effective meeting practices. In phase two of this plan will be the application of these skills. You'll demonstrate what you've learned through positive stakeholder interactions in data informed decision-making. You'll continue relationship building with the receiver, superintendent, district administration, and elected officials. And you'll begin monitoring progress towards goals and milestones established in phase one. And finally, phase three will be about sustainability. You'll operate with a greater independence and ownership, self-monitoring through your work with effective school boards, progress monitor against your established goals and timelines, and you'll choose at least two additional training areas that you identify as priorities. And you'll continue to demonstrate your applied
015skills and maintain constructive relationships as you move through these phases. the commissioner with input from myself and in consultation with the mayor and the vice chair and superintendent will determine the readiness to advance from each phase. So what's being asked of you right now is to schedule individual meetings with the superintendent to understand the work of the district to meet with your local elected officials to build bridges between the district and city government and to work again with your coach the chair and the vice chair especially to develop effective meeting management agenda setting skills and progress monitor of your goals. This plan reflects a genuine belief that you can grow into this role and become a strong governing body for the Lawrence students and families. And this phase structure protects against moving faster than the
016foundation can support. And it creates clear, transparent milestones so you know how to advance. I'll now turn it to the vice chair and the superintendent for any comments about this document since you were had a chance to review it and provide feedback in advance and then I'll take any questions the members have. Superintendent, >> any comments? >> Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair, vice chair. Uh, thank you, Receiver Wu, for uh, sharing the document with us. I think, uh, the document outlines a comprehensive approach that I believe will set our school board to focus on what and the reasons why we're all here, and that's student achievement. I look forward to the opportunity to uh, meet with each individual member. um to go over what the school goals are for the year. I look forward
017to presenting with our senior staff to the uh school board uh special education uh multi- language students, budget process, um extracurricular activities, uh student council members, and obviously uh members of our leadership team. Um, this is uh long awaited and I look forward to working with the school board to make sure that we're successful. >> Thank you, Superintendent. So, just reviewing the document ahead of time and when we met with the mayor and looking at some of the work that we'll be doing with effective schools, I believe that this is where um this is going to take us to to success and lead us to success. um where we will be measured um according to um every phase and every requirement that we are asked um that's asked of us. Um so I I do
018appreciate the time and I would like to open the floor up for members to engage in conversation or discussion um reg pertaining to this document and what was presented today. Any member and I do want to reiterate that this is just the start of the conversation and so this is a lengthier document and so we will have other opportunities to also take feedback too. Madame Chair, through you. Thank you, Receiver. Woo. Just real quick, this seems like a great foundation. Um, really excited to echo what the superintendent said to build these relationships and continue the progress. The training was excellent. That was a great first step. Uh, focusing on student outcomes, moving to the next level. I think we have a great opportunity. I think we've all said this many times already, a great great
019opportunity to build something from the ground up. So, I just want to commend you for all your efforts and appreciate all your support. >> Thank you. >> Any other member? Committee me. >> Thank you for sharing this document, Dr. Woo. Uh I I I I also welcome the opportunity to receive this this uh this training. I think it's I agree that it's very important and it will help us be more effective as a as a governing body. Um, and I guess, you know, maybe the I'm not sure if the answer to this question is available now, but eventually I hope it will be. If not, uh, we're very, at least I'll speak for myself, I'm concerned about, um, the time frame. Uh and so I think I would have more specific questions around where do
020uh what the time frame would be and and at what point do we begin to take on some of the governing responsibilities >> that are u usually required of school committees. Uh and and I like I know that some of the training here does include that that area uh that focus which is great. >> Um I just in my opinion I think it's it's a priority because >> at the end of the day we were that's why we're here is to do that work. I I know we're also here to become good at what we need to do which is what the training is for. >> Um and I just know that speaking for myself and some of the con constituents uh that I've spoken to about this process. Uh that's just the big question
021is like okay so then when training is good I think we we all agree I agree and and when will we be adequately trained to take on the role of a school committee? >> Yeah I think it's a great question. I mean you'll notice that in phase one we really did bring in the main aspects of the school committee's role. also training in the budget development, superintendent evaluation, policy, rules and responsibilities related to students with disabilities and English learners. Um because that's those are the most consequential responsibilities that you'll take on as a school committee. Um but really, you know, fundamentally the commissioner and I both believe that the best way to learn is by doing. And so we're engaged today in a meeting. You're practicing effective governance right now by conducting this meeting. Um
022and we'll continue to do that and over time we'll have a gradual release of responsibility um and you know once we have um go through our training. >> Thank you. >> So I think one question that's come up is uh just the individual trainings on finance and budgeting and evaluation. At what point will we start to initiate those trainings? >> We will get those on the calendar as soon as we can get the committee together. Um so yeah so we would like to engage in those as well. I think we anticipate that we will do a combination of the superintendent and his team for being able to provide that training certainly when we want it to be grounded in the context of Lawrence um and what's happening currently in the district. Um as well as
023if we need to rely on other um external groups to help provide some of that training, we can through the Association of School Committees um and other vendors. Certainly effective school boards can support. Um but really we're um at this point wanting to um establish that ch training schedule um so we can get you know those meetings on the books. >> Is there any other member that would >> you chair >> um thank you receiver wu uh a couple questions overall. >> Sure. Uh when it comes to the the main organization that is working with us uh through the coaching process, uh can you clarify to us um is that a organization is that an entity that is hired by the state or by the city of Lawrence >> that was hired by the school
024department? >> School department. Um and then to the particular trainings that we were having uh there was a sort of messaging from the trainers themselves that the timeline and process that we're going through uh is subject and led by the school committee. Uh do you agree with that? >> So we're talking about two different processes. So there is a um set of goals and implementation and work that you'll do with effective schools. on how the board can have a more growth mindset, how as vice chair Ramirez discussed um adult actions being in service of student outcomes. And so there's a set of work with effective school boards that will guide you in the that direction. This plan that I've outlined for you incorporates that work from effective school boards. you'll see in section on page
025se three >> um section 3.12 >> um that is in relation to the work with effective school board. It's part of this phase plan here. >> And so moving from each phase will be incumbent on the school board to determine meeting each of the milestones in the phases, but the commissioner and I in consultation again with the mayor, vice chair, and superintendent will help to determine when the board is ready to move to the next phase. >> Thank you for that. And and the main point why I asked that question is because you pointed out exactly 3.312 >> uh and where the messaging that at least I heard during those training was that effective school is hired by the city by the Lawrence public school system which is under your direction as the receiver >>
026but that uh they're here to support us and work with us and guide us on the agendas or at least the goals that we're setting. >> That's right. But then when I see particular pieces on the writing here approved by the receiver >> at that point it's no longer subject to what the school committee wants but rather the receiver. So that's why I posed this particular question that when it comes to aligning to the sort of and I guess the wording that I see here is adult mindsets >> which it looks what AJ is supporting us when it comes to changing adult behavior in order to improve student outcomes and then >> hearing how we need to accept a timeline which I thought we were going to discuss today particularly because they submitted these documents
027on time for us to read compared to these that we just received. Um, and and sort of be able to respond to uh some conversations and agreement on how we're going to be driving this work through that process and how that is aligned to this because what I see while they're two different process, we're clearly doing them because on some point they're meeting each other. Yes, the process with effective schools is embedded within this document. >> Okay. >> Um and then the other piece that you mentioned was the quarterly reports. >> Um I think there was already one due already. When do you think we're going to be receiving that particularly as the statute says that it should be in writing? >> Right. So we will provide those through our regular meetings that we do
028and the materials in preparation for that meeting will satisfy that requirement. >> Okay. And so the the first quarterly report to my knowledge has passed the deadline. Uh do you think we're going to be able to receive that before the next meeting or are you going to wait until the next meeting to provide that? Yeah, I can consult with the superintendent and his team about that, but we will establish the the quarterly cycle is um I think determined by the receiver and since we have not engaged in meetings yet, we can determine when that schedule will begin. >> Okay. Yeah, I think to my understanding is subject based on the school calendar year. Um but but looking forward to having more conversations of that. >> Uh as this is something that previous school committees unfortunately
029faced that we were not receiving them on time and uh and then we establish what the law says and we started receiving them in writing on >> the accurate timelines. >> Yeah. Uh and and and why I asked for this because uh it tells us as a school committee where the school district is within the particular indicators that you're subjecting the school committee >> and the Lawrence public schools >> Yeah. >> to right against two. So um looking forward to getting those if we're able. >> Yeah. I hope that we will be able to do that again through meetings together um in which we will be able to um have discussion about the material and engage in conversation about them. Um so yeah it's a good point >> and if if I may um the
030other piece that I would like to understand when we're going through those is understanding how we're getting subject to them when we're not in power. Right? So when you're evaluating such process to tell the school committee if the school committee is ready >> uh or is the school department ready to exit receiverhip if we are not directing any type of policy based on uh the clear expectations that have been written here on what that the school committee is not in a governing phase is in an advocating phase right where the opportunity to engage with you the superintendent and and our chair uh in order to potentially move some work forward within the district. Um, so I'm just trying to like figure out like how where do we get that opportunity to start supporting you >>
031uh in your work because one of the things that you indicate also here is that we're not going to be engaging in the budgeting >> and you know when you find when you pass policy how you show the district that you care about that policy is by putting resources behind it >> or it just becomes worse on a piece of paper. Mhm. >> Um so I'm looking forward particularly on the fiscal year 27 >> if this school committee gets an opportunity to at least see it um and provide comments or suggestions through the administration suggestions at least. Um I think I will be grateful uh to interact in that process if that's if we're able. >> Great. Yeah, I think that's really great feedback and the superintendent and vice chair and I can um consult
032on that and be back in touch. So just to char to address so my understanding receiver Wu and I think you can correct me if I'm wrong part of the work that we're doing and that we were trained to do with effective school boards is to come up with goals and guard rails for the superintendent as he works through his budget phase for calendar year or school year 2027 26 2026 through 2027 um >> or that's what we're in now. So, so part of that work is coming up and we will be engaging in this those discussions and I believe there is a one of the uh sections here does talk about um being engaged in that process in the fall. So, I believe that it is in the works that it's something that it's
033embedded in both the effective school boards work plan and um the phases that Desi has put together for us >> through your chair by me. council. >> Um the other piece is um is the the opportunity of hearing >> um I think you'll be impressed that the entire school committee except one >> um has completed >> charting the course already. So we we took the initiative to do that ourselves and sign up and and and go there and and get eight hours of training. Um so really excited to to if you have not it looks like you have received that information. >> I am aware. >> Um so how who then right because one of the things that we heard from AJ and effective schools was that when it comes to certain pieces they're not
034equipped to provide that governance piece. >> Who is going to do that work? like who is going to be showing us the open meeting laws, the parliamentary rules, the basic policy. Is that going to be the Massachusetts School Committee Association or is it going to be another entity? >> Yeah, I think in consultation with the vice chair and superintendent and and mayor, we can make a determination of who the best um support will be to provide some of that work. It could very well be the association of school committees. um it could be another external consultant or other members of um my team um or you know the superintendent's team. So I think it can be a variety of individuals or groups that can provide this training. But I think the overall point is is
035that we're committed to giving you high quality training in each of these areas and so we can determine together what the best um structure of the training and who delivers it is. But I know that the committee is part of um the association of school committees or the district is part of the association of school committees and and so we certainly do have um the services and support should we need to rely on them. >> Okay. >> Um >> can I don't know I definitely have more questions. >> Okay. Let me give the opportunity for other members to speak. Do we have anyone else that would like or superintendent anything else to add? I don't have any questions. I just appreciate the support and I I appreciate the thoroughess of this um and that we
036can create our own kind of timeline for some of these things. Um but the also the supports that we're receiving for the trainings for the coaching and all of the things that are here. So I I appreciate that. >> Great. Thank you. I'm going to echo the same things on the banker sound like you I equate it to like the first-time home buyers. Those borrowers tend to be better. >> They tend to be staying in homes in successful homeowners because they went through that training. So I love the training that we're going through. >> Thank you. >> And I'll just add uh so we are and receiver again from what I understand we are the drivers of this um this project this plan this this timeline. So as well they are looking for um helping
037us schedule specific trainings based on um expertise uh bas of the budget and finance and and multilingual learners special needs. Um we are the drivers of moving other areas within this work plan and the effective school board's work plan. Um so you know as soon as we can start to uh again look when we meet again I'm I'm hoping it's again the first week of May to discuss the work plan um that effective boards did provide us and how that coincides with the document before us. >> We should start working on creating those goals and guardrails or having those conversations at least with the community about their visions and values so that we can create those goals and um and guardrails. any other member. >> Thank you. Uh um remembering the term uh the gradual
038release, >> uh I think I think it makes sense >> and I'm also now brings up the question of uh budgetary concerns. So, um one of the biggest budgetary concerns that I hear from constituents is that the desire for transparency with the Lawrence public schools budget. And so let's say it's determined we have budget season is right around the corner if it's not already here. Let's say it's determined uh that the school committee that this school committee is not ready to do the work of reviewing the budget and approving the budget. that means that we will not be involved which maybe that's okay but I guess the the natural next question would be how what avenues or uh uh what options will the community have to seek transparency when it comes to the reviewing the
039budget if the school committee will not be involved in that process? >> Superintendent the receiver. So there is a process um already in place for uh uh developing the budget, presenting the budget and part of that process is having a open um meeting where the school board traditionally would uh convene a meeting and allow the public as the budget is presented and then for them to make comment regarding the budget. Um as it's as it stands right now because the receiver acts as the school committee the budget is presented to the receiver for review after which then she approves for the school system to move forward in presenting the uh scheduling a date a public date so that the public can come and give comments regarding the budget. uh budget documents will be available uh
040for that public meeting to the to the public at large and also the draft budget would be presented on the school's website. So that's part of the process. Next the next phase after the public hearing of the budget if any adjustments need to be made then it moves forward to the city council's budget and finance committee where they will deliberate on the budget and question to see if we the expenditures that we have are legal um and if the budget is balanced. Once that happens, then it moves forward to the full city council where the school department's budget is incorporated with the full city budget where the entire uh city council deliberates on all of those budgetary matters. So, there is a process in place for the public to provide input whether it's at a
041school committee meeting or a subcommittee of the budget and finance committee of the uh city council. Hope that answers your question. >> Thank you. followups. >> Okay. >> Uh through you check >> um I I guess can uh receiver this particular question right because it's as you notice I asked >> particularly on the budget >> uh because uh it clearly stays on this expectations that the school committee uh doesn't have any say on it. Uh so the the the superintendent with his team starts the budget process in October with principles and the schools and then submits it into the administr uh into the administrative uh office and then uh Jason who is the uh CFO uh puts it together with the superintendent. They agree and they submit it to you. >> At that moment there's
042not a public process, right? because you are not a public body. Meaning that you don't have to undergo this sort of public process and the only opportunity that this document becomes public for public input is at the city council. But the moment it gets to the city council, >> it becomes, let me rephrase that, it becomes public on the website. But where it becomes public for public input >> is on the city council level based on the process that I'm envisioning here. But when it gets there, the city council has no power to changing that budget. Uh so and superintendent please correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is this year um since previously we had the Lawrence Alliance for Education and the Laur um the receiver held the public hearing in which received
043public feedback the superintendent and I will be conducting the public hearing before my approval. So before the receiver officially approves it, the public hearing occurs and then it gets sent any adjustments need to be made and then it would get sent on to the city council and the budget and finance subcommittee. So there is an opportunity for the public to weigh in prior to it being approved from the school department's side. >> Thank you for that. That's amazing to hear that. >> Uh I have a quick question just to follow up >> please. >> Would that would that meeting be hosted by your office? We would be hosting it by the school department. Um it gets public notice. It's I believe two weeks notice or at least 10 days notice um timeline. Um and we
044would be inviting the school committee members to attend. >> Does that any other questions? >> Okay. >> I do have follow question. Thank you. >> Uh the other piece is timeline on this. >> Sure. And again, receiver, I appreciate the years that you have to deal with me and I appreciate your commitment to the Commonwealth and I know that your work is is a lot as a deputy commissioner and and then to have receiver on top of that. Um, so thank you for your patience, at least with me. >> It's an honor to do it >> as we we do this work and I advocate for these pieces when it comes to why I'm here, particularly for the students, the families, and the uh, you know, the staff that we represent every single day. the
045the the the time frame, right? >> When uh when we look into the time frame of coaching, >> right? It goes beyond an expectation of >> two two two years, right? >> Uh we have learned that that's just how effective um effective school does their work. They really care about embedding a time frame that gives the opportunity to members of a governing board to learn, to express themselves, to ask questions and to build on their own self in order to govern well for students. Uh the extension for receiverhip was three. >> Correct. >> Elected members on this board and also appointed members have a limit of two years. >> Correct. >> Right. Is there a commitment from the Department of Education that the clock would not reset if members are no longer in these seats?
046>> I see. That's not the intent. Yes. No, we are not tying our decision. Our decision is going to be about the capacity of the school committee. And I do want to make note that the timeline that effective school boards has sent is not um cont is not aligned with the timeline of an exit decision related to receiverhip or not. So we expect that the work with effective school boards will continue through that timeline. If the district exits receiverhip, the work would effective school boards and the school committee would continue because that work lives outside of the designation of receiverhip and the timeline of receiverhip. How we establish whether or not the school committee and the governance is in a place to consider an exit for receiverhip will be based on the goals and milestones
047established in this plan that we just reviewed today and how we will and how the school committee can show its capacity. um and uh skills um to effectively govern. >> Okay. And I and I pose that question to you particularly because capacity is attached to people, >> right? Appointed and elected on this board. >> So if people are stepped away or do not win a reelection, >> uh that's why the particular question comes in. Does it reset the clock? because you again um I'm g say this, we were already at the table talking about transition conversations with the full elected school committee that we have years ago with commissioner Russ acting commissioner Russell Johnson, committee woman Sandra Edwards, uh your senior director Anarie Stronach, and where conversations were happening and where a school committee was
048fully trained based on mask and and multiple conversations of hours that we put into the structure of the school committee changed and we're back to zero. Right? So there there is clearly um evidence that this structure can change and we can reset the the clock again. And that's why that particular question came in of the commitment. And the other piece uh on timeline is figuring out um when we propose these timelines to you as as thank you for the opportunity to be able to provide these to you as a collective board. Uh the the challenge and concern that I see with that is the other districts on the receiverhip >> and where some of them are going into couple years in conversations and even though they are out of receiverhip, they're still on probation. And
049that hasn't been brought up here in any way that even after the decision is made for the district to exit receiverhip that there could be a provisional timeline and where we can re-enter receiverhip. Can you explain a little bit about that? >> Sure. The statute establishes that following an exit from receiverhip, the commissioner and receiver can determine whether or not certain provisions of the turnaround plan need to be continued in order to sustain the success of the district. And so it's really um asurances to be able to ensure that at least for a transitional period, the district and the school committee and the superintendent receive the necessary supports in order to continue the success um uh that it's seen. which warranted the exit. So, I just want to add um Committee Man Guzman, that was
050one item that I brought forward to, um the chair, the receiver, the superintendent, and other members of the of the meeting is is our our election period where obviously next year we will be back into the the phases of elections and the possibility of some of us not being reappointed or reelected. And uh what does that mean for the school committee? My understanding and again receiver I think mentioned this. It's a it is a question that I raised and brought forward um as a concern. I'm I I'm still concerned. I I I I kind of live with it every day as to the amount of work that we are commit every single one of us is committing to for the next 15 months um or or longer. Uh so 24 20 months and some of
051the timelines talk about 24 months 8 n to to 24 months. So you know obviously I think we all are echoing that sentiment of concern. Um and just I know having the commitment from the department um the department of education that this will not slow down Lawrence public schools ability to regain um local governance because the body changes or individuals change. I don't think our structure is changing, but if individuals if three of us are not in place again next year that we continue the to move or the following year to move um this project along to get us into lo local government. So, I'm definitely I I I I spoke for the body as a whole about this concern and I think we heard it. It's on record that it's not going to stop
052um the train. >> No. And I >> Go ahead, Superend. >> Superintendent. I was going to wait to give comment but I'll wait for the members to >> Yeah. No, I I what I was Thank you, Vice Chair Ramirez. I think what um to to your point uh is that yeah, there might not be a restructuring of this body, but the people in this body are the ones getting equipped for local governance. And if they're not here, right, that's the main concern because we we we do not know anything can happen from elections >> correct >> from both the city council who is the appointee >> through here right the members that get elected in this body. And the main point that I want to make is that there has to be a record agreement
053from the Department of Education that this is not going to res that if that happens that this is not going to reset the clock because the intention behind it, which I agree, is to equip the school committee, right, with the capacity that is needed in order to support the superintendent and his administration to run our schools. >> So is there something is there a plan in place on Dusty's behalf if there is so how do we bring other members up to speed if the individuals change in in 2028? >> Yeah, it's a great question. I mean I think and all school committees across the state engage with this problem every year or on their own cycles. Um and really I our hope is that the training that you all are going through as a body,
054not as individuals but as a body um is able to withstand individual changes to the committee and that the shared learning that happens again as the body continues when there's fluctuation. I think you all will begin to demonstrate in your meetings and we'll establish routines and practices and your own business rules that will carry beyond specific individuals. Um, but we will will really guide you all as a committee. And really the purpose especially in the initial phases is really understanding your work as a unit not as individuals. >> Madam Chair, >> superintendent. >> Thank you. Um just to shed a little bit of light on uh the conversation at hand. First of all, I think that that is uh admirable that all of you are thinking about what happens through the elect through the elected
055process and I know that we've had these discussions and they're good discussions as to trying to predict the future. I think I think the point that you're trying to refer to so that the public understands is that wonderful phrase that very rarely uh successful entities practice but is the most important thing and that's called succession planning and in this particular case the documents that were sent to you that were sent to you from effective schools I think they've taken into consideration some of the points that uh Mr. raised at our training, our two-day training. And if you look at the timelines, the timeline goes all the way up through December of 2028. So therefore, if you look back in the document in September of 2027, I'm sorry, in November of 2027, they indicate a process
056there for um retraining any new school board members. Um and I think that that's what's the important piece that they they understood about the succession planning. They understand that there's an election next year. Uh the last point that I want to make is that if for some reason um this school board through the appointment process or the election process uh there's change there, your current schoolboard makeup is about modeling behavior of effective governance so that the public can see how we conduct ourselves regarding policy and running a school district. So the modeling that you do and how you've gone through this training is very important. So as other individuals that might think of wanting to serve in any type of leadership capacity Okay. again and again. Um, and I'm looking forward for members. I know
057uh uh committee woman uh Bertoino has gone through this type of training before as well through the Massachusetts School Committee Association when she was a school committee member. Um, and we we went through some lightning speed of eight hours through the Massachusetts School Committee Association. I don't think you can really learn that quick >> just in eight hours. There's so much to do, so much homework. >> Um and and then I guess the the other piece is is understanding who is driving, right? Who is driving this sort of work? because there is a a sense of school committee members you have autonomy but I need to sign off on it right >> when we host our meetings like today there's a lot of back and forth that is happening on how this meeting should have
058been ran right and there's a collaboration that needs to happen right on how we do this particularly on assets to these meetings things like providing public comments both in person and virtually. And that's something that we need to understand that if the school committee has sort of self- autonomy for governance when it comes to our meetings with the support of both the superintendent and his team and you receiver, which is your team as well, right? >> Absolutely. Um, and being able to understand like there are still things that we need to go through as members of this community and individuals that we respond to that want us to give them the opportunity to provide public comments. So, it's definitely I would love to hear more maybe now or later on throughout our work on who
059is driving this this truck. Um, >> I think what you're raising is a very perfect example of how what you guys should do in your next training. Like these are some of the guard rails and like established um meeting protocols that you are meant to be working on in this training to decide how the committee as a whole and in consultation with the mayor and the vice chair how you all want to conduct public comment. Like this is an opportunity for you all to determine that as a committee and as a board and to establish what those rules are um for yourselves as a public body. Um certainly there are provisions related to open meeting law and access to the meetings, but how how much public comment the committee takes, how um what venue they
060do it, whether it's only in person or there's a hybrid, those are all decisions that you all need to make as a as a body and as together um and that you'll do so in some of these trainings. So I think that was a really great example of sort of where the next trainings can can begin to focus on. Mhm. >> And this is the last thing I I will add. >> Are you sure? I'm kidding. >> Maybe there's more questions. People ask questions and there's dialogue. Uh the the last piece with that thank you receiver is is that >> um we constantly go back to uh we we have a different understanding of who governs this body and >> okay >> uh for me this body is governed by the members not by the
061chair not by the vice chair with all respect is they preside over this meeting this whatever this body decides is the decision, right? That's that's that's the process. That's the voting process that happens here >> and that includes uh formatting of agendas, what we would like to see on these meetings that uh dictates our rules, right? So uh maybe the messaging when it's addressing us if I may is that sometimes uh I understand that it's easier to have discussions with the chair >> and the vice chair >> before coming to this committee. Uh but I think the committee as a whole can provide good detail and input on decision making that should be brought to us as a whole. for then the Department of Education to break down and analyze and and then bring it
062back. Hey, this is what we thought. This is what you we heard from you. This is the middle ground. Are you okay with that? >> Um so that's just like an opinion that I wanted to provide on on that. uh based on I've been there to say based on what the city charter says of who who is the chair and what is the capabilities that they have under the city charter and then um which expands also on the rules of the law and school committee that the former governing body adopted rules that did not change because the structure changed because the only thing that changed under the home petition was the structure. Now, the rules that govern this body and until this body takes a vote on those rules, they still dictate this space. Um
063but yeah, >> I I think you're also raising another example of um areas that the committee needs to have more discussion. And I think one of the activities in the training is about establishing roles and not just the role of the receiver, superintendent, and the school committee, but the roles of the vice chair, the mayor, and how they're going to operate together with the board. I also hope that um the committee as a whole sees sort of evidence of what you were describing today in today's presentation where um we did have conversations with the mayor and vice chair and superintendent prior but the um you know bringing the full committee on board with the plan um and seeking feedback before anything's finalized. >> So this is actually the forum for that. So if committee members
064wish to speak and talk about the document or provide feedback, we can definitely reconvene. Obviously, we are going to reconvene in May. Um where we will also fold in the effective school board's work plan. Any other member that would like to speak or ask questions pertaining to this document? >> Committee manel. >> Uh so I noticed that the phases have some uh some repetition. Yes. Yes. >> Is that intentional? >> Yes. >> Does that mean that there will be review trainings? Is that like So if we did, for example, in phase one, we're going to be we'll be covering school finance and budgeting, superintendent evaluation. That's I'm looking at 3.1.4 and >> the intent is that you go deeper in the area. >> I see. Um and then I was I my other question I
065guess it's a technical question. I can understand if this is not ready if we don't know the answer yet. But I wonder if some of these trainings can be done independently like through modules like I know that for example the state sometimes does those uh like the ethics training. >> I feel like that would be very beneficial given that if all if not all of if not most most if not all of us have full-time jobs. And so >> I personally was not able to attend the last training because I couldn't take time off from work. Um, but I could easily jump on a computer and complete a couple hours a night if if that's made available to me. >> I think it's a great suggestion and a great discussion for the committee to have
066in terms of the format and and how we might um think about implementing the trainings. >> I have I do have a question. So when going back to the additional trainings uh so we're leaving here today with this document reconvening the first week of May and I always like to run before I walk. Um so like why like at what point like can tomorrow can we schedule something start not for tomorrow but start having these conversations or giving us contact so that when we do come together in May we can start to plan out the additional trainings or are we waiting for your office or the superintendent's office to direct us to a contact? No, I think that if the committee wants to come to the next meeting with some recommendations about how they want
067to engage in some of the training and we can certainly provide some of our own thoughts there. Um we can uh we can begin that discussion. I think also in your individual conversations that you might set up with the superintendent, you can begin to have those discussions as well. Um but >> chair I do have another question. >> Um uh receiver the in in the occasion in where a member is unable to fulfill these requirements for capacity building. Mhm. >> Um at that moment what what would the state do? >> Um >> so if you are looking let me rephrase my question. If you're looking for each member to complete 85% of the training that you're requiring on these expectations and a member only is able to do 50%. >> So we're not measuring it
068by the individuals, we're measuring it as a body as a whole. So in other words, it it won't stop the process just because a member is unable to >> show up to trainings or make them up. >> So this is a collective a collective body and I I believe that that collectively we have to move forward with um training if there's just one member that's only at 50%. If if the other seven six members or at least five members are moving forward with the capacity building training plan, it's moving it'll move us on to the next phase. So in in this sense, I will speak to the chair. I will be meeting with the chair um when he's absent to our meetings to follow up on what where we are moving as a school committee.
069So, he's fully aware of this capacity building plan, the 24-hour um month plan from effective schools and what needs to happen and that these meetings will be conducted. And there will be probably multiple meetings a month that we'll have to call to order um to discuss scheduling to discuss uh you know school committee forums that we'll be having with the community to talk about vision and values and and then hosting and scheduling other trainings with the f budget and finance team and and other members that are going to get us to this point. >> Thank you chair. If I may through you the point that I was trying to make it was to get some sort of security from the the state that I'm going say the word incompetencies of people not fulfilling their duty
070in this body because of many reasons um didn't affect the opportunity for this body to continue and show us We're ready. We We have a percentage of us have done all you have asked >> except two members, except one member. And and us not halting that process with the state just because now we got to wait for I'm committing man Ganell to finish his training. >> Um, right. And and uh effective school I'm going to use effective school as an example. uh only can provide that training outside of the state for him because it needs to be in person and he has to be there for both dates. >> That that's the the thing that I'm trying to to point out. >> Thank you. >> Any other member? So in May we will reconvene um
071at a regular scheduled meeting um to discuss uh the effective board uh work plan and how it really coincides with this document before us. I know I mentioned that a few minutes ago. Um at that point uh we will also need to start engaging in uh just a timeline on when we plan to schedule our school committee forums. And this will this will be these will be community forums where two members at a time will be hosting listening sessions in the community across this the the city to listen to the vision and values of our community and then we'll be bringing that back to this body at a scheduled meeting in the future um to discuss and then come up with goals and guardrails for the superintendent for school year 2026 through 2027. Um, so
072any other questions? >> You want an electronic copy of this? >> Yes. >> This is a a request of Dr. Dr. Ru, the receiver. Uh would it be possible since you are going to be reviewing our progress with the commissioner >> um at each at the end of each phase would it be possible to receive some notification prior uh before the review phase like if there's something we need to correct >> before the review phase just so that we know you know which which direction to go >> would it be possible receive that communication Yeah, absolutely. And I do, you know, I I fundamentally believe that through your own progress monitoring, you'll know, you know, if you're on track or not on track and we'll be in, you know, conversation about that. The goal of
073this is continuous improvement and you only do continuous improvement through ongoing feedback. And so there's a commitment for sure for that. Thank you. And on the line, we do have effective school boards who are our coaches. So AJ, Rodney and Hassinto will also be providing us feedback. They will be attending our meetings when we meet and will be coaching us through these meetings as well. >> Commu uh rece uh receive these documents remotely please. Yes, I was going to mention that because we've shared it tonight in the school committee meeting and um we obviously want to make sure that um the public who's been able to join us, we do plan to share this um with the community at large in English and Spanish so that they're just aware of also what we discussed since
074um the screen share was quite fast for them. But so yes, you will get this electronically and we do intend to share it um with the community as well. May I ask is there going to be formal communication through the superintendent's office to Lawrence public school parents? >> Yes. >> And then um you'll also send this to us electronically. So correct >> this document I just want to just one more question. Can it it can change over time >> based on what matters. I guess that's a question mark at the end of that. Yeah, we certainly want to refine this and um you know this document is meant to um both be a guide um for and and setting those expectations transparently but also we want it to be attainable and we want it to
075be um something that is uh meaningful and worthwhile. So um open to feedback as we um did tonight and ongoing throughout Madame Chair through you, if I could just ask just to clarify >> in the May meeting, you'd like us to give you suggestions for training, but there won't necessarily be a specific road map such as uh taking specific classes that some of my colleagues here are looking. Yeah, I think it can be a start in the conversation certainly with the superintendent too since much of the um contentbased um uh trainings will um come from the superintendent's team. So I think you guys can begin to engage in conversation about when you want to start the training, the modality as u member Ganell um raised and um sort of ideas for um where we might
076solicit some expertise. Um and certainly um I will come with recommendations as well. Um but we can engage in sort of how we start to implement or how the committee starts to implement the beginning um phases. >> Great. Thank you. Just being someone who also likes to run before I walk. I I appreciate the members who have um pointed out these great ideas of just having a course like the charting the course that member Guzman u mentioned. Um it it's nice to be able to say that we've completed this course and we've we're on track for this one. We've completed these three. I I think it gives us more uh comfort in um knowing that we're heading in the right direction, this is a great framework, but no doubt there's some things we just don't
077know when and where it's going to happen. So the more direction we can have with specific things to check the box for me personally and it sounds like some of my fellow members I think that would be a great direction to head in. >> And just so this body knows we are meeting tomorrow with our uh colleagues at the Lawrence public school system to talk about just come some of the norms and I mean norms in terms of like Zoom links and and so and public comments. um tomorrow so that we can get this scheduled for or get this in line and in order um for our meeting in May. So we will be meeting tomorrow to discuss. >> Any other questions or comments? >> I have another question chair. >> Of course you do.
078>> Um so I'm I'm going to read this particular piece and then I'm going to ask you a question. Uh 3 323. The school committee will demonstrate positive work relationships with receivers, superintendent, district administr administration, community members, and elected officials. This is an expectation, but h how are you measuring that? Like how are you um going to be able to check the box? You get you guys get 100% on that. >> Yeah. I I don't think this is a um this is not a binary yes no this is sort of the ongoing I mean with all relationship this is an eb and eb and flow um for how you manage working relationships professional relationships with your colleagues I think you'll establish some of those guard rails again in the work that you're going to be
079doing with effective schools that's that's part of the work that you're doing and the coaching and the support that you're going to get and so I think um really you all will help to determine and what that looks like and how that's um driven as a body. >> Thank you for that. And and the reason why I posed that is the superintendent particularly during effective school training. There there was conversation and question like how does he maneuver the type of political field that is here and where requests come in from the city council, the mayor who is the chair and is a member of this body. um the senator, the three reps, and all of these requests coming from every direction, and then him as the superintendent having a work relationship with the school committee,
080>> but the decisions or at least uh what this body wants conflicts other electeds wants, right? And that's I was trying to figure out um how would that type of relationship be measured or looked at when when that sort of issue or challenge might be happening particularly because of the resources the state answers to the legislature right and and when concerns are happening you might get a call the commissioner might get a call from our senator I requested ABCDFG and he's not listening to me right that like how are you both going to be maneuvering that type of >> That's a great question. I think that every uh public official and every member of a community um especially one as political as a school department has to engage in. Um and ultimately at the end
081of the day we have to ensure that all members um are making decisions that are in the best interest of students. Um and so you know it it's a question that people have to grapple with every single day but really at the end of the day it we have to be able to measure our decisions that for the betterment of student outcomes. >> Thank you something vice chair >> and superintendent was part of this training with us so he clearly understands about student outcomes. So that that's the base of our of that. Any other questions from members? >> Committee man, >> I do have another question. Another piece that right because we we have sort of expectations but then um sort of well we have gone through this training with AJ that that some of
082these conversations came in of what is our job what is the superintendent's job but then there's expectations here that contradict right what we have heard from at least in my opinion from AJ um recommendations that he has provided on the the separation of powers particularly in Massachusetts, right? We're we're called school committees for a reason since the reform. Uh we're not school boards as as other uh governing bodies for school districts nationwide and where it clearly separates the powers of what is the school committee is and what is the superintendent as the administrator >> uh must do and and what is their power, right? And when I looked when I look at I think it was 332 the school committee will demonstrate uh application of knowledge of acquire skills as evidenced by positive interaction with
083all stakeholders. That for me is you know we we hear from at one end we're not here to do customer service >> right we we clearly understand and you have mentioned it like this a political um process here that some of us all of us are subject to con a constituency right and the way that you are able to do that s sort of positive stakeholder engagement is with that individual type of conversation with families or or by submitting issues that are happening in the district. Um, but we're not we're being told, right, this needs to be directed and sent over to the superintendent. But then I see it here as how are we being sort of test on this positive interaction when the only thing that we're being told to do is pass it
084along. That make sense? >> I'm not sure I were you going to say something. When I read positive interactions and I think about all of the work that we do as a school committee, I think about having positive conversations and dialogue in our school committee meetings and with superintendent in terms of during school committee meetings, I think what Jonathan's asking, I don't want to put words in your mouth, Jonathan, is you're look when you're speaking to positive interactions with stakeholders holders that that can mean a lot, right? That means many individuals >> um parents, superintendent, elected officials is your question. How are we going to engage in positive interactions with parents and school administration if we are referring everything to the superintendent? >> So that's part of it, right? Because if you keep reading to
085it, then it says responsibility as individual school committee members, right? So in the in the beginning of the the first sentence I will say it it brings these sort of interaction if as a governing body somebody comes and speaks on public comment is how do we respond to that right like do we start yelling at at that individual if we don't agree with them like how is the quorum when in the committee like I I think that's when it comes to as a collective that piece but then it goes deeper into the individual school committee members right and where this particular question of what is being asked of us and what is the practice that we usually use in order to interact with our community when I receive an email from a parent saying my
086student got removed from the Lawrence family um kindergarten school. >> So I think if we think if we incorporate and I if I envision all of this training that we're receiving is to be there skills that we're supposed to be applying based on scenario. So when I think about what we learn through effective schools is that we are not the expert, right? We're not the expert in certain areas and that we should encourage parents to use their voice and ask the why at that point and if we don't get get an answer, come back to us and then we can we keep moving them up um the chain. I don't I I I I I think we do need a a point of clarification from from the receiver as to the measurement of this item
087here and and how I guess if we can elaborate what is Jesse telling us here. >> I mean, I think you guys are actually engaging in the discussion that you're meant to have around this and defining it together. What does it mean to have positive relationships and positive stakeholder engagement and interactions with your community? I mean, again, you're going to be discussing this with effective schools. You're going to be doing it hopefully with your stakeholder engagement sessions that you're having as individual or in in your groups of two um that you will begin to sort of ask what does the community want to see from you in terms of relationship and engagement. Um and then to be able to respond to that. But this type of dialogue around an item like this, I think is
088where um you know, this is where the committee's voice comes in in shaping what this looks like. Okay. Did that satisfy your question? >> Uh, thank you, Receiver Wu. I I think overall is it's great to continue to hear from you the self of autonomy that we have on this process and I hope that >> um from now to the end we continue to hear that >> and and that that opportunity is provided to us and where you know there could be disagreements with this body in the department of education on what path we think is more effective because uh and I will you know remove myself from from the idea that members of this body don't have expertise right think members of this body uh bring they're here because of expertise that they can
089bring to the table particularly uh the individuals that are here where particular background but I understand the vice chair's perspect area of expertise put in being an employee within the Lawrence public school system in the classroom. But I would even go that we have that expertise in this board as well. >> So I believe the feedback that we got and the recommendation and and if I may call AJ and Hinto up and Rodney is that we should not be acting as experts to that individual student on behalf of the school department. Um and that that's where that comes in when I refer to expertise. I think that's what we heard time and time again that we are we are not we are the expert. We are here to um represent the vision and the values
090of our community and that we refer items or dis areas of concern to the experts and making sure that these are um being executed accordingly. So, I don't know if AJ if there's anything that you would like to add in terms of um this item that I just mentioned. >> Yeah, I I I think I'll take a a response to that. AJ's on a plane, so he he's on, but he's he's listening. Um I think I think to that question and to that comment we are definitely going to explore more avenues about the conversations you picked up on inputs outputs and outcomes in that will also be how will you as a committee engage the community and y'all mentioned this earlier that you would ideally do it in pairs you would do it and obviously
091less in a quorum but um you will learn and you will grow on how to solicit feedback from your community including students students and students are vital to this process. Uh you will also learn and grow on how you create a feedback loop so that you can go back to the community and they can feel not only heard but that um you demonstrate to them that you've taken some things into consideration within the vision and the values. I want to pause there and see if there's needed clarification or more questions around that. Superintendent went off. Did you want to say something? Um, no, I won't. I'm reminiscing of our two days that we had through training. And I think I remember AJ mentioning that that is part of the school committee's job that's toughest to
092do is to try to have the discipline. Um, and I think he mentioned there's a time when you're politicking because you're running for office and there's a time when you're governing of uh directing a school department and um answering to your constituents isn't always a popularity contest. But I will say and I want to compliment Mr. Guzman because I've witnessed him and watched him over the last year or so. If there's some area of expertise that you definitely have is the patience that you have when parents either email you, call you, or what have you. And you have always been able to pay attention to what they're asking. And you've always you've always send information forward with clarity of what the issue is at hand. So, I think that that's an area that I don't
093think I've ever seen you lose your temper with a constituent that's asking you a question or looking for guidance. So, that's an area I think that you can help the rest of the board uh when it comes to a public forum and foreign and and people asking questions as to what should happen. Um, I will add that within, you know, parents are always going to look and I always say that they're the best advocates for their kids. Um, and for me, I will always say that you as board members when you receive concerns, uh, complaints from parents, um, I understand your role and it's important that you communicate that with the administration to allow us the opportunity to delve into what the accuracy is of what they perceive and because when they interpret and then
094go to another person, it's not always as black and white as it seems. So allowing us to look for the facts, getting back to board members for that and making recommendations. I think you do your job as a board member if they've reached out to you that you've done your due diligence and reaching out to the administration and let's get at least getting clarity for them. Um, one of the things that I certainly will never tolerate, Mr. Guzman, is a parent's child getting kicked out of kindergarten. that doesn't happen in my tenure in all over the 40 years that I've done what I do. So, um there are guard rails that are made out of cement and uh that's one thing that I advocate to our constituents, our parents. I know that you and Miss
095Ramirez um I believe and Miss Berlini have witnessed when I deal with parents in forums and uh the opportunity that I have to engage with them. So, um, it's that's an ongoing job that we're going to have to work with our parent constituents in helping them and guiding them and making recommendations to them. Okay. So, I look forward to that work. I think that that's important and I think that the lines of communication have to be as open and as transparent as possible. Parents should at least be able to respect the fact that you gave them the proper answer and the guidance even if it's not what they were looking for. >> Thank you. >> I I don't know for how does the ESB member have to say his name on record? >> Hinto. >>
096Yes. Sorry, I'm having trouble hearing but name and you know just for the record >> I'm sorry >> can you just give your full name full name? >> Yeah my name is Hin Tamos Jr. um your chair. Uh thank you uh superintendent uh for that piece and and I will always say you know I will echo your piece that who is best to advocate always is the parents right to be able to be equipped with what the policy is both locally and at the department of education um on what is their right when this district uh has their child enroll in the Lawrence public school systems and um I'm looking forward to when I forward this information that I just mentioned of a student uh getting kicked out um to see what the district uh
097process will be to support that parent. Um the these are the concerns that the school committee gets and and and my colleagues will start getting um in a way that uh sometimes is is it seems ridiculous that it's happening and and it got to us because they have tried at a local level, right? Uh and by local I mean the department of educa uh the department of Lawrence public schools right with conversations but over overall always willing to uh both provide the parent with what it is and what it's not and then providing the the administration the opportunity to uh educate that parent and solve the problem. So, uh, always grateful for the responsiveness of the district, uh, when it comes to those issues, um, and and or clarifications that need to be made and
098really excited to to see what what the outcome will be on that. The last, I do have one question regarding uh, p of the community's um, communication around this document. Do we have a timeline for that? Uh, superintendent, I believe your team was going to send it out tomorrow and your um before vacation email is my understanding. Um, but yes, we do intend before the because the um upcoming spring break is happening, we do intend to get it to the public um before that. So, tomorrow >> whenever uh receivable whenever you uh give us the directive, I know that this was a draft document. I don't and and I believe this is the first time the school committee has has seen it. So, as soon as you come to an agreement and you give us
099the go-ahad, uh our communications uh director is here and the team. So, we're ready to send it out both in English and Spanish and send direct communication to every family. >> Receiver, was that a directive that they can send it out? >> Yes. No. Yes, we're planning on um Okay. It was presented here today. Of course, we you know, uh we'll take the opportunity to refine refine it as needed. It's a working document um for us and so um we do intend to share it though. >> Great. through your chair. >> Um, receiver, do you think it would be a good idea to put some language to this from you so when this goes out uh the public understands what is the process that we will do with this? Because as right now this reads
100at expectations. This doesn't read as drafts, right? people will need to come to this public meeting or view this online to recognize that this is still in the works because right now how it reads is it's a document that came from the Department of Education with the word expectations. So, >> yep, it's a both and. So, that is accurate. It is a document that it does have your assigned expectations that the commissioner and I have for the board um sorry for the committee um as a body um but also if refinements need to be made to to it we will and we'll do that and yes it will be accompanied by a letter that explain information. >> Last call for any additional comments by the committee. So before I entertain a motion, I just will
101um just last comment here is we do have a good amount of work before us with effective school boards and their work plan and this do this capacity building plan from DESIE and it does it will take an and I just want to put this on the record say it for the record and for the community to understand the amount of time and dedication that it's going to take from every school committee member sitting before us um and myself and the and the chair of the committee, superintendent and receiver Woo, I I I feel strongly that every member and I'm speaking for the body as a whole is committed to this this time this plan and and working towards local governance. Um and we we will start more to come. So more to come in
102terms of scheduling of forums for the community to attend and we will reconvene in May to discuss that. So, at this point, I'll entertain a motion. >> I motion >> motion to table. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Eyes have it. I entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> I motion to adjurnn. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Secretary, can you call the role, please? Jessica Marie Ramirez, >> yes. >> Jonathan Guzman, >> yes. >> Quinn Gonell, >> yes. >> Donna Bertalino, >> yes. >> Susen, >> yes. >> Michael Armano, >> we're done. Thank you everyone.